To the Editor,

As we near the end of 2020, I find myself reflecting back over the last 11 months. We have had an ongoing pandemic, social strife, and heightened income inequality. We have experienced an election year like no other. After 31 years running Occasionally Yours, Theresa and I have been living through the trials and tribulations of small business ownership, 2020-style. I know we can all add to the list.

But through all this turmoil, I began to see the many blessings I have experienced this year. Without these trying times, would I have had as many family dinners? I assure you, no. Those dinners provided restorative conversations that were so in the moment. Think about the outdoor time you have experienced since March — by yourself, with family, or with friends. The hours of biking and hiking, running or walking, or, as I prefer, sitting and taking in Mother Nature. I was introduced to Zoom meetings, and they connected me to people who I probably would never have met otherwise. Having to change our work schedules opened up more personal time. Our lawns and gardens have never looked better. All of these small little blessings, for each of us to experience.

2020 has tested all of us. Personally, Theresa and I did our best to navigate through the ever-changing climate of the restaurant business. And with your support, we experienced the greatest blessing of all. Once again, BECAUSE OF YOU, since March, we have been able to make charitable donations totaling over $50,000. We were able to help so many who are impacted by the times we are living in. Local organizations, such as our beloved library and fire company, the Swarthmore-Rutledge School’s Home and School Association, the Swarthmore Recreation Association, the Nether Providence Athletic Association, Making a Change Group, and Chester Eastside, Inc., have all been beneficiaries of your incredible generosity. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

On behalf of the entire Occasionally Yours family, thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing all of you in 2021.

Scott Richardson
Swarthmore