Tomorrow is a red-letter retail day. Natalie Toraty — owner of Noya Fine Jewelry on Riverside Avenue — writes:
“Tomorrow morning, many small privately-owned businesses will reopen their doors. We all do it with great relief, and heavy heart since the unknown is greater than the known. Some of us won’t survive this crisis. The next few weeks will determine if we can keep going.
“Most of the stores reopening throughout Westport are privately owned local businesses. Hopefully that will bring people out, and might fill the gap we all have of interactions, conversations, shopping and going out.
“Now more than ever, supporting small local businesses is crucial — for the town, for the businesses, and for everyone’s real estate investment.
“We can all shop international brands all over. But what our local boutiques offer is different: a different experience, unique service and personal taste. We cater to the local shopper, our customers. We all have a niche.
“We all have guidelines, and we must comply. Our shoppers need to follow guidelines as well (wearing masks, social distancing, etc.). Many of us have stricter rules than were asked for. Please support us!
Among the many Westport businesses reopening tomorrow (Wednesday, May 20): Savannah Bee.
Bee-lieve it or not, that’s also World Bee Day!
The popular Bedford Square shop will open Monday through Saturday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and Sunday (12 to 6 p.m).
Curbside pickup is available for those who want it. Just call 203-557-6878 or email julie@savannahbee.com
Through Bee Day, Savannah Bee will provide:
- Honeybee information packets and “Adopt-a-Bee” through their “Bee Cause” charity (over 600 free, educational observation beehives throughout the US and Canada).
- Info on Westport’s Pollinator Pathway information, and emblems.
- Free honey straws, temporary tattoos, and fun activity packets for youngsters to learn everything they can do to save bees.
- Families can learn about healthy and safe ways to treat lawns and gardens without pesticides.
“We want to stay open in Westport,” says store manager Julie Cook. “We truly appreciate all the support you continue to provide us over the past 3 years. Westport needs Savannah Bee and we need you.”
She signs it, “All my bee-est.”
No one knows what college will look like going forward. But a group of experts has some ideas.
They’ll share them next Tuesday (May 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m.).
Steinbrecher & Partners — the Main Street educational consultants — present a live webinar. Topics include the college admissions process going forward, the relevance and future of testing, and college expectations for the Class of 2021 and beyond.
Panelists include admissions deans and directors at Boston University, Union College and Rhodes College, and the founder and CEO of Carnegie Prep. Moderator Richard Avitabile of Steinbrecher, who for over a decade oversaw admissions for 7 New York University schools.
For free registration, click here.
One more sign the world is slowly returning to normal: Stop & Shop’s shelves, early this morning:
(Photo/Molly Alger)
But here’s another “sign of the times” photo. We’ve all seen plenty of “Westport Strong” and “We’re all in this together!” signs. This one off South Compo was a tad less optimistic:
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
And finally … “Don’t breathe too deep/Don’t think all day.” That — as any “Rent” fan knows — it what it’s like when you’re “Living in America/At the end of the millennium.”
Or the middle of a pandemic.
