Community Mania @ Park Place Coffee

Some days I have to question my crazy life of having a business and being a community advocate in Rockwood. Today I revel in it, and feel appreciated and loved because of it. Without this opportunity, I wouldn't see the goodwill bestowed upon me by so many supporters. Today, I focus on the community advocates, tomorrow- my blessed customers.

GOOD: Yesterday I received a call from the Metro President Bragdon asking if he could bring some people by from the Johnson Creek Watershed.
GOOD: Yesterday I asked my son to come help me cover during that hour and he said he would. GOOD: This morning I was off to a great start with business.
BAD: My son called me and told me he would NOT be making it.
GOOD: The group from Metro arrived, and were very patient in ordering.
BAD: I was running the show single-handedly!
AMAZING!: My dear friend came in to get coffee. With no previous experience, she stepped behind the counter and helped me get the orders out.
BAD: I was unhappy that the group did not have the most efficient service.
GOOD: WE MADE IT THROUGH and everyone seemed to be smiling (?)when they left.

Because of Mr. Bragdon's kind support many new patrons visited Park Place Coffee. I am honored to have his group visit.

The next group to grab a seat were staff and volunteers for the Multnomah County Commission of Children and Families. They were meeting at my shop with a Gresham Councilor to discuss positive efforts they would like to focus in Rockwood.

"Next! Party of Six? " Donn, the executive director of Portland Lutheran School was treating his "ambassador" students to crepes for their efforts to recruit students to his wonderful school. Donn is also an incredible regular supporter along with his students.

While Donn was in, a visitor from a local woodworking shop engaged in conversation. More was to be learned about the site of the Justice Facility, which was going to displace his business.

Another round of visitors came from the Rockwood Library. The staff at the Rockwood Library could not be more dedicated to the children of the community. This led to further discussion of gathering the different groups in Rockwood that support children activities to see if a plan could be worked out to offer a range of activities, instead of overlapping services.

Angela, an amazing resource at Centennial Learning Center was meeting with a student. Angela is working on service learning projects at CLC, and is hoping to have the students do asset mapping in Rockwood.

I only worked the early shift, and the day was only half over. So, when people ask - WHY PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN ROCKWOOD? The answer is: There is heart here, there is support here, and there is a place for wonderful people here. Park Place Coffee is lucky enough to be the beneficiary of it all.