Borough craft store opens on the perfect day — schools were closed because of snow
By: Marjorie Censer
When Karyn and Michael Greco woke up Friday morning, they were nothing less than thrilled to see a blanket of snow on the ground.
While some may have been nervous about driving or disappointed that schools were closed, the parents of two and owners of craft store Red, Green, Blue saw the day as an opportunity.
They bundled up their two daughters ages 3 and 6 and rushed to the store, located at Hulfish and Witherspoon streets, to open on time and welcome the many children unable to attend school. Later that same day, the Grecos would celebrate the grand opening of the store with Princeton Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman, Princeton Township Mayor Phyllis Marchand and state Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton Borough).
Customers, employees and local business supporters were on hand to enjoy the refreshments and even complete some craft projects. They praised the store, which operates as a studio and gift gallery, and said it provided a chance to be artistic in a way they could not be alone.
Jodi Tolman, with her two children, was picking up a glass platter she had made earlier.
"I’ve always wanted to be an artist, but I’m not. I was able to do something that made me feel like an artist," she said. "It’s a tremendous thing for the community, because the art is accessible."
Ms. Greco said adults and children can complete the art projects.
On Friday, Lisa Patterson said she had been in the store for at least two hours working on various projects with her 5-year-old daughter, Jackie. As she supervised her daughter working on a sand drawing, she said the store offers more sup- plies than she could provide at home.
"There’s so much great stuff to do," Ms. Patterson said. "And you don’t make the mess at home you make the mess here."
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the store, Mayor Marchand was dressed appropriately. She wore red, green and blue for the occasion.
"The store is in the borough, but the owners live in the township," Mayor Marchand noted. "I think that you will have a wonderful success here. It’s a store for all the ages."
Assemblyman Gusciora joked that Mayor Marchand and the township may be able to claim the residents, "but Mildred gets the ratables." He presented a resolution to the store wishing it success.
Joanne Meehan, membership and development director at the Princeton Regional Chamber ofCommerce, provided the scissors used for the ribbon-cutting. She said it was nice to see the store so busy.
"It’s amazing … to see it so vibrant already," she said. "It’s just an excuse to play."

