If you visit the hamlet of Lily Dale in search of a cup of coffee or a sweet treat, you’ll probably find Stacy Schuerman (right) and her spouse, Michele Shull (left), serving up delightful cups of java and a warm and welcoming environment at the Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse. Stacy and Michele once called Wisconsin and Pennsylvania home, respectively, but have found their place together in Lily Dale. Due to the inviting atmosphere and rich history, the pair were drawn to the enriching place that is known as the world’s largest and oldest Spiritualist community, nestled next to the village of Cassadaga and just five minutes south of Fredonia. Stacy said she brought her children, TJ, age 19, and Isabella, age 17 with her, as well as the family dog, Bubba.
“I first came here 16 years ago when I heard of Lily Dale,” Stacy said. “I brought Michele here three years ago. Last year, we bought the coffeehouse and this year, we bought a house. It was a beautiful landscape, rich with history – friendly with a hometown feel; welcome and inclusive with being a small town.”
The seasonal coffee shop, Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse, located at 6 Cleveland Ave. in Lily Dale, is intended to offer a safe space for coffee, tea, and food – but Stacy and Michele also hope to offer a space where people can come together and connect.
“Whether it’s for coffee on the porch or to read a book, play a game, to engage in discussion, to learn about something new, we want to create an environment that raises consciousness,” she said.
Stacy said she has only lived in Wisconsin, and now Chautauqua County, while Michele has lived in both Pennsylvania and Texas. Michele said the weather and landscape in Pennsylvania are similar – but Chautauqua County has more of a chill factor.
Stacy pointed out there are similarities between Wisconsin and Western New York.
“There are definitely similarities with that small town feel, Friday fish fry and friendly people,” she said. “The history is older, and I like that.”
The pair enjoy visiting local small businesses, local eateries, restaurants, and coffee shops, and make a habit of thrift or antique shopping.
“They have a unique character that the chain places don’t even consider having,” Stacy said. “There is so much early history of the U.S. here, so you never know what you might come across.”
The welcoming community is another highlight of Chautauqua County, she added.
“I think the thing we love the most is the sense of community and safety we feel living in Lily Dale and becoming an active part of the diversity that we see in our world,” Stacy said. “When we can see the beautiful difference between every person, you can feel how powerful God is by expressing their form in so many unique ways. We are so happy to be a little spot of that inclusivity with Sacred Grounds Coffee House and those that we serve. We are really excited and happy to be making Chautauqua County our home.”