WILLow LeaVes of Hope -- A coffee spot and much more

Vickie Tedder, asked if I might have a few minutes to drop by WILLow LeaVes for her to share their plans about starting a coffee spot and how they wanted to give a portion of the proceeds each month to not-for-profit organizations. Well, the WILLow LeaVes Coffee Spot is now open each morning at 7 a.m., and people are coming during that time and other times.

Heather Galloway is busy concocting specialty coffee drinks and goodies. I have tried several of Heather's goodies and have been quite impressed with each. Typically, I just choose straight coffee even though I hear a lot of specialty drink orders while sitting at a table and enjoying a blueberry muffin with my coffee while reading a book.

My journey with WILLow LeaVes started when talking with Vickie Tedder, Reflections, while working on my hair one day. I suggested that her family inquire about the possibilities of opening a new business in what was the very popular Strawberry Fields under the capable management of Tracy Fugate. It wasn't long before I was asked to be a part of a Wasson family dedication of WILLow LeaVes with John and Shirley Robertson being keys to that special day.

Soon, I was requesting permission from Rena Blake Dillman to convert one of her excellent books, “The Cowboy & The Jean Skirt,” to a play while hoping Vickie, Lisa, and Laura would allow us to perform it on their stage. They did, and I asked Pete Law to come up with an outstanding cast that could make a success out of an original play. It was sold out, and those attending enjoyed the atmosphere and dinner.

They are unsure of the exact number of events they have hosted on the small stage which has taken on many different configurations with the help of Ike Wasson, who we all greatly miss, and Ben Miller, but they know 200 would be a conservative number. Many people from Hope and from other areas outside of Hope have attended events, even some from other states and countries. The author, Mark Voorhis, made the trip from Utah when I was granted permission to convert his inspiring book, “The Well House,” to a play and once again selected the stage of WILLow LeaVes to present it two consecutive years. Both trips, Mark had high praises for the venue, food, play, and Hope. He wishes for the book and play to eventually become a movie.

Undoubtedly, if a business can make a coffee spot work, it is the crew at WILLow LeaVes; if a small community can make a coffee spot work, it is Hope. If you have not dropped in to enjoy coffee, a specialty drink, or a goodie, then please do so. I have on several occasions, and I can assure you that you will leave satisfied, satisfied with the drink and goodie and satisfied with helping a not-for-profit organization. Their Coffee Spot has now helped HSJ Online, Blue Tassel Farm, and Students' Fund of Hope. For February, it is Love Chapel of course.

With much determination, time, energy, devotion, and willingness to make changes, WILLow LeaVes is a very thriving business while now in their seventh year.

In their information sheet of why the name WILLow LeaVes was selected, these words seem appropriate: “It is said that if you open your mind and reveal your inner visions and dreams beneath the welcoming canopy of the willow tree, the pathway to realizing these wishes of the heart will become clear.”

Please feel free to call WILLow LeaVes at 812-546-0640 or 812-341-7251 for more information.