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2022 - The Year of Big Changes

6/6/2022

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     There's almost too much to report and there has been so much that has happened this year that I hardly know where to start.  Most everyone has probably heard that we had one of those catastrophic water leaks that forced an almost-4 month shutdown - boooo.  But we got an almost brand new kitchen - yeah!
     I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank a few folks who not only saved my sanity but also saved the coffeehouse, quite literally.  First, if it had not been for the quick thinking and incredibly knowledgeable Adam Moulton who sprang in to action as soon as we called, I dare not think where we would be.  Don't laugh but I really thought that after a few days of drying out that we should be good to go.  I know you're laughing and I'm so much wiser now but Adam had the restoration folks with their big fans at the coffeehouse within 24 hours of my call and it took almost 2 weeks just to dry it out.  (So not a few days!)  It was Adam who coordinated all the payments and even ensured that my amazing staff remained paid during our shutdown.  When I despaired at the amount of time passing by, he calmed me down.  When I was frustrated, he answered my questions and made me understand the process.  Adam made it easier for me to endure the long months of shutdown.
     Next came the work of putting us back together - no small feat as you can imagine.  Dave Mazeika of DAM Plumbing & Heating was there immediately to stem the leak and complete the repairs in between his other work.  Think about the supply issues happening right now.   We needed a whole new furnace, along with everything else, and he somehow made it happen on schedule!  
     For all the kitchen repairs, you will see from the pictures there were many.  We needed a whole new ceiling, all new counters, a new platform for the 2 commercial fridges, complete floor refinishing, all the walls repainted and all the work coordinated on schedule.  I knew who I had wanted to ask to handle the renovation but I knew how incredibly busy they were.   They had done such amazing work on the original buildout of the coffeehouse that they were the perfect group to do it again.   I finally mustered the courage to ask Matt Keddy and couldn't believe it when he said he would do his best to fit me in to their schedule.  The Keddy's are the best, and I was willing to wait for them to fit me in.  They did everything right on time and with delivery of all my new appliances and equipment, it all came together like a perfectly choreographed ballet.
     I am so grateful to have this group to have gotten us back on our feet but where would I have been without my Emily. She has been my rock through COVID and its shutdown and then the Pipes and its shutdown, and now it's time to say goodbye.  I've been so lucky to have had such amazing women at the helm of the coffeehouse these last 5 years, and Emily was special.  She has such a head for business and she started her own successful flower business that is really taking off.  I have so enjoyed watching her these last few years really blossom (I couldn't resist) and grow into this amazing person.  She is fearless in ways I wish I were.  She knows things naturally that would take me years to learn and while she isn't going far, I wish her every success and can't wait to see what she does next because it will be amazing!  I hope you stop in and support her.
     The beauty of Emily is that she is generous with her knowledge and Megan Jolin is our new General Manager, and has been working with Emily for almost 2 years.  Meg ran the fair last summer almost single-handedly.  She has some awesome ideas and is ready to take the coffeehouse in amazing new directions.  Stop in and say hello.  Try a new drink because she loves to experiment with new flavor combinations.  
     We are so happy to open again.  Stop in and see the new kitchen.  We missed you while we were closed

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Hello, Sunshine!

5/28/2021

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     I can hardly believe that, as we welcome June, we can also start to welcome all the smiling faces that we have missed!  Hopefully, you read the Facebook notice we posted this morning stating that the Governor has lifted the mask requirement, thereby making masks optional.  We look forward to this next phase and the infinite possibilities it will bring.
     Spring is the perfect time to get outside and take advantage of the sunshine and warmer weather.  Here at the Coffeehouse, Emily has been hard at work creating the kind of outdoor spaces everyone loves to enjoy.    She and her amazing team have been enthusiastically setting up the back patio and planting our gardens.  The pergola is ready to enjoy, and we invite you to keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for any upcoming events.  If you have any ideas, we'd love to hear them.
     I would be remiss if I did not offer my heartfelt thanks to Caitlin McGuiness who left us in March to pursue other opportunities.  While she left us in the very capable hands of Emily, I believe we are as strong as we are today because of all the hard work Caitlin put in for the 2 years as manager as well as the 2 years before with the Coffeehouse.  I have been so lucky to have had such amazing women at the helm of the Coffeehouse, so to Stephanie, Caitlin and Emily, you have my enduring thanks for keeping our ship afloat.  We should all be so lucky to know such strong leaders!
     It is said that life does not get easier or more forgiving but that we get stronger and more resilient.  I would like to think that the last 16 months has also taught us wisdom.  As we look forward with a renewed sense of purpose, we are excited at the opportunities here at the Coffeehouse.  While we work to build a schedule for the upcoming summer, we look forward to welcoming everyone back.  If you've got some time to sit and chat, we'd love to catch up.  We've missed you!  See you on the Common!
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It's November, and Still Hanging in There!

11/8/2020

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     If someone had told me a year ago today what our world would look like, I'm sure I would have not believed it.  Masks, empty airports, empty classrooms and plenty of uncertainty to go around, and it's anyone's guess when it will all end.  I have to think that we have learned something valuable this year in that no matter what our beliefs or backgrounds, there is more that binds us, more we have in common, and we are stronger together.  And so this is our working motto as we continue to limp towards 2021.  Without our outdoor space to provide additional seating, we continue to lean on the support of the community around us, and are grateful for such great support.
     As always, Caitlin and Emily are hard at work coming up with new ideas and with the holidays looming, are already planning exciting and fun things to give everybody an excuse to take a break from working at home and home-schooling.  My hat goes off to all the parents with kids at home working through the school work.  My kids would not have made it easy for me, and I would have considered running away every single day.  So home school parents, great job for sticking with it!!
     Shop Small Business Saturday is coming up on November 28, so stay tuned for coffeehouse news to help kick off your holiday shopping.  Do you have other ideas that where we can try to help?  We are game to try just about anything so give us a shout and let's see how we can help each other out!  Want a platter of muffins for Thanksgiving guests?  We can do that!  Want coffee and pastries to bring in to work to be that office hero?  We can make you look so good!  Need an afternoon pick-me-up before starting the afternoon marathon of meetings, call ahead and we can have lunch ready for you!
     Ok, Hardwick, let's help each out!  Give us a shout and let us know how we can be here for you.  I think 2021 is going to be amazing and that keeps us going.  Stop in say hello, message us and say hi, drop us a line and most of all, keep us in your thoughts because you are always on our minds!  Stay safe.
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Our 3rd Anniversary and Our Shared Hopes

7/27/2020

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   As we pass through the heart of summer, I have come to realize that it will not be the heat of July and August that will test us this year but the heat of Covid! And, we certainly will never forget 2020!
      Here we are on our 3rd anniversary, and this has been the year with the most changes for us!  Our menu has undergone some serious change, and while we are still heavily focused on coffee and espresso drinks, we have put some heavy duty focus on increasing our food options.  We've had a tremendous response from this side of our business and it's been such fun to be so creative!
​      Caitlin and Emily are always putting their creativity to work to come up with new and innovative ways to serve this amazing community, and we would not be here without them!  I am indebted to their tireless efforts!  While our dining room may not be ready for dine in, they did an amazing job getting the porch and backyard ready to enjoy!    What a peaceful setting to enjoy a cold drink and a treat right in town.
​     And, have you seen some of the events we are planning?  We are hard at work planning a food truck event for August so stay tuned for more details.  Have you tried our Thursday night dinners under the pergola?  Does anything sound more heavenly?  How about once a month Yoga and Sangria with Donna Holden?  And we love that the Farmer's Market is back so that you can support our local farmers and even stop in to say hello!  There's a lot going on so check out our facebook page to stay up to date!
     3 years is hard to believe!  Covid may have kept us from traveling and gathering but I have always believed that one of Hardwick's best qualities is it's community.  It cannot take it's spirit, and so we soldier on, in whatever form it looks like, and here we stand, as a community, masked and 6 feet apart, but TOGETHER. 
      Thank you, Hardwick, for these 3 wonderful years, and we look forward with hope.  Come see us on the Common!
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Staying Afloat in a Sea of Uncertainty!

4/3/2020

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     These are strange times indeed!  And our hearts go out to everyone personally affected by the COVID-19 crisis.  Today, as with every day, we wanted to extend our sincere thanks to this beautiful community for all you give to us as we all navigate life together.   Uncertainty can breed fear and fear can lead to the kind of anxiety that would serve to separate us, one from another.  As we have previously said, we are going to continue to do what we can for those that need us, and through all this, we will not lose sight of what led us to start this business - this wonderful community.  First, let me say again that our commitment to serving the community  is our driving purpose, and while things have certainly changed, we continue in our unfailing devotion to being good stewards of the trust you place in us.
     Caitlin and Emily continue to brainstorm ways to ease the burden so if you have an idea, we are ready to do what we can.  We will remain open as long as we can.  Our dining room may have closed, but we are still here with the same great menu so if you need a break from cooking or a delicious latte, give us a call!  These 2 amazing women are the glue holding everything together and I again offer them my profound thanks for keeping all these plates spinning!  I should have been there twice since all this started, and I have complete faith that they are well-prepared to handle whatever comes up!  Insert virtual hugs here!!
     Tired of dinner planning?  Tuesday and Thursday are our dinner pick up nights.  We are offering a rotating menu of prepared, family-style dinners to take this one thing off your plates (and replace with something yummy!).  Check in to see what is being offered next!
     We have exciting news to share.  We heard the many requests to retail milk here in the coffeehouse and starting next week, we will have milk from Mapleline Farm in Hadley available for pick up!  As we continue to evolve, what else would help you?  Let's hear it!
     To mirror Horton Hears a Who, WE ARE HERE, WE ARE HERE, WE ARE HERE!  Check in to say hi and know we are thinking of you!
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New Year's Resolutions Still Intact!

2/4/2020

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     Every year we create a list of all the things we want to change, and every year the task seems so big that things fall off that list one by one until we are down to those items that really matter the most to us.  Businesses are no different and the start of every year brings another opportunity to refresh goals and refocus energies on those things that are most important to success.  Here at the Coffeehouse, that means starting to rethink what will work best on our menu.  Are there enough hearty meal options for those folks who work hard and need the fuel?   For those of us trying to create healthier eating habits, do we have enough options that we can look forward to eating?  And, what about simply adding new items to give our creative cooking sides room to work?  We heard you on that Italian Sandwich but keep your ideas coming; what else would you like to see?
     Another January focus is creating a work environment to meets the needs of our employees.  We applaud the state's efforts to improve the lives of the state's workers as the minimum wage, again increasing this year, on it's way to $15.00 per hour by 2023.  The raises went in to effect a couple of years ago, and during this time, we have tried our best to absorb these costs.  We take our commitment to the community very seriously, and that includes pricing our menu items appropriately so as not to be a burden.  Our entire work force lives within 10 miles of the Coffeehouse, and I am grateful every day for having been so lucky to find such a quality workforce right in our own backyard.  Every penny we make goes right back in to the business (as owner, I do not draw a cent) and stays right here in this area.  To be able to achieve self-sufficiency, we will be raising prices to keep in line with the rising cost of doing business, and we hope you will continue to support us in our efforts.
     Now that we have had our vacation, we are ready to get back to the business of serving you, and we are so ready for a great year!  Dinners have been such a hit that we'll be continuing them.  Make sure to check back for other announcements and happenings.  With our newly finished backyard space, there's so much we can do back there!  What a year it will be!  Caitlin, Emily and the gang are doing such an amazing job but we'd love to hear your ideas for anything new, and as always, thank you for being so supportive of our small business.  See you on the Common!

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Time Flies...

7/25/2019

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      Blink, and life changes so much!  In the 4 months since I have posted, we have had so much change that it's hard to keep up!  Since then, trees have budded and blossomed, our grass has turned green, and schools have released our kids to the fun of summer!  Here at the coffeehouse, we have seen our fair share of changes as well.
     Our amazing Steph has moved on to her next challenge, and I cannot put in to words how grateful I am to everything she has done.  She poured her time and energy into growing this business, and there is no way we would still be here without her boundless efforts and diligent hard work.  She hasn't gone far, and we hope she comes to visit often.  This is a good move for Steph, and she will be missed!
     But as with all change, time marches on and I feel so lucky to have been able to see Caitlin step seamlessly in to Steph's role.  Caitlin is energized and ready to take on all of life's challenges in the coffeehouse, and her enthusiasm is contagious!  I cannot help but feel excited about the future!
     With all this change inside, we hope you will stop by to check out all the changes happening outside as we put in our accessible ramp to the back patio and install a gazebo to make our beautiful backyard even more inviting.  What fun events we can plan to include our firepit, patio, gazebo and beer gardens for all.  What could be better than cornhole alongside our running brook with room for the kids to play!
   And, what would summer be without our amazing fair.  Everyone has been so enthusiastic in sharing their ideas for what could work for us, so keep those thoughts coming in.  We'd love to improve on last year and plan just what everyone wants.
     Where did the last 2 years go?  We are so grateful for your support of our small business, and we look forward to many years of partnering with this beautiful town.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the good thoughts we feel every single day and know that we feel so lucky to be apart of your lives.  Come see us on the Common!
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We Spring Ahead and Look for Changes

3/11/2019

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      In March, we find winter start to pull back and spring begin to pull ahead.  So much change is coming as we wait for buds to appear on trees and grass to slowly come back to life.  It's hard to imagine with this much snow still on the ground that in just a few short week, so much life will burst through.  We have great plans for our gardens and yard here at the coffeehouse, it's hard to be patient!  Having lived in the south with only 1 season to endure in a year - hot and less hot - what I missed most was the feeling on those first warm days of spring that under the warming sun, anything was possible!
     To chase away any lingering winter blues, we turn out sights here at the coffeehouse to plans for our outdoor spaces.  So many folks have said how much they enjoy our back patio.  We love to hear that so we are planning to expand out outdoor areas by putting a gazebo out back to give even more seating space.  Your feedback is important to us, and we are incorporating your wishes to increase that area.  The bonfires last year, beer tent nights and corn hole games were so popular we want to build on that momentum!  Stay tuned for updates on our progress in creating the perfect yard!
     In other exciting news, we received our first delivery of all local milk this past weekend.  What I didn't realize is that the price of milk has not changed in almost 30 years!  What other product has kept the same price for that length of time?  In an effort to do what we can, we have decided to support our local dairy farmers by participating in all-local milk deliveries.  We'd love to share our experience.
     And, lastly, dinners are back on Thursday nights here at the coffeehouse, and we love it when so many people stop in to have dinner here or to grab take out.  To be able to meet your friends and enjoy a home-cooked meal so close to home is one of our favorite ways to participate in our community.  We hope you will stop in soon!
     With new menu items and different ideas put in to action here, isn't it time to  check out what's going on right here on the common?  See you soon!
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Happy New Year and Cheers to a Fresh Start

1/2/2019

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     Every new year starts a new chapter in our life's book, waiting to be written.  Somehow we have all managed to survive the Thanksgiving to Christmas sprint in one piece and from all of us here at the Coffeehouse, we hope you enjoyed the madness as much as we did!  What fun we had hosting Santa and seeing all the hopeful smiles on the faces of kids sharing all their wishes with him.  We can never say it enough, but THANK YOU to Ron Newton for once again surpassing everyone's expectations of who Santa can be!
     Christmas on the Common was a resounding success as so many braved the elements to help in the tree lighting despite an uncooperative Mother Nature!  Then to keep December far from boring, our Holiday Open House was another great event for local vendors, and what fun it was to host Holiday Silhouettes.  We received so many nice comments how everyone appreciated having a source for gift shopping right here in Hardwick.
     From hosting the Hardwick Youth Christmas gathering to so many friend groups meeting at the Coffeehouse to wish one another a happy holiday season, we loved being such a big part of the community's holiday connections.  We are so grateful you trust us to provide this gathering place!
     As we move in to the new year and start to fill our calendar, know that we are hard at work planning new and creative events.  As you know, we suspended Thursday night dinner through the holiday break so keep an eye out for word of when we will start them back up.  We just love hearing how much everyone loves being able to get dinner right in town.  And, while we don't have all the details yet, we are hard at work planning a Valentine's Day dinner and wine pairing so check back for more details how to RSVP for that.
     On a personal note, I want to take this opportunity to again shout from the rooftops the praises of the amazing team you see working at the Coffeehouse day in, day out.  To Stephanie, Emily, Caitlyn, Ryann and Josselyn, you guys are the absolute best and the reason we have a business!   I thank God every day for hiring Stephanie and just know the team she has put together is better than anything I could have ever done on my own!
     In closing, let me wish everyone Happy New Year!  Let these new days be filled with new ideas, renewed hope and a fresh spirit to find success.  We can't wait to see you on the Common!
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Falling leaves, falling temps and falling rain

10/30/2018

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  I just love this time of year, as the leaves fall and our gardens get cleared out, we begin to plan for life indoors.  While summer is not an ideal baking time, fall and winter provide us with a great reason to fire up the oven and warm the house with enticing smells of pumpkin, apple and spices!
     Here at the coffeehouse, as we prepare for our first Harvest Dinner, we're looking to try new things to bake and share.  The dinner menu has been posted on the website (MimisCoffeehouse.com), and we hope to see everyone who has taken a break from our dinners.  The girls are hard at work preparing an extra special meal so please plan to join us Thursday.
     The summer brought so many exciting changes, and we'd love your feedback on what you'd like to see more of and where we can still improve.  How fun it is sharing our beautiful patio with everyone in our Beer Garden, and we cannot wait to start them again next spring!  Change is coming to our backyard space so I hope you will be with us as we unveil our new patio area next year.
     Donuts, you say?  We are pleased to share that we will be starting donut sales again.   Our previous supplier, Chmurra's, changed their delivery options and so it has been a while since we've been able to carry them but Steph has been hard at work finding new options.  Come in to try Duva Bakeries' donuts.  We can't wait to share them with you.
     And lastly, it isn't too early to start planning your family get-togethers for Thanksgiving.  Why stress about making all this food when we can help take that burden off your shoulders.  Stop in and ask Steph and Emily about all the yummy catering trays we can create for you.  Need a sandwich platter for an easy lunch gathering?  Or how about a dessert tray with cookies, muffins or sweet breads?  We can create whatever is sure to please in your price range so relax, we've got you covered!
     As you can tell, things are humming along here, and we'd love to get your feedback while you enjoy a steaming pumpkin spice latte or a creamy hot chocolate with a homemade muffin.  We look forward to seeing you here on the common.

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14 BARRE rOAD
hARDWICK, ma  01037
413-477-1144

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