I was surprised to hear a New Berlin friend express her amazement at the roadside rummage giveaways we have in Shorewood. They don’t do that where she lives. Maybe they don't know how cool it is. Maybe they haven’t heard about the reuse part of the 3Rs. I find it a service that I can leave an old chair out in the alley next to my trash cart one day, and two days later wake up and it’s gone. I hope someone made a few bucks on my laziness. This little quirk of ours is one I really like. I think it’s the appeal of the mystery around who took our things and the magic of its disappearance. It's like backwards santa. The fact that we don’t have to pay the DPW to pick it up or to crush it is an added plus.
There are some days better than others. Summer and spring are usually the high times, but I’m trying to create some buzz about December curb shopping. I think Shorewood.now could set aside a little corner for us to post what we will be dragging out of the house, where it will be put and when we can get it when no one will see us. Instead of letters to Santa, we could post wish lists and hope someone will grant one. For example, I was wishing someone would have a pair of size 7 tap shoes laying out on the curb because that’s the latest great idea I’ve had. I’m going to learn to tap for health and entertainment. The fifty cent pieces crazy glued to the soles of my running shoes isn’t quite making it. It would be great if someone would tell me when those would be available.
I know someone who is looking for lawn furniture. Come fall, there is always a good selection of the butt molded plastic white chairs around. Unfortunately, you missed the season. Now you will have to wait until January when people toss the old stuff they got new stuff to replace. If only we knew what would be there, it would save time and gas. We could check things off our shopping lists right there in front seat. Hopefully, non-residents will honor the honor system which dictates that Shorewood residents get first dibs, but after two days it’s all up for grabs.
I think if we could coordinate our curb shops, we could be more effective. Maybe Mondays could be recreation and fitness equipment, Tuesday office machines, Wednesday furniture, Thursday breakables, Friday old windows and doors, Saturday boxes of clothing (size marked please) and Sunday entertainment pieces like cassettes, disks, albums, DVDs, books and children’s toys or play equipment.
Some tips: Don’t remove cushions from sofas or overstuffed chairs. The smell will go away eventually and having to get new ones defeats the beauty of the find.
If it doesn’t work, please say so. It may not matter, but some of us aren’t too handy.
Make a big sign that says “FREE” so your neighbors don’t think we’re stealing.
Leave ice cube trays in the refrigerators. People need those.
Put any hardware necessary for installation in a labeled plastic bag, please.
If you leave leftovers out (say, turkey?) please date it.
This holiday season, we can get some good bargains right here in our beloved Shorewood. Someone is bound to have something you want. Do your part.
Take it.
