They seem to create strong women at Jean’s Place.

Jean, the original owner, Kelly, her daughter, and Kelsey, Kelly’s daughter are known for their presence and grit.

These appear to all be or have been unstoppable women with lots of attitude, and a passionate sense of community. They are filled with love and generosity but take no guff.

We stopped in for breakfast the other day and a grizzled old farmer came in and dropped a huge pumpkin off to kick off the Halloween season. I have the feeling they take their holidays seriously there.

Kelsey immediately reminded him that last year’s pumpkin was bigger. He laughed.

Every Halloween, the farmer brings one of his biggest pumpkins and takes a ribbing because everyone thinks they could have been bigger.

At Jean’s, everybody seems to know everybody. One woman was being comforted because her mother was ill, and there were “no more miracles.” I get comfort just from walking in the door.

I’ve started going there to pick up some giant muffins for the Mansion staff. Kelsey bristles with attitude (you may remember her in her Wonder Woman shirt, it looked quite natural.)

I love Jean’s for several reasons. The food is very good and very fresh, but more than that, I like and connect with almost everyone I meet there. I’m told Jean, the founder, was a very strong woman, and I can testify her line has followed in her footsteps.

I’ve always argued that the personalities running cafes and restaurants are central to their success. Diners and restaurants with absentee owners always seem a bit barren to me, and without a lot of spirit.

At Jean’s, they bristle with spirit. More and more, it feels like family, and that is a big thing for me, and for Maria as well.