Old is new again

There’s a little thrift store on the square in Geneva that’s undergone a makeover, and with good reason. Blue Valley Community Action director Lisa Epp says the building which houses the center was in need of repair. A ceiling leak necessitated the closing of the store after Christmas 2007.
“We closed after Christmas, took stock of the situation, completed repairs and revamped the store,” Epp explains. “We reopened in February.” 
Epp is happy to show visitors around the shop. The old sorting room has been converted into a library where books are available at prices starting at 25 cents. Volunteers now work to ready donations at the rear of the building, away from customer traffic. Epp shows off displays put together by Shirley Schroetlin.
Schroetlin is working in the back, going through boxes of clothes. Schroetlin admits to loving what she is doing, “I love to do displays. My girls have always loved it that I rearrange their bedrooms when they are gone. I love to clean and organize.”
Epp shows off Schroetlin’s work as she makes her way around the store. Epp points to a display centered around golf featuring shoes, shirts and club covers. There are several shelves of baby decor nicely arranged. In one corner a vintage desk serves as a backdrop for a vignette which includes a jewelry box, dresser tray and costume jewelry. Schroetlin has filled desk drawers with brightly colored scarves.
Clothing offered for sale is hung neatly in rows. The mug department has something for everyone and the windows are decorated with up to date, brightly colored fashions.
“If we have a nice little store we can draw teenagers in. With the price of gas they could shop here,” says Schroetlin. And she should know, she’s got teens of her own at home.
For the first time in quite a while Blue Valley Community Action in Geneva is open Monday through Friday. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sandy Danskin, and AmeriCorps worker, also helps out. Epp and Schroetlin call her a “friendly face.” Rick Girmus serves as Epp’s assistant. He is charged with managing the Blue Valley Food Pantry which is located on site. Girmus can also issue emergency assistance when Epp is not present.
Epp, who directs both the York and Geneva community action centers, currently spends one day a week in Geneva. That day is Thursday. Her other four days are spent in York.
As Epp looks around it is clear she is pleased with what she sees. Things seem to be running smoothly, the store looks great and best of all shoppers are taking advantage of bargain buys. It’s true, everything old is new again — to someone that is.