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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-07-22, Page 22. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1992. Everything old is new again The recyling program at The Five R’s Thrift Shop in Brussels has proven to be a tremendous success. Unique crafts and handy household items are transformed from second hand clothing that's not quite good enough to sell as is. Co-ordinator Joan Jacobs, left, snips some lace while Manager Wendy Martin helps co-ordinator Brenda Gilkes cut strips of material to be used for rugs. Volunteers make new from old BY BONNIE GROPP When we think of being thrifty we think of using things in a man­ ner that is not extravagant or waste­ ful. The Five R's Thrift Shop in Brussels has given new meaning to the word. When the community store began last year it was with the idea that there would be recycling done, but no one at that time had any real concept of how it would take shape, said manager Wendy Mar­ tin. Now, used clothing and materi­ als are being brought into the store and recycling co-ordinators Brenda Gilkes and Joan Jacobs, with the help of volunteer sorters and assis­ tants put them to use. Caroline Ker- naghan, one of the^sarly organizers of the Thrift Shop said tfiat the committee didn't realize the possi­ bilities of the recycling program or its potential. "It grew out of a need, because we were swamped with materials," she said. Miss Martin said that the Thrift Shop in New Hamburg was used as a guideline to see the types of prod­ ucts being produced from used clothing and from "day one we started saving items to be recycled, until the board decided it was time to hire someone to take over the mounds of stuff," she said. Mrs. Jacobs and Mrs. Gilkes who are each paid for six hours of work a week volunteer many more hours to the recycling program. Volun­ teers coming in need not be cre­ ative to offer their time, as Mrs. Jacobs and Mrs. Gilkes leave a detailed listing of work that can be done, not all of which is difficult. "We have children that come in and help," said Mrs. Gilkes. When the pieces of clothing come in sorters separate saleable items from things that can be used elsewhere. Crimpolene, corduroys, cottons, velours and denims are the most useful. "They are the most versatile," said Mrs. Gilkes. But even appliques and lace trims can be used if they are in good shape. Though the clothing can be ripped or stained it is appreciated if the clothing is laundered, says Mrs. Jacobs. Once the garments are cut then a decision can be made as to what the pieces will be used for. Bears, mats, purses and country craft items are just some of the creations. All bear a tag that states, "Some­ thing Old, Something New - crafted from recycled materials." Because of the obvious low cost of produc­ tion the cost of the finished product is inexpensive as well. Soft materials are bagged for use as dusters and sold for 40 cents a pound. Due to the drop-in volunteer aspect of the Thrift Shop, it has become a popular place for seniors, who enjoy the opportunity to be helpful and the social time. Miss Martin said any items not used by the Thrift Shop are given to Survival Through Friendship House or to Goodwill Industries. "We keep what's best for the store. If an item hasn't sold after a sale then it might be bundled off to STFH," she said. "The important thing to remem­ ber is that nothing is too out-of- style or too old." Legion members play ball BY SANDRA JOSLING On Saturday, July 11 the Branch sent an enthusiastic team to Lucknow to play in the zone C-l Slow-pitch tournament. The team started off slowly with a loss to the strong hitting Mitchell team. Brussels scored their only four runs in the first inning and were shut down from there on. The second game was better. After a shaky first inning the Brussels bats and defense began to click. Brussels defeated the Lucknow squad by a score of 14- 11. This entitles the Branch to participate in the consolation final. After a quick intermission the Brussels team hit the field ready for play. The game stayed close until the sixth inning with only one run separating the teams. However during the final inning fatigue began to register on the Brussels club. Lucknow took advantage of the break. Brussels couldn't regain their bats and lost in the final inning. Both teams returned to the hosting branch for the presentation of prizes. Monday night mixed darts have started at the Branch. Winning this week was Kathy Cochrane and Dave McKay. Second was Adam Smith and Martha Logan. Top shooter for the ladies was Kathy Cochrane (174) and Adam Smith for the men (132). Euchre night is Wednesday, July 22 at 7:45 p.m. Brussels Thelma Steinman, Elwin Garland and Bev Brown travelled to Indiana last week where they attended a four-day church conferen.ee at Manchester College. Four hundred and fifty delegates from Mennonite Church of the brethren and several other denominations enjoyed inspirational speeches, drama, congregational singing, and workshops. Lots of rain and nearby tornadoes did not interfere with the activities. 24 - Hour Fast Service ■ ■ SK ■ ^^BLb ■■■■■»« $X°FF aCOLOUR PROCESSING C41 110,126, DISC & 35 mm FULL FRAME (Excluding Stretch 35) APPLIES TO FULL FRAME NEGATIVES ONLY Offer Expires: July 22 - July 28,1992 Brussels pharmacyOqL YOON STORES LTD. OO f "91)14 TURNBEHnY ST BRUSSELS ONT BE ASSURED ITS CANADIAN MADE. (Pharmacy will be CLOSED for SUMMER VACATION) (from (FRI.) JULY 31 TO (SAT.) 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