(l-r) Jennie Moser, Stephanie Topolgus, Shannon Spires, and Shaena Litwin model fashions from ALIBI. Jennie sports an Equipment Essential silk shirtdress in the color beige snakeskin ($348) paired with a Generation Love Clothing vegan leather jacket in black ($385). ABILI owner Stephanie wears a Sundays Ayla puff sleeve dress ($142) and accessorizes with Luv AJ Rock Candy wire earrings ($85). Beneath a Veronica Beard Makua cover-up dress
in blue ($275), Shannon wears a Veronica Beard Bridge one-piece swimsuit in leopard ($348). Shaena’s Monrow double-layer hoodie dress ($169) is paired with Luv AJ Pave Amalfi hoop earrings in gold ($150).
by SOPHIE BIRD
photography by MICHELLE RICHARDSON, RICHARDSON STUDIO
A selection of games, both newer and traditional, at The Common Room. Photos by Mike Waddell
by CRAIG COLEY
As the pandemic has shut down activities and narrowed the daily experiences of many people, tabletop games old and new have seen a resurgence. Local retailers are selling more strategy board games, role-playing games, card games, and puzzles.
“I’ve seen a lot of new faces in the store, and it’s been people looking for options of what to do during a pandemic,” says Phil Eskew, who owns The Common Room, 223 S. Pete Ellis Drive. “People are looking for things that they can do at home together.”
Photo by Rodney Margison
When the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, many local businesses were forced to close their doors. The future of Bloomington’s small businesses was, and remains, uncertain. As cases continue to climb in the state, some businesses are making the choice to close permanently. Meanwhile, several new businesses have opened during this challenging time. Below is a running list of both, which
Bloom will continue to update.
Please feel free to comment new or closing businesses below, or email [email protected] with list updates or corrections.
Closing Businesses
Bloomington Sandwich Company
On November 25, 2020, Bloomington Sandwich Company closed after 15 years. The restaurant, which opened in 2005, was located at 118 E. Kirkwood and offered a variety of sandwiches, melts, soups, and salads.
Apr 7, 2021 | Features
Kendall Reeves. Photo by James Haverstock
Kendall Reeves says he learned early in life that in order to find his purpose, he needed only to look through the viewfinder. “From eighth grade on, I knew I would have a career as a commercial photographer,” he says.
Reeves, who with his wife, Stephanie, owns Spectrum Creative Group in Fountain Square Mall, says he’s learned a lot since then. “I pretty much know what the image will look like before I release the shutter,” he says. “My hands are on every step of my work. I process, print, mount, and frame everything I do to control quality.”
Bloomington Sandwich Company
On November 25, Bloomington Sandwich Company closed after 15 years. The restaurant, which opened in 2005, was located at 118 E. Kirkwood and offered a variety of sandwiches, melts, soups, and salads.
Blue Heron Woodworking Supplies
Blue Heron closed its doors on July 31 after five years in Bloomington.
“I have decided to close Blue Heron and retire to my home in Brown County. Serving the Bloomington and Central Indiana woodworking community has been a great honor and a pleasure,” said owner Michael Evans in a post on the shop’s website. “I am sad to have made this decision but I believe it is time for me to move on. I hope to maintain contact with all of the friends I have made during my tenure as proprietor of Blue Heron. It has been a good ride.”