Surveying the signs from our vantage point here at Copacetic HQ, we have decided to shift course at the shop somewhat, in response to the conditions on the ground.
Starting out 2021, the shop will be CLOSED TO WALK-IN CUSTOMERS through – at least – the end of February. Visiting the shop during this period will only be possible by making an advance appointment. The shop will NOT be maintaining a fixed schedule during this period, but will instead be keeping hours determined by a proprietary algorithm the inputs of which are: the requirements of internet order fulfillment; appointment load; meteorological data; and Covid-19 case rates. Should Covid-19 case rates spike further upwards from the current already elevated rates, then no appointments will be granted. Also, it is worth pointing out here that, given the likely erratic hours of shop occupancy, going forward the preferred mode of appointment-making will be email. Please use copacetic@copaceticcomics.com and include the word “Appointment” in the subject (although, feel free to call for an appointment; if no one picks up, simply leave a message and wait for a call back confirmation).
The same, current restrictions will continue to remain in place throughout this period:
1) Masks are required to be worn in the shop at all times.
2) Complimentary medical gloves and hand-sanitizer are provided upon entry to the shop. One or the other – or both, if you prefer – is required to be employed by customers before handling any merchandise.
3) There is a limit of three customers in the shop at any one time.
Here's to 2021!
Now that autumn has arrived, the shop is cooling off and we’re starting to look ahead. While, of course, this site remains ever-accessible, anyone planning to visit the shop is emphatically advised to call ahead and make an appointment. Given the uncertainties put into play by the rising infection and positivity rates, we may have to further curtail the number of customers in the shop at any given time, and it is within the realm of possibility that the shop may have to abruptly and unexpectedly close. So it will best serve customers – you – to check in before heading over. To make an appointment, simply call 412-251-5451 or email copacetic@copacetic.biz . There is no penalty for no-shows or cancelling, but we would appreciate a heads up if you can’t make it or change your mind.
Also, we would like to let customers know that, for what it’s worth, we have installed the highest level HVAC filtration – MERV 13 – that our furnace can handle. We are also – currently – keeping the door to the outside open and running an exhaust fan in the rear of the shop when customers are in the shop, so the air in the shop is being continually renewed.
The same, current restrictions are – and will remain – in place:
1) Masks are required to be worn in the shop at all times.
2) Complimentary medical gloves and hand-sanitizer are provided upon entry to the shop. One or the other – or both, if you prefer – is required to be employed by customers before handling any merchandise.
3) There is a limit of three customers in the shop at any one time *(with the exception of a family or other non-social-distancing group traveling together, which may then exceed this limit)*.
Again, given this limitation we are offering – and strongly recommending – appointments. We especially recommend appointments to anyone making a special trip to visit the shop.
Anyone without an appointment arriving when the shop is at capacity is, of course, welcome to wait on the porch and/or browse our bargain hall offerings.
Also, re: waiting time – we are, generally, limiting shop visits to 30 minutes.
The current hours available to visit and/or make an appointment to visit the shop are:
Thursdays through Mondays, 11:00am to 5:00pm
(in other words, the shop is currently CLOSED on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; please note).
Well, today is the day: Election Day is upon us. We wish safe travels to all headed to the polls.
HERE is where to go to find your place to vote and learn what's on your ballot.
Regardless of the outcome, please remember that there is no defeating or escaping “the other”. We are all connected, there is no separation, we are all in this together.
art by Anders Nilsen
YES, you can vote early. HERE is a page that shows Pennsylvania residents the ins and outs of how to do so.
Already have your mail-in ballot, but worried about mailing it? You don’t have to mail it! You can drop off your mail-in ballot IN PERSON at a number of places spread throughout the state – with many locations here in Allegheny County. There's a list HERE (just scroll down a bit, and click on “Expand All”, then, if you live in the Pittsburgh area, look for Allegheny County; just keep scrolling down for other PA counties. Please be sure to note the dates and times that each location is open. Most are open only selected weekends.
UPDATE: The election is now almost upon us. Not sure how or where to vote? or whether you're registered? The International Rescue Committee has created a portal to connect you with the information you need to vote, regardless of which state you reside in, HERE.
And, Allegheny County residents, please note:
If you have a mail-in ballot, don’t wait any longer to have it returned! It may be too late for it to arrive on time through the Postal Service – but you can hand deliver to the County.
The County Office Building Lobby is at 542 Forbes Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh.
They have extended hours to receive your ballots:
- Daily Hours: 8 am - 8 pm, including Saturday & Sunday
- Election Day Hours: 7 am - 8 pm
- Voters must return their own ballot & masks are required
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
UPDATE: Shop – OPEN | Site – OPEN
The shop is once again OPEN – Thursdays through Mondays, 11am - 6pm with appointments recommended.
The shop is overflowing with new arrivals, so please excuse the chaos as we work our way through them...
