Dear Editor:
I am writing to express my outrage at a recent event on Carnarvon Street.
As many Record readers will know, Essence Hair Design and Home Décor is at 887 Carnarvon St. I am a longtime customer of Essence, and it is not just a place you go to get your hair cut or buy a new purse or some candles, it is a home away from home for all its customers, and it is a beacon of light in our community.
Lorna Stewart is the owner of Essence, and she and her staff always make customers feel like old friends. Lorna is a longtime member of the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce and she was recently the recipient of their Business Excellence Award. She has raised countless funds for several good causes over the years, including the Kidney Foundation, Monarch Place and Juvenile Diabetes. She has employed numerous people in our community.
There were media stories last year when someone decided to steal the planter of flowers Lorna had placed just outside her shop door.
Well, guess what? Lorna replaced the planter and someone has stolen it again.
To the person(s) who did this - was it really worth it? It's not like you were hungry and were stealing food (not that stealing is ever right).
What you did was take away something that gave beauty and positive energy to everyone who passed by. Can you really enjoy those flowers now? If you sold them, what did you get for them? $25?
Shame on you for trampling on the spirit of one of New Westminster's best citizens! If you have any decency at all, go and apologize to Lorna and do something to make it up to her (or put a pot of flowers outside her door and an apology note) - she'll forgive you - that's the way she is.
To others who know Lorna and Essence - if you are in the area, stop by and give Lorna a hug.
Tamara Hunter, New Westminster
