Grafton owners are anxious to get back into business

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a corrected version of the story, which incorrectly identified Joe Dahlquist. Grafton Common regrets the mixup.

His answering machine is blinking with messages, yet another older gentleman is at the door, and Joe Dahlquist is on the phone, mask pushed to his forehead, talking to yet another client concerned about the length of his hair.

“I had to buy an appointment book,” Dahlquist said in a brief respite between the phone and the door. “I never had to make appointments before.”

Joe’s Barber Shop — that little Fenway green building at 22 Shrewsbury St. — is back in business on Monday, Memorial Day, as part of the first phase of businesses allowed to open since COVID-19 shut down the state in March. He’s been closed for eight weeks, but he considers himself one of the lucky ones.

Karl Moisan at the Homefield Credit Union set him up with a PPP loan. His regulars reached out and bought gift cards, promising him that they wouldn’t settle for anything other than a cut amongst the familiar sports paraphernalia.

Grafton, along with the state of Massachusetts, is slowly easing back into business. Restaurants that closed back in March — Cancuns, Post Office Pub, Hunter’s Grill and Tap at the Grafton Inn — have rejoined their peers in the take-out business. Golfers are back at Highfields Country Club, as is its John Henry Tavern. And Gov. Charlie Baker announced Monday that other types of businesses will be allowed to re-open about every three weeks, provided that COVID-19 cases don’t escalate in the Commonwealth.

Not every business is a survivor.

Paisley Boutique, 40 North Main St. announced it will be closing its Grafton store, asking those with gift cards to travel to their Hudson location or shop online.

“As you know, we as a small business, have taken a tremendous hit and financially can not recover from such a devastating loss of business,” the owners wrote on the store’s Facebook page. “We can not thank our customers enough for their continued support throughout the years. We had no idea when we started our “little boutique” in June of 2014 in Grafton that we would make so many amazing friends. It is not a decision we made lightly and have had many sleepless nights but the reality of it is we can not survive as a small business in this current situation.”

Down the street at Truth Organic Spa, a sign outside simply says “We miss you.” Owner Julie Bovenzi has been selling products and moved some classes online, but is still looking to reopen at the start of Phase II on June 8.

At Off the Common Antiques, Morgan King has offered items for sale during the downtime since she shut her doors on March 22. She hasn’t charged rent to the crafters and collectors that sell their wares at her booths.

“Every time I’m here and the lights are on, someone wants to come inside,” King said. Moments later, a woman walking by poked her head through the door and asked about an item in the window and King regretfully told her to check online and come back on June 8.

King herself misses her usual rounds of thrift stores and estate sales, the joy of finding something special that can be reused. That’s actually how she got the house windows that now act as a barrier between customers and the registers, an appropriately vintage look created by her husband, Ed.

There will also be a nod to a very current problem — one vendor is making masks for sale using quilting fabric.

“I want people to come in and find us well-stocked and beautiful,” King said. “I feel like I can’t wait another two weeks before we open.”

Back at the barber shop, Dahlquist is considering the chairs where his clientele, used to just walking in and gossiping, usually wait for their turns in the chair. He may have his clients wait in their cars. He may move some chairs outside.

One thing he does know: he can cut around a face mask. Several clients are on oxygen, and he’s become expert in cutting their hair without cutting their lines.

“It’s going to be a work in progress,” Dahlquist said, listing off his new supplies: plastic capes, sanitizers, an ultraviolet wand for cash. “We’re going to have to get used to the changes. But I’m glad to be back in business.”

The phone rang again and Dahlquist reached to grab it. “Yes, we’re opening Monday. When do you want me to fit you in?”

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