The Township of Lyons Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg brought her office’s Repair Cafe to Bridgeview’s Village Hall on Saturday, March 15th, and dozens of local residents came out to get their prized possessions, appliances, clothing, and more fixed up. The three-hour long Repair Cafe run by the Township and volunteers offered knife sharpening, sewing, jewelry repair, and general appliance/item fixing that put smiles on faces as residents received their improved objects. To get their items repaired, residents checked in and took a number, sat and enjoyed free coffee, donuts, and sandwiches, and This sustainability event routinely held by Lyons Township in varying locations is designed to reduce environmental waste by enabling individuals to reuse their current items and avoid purchasing new ones, saving money and resources. The event also proves to be emotionally powerful, as attendees often bring in objects of sentimental value to be repaired and maintained. The joy in the room after a successful fix was palpable, and every person whose item was repaired rung a celebratory bell to mark the occasion amid cheers and applause.
Lyons Township Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg explained, “The Repair Cafe is both an environmental and social program that saves residents money by helping people use what they already have. It also brings people together and fosters a sense of community in a fun, practical, and unique way.”
There was a story attached to every object people brought in, whether it was an old coat that had been torn, a new microwave that stopped working for seemingly no reason, or an antique lamp that provides the perfect ambiance—when it actually lights up. The first Repair Cafe in Bridgeview proved to be a success filled with interesting items, kind people, and joyful repairs.
