Volunteer Aaron Fuchs works on Gayle Hays’ car vacuum during a recent Repair Cafe at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick. (Martha Israel photo)
Do you have a beloved clock that won’t keep time? A chair that wobbles? How about a rip in your favorite pair of pants? Rather than throw your item away, bring it to Repair Cafe Harpswell — a new program sponsored by Harpswell Aging at Home where a group of skilled volunteers will help you repair your treasured items.
Repair Cafe is a global movement that started in Europe in 2009 with the goal of reducing waste and educating people about how to repair everyday items. It has grown worldwide and currently has thousands of events in the U.S.
The first Repair Cafe Harpswell will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Town Office. It is free and open to anyone, regardless of age or income. If new materials, such as wire, batteries or fabric, are needed to repair an item, the item’s owner must either provide the materials or reimburse the volunteer.
Our generous volunteers will be able to work on electronics, computers, small appliances, wooden furniture, jewelry and clothing.
We are limited to small items — no dining room tables or lawn tractors, please! If we are unable to repair your item, we will offer suggestions on where to have it professionally repaired or where to find the parts. It is also possible that you can learn how to do the repair yourself. Think YouTube!
We believe Repair Cafe Harpswell will be a great addition to our community. Harpswell has a wealth of talented residents who want to share their skills and lend a hand. So please come on Nov. 18 — the landfill and your wallet will thank you!
If you would like to offer your talents as a cafe volunteer, or if you have any questions, contact Martha Israel at 207-841-0949 or oldcapefarm@gmail.com.
