For years I have made sitting in Roast & Toast part of my daily routine, and there are reasons why owner, Mary Keedy, is in every book I write. While every day may be a stretch due to times away from home and various other scheduling conflicts, this famous coffee shop continually stirs my imagination. It is truly the place to be for the bohemian spirit. Tattoos, piercings, and various colored hair adorn the staff, and those sitting for the show on the other side of the counter wear suits, jeans, casual business attire and a smattering of holy clothing we all find deep in our closets, but more importantly, it’s a place that welcomes all. Some folks come and spend the day for reasons we may not wish to comprehend exist in our fairly wealthy little town; some walk in off the street wondering why the facade of the building is bedecked with broken Fiestaware; students fill the place after their school day awaiting rides or simply loving the hangout. During morning coffee hours you’ll find realtors, lawyers, bankers, retirees, poets, writers, painters and even the stray business meeting.

Roast & Toast exists in the community spirit of the owners Bob and Mary Keedy as well as manager, Ben Walker. Their acceptance of all within our community provides a welcome respite from the day-to-day shallowness and partisanship that seems to be running rampant around and through us as citizens of these un-United States. I for one cherish sitting in Roast & Toast awaiting what befalls me for the day; no schedules are made here; they are thrown away and recapitulated as the imagination takes hold. Thank you Mary, Bob, Ben, and thank you to the rest of the Wineguys who allow Mary to always walk in smiling and greeting everyone in her path making sure her halo and aura touch the many who need it.