Community minded
The Station brings together young and old
Dear Editor:
There is a special coffee shop in east Stanwood that I believe our community should be supporting. It is located one block west of the railroad tracks on old Main Street and is called The Station.
About a year ago, I noticed The Station’s espresso sign and decided to give it a try. Not only did I enjoy a great latte, it was their staff that really impressed me.
The very well mannered barista cordially introduced herself and subsequently introduced me to several adult customers and a number of teenagers who had come in after school! How often does that friendly and positive atmosphere prevail these days?
Since becoming a regular customer, I have gotten to know the staff and the fine family who owns The Station. From the time they opened a little over a year ago, it has been the owners’ goal to provide a safe and wholesome gathering place for all ages of the Stanwood Camano community.
They emphasize a family friendly environment where appropriate rules of conduct are posted and enforced. I have seen this policy to be a positive learning experience for a number of their young customers who may get little guidance elsewhere.
The Station is a uniquely diverse place where on Tuesdays and Thursdays groups of seniors meet to play pool. It is refreshing to see these seniors playing right along side the teenagers. I also regularly see moms and their children come in for a coffee, pastry and more importantly, enjoy adult conversation with their friends and the staff. Their youngsters enjoy the toys, books and games provided.
Business people also frequent The Station to have coffee, a sandwich and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. I’ve seen local business people stop in for something “to go” as they start their day.
This summer a local pastor conducted a weekly Bible study for teens at The Station. After their Bible study, the kids got to enjoy pool, pingpong, air-hockey and Wii games that are available.
At the end of their meeting he would take the kids back home in their church van. What a great influence and positive thing for these teenagers.
The most surprising thing I found out about The Station is that the family who owns it knew from the start the business would lose money each and every month, but chose to do it anyway. They opened the location to provide a positive environment for the kids and adults of our community. It’s a place for young people, seniors and every age in between.
It has been an inspiration for me to see the number of teens who appeared to have little direction in their lives start making positive decisions with regard to their futures.
Much credit can be given to the caring staff, supporters and owners of The Station.
The Station is clearly making the community a better place. Check it out for yourselves!
Walter Hall Camano Island
