By CHRISTINE GALEONE

The season of rebirth, renewal and new beginnings has arrived. The sunshine is brightening the morning much earlier these days. And the melody of birds chirping adds some gentle music to the season.

Between the arrival of spring and the anticipation of Easter, many people are looking forward to brighter days. And Grafton businesses and organizations are ready to help them prepare for and enjoy them to the fullest. 

 

Off the Common Antiques will welcome shoppers to join them in celebrating spring at its free open house event, which will be held at its store Saturday April 1 and Sunday April 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. There will be refreshments, a preview of the store’s new addition and a wide selection of garden, outdoor and spring-themed décor to browse and shop. At the multi-artisan, multi-vendor shop, shoppers can find antiques, handmade items and reclaimed furniture to brighten their homes.

A nearby business that’s also helping people prepare for holiday and spring celebrations is the Grafton Country Store. The gift shop located on the Grafton Common also has a vast array of beautiful Easter and spring décor and gifts. It also sells elegant custom Easter baskets. 

Treasures is another option for people who are looking for a bargain. The North Grafton upscale thrift shop that sells clothing, furniture, gifts and housewares has an array of lovely springtime décor. And its proceeds benefit the Whitinsville Christian School.

It’s been a time of transition for Quite Fetching, the barkery and pet boutique located on the Grafton Common. It just celebrated its 6th anniversary. And although the barkery closed its shop doors this month, it will continue delighting dogs and their pet parents through its online business that will resume April 2. More information can be found on the Quite Fetching website, www.quitefetching.com.

In North Grafton, a seasonal business will re-open its windows on April 1. The return of Swirls & Scoops, the ice cream and frozen yogurt shop that’s located at 68 Worcester Street, is anticipated by people of all ages and many local families.

Other businesses with Grafton locations, Koopman Lumber & Hardware and UniBank, are two of the sponsors of another much-anticipated annual event. On Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Whitin Community Center in Whitinsville, Beginning Bridges CFCE and Blackstone Valley Children’s Place will hold Kids Fair. With the theme “Passport to Healthy Communities,” the free event gives families with young children the chance to explore community resources in a fun atmosphere. There will be free healthy snacks, informational booths, giveaways, a bike raffle, an Easter egg hunt, a story walk and more.

Finally, the Grafton Food Bank, another nonprofit that provides vital services to our community, is holding its annual donations appeal. Due to inflation, high energy prices and the coming end of pandemic-related extra federal SNAP benefits, the nonprofit expects an increased need by local families. Grafton Grill & Crust is participating by asking customers to round up their take-out orders for March to support the appeal. And Pepperoni Express donated 25 percent of its March 9 sales to the cause. Donations to the food bank, which provides food, resource referrals and emergency help with utilities to Grafton residents in need of a helping hand, can be sent to the food bank at PO Box 324, Grafton, MA 01519. Donations can also be made through its GoFundMe campaign, https://gofund.me/11e87658.       

Days can be brightened in so many ways. It’s nice to find such a variety of those ways so close to home. 

Contact Christine with your business news items at [email protected].