HIGH PLAINS THRIFTER
Interview with Comedian John Evans
By: Michael Gold a.k.a. Good Buddy
I recently had the opportunity to speak with John Evans, a comedian living in Los Angeles who has opened for such legends as George Carlin and Dave Chappelle. John will be showcasing his comedy stylings in Illinois this month, so check out High Plains Thrifter for tour dates and CD
purchases.
Q. You and I both grew up with an antiquing mother. How often did she take you antiquing with her?
A. Usually once a week. It was like a weekend thing because my dad would get dragged into it, too. So just about every weekend we could be counted on to go to an antique store or a flea market or an auction, usually with the promise that we'd get some baseball cards or something. But there was never that. There was just furniture.
Q. So what turned you on to thrifting and how did you discover it?
A. Well, my motivation was I dated a girl who I guess pulled me aside one day and said I had the worst fashion sense ever. This girl just told me that I needed to change the way I dressed, so she took me to a couple thrift stores. This was like eight years ago, and I was already collecting albums and old toys from the 70's and stuff. She was shocked that I collected all this other stuff and I didn't think about going to the Goodwill to find it. So I guess I just started looking for clothes and all the other stuff that I was already searching for at the same time.
Q. Do you prefer antiquing or do you prefer thrift shopping?
A. Definitely thrift store shopping because while the antiquing is fun, you're never going to find a really great deal there. They just cut out all the junk, as it were. I like knowing that I can go into a thrift store and find something kind of valuable for hardly anything. It's fun. You can go through a thrift store a couple of times, and maybe the third time you're there you'll find something spectacular. It just takes more work. I think I like the fact that it's more of an adventure, whereas in the antique shop you know they have nice stuff, but it's all priced accordingly.
 
Q. What are your favorite things to collect that you buy in thrift shops?
A. Good question. I used to really like collecting lunch boxes, but then they started getting really expensive and everyone knew they were valuable. I guess I just have odd taste. One of my favorite
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things are those cloth calendars with mushrooms, owls, or butterflies or something on them. I find those for next to nothing. I've got good years, too, like 1969 and the year I was born, which is '71, the year my wife was born, which is 1980, so I just look for those. |
Right now my biggest thing is 60's and 70's electronics. I love stereos, 8-track players, reel-to-reel players and just anything old stereo, old radios, even if they don't work, which really drives my wife crazy because I'll take things in under the guise that I'm going to fix it. But she kind of knows that I don't know how to fix old stereos, so they just kind of sit in our apartment.
 
For Christmas last year my wife bought me one of those JVC Videosphere TV's that look like a space helmet. So now I'm kind of looking for the Phonosphere, which is like the Videosphere, but it's a stereo that's got a disco ball light in the middle of it. So when the record turns, it lights up your whole apartment. Very expensive. They go for like $350, $400 on eBay.
Q. You'll never see one at a thrift store.
A. Actually, that's what I'm praying for. Someday I'm going to walk into a thrift store and they'll have one and I'll get it for $10.00. |
 
Q. I saw on your website that you collect piggy banks, too.
A. Just the ones from the late 60's. I don't know what the material is. It's like a ceramic, but it's a little less durable than ceramic. It's lighter weight. I guess there was just a ton of them in the late 60's that had turtles and butterflies and owls and stuff. Any of those that are really super colorful is what we collect. That's one of the collections that me and my wife do together, and I think we've got like 23, but we're always adding to that number.
 
Q. Does your wife enjoy thrift shopping as much as you do?
A. I don't think anyone enjoys it as much as I do. But as soon as she found a couple of cool things, she got into it a little bit. And when I go thrift store shopping, the stuff that I used to ignore I now go through because I might find something for my wife. My wife is obsessed with David Cassidy, so I'm trying to find all the Partridge Family albums. She's got a vintage crush on David Cassidy.
Q. What's your best thrift store find?
A. Actually, two of them. One is for value and the other one is just for pure rarity of the item. I found a Jack Kerouac first edition, third printing, of On the Road, and I found that at a thrift store in Oklahoma. I knew it was worth money. I have learned about books a little bit. I'm not really a book collector, but I found out that if it was a first edition, first printing, it would be about $6,000. But since it's first edition, third printing, it was worth a couple hundred dollars. I ended up selling it on eBay because I've read On the Road several times. So being that I'm not a book collector, I just ended up selling it.
Now, the thing that I would not sell that I found, I'm not even sure of the value of it. It's a Snuffleupagus puzzle that has only 13 or 14 pieces, but each piece is like a foot and a half by a foot and a half. So when you put it all together, it's like a great big four foot by four foot Snuffalupagus. I guess the kid who owned this never played with it because the pieces are in perfect condition and it just looks really cool. Someday I'm going to probably put some foam board on the back and hang it up, but right now it's just sitting in my closet.
When I was a kid, I wanted to be just like Jim Henson for some reason. I don't know why. And now that I'm a stand-up comic, I kind of frown on puppeteers and ventriloquists, but always as a kid I wanted to be like Jim Henson. This Snuffleupagus thing is a really rare early 70's Jim Henson thing, and I would never part with it.
Q. Have you ever come up with any material or tried out any material that related to thrift stores?
A. One of the first jokes I ever came up with was a true story about being at a Goodwill store. I was in line at the check-out, and the guy in front of me was arguing with the cashier because he was trying to buy a pair of shoes, but the shoes didn't have laces in them, so he was trying to get a discount. The lady was trying to explain to him that they take the laces out of all their shoes. You know, they don't come with shoelaces.
And he's like, "I want to talk to the manager about the shoelace policy." And as soon as he said that, I was laughing. I was just laughing so hard that here's a guy arguing about a $2.00 pair of shoes trying to get an even better deal. I wrote it down as soon as he said it, and when I went home and started realizing how absurd the comment was, I thought the joke was maybe they take the laces out of the shoes so the employees don't try to hang themselves on their lunch break.
That joke ended up having several other jokes written around it, other observations about thrift stores. And as it is right now, almost eight minutes in in my hour set is about shopping at thrift stores because of that one incident. I always like to say that I like thrift stores because they act like a regular department store, except I've never been to a regular department store that smells like my grandma's house. I've managed to incorporate my very favorite hobby into my stand-up routine.
Q. Don't forget that we have a national thrift store directory on our website to help you out in your comedy travels.
A. I definitely will use it. Sometimes I'll go to a club, and they put the comedians up in their own apartment. I'll go to their phone book and realize that I ripped the page of thrift stores out of the phone book last time I was there, and I'll curse myself. Now I don't have to worry about that because I have your directory.
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GIVING THANKS FOR THRIFTING
By: Rebecca Kurek
Visit her blog at Thrifty Goodness
At first, I had no clue what I would write about thrifting for Thanksgiving. I looked around and I don't have that many Thanksgiving decorations, thrifted or otherwise. No turkeys, no pilgrims, no dried-up corn. Then it hit me. I thrift for Turkey Day YEAR ROUND!
Two of my favorite sections of the thrift store are the linens and glassware. Most years my Thanksgiving table is set with thrifted tablecloths, napkins, and tableware. I love to buy large serving dishes and especially real silver serving pieces. I enjoy trying to match up my mismatched pieces to set a pretty holiday table. Linen napkins are usually inexpensive and range from 25 to 75 cents apiece, so why not skip the paper and go fabric? Not only does it make your meal seem more "fancy," but it's good for the environment, too. |
I called my Mother, an expert thrifter, and asked what she had recently thrifted for Thanksgiving this year. She said she was lucky and found three wicker cornucopias for a steal.
The largest one was a mere $3.00 and the small ones were $1.50 each! She purchased the gourds and florals from the local craft store when they were on sale. Not bad considering that baskets in any shape tend to be a bit on the pricey side. She also thrifted some tablecloths, including this vintage cream, blue, and brown one that I adore.
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I've been lucky with linens as of late. While you don't tend to see the vintage pieces as often as you used to, they are still there waiting for you to bring them to your table. Don't let some small stains deter you either. If the price is right, I say go for it! Then you won't worry about staining it yourself or can use it to set a kids table.
So remember, you can thrift for Thanksgiving every day. Just keep your eyes open for tablecloths, napkins, table runners, and tea towels in your favorite colors and patterns that you can incorporate into any holiday table. And don't forget the housewares section for serving dishes, silverware, and china. Mismatched china makes for a beautiful and festive setting.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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THE SALVAGE STUDIO INTERVIEW
by Selena Mordue a.k.a. Apron Thrift Girl
Anyone who can take a rake and make a jewelry holder out of it is someone I had to meet. Multiply that that by three and we're talking about the three amazing women who make up The Salvage Studio in Edmonds, Washington.
And actually I'm kind of cheating when I say I had to meet them because I did see them in person at the Goodwill Outlet in Seattle last year. I arrived halfway through their presentation and so I lingered on the side, shopping and listening as I pushed my cart around. If you could have pictured me, my jaw had dropped open and my eyes were wide as I heard these three thrifty women talking about how to re-use junk. Not the good condition thrifted stuff we might find, but stuff headed toward the landfills. They work their magic and create something beautiful and useful out of it. I was in total awe and was determined to learn more about them. Their studio focuses on workshops which I have yet to attend, but I'm hoping to get together with some crafty girlfriends and make a day trip out of it.
The Salvage Studio is made up of Beth Evans-Ramos, Lisa Hilderbrand and Amy Duncan . I arrived at 10:00 am for the interview excited as a bee. I couldn't believe I was in their studio and would be meeting the three of them in person. In the Seattle thrift world, they are up there with the thrift royalty. Although I was a little nervous, they immediately made me feel welcomed. I was offered a cup of tea, and while my water was boiling, I was given a tour of the studio.
This is the office section. What I didn't realize is that the workshop part of the studio is just a small area of the entire studio. They have cleverly broken up the areas into themes. And not only was it like a museum that you could gawk over, but you could buy practically everything in sight. I was in heaven and needed to fan myself to keep conscious. You know those moments in life where you think "Why couldn't I have thought of that?" That was me. I was ready to move into the studio and make camp in the library.
With a teacup in my hand and Beth and I sitting comfortably in the lounge area surrounded by How-To Books, we started the interview.
Apron Thrift Girl: It's really exciting that the Salvage Studio is made up of three women. I'm dying to know how the three of you met.
Beth: Lisa and I were in a gardening club and we started junking together. I met Amy while standing in line at an estate sale.
Apron Thrift Girl: Do you find that the general public is eager to learn how to recycle cast offs into something new?
Beth: Absolutely. We struck a chord. "I've found my place," said many of the people when they walked into our studio. We used to have one in a Lynnwood Business Park, but we grew out of it and moved to this space in Edmonds. We have so much more room here and do not have to turn people away.
Apron Thrift Girl: I know I have found some funky things while thrifting, but what's the oddest item you have ever found in a thrift store?
Beth: I can't think of one, although I'm sure I've found something weird from time to time. I'll get back to you on this one.
Amy chips in from the other side of the room: I found some empty boxes in a basement that said "casket handles" on the side.
Apron Thrift Girl: I think that definitely qualifies in the weird department.
Apron Thrift Girl: Everything here is incredible. Where do you find most of your items for the studio?
Beth: We find most of our items at estate sales. We also have been salvaging homes recently. Someone will call us and ask us to come in and take away items. Generally this is for free. People call us and ask if we will take donations. It works for everyone.
Apron Thrift Girl: I'm pretty acquainted with thrifting in parts of Seattle, but as an expert, how would you rate the Seattle area and its thrifting venues?
Beth: Snohomish County is my favorite place to thrift. We go to a lot of estate sales and thrift
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stores. People are really nice to us because they know we are going to look after what they sell us.
Apron Thrift Girl: What is your best thrift find ever?
Beth: I collect Bakelite and once I found a necklace for $5.00 which is a great price.
Apron Thrift Girl: Do you ever go dumpster diving? I used to do this in college outside of dormitories and I found everything under the sun including a large canister full of change once. I haven't done this in years but used to really enjoy the free things and saving it from going to the landfill.
Beth: I do some dumpster diving at estate sales. Occasionally I'll see a dumpster in the back by a garage and I'll ask if I can look through it. Sometimes our best finds are the items that people have thrown away. Other times we'll find things by a driveway that are marked "free".
Apron Thrift Girl: Is there a book in the making for the Salvage Studio? I know I would love to add it to my bedside table books.
Beth: Well, we haven't signed a contract yet, but a publisher is pursuing us.
Apron Thrift Girl: When I plan our driving trips, they are sometimes based around thrift stores or flea markets. Do you look for junk when you are on vacation?
Beth: Absolutely. We were in Paris for 10 days and I loved the flea markets. What the French consider as just old postcards is very collectible here.
Apron Thrift Girl: What are your plans for the Studio?
Beth: At the moment we are so happy just to open the doors on the weekends. We love to see regulars as well as new faces. We want to keep up the quality of the items in the studio as well as making sure we have enough time to work on items.
Apron Thrift Girl: Are there any hints that you can give thrifters on how to spot a gem among the junk?
Beth: You need to try to visualize what the item will look like without being covered in grime and mildew. The setting can bring an item down. Picture it somewhere else and what you might do with it.
I could have talked to Beth for hours on the subject of thrifing. I felt like I had found a kindred spirit and I wished I had her to myself the entire day. Knowing that she is very busy, though, I thanked her and then was a bit cheeky and asked if I could shop.
Their prices were more expensive than thrift stores or yard sales but much cheaper than an antique store. Plus their style totally, matched mine which made shopping very easy. I didn't have to look through things that didn't interest me because it all interested me.
Here is my collection. The copy of the French postcards was a gift from Beth to me for coming to see them. I think I'm going to frame these for my office. I also bought some rickrack, paper bits, and a record book.
As I was looking in their workshop area, I knew that this would be a thrift-craft-bloggers paradise. There are shelves with tins full of game pieces, bottle caps, corks, paper, buttons, small stencils, and much more.
If you live around Seattle, you can see their "Garden Art from Found Objects" at certain King County libraries during the next two months. Their calendar as well as their workshop schedule can be found on their website.
Going to the studio gave me optimism that thrifting has not only become trendy, but people want to save things from going into the landfill. It's not just about saving money anymore. What I loved most about the Salvage Studio is that they have taken their passion for thrifting, garden art, and making something new out of something old in order to create a learning environment for people. I could see that all three of them were so content and just plain happy with sharing their passion and their skills. It was an honor to meet them and to be inspired by their hard work and dedication to thrifting.
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SHOP-O-RAMA
by Brian W. a.k.a. Manic Thrift Store Shopper
One of the best thrift stores I've ever shopped in is right here in Austin. It took me a while to find it, but now I'm there every week. Next-to-New is a project of St. David's Episcopal Church, and I think they must spend thirty minutes every week begging their parishioners to give up the goods. This store is packed with wonderful furniture, great dishes, and fantastic tchotch. It's organized, clean and doesn't sell a bunch of chipped and broken junk. Only drawback? Next-to-New is a little on the expensive side. BUT, they have this great sticker system that lists the price , and depending on how long its been there, the price drops. So it's a bit of gamble. A fun gamble. How badly do you want it? Heidi works the register and you can tell she runs the place with an iron fist--but from the fist dangle great bracelets! She greets everyone with her lovely European accent and makes sure breakables are properly wrapped. I've found some wonderful things there:
These wooden mice picks are from Denmark and each one has different colored eyes to tell them apart.
This very 60s orange plastic container has four little plates and a spoon. It was labeled salsa server, which is ridiculous as no amount of salsa would fit on the tiny plates. It works well for nuts or other little nibbly things and looks great on the coffee table.
My mom was very jealous of these coffee cups I picked up the other day. There are two of each color and they match my collection of lotus bowls fairly closely. I can't wait to use them.
Ask and you shall receive, the first rule of successful thrifting. My friend Ursula (Assistant Curator of Latin American Art) and I saw that rule demonstrated to the nth degree the weekend before last when we went out exploring together. Our main objective: find the best, most outlandish white elephant gift for the staff holiday party. We're both new at the museum and there are so many ways to make an impression on your coworkers. You can dress really nice and wear a jacket and tie to work everyday; tell jokes in meetings; take food to work (I do!). But, I decided to make a statement with a gift. Something from the thrift store. Something unique. Something perfect.
I could have shopped all day long, but the moment I stepped into the Top Drawer Thrift Store and turned to my left, this lovely "lamp" stared back at me and I knew that I'd found the
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perfect gift. It was the most traded at the party
(three times, the limit set) and the recipient seemed very happy to be going home with it. Imagine, it could go on a bar or might even inspire an entire thematic decor. Martini anyone?
Finding good, upholstered furniture at the thrift store can sometimes be tricky. Occasionally you even have to fight for it. For years I have been fantasizing about a beautiful mid-century French Provincial sofa, just like the one I grew up with. My mother had the living room completely decked out in the stuff, originally covered in that classic white damask, and later in a gold and blue fabric. Sofa, chairs, ottoman and tables to match. Funny that it was called the 'living' room when in fact the only time my brother and I were allowed in was to practice the piano. Otherwise, only the Avon lady got to sit on the sofa. The barely used furniture was eventually sold when the room was converted into an office/game room sort of space.
So I have been looking high and low for a replacement. Problem is that most French Provincial sofas are:
A. Expensive
B. Not the right style (I wanted a mid-century version, not a Victorian style)
C. Ugly and smelly.
On the way home from work one day, I popped into the electric razor shop next to Salvation Army for some new blades and Mitchell went into SA to have a look at some tables I'd spotted earlier in the week. When I found him, he was standing next to this lovely blue sofa (it's in between a robin's egg and peacock--I'm calling it peacock's egg blue to cover all the bases). I asked the salesperson what the discount tag color was that day, but it wasn't the one on the sofa--it had just arrived on the floor hours earlier. Discount or not, I didn't care because it was in great shape, didn't smell and I had to have it. I grabbed the tag and the (very nice) salesperson gave me 20% off anyways! While I was paying, this redhead comes in and starts picking up the cushions, smelling the upholstery and kicking the tires. I was like, "Yoo hoo, missy! I'm already buying it! It's mine...please quit touching it..." But she didn't hear me. In fact, she was so enamored that she returned to examine it two more times. I didn't look back to see the tears in her eyes as we carried it out of the store and wedged it into the wagon. Finders keepers. Lord knows I've lost out on numerous pieces due to lack of speed or general bad luck.
The blue sofa looks great in the living room and we are going to paint the walls a lighter shade of the same color. I'm calling the overall look 'high modern French colonial Asian-ish.' Other people like Jonathan Adler and some design magazines have begun to use the phrase maximalism--which is the opposite of minimalism. I am a confirmed, unapologetic maximalist . As I've said many times, less is a bore, more IS more.
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HOMINIDAE GRABBITUS
by Jenn Thorson a.k.a. Thrift Shop Romantic
I don't know, maybe for certain folks, thrift shopping taps into a primal hunting-and-gathering behavior. Some innate id-driven reaction to limited resources and survival of the fittest.
But as a result, there are two good rules that can help you survive merrily in the competitive world of thrifting:
• Never step away from an item you think you might want
• Until you've paid for your treasures, be prepared to defend them (within reason, of course. Please: there's no violence in the world of thrift-shopping, 'kay?)
Now you probably can imagine where the first rule comes from. You don't make up your mind quickly enough about a potential purchase (big mistake!). You leave just a moment to make your decision. And you return, only to find it bought out from under you. Heartbreaking! (Just accept it gracefully, my friends, and move on. Such is the way of thrift store life.)
The fact that there's even a need for the second rule, however, leads back to my primal hunting-and-gathering theory. It just seems like-- for a small percentage of people-- an item in someone else's possession becomes automatically more desirable than the item ever was on the shelf. And they feel compelled |
to make you, er, aware of it. Now most of the time, people are lovely. I've had pleasant conversations with older ladies who see something I have in hand, and it leads them down memory lane. And I've had nice chats with others who simply want to discuss a good find.
But the man just scowled from the candlesticks to me, and said, "I didn't see those when I went through!" Ah. Clearly his eyesight was becoming my issue.
Realizing he was just a somewhat over-passionate shopper and not some angry store security, I smiled politely and gave him a shucks-sir-them's-the-breaks kind of shrug. Most people openly acknowledge that thrift shopping is based on the highly sophisticated principle of First-come Finders Keepers. I figured that was the end of it.
But the man was noticeably more annoyed: "And I was looking for brass!"
And here's me again, pretty sure they were gold-plated white metal but afraid to say so now, because this gentleman wasn't exactly proving himself to be Mr. Rational. I was starting to get just a little bit worried.
Also, I still really wanted the candlesticks.
So I tried to be upbeat. "Ah! Well, there's sure a lot of stuff here today! So, er. I hope you find something really good!"
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to take the candlesticks from my hand: "Can I see those?"
This was more surprising than the accusatory tone. "Well, sure, I guess, uh." Me, stammering, looking around thinking, 'Help? Is anyone else seeing this unconscionable breach of inter-shopper protocol?'
In a last-ditch effort to keep my little find, I added, ". Er, as long as I get them back."
I did get them back, by the way. And then the guy just went off grumbling about how they were good candlesticks, and he'd been looking for brass.
Maybe he had mental problems. Maybe he'd been one of those kids who Doesn't Play Well with Others. Maybe it was a rough week for him selling on eBay. I don't know.
At least he wasn't waiting outside in the parking lot for me.
The point is, thrift shops have their own unique culture. So if you're new to thrifting, don't be scared off. Just be polite, expect to meet the occasional interesting character, keep your treasures close, hone your decision-making skills, and have fun.
And if, in your thrifting delight, ancient hunting-and-gathering instincts begin to overwhelm you, please keep your hands to yourself, okay? People are trying to shop here.
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THRIFTER OF THE MONTH
I Owe It All to Punk Rock
by Robert Amico a.k.a. Troy McClure
Being thrifty comes rather naturally to me. I grew up the youngest of five boys. I wore hand-me-downs until the age of 13. My father told me I was lucky. When he was a kid, if his brother got a new pair of shoes, he got to wear the shoes boxes. I am not all that sure he was exaggerating. My mom could make a tea bag last a week. Leftovers didn't exist in our house. They became ingredients in the next days meal.
I owe it all to punk rock. That's right, I started thrifting as a teenage punk rocker. I had limited cash and Hot Topic didn't exist in those days. If you wanted to look a bit outrageous without sticking a spike through your cheek, clothes and music were the only outlets for a suburban youth.
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Those clothes are long gone, but I remember my first thrift shopping finds quite well. I scored some jungle camouflage pants ($2.00) and an officers dress jacket ($3.50) to pay homage to may favorite band of all time, The Clash. My next find was a West Point Cadet dress jacket for $5.00. I wore it well and Adam Ant would have been envious. As rockabilly and the Stray Cats caught on, my tuxedo jacket collection grew.
I scored them for $3.00 each. I had some of the ugliest suit jackets in the world, but that was the point of punk rock, irritating your parents.
Then an amazing thing happened. I became a parent. Instead of shopping for clothes that made a statement, I started thrifting because of necessity. As a young family on a limited income, we discovered thrifting was a way to meet our immediate needs. If I couldn't change my income but could spend less for our absolute necessities, it is in all practical purposes like getting an untaxed raise.
As my financial situation changed, it occurred to me that I shouldn't give up saving money just because I didn't need to anymore. My kids and I browse the local Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity stores for all sorts of bargains. My daughter bought her homecoming dress for $6.00 and she looked great. She also shops the local thrifts for costumes for her high school drama wardrobe. My son , who is 13 and a rock drummer, recently bought some awfully tight skinny girl jeans for $3.00 a pair. Another generation trying to irritate their parents with fashion.
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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
Association of Domestic Violence Outreach Stores
by Michael Gold a.k.a. Good Buddy
Last month a horrible act of domestic violence occurred in broad daylight in front of a thrift store. So many abused women have nowhere to turn when they're finally ready to leave a violent relationship, but the North Carolina Association of Domestic Violence Outreach Stores, also known as ADVOS, is working hard to change that. Alice Coleman, executive director of ADVOS, was kind enough to take time out of her busy day to explain how their organization works.
Q. Do all of the profits from your thrift stores go to domestic violence shelters?
A. Well, it's not just the shelters where the money goes, although that's a large needed part. The money that comes from the thrift stores is what we call nondiscretionary, which means you can use it any way you want to.
They can use it to help people with their first month's rent. Like if a victim has been in the shelter and now they want to move into their own apartment, that money can go to help with deposits, food, and those kinds of things, plus simple things that we don't think about not having enough money for.
For instance, if there's a victim that doesn't feel safe in a particular town but doesn't have enough money for a plane ticket or a bus ticket to a family member out of state or across our state, the money from the thrift stores provides enough funds for those people to be able to get to a safe place if they can't use the shelter.
Q. So your organization sometimes works on a case-by-case basis in this instance?
A. Absolutely. Everything is a case-by-case basis with domestic violence because you never know if the perpetrator is going to be the kind who will stalk that individual or if it's just someone who will violate a protective order. So you have to evaluate each case for the risk.
Q. Do you have any success stories about people that were directly involved in your organization that you helped through a bad time?
A. Yes, I do, absolutely. In fact, I was in the shelter the other day that actually has two thrift stores, and there was a Hispanic woman with three kids. She didn't speak English very well to begin with, so she was with her three kids, and her husband had abused her and actually had abused the kids as well.
They were in the shelter, and the perpetrator or the batterer had actually found them at the shelter, which is secured, and had come to the parking lot. So we as a group decided that she would be better off in California because that's where her family was.
And, of course, she had no money, and there's not a grant that the shelter has that would just allow them to use that kind of money for travel. So because they have two thrift stores and they have some profits from that, they bought four plane tickets and sent that family to California for safety. So that's one recent experience.
But the other thing that's really important about the thrift stores is that the majority of people cannot go to a shelter or can't go to a domestic violence administrative-type office because especially in small towns in North Carolina, people know people. They would be seen going in, which would get them in even more trouble.
Our thrift stores are a safe place to get information about domestic violence because we have information in all of our dressing rooms and all of our bathrooms. They can go in there and get that information discreetly without being seen, and we also have counseling provided in all of those thrift stores.
Q. I had never considered the fact that people in a situation like that would definitely not want to be seen gathering information, and it's great that you guys discreetly provide it.
A. Absolutely. Because a lot of times the batterer will go with them to the thrift store because they're so controlling they won't let them go shopping alone. That's why we've chosen to put that information in our bathrooms and dressing rooms, because he cannot follow them into that room. So they can get it and slip it into their purse and use it at a later time. We have safety planning information that they can pick up in there that is credit card size. They can just slip it into their wallet, so that's something we try to provide.
We've had 2,000 referrals from our thrift stores this past year. And the 2,000 referrals from the thrift stores go directly to the counseling offices that back those thrift stores, which means people who would have otherwise not been able to can get counseling.
Q. Do you see a trend in the charity thrift industry where many of the stores are closing because they can't compete with the larger thrift stores that buy clothing and accessories in bulk form?
A. Well, we haven't had that experience with our thrift stores. In fact, we've increased in profits every year, and I think it's because we stress customer service and we stress operating our stores as businesses, not charities. Although we are a charity, you can't operate a charity thrift store as a charity. You have to operate it as a business, so we spend a lot of time doing training across the state. We have regional meetings. We have conferences. We have technical assistance so that our stores are always up to date with what's going on.
Like I said, customer service is really big with us. I think a lot of times people forget customer service. I mean, I know if you go into the Goodwills in our area, nobody speaks to you. You can walk around that store for hours and nobody would smile, say hello or anything. And what we've found out is that people are willing to pay a little bit more and people are willing to come back to you if you remember their name, for instance, if you greet them as soon as they come in the store. All of these kinds of things that we've learned over the years really make a difference in the success rate of our stores.
Q. I agree that giving people a home away from home is important and people want to feel included, not only as a shopper, but as part of the extended family atmosphere.
A. Right. And the other thing we tell our store managers is how can a victim who comes into your store looking for counseling, looking for information, how are they going to get that information if you don't even speak to them?
How are they going to feel comfortable enough at some point to be able to say to you, "I'm in an abusive situation. Can you give me some help?" They won't if you're aloof and don't speak to them the entire time they're there. Our customer service is important because we want our victims to be able to approach the staff and ask for information.
If anybody's interested in this concept, I'd be glad to help them. I've done this for 12 years now, and I certainly have made every mistake there is to make and half of them twice. So if there are other domestic violence programs that are interested in this, I would be glad to share with them what I've learned over the years about it.
Q. Would you consider writing up a business plan specifically geared towards getting a domestic violence thrift store open and then selling that plan to raise money for your charity?
A. Actually, we haven't thought about that. I think it's because I'm a one-man show, and I have so many counties to cover that I haven't had time to sit down and do it, but maybe when I retire I can do that. There are so many things that I've learned that you should do, so many things that you shouldn't do. In the last 12 years, we've only had four stores close, and those four stores closed because they picked a bad location or the chairman of the board left.
What I'm basically saying is we have a very high percentage of success rate for our stores, and it's because we share our information and we learn from each other's mistakes. We think we pretty much got it down, but we're still learning stuff every day.
Q. How many thrift stores does your organization run?
A. We're getting ready to open four more. So currently we have 55, and at the end of this year we'll have 59.
Q. How much money did your thrift stores raise last year?
A. Last year according to our survey alone, it was about $3.5 million, and not everybody participated in the survey.
Q. How many shelters does your organization run?
A. Well, actually, the shelters are run by the local nonprofit shelter program. So our organization actually doesn't run any of the shelters. We just support the thrift stores, and the profits from those thrift stores go to the shelters.
Q. Does your organization help with lobbying for laws to protect victims of domestic violence?
A. No. Our organization doesn't do that because our focus is on making our thrift stores customer friendly and profitable. The programs we support like the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence do the advocacy work through the general assembly for changing laws in North Carolina. Our organization doesn't actually give money to any organization. Our organization only facilitates technical assistance and consultation. So ADVOS itself doesn't give any funds directly to the organizations that help change the laws. That's done through the other organizations that we support in non-financial ways.
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ZODIAC THRIFTER November Horoscope |
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Scorpio
Emphasize self-promotion this month with new products, changes, and personal contacts and interests. Renewing influential contacts will bring results. You will have success through leadership and drive, but be patient and careful with commitments. Be sure to express yourself creatively and have some fun this month. A romantic person is waiting to meet you in the first week of November, and you'll have an uncanny intuitive grasp of the situation. Trust your gut reaction. Any plans you make this month need to be realistic and responsible, not indulgent. |
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Sagittarius
Discussions at home will be serious and sensitive. Let everyone have quiet time before acting on anything. A new co-worker will liven things up, and your workplace will suddenly be a lot less boring. Just make sure you're getting enough sleep, and do not invite romantic entanglements. Use your energy to plan ahead because your big dreams will have a chance to take hold. You see the future with unlimited potential, and this could be the start of one of your best years ever. A new cycle is beginning, so reach for the brass ring. |
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Capricorn
Social ties and friends provide opportunities for transactions. You can have new income from your business and make new acquaintances at the same time. Participate in community affairs and get emotionally invested in your hopes and dreams, but look at the future realistically and don't plan too busy a program. This is a time to let go of your ambitious outer shell and pay attention to your inner core. Banish old doubts and worries and don't act against your own interests. Insight and illumination can lead you to your dreams. |
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Aquarius
Your business reputation will be improved by contacts with top people. Develop new business tactics and don't be too temperamental with co-workers. Rethink conclusions when your opinions are challenged. You'll have brilliant insight and a happy resolution. Rewards and recognition will flow your way after the 15th, so make sure you've attended to all your responsibilities and are available for a promotion. You'll have luck and support from a past achievement. Holiday planning will have to wait until the end of the month, and by then you'll be ready for carefree fun. |
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Pisces
Slow down and release worries. Don't concentrate on the difficult parts of life. Right now you need to appreciate the connections you have with others and the comforts of home. Be open to new people and adventures, but don't bite off more than you can chew. Make sure to fulfill your work obligations and don't create ill will at the office. You might be told to work harder and play less, and you should heed this warning. You'll emerge from a sorting-out process with new insights into your ideals, standards, and beliefs. By month's end, you'll be ready to forgive and forget. |
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Aries
Your financial negotiations will be successful, but you must be patient and optimistic. Get through hurdles before you take on a new project, and don't be in so much of a hurry. Make sure you share your ideas at work. You could profit from it in the future. Keep in touch with romantic possibilities because a commitment is likely. You'll feel overwhelmed around Thanksgiving, just go with the flow if things aren't happening the way you expected. No point in having a meltdown with all your friends and family around wanting to spend time with you. |
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Taurus
There might be a change in your financial situation for the worse this month, so relieve some anxiety by getting lost in a good book. Expect some disagreements on the home front. Don't try to dominate every situation. Just be patient and let things work out on their own. You will be highly influenced by your friends this month, but in a very good way. Be a good listener and put aside selfish desires. You'll have a wonderful holiday with lively conversation and a good group of people. Everyone will contribute to the festivities. |
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Gemini
Your enthusiasm will be crushed by someone who doesn't understand your pre-formed idea. An obsessive, intense attraction could vanish quickly and leave you wondering why things faded so fast. Look into your past for answers and be honest with yourself about old relationship patterns that you need to change. Your discipline and resolve will be strong this month, so November is the perfect time to initiate that diet and exercise program you've been thinking about starting. With meaningful introspection, you'll make solid decisions and plans for the future.
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Cancer
You will be overtaken by passion and sentiment with rich emotional experiences this month, Cancer. Your full attention will be on whatever or whoever it is you're passionate about, and even moody Cancer will have a hard time being a downer . Plan on sensual, romantic connections and jovial interactions. Old routines will seem more ho-hum than ever and it's almost impossible to buckle down and get work done. Who can blame you when everything is going so splendidly? Take the time to really cherish how wonderful your life is. |
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Leo
You'll have real estate interests and mutual agreements in December, Leo. Laying the groundwork now for new projects will lead to success. Settle outstanding matters and do chores without complaint. Show consideration for your family and don't force them to conform to your plans. If you express yourself gently, confusing situations can be resolved. After mid-month a secret you've kept comes to light and brings you closer to your romantic partner. Entertain at home before the holidays on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Your guests will be charmed by your wit and creative talents. |
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Virgo
Things you say and hear will be misunderstood and confusing in the first week of November, Virgo, so be careful when attending meetings and making important announcements, but do speak your mind freely. If you're introspective in your manner of expressing yourself, you'll gain more self-awareness. Don't force situations or sign papers hastily. Stalled plans will move forward after the middle of the month. You've been neglecting your health lately and putting off exercise. It's time to establish a workout routine and stick to it. |
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Libra
Work on making the possessions you own more attractive rather than purchasing new things. Redecorating on a budget brings out your creative genius, and you'll be able to achieve a new look effortlessly. Curb your tendency to be extravagant by shopping at thrift stores for a few key items that will pull your domestic look together. A new feeling of confidence boosts your self-worth and you'll feel upbeat and optimistic about your future. You have a chance for transformation and emotional rebirth this month, so embrace the changes and the new direction your life is taking. With your fresh perspective, you have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
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THRIFT KITTEN TIPS
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MIND YOUR MANNERS
Be considerate to your fellow thrifters when shopping. Don't crowd other shoppers and try to look at the same rack of clothing someone else is, unless you're far behind them. If you use a cart, be aware of where it is and don't leave it blocking an aisle or crowding an area where others are trying to shop. Most thrift stores depend on their volunteers, so be extra nice to the people behind the counter. And Just because you're not in Saks Fifth Avenue doesn't mean it's okay to drop your garbage on the floor. Thrift stores do wonderful work to help those in need, so make sure you treat the stores and their employees and volunteers with the utmost respect.
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THRIFTED RECIPE
Crunch Bar Pieces
Submitted by Larry Ivan
I took this to the lake and EVERYONE loved it .it's addicting and VERY EASY to make. |
Ingredients:
43 Saltine crackers, even an inexpensive brand is fine
1 cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar packed into measuring cup
1 12 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Set oven on 350 degrees.
2. Line a 10 x 15 x 1 inch cookie sheet with tin foil.
3. Cover the bottom of the pan with crackers.
4. Melt the butter and light brown sugar in a medium saucepan.
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5) Bring to a boil . and boil 3 minutes.
6) Spread (or pour) evenly over the crackers.
7) Bake about 7 minutes . BUT watch carefully so it doesn't burn.
8) Remove from oven.
9) IMMEDIATELY . sprinkle chocolate chips over the crackers . spread as they melt.
10) Cool.
11) Refrigerate until hard.
12) Break into pieces.
13) Store in refrigerator . or freezer.
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