It Takes a Village: Helping Our Local Merchants
By Dryden Quigley, BXV FOR BXV Intern
Jul. 22, 2020: Restaurants spilling out onto the street, contactless shopping, cement barricades; these are all the new normal as Bronxville adapts to life during COVID-19. As small businesses begin reopening at 50% capacity, residents start returning to town, but many still wonder, how can we help?
The Village of Bronxville, the Chamber of Commerce, and a growing network of engaged residents had the same question, so they joined together to start the BXV FOR BXV initiative.
The initiative launched by granting sixteen $5,000 loans with close to zero percent interest rates to small Bronxville businesses.
Today the campaign has shifted to a grassroots effort called StrongerTogether, spreading the word through email chains, social media, stands around town, and merchandise.
StrongerTogether encourages residents to donate whatever they can to help keep downtown Bronxville vibrant. Mayor Marvin encourages those who can to donate, “Everyone’s help is wanted, welcome, and important.” Click here to donate.
The funds raised will all go directly to small businesses, providing some relief for new expenses such as outdoor umbrellas, tents, and sanitation stations.
The initiative has successfully partnered with establishments around Bronxville, including NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, Bronxville Rotary Club, Bronxville Women’s Club, and Bronxville Beautification Council. Other friends that have joined include Gramatan Village, Senior Citizens Council, and Bronxville Senior Citizens.
According to Nicki Coddington, BXV FOR BXV head of marketing and communications, the initiative is instituting a second round of low interest loans. There have been so many villagers who have been beyond generous that new, more substantial loans will be coming in the next few weeks.
“This is able to happen because of the willingness of every group to say we want to lend a hand, just show us how,” said Mayor Marvin, speaking of the initiative’s success.
Outside of the BXV FOR BXV campaign, The Village of Bronxville encourages business owners to be creative in their efforts to reopen and is willing to help. For example, the Department of Public Works donated, installed, and painted the cement barricades around the village to protect restaurant-goers.
The Police Department was innovative in developing its own delivery system of food and medication to any senior or immunocompromised resident who needed it.
Restaurant owners had the idea of using outdoor space in front of their buildings, including the metered spots and sidewalk space. The village immediately facilitated this, provided that the merchant and its neighbors agreed. Mayor Marvin said, “We’ve had absolutely no problems. It’s really been a partnership [between businesses]...they’re all friends with each other.”
Bronxville Chamber of Commerce has worked tirelessly to assist Bronxville businesses during the pandemic and continues to provide information and support whenever and however possible.
President Leah Caro and Executive Director Shannon Hurley-Gangemi can be seen around the village, talking with merchants and providing pertinent and vital information.
The Chamber of Commerce website has become a key resource for the entire community by providing up to date merchant and restaurant information. The website serves as an invaluable resource to merchants, providing valuable information on its newly added “Merchant Resource” page.
The Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Bronxville Parent Teacher Association in the #StrongerTogether program selling 400 tote bags that included a $25 gift card redeemable at any Bronxville merchant.
This drove residents to support Bronxville merchants. In her weekly call, Mayor Marvin encouraged residents to buy gift cards to local restaurants for first responders, including the Bronxville Police and New York-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital staff. Thousands of residents purchased them, giving restaurants a needed revenue during the quarantine.
NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital also makes it possible for the Chamber of Commerce to hand out six-foot spacing circles to any local merchant that wants them for social distancing marks. This allows for store goers to guarantee six feet of safe social distance.
There have been many heroic and heartfelt efforts in Bronxville over the last four months and many partnerships between local establishments and people including local government, police and village workers, local support organizations, healthcare and emergency professionals, schools and places of worship, caring residents and their children, and local merchants. We are not only doing this for ourselves but to help others.
If you want to learn more and stay up to date on the initiative, you can subscribe to the Chamber email list on their website.
For information regarding reopening, please visit the Bronxville Village Hall website.
Photo courtesy BXV for BXV Initiative
Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.
Shops Directory
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
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Toney Toni & The Gang
Born and raised in Westchester County, Kim Linn opened her boutique in Bronxville in 1995. Toney Toni & the Gang offers a curated selection of women's clothing, shoes & accessories. Ulla Johnson, Birds of Paradis, A Piece Apart, Clare V, Repeat Cashmere, Pons Quintana, White & Warren, Lilla P, Melissa Nepton are just a few of the designers found in the store.
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary builds on an ancient tradition of mind, body, and spirit focus that is essential to total health, life balance, and true peace. Our clients experience an increase in well-being by participating in individualized holistic services including massage, facials, energy healing services, meditation, yoga therapy, and workshops
Schedule your appointment online
Purchase a gift certificate online
14 Studio Arcade
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-9356
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Posh Beauty Boutique
POSH Beauty Boutique is a luxury spa offering the ultimate in body therapies and skincare. The founder of POSH Beauty Boutique is Bronxville resident Diana Rainsford who is a master Reflexologist and Esthetician.
POSH offers customized facials, massage, waxing, spray tans, professional makeup applications and much more including customized, all-inclusive packages for your bachelorette party, special birthday, or for fun with your friends. Little Miss packages are also available for your little princess’s special occasions.
POSH uses Eminence Organic Skin Care for all their facials. Body treatments are performed in their luxuriously appointed Hydrotherapy room with Vichy shower.
118 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-361-1277
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Rain Natural Skin Care
Rain Natural Skincare is the home for a wide range of handmade luxurious body and skincare products that are made from natural ingredients, harnessing the power of nature to rejuvenate and nourish your skin.
Value Drugs of Bronxville
Value Drugs of Bronxville has been a member of the Bronxville Community for over twenty years. They are a family center where you can find a large variety of items. They have over fifty departments including toys, clothing, home goods and everything else you need from your neighborhood drug store. They have a full-service pharmacy with free delivery. You can also find a large variety of seasonal goods for every time of year.
80 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3801
(914) 337-2520
Bronxville Vision Care
Bronxville Vision Care offers eye examinations and same-day service on most eyeglasses and contact lens services. The center is open every day and accepts most vision plans, including VSP, Eye Med, Spectera, and Pomco. John Dello Russo is the optician and Dr. Josephine Russo is the optometrist. Dr. Russo, a graduate of SUNY Optometry, has been in practice since 1996. Mr. Dello Russo, who has an MBA in finance and is an adjunct instructor at CUNY, has been an optician since 1976 and is designated a Master of Ophthalmic Optics by the American Board of Opticianry.
10 Park Place
Bronxville, NY
914-337-4440
Trapp Opticians
Founded in 1945, Trapp Opticians has been proud to serve Bronxville and Lower Westchester with the highest level of care and expertise in eye care. Our Optometrist offers comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fittings. Trapp offers the best quality in eyewear and sun wear including a large selection of children’s eyewear and sportswear.
M-F 8:30-5:00PM
Sat 9:30-3:00PM
42 Pondfield Rd.
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-0707
Tryforos & Pernice Florist
The Tryforos family has roots in the floral industry since the late 1800's and is privileged to be serving Bronxville since 1963. Their distinctive arrangements and bouquets consist of top of the market flowers from Holland, New Zealand, South America, the Pacific Basin and the US. For the floral enthusiast, all of their arrangements are customized from classic to trendy themes with inventive designs. Lush, dense packed vase arrangements in clear, low square, round glass, terra cotta and leaf lined vases are always available. They have beautiful orchids; potted and cut, as well as green and flowering plants which vary by season. They are pleased to present your unique inspirations for gift giving. Their customer base: "Busy People". They deliver and send flowers worldwide.
M-F: 9am-6pm
Sat.: 9am-5pm
73 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337.2525
www.tryforosflorist.com
Framebridge
All of us have things sitting in boxes, drawers, and on our phones that we’d rather have up on our walls. At Framebridge, we’re making custom framing so easy and delightful that you’re inspired to celebrate everything you love–big, little and in-between. Whether digital photo or physical item, single frame or gallery wall, Framebridge has you covered. With our transparent pricing, there are no surprises. The price you see is the price you’ll pay–and shipping is always free. With over two dozen frame styles and mat options, you're sure to find the perfect combo to bring your piece to life. You can even personalize it with a brass plate, mat caption, or story pocket! Whether it’s macaroni art or a Picasso sketch, we treat every piece like a masterpiece.
Bronxville Furriers
Established in 1926, Bronxville Furrier has a long history as a trusted full service fur retailer. Luxurious furs, reversible garments, shearlings, Loro Piana cashmeres and accessories can be found here.
We offer a range of services that include Certified cold storage, cleaning and glazing, alterations and repairs. Our remodel program gives our customers the opportunity to Redesign and Modernize garments that no longer work with their lifestyles or fit properly.
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Silk Road
We are a unique boutique specializing in Home Decor, Gifts, Annabelle's and Seely Mini Jewelry, Bedding, and Clothing. We carry noteworthy items from Simon Pearce, Julie Vos, Dash and Albert, Fermob, Calaisio and many others. Gift wrapping is available.
Continental 109
Continental 109 has a 60-year history of providing exceptional hair styling, color and essential services for beauty and well being. The salon is led by owner and stylists, Nick and Mark DeVincenzo.
Built on the tradition of superior customer service, their full service salon stays fresh and exciting through ongoing training and immersion in the best that the world of beauty and fashion has to offer.
Everything about us is leading-edge with a complete focus on our guests. This commitment, and our talented staff, are the reasons why you will come to enjoy the Continental 109 experience.
Centrally located in the elegant village of Bronxville, the salon is easy to reach by car or train. Discover us, and reveal a more beautiful, more vibrant you!
109 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.793.4198
914.793.4198
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Bacione Pasta Shop
Bacione Pasta Shop offers fresh pasta and sauces using high quality ingredients to create delicious pasta dishes loaded with flavor. Come in and enjoy the cuisine of Italy right here in Bronxville.
You can order from eleven kinds of fresh pasta by the pound and then choose from eight homemade sauces to complete your meal. Add-ons include: chicken, sausage, meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta and broccoli.
Bacione also sells loaves of Italian and focaccia bread and freshly prepared containers of homemade lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, sausage ragu and meat dishes to take home. Dessert offerings are: tiramisu, flan and panna cotta. Drink choices are Italian sodas.
Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love, 18 Palmer Avenue - just across the street from New York Presbyterian Westchester Hospital - stands for consciously - sourced food, community support and a caring work family.
Whether you're picking up from the shop, getting delivery by ordering at ladleoflove.com or crafting a catering with founder/owner, Leslie Lampert, Ladle of Love promises healthful, delicious food from award winning soups and stews to sandwiches, salads, sweets and supper selections. (We have daily curbside pickup at The Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Kisco.)
The UPS Store
The UPS Store is a great place to send a package, print documents, open a mailbox or purchase business supplies. You are assured great service and a personal touch.
81 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3817
914- 779-0140
http://www.theupsstorelocal.com/1363/
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