Reader submitted content.
Good Morning. I’m contacting the Mirror with a complaint that I feel others might find they share the same feelings. I love our little town, especially the walks I take around for my peace of mind and exercise.
This is very important for me as I am a single mom and work from home…however walking past Kelly’s Gingernut Pub has become very difficult. Walking alone might make all the difference but I now have a stroller in tow.
The seating out front leaves no room for pedestrians. During closed hours the space seems sufficient but as soon as evening rolls around the space enlarges and is less and less leaving no room for me much less a stroller. Please also consider those in wheelchairs.
Often we have to get in the road which by the new parking standards has been made very small. Working in restaurant business I know that there is a standard of sidewalk dining that allows room for flow of traffic.
I know that in a small town those with favor in the community seem to get by with no obeying rules and regulations but please please please make room for those of us who walk to walk safely on our sidewalks and not in the road.
Mary says
Perhaps you could consider changing your route during business hours? It seems a very simple solution to your problem- rather than hint that a business owner further limit his available space ( already cut in half by Covid restrictions) to serve customers. I have to wonder exactly what your ACTUAL purpose was to posting this letter?
Gene Kelly says
We understand your concern and will do our best to monitor the situation. It is tight through there and we constantly have to remind patrons to pull in as closely to the table as possible to prevent this from happening. Apologies!
BA says
Thanks for your thoughtful response, Gene!
David Gay says
As always Gene Kelly is the gentleman and responsible business owner. I am amazed at his patience in dealing with all the ridiculous restrictions placed on him while trying to maintain a great business provide a needed service to the community. Surely a route in front or around Kelly’s is not your only alternative. The Town could ask VDOT to pave the sidewalks from the Pub out to the curb in front and along side the building. Of course that would require the Town Council to actually work with VDOT and get something done. Don’t hold your breath but don’t attack one of the premier businesses in town.
Nioaka Marshall says
This is nothing new. Businesses think the entire sidewalk outside their business belongs to them. The amount of sidewalk for free reign is actually two blocks of sidewalk from the building out toward the street. No clue why this is not enforced anymore. In addition to their space, they insist on placing large flower pots and raggedy benches that no one uses anyway. If they remove the non essential crap, we could all enjoy the streets. And just why should this person change their route? This is America and we are free to walk anywhere! Maybe the Pub and others should respect the pedestrians. Sidewalks are for WALKING, not eating.
Mary says
Niaoka, perhaps you have been in a coma during the past few months. Due to a virus called Covid19, our esteemed governor has mandated that business establishments such as restaurants must limit their serving capacity to 50% of normal. This has severely and adversely affected the owners’ ability to make a living and pay their employees, let alone serve the public. One of the ways they can attempt to recoup some of their lost income while still working within the ridiculous and arbitrary restrictions leveled on them is to utilize outdoor space to serve patrons. This space is limited, in the best of times. One would think that a person such as yourself, obviously a fan of our American freedoms, would be sympathetic to a small business owner simply trying to make a living in a challenging time. And the fact remains that there are many more miles of useable sidewalk on which to stroll in perfect freedom without being inconvenienced by a local business just trying to get by. Honestly, your selfishness is astounding.
Nioaka Marshall says
I stand by my post. You can call me selfish or anything else you choose. To be honest, (and probably selfish), it would not hurt my feelings at all if the pub shut down permanently
Ray Otton says
You seem nice.
HumanPuddin says
Hey Nioaka, why don’t you get back to stabbing relatives over cigarettes, you kook.
Stuart Bell says
She had a nicotine fit, did she?
Do tell, all the details would be fun.
Nioaka Marshall says
LOL!!
Ray Otton says
You know, I have a whole way of looking at the Andy Griffith show following along as small town natives reveal their little secrets about one another.
Like, I always wondered if Goober was something more than Gomer’s cousin. Like a really CLOSE relative if you catch my drift.
Plus, Andy never making a pass at the school teacher. Was HE part of a three way boy’s club? Bet THAT didn’t cross your minds.
Also, what exactly was Aunt bee cooking in that kitchen? Seems like she spent a lot of time in there and she was half batty.
And don’t get me started with little Ronny Howard. Anyone else ever notice that during the intro when he throws the rock in the water you never see it HIT the water?
What’s with that? Some kind of alien transporter thingy? I mean just look at grown up Ronny, if that ain’t an alien I’ll eat my hat.
Anyhow, lots of good small town fantasy material here on the CCM, so thanks Wayne for providing this venue as a way to remind me not to venture any further into town than Rayfield’s.
Carla Jasper says
Good grief! I agree with Mary. This borders on the obscene. Gene is gracious as always. There is a great Kristofferson song that applies here. “Don’t let the @#!$&*#@ get you down”.
Ray Otton says
It is truly mind boggling. We have done her generation and the country a lot of harm. Our parents are rolling over in their graves.
In 5 short paragraphs this young mother has managed to distill down the basic problem with her entire generation. A self-centered demand that everyone consider her needs before their own or the business they are patronizing.
Only in a country so secure, so open and so free would a young woman feel entitled to put voice to this ever so minor inconvenience.
PS to mom – In about 12-13 years you’re going to look back at this and wish it was the worst parenting problem you had to deal with.
Scotiagirl says
How much exercise does one get pushing a baby carriage about 30 yards in front of Kelly’s???? Change your route and leave us in peace. Or, do you have another agends? Could you be one of those “never-pubbers”?
Nioaka Marshall says
I assume you would also have wheelchair bound folks change their route also? The mother with a stroller or the person in a wheelchair have just as much right to walk on the sidewalk as anyone else. Maybe patrons not acting as though they own a public entity might be just the cure. You all do NOT own any sidewalks.
Scotiagirl says
Certainly NOT suggesting that people with strollers or in wheelchairs be restricted from using the sidewalk that none of us “own” but all pay for with tax dollars . I am a frequent and, yes, wheelchair bound patron of the pub. I have always been able to use the sidewalk! No problem getting past other patrons. Just how much space do YOU need and what times of day do you take your walks? I’m certain the nice patrons of Kelly’s will be happy to accommodate you!