Today is the last day that Mary Loreto will be inside the store called Menagerie; today is the day that store on the corner of Third and Locust Streets in Columbia will close.

We have the fondest recollections enjoying dinner when she was a restaurant owner. Happily, we can still buy the marinara sauce.

There have been a few articles here:

• https://columbianewsandviews.com/2011/07/08/the-life-of-an-average-everyday-hero-mary-loretto/
• https://columbianewsandviews.com/2011/04/11/not-to-be-served-but-to-serve-chapter-1/
• https://columbianewsandviews.com/2011/04/12/not-to-be-served-but-to-serve-chapter-2/

We cannot wait to see what this dynamo will be doing in the next act of her storied life as a crusader for so much that is right and good for so many in the town. This community needs a lot more like her.

What can we say, Mary, but “Thank you.”

[EDITOR’S NOTE: This past week, we were told by more than one person that the owner of 301 Locust Street, one of Columbia’s premiere landlords, has been “telling people that a high-end antique mall” will be occupying the first floor space at 301 Locust Street. Allegedly it will also have a candy store; both operated by a long-time Columbia name. Dunno’; those are just the reports at this point.]