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The Citizen, 1991-09-11, Page 29THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11,1991. PAGE 29. Brussels people open community Thrift Shop by Bonnie Gropp Combining community spirit4 with a common sense approach to recycling is the premise behind the latest venture in Brussels. Not a business in the typical sense of the word, the Thrift Shop is a non-prof­ it commercial endeavour and as was one member of a group thatsuch has not been designed for Folding and sorting Linda Garland, left, with daughters Rachel, hidden, and Sarah, helps Betty Graber sort the donations brought in for the new Brussels Thrift Shop. profit. Vice-chairpeibon oi the Thrift Shop board of directors, Betty Graber, says, "The deal for us was to provide affordable clothing, so the primary focus to us is commu­ nity first." Chairperson Linda Garland, who came up with the initial proposal, agreed. "Ours is a unique store in that aspect. We are less concerned with turning profit than we are in providing a community service," she explained, adding that the only goal in that area is to cover operat­ ing expenses. The idea was bome this past win­ ter, when Linda and a few friends talked it over and began investigat­ ing a few possible sites. After a few meetings at the Brussels Mennonite Fellowship Hall, it was agreed that the concept would be best served if it became a community effort. Since then, Linda says, she has felt "regenerated by the community input and support." At one of the first meetings a steering committee, comprised of Betty Graber, Julie Harrison, Kathy Proctor and Linda Garland was formed. The group also formed a FunFest committee headed by Sharon Horst who organized a garage sale, as one of the weekend events, to raise funds for the ven­ ture. Betty Graber, Nancy Exel and Carolyn McAvoy then drew up a constitution. The organization is based on the familiar idea of reduce, reuse and recycle, with the added ones of reclaim and rejoice, Betty adds chuckling. "In businesses like this you often see the kids coming back in and buying what the parents have donated." The philosophy as described in the constitution, says the Thrift Shop will function as a benevolent organization relieving human stress, while setting an example through life and work, that cele­ brates God's world and its people. This work shall promote communi­ ty enrichment and development both at home and abroad. The church aspect of the Thrift Shop is noteworthy. The board of directors is comprised of members representing all five of the Brussels' churches. In addition to Linda and Betty the directors are: Julie Harri­ son, Secretary; Nancy Exel, Trea­ surer; Sharon Freeman, Caroline Kemaghan and Mary Lou Ruttan. As well, any profit made has been designated to be divided among the five churches, in keep­ ing with the conditions of a non­ profit organization. This and other business realities proved to be a little frustrating for the novice entrepreneurs, at limes, as they didn't realize so many issues had to be addressed al the beginning. "Some of it was really quite frustrating," said Linda. The next phase of the project was to find housing. An agreement was reached with Jack and Luella Mitchell, long-time operators of the Brussels 50 to $1 store, who had decided to retire. The Thrift Shop is moving onto those premises and beginning renovations September 16. The committee plans to open up and brighten the area, and have developed a unique idea for paint­ ing that is in keeping with the five "R's“. "It was Nancy Exel's sugges­ tion and we thought it sounded like a pretty neat idea," said Betty. "Anyone with left-over paint sitting around their basement can bring it in and we're going to mix it togeth­ er. This gets rid of their toxic waste and helps us out." By the end of September the committeee hopes to be ready to receive donations. In addition to some start-up cash, which they have approached service clubs for, they require some items to begin business, like a cash register, dis­ play shelving, clothes racks, hang­ ers, washer and dryer, mirrors, sewing machine and quilt frames to name a few. On an on-going basis they will require volunteer time, good quality, clean clothing and household articles. "It doesn't mat­ ter what you have, bring it in," said Betty. Uses are already planned for everything from crimpolene to old blankets. Other than a paid manager the store will be operated by strictly volunteer personnel. "A lot of peo­ ple need something to do and the hours will be scheduled to be con­ venient for the individual. If you only have one hour a week, then that's all you can expect to give," said Betty. Though both ladies are confident there shouldn't be a short­ age of volunteers, they noted that any vacancies will be filled by the manager. Volunteers will be trained at a Thrift Shop in New Hamburg. Anticipated hours of business will be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tues­ day to Saturday. Anyone with donations should contact a committee member. Cash donations to be used towards start­ up costs may be put through the church so they will be tax deductable. Birds of Prey at County Museum An exhibition of vultures, hawks, eagles, falcons and owls of Canada, is now on display at the Huron County Museum until November 8. Birds of Prey is a nationally trav­ elling exhibit produced by the Royal British Columbia Museum and funded by the Department of Communications, Canada, Museum Assistance Programmes. Visitors will be able to listen to the sounds of hawks, eagles, fal­ cons and owls. Graphic panels describe the general habitats, spe­ cial adaptations and food. The exhibit includes 14 species of Canadian Owls, in additions to 20 species of other birds of prey. The exhibit will be on display Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4:30 p.m. Admission is Adult, $2.50, children, $1.50 and preschoolers free. There are group rates avail­ able by appointment.