Friday, Jan. 29, 2010

People can be very protective of their small towns, especially when they are longtime residents. They know the history of its businesses, buildings, events and even the families themselves. They almost claim ownership because they feel like they’ve had such a big part in making the town what it is.

Veni’s Sweet Shop in Niles is no exception.

On Monday, Jan. 11, the Niles Daily Star printed a story about the candy store’s success in the area. Reporter Aaron Mueller interviewed Linda Skwarcan, who owns the business with her husband, Larry. The couple took over Veni’s as owners in April 2008. Mueller, who started at the Star in December, just moved here from the Kalamazoo area and is not familiar with the history of Niles.

The story, a “Business Monday” feature, was meant to be a positive, non-controversial article about an interesting Niles business that is doing well. There were no ill intentions on Mueller’s or Skwarcan’s part in publishing the story.

However, the backlash after the story ran was completed unexpected.

Numerous e-mails, phone calls and visits from concerned Veni’s customers, former employees and Niles residents flooded the Star. Three letters to the editor very critical of the article have been printed since the original story ran. Citizens claim the business is not 100 years old, and that the owners were bragging that Veni’s is now better than it was. Some called the article “inaccurate,” “disrespectful” and “unsettling.”

The Star apologizes for any inaccuracies in the article; however, we were given all information for the story from the current owner. When we interview a business owner, we do not assume they do not know the history of their business. Also, Mueller’s story was about the current success of the business, not its history.

When Mueller interviewed the current owner, she gave all the information she believed she knew about her business. Skwarcan is continuing to operate a very successful business with a rich history. However, it should be pointed out that it is now their business, and although neither she nor anyone else is dismissing the many previous owners’ endeavors, it is now the Skwarcans’ business to operate as they please.

Skwarcan explained after the article ran that she was shocked about the criticism over the story. She claims she was never told the reportedly “correct” history of her business, and a stained glass window hanging for many years on her building says, “Veni’s, Since 1910.”

Skwarcan claims not one person had come to her before or after the article was printed to introduce themselves and explain the history or provide correct information about Veni’s. The Star has received many accounts from citizens of the history of Veni’s and its former next-door competitor, the Paris. Most of these accounts conflict each other with dates, names and events.

The Star recognizes these citizens regard Veni’s as a trademark Niles business with a long tradition. We thank you for your calls and letters.

Furthermore, we ask that any citizens with historical information regarding Veni’s please introduce themselves to the Skwarcans. They would probably love to know how their business started and how it became what it is today.