by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Florence Hughes

Nickname: Mrs. Hot Dog

Age: 78

Bio: This delightful and dynamic NDG broad has been volunteering at the coffee shop in the Catherine Booth hospital on Montclair since 1989. Far more than a simple snack bar, Flo's coffee shop is the choice social gathering spot for residents of both the hospital and the senior's residence next door. "People get so tired of just sitting in their rooms, eating the [bland] food they're served every day, so the coffee shop is really important to them. They can come here, see other people, have some nice soup, maybe a hot dog. For some residents, it's very difficult to get around and it might take them half an hour to get down here, but they all tell me it's worth it just to see other people and have a chance to eat something that tastes good." Unfortunately, however, the coffee shop might soon become a thing of the past, as volunteers are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and as Flo contemplates the sad inevitability of her retirement.

What they serve: "Well, we have sandwiches, plain, grilled or toasted. And we have soups, salads, bagels, poached eggs - although we'll fry them if people want. And then we have beans and wieners, and spaghetti - not homemade spaghetti but the canned stuff. We can't prepare too many hot meals because it's too much pressure for the girl in the kitchen if she's trying to make hot dogs, sandwiches and hot meals all at the same time."

Their hours: "Noon till 3:30 p.m. is the best we can do now. We used to be open Wednesday nights but had to change that.

Why residents can no longer enjoy a delicious meal of canned spaghetti on Wednesday nights: "The girls stopped wanting to come in because at our age it's too scary to be out when it's dark."

The number of volunteers she had 10 years ago: 100.

And now: 20.

What happened to everybody: "They all got old. Many died - many of my friends died, others were moved away. Some of the girls had to stay home to take care of their husbands who had gotten sick. They all got to the point where they just couldn't work anymore."

One specialized volunteer she desperately needs: A general secretary. "The girl doing it now is very frail and very sick." Call 482-2407 or 484-7891 if you'd like to help out in any capacity.

Flo's most popular delicacy: The mighty grilled cheese sandwich, with hot dogs a close second. "We used to have one man who got around in his wheelchair. Even after he left the hospital he would come back once a month, order six hot dogs, and take them home in his wheelchair. Oh, he loved our hot dogs. I haven't seen him lately though."

Is that because he's since suffered a massive stroke? "I don't know. Maybe."

Hobbies: Knitting blankets for homeless people.

Musical preferences: Mario Lanza, Liberace, the Ink Spots.

Last book read: Blue Dahlia, by Nora Roberts.

Fave TV Show: Coronation Street.

Words of wisdom: "Time ladies, please."

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca