Lebanon
And while these expressions may be overused or viewed as an exaggeration, they’re not. For the community actively invested in a place, they always apply.
When the Upper Valley Senior Center opened in Lebanon in 1978, the gift shop soon followed. Located in a separate room in the center, it provided a revenue stream and a showcase for the work of many quilters, knitters, crocheters, sewers and other crafters. Customers could purchase handmade items inexpensively, interest was high and the gift shop’s volunteers were happy to fill in.
But now, following a yearslong decline in demand for products and available volunteers, the gift shop will close on June 30.
“The core group that has been here … some have passed away or they’re aging,” said Upper Valley Senior Center Director Jill Vahey. “The younger volunteers are not coming in to knit, crochet or sew.” As the baby boomer generation continues to age into the senior center crowd, they’re not into the same activities that their elders were. “They’re not carrying on some of the traditions of the 80- and 90-year-olds,” Vahey said. “There isn’t anyone producing product anymore.”
While participation in the center’s fitness programs has picked up, Vahey said, the closing of the gift shop is, well, bittersweet.
“It was the best little artisan gift shop,” Vahey said. Customers could purchase baby quilts for less than $20 and a hat-mitten set for less than $5.
“In its heyday it was a big fundraiser for us. We used to bring in $1,000 a month,” Vahey said. Nowadays, “if we bring in $50, we’re lucky.”
After the shop closes, there will still be a display case set up with baby items and adult bibs, which were bigger sellers. Greeting cards will also be available for purchase. “We’re doing well now because everything is 50-75 percent off,” Vahey said.
Eunie Guyre, of Lebanon, has been organizing the gift shop to display the finished items and materials for the clearance sale. Looking through the deep closets and shelves, Guyre was amazed at all she came across.
“I was uncovering all these treasures,” she said. Lining the tables are bins full of quilting fabric, patterns and yarn. “Because times have changed, people are just not available to come in and quilt like they used to.”
Regis Jette, of Lebanon, helped found the senior center and remembers all the volunteers who would gather to make gifts.
“We did very well,” she recalled. “No, I don’t want it to close.”
What the senior center can’t sell during its closeout sale this week it will donate to other area nonprofit organizations.
Doubtless, people will come to take advantage of the deals. But while looking around, take a moment to admire the quality of the work that was handmade by our area’s senior citizens. It’s something that will never go out of style.
Editor’s note: The gift shop’s hours for the coming week are Monday and Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
