- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

It doesn't surprise us in the least that Number 1 FAN Jackie Ralph was the very first person in line to get coffee from the CMHA Grey Bruce Fresh Roots Café as it opened its doors today at 1028 2nd Avenue East in Owen Sound.

The Café is a social enterprise project of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce that has been five years in the development under the leadership of Teresa Pearson.  It is a logical extension of the work of the Food Forest and community gardens that provide meaningful employment, access to garden space and fresh food to members of our local community.

Open from 7:30 until 2, the Café will serve an affordable, delicious breakfast. lunch and treats, using local products whenever possible, with the special option to "pay it forward" to provide a neighbour with the same.

Jackie, who is Youth Awareness and Education Supervisor with CMHA, has made no secret over the years of her love of coffee.  Today she enjoyed Ironwood's "Splitting Axe" dark roast coffee that was on "tap", starting a new daily routine. She speaks for the community when she says "Thank you to EVERY supporter, donor, CMHA staff member, trades person, cafe employee who had a hand in this, but especially to Teresa who never gave up!"