In April, when writing about our first year as the “new” La Vita Dolce, I listed several areas of focus for us in Year One. “Community Involvement” was one.

During a brief interview several weeks ago, I was asked how being in Southern Village affects La Vita Dolce. This question again brought up the idea of community, and what that means to us at La Vita Dolce.

So, I thought I’d write about it.

Rather than list the ways La Vita Dolce tries to participate in the community, I thought it might be more meaningful – and hopefully more interesting – to share about a relatively recent community partnership.

Scroggs Frogs

Mary Scroggs Elementary School is located just down the street from La Vita Dolce; it takes about 5 minutes to walk there from our front door.

Shortly after coming to La Vita Dolce, I got to know several people involved in the Scroggs PTA as they came to the café for coffee and meetings, and were very welcoming to me as a new member of their local community.

One of those people was Lynn Hirsch.

Several months back, Lynn started ordering breakfast or lunch to go for two people. I learned that she and Jen Lee, another customer and member of the Scroggs PTA, were turning an unused trailer into a STEAM Lab at the school (STEAM standing for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Lynn was taking food back to the school where she and Jen were working to create the Lab.

In retrospect, Lynn might regret that she told me what they were doing as from that point on, she got 20 questions from me every time she came in. I loved the idea of a space that encouraged students to create, and asked for updates on how the project was progressing. She always took time to fill me in.

The STEAM Lab

I learned that the PTA had worked with the principal to develop the idea of a STEAM Lab open to everyone at the school, and that Lynn and Jen had written a grant proposal for funding to make it happen. They won the grant, and the project was a go.

But the trailer that was to be transformed into the STEAM Lab wasn’t just sitting there, vacant. It was full, wall-to-wall, to the ceiling in some places, with what I can only describe as “stuff.” Lynn showed me pictures of the trailer when she came in for coffee or lunch. Their first task: empty out this stuff.

So. Get a truck. Load it up. Drive it out. Poof! Empty trailer.

Oh, no.

The “stuff” wasn’t just trash. There was usable “stuff.” There was, for example, perfectly functional furniture. So for months Lynn and Jen took inventory of what was in the trailer, moved things from the trailer to classrooms at Scroggs, and even coordinated with other schools to find homes for furniture and equipment.

As she got Chicken Salad Wraps to go, Lynn also told me about their vision for the STEAM Lab. They wanted a LEGO wall, allowing kids to build out rather than just up; a green screen and blackout blinds to create a filming environment; and an entire white board wall where students could draw, plan, and design.

The more I heard about the STEAM Lab, the more I became interested in the opportunity they were creating for students –a place where kids could imagine and create. Lynn’s enthusiasm and dedication were contagious.

80’s Prom

The grant money helped, but the PTA needed additional funds to create the Lab.

At the end of 2015, I had met another Scroggs PTA member, Erin McElligott, who was also a La Vita Dolce customer. In early 2016, Erin told me about plans for a new PTA fundraiser: an 80’s Prom for adults on the Southern Village Green.

It was a totally new event, but from Erin’s description – big hair, fishnets, The Breakfast Club soundtrack – I saw potential for a knockout fundraiser. And from what I knew about Erin, if she was behind it, it had an even better chance of being a success.

Funds raised at the event would largely go to support STEAM Lab development.

I got interested and wanted in on the 80’s fun. I worked with Erin and several other PTA members to figure out how La Vita Dolce could contribute in the most productive way – and how I could finally go to a party where my tutu would actually be considered an acceptable outfit choice.

La Vita Dolce donated the wine and beer for the event, and offered Poker Night and Patio Pre-Party packages in the silent auction. We also provided the bartending – in huge hoop earrings, fishnet gloves, and, of course a tutu.

The event was pulled off beautifully and the PTA raised over $17,000. It was recently covered in Chapel Hill Magazine.

STEAM Lab Launch

On May 13, Scroggs opened the doors to the STEAM Lab.

La Vita Dolce set up a Dolce Nitro keg at the Open House, and handed out our nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee to parents, teachers, and others as they came in to see the Lab.

I also got to see the space for the first time in-person, and learn more about how it all happened.

The dingy carpet in the trailer had been replaced with clean, modern hardwood vinyl, the euphemistically described “lavender wallpaper” had been taken down and the far wall of the trailer was now a huge white board space. Another wall was lined with dozens of cubbies housing a variety of supplies and the LEGO wall was even partially installed.

That’s Community

The STEAM Lab experience is an example of why it’s so rewarding to be invested in your community.

Because now I know what several of our customers look like in acid wash and scrunchies.

Truly, though, working with the Scroggs PTA allowed us to get to know many of our customers and other locals on a deeper and more personal level. It created connections based on shared purpose.

When I finally got to see the STEAM Lab about a weeks ago, I couldn’t stop smiling. I knew how much work, time, and resources so many people had dedicated to make it happen.

When they came to see the Lab, the grant donors said that the concept for the Lab had been among the most ambitious projects proposed. But the concept came to life because people came together – because they saw that this would be a great environment for students.

Working with others in the community toward a vision that will make the community better builds relationships, connections, and support that will go on – even beyond the STEAM Lab – to have an impact in our schools, our neighborhoods, our businesses and our town.