Local patron candidly shares observations over coffee

Coffee bean aroma swirls in the air as constant chatter crisscrosses the shop like cars merging into a busy intersection. The inside of Lowco Café mirrors the hustle and bustle of the morning work commute just outside its doors along Clements Ferry Road.

 

It’s just after 9 o’clock on Thursday morning, St. Patrick’s Day. Shamrocks and other Irish-related decor dance across the room as the sunlight glistens through the windows. 

 

A woman in her late 60s sits all alone in a festive green crewneck sweater. She prefers it that way. Her name is Shereen Silvern — she’s a Huger resident and formerly a sassy New Yorker who worked for IBM for “a billion years” and is now a widow, a dog fanatic and a theater junkie. 

 

Her candor is refreshing. 

 

“Traffic is awful ... I don’t think it’s ever going to end. Thank God I retired,” Silvern said, describing her impatience in colorful terms.

 

Silvern pauses to take a sip of a light roasted coffee, followed by a bite of a croissant with cream cheese. This is her usual order. Silvern goes out to breakfast every morning and frequents Lowco Café two to three times a week. She’s a regular. 

 

“It’s really hypocritical,” Silvern continued. “As we sit here from out of state, moaning and groaning about the traffic and the construction and we have contributed to it. It’s a double-edged sword.” 

 

However, Silvern sees a silver lining amidst all of the congestion and expansion along the Clements Ferry Corridor – she’s hopeful her odds of being in the zone of grocery delivery and ride apps will increase.

 

As Silvern attempts to enjoy her daily breakfast routine in peace, she can’t help but overhear a serious discussion that two older gentlemen are having at a corner table. Their conversation pertains to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

 

“I like to people watch,” she volunteered.

 

Silvern noted that the usual chatter is about the news or a sports game. However, lately, the majority of jibber jabber has revolved around current events. 

 

The news upsets Silvern. So when she does decide to socialize and engage with other patrons or staff, the topic of conversation is either about her dogs or theater. She is passionately neurotic about both.

 

Silvern, who owns two dogs of her own, now operates a dog day care and boarding out of her home called Passion for Dogs. She said that when both her husband and brother passed away in 2020, her dogs saved her life.

 

As far as the theater is concerned, in Silvern’s eyes, there isn’t a better play than “Wicked.” She recently drove to Charlotte to catch the show and stayed at a hotel with her two furry, loyal companions.

 

Silvern turns 70 years young this May. 

 

Coffee Conversations is an ongoing observational feature, highlighting local people and the issues they discuss over coffee.