Laurie Snider
Notes from the Nest
A favourite collection of books of mine is the Mitford series, written by author Jan Karon. They’re set in the seemingly ordinary, yet idyllic town of Mitford and tell fanciful tales of the colourful cast of characters that live there. Mitford is exactly the type of place one could only hope to live in. It’s a safe, caring community where neighbours know neighbours and citizens go out of their way to be courteous, kind, giving and constantly reaching out to connect with each other. Karon once in an interview said, “There are Mitford’s everywhere.” I couldn’t agree with her more, because I live in one.
I believe I possess a countrified soul, as in my humble estimation, one of Napanee’s greatest charms is its abundance of lush green space, both agricultural and unspoiled, a treasured, rural countryside both bucolic and sublime. Heck, we even have a farm right in town. With the picturesque Napanee River winding its way through town, most of us have ambled along her banks as it bubbles, gurgles and splashes over the falls.
A friend of mine, Nancy Yanaky, who can often be spotted around town walking her dogs shared with me, “I’m grateful for living in a small town where I can walk to many things, where you get to know your neighbours and community.”
Our downtown is enviable and frequently lauded. Its full of marvellously, unique shops with the most delightful, welcoming, congenial merchants, who love nothing more than taking the time to fuss over you, learn your name and generally make your day. Local café owner Ellena Fleury, loves her coworkers and her customers. With her refreshingly, sunshiny spirit, she tells me “I’m most thankful that I get to see kindness between one another everyday.”
Extra-curricular and recreational pursuits are plentiful, as well as special interest organizations and service clubs, something to suit every fancy. There are also frequent festivals, markets and parades, designed to encourage locals to mingle, mix and celebrate all that’s great about our town. Forging connections and common bonds with fellow residents, are what Beaver cartoonist, Tim Nimigan welcomes, “I’ve always enjoyed running into people I know when out and about in town. It makes even grocery shopping fun. Mind you it takes longer.”
Naturally we’re proud of our historical connections and if you care to learn more about them, a visit to our first-class county museum, Macpherson House or a walking tour to learn more about our history might be in order. Local musician and history buff Stephen Medd, expressed this perfectly to me, “Not a day goes by where I don’t feel connected to the region, through its rich Indigenous and Loyalist history and through all who have followed to build this town of Napanee.”
Despite history, beauty, a snazzy downtown and a wide array of amusements and diversions, what really makes our town something special, are the everyday, average folks who live here. Contributions of time, talent, goods and yes even cold hard cash abound. Mayor Marg Isbester, said when asked, “Easy-peasy! I’m thankful for the blessing of a generous, caring community and just folks who endlessly step forward to help out a good cause.”
Leah Birmingham, Co-director of Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, echoed, “I’m thankful to live in a small community that shows big support for our unique local institutions like the hospital, SPWC, Morning Star Mission and the OSPCA. Many local charities would not be able to stay afloat without the people of Napanee.”
Morning Star Mission Director, Kevin Alkenbrack also concurs, “I’m thankful that so many people in and around Napanee are so generous with their time talent and treasures. There would be no Morning Star Mission or warming centre without them.”
Another dear friend Diane Posterski also thoughtfully conveyed, “I’m most grateful for the sense of community, a place I can contribute and be known and where people do their best to work together to make it even better.”
As my astute friends have so wisely articulated, Napanee absolutely qualifies as a ‘Mitford,’ and in this season of gratitude, being blessed to call it my hometown is definitely one more reason to be thankful.