Dear editor:

I read the article “Veni’s business sweet in 100th year” by Aaron Mueller (Jan. 11, 2010) and as a resident of Niles for over 81 years, a regular customer of Veni’s for the past 60 years and having known the Marazita family for almost all of my life I find it very disrespectful and inaccurate in some areas. To me it feels like “An End of an Era in Niles.”

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Marazita immigrated to this country in the 1900s. They raised and educated their 11 children, who have all become successful and have contributed much to the city of Niles, state of Michigan and this country. This store is a landmark in Niles and probably one of the last original businesses in Niles.

Their son Joe and wife Josephine Marazita started the first Veni Sweet Shop on Dec. 7, 1939 – this does not compute to 100 years. Since that time it has remained a family owned and operated business. Also another brother had a Sweet Shop in Buchanan, and another brother had one in Sturgis, Mich.

(In reference to) the comment “Unfortunately until a few years ago, not many outside of Niles knew this quaint handmade-dipped candy store existed,” it is to their credit then that they have survived these many years with no advertising other than their reputation, word of mouth and an excellent product.

My husband and I personally have shipped or hand-delivered their candy as far away as South Bend, Ind.; Detroit, Mich.; Chicago, Ill.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Battle Creek, Mich.; and Niagara Falls, Canada. I also received a two-pound box of chocolates every Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, birthday, anniversary and sometimes “just because.”

(In reference to) the comment that technically the chocolate wasn’t chocolate, you yanked it out – now, was that really necessary?

I felt it is sad that nowhere in this article was the name of the previous owners, the Marazitas, mentioned. To them I say, “Thank you for the example you set for us as a family united, a family who gave back to their city, state and country, and last but not least, thanks for the many years of great chocolates the likes of which we shall never experience again.”

If the new owners feel they have made such great improvements – “eye-popping” success – may I suggest you put your name on the store, then judge how much of this success is due to the name of “Veni’s,” their long history, longevity, family pride and good chocolates.

Frances Pratl
Niles