Businesses React to Holiday, Heat

Montville's quieter than usual for a Monday. The slowdown isn't completely surprising, considering that many people are observing the Foruth of July holiday and the high temperatures in town today.

Both the library and the municipal building are closed for the day. The community park on Changebridge, usually a hub of activity even on the quietest of days, is also deserted.

Many local businesses, like the R&R Sub Shop in Pine Brook and the Landauer Café in Towaco, have closed down for the day, either in observance of the holiday or for lack of customers. Those businesses that have stayed open, like Marra's Italian Deli at 263 Changebridge Road, have noticed a decline in customers.

"Its been a slow day," said Teresa, the manager at Marra's.

One local businessman, who asked that his name and establishment not be mentioned, feels the slowdown is due to people leaving town to celebrate the holiday.

"A lot of people are out of town or doing their own thing," he said. "I opened today, but I think I'm going to close early."

Not all businesses are feeling a slow down. Despite the heat and the holiday, Ivan and Jean Bader, managers of Bader Farm in Montville, have seen steady customers.

"We're known for staying open," Jean said. "People are still barbequing and stuff, so it hasn't been too bad today."

Perry, the manager of Sundae's Ice Cream Parlor in Towaco, expects his shop to have a successful day.

"The day after a holiday, in this heat, we're going to be slammed," he said. "We have to be open. We try to stay open as early and as late as possible.