The Thursday Owl - November 5, 2026

From the Co-Presidents

Happy Thursday, and happy November! We hope you all survived the Halloween and Daylight Savings combo this weekend! 

It was great to see some of you last Wednesday at our first All Community Meeting. Dr. Kramer gave us some practical tips about how to foster resiliency and manage big feelings.

Our next All Community Meeting will be on Wednesday 1/20. More to come, and hope to see you there!

Abby and Sarah

Email us

News & Announcements

let Blue Ribbon BBQ cook your Thanksgiving and support the Alcott PTG

Skip the kitchen stress this year! Order your Thanksgiving from Blue Ribbon BBQ - smoked turkey and all the fixings - and 10% of every order placed with code ALCOTT26 goes back to the Alcott PTG. Attached is the MENU. 

  • Order online at BlueRibbonBBQ.com with code ALCOTT26, or call 617-244-7427 and mention the code

  • Orders are due by 5 PM on Friday, November 13

  • Pickup is Wednesday, November 25, 11 AM - 6 PM, at Arlington, Newton Highlands Commissary, or Time Out Market Boston

Alcott Multicultural Day – Family Sign-Up

Join us on Sunday, April 11, 2027, as we celebrate the beautiful cultures and traditions that make Alcott special! Families are invited to share their heritage through traditional foods, clothing, photographs, crafts, displays, or cultural artifacts. Every culture has a story worth sharing, and every contribution matters! Sign up to participate HERE. Let's make this a celebration to remember!

Have You Ever Wondered How PTG Funds Get Spent?

Here’s one example! The PTG recently funded 56 copies of Book Uncle and Me by Uma Krishnaswami for third-grade students to use during WIN time. Supporting Grade 3’s Power of Reading module, the book builds fluency and comprehension while encouraging thoughtful discussion. Students love their small-group “book clubs”, asking one another questions, exploring figurative language, and connecting with the story’s Indian setting and diverse experiences. Thank you to the PTG for bringing more books and meaningful conversations to our readers!

UMass Lowell vs BC Hockey Alcott Community Night

Saturday December 5th, 6pm at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. $5 of every ticket sold will be donated back to the Alcott community! Grab some friends and enjoy a night of hockey benefiting Alcott PTG! Purchase tickets here! 

Alcott School Turkey Trot Pledge Link

Another amazing Turkey Trot this year! For those who would like to get started submitting their pledges, you can do so using the following link. ALL donations will go directly to Open Table and the Concord Recreation Department Scholarship Fund. Pledges are due December 4th.

Picture Retake Day

Retake Day is Wednesday November 18th. Please return the undamaged prints to the photographer at Retake Day. Find further instructions here. Volunteer for retake day here.

Volunteer to Help with Composting

Sign up here for November, and here for December.

Calendar & Important Dates

Every Wednesday is a half day

  • November 6 - K-5 Conferences - No School

  • November 11 - Veterans Day - No School

  • November 13 - Crazy Sock Day

  • November 18 - Picture Retake Day

  • November 26-29 - Thanksgiving Recess

In the Community

New! Tuesday Morning Yoga at PK Dance Center

Looking for a little time for yourself? PK Dance Center is offering a new four-session adult yoga series on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM, beginning November 10. Led by instructor Katherine McKie, classes are open to all levels and offer a great opportunity to move, recharge, and start your day feeling refreshed! Register Here

CCHS Basketball Annual Veterans Day Fundraiser

CCHS Boys Basketball will host its Annual Veterans Day Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 11 at CCHS for boys in Grades 2-8. Join Varsity Coach Aaron Joncas and the CCHS Varsity team for a fun day of contests and games! Get all the details and sign up here: Boys Basketball Vets Day Clinic. All proceeds benefit the Friends of CC Basketball, a non-profit organization supporting our high school team.

Concord DEI Commission Community Coffee

Join the Concord DEI Commission Community Coffee for “Understanding American Muslims,” featuring Petra Alsoofy of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. Explore Muslim Americans’ diverse experiences and Islamophobia through an educational presentation and interactive Q&A.

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Hearing Room, Townhouse, 22 Monument Sq, or join online. The presentation will be recorded and available afterward; the Q&A will not. We hope you can join us to learn, listen, and connect.

SASS Diwali Celebration

SASS is happy to announce our Diwali celebration will be from 1:30-3:30pm on November 14th in the CCHS caf!! Everyone is welcome to celebrate the festival of light with us, come, enjoy Indian dance performances, food and desserts! We hope to see you there!! Attached to this message is a SignUpGenius for any food contributions or those interested in dancing at the event: Sign Up for Dancers, Performers and Food: HERE

COncord-Carlisle Youth Field Hockey Clinics

CCYFH has secured indoor turf for the winter season and is bringing back pro coaching, high school players, and good vibes for Winter Skills. MON Nights @ TeamWorks in Acton. JAN 4 - MAR 29 (13 Sessions). 5:00pm - 6:00pm (Grades 3-5). 6:00pm - 7:00pm (Grades 6-8). Space is limited, so don’t wait, REGISTER NOW. Registration closes on Sunday, November 15th.  Email ccyfieldhockey@gmail.com with any questions.

Bandemonium!, A Musical Event for Families

The Concord Band and music director, Jim O'Dell, are proud to present our fourth annual Bandemonium!, a musical event geared toward kids in grades K-3 and their families. Enjoy a variety of popular works, including movie soundtracks, Disney classics, and pop songs! Attendees are invited to join in through interactive movement games, sing-alongs, and instrument play. Saturday, Nov 7th from 1:00-2:15 at 51 Walden St. in Concord. Tickets available here.

Concord Carlisle Youth Hockey: In-Town Registration Open for 2026-2027

  • Hot Shot Hockey: For kids 8-15 years old who are looking for a fun, learning-focused, no-pressure hockey experience. Includes 12+ weeks of games and practices starting on November 8th.

  • Learn-to-Play: Considered our "Hockey 101" program; geared for kids born between 1/1/18 and 12/31/21. 

  • Learn-to-Skate: For kids 3+ years; teaches skating fundamentals.

Learn-to-Skate and Learn-to-Play begin November 7/8 at the Middlesex School rink. Visit www.ccyh.org for more details and to register.

Your Child's Brain in a Screen-Saturated World: An Evening with Neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath

Tuesday, 11/17 (Concord Middle School Auditorium) · 7–9 PM · Free Raising kids in a fast-changing, tech-driven world can feel overwhelming. Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist and Harvard educator who has worked with more than 1,000 schools, offers clear, practical answers for families of kids in K–12. You'll leave knowing: what builds kids' attention, memory, and real understanding, and what gets in the way; how to tell healthy challenge from harmful stress; concrete things you can do at home, and ask about at school, including around technology.

If you've ever wondered what screens are doing to your child's learning, this evening is for you. Register at turninglifeon.org/jch.

Growing up Well: From Pressure to Purpose— Community Panel Discussion

ThinkGive, Turning Life On, Danny’s Place, and CCACE invite parents, teens, and educators to our next event in the Growing up Well community education series. Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 6:00-7:30 PM Concord-Carlisle High School, Learning Commons (2nd Floor, library) | Register Today and Learn More.

SEPAC Events

The SEPAC coffee schedule for the 2026-27 school year is as follows:

  • November 19th from 9-11 a.m.

  • December 17th from 6-8 p.m.

  • January 21st from 9-11 a.m.

  • February 11th from 6-8 p.m.

  • March 18th from 9-11 a.m.

  • April 15th from 6-8 p.m.

  • May 20th from 9-11 a.m.

Office Hours: Held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11-12:30 in the Main Library in the cafe area.

The Thursday Owl - October 29, 2026

News & Announcements

Alcott School Turkey Trot Pledge Link

Another amazing Turkey Trot yesterday! For those who would like to get started submitting their pledges, you can do so using the following link. ALL donations will go directly to Open Table and the Concord Recreation Department Scholarship Fund. Pledges are due December 4th.

5th Grade Food Collection for Open Table

Through October 30th, Grade 5 is hosting a school-wide collection of food to make Kids Bags for the Open Table Food Pantry. Open Table distributes 250 Kids Bags a week. Each grade is being asked to donate different items as listed on this flyer. Students can bring donations to school and drop them off in the bins outside their classrooms. Many thanks for your support!

Help Restock the Staff Lounge

Alcott's faculty & staff were thrilled to come back to a full kitchen at the start of school and expressed their immense gratitude, so we would like to replenish the supply of snacks and drinks ahead of a busy week of parent/teacher conferences! Please use this link to sign up for a donation so we can restock on 11/2 and continue to show our appreciation.

Picture Retake Day

Retake Day is Wednesday November 18th. Please return the undamaged prints to the photographer at Retake Day. Find further instructions here. Volunteer for retake day here.

Alcott PTG Community Chats

Still interested in joining Alcott PTG Community Chats? Links below!

Questions? Email alcottptgcommunity@gmail.com.

Alcott Annual Appeal

Each year, the Alcott PTG asks families and friends to support the programs and experiences that make our school special. The PTG invests approximately $150 per student annually in enrichment, classroom supplies, community events, and assistance for families in need. Please Give a Hoot and donate online today, or mail a check to Alcott payable to Alcott PTG, with Annual Appeal in the memo to support students.

Volunteer to Help with Composting

Sign up here for October, here for November, and here for December.

Calendar & Important Dates

Every Wednesday is a half day

  • October 30 - Last Day of 5th Grade Open Table Food Collection

  • November 6 - K-5 Conferences - No School

  • November 11 - Veterans Day - No School

  • November 13 - Crazy Sock Day

  • November 18 - Picture Retake Day

  • November 26-29 - Thanksgiving Recess

In the Community

Concord-Carlisle Youth Field Hockey Clinics

CCYFH has secured indoor turf for the winter season and is bringing back pro coaching, high school players, and good vibes for Winter Skills. MON Nights @ TeamWorks in Acton. JAN 4 - MAR 29 (13 Sessions). 5:00pm - 6:00pm (Grades 3-5). 6:00pm - 7:00pm (Grades 6-8). Space is limited, so don’t wait, REGISTER NOW. Registration closes on Sunday, November 15th.  Email ccyfieldhockey@gmail.com with any questions.

SASS Diwali Celebration

SASS is happy to announce our Diwali celebration will be from 1:30-3:30pm on November 14th in the CCHS caf!! Everyone is welcome to celebrate the festival of light with us, come, enjoy Indian dance performances, food and desserts! We hope to see you there!! Attached to this message is a SignUpGenius for any food contributions or those interested in dancing at the event: Sign Up for Dancers, Performers and Food: HERE

Barefoot Books Fall Community Gathering

Our Fall Community Gathering has become one of our favorite Barefoot traditions. It's a chance to bring together friends, neighbors and our wider community for good conversation, cocktails and delicious bites. This fall, we’re delighted to be partnering with Open Table, our local food pantry. Come raise a glass, catch up with old friends, make some new ones, and celebrate our wonderful community.  Thursday, October 29, 5:30PM – 8:00PM. The Barefoot Studio 23 Bradford St Concord, MA.  RSVP HERE

Girls Scouts Daisy Troop

There is a new Girl Scouts Daisy Troop starting for Alcott & Thoreau Kindergarteners, Troop #81242. The troop is just beginning to come together, and troop meetings haven't started yet. It will likely meet every other weekend at the Concord Scout House. The Girl Scouts Online Registration Instructions are helpful for navigating the registration process. The cost is $90 for the year, and financial assistance is available.

Early Learning Collaborative: Toddler Playgroup & Caregiver Education at Concord Children’s Center

Have a toddler? Join us for a welcoming program led by expert toddler educators Amy Gonzalez and Jordan Zirkel. Sessions combine engaging play with conversations about developmental milestones, toddler behaviors, and social-emotional development. Share experiences, ask questions, and gain practical strategies for navigating tantrums, routines, independence, and developmental leaps—all while connecting with other caregivers in the same stage of life. Register HERE today.

Bandemonium!, A Musical Event for Families

The Concord Band and music director, Jim O'Dell, are proud to present our fourth annual Bandemonium!, a musical event geared toward kids in grades K-3 and their families. Enjoy a variety of popular works, including movie soundtracks, Disney classics, and pop songs! Attendees are invited to join in through interactive movement games, sing-alongs, and instrument play. Saturday, Nov 7th from 1:00-2:15 at 51 Walden St. in Concord. Tickets available here.

Your Child's Brain in a Screen-Saturated World: An Evening with Neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath

Tuesday, 11/17 (Concord Middle School Auditorium) · 7–9 PM · Free Raising kids in a fast-changing, tech-driven world can feel overwhelming. Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist and Harvard educator who has worked with more than 1,000 schools, offers clear, practical answers for families of kids in K–12. You'll leave knowing: what builds kids' attention, memory, and real understanding, and what gets in the way; how to tell healthy challenge from harmful stress; concrete things you can do at home, and ask about at school, including around technology.

If you've ever wondered what screens are doing to your child's learning, this evening is for you. Register at turninglifeon.org/jch.

Concord Carlisle Youth Hockey: In-Town Registration Open for 2026-2027

  • Hot Shot Hockey: For kids 8-15 years old who are looking for a fun, learning-focused, no-pressure hockey experience. Includes 12+ weeks of games and practices starting on November 8th.

  • Learn-to-Play: Considered our "Hockey 101" program; geared for kids born between 1/1/18 and 12/31/21. 

  • Learn-to-Skate: For kids 3+ years; teaches skating fundamentals.

Learn-to-Skate and Learn-to-Play begin November 7/8 at the Middlesex School rink. Visit www.ccyh.org for more details and to register.

Growing up Well: From Pressure to Purpose— Community Panel Discussion

ThinkGive, Turning Life On, Danny’s Place, and CCACE invite parents, teens, and educators to our next event in the Growing up Well community education series. Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 6:00-7:30 PM Concord-Carlisle High School, Learning Commons (2nd Floor, library) | Register Today and Learn More.

SEPAC Events

The SEPAC coffee schedule for the 2026-27 school year is as follows:

  • November 19th from 9-11 a.m.

  • December 17th from 6-8 p.m.

  • January 21st from 9-11 a.m.

  • February 11th from 6-8 p.m.

  • March 18th from 9-11 a.m.

  • April 15th from 6-8 p.m.

  • May 20th from 9-11 a.m.

Office Hours: Held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11-12:30 in the Main Library in the cafe area.

The Thursday Owl - October 22, 2026

From the Co-Presidents

Just a quick note to say that we are both looking forward to seeing you at the All-Parent Meeting next week, Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30pm in the cafeteria. This is a chance for us to gather as a community, connect as parents, and learn from Dr. Rachel Kramer, a leading expert in her field. We hope you can join us! 

Thanks!

Abby and Sarah, PTG Co-Presidents 

Email us

News & Announcements

Last Call for Meadow Farms

Today is the last day for the Meadow Farms sale! As a reminder, Meadow Farms is offering items from its catalogue, with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting Alcott as part of our fundraising efforts. It's a win-win! Browse the online storefront: Meadows Farm Store.

If you placed an order on 10/16 and did not get free shipping, please email Alli Flynn (alcottptgfundraising@gmail.com).

5th Grade Food Collection for Open Table

From now until October 30th, Grade 5 is hosting a school-wide collection of food to make Kids Bags for the Open Table Food Pantry. Open Table distributes 250 Kids Bags a week. Each grade is being asked to donate different items as listed on this flyer. Students can bring donations to school and drop them off in the bins outside their classrooms. Many thanks for your support!

Help Restock the Staff Lounge

Alcott's faculty & staff were thrilled to come back to a full kitchen at the start of school and expressed their immense gratitude, so we would like to replenish the supply of snacks and drinks ahead of a busy week of parent/teacher conferences! Please use this link to sign up for a donation so we can restock on 11/2 and continue to show our appreciation.

School Portraits & Picture Retake Day

Portrait packages have shipped and will come home with your children. Digital prints were emailed last week by Coffee Pond. Class photos will ship with retake packages. Please contact Coffee Pond directly with any questions about your order (e.g., order forms, late orders, missing orders & refunds, etc.). Customer Care: Lifeguards@coffeepond.com and 508-907-6633 ext. 0. Mailing Address: Coffee Pond Photography: 111 Speen Street, Suite 401, Framingham, MA 01701.

Retake Day is Wednesday November 18th. Please return the undamaged prints to the photographer at Retake Day. Find further instructions here. Volunteer for retake day here.

Alcott School Turkey Trot: Next Wednesday

The annual Alcott School Turkey Trot will be on October 28 from 9:45–11:45am at Emerson Track! Students take pledges from family and friends based on how many laps they complete in 15 minutes. ALL donations will go directly to Open Table and the Concord Recreation Department Scholarship Fund. Pledges are due December 4th. A PayPal link will be posted after the event. To volunteer, email tgaudreau@concordps.org by tomorrow. See HERE for more info.

Alcott PTG Community Chats

Still interested in joining Alcott PTG Community Chats? Links below!

Questions? Email alcottptgcommunity@gmail.com.

Alcott Annual Appeal

Each year, the Alcott PTG asks families and friends to support the programs and experiences that make our school special. The PTG invests approximately $150 per student annually in enrichment, classroom supplies, community events, and assistance for families in need. Please Give a Hoot and donate online today, or mail a check to Alcott payable to Alcott PTG, with Annual Appeal in the memo to support students.

3rd Grade Fall Meetup

When: Tomorrow, 10/23 at 4pm
Where: Emerson Playground, Concord
What to bring: A picnic dinner if you'd like — we'll also have some kid-friendly snacks on hand. Feel free to bring a craft, Pokémon cards, or another quiet activity if your kid isn't in the mood for the playground.

Hope to see you there!

Volunteer to Help with Composting

Sign up here for October, here for November, and here for December.

Calendar & Important Dates

Every Wednesday is a half day

  • October 22 - Meadow Farms Sale Final Day

  • October 23 - 3rd Grade Fall Meetup

  • October 28 - Turkey Trot

  • October 28 - All-Parent Meeting: Raising Resilient Kids

  • October 30 - Last Day of 5th Grade Open Table Food Collection

  • November 6 - K-5 Conferences - No School

  • November 11 - Veterans Day - No School

  • November 13 - Crazy Sock Day

  • November 18 - Picture Retake Day

  • November 26-29 - Thanksgiving Recess

In the Community

Girls Scouts Daisy Troop

There is a new Girl Scouts Daisy Troop starting for Alcott & Thoreau Kindergarteners, Troop #81242. The troop is just beginning to come together, and troop meetings haven't started yet. It will likely meet every other weekend at the Concord Scout House. The Girl Scouts Online Registration Instructions are helpful for navigating the registration process. The cost is $90 for the year, and financial assistance is available.

Early Learning Collaborative: Toddler Playgroup & Caregiver Education at Concord Children’s Center

Have a toddler? Join us for a welcoming program led by expert toddler educators Amy Gonzalez and Jordan Zirkel. Sessions combine engaging play with conversations about developmental milestones, toddler behaviors, and social-emotional development. Share experiences, ask questions, and gain practical strategies for navigating tantrums, routines, independence, and developmental leaps—all while connecting with other caregivers in the same stage of life. Register HERE today.

Bandemonium!, A Musical Event for Families

The Concord Band and music director, Jim O'Dell, are proud to present our fourth annual Bandemonium!, a musical event geared toward kids in grades K-3 and their families. Enjoy a variety of popular works, including movie soundtracks, Disney classics, and pop songs! Attendees are invited to join in through interactive movement games, sing-alongs, and instrument play. Saturday, Nov 7th from 1:00-2:15 at 51 Walden St. in Concord. Tickets available here.

DEI Community Survey Results

Town Manager Kerry Lafleur will share the results of Concord’s Quadrennial DEI Community Survey on Thursday, October 29, from 5–6:30pm at Harvey Wheeler Community Center auditorium (1276 Main St). Find more info and a zoom link here.

Trek or Treat Halloween Bike Ride

When: Tuesday, October 27 from 4-5pm

Start: Behind 40 Beharrell Street, Concord

Finish: East Acton Village Green, 129 Concord Road, Acton

Distance: Approximately 2 miles

Bring: Your bike and Halloween spirit! Bike share bicycles available.

More info here.

Your Child's Brain in a Screen-Saturated World: An Evening with Neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath

Tuesday, 11/17 (Concord Middle School Auditorium) · 7–9 PM · Free Raising kids in a fast-changing, tech-driven world can feel overwhelming. Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist and Harvard educator who has worked with more than 1,000 schools, offers clear, practical answers for families of kids in K–12. You'll leave knowing: what builds kids' attention, memory, and real understanding, and what gets in the way; how to tell healthy challenge from harmful stress; concrete things you can do at home, and ask about at school, including around technology.

If you've ever wondered what screens are doing to your child's learning, this evening is for you. Register at turninglifeon.org/jch.

Concord Carlisle Youth Hockey: In-Town Registration Open for 2026-2027

  • Hot Shot Hockey: For kids 8-15 years old who are looking for a fun, learning-focused, no-pressure hockey experience. Includes 12+ weeks of games and practices starting on November 8th.

  • Learn-to-Play: Considered our "Hockey 101" program; geared for kids born between 1/1/18 and 12/31/21. 

  • Learn-to-Skate: For kids 3+ years; teaches skating fundamentals.

Learn-to-Skate and Learn-to-Play begin November 7/8 at the Middlesex School rink. Visit www.ccyh.org for more details and to register.

Kicks for Cancer is Finally Coming

Please save the date for the rescheduled 20th Kicks for Cancer event at Concord-Carlisle High School on October 24! CC girls vs. LS @3:30pm, CC boys vs. LS @6:00pm. Want to volunteer or need more details? Visit www.kicksforcancer.org.

Concord Recreation Basketball

This is a recreational program designed to help participants learn and develop the fundamentals of basketball in a fun, supportive environment. For the older divisions, the first four weeks will focus on clinics covering fundamental skills, followed by a combination of scrimmages, skills, and drills throughout the remainder of the season. The program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and having fun. Participants of all skill levels are welcome. Register Now!

Great Pumpkin Smash

Join us on Sunday, November 8 from 10-2pm for a smashing good time at the sixth annual Great Pumpkin Smash at Codman Community Farms! This family-friendly event is all about having fun while also making a positive impact on our planet. Find more info here.

Kids Need Kids Naturally

At Kids Naturally, children explore, collaborate, and grow through hands-on outdoor experiences. We offer two wonderful Thursday programs:

  • Open Air Thursdays (4–6pm, ages 4–10): Full of outdoor collaboration, discovery and fun!

  • Natural Thursdays (9:30–11:30am, ages 3–5): Nurturing natural curiosity through exploration and play. Join our Try-It Day today for Natural Thursdays! Space is limited. Register today at Kids-Naturally.com.

Growing up Well: From Pressure to Purpose— Community Panel Discussion

ThinkGive, Turning Life On, Danny’s Place, and CCACE invite parents, teens, and educators to our next event in the Growing up Well community education series. Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 6:00-7:30 PM Concord-Carlisle High School, Learning Commons (2nd Floor, library) | Register Today and Learn More.

Trunk or Treat

Please join us for our annual Trunk or Treat Sunday, 10/25, 2-3pm. Beede Center Parking Lot @498 Walden St. Candy Provided! Details HERE.

Support Year-Round Sports & Recreation at MCI-Concord

Concord is developing the master plan and zoning for the former MCI-Concord property, and there’s an opportunity to preserve space for a privately operated, year-round indoor sports and recreation facility. With field, court, and indoor space so limited in town, this could be a great resource for local families. If you support the idea, please take a minute to send an email and share it with others who may want to weigh in.

4th Annual LexGiving 5K Run/Walk

Concord-Carlisle Wrestling is excited to partner with Lexington High School Wrestling for the 4th Annual LexGiving 5K Run/Walk on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26th at 8:45 AM. The event brings together hundreds of local families, athletes, and community members while raising money to support student-athletes. More information can be found HERE.

SEPAC Events

SEPAC Virtual Monthly Board Meeting: Monday, October 26th from 6:30-7:30pm on Zoom. The SEPAC Board meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Our meetings are open to all! Meeting agendas will be provided on our website and Facebook page at least one week prior.

Office Hours: Held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11-12:30 in the Main Library in the cafe area.