It’s safe to say that we live in a disposable society. If something stops working, breaks, or even shows signs of wear and tear, having it fixed is probably the last thing anyone thinks of.  Simply toss it and buy a new one.

But what if the thing that broke was a treasured piece of jewelry or a family heirloom? What if it's a broken record player or radio, or a rip in a favorite sweater? What if you are tired of automatically throwing things away, you want to start reusing and saving some money, but you're not exactly a Jack, or Jill, of all trades. Where do you turn?

In the Hudson Valley, you go to the Repair Cafe where volunteer Repair Coaches in eight locations throughout the Hudson Valley can help fix, mend, and rebuild your treasures, all for free.

They've announced their June schedule, so no matter where you live in the Hudson Valley, there's help close to you.

  • Kingston, the Clinton Avenue Methodist Church with Bike Friendly Kingston on Saturday 9 from 11-3.
  • Rhinebeck Town hall on Saturday, June 9 from 12-4.
  • Farmer's Market in Hobart, next to the Catskill Rail Trail, will be a Bike only Repair Cafe on Friday, June 15 from 4-7.
  • Middletown will hold it's first Repair Cafe at the Middletown Thrall Library on Saturday, June 16 from 10-1.
  • Castleton-on-Hudson in the Village Hall on Saturday, June 16 from 11-3.
  • Gardiner Library on Saturday, June 24 from 12-4.
  • Locust Lawn Historic Home and Farm in Gardiner will hold a themed Repair Cafe, the Timeless art of Repair on Saturday, June 30 from 11-3.

So whether it's a stuffed animal, a small appliance, clothing, furniture, or jewelry, the next time it breaks, don't automatically throw it away, bring it the Repair Cafe and save yourself some money and keep a memory.

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