FORT MADISON - Everyone needs a third place: a spot outside of home and work to connect, build community, feel known, and be a regular. Hope Wehrman, a transplant from Kansas, starts most of her mornings making coffee for the regulars at Swed & Company. Each shift brings similar faces, repeat orders, routines, and connections. After a visit to Putt-A-Round in June, Hope made her goal for the summer to become a regular.
“I love the concept of being a regular,” said Wehrman.
Regulars exist in all forms, whether they visit a coffee shop, local park, record store, or are around a pool table.
In Hope’s journey, Putt-A-Round’s ice cream selection influenced her decision.
“The lemon cheesecake ice cream cone is my favorite,” said Wehrman. She has tried other flavors a few times but landed on lemon cheesecake as her go-to.
Wehrman spent many nights sitting outside of Putt-A-Round while the sun set, laughing and connecting with friends. A light-hearted goal centered on lemon cheesecake ice cream built friendships and sparked joy for Wehrman.
Putt-A-Round’s manager, Isaiah Jenkins, helped make Hope’s goal official by asking her whether she’d had a flavor besides lemon cheesecake.
“It was nice to have a spot where you could go with friends or by yourself, and it’s still going to be a great time,” said Wehrman.
As the seasonal closing of Putt-A-Round looms, her third-place spot opens back up. “I have started my own record collection in the last few months; now I want to get into plants too.” Pool 19 is Wehrman’s next spot.
There are third places for everyone. Unwinding and recharging are essential; connection is vital. Find your third place at the local park, gym, restaurant, or public library. You get to decide where you connect, build community, and be known. Follow along as we feature more Fort Madison regulars.
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