The red doors of Heavenly Threads thrift store are closed. The Congregational Church assures us, via Facebook, that it will reopen. Their Facebook post does not accept comments and tells us that their planning is not complete and that whatever information is circulating in the community is inaccurate.

What I do know is that the beloved staff of Heavenly Threads is gone. I’ve shopped at and made donations to the thrift store for many years and the women who ran (and I mean run: in and out, up and down stairs as they processed and displayed tons of donations) were always cheerful, friendly, professional and hard-working. I loved the warm atmosphere, seeing the actions of “reuse” and “repurpose” in practice , and knowing that local charities were supported by money generated.

I realize that things change, but change is not always an improvement. I will miss those wonderful, dedicated women, who brightened so many peoples’ days.

Elizabeth Tibbetts lives in Hope