By Barb Gingher

I do not remember a time when, as an Italian family, we did not have homemade goodies. Ravioli, meatballs, gravy, stuffed cabbage, and more. All made with love and kindness. As the years went by, there was less and less time for those lengthy and time-consuming recipes, but the love and kindness lingered with us.

Many years and many moves later brought me to Amelia Island. Here I discovered a treasure: Nassau Health Foods and their cafe, Amelia Fresh Café. The staff at Nassau Health shows compassion and empathy as evidenced by the treatment their customers receive. The shelves are stocked with attention to the patrons’ wants and needs, from vitamins and supplements to fresh local produce, organic meat and vegan choices, and a great selection of wines.

The produce manager serves with a smile, keeping the shelves stocked and greeting his customers by name. The Café staff thoughtfully prepares made-to-order dishes, and the chefs are happy to accommodate special orders. They are always willing to give you a taste and a recommendation! Shelves are stocked for hungry workers and retirees, all who mingle, awaiting the healthy food creations while sharing smiles and goodwill. 

As I check out and get ready to exit, I encounter staff who regularly smile and make eye contact. Walking out, I know I will be welcomed back by this family of wonderful friends who care about the health and well-being of their customers.  

Thank you to the owner and the management staff of Nassau Health Foods for encouraging originality in an atmosphere of compassion and kindness.

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Barb Gingher is a 25-year resident of Fernandina Beach. Dr. Gingher retired in 2017 from Baptist Medical Center Nassau, where she served as Nurse Executive. She is a member of the non-profit organization Compassionate Fernandina.  The organization’s vision is “a community in which we treat each other and Earth with kindness, dignity, and respect;” and the mission is “to widen the circle of compassion through practical, intentional actions.” The city of Fernandina Beach issued a proclamation in 2017 and endorsed the principles of Compassionate Fernandina, joining forces with the organization “to promote compassionate actions throughout the city and to make compassion a clear and dynamic force in our world.”

 

Others in the community are invited to share their stories of kindness and compassion. If you have a story you’d like to share here in the Fernandina Observer – about a neighbor or friend or stranger or business that showed you kindness – please contact Peggie Weeks at pegweeks@gmail.com