Just like the majority of residential homes throughout Newtown, some local businesses experienced power outages and fallen trees - while others remained unaffected - by the severe storm that swept through Connecticut on the evening of May 15 (see related stories).The Newtown Bee on Wednesday afternoon that the storm caused a tree to fall on the restaurant's roof and damage an air conditioning unit. Thanks to a backup unit running, he said, the business has been able to continue serving customers dining and taking out.

PJ's Laundromat in Sandy Hook temporarily lost power Tuesday night, but by the following morning, it was back on. Owner Sharon Doherty said there were no damages to the Church Hill Road property, and the laundromat's 20 washers and 20 dryers were all operational. Those who may not have power for the foreseeable future can take comfort in knowing there is a place in town where they can clean their clothes.

No power also means perishable food in people's refrigerators and freezers will expire quicker and cause residents to have to venture out in town to find food.

Managers at Big Y World Class Market, 6 Queen Street; Caraluzzi's Newtown Market, 5 Queen Street; and Stop andamp; Shop, 228 Sputh Main Street, all confirmed that the supermarkets did not lose power due to the storm and remain open for patrons.

On the early morning of May 16, both My Place Restaurant, 8 Queen Street, and Newtown Pizza Palace, 65 Church Hill Road, had phone lines down but were back up before noon and open for regular hours.

Newtown Pizza Palace Owner Aristotel "Ari" Zoto told

At 66 Church Hill Road, Blue Colony Diner continued to serve its many customers after the storm thanks to the power of a generator.

Those looking to replenish their stockpile of batteries and storm-related essentials have been flocking in droves to Newtown Hardware, 61 Church Hill Road, following this week's storm. The store was fortunate to have its phone connection back up and running by Wednesday morning. Owner Mike Sorrentino said that since the store opened, its items were selling fast.

Next door at Your Healthy Pet, owner Tom Novak said they were "extremely lucky" that their store was unharmed in the storm, and that they had their phone lines back up. Your Healthy Pet welcomes owners to bring their dogs, on leash, to the store and is open for its usual operational hours.

Many businesses have also been turning to social media to connect with the community and let them know that residents in need can come to them for help.

Ferris Acres Creamery, 144 Sugar Street, posted on its Facebook page shortly after 9 am on Wednesday, May 16, that the shop is running on generator power and would be open at 11:30 am. They added, "We'll have a power strip outside, so bring your chargers and also bring your containers for water if you need it. We'll also have our Keurig machine running; just ask and we'll be happy to make you a cup of coffee!"

Julie Allen Bridals, 154 South Main Street, also posted on its Facebook page just after 9 am on May 16, that the store had power. The post invited people to stop in, saying, "We have places to sit and WiFi, so if you need somewhere to charge your phone and hop online, you are welcome to come to our shop."

Many more places reached out to help residents, as well, in recovering from the townwide disaster.