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| THE GOOD LIFE
One Good Thing: Love Shown to Businesses in All Kinds of Ways By Robin Y. Richardson, Jessica Harker and Wyndi Veigel News Messenger Journalists
that much of us.”
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Each saying was personalized and showcased a theme for the businesses. For example, Pietro’s stated ‘We love Pietro’s’ and featured some pizza and wine glasses.
hroughout the pandemic, local businesses have had it rough. Closings, furloughs, restrictions ... you name it, they have dealt with it over the past two months. But in Marshall businesses have been shown all kinds of love and have also done their part to show the community they appreciate their support in return. In March, a secret supporter, or group of supporters (we aren’t entirely sure), made sure that businesses knew they were loved by some really elaborate chalk art drawings. Many locally owned businesses arrived to their stores, prepared to take on a new day only to be welcomed by chalk art on their sidewalks. No one seems 100 percent certain and though the newspaper staff tried to uncover who the artist was (we have a pretty good idea who may be behind it), one overwhelming feeling was brought to the surface: gratitude. “It brightens your whole day,” East Texas Office Supplies business owner Stella Alexander said. “It’s terrific that someone thinks
Businesses that were “attacked” with kindness include both Sullivan and Meadowbrook Funeral Homes, East Texas Office Supplies, the downtown Main Street Office, Central Perks, Pietro’s, Joe Pine’s Coffee Co., Cajun Tex and The Marshall News Messenger office.
At Joe Pine’s Coffee Co. small coffee mugs were drawn on the sidewalk. The newspaper received an ‘extra extra read all about it.’
Going on a bear hunt, and finding Easter eggs In late March, Marshall businesses provided provided some entertainment for the kiddos by hosting a citywide scavenger hunt. Students along with their families traversed through Marshall at a safe distance, many from their cars, to spot teddy bears during the hunt. The bears had completely taken over the downtown area ... stopping for a bite to eat at the Blue Frog, galavanting though downtown stores and even stopping to catch up on the latest news at The Marshall News Messenger office.
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NEWS MESSENGER FILE PHOTO The Marshall News Messenger staff received appreciation in the form of its very own surprise chalk art thank you. We wish to tell the people responsible thank you for thinking of us and spreading positivity in the community during a difficult time.
