Wednesday Morning Coffee Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary!

By Pat Billingsley

They come on foot, on bicycles, in cars, and in trucks. Some are strangers, other acquaintances and many are new and old friends. They come as singles, pairs, couples, and even small groups. They come bearing gifts of baked goods and treats. There could be as few as twenty and as many as a hundred. They all have in common their shared final designation - Wednesday Coffee in the Card Room every Wednesday from 8:00 am to 10:00 a.m.

For 10 years the Hospitality Committee which is made up of volunteers has hosted Wednesday Coffee. It is a place for Leisure World residents to gather casually and meet their friends or make new ones. The chatter is high, the laughter is often, and camaraderie is frequent. Fun is encouraged.

The goal of The Hospitality Committee is to provide a safe space with no agenda for free-flowing conversations among friends topped off with a great cup of coffee and a sweet treat. This original simple concept still holds true today. Over the years, residents have come and gone, but the spirit and joy of Wednesday Coffee remains. Residents look forward to Wednesday Coffee as their time to share and converse.

Unfortunately, Covid shut Wednesday Coffee down for over one year. We found a creative solution in Zoom meetings. It was a way to stay connected with our friends and neighbors while still enjoying homebrewed cups of coffee. During that time, we enjoyed talking about favorite books, favorite movies or TV shows, new hobbies, different forms of entertainment, and favorite recipes. Many subjects were explored and shared.

So, how did this group jolt into Leisure World? It all began in December 2012, when Leisure World residents John Miller and Terry Goade discussed the prospect of District 3 sponsoring a free weekly coffee gathering. Leisure World Administration allowed them to host the event in the Lakeside Building in January 2013. And the Recreation Department generously agreed to provide the first month’s coffee. If the event was successful, it would continue as a seasonal event thereafter on its own. All districts were invited. As the event grew, the sponsorship evolved into a Leisure World Hospitality Team, consisting of members from all districts.

Throughout the season, participants shared sweet treats and coffee, partly supported by weekly donations. And before long, they had hosted the gathering for an entire year! The gatherings continued to gain steam with residents loving an opportunity to come together weekly. Ten years later, they are still going strong thanks to the 20 to 100 people weekly, who continue to support Wednesday Morning Coffee throughout the year! A Charitable Caffeine Fix thanks to the participants’ weekly donations.

The Wednesday Morning Coffee has been able to give back to the community and has added to the Rec. 1 Card Room and other Leisure World facilities. Some of the group’s contributions include improvements to the Leisure World Library, the Rendezvous Café, the Wood Shop, the Computer Club, the Pottery Club, and the Billiards Room.

What do you need to do to participate? Show up with a good attitude, good stories, and good ears for listening.

Please mark your calendar for Tuesday, January 10, 2023, to attend the 10-Year Celebration of Wednesday Coffee in the Rec. 2 Hopi Pima Room. Yes, Tuesday not Wednesday. From 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. enjoy coffee, conversation, beverages, treats, a Silent Auction, and Raffle with all the proceeds given back to the Community.

A peek at the prizes includes gift cards from local stores, Performing Arts tickets, a private art lesson, and a round of golf for four. From 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. we will be merging with LW’s Big Band for your listening and dancing pleasure.

Please watch for further announcements. And remember to come and join in the fun on Tuesday the 10th of January.