An e-mail from Siera Hipsher, General Manager of the Ash & Elm Cider company invited me to “Joseph’s Surprise 5th Anniversary Party” for the company’s “incredible cider-maker.” As a long-time supporter of the cidery’s place and products, I responded immediately: “Siera! What is the DATE? I want to attend but need to know when!” Siera corrected that oopsie and asked me to include Paula and Ethel, the two co-founders of this publication, who are also staunch supporters.
The gathering of surprising people was held on Thursday May 13th, on the rooftop of 1301 E. Washington St., soon to be the company’s new location. My work wife (Paula) and I stopped at the current tasting room for a tipple before sneaking off to the new place. We were met at the door by Siera and Aaron Homoya, co-founder of Ash & Elm. Once the gathering in front of the building had grown to an appreciable size, we were led inside and onto an elevator to the roof. The new building has a community room that tenants are allowed to use, and Siera bustled about the kitchen, setting out the pizzas purchased with vegetarian and GF (gluten free) allergies taken into consideration. And though she promised beer, she delighted the cider crowd with – cider! Paula, Ethel, and I watched as the gathering swelled while we all awaited the arrival of the honored guest.
Rumor has it that Joseph was not entirely surprised when he came into the community room to the applause of his friends and associates. We few, we mighty few, we band of brothers and sisters retired to the rooftop, where the downtown skyline served as a background to the people on the roof who had come to honor Joseph. Andréa Homoya, her youngest son strapped onto her chest, sat next to her husband, Aaron, and invited the group to tell “stories of Joseph.” One of the stories was about how Joseph wrote to the Homoyas, saying that his previous experience qualified him to be a cider-maker for their new company. Joseph started to read the cover letter to his resumé but was unable to complete it; he deferred to his bride, Jennifer, who finished his heartfelt and humble petition for employment as a cider-maker at Ash & Elm.
Chimney swifts whirled and ticked and twittered above the gathering as Wes Rankin regaled us with a story about a forklift; Tracy weighed in, as did Alex. Chris, Melody, Brent, and Jerome (Chris’ “emotional support companion”) listened as Ethel told of her entreaty to Andréa to interview her when the cidery opened. Despite Andréa’s tepid response, the interview was a front-page feature, and the beginning of a cider love affair for CJ, Paula, and Ethel. My short story was that Joseph, when overhearing me mention “my granddaughter,” lifted his head and smiled across the bar and said her name: “Myah.” Previous cideristas Alexis and Kellie stopped by to celebrate and pack into the elevators to head back down to the first floor, where Andréa led us on a tour of the new space, which promises to be an exciting change.
The stories of Joseph as told by his friends and acquaintances were humorous, insightful and for some, as gentle as that moment long ago, Jennifer came into the cidery, sat down next to her husband, and laid her head on Joseph’s shoulder. I was a silent observer of that gift of grace, but at the time of his 5th anniversary at Ash & Elm, it was a loud, proud, well-deserved honor, and I am humbled to have been included in the story.
cjon3acd@att.net
