Copake Repair Cafe Sept. 28

Copake Repair Cafe Sept. 28

Bill O’Neill, a volunteer lamp fixer, will be among the experts at the Repair Cafe, Saturday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Copake Park Building at 305 Mountain View Road in Copake.

Photo by Kate Shannon

COPAKE — When the volunteer fixers arrive at a free drop-in Repair Cafe such as the one scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Copake Park Building at 305 Mountain View Road in Copake, they come with a wealth of knowledge and sense of community that enhances the experience for those on both sides of the repair table.

Cafe organizer Fran Colombo, Outreach Coordinator for the Roeliff Jansen which is co-sponsoring the event with the Climate Smart Committee says the event is more than an opportunity to extend the life of damaged items and aid in sustainability, it is a chance to chat and get to know one another.

One of the fixers, retired lawyer Bill O’Neill of New Lebanon, who specializes in lamp repair, began this second “non-profession” about 5 years ago when a fellow volunteer for county meal deliveries suggested he give it a try.

O’Neill’s main focus is rewiring and replacing sockets. But he is equally enthusiastic about providing information, especially on the newer, confounding LED lights which he says are safer because they produce less heat and are more energy efficient and economical.

The chats may be his favorite part. He says, “One of the things they (the organizers) do is ask people to stay with us when the repair is being made so we can explain what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. There are lot of reasons to like Repair Cafes. You get some time to meet new people. You get to talk to them. You get to find out why the lamp is important to them.”

Citing his latest stint at a Cafe in Chatham, O’Neill said, “My first client was a young lady who was very concerned about getting her grandmother’s lamp fixed. It represented a lot to her and her family. And that’s really very, very satisfying when you can do that for somebody.”

Unlike O’Neill, who began his lamp journey by fixing a few around his own house, Moy Wong, also of New Lebanon, became a bike expert as a teenager when he decided to ride his bike to school instead of relying on buses in New York City.

A college course on computers led to his combining technical knowledge with that gained from working part time in a bike shop. Now he delights in “demystifying” for owners the way the various bike parts work together to keep the vehicles functioning and out of the landfill.

Another long time expert is Copake seamstress and knitter Leslie Wood who replaces buttons, mends split seams and hems whatever might need adjustment.

She says with everyone talking to everyone, “It’s very much a community thing ... A sort of hug fest.”

Volunteers helping to facilitate this second year event are Wendy Garfield, Ray Ginther, Colleen Lutz, Lena Leonardson, Bob Callahan and Harry Stenger.

In addition to O’Neill, Moy and Wood, fixers include: Nicole Landaw, Mimi Coleman, and Deb Macheski for jewelry; Mark Maljanian for general fixes; Doug Craig for knife sharpening; Jamie Nicholson for sewing and electrical device issues; and Andrew Soltano for small appliance general repair and advice.

Latest News

Voices from Ukraine to America come to Stissing Center July 27

Ukraine Emergency Fundraiser at The Stissing Center in 2022 raised over $120,000 for Sunflower of Peace.

Photo by Michael Churton

The spirit of Ukraine will be on display at the Stissing Center in Pine Plains on Sunday, July 27. Beginning at 5 p.m., the “Words to America from Ukraine” fundraiser is set to showcase the simultaneous beauty of Ukrainian culture and the war-time turmoil it faces, all the while fundraising in support of Ukrainian freedom.

“Words to America from Ukraine” aims to remind and spread awareness for the suffering that often gets forgotten by those who live in comfortable worlds, explained Leevi Ernits, an organizer for the event. “We are trying to make an attempt to remind people that we are human, and we are connected with human values,” she said. “With very few words, poetry can express very deep values.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Grumbling Gryphons’ set to celebrate 45th anniversary with gala and summer theater camp

Celebrating its 45th year, the Grumbling Gryphons will perform at HVRHS Friday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m.

Photo provided

The Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children’s Theater is preparing to celebrate its 45th year — not with fanfare, but with feathers, fabric, myth, chant, and a gala finale bursting with young performers and seasoned artists alike.

The Gryphons’ 2025 Summer Theater Arts Camp begins July 28 and culminates in a one-night-only performance gala at Housatonic Valley Regional High School on Friday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. Founder, playwright, and artistic director, Leslie Elias has been weaving together the worlds of myth, movement and theater for decades.

Keep ReadingShow less
Learning calligraphy by hand

Attendees practive brushstrokes led by calligraphy teacher Debby Reelitz.

Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

Calligrapher Debby Reelitz came to the David M. Hunt Library to give a group of adults and children an introduction to modern calligraphy Thursday, July 17.

Reelitz said she was introduced to calligraphy as a youngster and has been a professional calligrapher and teacher for more than 25 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - July 24, 2025

Automobiles For Sale

2004 Lexus ES 330 Sedan: Runs but needs some work. 176K miles. $2000. Call 860-435-0905 Leave message.
Services Offered
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.

Pets

LABRADOR ORPHAN wanted: as companion for RESCUE MIX (5 years). Sharon. 407-620-7777.


Keep ReadingShow less