Lending a Hand...or a Generator

Hurricane Irene took its toll across the state, leaving hundreds of thousands without power for what has now been four days, and there is no end in sight for many.

Woodbury business New Morning Market serving many in Litchfield, New Haven and Fairfield counties lost power at 9:30 A.M. on Sunday morning, and was able to reopen Tuesday afternoon, due to the help of fellow community members.

With a small generator on loan from customer James Orsi from Washington, CT, the store is able to operate a few lights and one cash register and sell items such as bread, batteries, bottled water and beverages, as well as limited local fruits and vegetables. Rowland Farm in Oxford was able to offer space in their freezer truck to store frozen foods off site, until New Morning’s freezers are back on. Packers Outlet out of Waterbury transported perishables such as milk, yogurts, sliced meat and some produce to their refrigerated coolers for safe keeping until New Morning is up and running again.

“Some of our customers have special dietary needs and rely on New Morning for much of their food and wellness supplies, so the fact that we have been able to open our doors and be there for them is really wonderful”, said Cyd Sellars, manager of the wellness department.

New Morning plans to maintain their normal business hours, which are Monday through Saturday 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., Sunday 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Their phones are working and customers are welcome to call 203-263-4868 with any questions.

“We are market that takes our mission to serve our community very seriously, and now our community is taking care of us,” said John Pittari. “Now we can continue providing commodities to those around us who are in need. It’s what being a community is all about. We are very touched and extremely proud.”