Interview - Repair Cafe

As organizers we spend a of time dealing with things that don’t work anymore. Our clients have a difficult time making decisions regarding these items because sometimes they are expensive or belonged to a beloved family member. However, the days of being able to take your coffee maker or small appliance to a repair shop seem to have disappeared. We are pleased to be able to find a possible alternative. We spoke with Virginia Walton at Connecticut’s Repair Cafe to discuss new solutions.

For the busy person, what is Repair Cafe?

The Repair Café is a volunteer event where people who are skilled in fixing items gather together. Anyone can drop in with an item that needs repair. It is a free event so money is not a barrier. Most of the time items are fixed.

How does the process work?

A person brings in the item that needs repair. They register and wait their turn. While waiting, there are refreshments available. When a repair person is available they can participate in the repair or watch and learn something about the repair. The only thing that is not free is if the person needs a part in order to make the repair. They may be directed as to where they can purchase the part locally.

Where can I find a Cafe?

In Connecticut, the City of Middletown has offered a Repair Café twice now, in collaboration with the Rockfall Foundation and I coordinate a Repair Café in Willimantic 4 times per year. I have attached the 2020 flyer. Repair Café US has a Facebook page.

What can be repaired?

Depends on the skills of the volunteers. In the Willimantic Repair Café, we repair electrical and electronic items, small wooden furniture, bicycles, clothing. Knives and tools are sharpened. Some repair cafes might have volunteers skilled in repairing jewelry or books.

 What is the most interesting item your group has repaired?

The most adorable repair that I made was sewing a teddy bear’s ear back on. The little girl helped me with the repair and she was thrilled!

Interview - TecKnow

Lately, we see a lot of modern technology in our client’s homes. From lights that turn on when you enter a room to sound systems that come with Google Assistant & Amazon Alexa built-in. We spoke with Westport, CT’s TecKnow and Kim Burke to help us make sense of it all.

For the busy person, what is TecKnow?

Tecknow Is a company that custom designs, installs, programs and maintains smart home and office automation systems incorporating solar and/or solar storage. A light, a lock, a solar roof, a battery, a thermostat, irrigation - these are all examples of connected devices that can be optimized and set into “scenes” to create energy efficiencies, security and convenience. Unlike some other smart home systems that collect your data and listen to conversations, the Apple HomeKit platform is all about data privacy, security and does not monetize your data or record your conversations.

What does Smart Living Ecosystem mean?

It refers to the holistic approach of the automation platform we utilize to create homes and offices powered by the sun and controlled by your voice.

For the techno-phobe, how easy are things to use?

Super easy to use. You can use your voice to turn on the lights or say “goodnight” and the lights can turn off, doors lock, garage doors go down, tv goes off, thermostats set lower and alarm gets armed. If you prefer to use your phone or ipad, you can use the touch screen to activate individual devices or entire scenes. In addition, we provide ongoing service to our customers and help them evolve with the technology. We don't just install and leave it to them to figure out. We help to program, service and maintain our installs.

Most people think computers and TV's but what other areas do you cover?

Security (alarms, cameras, motion sensors, door and window sensors), thermostats, lighting, air quality, fans, irrigation, door locks, garage doors, doorbells, outlets, switches, shades, speakers, solar and solar storage utilizing Tesla Powerwall.

What are the most popular services you install?

Every job is different and custom tailored for the client. It depends on what the client focus is...Security? Entertainment? Energy efficiency? Convenience?

What are one or two of the coolest projects you have created?

Every project we complete! There are new devices being added all the time and we are continually amazed at what this platform is capable of. Our latest project incorporating solar and solar storage resulting in a beach home powered by the sun and controlled by your voice is truly groundbreaking. When you come in the door and say "I'm Home!" the shades roll up, the temperature gets set to 70, the lights come on, the fireplace turns on, the TV turns on and favorite music starts playing. Conversely, when you say "Good night" the house shuts down into power saving mode to minimize the draw on the battery that has stored access energy from the sun during the day and runs the house at night.

Interview - American Flora

As professional organizers we see a lot of “stuff” in people’s homes. When determining what we should keep, one of the areas we focus on is, quality. We spoke with Mary Brewster from American Flora about her collection as an antidote to disposable consumption.

For the busy person, what is American Flora?

When looking for a beautiful and unique gift, American Flora provides accessories that are Sustainable and Made in America. Our website is user friendly to make shopping very easy.

What is your origin story, how did you start the company?

I started the company because I wanted to sell a sustainable line of dance and yoga wear. I’m a ballet dancer who grew tired of purchasing Leotards etc that were not comfortable. Ones that were made with inferior fabrics.When I found out about REPREVE (the fabric I use), I was certain it would be perfect for my line. I was also determined sew the US and use a sustainable fabric. As you can read on my website, REPREVE is made from recycled plastic bottles.After a few years I decided to pivot and created the Wraps then the bags.

What is the Giving section of American Flora?

I designed the LOVE bag to bring awareness to my audience. Awareness about how necessary and easy it is to give/spread love.I decided to donate 15% of the profits from the sale of the LOVE bag to a foundation called Circle of Health International. The Giving page on my website explains the work COHI does. American Flora has always donated to a cause that helps women. It used to be Breast Care at Hartford Hospital. I was very moved by the passion and dedication of the midwives who work for COHI. They work globally. I chose a project in Puerto Rico, where they are still struggling after the damage caused by Hurricane Maria.

Can you explain more about sustainable fashion?

Sustainable fashion focuses on avoiding waste. Another term for it is Slow Fashion vs the Fast Fashion craze that has been going on for at least ten years.

Fast fashion gained momentum when the prices of some brands of clothes went way down, along with the quality. It also perpetuated the hiring of children in factories, an abundant waste of water, bad working conditions and message that clothes were “throw away”. Why bother keeping them if you could buy something else for cheap.

I chose to create my line using a fabric that is made from recycled plastic bottles, which otherwise would remain on beaches, and land as litter.

In addition, I chose American factories and suppliers that adhere to a sustainable practice.

What are some of your most popular pieces or ones you enjoy making the most?

The bags have become the most popular. Initially the Buddha bag was purchased more. When I started the campaign with the LOVE bag, that rose to the top.

That said, the Pink Cactus and Red Cactus Wraps are very popular. I took the images when visiting a Botanical Cactus Garden in Majorca Spain. Those are special for me, and the reason I designed the Black Clutch with a Red and Pink accent.

Interview - Greenwich Historical Society

At House to Home Organizing one of the habits we encourage is a switch from focusing on stuff towards experiences. We spoke with Stasha Healy from the Greenwich Historical Society about their mission and why you should stop in for a visit.

For the busy person, what is the Greenwich Historical Society?

We connect the community and the world to the important history of Greenwich by telling its stories through items in our collections, lectures, museum exhibitions, educational programs for school children and teachers, championing historic preservation, media outreach, and more. We are the stewards for the circa 1730 National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House, which survived the American Revolution and became the site of America’s first American Impressionist art colony from 1890 to 1920.

What was the recent renovation?

We restored a former hotel and saloon that had been used more recently as a residence, back to its former architectural integrity and seamlessly added a new building to it that is home to new state-of-the-art, climate-controlled library and archives and museum galleries. One gallery presents rotating exhibitions relating to Greenwich’s history and art; the other gallery has a short film and timeline that explain the history of Greenwich at a glance as well as an area that showcases some of the beautiful works of the former residents of the Cos Cob art colony.

The GHS conducts many programs what are some of your favorites?

Candlelight is a wonderful, free event where the community gathers for live music, a visit from Santa, treats, and seasonal crafts for kids. People can also take tours of Bush-Holley House decorated for the holidays. I also really enjoy the Landmarks Recognition Program: Every year we identify buildings with historic value and tell their stories. This past year my favorite was a home on North Street that was built nearly as an exact replica of the Petit Trianon of Versailles!

What are the archives?

The repository for documents and items relating to Greenwich history.

If someone has something they want to donate, what is the process?

If people have documents to donate they should contact Christopher Shields. If they have items other than documents they should contact Karen Frederick.