Higher Grounds will pour last cup of coffee
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Higher Grounds Coffee House on Sheridan Drive will be closing the end of the month after being open since August 1999. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

With regret, the director of Higher Grounds Coffee House has announced that the popular meeting place is closing.

"We are lovingly saying goodbye," Rev. Julie McNitt said. "As much as we love the house and the people in it, we are not able to keep all the plates spinning."

With the birth of her second child, McNitt said it's impossible for her to continue the mission of Higher Grounds, a nonprofit organization. She said she wants the community to know it wasn't an easy decision.

"The demand on our time has been overwhelming," she posted on the house's Web site.

The last day of operation will be Tuesday, Aug. 28. Until that date, all activities and calendar items will remain scheduled, and groups are invited to attend as usual.

"If you have any meetings, events or gigs you'd like to schedule before we close, we'd be happy to try to accommodate you," McNitt said.

A ministry through Heart of the Father Church, McNitt said the coffee house has served as an outreach to the community.

It us unknown at this time what will fill the vacancy.

Higher Grounds Coffee House has been open since August 1999.

McNitt said a regular Scrabble club plans to hold its final meeting at the house on the final day.

"If you've never heard our house band or been to our weekly Friday night service, Aug. 24 will be our last one," she said. "In any case, we hope to see you sometime before we close to say goodbye."

Higher Grounds has provided a stage for various artists with open mic night and slots for bands. The chairs and couches have been a meeting place for friends and colleagues to gather.

For information on the final events and closing information, visit www.highergroundscoffeehouse. org.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com