It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you over the past couple of years, and it has been a privilege to serve you. When my husband Doug and I moved to Harvard several years ago, both of us were working in Boston and, as such, rarely got to enjoy Harvard in the daylight hours. I felt that we had chosen a good place to live, but it has really been through my time at the General Store that I have come to know just how special all of you and our community truly are.
I want you to be among the first to know that I will be taking a one-year sabbatical from the store and will be leaving in a few weeks. For as long as I can remember, I have believed that my true “calling” is as an artist. Since college I have repeatedly deferred to my practical inner voice and focused, with rare exception, on business, leaving little time for art. Although I have tried hard to integrate the practice of making art into my everyday life, I have not been able to accomplish this in a substantial way.
Recently—and quite unexpectedly—I was offered a position as innkeeper-manager of a seasonal Maine inn, which would afford me six months off in which to pursue art. This is a rare opportunity; in fact, I cannot imagine something other than this that could persuade me to leave a job and a place I love so much. Managing the store has been tremendously gratifying; indeed, I have not ever enjoyed a job so much.
Please be assured that the store will continue to grow and flourish. Store owners Adam and Lyn Horowitz remain fully committed to the store, and steadfast in their resolve to guide it to its fullest and best potential. As you know, we eagerly await the completion of the town sewer, which will provide us the potential of offering a broader range of fresh foods, some seating, and (thank goodness) a public restroom!
I will miss all of you, my colleagues here, and this exceptional place. Thank you for all of your support, ideas, kindness, and humor. I feel incredibly fortunate to know you, and in many cases, to count you as my friends.
I hope to have a chance to see you over the next few weeks, so I can express my appreciation in person.
With thanks,
Amy Bernhardt, Manager
Harvard General Store
