You have said it all and then some.
To assume your "darlings" are not going to lean out of their strollers or happen to be baby Houdinis and slip out of the buckle system, would prevent me from taking them into a gift store in the first place. While my son is a young adult now, there were many years where I just did not go into a store where the possibility of injury (to him or the store!) was going to happen.
I'm all for shopping- but use your head.
By the way- doorways are by law built to accomodate a wheelchair- so if the shopper with her double wide can't get her stroller in the door straight on, she has exceeded the ADA guidleines for a wheelchair. As an independent retailer, I can tell you making a facility ADA compliant- well I will just start with my bathroom, that had to have a 360 degree turnaround in front of the toilet to accomodate a wheel chair- the entire bathroom had to be re-done, including moving the sewer line, a total project cost of $20,000. Would I have liked to have spent that money some other way? You bet, but I am a law abiding citizen and made those changes and more to make my space ADA compliant- expensive in an pre-1950's building.
So thanks for blogging on this topic-

Donna,
Well put, and thank you for your support. The Farmhouse Store loves you right back, as well as the thousands of other customers who shop with us.
I am a fierce believer in free speech. I welcome healthy debate. But I shut it down the minute someone threatens me, my family, my staff, or the store that I have put my life into.
I recieved a phone call this morning. Caller ID said "non-listed" and the caller said "Is this Ed? (Yes) Just because your a faggot and can't reproduce, don't screw with us moms who can. You should be ashamed of yourself. You messed with the wrong group buddy"
Hang up.
OK. Enough. Last straw. Called the cops.
These people who call themselves "friends of April" should please move on. If one woman's response can yield this kind of hate, then we all live in a dangerous world.
Girls, put a smile on your face, look your beautiful babies in the eye, and teach them love and respect...not hate. They need you. They really need you...much more than I need your business.

Oh my Gosh. Does this make them feel important or something? They sound utterly ridiculous. I just don't get it. "Reproduction” in this case is not a good thing. It’s scary. How can they not see that they are teaching small-mindedness and ignorance by example? In some ways I feel sorry for them. What must it be like to go through life so bitter and miserable and vacuous? I guess the old adage is true. Whoever hates anyone or anything this much only shows the world how much they hate themselves. Pathetic, really. Harassment, definitely.

Yes and Lisa... you make perhaps the most important point of all. The place is FILLED with glass - stacked high - merchandised beautifully. It's retail.

Here's the thing: Double strollers DO conform to the same dimensions as a wheelchair. So if the store is handicapped-accessible, then a double stroller WOULD fit. That is what the moms are saying, not that they or their children are disabled.

OK fair enough. So as a mom with twins, would you launch an attack that crosses boundaries like this or perhaps have a conversation with the store? You may find whatever the thinking/reason is to be reasonable. And you may not, in which case you could voice that opinion, express your displeasure and shop elsewhere. Is this one store so extraordinary that it can be the ONLY place to shop?

What double stroller is the size of a wheelchair? I looked. Didn't find any.

most double side by sides are the same dimensions or smaller than a wheelchair. I can tell you that a Combi Twin Ex just as thin as a wheel chair. And pretty much any tandem (front to back) double stroller is thinner.

As an owner of a small gift shop myself I can understand the concern of having items in my store broken or damaged by a stroller. But the thing is, it could be damaged by a single stroller just as easily as a double stroller. From what I understand having read the newspaper submission that "April" wrote, she was merely trying to understand the reasoning behind the "no double strollers" sign. It seems that no response was given and she was rudely told to leave without an explanation. Had Ed politely told her that he had concerns that double strollers could damage his inventory, I'm guessing April would have left the store and none of this would have happened. So, while maybe things have gotten out of hand with mothers with more than one child "attacking" Ed as you have put it, if Ed had handled the situation properly in the first place the whole thing could have been avoided.
Final comment: Has he smartened up and taken down his sign?

Ditto Shopowner on the facts of the case. (And my Baby Jogger City Mini double also fits anyplace a wheelchair would. Most moms of twins do their research to find a side-by-side double stroller that they will be able to shop with; otherwise we would be pretty much housebound, especially those who are single parents, military wives, etc.)

"shopowner" is correct. The initial encounter could have been handled much better and far more professionally. I'm sorry to Carissa who could not locate a double stroller that fit wheelchair standards, but I assure you they exist, and by pretty much all the major manufacturers. A tandem can actually cause more damage because of the length of it and side by sides are easier to steer.

To the poster who mentioned that most children could be Houdini's and slip their harness: Slipping a five-point harness would be quite the feat, and this is what most double strollers come equipped with these days. A lot of the tandems (which Ed stated that he preferred people use) do not have the 5 point harness.

And honestly, you state that any kid could reach out of the stroller and knock something down. Yes, they could. But to leave the stroller outside and to bring the kids in, not strapped in and free to roam is a better idea? Please think this concept through. You will much prefer customers bring the strollers in.
And Ed, please learn to handle things professionally. There was obviously a much better way to handle this situation and this entire debacle could have been avoided. I in no means condone any type of threat, that is beyond normal, but so was your behavior to a potential customer.

Ed, I just saw your post. I am sorry to hear about the phone call you received. I am sure most moms of twins would be horrified to hear someone said that to you. We may disagree with a no-double-stroller policy but there is no excuse for a phone call like that. (And knowing April, I'm sure she never intended you to receive communication like that.)

I agree that this debate has gotten out of hand, but as a friend of April's I can assure you that all she was looking for was an explanation as I would have, had I been in this situation. As a previous poster stated, items can be damaged by a single stroller, a child not in a stroller, or even an adult who accidentally turns the wrong way. Ed, do I think the person who called you this morning was in the right..absolutely not! Language like that should not have been used. I do think that your sign was just as offensive. It may have been more appropriate to say "if you break it, it's yours" as I have seen in many other stores.

My stroller is comparable to a wheelchair. It is the same size, dimensions which were planned to allow access into stores, offices, and other places that I might need to transport my children. It allows me the freedom of movement that a wheelchair allows someone who can't walk on their own - giving assistance to my children who are still learning to walk on their own.

You said, "The store can’t accommodate the size of your stroller. So, what’s the problem?" The problem is that if your store can't accomodate my stroller, then it can't accomodate any wheelchair-bound shopper. That is where the comparison began. Seems blindingly simple to me.

The idea that is so repugnant to these MoMs, who depend on their double or triple strollers to remain active and independent while caring for their children, is that they are not given the option. Instead, double strollers are written off, grouped with pets, banned rudely from entrance.

Would I choose to shop in your friend's store? Well, there have been times when I entered a store only to see that I would be taking risks in making it through cramped aisles. I usually park the stroller, take a quick glance around, and decide to return sans children.

However, the unbelievable "ignorance and self-absorption" demonstrated by someone posting a sign outright banning all double strollers would be enough for me to do a double-take. Enough for me to inquire as to the reason. Enough for me to get incredibly angry when treated in a coarse and rude manner for questioning the policy. Enough for me to tell my friends, who tell their friends, who tell the world about a store that can do without our business.

Or, I'll be happy to come and shop. I can park my stroller outside. I can unbuckle and let loose my three toddlers. I can allow them to wander freely through the store, taking my chances at what they will damage. OR I can take my double stroller elsewhere. I can shop with my children safely contained. I can spend my dollars in an establishment that treats me as a valuable customer.

You don't want MoMs there? I don't think you have anything to worry about now.

Well, as a father to twins who would likely have made my way to this shop at some point, I have to say I am saddened by this "policy." Why not just ban strollers altogether? It is the specific ban of double strollers that is ridiculous and offensive to those of us with multiples (and of course to our friends and families, ie hundreds of potential customers.)

As others have said, damage can just as easily be caused by a single child, and most definitely by a child of stroller-appropriate age who is not stroller-bound.

Actually, double strollers do fit into bathroom stalls. Handicapped bathroom stalls. Double strollers fit anywhere that wheelchairs fit. That is the whole point.

To Ed, sorry you got an inappropriate phonecall. To group all mothers in with the caller would be ridiculous. We're not all bad. Sometimes we just like to get out of the house. We are people too, and we can't all afford nannies to watch our kids while we go out.

Just my $.02

I find it obscene that you would could write such nonsense. I am SO upset by this entire situation, and I cannot believe that it has gotten so out of hand.
I disagree with so many points you have made and I feel the need to argue.
I am a Mother to two 11 month old boys, who happen to be identical twins.
Since I have two children who happen to be the same ago, I am challenged to shop/drive/walk/pretty much do anything ‘normal’ with two infants in tow. I refuse to stay at home all day long, so I bought a double wide stroller to accommodate my children when I have to leave the house. The width of my double wide stroller is 30.8 inches (google BOB Revolution Duallie Stroller). When we MoMs (Mother’s of Multiples) compare our strollers to wheelchairs, we are not in any way comparing ourselves or our babies to the disabled (which is what you say in your fact #1. Where you came up with that is absurd. All we are saying is that modern double strollers are made to go through most doorways that a standard wheelchair can also go through. That is why we spend the money on expensive strollers—so we can have the same access as anyone else. I tell my friends that I can usually only go places that can accommodate a wheelchair. If my stroller cannot fit through a doorway, chances are, neither can a standard wheelchair, and that is where we know it’s against ADA technical requirements. According to their guidelines, “ The minimum clear passage width for a single wheelchair shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum along an accessible route, but may be reduced to 32 inches (815 mm) minimum at a point for a maximum depth of 24 inches (610 mm), such as at a doorway.” If I find myself in a situation where I have trouble getting from point A to point B, when I know I shouldn’t, you are darn right that I will be making a complaint to the ADA. I’m one of their biggest advocates.
Moving on to your ‘fact’ #2. I’m not sure what the rest of world did before these ‘wideloads’ were made. My family doesn’t have a history of multiples, so I had to learn on my own. Can I leave them with a babysitter or family member, or take 2 single strollers and have a friend push the other? Are you serious! Am I damned to my house without the ability to go out and shop with God forbid, my children? I don’t have those luxuries of fulltime nannies and babysitters, and to be honest, I LOVE taking my boys out and about on my own. I rarely have issues with stores, except the occasional cramped aisle, where then, I would choose my tandem stroller if I know in advance where I’m going.
‘Fact’ #3—would we complain if bathroom stalls can’t accommodate us? I haven’t stepped foot in a handicapped stall that HASN’T accommodated my stroller. And if a handicapped stall did not, see the above---a complaint would be made to the ADA.
I won’t even comment on #4, I’m beating a dead horse now.


The whole point of April’s complaint was not only that was she treated rudely and unfairly, she was never given an explanation as to why she wasn’t able to shop in Ed’s store. He never gave her a valid explanation. He’ll allow tandem strollers but not double wide? If he can’t and won’t accommodate the size of my stroller, he is basically saying in not so many words, that he is unable to accommodate a wheelchair. You, said it yourself, “She asked, “Is it that the store can’t accommodate the size of my stroller?” Ummmm. Well, yes. The store can’t accommodate the size of your stroller. So, what’s the problem?”
Would Ed rather us have barely walking children roaming his store instead? I would think not. I am more likely to break something in his store than they would strapped in their 5 point harness sitting in their stroller.
I can go on and on, but then I’m just considered whiny. I’m simply trying to get my point across that you and Ed and whoever else had TOTALLY misinterpreted April’s complaint.

OK, so there were are a lot of legitimate points made here and sound fair arguments. We all agree that the differences between opposing perspectives have spun out of control and turned ugly. Everyone has a right to feel the way they feel, but not to abuse another person. For those of you who feel like you want to understand the policy, I suggest you have a conversation with Ed directly rather than use this forum as a means to communicate with him. No one has all the facts, which is why it is vital to communicate with one another in order to gain understanding. But certainly, there are two sides to be heard here and that, in my opinion is worth pursuing if the matter is important enough to you all, which it certainly seems to be.

Friend of April - You got your point across and I appreciate you taking the time to present such a long, well thought out response. And doing so helps illuminate much of the confusion surrounding this issue. And indeed it is unfortunate that April's concerns were so misunderstood. However, keep in mind that I got the ADA comparison by two separate pieces of correspondence that April and "friend's of" wrote. But let's not lose sight of the fact that a woman walked back and forth in front of the store flipping the bird and another went out of her way to telephone Ed so she could call him names and say vicious, viscous things. That's what's wrong here, not the size of the stroller but the way in which it was handled. Like it or not, businesses will have policies all of the time that employees and customers alike don't agree with. And then it's up to each individual to decide whether that works for him or her and move on. But to resort to such abuse is impossible to justify. Life's too short and there are lots of places to shop. And so I'll say it again - it's nothing that an adult and respectful conversation can't fix.

"For those of you who feel like you want to understand the policy, I suggest you have a conversation with Ed directly rather than use this forum as a means to communicate with him."

This never would have gotten as out of hand as it has if Ed would have satisfactorily answered April's question about the policy in the first place.

None of us are justifying abuse like that. I don't think any of us who have written here (or April, or most of her friends) were people who flipped the bird or made the harassing phone call. We were just responding to the very unfair and uninformed statements in your original post (and a few of the responses that followed), not condoning the actions of a couple of people who went way over the line. There are extremists in every group; they certainly do not represent all mothers of twins.

Standard ADA requirements for a doorway when the door is fully opened - 32" opening.

These are the widths of the following strollers (ALL side by side):

Peg Perego Aria Twin 30.7"
Joovy Caboose 29"
Foundations twin 32"
Bob Duallie 30.8" (My favorite double stroller and I never have a problem getting in a doorway!!!)
Schwinn 32"
Valco Trimode 28"
Mtn Buggy 29"
Phil & Ted's 29"
Tike Tech 29"
Bumbleride 29.5"
Baby Jogger Citi Mini 29"
Instep 31.5"
Combi 30"
Chicco 30"
Maclaren 29"
Jeep 32"
Graco Ipo 30.8"

Dear Carissa,

Standard ADA requirements for a doorway when the door is fully opened - 32" opening.

These are the widths of the following strollers (ALL side by side):

Peg Perego Aria Twin 30.7"
Joovy Caboose 29"
Foundations twin 32"
Bob Duallie 30.8"
Schwinn 32"
Valco Trimode 28"
Mtn Buggy 29"
Phil & Ted's 29"
Tike Tech 29"
Bumbleride 29.5"
Baby Jogger Citi Mini 29"
Instep 31.5"
Combi 30"
Chicco 30"
Maclaren 29"
Jeep 32"
Graco Ipo 30.8"

Thank you!

Except the only thing, is that I'm not getting from either side that there was any sort of initial attempt to discuss concerns with Ed himself before flying off half-cocked. The story read - from April in her letter - that a clerk was not nice. So why not approach the owner of the store about the policy AND the clerk? That would have been a perfectly acceptable and responsible thing to do. And yes, in no way am I generalizing across all people with more than one child. That too would be insane. Rather I am grouping people who behave like Neanderthals toward other human beings and think it’s OK to mistreat others in the name of getting what they want or think they deserve something whether they do in truth or not. Let's also keep in mind though that while everyone insists that they are not condoning such behavior, a page on facebook was created called “Harmhouse Store,” to further spread this animus. I find that embarrassing. We all have our own moment of truth where we have to decide what kind of energy we want to put out in the world, and I have a really hard time accepting that grown adults choose to spread hate over love. Why be responsible for putting something so yucky and ugly and awful and aggressive in a place where none of that existed before? I don’t get it.

I, along with a number of other MoMs wrote Ed emails that day asking why this happened and why we were not welcomed. I am still waiting for a response. I was not nasty in my email. I simply wanted an explanation. So to say that we should speak with Ed directly is a moot point considering many of us tried and got no response

So there is no confusion, the sign on the store says:
due to the delicate nature of our merchandise
and the safety and comfort of all our customers
we respectfully ask that you please do not bring pets or
double and triple-wide strollers
into our store
thanks kindly

As a pacifist, I would prefer if the threats of violence, and the nasty phone calls stop.
As a defender of free speech, I understand the need for mannerly debate. So please, debate away. We are trying to block our the noise and continue with our vision.

And as the owners of The Farmhouse Store, my partner and I would like to thank, first and foremost, the people of Westfield and the surrounding area towns for 2 1/2 years of support and patronage at our original North Avenue location. We had wonderful landlords there in Jay & Jean Tintle and enjoyed all our neighbors at Jay's Cycle Center.

Sherry Cronin, Executive Director of the Downtown Westfield Corporation has been a tremendous help and supporter since we began looking into opening our business in Westfield in late 2006. We thank her for her assistance and encouragement and for organizing the ribbon cutting for our grand re-opening.

Thanks also to Mayor Andy Skibitsky for presiding over our ribbon cutting. He was there for our first opening in 2007, and we were so pleased to have him back for this one.

While we undertook most of the renovations ourselves, we could not have completed them without the assistance of Huggins Hardwood Flooring, John Doremus of JP Contractors, and Nick at Sign Max. Thanks also to our new landlord, John Franks Realty Company, for their support during our renovations.

We thank Jamie Chavez, owner & executive chef of Xocolatz Restaurant & Grill on Elmer Street, for catering a tremendous staff dinner in the store the night before we opened.

We've expanded our staff from one employee to seven and are so glad to be able to employ more people in a troubled job market.

We look forward to an even bigger future serving the people of Westfield and Union County in our home and gift wares store.

With Deep Thanks and Appreciation,

"Let's also keep in mind though that while everyone insists that they are not condoning such behavior, a page on facebook was created called “Harmhouse Store,” to further spread this animus."

Right, and that page was not created by any of us who are insisting we do not condone such behavior. Moot point.

I want to thank you all for participating and expressing your views. With lots of ground being covered here and a fairly exhaustive account of the situation, I am closing down comments and moving this entry into moderation mode where comments will pass through an approval process.

And that's really good. Let's hope you can have a warming effect on the others and impact positive change, because now I'm getting comments from people calling me names. It's so silly. But thank you for sitting on the non-abusive side of the fence.

I have personally contacted the state attorney general (in my state) and they have ASSURED me what he is doing is indeed discriminatory and illegal. The fact remains that double strollers are the SAME width as wheelchairs...and if Ed's store cannot accomodate double stollers then he cannot accomodate wheelchairs and THAT is the part that is wrong and illegal.
What if I had a store and put a sign up on the door that said "No people over 6 feet tall allowed?" How would that go over??? Like a lead balloon, I fear

The question devolves to this: Is it reasonable and prudent for a store owner, whose shop is filled with fragile merchandise, to bar somebody who is walking on stilts, for example, (note that this activity - walking on stilts - is both intentional and volitional) from her/his store. This has nothing to do with ADA - wheel-chair bound individuals are made welcome - it has everything to do with a store owner taking reasonable steps to protect merchandise. Whether or not the strollers meet ADA specifications vis-a-vis width, their use, unlike the use of a wheel-chair, represents a choice by the operator, who has options that are acceptable in this specific case. Specialty stores often have aisles that are not wide enough to accommodate these oversized strollers. Just because Hummers are available does not mean that Hummer owners have the "right" to park in just any parking place.

So what you are saying is that because I have twins I don't have the same rights as those who weren't blessed and as lucky as myself?????

"The question devolves to this: Is it reasonable and prudent for a store owner, whose shop is filled with fragile merchandise, to bar somebody who is walking on stilts, for example, (note that this activity - walking on stilts - is both intentional and volitional) from her/his store. This has nothing to do with ADA - wheel-chair bound individuals are made welcome - it has everything to do with a store owner taking reasonable steps to protect merchandise. Whether or not the strollers meet ADA specifications vis-a-vis width, their use, unlike the use of a wheel-chair, represents a choice by the operator, who has options that are acceptable in this specific case. Specialty stores often have aisles that are not wide enough to accommodate these oversized strollers. Just because Hummers are available does not mean that Hummer owners have the "right" to park in just any parking place."

Agreed, however what you fail to understand is that AS a mother of twins I DON'T have the option NOT to use a double stroller. A person who walks on stilts CAN choose not to. This being said makes your point an unfair comparison.

Donna-
I find it interesting that you chose not to publish my post about Ed CHANGING his sign....
This is factual information

I can understand that mothers with more than one child need a way to be active and out with their children. I can also understand that there is precious merchandise in the Farmhouse Store, I know this because I am one of the artists that Ed carries. What I want to say is that I think that, with all due respect, that you are targeting the wrong person. I have to tell you that Ed and his staff have been overly warm and lovely to work with always and I am having a hard time believing that this "rule" would in any way be made to exclude anyone. This is a man running a small business and doing the best that he can which includes having guidelinies that protect his hard work. I am so sure of his character that I am sure if he could not accomodate your stroller he would do everything else possible to make all moms with multiples visits to his store as easy as possible minus the stroller. Please - to the woman who is blessed with twins - realize that and know that with multiple children not everything is possible. But also know that there are wonderful people out there like Ed and his great staff who are there to lend a helping hand. That is what community is for - when someone has wonderful, lucky circumstances that the community is there to help and be a part of it.

SNL – I understand, so let me give you my thinking. What makes me a uncomfortable about that is that I don't know for sure - and everyone is right who says someone or another doesn't have the facts straight - subjective, actual or otherwise. It became very clear that we all define "conversation" differently and so what happened specifically between Ed and April is between them to clear up/work out because one fact is for sure, none of us really know what happened because we weren't there. It doesn't make any sense to go round and round with "he said, she said." Clearly, the stories occur on polar opposites of a tenuous spectrum. What I do think is useful is to continue a healthy debate about this issue with many lenses. And the more we lay those lenses over one another, the clearer and more informed a picture we can get. I, myself look forward to learning from anyone who contributes to the discussion in a constructive and positive way. I’ve already been expanded by some of what people have written and hope we can keep the muck out of it. There are so many interesting things to talk about here. ADA and the effect of other laws on businesses, small business, retail, customer service, training, sales, marketing, PR, strategy, etc… the list could go on and on and we can make the most of it and learn from one another if we choose to.

What I find quite amazing about these comments is people just don’t realize that going into any store or restaurant is a choice not a right. And as a business owner you can choose to deal with a customer or not as long as you are not discriminating. Ed has never refused to do business with anyone, he has just simply asked that certain things (which are not required to be used, like a wheelchair for a disabled person) not be brought into the store. He could easily ban golf carts, garbage bins, large suitcases or pogo sticks. Stores have policies for checking in bags at the front desk to mitigate theft. Why should someone complain if double-wide strollers are left at the front to mitigate damage?

Nowadays people seem to think they are entitled to go anywhere and do anything and that everything is a right. Unfortunately people also forget to walk in someone else's shoes before they rally the forces for their cause. And it doesn't matter what happened or how Ed or the woman acted initially. What matters is how things happened after the fact and how people have conducted themselves once they had time to cool down and think rationally. It appears though that the opposition to Ed's policy have not acted completely rationally.

Dont you think you all need to get over it? The mother who must of spent all that time reseraching the dimensions and then writting them down!!! This is madness people. mountain out of a mole hill

Here's a brilliant idea, how bout all u whining MoM's just shop at a different store? Get off the internet, and go read a book to your children, or make your husband an extra special dinner tonight. Just please leave this small business owner alone. He's trying to survive in this recession, and is doing good for our town by bringing jobs for half a dozen people. He should be applauded, not ridiculed. Now go cook dinner.

Shop at a different store? Go cook dinner? Surviving in a recession? How about discrimination, pure and simple. You have more than one child who needs to be confined to a stroller? You can't shop here. No mountain of molehills. Discriminating.

I find it disconcerting that you say you are hoping to put forth a constructive dialog between the opposing sides, yet you allow a post such as below to be published. Where is the constructive dialog here? As a mother (and not necesarily one who has twins) I find it extremely offensive by what you allowed to be posted.

This has nothing to do with the debate at hand. Clearly it seems that you are nurturing the negativity towards these mothers who feel they need to be defended, rather than letting both sides flow.

Capitalism commented:

Here's a brilliant idea, how bout all u whining MoM's just shop at a different store? Get off the internet, and go read a book to your children, or make your husband an extra special dinner tonight. Just please leave this small business owner alone. He's trying to survive in this recession, and is doing good for our town by bringing jobs for half a dozen people. He should be applauded, not ridiculed. Now go cook dinner.

I am extremely disapointed that a comment telling women to go cook dinner has been allowed to be published yet you did not publish other legitimate posts. This person is basically saying that women should be barefoot and pregnant and stay in the kitchen where they belong. How is that comment adding anything constructive to the debate? it's not. it's just spreading hate.

I agree with you about the dinner comment. It's obnoxious. But he/she certainly did not extend it to say,"women should be barefoot and pregnant and stay in the kitchen where they belong..." Some of his other points were valid - and I can't rewrite them. I'm sorry you're disappointed, "disappointed." And I'm sorry you're appalled, "appalled."

This is ridiculous. As a mother of two young children let me just say that I am NOT offended in the least. Who cares? If your stroller doesn't fit in the aisles that well and there are tons of things that can get broken don't bring the stroller in. If you don't like it, don't shop there. Get over it. Some people have way too much time on their hands and need to remember we are in a recession and this store will attract many people to the center of Westfield. As for all the comparisons to wheelchairs...we're not talking about wheelchairs, we're talking about strollers with at least two children in them. It is impossible to predict if and when a child will reach out and grab and item off the shelf and damage it or cause harm to themselves. As a mother who has pushed a double for years I tell the others...get over it and stop whining!

And now that I know I might still get published if I comment. True Donna, we might not know exactly how the initial interaction went but April admittedly said to Ed that she would pay for any damage done to his merchandise. She was still shooed out of the store regardless. It's not about protecting his investment, it's discriminating.

I think a this "debate" has gotten emotional and people are missing the point. 'April' saw a sign that said no double strollers. She went into the store to inquire as to the purpose behind the sign. Rather than being told that it was to protect the merchandise she was shooed out of the store without an explanation. That is the root of this problem. Had 'Ed' or his employees taken the time to explain things to her do you really think things would have gotten this big?

"It is impossible to predict if and when a child will reach out and grab and item off the shelf and damage it or cause harm to themselves. As a mother who has pushed a double for years I tell the others...get over it and stop whining!"

The impossibility of predicting behavior applies to women pushing children in single strollers as well. Or to clumsy adults. Or to many, many others.

I feel quite sure that if the sign banned all children, many of these comments would be sung to a different tune.

But now noodle, we are introducing another aspect about what April said to Ed. April may admit that, but unless they both agree on the events as they went down, it's more "he said," "she said." Naturally, the store doesn't think they shooed anyone out - so on this, we'll never get anywhere. Again, it has to remain between the individuals that know what happened. And you are absolutely free to believe whatever you want with respect to Ed's motives, and others will disagree. That's fine.

And where is April anyway? How come everyone is speaking for her?

Could Ed kindly answer why he felt the need to STALK her the other day and photograph her and her twins to, in his words, post on his FB page?
Im sorry but someone who does that just to prove a point is ill....not well....just not well

as for April not speaking and others speaking for her....ever think her lawyer advised her not to????

duh - no. i hadn't thought of that.

and get real - I can't answer that. April should ask Ed.

and since you guys don't use your real names, could you tone down the animosity in your "covers?"

The following is what I feel is truly missing the point: 'April' said in her letter to the editor that she saw the sign that informed her that double strollers were not allowed, then decided to ignore the rule by entering the store with the double stroller.

What was the thought process... The rules shouldn't apply to me? I don't agree with the rule so I am not going to follow it? Rules are fine as long as they don't interfere with what I want to do? If you want to question a rule made by the proprietor, I believe you have the right to do so. There are many ways she could have questioned it without flagrantly ignoring the store's request.

If a store's policy does not agree with my wishes, preferences, or needs I simply do not shop there. Shopkeepers have the right to make their own policies, and individuals have the right to refuse to shop there. Things have gotten "this big", in fact, because some people feel they must be accomodated at every turn, regardless of the rights and needs of others.

Mothers, please stop writing that you "can't" or are "not allowed to" shop at the store because you have multiple children. If you truly want to shop at a store, you may do so without violating their policies, just like the rest of us do. Just like my mother did when she had four children under the age of five.

As someone who works with individuals who are covered by the Americans with Disablities Act, I am offended that some are using the Act as a basis for this issue. Double/Triple wide strollers are NOT covered by the ADA. If you disagree, cite the code!

so do you mean to tell me that if a store has a policy to not allow "germans" or "people with black hair" or "someone with a prosthetic arm" that would be ok?

I'll try to be brief, because this could go on all day. The policy prohibits the use of an ITEM in the store... not a person or group of people. To suggest otherwise is irresponsible.

but by prohibiting THAT item you are prohibiting THAT person

Completely untrue. Please see above posts such as 'Dave' and 'Ky' for clarification.

Shop's closing for the weekend. Please hold your comments until Monday or I'll never be able to get through them all if they bottleneck over the next few days. It's been fun and beyond FASCINATING. Meanwhile, I have a book to finish, so I'm signing off. For next week, let's not beat this dead horse to death anymore. It's dead. Let's find a different angle to talk about something new... and interesting. Happy Friday.

Lets get to the actual point... this is all due to the fact that Westfield couples are waiting until they are 45 to start having kids and pop them out in twos and threes. Thanks doc! This is something that no one should have to deal with, especially a business that is trying to do something fun and different for the boring lives of these same individuals. Please understand that talking about wheel chairs is not only misleading, but a low blow in an argument about individual choice and business ethics. No one is being kept out of the store, and the children are able to move without the stroller. No business decision is without market repercussions. If this policy creates enemies for the owner and makes the business lose more revenue than the savings from all the broken merchandise, I am sure he will realize that he made a mistake and revoke the policy. Until that day, stay out of his store. This is not discrimination. A stroller is not a wheelchair, and the soccer moms should not use this forum to abuse the civil rights of handicap individuals who had to fight for those rights.

All I can say is I'm making a trip to The Farmhouse Store the first opportunity I get to support Ed. These are the Moms who give other Moms a bad name - entitled, spoiled prima donna's twisting the intent of ADA law to justify their faux outrage and sorority mob behavior. Newsflash - the world does not revolve around you and you're not a special, protected group just because you have children! And one more thing - GO ED AND GO DONNA!!!

Yes I am the dad of triplets. My family owens both a double(side by side) and a triple(tandem) Have there been store that I havent gone in to or just not that far into with my family due to the size of my stroller yes. Have I ever seen a sign or been asked by a store owner or employee to leave/not enter due to my stroller...never.. Howver if it did happen and a explaination beyond because i said so was given I would respect the policy and leave.

To all those that wonder why "these MoMs" are so enraged and seem to be taking this seriously is because we have to. You are right we arent protected under the ADA or any other law. We have to stick up for what we feel are rights to "live and function" as singleton families do. I would also like to point out the what I feel is common sense, not everyone that has made a negitive action towards the store and Ed are MoMs.. This has gotten alot of "press time" and a lot people, as seen here, have strong feelings due to the ties not only of MoMs but the ADA references etc..

So Ed all I ask is give us a WHY.. beyond because its my store and I said so. You have a reason, share it with us in some forum that we can read... this blog, your facebook page, your company webpage. I mean your very quick to pat yourself on your back for all the great things you done for this town. So stand on that soapbox and tell us WHY you dont want double/triple stroller in your store

If you are willing to pay all the merchandise your kids break either in a stroller or on foot, why not just hire a babysitter? Makes no sense.

ADA is geared to assist the individual with the disability who uses an aid of any kind to surmount mobility challenges (wheelchair, scooters, canes, walkers, & if the child is disabled, even a stroller.) The whole issue hinges on the presumption of an impairment, both obvious & hidden. By "confined to a stroller" did the mother mean that her child is disabled or not? Does the preexisting limitation of the child preclude the mom from exercising alternative options in that situation?

It sounds like their actions are based on a misguided and "blinkered" sense of undeserved entitlement. It's precisely such behavior that complicates the aims & causes of advocates in the disability rights movement, myself included. As for personal experiences, most folks are polite & deferential when I go around in my power chair or even in the manual one when the motorized one is out of commission. There are a few loners who take umbrage in my zooming around, or even about parking spaces for people with disabilities but they're far and few in between. The most stereotyped query I've been asked is: "Where's your aide?" to which I respond by stating my preference to be independent indicating that my daily needs are excellently met. To put it bluntly, the wide load stroller moms are simply spoiled princesses like "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" reality show on Bravo channel.

It’s amazing to see how much discussion has emerged over a simple sign. As a mother of a toddler who is now into everything and who owns a jog stroller that has been at times difficult to maneuver in public spaces, I have to agree with FOF, Dave and Ky on this one. We are talking about objects, NOT people and therefore not discrimination. You can’t discriminate against and object.

Based on April’s letter and Ed’s comment above, the sign only said not bring double-wide strollers into the store. It CLEARLY did not say that families with twins/multiple children were not allowed in the store. So, to extrapolate that by prohibiting double-wide strollers in turn prohibits families with twins/multiple children is an invalid argument and then, to further state that the store is discriminating against people with twins/multiples, is also invalid.

And, this is also what I don’t understand – If a stroller is able to go and fit into the same places as a wheelchair, how does that translate into businesses needing to give people with strollers the same liberties as people in wheelchairs? Convenience and special needs are not interchangeable.

If a mom uses the bathroom stall designated for wheelchairs because it happens to fit her double-wide stroller, then she’s using it for convenience sake, not because she has special needs. And truth be told, those stalls are supposed to be reserved for people with disabilities because those individuals do not have the means to get themselves into the other stalls.

Just because a double-wide stroller fits through doorways and bathroom stalls that comply with ADA guidelines does not mean the stroller and the person pushing it is afforded the same rights and protection as someone who uses a wheelchair. That just means that the stroller manufacturers are smart and did their homework when designing their double-wide strollers.

Tackle a Real Issue, we have them in NJ!
I can't tell anymore, is the issue that double wide strollers risk damaging the fragile merchandise in a upscale suburban downtown commercial center or that we have nothing our personal equity can produce anymore. To have spent the time reading this blog makes me sad. Spending time in the Westfield area recently peaked my civic minded sense of responsibility. With so much encouragement and anticipation of a reinvigorated public citizenry brought on by the recent national election I view this debate, protest and expense of public discourse gluttonous. This all comes at a time when I view the media depictions of our faltering economy, a de-stabilized tax base, and a state filled with local government riddled with corruption and public mistrust we are spending this valuable forum identifying what? That bulls in china shops are a potential hazard to china.(I am not referring to the children and their strollers in the store but the people on this blog)

Come on, don't you people realize there are two wars going on, where Americans are sacrificing their lives being away from their loved ones and some even making the ultimate sacrifice for us to make sure we have our freedom...and what do you do, squander your time griping at each other. Get your head out of your rear ends, all of you, and imagine if one of our soldiers could read this sad, sad blog. He/she would cry in his helmet.

The moms are the ones who belong in the strollers. C’mon. “I want what I want. I want it now and I’m going to throw a hissy fit if I don’t get it. Waaah.” I don’t know, put them at around 4, maybe 6 years old?

New post up this week. Time to switch gears... go to... www.expertbusinesssource.com

I ran into April on the street this week. She shook my hand, and said she was sorry things got so out of hand. I really wanted to say my peace, but I know that to let this thing fade away is the best thing for everyone. Everything that needed to be said has been said. I shook her hand and went on my way.

If I hadn't grown up in Westfield, I'd think this might just be a story written on a slow day for The Onion. Or a scene from the movie "Little Children" that ended up on the cutting room floor.

completely agree with POLLY. WAAAAAAAH--LOL. These "MoMs" are just simply spoiled. I've had FOUR kids in my life, close together, and I'd never treat that poor shop owner like that, I would have respected his wishes. In fact, I wouldn't have been caught DEAD in a store like THAT in the first place with my children!!!!!! Get over it, "MoMs". Practice birth control if you want everything your way. WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! Poor babies... :D