I thought they looked a bit like a Vermont Blue Grass band, but these are the hardly people who are transforming a beautiful open space in Hubbard Hall into the Round House Cafe 2.0, which  your contributions last year helped to become a reality.

The first Round House Cafe (Scott Carrino holding the spackling second from right, is a co-owner) is closing on Sunday, as soon as this gorgeous old space right next door is finished, Round House Two will re-open.

It is a labor of love,as  you can see on the faces of the men working hard on the new cafe.

This is landmark victory for our community. Like so many other rural towns and villages, my town has been losing its local institutions and Main Street businesses to the new global economy, government indifference, box stores, and the rise of online retailing. The Round House tried to buy its building, but could not reach an agreement with the landlord.

Hubbard Hall, our glorious old vaudeville palace, now an arts and education center, had a beautiful space available right next door, with old wooden shelves and floors. It is four times larger than the first Round House, and has a full kitchen and cold room.

The new cafe is expected to open sometime in May.

The cafe will be able to greatly expand its food offerings and seatings and event space. It will have a full working kitchen and retail space for local crafts and for cakes and pastires. The the room just reeks of history, warmth and character. It is a very special place, Scott and Lisa Carrino are wildly excited about it. So is my town.

For us, this is a miracle of community and connection.

Thanks to lots of you, the Army Of Good, The Round  House been saved, and our community will keep its precious gathering spot. Thanks to you, this is a huge victory for community and for rural life. I’ll keep you posted.