feature story / 13 pop-up shops, a bourbon tasting, a family picnic day, and a home brew competition. On “Thirsty Thursdays” the Mercantile is open till 8:30. This has become a popular opportunity for commuters to stop in for an ice cold one and, on occasion, live music. (Not to worry if nobody’s perform- ing live, however; there is always the great collection of albums Hughes re- cently added to her inven- tory to thumb through.) L i k e Hughes, Hills averages 50 hours a week as well and counts on her husband to fill in the gaps. “We’ve created fulfill- ing local careers here. The response (to Mercantile) has been incredible.” One of the things she likes most about hav- ing Meus is the example she is setting for her three daughters (3, 5 and 7). “I love my girls and love spending time with them, but I also feel that it is impor- tant for them to see me doing something creative for myself. Something they can aspire to and be proud of me for.” Maplewood Mercantile invites you to come visit on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 to 6, Thursdays between 11 and 8:30, and Saturdays and Sundays 10 to 5; you can also fol- low them on Facebook and Instagram. Cindy Potters is feeling inspired after visiting Mercantile and is reconsidering everything in her house. n MAGGIE AXELROD-CALISTER “May your thirst for life never run dry” Authentic Irish Cuisine, Irish Coffee, Fine Wines and Irish Whiskey worthy of Celtic Kings Experience the best of Ireland’s Pub traditions Family Friendly • Good Cheer Raw Bar Fridays 4 to 7PM ST. JAMES’S GATE APPAREL AND GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE WEBSITE: www.stjamesgatepublickhouse.com Join us fireside for lunch and dinner 167 Maplewood Avenue Maplewood Village 973-378-2222 Check our website for upcoming events Oktoberfest Food: German Sausage, Schnitzel, Red Cabbage & Beer Specials! Stop by and check out our NEW FALL MENU Thank you for your incredible support of the ROBERT J. MILLER OYSTERFEST The event was a huge success!