Youth Action Team, Holidays, etc.

Rosie's last blog post really captured a lot of what I and others feel about the coffeehouse.  It really is a third place - although in my case, it's pretty much my first, second and third place.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  I went home to Nashville, TN for Thanksgiving, and it was amazing to be home again.  I got to see my family, my girlfriend, Sparky and Rocket, some old high school friends I hadn't seen in a while; I got to roam my childhood neighborhood and see the trees - overwhelmingly deciduous - bare and sprawling, unlike the towering evergreens I've grown accustomed to; I spent time in the local coffeehouse.  I mean, I was sad.  I got up at 4 in the morning Nashville time (2 o'clock here) and traveled all morning and into the early afternoon, jostled in and out of sleep on the plane - the malaise had me.

I know you know there's a "but" coming.  Okay, here it is: when I turned down Second and saw that mustard and cranberry colored building, the malaise melted off my shoulders and disappeared in the dirt.  I love this place.

Currently, I am in the process of bringing the Youth Action Team back, which we have been sorely missing.  This could be a huge opportunity for the youth to get experience on a board or committee and to establish their own voice within the Commons.  Please encourage every volunteer you know to consider joining the Y.A.T.  Here is the description I have drawn up:

Youth Action Team
A group of dedicated volunteers eager to help define both the internal culture of the South Whidbey Commons and its role in the greater community.

I. Goals

a.  Establish an organized youth voice in the South Whidbey Commons
b.  Develop a core group of youth leaders within Island Coffeehouse and Books, which will set a good example for fellow volunteers and provide input in regard to the direction and function of the coffeehouse, including, but not limited to:

i. allocation of "youth incentive program" funds (ex. team-building activities and trips, movie nights, etc.)
ii. marketing (ex. commercials, posters, etc.)
iii. community outreach (ex. newsletter, education)
iv. and recruitment of new volunteers.

c. Provide youth volunteers with working experience in the functioning of boards and committees.  There will be agendas and minutes, titles, and responsibilities; and each member will have the opportunity to attend a South Whidbey Commons Board of Directors meeting.
d. Allow the most motivated volunteers to use their creative energy to positively impact the coffeehouse and greater community.

II. Requirements

a. At least one standing shift for a total of at least two hours of service at the coffeehouse per week.  The member will be expected to maintain this standard for the entire duration of their membership on the Team. 
b. Each member will commit to monthly, or, at times, bimonthly meetings.

 

 

The Third Place (Rosie)

I've heard it said that we all have three places. Our home, our work and a third place we gather for community, friendly discourse and nourishment of all kinds. It's tricky for me, since this is where I work, but it is often where I find myself, even when I am not working. I am comfortable here. I am nourished here, literally and figuratively. In a world fraught with so many unhappy, isolating things, it is a comfort to find a place where one feels safe. Where there is a sense of belonging.

I have loved bookstores since I was old enough to toddle around. The smell, the treasures found within the pages, all of it. Island Coffeehouse and Books is also a bookstore! It seriously doesn't get any better. At least for me. I am unabashedly finding all my holiday gifts here for prices not to be believed. I hesitate to even mention this here as this is the best kept secret in Langley. Seriously. Other used bookstore owners come here from everywhere and buy books for themselves!

This morning it was in the 30s. Winter is upon us, Langley has lit her lights and the sparkle of frost and holiday is everywhere. I arrived at the Coffeehouse Bookstore, chilled, and the fire was on, it was toasty warm, there were a fair number of friendly faces who called out a cheery greeting while enjoying their hot drinks or baked goods and reading or working on their laptops. I just felt my chest expand as I breathed it all in, thinking, This is where I belong.

Great music on the docket for this Friday! One Horse Band! Which is also a benefit for Good Cheer. Come early. This will be standing room only. And next Friday we have Russell Clepper and Ro Purser. If you missed their last show here, you will not want to miss it again. And if you were here, then you already know. The Coffeehouse will be full to the brim. Plus we are starting up our 2nd Sunday on 2nd Street Poetry night on Sunday, December 13. Local poets will read as well as a few surprises. Rob Harrison is the host for this monthly event.

There's more to come, but even on a regular day, it's a pretty special place to come and hang out, chat with old and new friends, catch up on your reading or email, get a bowl of soup or just look out the window with a cuppa joe.