I met Paul when we traveled to Seesee, Uganda, a little village outside of Jinja. We were doing Shalom training for the coffee farmers there, a form of faith based community development. I had never liked coffee before, but Paul roasted, ground, and brewed the coffee in a French press for us to taste. I mentioned that I really didn't like coffee. My family and friends all drink it black, so that is all I knew. Paul told me not to let the coffee snobs determine how to drink coffee. He added hot milk to a cup of the Robusta coffee and handed it to me. That was all it took. I have been drinking Thanksgiving Coffee ever since. My favorites are Delicious Peace and Pony Express (see below). It's a Uganda thing. Also, I know the stories of the coffee farmers struggling to make a better life for their communities there. Working with an ethical and compassionate coffee purchaser like Paul makes a difference. I have photos and more stories about the coffee farmers if you would like them.

That trip was my first time outside of the US. I was there as a trainer who would train the local people to become trainers in the Communities of Shalom Assets Based Community Development. I worked with Rev. Dr. Michael Christensen, my mentor. It was Michael who had reached out to Paul. He knew about the cooperative in Mbale that Paul worked with as was hoping that Paul would come to check out the coffee cooperative that was forming near Jinja. Paul checked out their beans, said it was some of the best Robusta he had ever had, and gave them tips on keeping the quality high. We celebrated big time when Paul decided to buy their beans.

Read more about our Ugandan efforts here: https://thanksgivingcoffee.com/blogs/blog/evolution-of-change-clean-water-project

We’ve been in the coffee biz for a long time now and it’s time to pay homage to those who have been with us since the very beginning of it all. As you may or may not know, Thanksgiving Coffee was founded in 1972 by Paul and Joan Katzeff – you can read our full story here (it’s really quite interesting) and Anderson Valley Market has been around a little longer! Here’s to Anderson Valley Market! Thank you for offering and serving Thanksgiving Coffee to your customers for over 45 years!

Anderson Valley Market is a full-scale grocery store and deli featuring an espresso bar where you can get freshly crafted lattes, cappuccinos and your other favorite espresso beverages. While you're waiting for your coffee, stroll around and pick up delicious comfort foods, fresh sandwiches and any household essentials. The market is located in Boonville on the iconic Highway 128 - the gateway to the Mendocino Coast or link to Highway 101 inland. Gaze at the towering redwood forests as you drive the western portion of Highway 128, then, which a dramatic change of scenery, notice the picturesque rolling vineyards through Anderson Valley wine country. This is the perfect pit-stop for your road trip snacks and beverages - say hi from us if you stop by!