Stop in downtown Elmira was a real homecoming
To the Editor, RECENTLY, I MOVED BACK to Elmira, after seven years of living in the city. Last week, I decided to revisit a time-honoured tradition of going downtown for Moonlight Madness. Stepping out of my car, I was greeted by the sounds of music: a group of people from Elmira Mennonite Church were standing at the corner of Arthur and Church, singing Christmas carols. I stood awhile, enjoying the much-loved Christmas songs, so beautifully sung in four-part harmony. Groups of shoppers greeted each other, sometimes stopping to chat; I truly felt like I was “home” again.
Then came the announcement that the singers were moving inside the Kitchen Kuttings Store for a few songs. As almost everyone knows, Kitchen Kuttings is one of Elmira’s success stories: three well-known (and much loved and respected) local women purchased a small cheese store 27 years ago. With hard work and long hours, along with vision and ingenuity, Elmeda, Lydia and Nancy have built their business into what it is today: a spotlessly clean, bright, good-sized corner food shop, selling quality goods, always busy with local customers as well as those who drive for miles to shop there. No doubt the genuinely warm and personal customer service is part of the draw, for this store, and many others in Elmira.
Standing in that unique shop, listening to the words and harmony of the Christmas song ‘Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,’ my heart was filled with gratitude; first, for the Christmas season, where we celebrate the birth of the Jesus, Son of God, who came to be our Saviour. I felt grateful for this community, where we can walk along the streets in the evening darkness, without fear; I felt thankful for the hard-working business owners of Elmira, who strive to provide good service, and keep the downtown viable; they deserve our support.
And last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to the folks from Elmira Mennonite Church, who were willing to stand outside, on a cold damp evening, singing the joyful songs of Christmas to warm our hearts and spirits. As I returned home, to my little house in Elmira, I felt truly blessed.
MARIE WEBER | ELMIRA