A meet and greet event brought people over the July 4 holiday to the new natural food market in Noank.

The Mothership Kitchen and Marketplace at 17 Pearl St. produced some food and drink samples — I had butterfly iced tea plus vegan cheesecake, delicious— for a large number of visitors. This new market is being operated by Rebecca Soleyn and Barbara McLeod, with assistance by Rebecca’s husband, Felix, and son Lincoln, in the former location of the old Universal Food Store. The family hails from Saint Vincent.

The Mothership was scheduled to open on July 11 with normal business hours including weekends. In addition to providing locally grown foods, the store will be operating as a weekly prepared meal and delivery service for the local area.

Look for more information on Facebook at Mothership Natural Kitchen, or email mothershipct@gmail.com or call (860) 326-6402. They’re a welcome addition to the Noank area after the absence of a village food market at that location.

Next door, the previous Universal Package & Wine store has been replaced by a partnership, Spencer & Lynn, operating locally in both Noank and Mystic. They offer local and name brand choices, as well as local pickup and delivery services.

The stores are at 12 West Main St. in Mystic, (860) 415-8626, and at 19 Pearl St. in Noank, (860) 536-0122, all week; they also offer delivery and concierge services.

On Main Street in Noank, across from the landmark Carson’s Store — where, if you go for breakfast or lunch, you will probably never leave — there are now three businesses that are open part-time and on certain days, following a recent renovation of the building. The first to return was the local Corner Closet thrift shop, open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a small store, they have a great selection at very good prices.

Next door is the Five Zero Mane Salon at 50 Main St., operated by Katie Woodruff as a hair styling service. The hours are normally Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (860) 333-1790; more information can be found at 50mane.com.

Next to the salon is the Village Art Space at 52 Main St., operated by Mary Ann Sherman and two other artists. Their concept is a place for artists and the public to learn about, participate in, and celebrate art in various forms including jewelry and painting. They plan to reopen soon and can already be seen and contacted on Facebook or at villageartspace@gmail.com.

And we’re delighted to see The Fisherman Restaurant on Groton Long Point Road reopened and managed by John Williams, Mark Lacz and Tyler Carlson. Posted hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Their phone number is (860) 536-1111. The menu is extensive, and the renovations are very attractive. In keeping with COVID-19 times, they also provide take-out dinners and curbside service. Welcome back!

Ed Johnson lives in Noank.