Spaghetti Brings Community Together
Spaghetti Brings Community Together
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church welcomes everyone to special Saturday supper; Local businesses team up to offer fun weekend outing
Photos / Various Sources
In today’s world, it often feels like the weight of constant turmoil and unrest is pressing down on us all. The raw emotions and challenges of daily life can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel lost in the chaos. Yet, in times like these, there’s a simple truth that stands out: we need each other. How wonderful would it be to come together as a community, if only for a moment, to set aside the noise and simply enjoy the company of those around us? In a world that can sometimes feel like it’s tearing at the seams, the power of human connection - of sharing smiles, laughter, and warmth - becomes not just a luxury but a lifeline.
This Saturday, February 15th from 4:30-7:00pm, make a visit to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ellicottville for a delicious plate of spaghetti and garlic bread during their monthly Spaghetti Supper. I spoke to Deacon Larry Ploetz earlier in the week. “We started the Spaghetti Suppers as a way to provide a reasonable priced meal that the whole family can sit down and eat together,” he said. “It’s something we do not believe happens enough these days.”
Everyone is welcome, local or visitor alike. All ages, this is a family-oriented event. If you can’t make it this Saturday, mark your calendar for their March 15th Spaghetti Supper, which will be their last one of the season.
Once summer rolls around, St. Paul’s will transition their gatherings into chicken BBQs. (Keep an eye on their Facebook page for announcements.) The church also offers Fall Festival parking, they host a Trunk or Treat event every Halloween, and just this past year, launched their inaugural Thanksgiving Meal. These are all wonderful ways the church gets involved to bring community together. “Everyone is welcome and we are here to support them,” Larry said. “Sometimes everyone needs a friend. Everyone is loved here.” And we could all use a little extra love these days.
On that note, I think you’d be interested to learn about this weekend’s Galentine’s Day event. On Saturday, Anzivinos’s Sweets & Boutique, Ava Grace Fashions, Cupcaked, Wild Roamer, and The Winery of Ellicottville have joined forces to offer a fun shopping experience for you and your gal pals. Pick up a “Galentine’s Saturday” shopping card at any of the businesses listed. From 11:00am-6:00pm, visit each of the participating locations in the village, have your card stamped, and when all five locations are full, return your card to Cupcaked to be entered into a raffle prize valued at over $100. The winner will be announced Saturday evening. What better way to enjoy boba tea, decadent cupcakes, and a glass of wine on top of all the wonderful retail items these shops carry!
Of course, coming together doesn’t mean you have to do it for a cause or go to a special event. You could just visit Ellicottville, spend a day with your family on the slopes or take your friends to any one of the tasty places in town for dinner and drinks. My vote leans towards the Ellicottville Bake Shop’s croissants, or Monroe Street Brick and Brew’s build-your-own pizza. I always opt for fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and pepperoni - you should give it a try, I promise you it’s very good!
Remember, alone we can do little but together we can do so much. Donate to our local food pantries, call the school and see if there are any students that could use some extra help, pick up trash on the roadside. Little things have big consequences and the random acts of kindness are an amazing way we can help others and make them feel cared for, even if we don’t know them personally.
I think that Coretta Scott-King said it best, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” So, whether you are attending any of our local events or just getting together to spend some quiet time with your important people, just remember to be kind!
