By INTRODUCTION
The following story recognizing an inspiring act of kindness that has benefitted health care workers and first responders who patronize Nomad Coffee & Crepes in the village was written by Lauren Halligan for an April 2020 edition of the Saratogian and is being reprinted with permission from the original publisher.
Nomad receives donation to provide free coffee for area healthcare workers, first responders
By Lauren Halligan
What amazes me the most about this donation, is that we meant enough to somebody (as well as each and every first responder/healthcare professional this donation was intended for) – and in the midst of a very difficult economic climate – for somebody to purchase and donate a $500 Nomad gift card to our local heroes in healthcare.
Local cafe Nomad Coffee & Crepes recently received a $500 donation from one of its regulars for the business to provide free coffee for area healthcare workers and first responders during the COVID-19 crisis.
Susan Schuster of Malta, who made the donation along with her wife Jean Trewhella, said she thought the gesture would be a win-win for both the small business and the workers receiving coffee.
“I was absolutely floored – though not too surprised – when I heard about Susan and her partner’s contribution,” said Nomad Coffee & Crepes owner Nick Furnia, who opened the Ballston Spa business in 2018.
Schuster and Trewhella have been frequent visitors at the cafe for about one year – and since it closed all dine-in operations due to the state-wide mandate last month, they’ve been ordering her favorite food and drinks to go.
Furnia said the first time he met Schuster and Trewhella they clicked because they have similar interests in the humanities. “But more than anything I appreciated their kindness,” he said, noting that it feels like he’s known the couple longer than he has.
“That’s the beauty of working in this type of service, and that’s the thing I miss the most throughout this whole COVID debacle: making friends and elevating others through our passion for human connection,” Furnia said. “What amazes me the most about this donation, is that we meant enough to somebody (as well as each and every first responder/healthcare professional this donation was intended for) – and in the midst of a very difficult economic climate – for somebody to purchase and donate a $500 Nomad gift card to our local heroes in healthcare,” he continued.
Medical personnel and first-responders can place their free coffee orders by phone, for takeout and curbside pickup.
As the donation balance is used, Nomad Coffee & Crepes hopes others like Schuster will pay it forward in the form of a small donation as well, in order to continue the program.
Nomad Coffee & Crepes, located at 80 Milton Ave. in Ballston Spa, is currently taking orders by phone for takeout and curbside pickup. Delivery is available through Grubhub as well.
In addition to beverages, the cafe’s full menu of sweet and savory crepes is available too.
The cafe can be contacted by calling 518-309-4168.
COVID-19First RespondersLauren HalliganNomad Coffee and CrepesSaratogianSusan Schuster
