A place where everybody knows your name
Do you have that special place you like to go and relax, feel
connected with friends, have fun and drinks? Well, there are many
people here in Hollister, to include five baristas that do, and
that place for them is Mars Hill.
A place where everybody knows your name
Do you have that special place you like to go and relax, feel connected with friends, have fun and drinks? Well, there are many people here in Hollister, to include five baristas that do, and that place for them is Mars Hill.
Mars Hill is a coffeehouse located on the corner of San Benito and Sixth streets. Its ambiance is such that you feel like you are in a cozy living room while being wonderfully spacious. Within its walls is not only warmth but beautiful art from various artists and entrepreneurs in the area. There are games for people to play from toddlers, to teenagers to adults. Chess is one of my favorites to play with my son! Smile.
There is a conference room that has been made available to community groups such as AA, Al-anon, San Benito Stage Company, church bible studies and meetings, tutoring and Healthy Bodies. During the day it is not unusual to see many business people there. Almost every Saturday night you will find local musicians playing there also, free of charge, for your enjoyment. It has been a platform to help many groups that include “Save the Music” for our local schools. Even Congressman Sam Farr and Senator Anthony Cannella put it on their agenda to visit when they were in town.
Now I can go on and on about the many ways Mars Hill has benefited people’s lives in this community but let me tell you how it has affected mine. I must admit upfront that the biggest impact it has had on my life is that two of those five baristas are my daughters. Far beyond the salaries they make, is the incredible friendships, fellowship and opportunity for growth they have experienced. My son has been involved in a Tuesday night youth group that has challenged him to be a stronger and more vibrant young man. You see, apart from the many amazing outward attributes Mars Hill holds, faith is also alive there. Its birthplace lies in the hearts of many people who love God and are moved to bring His hope, faith, love and light to our community. In a time when many of us are struggling in the economy, it is nice to have a place of hope.
Mars Hill is a nonprofit organization that relies on prayer and monies that are brought in by the community. The baristas love and believe in Mars Hill so much that they volunteered there time last Saturday at a yard sale and raised $885.35 to help the doors remain open.
As a veteran and now bartender at Johnny’s Bar and Grill, I have come to experience our human need for connection with one another. Mars Hill is certainly one of those special places of connection that we are blessed to have in our community.
Oh, and being from the Boston area, I could not help but borrow a familiar headline for my story. Smile.
Jeana Arballo is a Hollister resident.
