March 29, 2024

Concerned that long-time business left out of Get to Know Newton campaign

To the editor:

I just wanted to thank Ty Rushing for being such a nice breath of fresh air to the Newton Daily News. I very much enjoyed his piece today “Diary of a Caffeine Addict.”

I am a “real” coffee drinker with the tell-tale withdrawal signs following my lack of caffeinating first thing in the morning, yet I somehow manage to keep it to one cup per day. I also enjoy my one cup from my Keurig via the more sustainable and economically friendly “my k-cup”. That aside, I think it is incredibly important to note his fun piece better brought to light the often overlooked Newton charmer: Uncle Nancy’s.

Lately, with the “Get to Know Newton” media blitz, it appears this staple in our community has been overlooked. The first Get to Know Newton booklet greatly concerned me as a long-time Newton resident. It chose to focus on the year-old coffee place vs. the one that has been a part of our community for more than 10 years.

I’m not sure if this was an oversight or ignorance, but either way, I would not blame those responsible for making Uncle Nancy’s successful for feeling slighted. Uncle Nancy’s has continuously been on the forefront of making sure Newton’s residents, causes and missions were presented to the public.

It has always graciously allowed local artists, musicians, speakers, politicians and everything in between needing  a platform to have a venue or forum to let their voices be heard and their work seen. I’m all for friendly competition and that might come in a newer and trendier package, but as anyone with business acumen might know, a new business rarely makes it past five years.

I encourage the newer location to step up their game to meet the community’s needs, but right now I believe we owe it to Uncle Nancy’s to continue to give it our patronage as it has always shown faith in the community and residents it serves.

Mariah Wormley

Newton