Dear editor:
As the chair of the Chautauqua Residents Association, I wanted to take a moment to thank our wonderful community for coming together for a fantastic event last week – our annual corn roast and barbecue.
The Chautauqua community never fails to amaze me.
The warmth and kindness that the evening was staggering. It brings me so much joy to see members of our community, both old and new, come together to share a good time in the heart of our neighbourhood.
I haven’t seen a turnout like the one we had for many years; it was very heartwarming.
I felt a touch of nostalgia and emotion as I gathered with my community, eating cake, sharing a few laughs and watching a new generation of neighbourhood children run around and compete in a tug-of-war and egg and spoon race, just as we did growing up years ago.
It took me back in time, not only to my childhood, but seemingly to a place where there was no division, no disagreements between neighbours, no “us vs. them” mentality, just to a place where we all came together to savour and enjoy the beautiful community we share and live in.
My hope is that we can continue to foster this sense of spirit and community, not only in Chautauqua, but in the rest of our town as well.
This event was special not only because it was the first time the community had been able to gather in a while, but it was also the 70th anniversary of the Chautauqua Residents Association.
For 70 years, the association has been advocating for the rights and preservation of our little neighbourhood. Countless residents have volunteered their time and effort over the years to ensure that our community has a strong voice speaking for it.
I am so grateful to be the third generation of my family living in Chautauqua. I grew up on Shakespeare Avenue and look forward to calling the neighbourhood home for many years to come.
We are all so lucky to live in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Chautauqua. The unique charm, gorgeous tree canopy and friendly atmosphere truly creates a special place.
In a world where things are constantly changing, Chautauqua has kept its beauty and charm the entire time, and, in my opinion, that is rare for a community.
Let us keep reminding ourselves the importance of community and preservation, and be thankful that we all share such a special place as our home.
Weston Miller
NOTL
