With the advent of the new year, Common Grounds has announced two significant changes with regard to leadership and environment. Lori Lewis has recently accepted the appointment of director in the privately-underwritten community space and the opening of evening hours with food and beverage service, in collaboration with Dave’s Diner, will begin January 17.
“It is with great anticipation that Common Grounds will once again be open for late afternoon and evening hours a few nights each week,” said outgoing Director Kelli Johnson. “Over the past two years, we have worked to raise public awareness of the space as a resource for meetings, events, support groups, clubs and more, and the addition of food/beverage service will enhance the environment as ‘the community’s living room.’”
“Lori’s experience with local businesses will be a tremendous asset in bringing Common Grounds to the next level,” Johnson added.
Lewis is a Central New York native and graduated from SUNY Institute of Technology. In addition to her new role at Common Grounds, Lewis works in the advertising department at the Cazenovia Republican (Eagle Newspapers). Her previous experience includes work with Madison County Tourism and in local restaurants.
Lewis currently serves as president of the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers on the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary. She and her daughter live in Cazenovia.
“I am looking forward to this opportunity to use my skills and experience in new ways,” Lewis said. “With the availability of food/beverage service Wednesday through Friday, groups that have been meeting regularly at Common Grounds will be able to pick up something to eat or drink prior to their gathering and it will create an environment conducive to such events as Open Mic, Chess Club and Poetry Slam.”
Bill Tilison, owner of Dave’s Diner, said he and his staff have been working to create unique menu offerings for the expanded hours of food/beverage service at Common Grounds.
“Paninis, soups, crepes, smoothies and specialty coffee beverages will be among the items we anticipate will appeal to customers using the Common Grounds space for study groups, non-profit meetings or just catching up with neighbors,” Tilison said.
Beginning Jan. 17, Common Grounds Coffeehouse will be open from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Friday.
To check availability of conference room space upstairs at Common Grounds, visit cazenovia.recdesk.com/Community/Calendar?facilityId=24. Groups interested in reserving conference room space at Common Grounds, contact Lori Lewis at [email protected].
