Parkesburg hosts Coffee Klatch Meetups

The Parkesburg Coffee Klatch Meetup group formed in March of 2024 when a few friends gathered to enjoy beverages and some baked goods at a local coffee shop. Over the past year, the group has grown and evolved and now meets regularly for pizza and burger nights at local eateries.

The group includes men and women of all ages who enjoy sharing good food and conversation while networking. Attendees hail not only from Parkesburg, but surrounding communities as well, including Coatesville and Cochranville. "We are still going stronger than ever after our first meetup 14 months ago," said Kathi Rendall, the group's founder.

She noted that at each gathering, attendees are also asked to donate nonperishable in-date food items for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard.

Currently, the group meets every other Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Gabe's Pizza Place, 428 W. First Ave., Parkesburg. On the opposite weeks, burger nights are held on Thursdays at 5 p.m. at Victory Brewing Company, 3127 Lower Valley Road, Parkesburg. These events are subject to change, and the most-up-to-date information can be found on the group's Facebook page.

There are no fees to participate, and attendees may order food from the menu if they choose.

During the events, the tables are pushed together so that attendees can sit alongside each other. As guests arrive, they are provided with a name tag and are then asked to introduce themselves and share other information if they choose. At times, Rendall asks people to switch places so they can chat with others around the table.

"Sometimes we play games toward the end when the tables are cleared. We have been here (at Gabe's) as late as 2 o'clock," Rendall said. "For burger night (recently), we were there until well after 8, and it starts at 5 p.m."

For the gathering at Gabe's on April 21, more than a dozen people were in attendance. There was also a name tag on the table for Randy Litwin, owner of Springhouse Spirits, who passed away in March. "Randy was one of our original members, so I left his name tag on the table. I could not just throw it away," Rendall shared.

Rendall says she is pleased with how the social group has turned out, noting that there is no set program or agenda. She only requests that people not discuss any controversial topics or politics during the gatherings.

"(I formed the group because) there are a lot of people who need that connection," she stated, adding that the group originally met at Poured Out Cafe in Parkesburg but has since outgrown the space. "Sometimes I can't come, and (other members) make sure people feel welcome."

When asked why they are enjoying attending, several attendees cited the importance of getting out of the house in a post-pandemic world. "It's a break in the everyday routine," said Bill Glenn, who attends the gatherings regularly. "You get to talk to a lot of people that you know and meet new people that you never knew before. These relationships and these conversations carry on week after week."

Jack Mariano, a member of the Parkesburg Historical Commission, said that he also enjoys attending the events. "I come for the fellowship, but I have been around there for so long that I like to push the history of Parkesburg on people," he stated. "This town has a really neat history."

For more information and a schedule of upcoming events, join the Facebook group "Parkesburg Coffee Klatch Meetups!"