Aloha meets Three Rivers By Brian Rothhammer Kaweah Commonwealth

Where can some of the world's finest Kona coffee be found? In Three Rivers, of course.

  Gregory Thompson is owner of Orville Studley's brand products. He has recently returned home from Hawaii's BigIslandbearing second-place laurels from the 11th annual Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label Competition.

  No small feat for a haole, or non-islander, but with a label designed by Bill Crenshaw of Sutter Creek Advertising, Orville Studley's won handily. The competition took place during Hawaii’s Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, a 12-day celebration of the history and heritage of Kona coffee held annually since 1970.

  Locals and visitors alike have become familiar with Orville Studley's fine jerky products, offered at the Jerky This! stand, located at 42362 Sierra Drive(across from Reimer's Candies).

  “I started Jerky This! in 1999, then by 2003 had developed my own brand of jerky,” said Greg. “People have responded well to Studley's jerky, so now it's time to branch out into other areas.”

  Greg's plan for the future is to seek out other high quality Hawaiian coffee beans, perhaps to offer a “Five Island Blend,” a variety pack of five different beans that the consumer may blend to suit individual taste.

  Presently, Orville Studley's Coffee is available at Jerky This! and Antoinette's Coffee and Goodies in Three Rivers. Antoinette's will be offering free samples of Greg's Kona coffee this Saturday.

  Another way to acquire the award-winning coffee is through an innovative partnership Greg has forged with the Future Farmers of America. Just as the Girl Scouts sell cookies, FFA students now sell Orville Studley's Coffee to raise funds for their cause.

  “American coffee consumers can support American farmers and American education while stimulating the U.S.economy one cup of paradise at a time,” he said.

  Just to make it easier, the Orville Studley's website allows purchasers to give credit to an FFA chapter of their choice via the “Credit a Chapter” page.

  So if you're in the mood for some first-rate Kona coffee, pop on over to Antoinette's or visit www.orvillestudleys.comto purchase. What a great gift idea!

  For additional information, call Greg at 679-0719.