Community Treasures Evolution

Here’s a note from Frank Penwell of Community Treasures (formerly Consignment Treasures)…

A few of you who were not able to attend our CT Gathering have asked me for a report.  I have posted a video of the presentation here:  http://www.ctrecycling.org/. Just click on the “What the CT Evolution is About” button to see the video.  Below is a brief write up.  Please stop by and visit with me at the Community Treasures Booth in the Main Building at the Fair.

Thanks,
Frank

On August 4th, 2015, a gathering of about 80 Community Treasures (CT) Recycling Supporters met for dinner and an evening of entertainment featuring Terry Lush playing the accordion during dinner, and heard a presentation about the “CT Evolution”, and listened to Jimmy Moe sing several Bing Crosby tunes.  A link to the presentation will be posted soon on http://www.ctrecycling.org/

The presentation reviewed the Christian tenets that were the underpinnings of starting CT, and it showed the role that the local Lions Club played in starting CT through its ROAR program, aluminum can recycling from 2004-2008.

A review of the broad clientele, activities CT is involved in, services provided to the community, and benefits of CT to the public was presented.

A plan to be proactive in establishing CT as a permanent community thrift shop and recycling center was announced.  The CT Board would like CT to evolve into an independent, permanent charitable community thrift shop and recycling center.  To do this CT must be independent, and debt free.  Currently, CT operations are dependent upon the generosity of the property owners, as CT does not own the land or equipment it uses.

A review of the County Land Use Map, and quotes from County Public Records requests and San Juan County Planning Commission, regarding Essential Public Facilities (EPFs), which include recycling centers, noted how the County has been unable to adhere to State WACs and RCWs on EPFs that require the County to plan for and maintain a list of EPF sites.

Community Treasures’ current President, Frank Penwell, proposed a Win Win solution encompassing the Environmental, Social and Economical circles that would result in the equitable, bearable and viable options that lead toward the objective of Sustainability.  The Win Win solution was that the current property and equipment owners would donate approximately $290,000 of the estimated value to the cause, if the community would donate, raise, and help gather money for the rest.

In May, 2015, the CT Board of Directors voted to have the property and buildings appraised.  On June 4th Don A. Gustafson, of Gustafson & Associates in Bellingham, WA did a commercial appraisal of the property and buildings.  The financial numbers given were: $760,000 for land and buildings.  Equipment needs and values were estimated at $181,000, minus the $290,000 donation from the property owners equals needed funds of $653,000 plus closing costs.  It was noted that 501 C 3 Public Charities do not have to pay property taxes, so there would be no increase in overhead costs.  There is also a rental house on the property, so a purchase would, in fact, lead to additional revenue.

CT President, Frank Penwell, referred to the quotes, “Many hands make light work”, and “All hands on Deck.”, and invited those in the room to be the initiators of the “CT Evolution” to help spread the word to raise $653,000 + closing costs that would make CT a permanent, charitable recycling center. Also, a Commemorative Ideas Contest to honor and remember the CT Evolution donors was announced. Ideas are to be turned in before December 15th , 2015.  There is a $200 cash prize for the winner.   To learn more, or to make a donation to the CT Property Acquisition Fund, please visit: http://www.ctrecycling.org/  or visit CT and talk to Frank Penwell.

CT is forming an Advisory Board to help guide the Board of Directors and CT activities.  If you have an interest in CT’s activities or ideas that are in alignment with CT’s Mission Statements, or if you have interest in being on a small committee helping promote boots on the ground conservation, please contact Community Treasures at 370-5562, or 378-6473.

Ideas thought of, or shared with me by others (I have left out some wild ideas that were suggested to me after the meeting):

Categories of CT Evolution donors:

In Kind donors (I.K.D.) and anonymous donations (A.D.) at the level of the donation 

Donation Levels:

$1 – $24                                   Tin
$25 – $49                                Iron
$50 – $ 99                                Steel
$100 – $249                             Stainless Steel
$250 – $499                             Aluminum
$500 – $999                             Copper
$1000 – $4999                         Silver
$5000 – $9999                         Platinum
$10,000 – $24,999                   Gold
$25,000 +                                Founder

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