The Chameleon Café will soon be closing its doors for good as the result of an unexpected lease termination. For 12 years I have worked here and witnessed the birth of our little community where none existed before. Each day, people of all ages and all walks of life came through the doors to be greeted by name, to see old friends and meet new neighbors, to work online, to exchange news, to study, to discuss the latest book they’re reading, to team-tackle a crossword puzzle, for kids to play together, and to generally look after one another.

The dedicated baristas who start your day with a friendly greeting, a smile, and a great cup of coffee are, or will be, looking for new jobs. These ladies and gentlemen are kind, conscientious, thoughtful and outgoing; they will all be ok in the long run. But right now, their livelihood has been taken and they need help.

As each goes his or her own way, let’s acknowledge all that they have given to the community by putting some cash in their pockets. Let’s give them a little financial security, a little boost to pursue their future endeavors.

The funds raised here will be dispersed among the current staff.

If you can find a few extra bucks in your pocket, please contribute. Think of it as a gift. Think of it as one last tip. Think of it as a vote of confidence. Think of it as a great way to say thank you to the individuals who served you coffee, fixed your lunch, or poured a Thursday night Happy Hour glass for you. This is one way to say, “Thank you” for all The Chameleon Café has meant to you, and to wish these good friends all the best for the future.