By Tom Ayres , Senior Staff Writer
In the heartwarming spirit of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the classic Christmas holiday film starring James Stewart, directed by the iconic filmmaker Frank Capra, the Barnard General Store implemented a new program this holiday season aimed at benefiting those in need in the community.
The “Village Board” was born two weeks before Christmas, sprung from the minds and holiday spirit of the Barnard store proprietors, Joe and Jillian (Bradley) Minerva.
“We know some of our neighbors may be feeling extra stress right now, especially around the holidays,” the couple wrote on a poster that adorns a newly dedicated bulletin board inside the historic country store in the heart of Barnard village. “The Barnard General Store has always been more than just a store. It’s a community,” the poster continues. “We’ve created The Village Board as a simple, neighbor-to-neighbor way to help.”
The workings of the Village Board are quite simple: visitors to the Barnard General Store can donate a store gift card or a service, such as snow plowing or child care, and simply pin their offering to the bulletin board. Then, if anyone needs help or knows someone who does, individuals can simply take what they need from the board. “Quietly, no questions asked, no judgment — just community care. Every little bit helps, and together we can make sure every family in Barnard has what they need,” the Minervas noted in offering The Village Board to the community.
Contacted by phone as she prepared breakfast for several store patrons on the day after Christmas, Jillian Minerva said the general store co-proprietors hope to maintain the Village Board program indefinitely as long as community support for it continues. As Minerva spoke, there were three Barnard General Store gift certificates for $25-30 pinned to the community giving board, ready for the taking by those in need this holiday season and beyond.
