As all of us emerge three years post the COVID-19 outbreak, our Monadnock Region community has changed – and blossomed – in many ways. The COVID health crisis refocused many people’s goals and motivations. This time of introspection has spurred a closeness and dependency on all things local and strengthened the bonds of community.
For instance, we’ve seen a tumultuous jobs market and housing market. For many local businesses, it’s been boom or bust because COVID took us all by surprise. The good news is that when our community comes together and works to protect its valuable local businesses, we all benefit.
Masiello Employment Services is committed to the well-being of our local businesses and the people who make them thrive. We’d like to take a moment to highlight some of the wonderful new and reopened spaces in the Monadnock Region that you simply need to visit.
Local Businesses Unite
The Greater Keene and Peterborough Chamber has a new office at 45 Main St. in Peterborough, NH. It’s complete with a beautiful art display presenting many local artists. Swing by to say hello and view or purchase unique works of art from local talent. The display will rotate every two months so there’ll always be something new to enjoy.
Food Lovers Listen Up
Driving down Rt. 202, you’ll find a lovely new eatery, the Optimist Cafe in Jaffrey, NH. Pull up a chair and satisfy your hunger with their decadent croissants and cinnamon rolls. But it’s not all breakfast; you can dig in with a delicious bagel sandwich and quick pick-me-up espresso. Relax and take in the sweeping view from the top of the hill or browse the goodies at neighboring business, New England Everyday Goods.
Something to Celebrate
The Colonial Performing Arts Center has reopened! This spring, they have a terrific new lineup of comedy, music and shows to delight and entertain. Let your laughter spill out with well-known comedian, Bob Marley, on May 14th or sing along to classic hits at the Off-Broadway debut of “Girls Night: The Musical”, June 9th.
Explore American musical roots with The Robert Cray Band, June 10th. Let your mood wander with Joshua Redman, a highly talented jazz musician, on June 11th. Whatever your plans are to reconnect with this local treasure, be sure to check their website event page prior to your visit for up-to-date COVID protocol information.
Healthy Eatery Makes Debut
Freshly opened as of May 2, Vital Provisions at 15 Main St in Peterborough is where it’s at for a healthy beginning to your day. They offer thirst-quenching smoothies, bountiful Acai bowls filled with fresh flavor, and juices to clean your system and start your day off right. You won’t be disappointed with their wonderful, welcoming staff and creative menu items.
For those of you with specific dietary restrictions, they have also dedicated their kitchen as a gluten, dairy, and peanut-free space. Exciting news for those who haven’t had a special place to eat out. They will also be sourcing as many of our organic ingredients locally as they can. That’s a trend we always love to see!
Mouthwatering Market
Another newly opened destination is Jenna’s Market, located at 255 West St in Keene, NH, across from the Colony Mill. This versatile deli, market and butcher shop will have your mouth watering for more. Whether you are looking for the highest quality, locally sourced meats, farm-fresh produce, sandwiches piled high with ingredients, soups, salads, craft beer, wine or snack boards to bring home, you’ll find it here.
Who Doesn’t Love to Play?
Explore and play with your kids at the recently reopened Cheshire Children’s Museum. Though interrupted by the pandemic, this creative station for imagination usually sees 31,000 visitors annually. It’s exciting that this wonderful space has now entered its next chapter with renewed energy and ideas from a new Executive Director, Alexa Plewa. Let your children roam in the 5,000 square feet of learning adventures and enjoy being in the moment together.
There are many, many impressive new and reopened spaces to connect with your community and our amazing businesses. It’s the health and growth of our network of local businesses and individuals that inspires our dedicated Staffing Managers to always put people first.
Masiello believes in building up each other with the goal of a resilient community prepared to face any challenge. We can’t always anticipate what will come next, but we can trust that we’ll tackle it together. Connect with us today to assist with staffing or employment goals in the Monadnock Region, Southern Vermont, or Western Massachusetts.