Seeing the auctioneer's ads or reading the public notices or article
caught the unaware reader with a reaction similar to the experience
when reading an obituary or hearing the news of the passing of a fellow
community member. An intake of breath. A heartfelt pang and catch in
the throat. Certainly sadness. Loss is loss, requiring grieving as well
as reflecting and sharing memories that make you smile, laugh and feel
joy about the good times shared.
My heart goes out to the people who are losing their home. I don't know
you, but I'm sincerely sorry for your loss. I wish you well as you
start anew and hope you have shelter and all that you need to
comfortably survive and thrive.
On a far more personal note, the closing of the 1824 House Inn and
Restaurant is a big one -- most obviously, and importantly, for John
Lumbra and Trae Greene, as this was their home as well as their
business and livelihood. The restaurant, event catering, and B and B
inn operation was John's culinary dream. He literally and figuratively
opened his doors to all. John's generosity is huge. He has an enormous
heart, always ready to contribute and donate, supporting the community,
school district and numerous organizations in various ways.
This loss is certainly felt by the staff, not just for our jobs and
paychecks, but because it has truly been a joy to work with John and
Trae. We all worked hard, whether front of the house, back of the house
or inn staff, but we had a great time doing so as it was a solid
professional team who really enjoyed working with each other. We all
smiled and "off the floor" laughed a lot -- during every shift. We have
John and Trae to thank for creating and maintaining that environment.
We strived to provide professional, exemplary customer service and
hospitality to complement John's wonderful cuisine and décor. "Relaxed
elegance" was the marketing slogan, and whether it was in the inn, the
barn or a fabulous tented event, John (and his staff) aimed to provide
it for the past eight years.
Friday (tomorrow), October 16, is "National Boss Day." This year, it
will be far different than how we celebrated that day last year or the
previous years, but let me publicly say, John and Trae, thank you for
everything! I have truly loved my years working for and with you! Thank
you for all that you have brought to this community through your
non-stop untold hours, unrelenting, sustained efforts with impeccable
taste, style and impressive results! There's a very long list of loyal
diners, inn guests, happy meeting and event hosts, as well as delighted
brides, grooms and their families and guests, and the list goes on and
on. Your vibrancy, talents and skills have added much to The Valley --
and will continue to do so through whatever you decide is the next step
and adventure for you!
The old adage is that one door closes and another opens. I guess in
this case, the barn's door has closed for now. We'll see what happens
next. Another adventure awaits.
Thank you, John and Trae! Thank you, fellow staff members (past and
"present")! Thank you to all the guests and vendors I've seen and met
while at the 1824 House!
Gail Breslauer, Fayston, hospitality specialist at 1824 House
