Coffee and chocolate shop is helping many starfish in Hagerstown

Saturday morning came and I was moving kind of slow, but moving was the key ingredient here.

I had a few chores to do after rising from bed, and collected some trash and headed for the Dargan landfill.

The day was beautiful and the morning air a bit crisp, and I could tell summer was beginning to wave goodbye to me.

Time for a cup of coffee, so I thought I would journey up to Brooke's House Coffee and Chocolate for a delightful pause in my day’s activities.

My good friend Lynn Routzhan, one of my favorite balladeers, was there singing this morning, and the place is something most important in our community’s fight against addiction.

If you’re not familiar with this little enterprise, it’s like a flower of summer to smell and enjoy.

The shop at 1083 Maryland Ave. in Hagerstown is a neat little stop with a neat little story. It is an enterprise under Brooke's House, a sober-living program near Hagerstown founded by Kevin and Donna Simmers in memory of their daughter, Brooke, who lost her battle with drug addiction.

More: New coffee, chocolates shop part of a brighter future for women battling substance abuse

The coffee is very good, and the display of chocolates is a sight for sore eyes. There are many other food items to be found that might tempt you if one needs to satisfy their taste buds.

But the real mission of this eatery is to be supportive and helpful to women who have walked a mile or two in misery associated with alcohol and drug addiction.

Its operational goal is to "empower women to make a difference." According to the website, "It is run 100% solely by girls who are in recovery from drugs and alcohol," and they, for sure, were most polite in serving those who came by to visit, including me.

I was most delighted.

After grabbing a coffee and a morning muffin, I went over to sit and listen to a fellow I’ve been following at many venues over the years.

Lynn Routzhan was singing an old Eagles classic when I arrived. Do you remember this one?

And I got a peaceful easy feelin'; And I know you won’t let me down 'Cause I’m already standing on the ground

I was really enjoying my morning coffee and visit. You would too!

It is important to realize that breaking away from any addiction is a most difficult journey. Finding some support in one’s community to redirect an individual’s energy to work is paramount to choosing a successful path to recovery.

Brooke’s House provides that opportunity.

The primary mission of the coffee shop is quite simple and found in their mission statement: "Our goal has always been to give our girls long term success, but one of the obstacles we had was finding employment." Because of their records or simply because of the fact that they were battling drug and alcohol abuse at one point in their life.

I was impressed by the operation of the facility and the friendliness that permeated the air of this inviting place.

Routzhan, the local balladeer, was a plus too as he delivered some good music and songs to those present while standing in his traditional bare feet.

Another old friend, Bonnie, was there listening to the troubadour’s sounds and supporting the mission of Brooke’s House.

It’s so soothing and relaxing while listening to Lynn’s songs. Many favorites were delivered on this morning like "Wichita Lineman," "Carefree Highway," "Peaceful Easy Feeling," and my favorite, "Brown Eyed Girl."

As I sat there surveying the neat and friendly atmosphere of the place, I noticed a favorite story of mine proudly displayed on a far wall. It was a piece simply titled "The Starfish Story" by Loren Eiseley.

Do you remember the story? It’s worth sharing:

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean.

Approaching the boy he asked, “Young man, what are you doing?”

“Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die,” the boy replied.

The man laughed to himself and said, “Do you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make any difference.”

After listening politely, the boy bent down to pick up another starfish and threw it into the surf. Then, he smiled at the man and said, “I made a difference to that one.”

The moral of the story: Everyone can make a difference — even if that difference affects one person.

I’m thinking right now that the Brooke’s House Coffee and Chocolates is making a difference.

Why not support them in their efforts?

Routzahn is singing there again on Sept. 23.

Good luck and success to all the ladies participating in this program.

May peace be with you.

Pete Waters is a Sharpsburg resident who writes for The Herald-Mail.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Brooke's House Coffee and Chocolate is worth a visit