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Bill Twigg-Smith sits with The Preservation Trust of Vermont’s Paul Bruhn, Attorney Tom Wright, The Barnard Community Trust’s Tom Platner and Rick Carbin, flanked by Real Estate Broker John Snyder

DEAL!

It looked like a back room poker game at the Barnard General Store this morning without the cards as a small group of men sat around a table in an empty room, floorboards squeaking as they shifted in their seats; dark except for the sunlight which forced its way in through the back windows. The faces appeared taciturn, bemused as the group considered what they had done  – or what they’d accomplished   – although smiles later broke out as they gathered for a ceremonial portrait on the BGS steps.

With a newly formed partnership with  The Preservation Trust of Vermont, the Barnard Community Trust has entered into an option-to-buy arrangement with the owner of the Barnard General Store, Bill Twigg-Smith.  It’s a six-month option with the BCT seeking to raise $650K in that time.

Although an actual re-opening schedule is still unknown as the BCT seeks a store “operator”, volunteers hope to soon open the doors for what Twigg-Smith cheerfully commented are ” The Basic Necessities”: Coffee, Conversation and Wi-Fi.   And yes, for those who believe ice cream in summer at the BGS is a necessity, they may even bring that back soon, too.

Speaking of volunteers…The BCT is having a volunteer BGS work day tomorrow: Saturday, June 23rd starting at 10am at the store. Come prepared to clean, wash and garden. Gloves probably a good idea. Work to spiffy up the store was already underway this morning. Someone came along and mowed the grass along the “beach” and others had hung up new potted plants along the porch.

Even as the small group of owner/negotiators met behind closed BGS doors to sign their agreement, a grandma and two little kids came pulling on the door. Grandma was taking the kids to Silver Lake State Park and wanted a cup of coffee and a bite to eat before spending the day there. Grandma had a Barnard General Store sandwich on her mind and was thoroughly disappointed to find its doors shut.  She was promised she’d be able to get a sandwich soon.