As is often the case with mistaken identity, it is sometimes more expedient to simply state what something is not. Common Grounds is not Project CAFÉ. Common Grounds is not Dave’s Diner.
Project CAFÉ (Community Activities for Everyone) and Dave’s Diner do each have links to Common Grounds. Project CAFÉ is the student-led organization that inspired the creation of the space that came to be known as Common Grounds. (Not to muddy the waters further, but here’s another “what something is not”…Project CAFÉ is not a Cazenovia Central School sponsored activity/club.)
Founded in 1995 and incorporated as a non-profit in 1998, Project CAFÉ sought to create a drug- and alcohol-free place for the community to gather to enjoy art, music, games, etc. To make the dream a reality, local resident Bob Hood purchased the building at 35 Albany St. in Cazenovia and transformed the space into a mixed-use facility for non-profits and businesses. Various businesses have shared this donated space, including Common Grounds Café and Dave’s Diner. Through 2015, Project CAFÉ leased office space and administered an afterschool program for youth at Common Grounds.
While Project CAFÉ (PC) no longer leases an office or runs an afterschool program at Common Grounds, the student and parent boards of PC continue to organize many well-loved community events, including Winter Festival and the Fourth of July Parade. One PC parent member, Allison Langan, continues to coordinate the monthly art exhibits on display at Common Grounds.
For almost two decades, Common Grounds has served as “the community’s living room.” On any given day, one might find a group of knitters gathered to share recent projects and work on new ones or a men’s club meeting to share their reactions and insights into the current book selection for the group read. Less formalized groups make Common Grounds their daily gathering spot to catch up on local news and family happenings, while work-from-home business persons often meet clients over a cup of coffee, breakfast, or lunch. (Though with Carter’s Creamery, a division of Dave’s Diner now open, perhaps people should consider an ice cream “meeting!”)
Today, Common Grounds is being re-envisioned as a multi-generational and intergenerational gathering space. Kelli Johnson, community organizer at Common Grounds, has been meeting with local groups and individuals to plan ongoing and stand-alone events designed to bring people together. Among some recent events at Common Grounds are forums to raise awareness of substance abuse, documentary and discussion groups, tutor training for reading acquisition challenges and TED Talks (a Tuesday afternoon forum open to all interested in learning new information and discussing possibilities.)
Upcoming plans include open mic nights, bi-weekly wellness speakers, intergenerational afternoon activities, a grief support group and individualized technology support. Monthly luncheons for faith leaders and non-profit organizations will also be hosted.
“‘Cultivating Community’ is the working tagline we have adopted at Common Grounds, with the goal of highlighting the unique skills and talents everyone in our community has to share for the benefit of others,” Johnson said. “The space is already recognized as a community center, and possibly even a ‘welcome center’ of sorts for those new to Cazenovia, so we hope to translate that spirit into increased opportunities for people to encounter their neighbors and experience our shared humanity.”
To be informed of upcoming activities or events at Common Grounds or to discuss an idea for a community activity or event, email Johnson at [email protected] or call 655-4468.
