Busy Land, have you every been there? I have been looking forward to sitting down and catching up with you for a couple of weeks. Finally, tonight I have the chance. Carrie and I are hanging out at her parent’s house in Greencastle, PA for a few days this week. She and I had the chance to catch lunch with a friend in Chambersburg today followed up by a nice little coffee date at one of our favorite shops in town. After diner with Carrie’s parents at the Chinese Buffet, we gave the kids baths, and tucked them in bed – what a great day! I love days like today, I used to call it “Down time” until I was scolded by my friend Don. He asked me “Why do you call fun time with your family “Down Time”? ” Don is right, days like today are “Prime Time”!

Last Thursday Jim & I packed our tools and clothes into my Ol’ Red Van and headed for Greenville, PA (about 10 miles east of the Ohio line). We moved in with our friends Norm & Sue for the rest of the week. The purpose of our trip was to install an 800amp 3 phase electrical service on The Fresh Grounds Coffee House and Cafe. Our friends Marty & Martha Johnson are the visionaries behind this non-profit enterprise that seeks to serve the community of Greenville. Marty & Martha have been helping students for the past 12 years with Downtown Ministries, the organization they founded. Fresh Grounds will bring their work up to street level and provide a comfortable place for people to get together and connect over a quality cup of coffee and a delicious pastry. There is a stage where bands will perform in the evenings, and ample space for meetings to be held. I love places like this, where you can feel at home – away from home.

With brick walls that are 2 feet thick and decorative tin ceilings that are 15 feet high the shop has classic downtown character. Built in the 1890’s the building has been occupied by several retailers over the years including J.C. Penny’s in the 1930’s. The Fresh Grounds transformation has been a massive undertaking. Gutting the building and converting it into a modern day landmark has been the mission of an amazing group of volunteers. Funded by donations, driven by vision, they have made great progress.

So when is the Grand Opening? Marty smiles at that question and enjoys the reactions he gets when he answers “September”! There is much to be done. There is much to be purchased. There is much to be gained through it all, and Jim & I are just happy that we could help paint a small part of the big picture at 172 Main St., Greenville, PA.

Thank You Bill, Russ, Norm, Sue, Larry, Jerry, Kerry, Randy, Chuck, Jeff, Todd, Dan, Ed, Byron, Jim, Marty & Martha! I enjoyed working with you – even in the rain!