As we prepare to kick off a new week, let’s take a look back at the week that was.
Leading local coverage this past week was a story about the Venus de Milo, and how owner Monte C. Ferris says the clock has run out on the Venus’ take-out business. Ferris is hoping to sell the building, but no deals have been struck yet.
Other top stories this past week included a look at the very interesting life of Fall River native Glen Vernon, and his connection to the classic Christmas film “It’s a Wonderful Life”; how supply chain disruptions could affect future marijuana businesses in Fall River; the latest real estate report; and how to get a free at-home COVID-19 test in Fall River.
In case you missed it, here are The Herald News‘ top stories of the last week, according to our readers:
Venus de Milo owner says clock has run out on take-out business
Time is running out if you want to order some of the Venus de Milo’s famous minestrone soup.
Monte C. Ferris, owner of the landmark Venus de Milo banquet facility and Empire Grille restaurant in Swansea, announced last year that he was closing down and was trying to sell his 7.5-acre property and building for $4.75 million. Since then, however, the business has continued to stay open for take-out orders. In May, Ferris told The Herald News he was delaying plans to reopen the Empire Grille by Memorial Day because of difficulty finding and hiring experienced restaurant workers. He also at the same time expressed optimism that his banquet business would be back in action before the close of 2021.
He is no longer expressing such optimism.
“When you can’t find help and you’ve got a 60,000-square-foot building, take-out doesn’t support it,” he said.
‘A complete nightmare’: Kitchen staff shortage hurting restaurants in the SouthCoast
Fall River actor Glen Vernon is in a classic Christmas film — and he had a wonderful life
Most likely, those of you who are reading this have seen the Jimmy Stewart classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” And if you haven’t, how extremely lucky, because you get to see it for the first time!
But did you know that this beloved Christmas film has a Fall River connection?
Fall River native and actor Glen Vernon appears in the film, sort of: he is Mr. Gower’s son, and his photograph appears early in the movie, after Mr. Gower’s son dies during the influenza pandemic, and the grieving pharmacist nearly makes a catastrophic mistake in the midst of his despair.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” was far from Vernon’s only film credit; in fact, he had a very interesting life, from a contract with RKO, to continuing to act in his later years and appearing in beloved programs like “Columbo” and “The Golden Girls.”
Fall River strong: From Rhodes scholars to MMA fighters, 10 notable city natives
Supply chain disruptions hamper future marijuana businesses in Fall River
Local retail marijuana businesses are not immune to supply chain disruptions.
Both Westport attorney Brian Corey and attorney and former Fall River mayor Will Flanagan say delayed deliveries of supplies and materials needed to build and construct retail and cultivation facilities have been a problem in recent months.
“There have been supply chain issues for my clients,” said Corey, who represents both a Westport retail operation that has yet to open and a “vertically integrated” grow-and-sell business on Airport Road in Fall River — located inside the former BK’s Beacon Tavern, the latter of which is known as Aura Cannabis LLC.
Flanagan is one of three partners in a venture known as called Cosmopolitan Dispensary.
From restaurant to retail dispensary: BK’s Beacon Tavern’s closes; marijuana business moving in
Greater Fall River real estate report
A Highlands showcase of a home, on Underwood Street, a short walk from Charlton Memorial Hospital, recently sold for more than half a million dollars.
The three-floor, 4,000-square-foot home at 64 Underwood St., with 11 rooms total, six bedrooms and four bathrooms, sold for $579,000 on Nov. 30, according to mortgage and real estate data firm The Warren Group.
We’ve got a look inside, plus other top-selling homes, in the latest real estate report.
Real estate report: Sale of ‘spectacular’ Highlands home tops $500,000
City gives out free at-home COVID tests in Fall River
Rounding out our Top 5 stories of the past week, the City of Fall River made plans to distribute free at-home COVID-19 tests to residents.
On Wednesday, more than 15,000 at-home test kits were available at three Fall River fire stations.
‘It’s the best way to protect’: Experts say the COVID vaccine is safe for kids as cases spike across Greater Fall River
Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at [email protected]. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.
