Support for Joanne and Denie: Rebuilding After Tragedy

It is with a heavy heart that I share devastating news about two cherished members of our Hermitage family.

On the evening of December 1, Joanne Weiss and her partner, Denie Orr – dedicated booksellers who have been a part of our community for decades – experienced an unimaginable tragedy during a violent home invasion that has changed their lives forever. During the invasion, Joanne suffered multiple gunshot wounds that have left her paralyzed from the sternum down. Despite the enormity of this life-altering event, Joanne and Denie are facing the future with incredible courage, resilience, and determination. But the road ahead is long and filled with challenges, and they need our support more than ever.

Joanne and Denie have spent their lives enriching the lives of others – through their work, their kindness, and their dedication to their neighborhood and the broader bookselling community. As they move forward, they will have to make significant adjustments to their way of life, and the costs can be overwhelming. We want to ease their burden so they can focus on recovering, supporting one another, and adapting to their new way of life.

We are seeking to raise $50,000 to help cover essential expenses, including:

Joanne and Denie have given so much, and now it’s time for us to give back.

How You Can Help:

Every donation, no matter the size, brings Joanne and Denie closer to the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Let’s come together as a community to support Joanne and Denie as they embark on this challenging journey. Your generosity and kindness can help turn this heartbreaking chapter into one of resilience, hope, and love.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Hermitage Bookshop

Ian, Renee, Sam, Madeline, and Jim