I am just so disheartened about the gossip in this town. I understand there is support for the quilt shop and rightfully so. I believe Anja and Paul have poured their heart and soul into their business and it has taken a never-say-die attitude to get as far as they have. I also understand the love so many folks have for their business.

When the quilt shop moved in, it served both parties well, as the building did not sell despite being listed. Chuck has owned the furniture store for over 25 years and served this community with a wonderful spirit and dedication to his customers and this town. He participated in Strawberry Festivals, was in local business groups, participated with the chamber of commerce, delivered mattresses and sofas and carpeted countless homes in this community. He put in a lot of hard work for many years. He and Bob are past retirement age, and it is time to sell their piece of property. Their wishes to sell this property have been known from the start. They have not broken any lease, and the lease that was under consideration included language that allowed for either party, with 60 days’ notice, to terminate the lease.

It also needs to be said that the buyer’s offer to purchase the property was unusual in that it provided a provision for both extra time and financial compensation to help the current tenants relocate. In addition, Bob and Chuck even asked for more additional time as well as provided financial assistance to help as well. It is very easy from the outside to feel what should be done and what is right for others to do with their life savings. We can each have our opinions. If there is a villain to be found, it is the difficulty so many businesses face trying to survive running a business on an island with the demographic challenges that come from our population size.

There are many spaces on this island, and I would love to see those folks within the community put their energies into supporting the next steps the quilt shop takes. I wish them well. I also hope that our island embraces, with our customary warmth, the buyers and their new business venture.

— Mary Robinson