Connie Wright, a friend of mine and a volunteer for The Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast at Herry’s Café in Homosassa, recently suggested that I stop by and meet the workers, volunteers, and customers at the restaurant. I’m always looking for new writing ideas so I popped in for a quick visit Monday morning.
The café is in the Homosassa Too Thrift & Gift Shoppe located on 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane in Homosassa Springs. Several regular customers drop in at least a few days a week and many of them are veterans. Connie introduced me to the “two Jims”– James C. Smith and James D. Champman. Both are veterans of the Vietnam War, Mr. Smith was in the navy and Mr. Chapman served in the army. They come in every morning and play chess.
I also met Buddy Olear, the manager of the café, who suggested I call Joe Foster, the Public Relations Manager for Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast, for more information. Joe was pleasant to talk to–he obviously believes in the work he is involved in and I learned quite a bit during our phone conversation.
This Hospice serves not only Citrus County but also eleven other counties on the Nature Coast. There are eight thrift shoppe locations and two thrift shoppe/cafes, this one in Homosassa plus one in Chiefland along with stores in Homosassa, Beverly Hills, Inverness, Interlachen, Lake City, and High Springs. Joe added that each site is a good way to informally let people know about the services that Hospice provides.
I was interested to learn that all of the proceeds from the café go to help children with life-threatening illnesses and that there are currently 50-60 children in pediatric services. Herry’s Cafe in Homosassa Springs serves delicious and fresh salads, sandwiches and breakfast items and is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm.
