The Cass County COA is planning a quarterly “Coffee Time” at its Front Street Crossing location in Dowagiac. Coffee Time will give attendees a chance to question leaders and people of interest in our community.

Thursday Mayor Don Lyons was the first participant in Coffee Time. He answered questions on a wide variety of topics for a full hour. Mayor Lyons has held his position as mayor for two decades. Prior to being elected mayor he was a long time member of the school board in Dowagiac.  So it goes without saying that his roots in the community run deep.

“My focus as mayor has been our neighborhoods. If our neighborhoods are kept up and looking nice it reflects on our entire community. And, naturally, our downtown is also part of that neighborhood experience,” Lyons said. “The one thing I would like to see before my term ends is more people living downtown in apartments above our retail establishments. Many years ago Dowagiac businesses supplemented their income with housing above the store and it would be wonderful to see that happening again.”

Mayor Lyons also talked about the grants that can be made available to those who need to make improvements to their storefront or their home. In addition, he addressed everything from school traffic routing to park developments to his position on what he would like Dowagiac to be in the next 100 years.

Check the Cass County COA’s publication, The Messenger to find out when the next Coffee Time will be held. The event is a rare chance to learn more about our great county and the people who help make things happen.

The Cass County COA’s Front Street Crossing is located at 227 S. Front Street in downtown Dowagiac.  For further information, please call 269-445-8110.

The Cass County COA is a community organization offering programs and services for adults in all life stages.