Update on the Community Store

Yesterday a reader asked about the latest news re. the Community Store. As many of our readers know, the Community Store was opened in 1918 and remained a focus of the community until the spring of last year when they closed their doors. Rob Temple & Sundae Horn have been interested in reopening the store, but a number of issues prevented that from happening.

The good news is that a group of concerned residents have been working together this winter to get the store back in operation. The details are sometimes complex, but I will share the general idea. The goal is to operate as a general store/grocery store/cooperative under the care of a non-profit corporation. Committees have been formed and they are pursuing funding as I write. At this time everything looks like "a go." Although everyone involved was hoping for an opening before Easter, it now seems unlikely that the store could open before June.

When the store does reopen it will operate as a general store with a full stock of basic groceries, as well as specialty items. It will be open to the public, as before. In addition, there will probably be opportunities to join a Community Store co-op. Membership might entitle members to certain discounts or the chance to purchase some items in bulk. These details have yet to be worked out.

I had been waiting until the funding was secured and a definite opening date was announced, before writing again about the Community Store. However, the question prompted me to revisit this topic again now. Keep reading the journal. As soon as more information is available I will let you know.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter tells about island customs relating to death & dying. You can read the newsletter here.