Group raises $470K

to reopen old store

The Associated Press

BARNARD — A nonprofit group in Barnard is planning to buy the building that housed a general store for 180 years at the edge of Silver Lake until it closed last spring.

The Barnard Community Trust has raised $470,000 as part of its effort to buy the building and reopen the store.

Tom Platner of the trust said the largest single donation was $100,000. There were other significant contributions, but also many small contributions.

“A lot of it’s come in $100, $200, $10,” he said. “The kid up the block gave us $3.95 from his lemonade stand this summer.”

In addition to the agreement to buy the building, the trust has found people to operate the store.

“I can’t share their names yet, but they’re a young couple,” Platner said. “They’ve got experience and youthful enthusiasm is really important. They’re looking forward to being here and we’re looking forward to having them here.”

The previous owners said too many customers were buying groceries and other goods out of town.

The couple who will run the store are planning to move into living quarters above the store next month. The store could reopen in April.