In hushed conversations with clergy and peers, confidential breaks on membership dues, and humbled pleas for food and medication, many people suffering in the tough economy are turning to their synagogues for help spiritually and physically. "There are people who, because of their need or embarrassment, can turn only to us, and we try whenever possible to take care of it on our own," Rabbi Shmaya Shmotkin, director of The Schul Center in Bayside, said. Although many people are asking for more help and able to pay less to their communities of faith, they are balanced in many congregations by …

As families all across America continue to stretch the value of a dollar, small business owners are pushed to find a unique niche to fulfill for customers to survive. Laurie Rodriguez, owner of the new Green House Furnishings on Consignment in Fox Point, said consignment fulfills that niche. “It’s difficult but I think this is the kind of business that has a chance to succeed in this economy,” she said. “People are always looking for good deals on quality items and we’re offering that.” The Green House, 6858 N. Santa Monica Blvd., opened Nov. 11 and Rodriguez said she's already receiving …

A fitness and physical therapy clinic has brought life to Fox Point over the years by being flexible during the economy. Vita, which in Latin means “Life”, is the theme for the healthy lifestyle the owners of Vita Fitness & Physical Therapy, LLC want their customers to gain from their services. The company started in 2004 when someone put the idea in the heads of Jeff Konczal and Tommy Grabowski. “I think anywhere you work you always think you can do it a little better. Or at least a little different,” Personal Trainer and Vita owner, Jeff Konczal said. Konczal had been working with Tommy …

Editor's Note: While businesses slowly have more "for rent" signs out front and shoppers visiting those stores dwindle in numbers, some local business have found a niche and a way to survive despite the recession, while others have not.  In this series, Fox Point-Bayside Patch takes a closer look at how some local businesses have thrived and survived the recession, and how others fell victim to the economic turmoil. When Ann Deuser opened Art Trooper in 2008, she had no idea that the recession would victimize many friends and neighboring business. And while she says selling luxury items like …