Easton’s small business owners demonstrated immeasurable cleverness in adjusting to the uncharted waters of the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. Organizations that serve Easton found creative ways to reach their audience and carry on the important work they do. Families and individuals had to pivot to keep a distance and adapt to life under stay-at-home orders.
During the early days of the pandemic, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture made the determination that farms and farm stands were essential services and could remain open. This was an opportunity to promote Easton’s farms and to take advantage of their fresh local products. Easton’s farms and markets offered plentiful supplies to keep people from having to travel out of town for food and pantry staples.
Sherwood Farm, Shaggy Coos Farm, Sport Hill Farm, Silverman’s Farm, Gilbertie’s Organics and the Apple Barn expanded their inventories and worked cooperatively to provide a range of existing and new items. In addition to produce, dairy products and meats were available, enabling locals to assemble entire meals without leaving Easton.
Greiser’s Coffee & Market transformed into a grocery store with both pick-up and delivery service. The Easton Village Store offered breakfast, lunch and dinner menus on a take-out basis, and visitors to the Olde Bluebird Inn were able to get breakfast and lunch items to go.
The Skinny Pines Pizza Truck prepared wood-fired pie for pick-ups. All took precautions to protect visitors from direct contact to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
In addition to provisions for the larder, the real estate market sharply pivoted toward the suburbs, causing something of a land rush. Home sales in rural Easton increased by 22.2% and are going strong.
The Center for Family Justice recreated its two flagship fundraisers, Speaking of Women and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, to keep them just as safe and effective as when they had been live events.
The Aspetuck Land Trust held its spring native plant sale as a drive-through event at the-then recently purchased Gilberties’ Organics Farm. And the list goes on.
Easton artists and musicians pivoted as well to reach their audience: Music in the Time of a Pandemic, Traveling Musicians Raise Holiday Spirits, Easton Arts Council Photography Contest on View, The Ecology of James Prosek, and Video: Fox Family Presents ‘Living Room Theater.’ to name a few.
