Free-Range Drama Farm

Last week, Chris Brogan charged us Grasshoppers with the following goal: “This week, at least twice, spend a moment of your time promoting someone else.” I wrote a few days ago about Derrick and his fresh outlook on education, but I was holding off on my second bout of promotional love because I know so many amazing people - there’s just too many to choose from!

But as I sat in my neighborhood coffeeshop this afternoon, taking refuge from the ruckus of refinishing the floors in the apartment above mine, I knew exactly who I needed to write about. The Crosstown Community Center & Coffeehouse, where I was quietly sipping my mocha, listening to someone play the piano as I worked on my laptop, has been an inspiration to me since the day it opened - one year ago this Friday.

Three years ago, Crosstown was just an idea - a dream that a pastor at a local church had of “a community center in Alameda where spiritual dialogue was acceptable, if not encouraged.” Pastor Dave Nederhood took that dream he had, found some passionate people who shared his dream, and got to work. They found a space - what had been at various times a brothel, a hotel, a train depot and finally a pub - and rallied the community to help them build their dream. For two years, volunteers descended upon the corner bar every Saturday - cleaning the place, refinishing the bar and furniture, painting the walls, chipping in however they knew how.

A year ago, Crosstown opened its doors and immediately became a cherished spot for everyone in the neighborhood - and not just because they have great coffee. Moms with children go there Friday mornings for sing-alongs with Cowboy Jared; there’s a free knitting and crocheting class on Tuesday nights; on any afternoon of the week, you’ll find 2 or 3 people working on their laptops, camped out at tables sprinkled in between the teenagers who stop for a snack or a chat with Dave on their way home from school.

The Crosstown story inspires me because it shows the power that one person’s dream can have. All it takes is a group of passionate people who believe in an idea, and you really can do anything you put your mind to. Crosstown is doing a major fundraising drive right now - it seems that for the last year, coffee sales have covered all of their expenses except their rent (that’s been taken care of by some extremely generous board members!) If you’ve been inspired by Crosstown’s story, consider sending them a small donation:

Crosstown Community Center
1303 High Street
Alameda, CA 94501

Or just check out their website and read some of the articles - maybe they’ll inspire you to follow a dream of your own!