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Religion

Whole latte inspiration in Lacoochee

The Christian Edge Coffeehouse aims to be a haven in a town that could use one, along with a strong cup of good PR.

By EBONY WINDOM
Published July 9, 2005

LACOOCHEE - On some Saturday nights, it seems, more folks cram into the Christian Edge Coffeehouse than Rumors nightclub across the street.

Coffeehouse organizers consider that a victory.

They say Christian Edge offers a much-needed alternative to the rowdy club scene. In just a matter of months, the coffeehouse has become a happening place for those seeking good clean music and fellowship.

In recent years, Lacoochee has acquired a bad reputation, said Roger Kaminski, 53, one of the coffeehouse founders.

It's time to change that, he says.

"A lot of people in Pasco County look at Lacoochee as the bottom of the barrel," said Roger's wife, Marion Kaminski. "But it's not. There are bad parts in every area."

"There's so much bad press in the paper," said Roger Kaminski. "We're looking for good things to happen."

Two years ago, the area made headlines when sheriff's Lt. Charles "Bo" Harrison was shot and killed while keeping an eye on Rumors.

That's when the Kaminskis and four friends from church formed a nondenominational Christian group called Tri-Community Fellowship, or TCF. Together, they planned to launch a Christian coffeehouse in Lacoochee.

Coffeehouses are commonplace in more affluent parts of Pasco County, such as Land O'Lakes and Wesley Chapel. But last fall, when it opened, Christian Edge Coffeehouse became the first of its kind in Lacoochee, a rural town where, in 2000, the median household income was $15,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

TCF set out to make a difference.

"You've got to look at the bigger picture," said Brian Webb, 39, one of the coffeehouse founders. "We just want to be a haven."

They spent a year renovating the old, 2,000-square-foot building on U.S. 301. Most of the renovations came at no cost.

"God will provide," said Roger Kaminski. "It's not our job to worry about the details. It's just our job to be obedient to what God tells us to do. And that's the definition of faith."

A businessman gutted the former Western wear shop and renovated it for free. One pastor put a fresh coat of paint on the exterior at no charge. Another man offered to foot the bill for two new keyboards.

Another time, a stranger drove up and handed over a $1,000 check, out of the blue.

"He stopped, walked in and wrote a check," Kaminski said.

Now, TCF has regular contributors. The six organizers split the $500 rent and utility bills each month.

Coffeehouse organizers insist they are not owners.

"The place belongs to the community," Kaminski says.

Despite its rural setting, the inside of Christian Edge Coffeehouse has a contemporary feel. It's nicely decorated with brightly colored walls and plush leather recliners. Framed black and white snapshots show panoramic images of days gone by. A giant red sign saying "Lacoochee" hangs above a door.

The look gives folks a sense of pride in their community, organizers say.

And each Saturday night, there's something new.

They've featured Christian rock, bluegrass, gospel and rap performers.

"Half the audience is on their feet singing and worshiping," said Ken Larsen, 75, a regular. "I think music is one of those forms of expression that's very spiritual."

One time, the audience formed a conga line and shimmied around the room, Kaminski said. A few weeks ago, they tossed a couple of maracas into the audience and invited folks to join in.

Patrons sip one-of-a-kind gourmet drinks such as the Lacoochee Latte and the Tropicoochee Smoothie.

Open mike night seems to attract the biggest crowd. Word of mouth has created a buzz. Now people drive from Lakeland, Brooksville and Tampa to join in Christian karaoke.

But still the biggest challenge has been attracting people who live right there in Lacoochee. Only a handful trickle in from time to time. And many of them are older.

There certainly is no shortage of churches in the area. In fact, Kaminski counted 19 of them in Trilby, Lacoochee and Trilacoochee.

"Everybody stays in their own little pocket," Kaminski said. "But it takes a large group of people working together to get big things accomplished. That's where the coffeehouse comes in."

Isa Blanford wants to see more Lacoochee residents show up. She suggested hosting a teen night as a way of keeping kids off the street.

Organizers want to do just that. TCF recently created a community newsletter to help spread the word, too.

"I'm not sure if the word is out," said Blanford, a community leader. "I truly believe that a place like this would be welcome in every community. You're praising God. What better thing to do on a Saturday night?"

Ebony Windom covers religion in Pasco County. She can be reached at 813 909-4609 or toll-free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 4609. Her e-mail address is ewindom@sptimes.com

[Last modified July 9, 2005, 01:02:12]