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Kevin Steen

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Preparing for Riverview's annual Christmas Stroll illustrates what I think is the best part of being an entrepreneur: creating community. Damascus is enjoying its eighth month of business, and in that time we've enjoyed being part of a network of local businesses.

When proprietors encourage and support one another's products and services, we all benefit. Events like the Christmas Stroll illustrate the great relationships that occur when we work together.

Even though the day-to-day logistics of running our coffee house can be overwhelming, I'm thankful for the valuable advice and bits of wisdom we've gleaned from tradespersons, suppliers and service providers.

Offering local products from local suppliers as much as possible makes us feel community-minded, too.

For us, community spirit not only comes from working with other local businesses but from serving residents. Whether you're going to and from work, meeting a colleague for lunch, or socializing with friends, we enjoy being your gathering place.

No matter what reason you visit, the most fulfilling part of our job comes from knowing that we have become part of your daily habit. Whether you have time to linger and chat for awhile or have just long enough to say, "Morning, Kevin," getting to know all of you has become the most satisfying part of our business.

The Stroll has put us in the Christmas spirit, and we've revised our menu board to reflect some of our customer's favourites. The holiday season is a great time to try new beverage recipes and experiment with old favourites.

So tonight, after you've stuffed yourself full of cookies and mulled cider, enjoyed the community events and gotten all your Christmas shopping sewn up, perhaps you'd like to add a few new coffee recipes to your files.

Remember, if you only have a moka pot to make stovetop espresso at home, you can still have thick, frothy milk. In a deep saucepan, whisk two percent or homogenized milk over medium-high heat. Increase your whisking speed as it warms up and its volume swells - but don't let it boil!

* Kevin Steen is a true coffee lover and proprietor of Damascus Coffee House in Riverview. Do you have a coffee question for Kevin? Visit him at the shop, or call him at 855-4646.