Living in this modern world, driven primarily by the movement of dollars and (more recently) bits and bytes, we're losing our sense of neighborhood and neighbors. Instead, we're relying more and more on "virtual" ways to communicate and socialize.

Here at ACTUAL, we heart technology and all, but prefer the real thing. That's why we like real china cups, instead of those paper sippy-lidded landfill-multiplying ones. It's why we buy our supplies from local businesses ... from real folks who live nearby and care about their neighborhoods like we do. It's why we stay open late. Why we have local art on the walls. Why we have comfortable furniture and communal seating. Why we want you to have your group meetings here.

That blue light coming from your screen isn't love. Those text messages from your friends aren't hugs and kisses. Your Facebook profile is not your flesh-and-blood self.

While you're here, take a moment to look around. Close your laptop. Put down your book. Say hello to the person next to you...whether or not you know them. Have a cuppa joe.

Take a breath...

Welcome back to the ACTUAL world. We missed you.