Cray is about to embark on a new and exciting project. You may have been following in our Newsletters about our effort to help build a stronger and healthy community. One of our ideas was to open a gathering place for people to come to, which would encourage a sense of community. The author, Ray Oldenburg, in his book “Great Good Places,” calls these establishments, third places. They are places outside of home and work where people can meet to socialize and enjoy being around other friends and community members. Third places encourage a sense of belonging.
For quite some time, third places have been disappearing. We will be opening an establishment in downtown New Castle to provide people with a place they can come to and relax while enjoying a great cup of coffee, an equally great food selection, and all at an affordable price. Not only all of this, but at the same time, you are enjoying your coffee and a conversation with a friend (face-to-face—not on some electronic device); you will be helping your community. We are also hopeful that our effort will encourage other people to start businesses in the downtown area, which many feel is one of the keys to turning the whole community around.
All this is being made possible by the generosity of Mr. Paul Lynch. Paul has provided our location to us for the nominal fee of $1 a year. We plan to locate in the former JC Penney’s building at 214 East Washington Street. It is a great location, and we look forward to turning it into a great asset for the community. We also look forward to having all of you join us. We will keep you informed of our progress.