There are many benefits to working as a barista. The coffee, of course, is one of them, as well as the other tasty drinks.
Another benefit is chatting with the customers and getting to know the regulars.
Many customers and regulars have come through Espresso Milano during my time here, and I have enjoyed chatting with them.
This is especially true of Bruce Fahlgren and his mother, Kay Harley, of Midland.
“He’s been coming to Milano for a long time,” Harley said of her son. “He enjoys visiting.”
Fahlgren, who was born and raised in Midland, stops in for an iced chai latte or a white hot chocolate, usually with his mother or one of his caregivers.
Harley might get a cappuccino or a drip coffee when she visits.
Harley is a retired English professor who taught from 1969 until 2008. She taught classes, including composition, literature and technical writing, at Saginaw Valley State University.
Fahlgren’s brother, Peter Fahlgren, is a teacher in Brighton. Peter’s daughter, Corinne Gann, also lives in Brighton. Harley mentioned that they used to visit Milano regularly when they lived in town.
“They used to live nearby,” Harley said. “Corinne mentioned it was a special treat to come to the coffee shop growing up. They still make a point to visit when they are in town.”
Another brother, Keith Fahlgren, is a software engineer in Ann Arbor. And Bruce’s father, Charlie Fahlgren, is retired from Dow, where he worked as a chemical engineer.
Bruce enjoys spending time with his family. He has been to San Francisco visiting relatives and Beulah, Michigan, where he meets with family and swims in Crystal Lake.
Some of the caregivers who have accompanied Bruce to Milano include Taylor Rigg, of Freeland, Jenna Schneider, formerly of Saginaw, and Lindsey Tipler, of Midland.
Harley also mentioned Chris Peeler, Bruce’s case manager, as a part of his caregiving team. Peeler meets Bruce and others on his team once a month at Milano.
“I like getting drinks here,” Bruce said.
Bruce started visiting Milano after local agencies, including The Arc of Midland, set up some unique opportunities for him.
“His dream job was to work in a coffee shop,” Harley said. “He worked at Cup and Chaucer in the library.”
Staff from these agencies also arranged with Bret Cousineau, owner of Espresso Milano, for Bruce to wipe tables for a few minutes each week. Bruce did that for some time before COVID, in between other visits to the store.
He continues to stop in for the drinks he enjoys.
“I’ve very much appreciated the efforts that Milano and staff here have always made to include Bruce and other individuals with disabilities,” Harley said. “All of the staff at Milano have been very welcoming and very willing to meet his needs.”
Bruce also enjoys spending time with his parents.
“I like being with my parents and walking at the Tridge,” Bruce said.
