Several years ago, the Neighborhood Cafe began based on a suggestion from a patron and a partnership with residents, businesses and several churches. Advertised as the best free coffee in Westwood, the Thursday morning Café’ served as the excuse to be together and belong. No one had assigned “duties”. The group extended radical hospitality and was curious about the gifts of all who dropped in.

There was usually a breakfast, but folks just gravitated to what they enjoyed. From omelettes to piano playing to ping pong, it was an unregulated open house where individual talents combined to prove the adage that the sum is more significant than its parts.

Its beauty was that it was a welcoming place for everyone to come together and enjoy a couple of hours together.