Hello Everyone!
I continue to be so grateful for the support this campaign has received! I literally don't have the words to tell you how grateful I am. I can only hope to show you all how much this has meant someday.
I have updated the petition to better reflect our current situation. The previous petition info can still be found in the "why this petition matters" section in italics.
We have a gofundme! it can be found here:
https://www.gofundme.com/help-ritual-fight
We have an update!
We received a reply from the Association's lawyer. Unfortunately it was more of the same. They continue to demand we remove the patio (and all outdoor seating), the firepit, and we keep not using our a-frame sign.
They also added a few "compromises" which weren't compromises at all. The most hurtful and insulting one was stating they would consider working with us on the markets within condo bylaw guidelines and restrictions. While I would like to believe them, I have an extensive documented paper trail showing that I was willing, ready, and able to work with them back in April, and they kept throwing up arbitrary roadblock after arbitrary roadblock, after which they made it clear the bylaws didn't allow for markets or outdoor events of any kind.
Additionally, members would say one thing to me in conversation and then another when they met behind closed doors. I am sorry to say at this point they have proven they can’t be taken at their word, and thy have repeatedly gone back on their words, and I am unwilling to gamble any more important parts of my business on their word, given their past actions.
The process now stands as follows:
- They seek a declaratory judgement
- We reply to that judgement
- The Judge rules, and all parties are required to comply.
- The Judge's ruling stands in perpetuity unless the condo association suddenly finds it in their hearts to be agreeable.
- If it is an unfavorable ruling, we can explore bringing a lawsuit against the association.
I will be spending today reaching out to Lawmakers and Advocates, as well as resending press inquiries. If anyone has any leads or ideas about who to reach out to, that would be amazing.
I am also looking into new locations. If you have a lead on a location that might be a great new home for Ritual I'd be interested to know about it. Even better if the landlord/association recognizes the value Ritual brings to the community, and the visibility it brings to surrounding businesses, especially when we're allowed to operate properly and given the space to grow and flourish.
I have also been brainstorming what Ritual might have to look like post brick-and-mortar. It's very emotional to think about, and I hope it won't come to that, but a failure to plan is a plan to fail... As a result of this planning we will soon have online readings with our practitioners available. I am hoping this can supplement the loss of business they've already experienced.
Don't forget! we're having a second Postcard Protest Party on September 2nd! We hope to see you there! If you are unable to attend, but would like to send letters, please reach out and I am happy to provide you with the needed information to do so.
We will be on lemonadio.com again September 6th with Stephanie and AJ! I look forward to seeing them again, sharing laughter, and "slinging cards"!
Thank you so much all of you for everything!
Holly @ Ritual
P.S. Today, despite my many protests, we lost some trees behind our shop that provided us with a lovely energy, some privacy, and a place to hang a bird feeder. Their only crime was being behind our shop. We've honored them with a lovely tree meditation in our newsletter this week linked here: https://www.ritualcapecod.com/so/09OeyNxt2
Go hug your favorite tree.