In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
Full Paw’tential Pet Grooming, located at 114 Muskoka Road South in Gravenhurst, just celebrated their 6th anniversary of being in business! They have grown from a part-time, one-woman grooming salon to an 1,800 square-foot, modern salon with food, retail and grooming supplies for the public. Full Paw’tential has four compassionate and skilled employees with complementing personalities. They are super excited because one of their staff is excelling in her training and will be attending a prestigious grooming school in January.
Like all businesses, the arrival of Covid-19 forced Full Paw’tential to take a step back and re-evaluate how they could continue to serve the community. After being closed for 8 weeks, Full Paw’tential bounced back and discovered a renewed appreciation for their clients and the community at large. They implemented a wide range of safety measures and were able to resume their much-needed pet services. Full Paw’tential tells us that the are feeling the love and feeling needed with each and every day and they are so pleased to be providing their services again.
Looking ahead, Full Paw’tential told us that they have Treat & Toy Christmas deals coming in the weeks leading up to the holidays and will be hosting their first-ever Seniors Day on December 1st. Additionally, their walk-in nail trim Thursdays, which have become a huge hit, and they will be continuing as well.
As pet lovers ourselves, we know just how important it is to take care of our furry friends and it is a testament to the Full Paw’tential team’s love of animals and our community that they have endured these challenging times with such gusto and care. We want to acknowledge all of their hard work and thank them for the work they are doing to support our great community. Well done to all involved! That’s worth of a high-paw for sure!
In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
The Gravenhurst Public Library was founded in 1883 as a small Mechanics’ Institute and grew to a larger Library housed in the Carnegie Building with a $7,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie in 1923. In 2000, an even bigger space was purpose-built for the Library at 180 Sharpe Street West and that is where they called home for the last 20 years. What makes the Library special is their relationship with the Gravenhurst Archives, their outreach connection to numerous community organizations, the wide variety of their collection and their dedicated group of staff and board members.
Like so many organizations and businesses, Covid-19 significantly affected the Library. At the start of the pandemic, they were forced to close their doors to the public. Typically, the public relies on and accesses the Library on a daily basis – such as for accessing materials, use of the computer workstations & WiFi or to attend programs. With the Library’s closure, they had to get creative and do some reinventing. They launched a curbside pick-up service and found ways to connect with people via phone, e-mail, and social media. They also went as far as to deliver materials to people who were unable to visit the Library.
The Gravenhurst Public Library also produced high-quality virtual children’s programming this past summer that was made available through their social media accounts. While the volume of programs offered has reduced since the end of summer with students having returned to school, the Library is still offering virtual Storytime on Tuesdays for pre-schoolers and on Sundays for adults. They are currently planning to launch some new virtual programming in late fall geared to kids ages 6 to 12.
Looking to the future, once the Gravenhurst Public Library re-opens to the public, patrons will be required to wear masks and to sanitize their hands before entering. Plexi-glass guards will be in place at all desks. The Library will also be limiting numbers and length of visits to 45-minute appointments as to allow staff the chance to clean between patrons. Visitors will be able to use the public workstations, access the WiFi, browse the shelves, as well as print, scan and fax with staff assistance. The curbside pick-up and delivery service will remain available as well.
With the Library’s closure they have also been able to complete some much needed upgrades to the building’s interior such as new paint, carpeting and a yet-to-be installed new front desk. They have also added new moveable shelving to the main floor so that they can open it up and use the space in the future for larger programs.
We are simply blown away by the ingenuity and resilience that the Gravenhurst Public Library has shown through this pandemic. We want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone from their team to persevere through these challenging times and to continue to look for ways to serve our great community. Thank you to everyone from the Library!!
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If you know a local business who deserves a shout out, send us a direct message with a photo and why they should be featured.
In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
Owned and Operated by Robert & Ashley Moody at 205 Margaret Street in Gravenhurst, Iron Lodge Fitness has been open for 3 years. They offer personal training, small group classes, 24-hr open-gym access, nutrition coaching, meal planning and remote training. More than a business, Iron Lodge prides themselves on being a tight-knit, supportive community of like-minded individuals who are motivated to help each other achieve their personal goals.
As was the case for everyone, the arrival of COVID-19 had a significant impact on Iron Lodge and their business. To add complexity to the situation, Robert and Ashley had just welcomed their second baby into the world the very week before the shutdown. Determined not to give up, the dedicated couple quickly pivoted to offering online classes and even loaned out all of their gym equipment – for FREE – to their members. They also began shooting and sharing full home workout videos through their social media channels – which included a team-up with the local Chamber of Commerce – in an effort to keep the community moving and healthy.
When the weather began to warm up in June, Iron Lodge partnered with the Town of Gravenhurst to offer outdoor workouts across various parks throughout the community. By the time July rolled around, Iron Lodge made modifications to their gym space and were able to host workouts in their parking lot. “It was hot some days, and it was cold somedays, but our members were so happy to be outside and getting back into somewhat of a ‘normal’ routine” Robert told us. Towards the end of July, Iron Lodge was finally given the green light to resume indoor training. They have taken great strides to ensure the safety of everyone in their space by having participants clean everything they touch before and after every class.
Looking ahead, Iron Lodge Fitness seeks to grow their following to reach more people and to help with their health, fitness and happiness. They are a family-run business committed to re-investing into the surrounding community. They have previously partnered with the local Girl Guides chapter and the local high school to help the next generation about the basics of health & fitness and to get them started on the right path early.
We want to acknowledge the tremendous hard work, spirit and dedication to the community that Iron Lodge has shown though the pandemic. To think that they managed all of this on top of a newborn earlier this year is just incredible. They have the right mind-set and we want to applaud them for all that they’re doing. Keep up the great work guys, we’re proud to share the community with such an inspiring group of people!
