Here are two interesting stories about efforts to preserve the rural feel and heritage of the good old-fashioned front porch gathering place. One is in Orange County, where former Orange Commissioner Steve Halkiotis has opened a country store. His effort shows this type of preservation can be done with private funds by private entrepreneurs. The other is in Chatham County, where local residents are trying to preserve a small town gathering place, but right now seem to be doing so via the nonprofit route. Their goal is understandable but I hope they pursue it by enticing private investment, not by seeking public funds.