The Swamp Door

Hello, FRIENDS & FANS. Some GOOD NEWS today that bodes well for reopening soon. Based on the most current data available, we see that both Montgomery County *and* New Hanover Township are experiencing a significant downturn in new COVID cases a 30% decline in recent weeks. (See attached photos, with our numeric notes attached for easy reference.) Let me be clear: These numbers are still significantly *higher than the start of the holiday selling season mid-November. But if ...Continue reading

Hi, friends! Two important updates: THE SWAMP DOOR WILL REMAIN CLOSED THIS WEEK, as COVID numbers are climbing (expected after the holiday surge). Again, the reason being: We are NOT the typical retail store. We advertise extensively and draw devoted shoppers from as far away as NYC, Philly, Allentown, Trenton, Lancaster/Harrisburg, the Poconos and Wilmington. Were we to reopen at this critical time, we could become a potential superspreading threat to our community. We'd r...ather not... preferring instead to "take it on the chin," and wait for a consistent down-trend because things will soon be SO MUCH BETTER! When we do re-open, we have *all* our safety measures in place for you, including our HEPA-filtration air-purifying systems.... So just as soon as we can, we'll welcome you back with open (and socially distanced) arms to your favorite, happy, li'l helpful retail "home." Updating you weekly here, so keep an eye out. We know a number of people locally are still having trouble finding/acquiring some PPE (i.e., personal protective equipment). We laid by more than enough hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in 2020 to last us through this summer. SO: We are happy to donate our extras: 2 full gallons of hand sanitizer and 7 containers of disinfecting wipes. If you are: - another small business **edit: or charity! - a senior citizen - an immunocompromised person - or someone else who needs but cannot acquire these items ...please contact me via Messenger and select one item, first come, first served. Wish we could accommodate everyone. But we can at least share what we have. **NOTE: If you are requesting any item, we'll ask you to pick up by Friday to give others a chance. We are here, working behind the scenes, our usual hours: Thurs. through Sat., 10-5, and Sun., 10-4. Thanks for your continued support, can't wait to see you again soon, and STAY WELL! We'll report our status next week. Stay tuned! Meanwhile, missing all of you and working hard planning some exciting things! Can't wait to show you! God bless! Lisa Romero, owner

Weeks ago, we thanked everyone for the incredible outpouring of support when the local Salvation Army reported a great need for holiday gifts targeting an under-served population: teens. We reported local folks donating $1,200 toward the effort! But there is one special person we’d like to acknowledge today because the delayed mail problems meant we received her extraordinarily generous and kind donation too late... and we’ve arranged to make good on the intent. Letitia ...Tish Sitek of Philadelphia (we are beyond fortunate to have customers from such a wide area!!!) answered our call by sending not just one gift... but FOUR. They arrived after Christmas. What to do? We contacted Boyertown Multiservice a tremendous force for philanthropic good and local social services. As it turns out, they have an initiative aimed at giving birthday gifts to teens in need. (Amazing.) We informed Tish, she agreed this was a wonderful match, and they’ll receive her donations this week. If the world at times seems uncaring and distant, remember that a little of Christmas resides in each of us all year long and there is no deadline or limit to the good we can do... together. Thank you, Tish! We’re so grateful you answered our call! And we look forward to seeing you when we reopen again just as soon as we can! (Reminder: The Swamp Door remains temporarily closed due to pandemic risks; watch social media and newspapers for updates.) Stay well, friends. And God bless! Lisa Romero, owner

Hey, friends. Tough day, right? We're with you. We feel it, too. We're reminded of another time not so long ago when we felt somewhat the same.... So here's a picture to share, and a true local story to go along with it. We hope it puts a smile on your face today or, at least, that it helps soothe your heart. When 9/11 happened, for some reason no one seemed to have an American flag. That's right: Flags were not really in vogue like they are now. You didn't see so many of the...Continue reading

Cold winter days can be happy, too.

News of our demise has been greatly exaggerated. Ever hear that saying? The other day, someone with a mind for mischief marked our beloved co-op, a store we hope you love, as "permanently closed" on Google. I was surprised. And then I was saddened by the whole thing. Because I couldn't grasp why someone disappointed that I made the difficult choice to keep the store closed through the end of the holiday and worst part of the pandemic would intentionally try to harm a small bu...Continue reading