April 25, 2012

Bostwick May Festival May 6th – sounds like fun for adults & kids!

Hi Forklift Fans -

Just thought that you would like to know about this May 6th event at the historic Bostwick House & Gardens over in Bladensburg, just a few minutes from Community Forklift.

From the website:

Take a step back in time to the eve of the War of 1812 with 1800s music- Caribbean drums, gospel choir and classical songs – children’s games, farm animals, 1800s trade and craft demonstrations, food – old time favorites, bar-b-que and Native American food – and heirloom plant and craft sale.  Browse the May Basket competition entries, take a springtime walk and let the kids play!

May Basket Competition Registration

Sunday, May 6, 1-4p
48th Street, Bladensburg, MD
Admission: FREE

301-887-0777  for more information

This is one of many upcoming events in the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area which will commemorate the Battle of Bladensburg during the War of 1812  (Bet you didn’t know that our local battle led to the writing of the Star Spangled Banner!)

Thanks,

Ruthie

April 13, 2012

Now hiring! We’re looking for a Reuse Associate who is friendly, attentive to detail, and enjoys physical work

We’re growing again and we need more help – please spread the word!  People from all backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged to apply.

Position Title: Reuse Associate

Company: Community Forklift, Thrift Store for Home Improvement

Location: Inside the Washington Beltway, 5 minutes from DC in the Hyattsville area

Community Forklift is lifting up communities

At our home improvement thrift store, we accept donations of new, gently-used, and vintage building materials, and sell them at very low prices. We are a socially and environmentally responsible business with a nonprofit mission. Our goals are to encourage community revitalization by:
• making repairs more affordable for low-income individuals, homeowners, small businesses, and nonprofits;
• creating local jobs and economic growth;
• keeping reusable items out of the landfill; and
• reducing demand for virgin material
• fostering a sustainable and healthy community

We are located in Edmonston, Maryland, in the Hyattsville area (inside the Washington Beltway). For directions and more information, check out our website, www.CommunityForklift.com

About You

We are seeking an energetic, hardworking, and friendly person with excellent people skills. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We need a Reuse Associate who:

• has knowledge and/or experience and interest in building materials and/or construction
• has experience in a retail store or working directly with customers
• has strong English speaking skills (strong Spanish speaking and writing skills are a BIG plus)

• will be friendly, patient and courteous while assisting customers and donors
• Not only tolerates but *enjoys* being around a very diverse range of people (our staff, customers, and donors come from all walks of life)
• Is committed to our mission and values

• is interested in green building or environmentally sustainable business
• is able to work in a busy environment with attention to detail
• is able to do physical labor, and moderate to heavy lifting in all seasons (the warehouse is NOT temperature controlled)

About the Position

This is what we want you to do:

• Provide a high level of customer assistance and information
• Check customers out at the cash register and assist them with any related questions or needs
• Answer the phone and provide information on the store, store policy, directions, our products, and other recycling & reuse options
• Assist with unloading and moving building materials in our warehouse
• Accept donations at the loading dock :  identify acceptable and unacceptable materials, ensure that all donations have all parts and pieces labeled and attached, and fill out tax forms for donors
• A big plus: ability to gather information from donors and customers (for example, stories about where historic materials came from, or stories about how customers plan to re-use the items)

• Assist in labeling product and stocking shelves

• Assist in the cleaning and organization of product and store displays
• Depending on skill — help build displays, repair/disassemble product, provide carpentry assistance with various projects
• Work cooperatively with other staff to fulfill the mission of Community Forklift;
• Participate enthusiastically in organizational activities and meetings
• Provide clear and direct communication about challenges and concerns to supervisors and co-workers
• Have a clear commitment to the CF mission and be willing to go the extra mile.

We Offer:

• Starting hourly wage: $11

• 40% employee discount on CF store materials (consignment products not included)

• Free vision insurance and 50% paid health insurance

• Work shoe allowance

• Paid leave after probationary period

• Opportunity to contribute to improving the environment and the community

• Significant opportunity for growth

As a small start-up organization, we think this is a fun place to work! You will learn firsthand about the challenges of running a sustainable business / nonprofit, you can gain experience in a variety of areas, and you won’t be stuck behind a desk. As our business grows, we want you to grow with us!

We are seeking someone with weekend and weekday daytime availability who could work up to 40 hours a week.  We are open Tuesday through Sunday.  During the spring and summer season, the schedule for this position would likely be Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 10am – 6pm.

We’re 5 minutes from the DC line – easily accessible from I-295, Kenilworth Ave, and Route 1 / Rhode Island Ave. It’s within walking distance of several bus lines and bike paths.

To Apply:

E-mail your resume and a cover letter to  CooCommunityForklift(at)gmail.com, fax to 301-985-5182, or mail to 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Edmonston MD 20781.

 

April 13, 2012

April 14-15 Flash Sale for Mad Scientists

This Saturday & Sunday only, take 25% off laboratory glass with white price tags in our Salvage Arts Department!  Normally priced at $6-$60, these pyrex beakers, test tubes, and containers date to the 1940’s – 1960’s.   Sale lasts from 9am-6pm on April 14 & 15, 2012.  Sale does not apply to lab glass with missing or damaged price tags, or other types of vases or containers.

April 13, 2012

April 14-15 Flash Sale :: 25% off Large Plaster Medallions

This Saturday & Sunday only, take 25% off large plaster medallions with orange price tags!   Sale lasts from 9am-6pm on April 14 & 15, 2012.  Sale does not apply to medallions with missing or damaged price tags, or other types of plaster molding or décor.

April 4, 2012

Hey Pepco customers, get a free tree

Hi Forklift Fans – we just heard about this, and thought some of you would be interested!

Thanks,

Ruthie

***********

Free Trees Still Available

Free trees are still available to Pepco residential customers through the Energy Saving Trees Program.

The program, a partnership with Pepco and the Arbor Day Foundation, is providing free trees to Pepco residential customers in Washington D.C., and Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland.

The program aims to help customers conserve energy through strategic tree planting.

To reserve your free trees, go to www.arborday.org/pepcotrees

Once on the site, you will have access to an online tool that will allow you to:
* Map your house.
* Select a tree with energy-saving potential.
* Learn the best energy-saving and safe locations to plant to avoid collisions with power lines and buildings.
* And receive an estimate of the annual savings that may result when the tree grows. After you make your reservation, the two- to four-foot trees will be delivered directly to you for planting in the location identified online at the best time for planting this spring.

But hurry! The free trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis through April 7

For more information on getting your free tree, call 1-855-234-3801 between the business hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2011 Pepco. All rights reserved.

Please do not reply to this e-mail. If you have a question regarding the content of this email and would like to contact Pepco, please visit us on the Web at www.pepco.com/contact/online.

March 31, 2012

Spreading the Word About Reuse

Hi Forklift Fans -

Recently, we’ve been hearing from a lot of ya’ll who would like to tell your friends and neighbors to donate instead of dumping! To make it a little easier for you to spread the word, here are a few paragraphs you can use.

You are welcome to post a link on your facebook page, and send it out to any tradespeople and homeowners you know. We would be especially grateful if you post it on your neighborhood listserve!

(As part of our mission to promote reuse, we also give presentations about local donation & recycling options. Just contact me at Ruthie(at)CommunityForklift.com, and I’ll come talk to your networking or trade group, neighborhood association, environmental club, alumni society, house of worship, or social group).

Thanks so much, and happy reusing!

Ruthie Mundell, Outreach & Education Director

*************************

Dear neighbors – I thought you would like to know about this terrific resource…

Renovation leftovers? Don’t toss them out – fork ‘em over to a good cause!

You know that you can donate old clothing and couches to thrift stores – but did you know that some places accept renovation leftovers, like cabinets, lumber, and doors? Community Forklift is a nonprofit thrift store for home improvement & architectural salvage. Instead of couches or clothing, they accept building materials, tools, and renovation leftovers. Donations are tax deductible, and they have a free pickup service.

The unusual name refers to their mission: Community Forklift is “lifting up communities” in the DC area by reducing waste; creating green jobs; and making repairs affordable for low-income folks, homeowners, nonprofits, and small businesses.

TO DONATE: They accept donations of reusable building materials, appliances, tools, and lawn & garden supplies. If it’s sold at Home Depot or the hardware store, and it’s still in good condition, they are probably interested. (Note that there are a a few limitations; for example, they can’t take older water-wasting toilets, or particleboard doors that have been exposed to moisture). There is a lot of info at www.CommunityForklift.com/donation.cfm – just scroll to the bottom and click on each category for details.

You can drop off donation Tuesday through Sunday, at least 30 minutes before closing time. However, it you have a larger donation, just schedule a pickup at http://communityforklift.com/pickups.cfm

Even if they can’t accept your item, they may be able to help you figure out what to do with it. Lots of reuse and recycling options are listed at www.CommunityForklift.com/links.cfm.

TO SHOP: Want to green your home on a budget? Reclaimed materials are just the ticket! Choosing to reuse saves you money – Community Forklift’s prices are 30-90% below the big box stores. It is also gentler on the environment, because you aren’t using energy to extract, manufacture, and transport virgin materials.

Almost everything in the huge warehouse would have otherwise gone to the landfill, from surplus windows still in the package, to beautiful antique mantelpieces. Instead, the items are put to good use by local homeowners, small businesses, and nonprofits that repair substandard housing. They also offer sustainable products from a variety of partners, including Treeincarnation lumber, Alco Appliances, and Salvage Arts architectural items.

HOURS & DIRECTIONS: Their truck picks up donations throughout the DC metro region. The huge warehouse store is located inside the Beltway in the Hyattsville area, just outside the NE DC line in the Port Towns area. They are open Tuesday – Sunday. For hours and directions, visit www.CommunityForklift.com or call 301-985-5180.

March 28, 2012

You ARE going to the Garden Party this Saturday, aren’t you?

 

All the cool people will be there! 

Click here for all the details & the event schedule  

We’ll have door prizes, lemonade, a lunchtime potluck, music, gardening advice, free seeds, and more…don’t miss this.

 

*****

Would you like to help out while you hang out at the Garden Party?  We need volunteers throughout the day to make it a big success!  Please email Bea(at)CommunityForklift.com with your phone number, availability (2-3 hour shifts) and preferred task(s):

* Grill Masters

* Greeters & Raffle Captains

* Beverage Specialists

* Potluck Managers

* Photographers

* Setup Helpers (the evening of Friday March 30)

* Cleanup Crew (4-7pm Saturday March 31)  

 

 

 

March 28, 2012

Gorgeous architectural plaster molding and rosettes, now at Community Forklift

Contact: Ruthie Mundell, Outreach Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cell: 301-904-7579 / Store (Tues-Sunday): 301-985-5180
Email: Ruthie(at)CommunityForklift.com

Major Donation of Architectural Ornamental Plaster

ImageHyattsville Area, Maryland – March 27, 2012
Community Forklift, a nonprofit reuse center located in Edmonston, MD, announces the acquisition of the remaining inventory from local plaster works company, Monumental Construction and Moulding Company (MCMC) in Brentwood, MD. Currently, the inventory has been moved to the Community Forklift warehouse just outside Northeast DC. Items available now for purchase include a wide variety of ceiling medallions, plaster ornaments, decorative mouldings and niches. Over the next few weeks, as the remaining stock of plaster is processed, it will be placed on the floor for sale.

Through its 30-year history MCMC amassed a large collection of historical mouldings that it used to create plaster ornaments. Incredible bargains can be found with the pieces priced at 30%–70% below retail price. Prices for small ceiling medallions start at $25 and go up to $200 for elaborate, large ceiling medallions. Wall and ceiling mouldings are priced from $0.50–$5.25 per foot. DIY enthusiasts, homeowners and creative types will all find something to take home from this large collection of architectural plaster.

ImageKen Saler, owner of the building that housed the plaster works, contacted Community Forklift after MCMC closed its doors. In preparing the property for sale, Mr. Saler wanted to find a good home for the inventory. He said that he chose to donate the plaster to Community Forklift because: “I don’t want to see all of this ornamental plaster ending up in a dumpster or a landfill. Donating these pieces to Community Forklift has a two-fold result – it helps the non-profit fulfill its mission and keeps this decorative art form alive in the local neighborhoods.”

Founded in 1979, MCMC served the building industry in the UImage.S. and worldwide by supplying the widest selection of decorative plaster mouldings in a variety of design styles. MCMC, one of just a few plaster artisans left in the U.S., was instrumental in the revival of the age-old art of ornamental plaster decoration. Their international collection of original period mouldings (many dating to the 1850’s) was the largest in the world. They were an authoritative resource for designers, architects and contractors striving to produce credible period ornamental plaster work. MCMC’s portfolio of completed jobs included: the Mayflower Hotel, Tiffany & Co., the U.S. Treasury, Union Station in Washington, DC and Gianni Versace’s homes in Miami and New York.

ImageCommunity Forklift rescued more than 120 plaster molds and over 500 custom-made plaster cutting tools from the MCMC warehouse. They are currently searching for a plaster works company to purchase the lot to help save this historically valuable collection and ensure the continued revival of ornamental plaster arts.

Community Forklift is a nonprofit thrift store for home improvement where people in the greater Washington, DC area can donate or shop for gently-used building materials, hardware and architectural salvage at a fraction of retail prices.The name Community Forklift refers to the nonprofit’s mission: to lift up local communities by reducing waste, creating green jobs and making repairs affordable.

 

 

###
About Community Forklift:

Community Forklift (CF) is a nonprofit reuse center for home improvement and architectural salvage. It accepts donations of new, gently-used and vintage building materials like cabinets, mantels, doors and lumber. The renovation supplies are then made available to the public at very low prices (40% – 90% below big-box stores) and donated to local nonprofits. To improve its financial stability, the organization has also brought in consignment partners to offer higher-end products: unusual antiques and primitives, raw-edge hardwoods and reconditioned appliances. The program is owned and operated by local 501c3 nonprofit Sustainable Community Initiatives and all donations are tax-deductible.

Community Forklift’s name refers to the organization’s mission: to lift up local communities. Since opening in 2005, Community Forklift has made it possible for thousands of local homeowners and nonprofits to repair substandard housing. Not only have 20 green jobs been created at the store, but hundreds of local contractors have been able to keep their estimates low, allowing them to attract clients and keep working despite the tough economy. Reuse of materials means that fewer materials go into the landfill (reducing the financial burden on local governments) and that less energy is used to extract, manufacture and transport new materials. Community Forklift is better for our wallets and our world!

March 16, 2012

Spring is sproinging! Come celebrate at our Garden Party on March 31st


We invite you to celebrate spring at the Annual Community Forklift Garden Party and Spring Sale on Saturday, March 31st.

Image

The sale is the our official kick-off for the spring home and garden season - see the day’s schedule below.  Dogs and other friendly pets are welcome (All animals must be on leashes). Two-legged and four-legged attendees are encouraged to come in garden party attire – wear your fanciest hat, vintage dress, or seersucker suit!  Or, you can come in your favorite gardening gear, well-worn overalls and muddy boots.

And, of course, we’ll have low-cost lawn & garden tools & supplies for sale!  Come early for the best selection, because there’s always a mad rush when the doors open. 

(Note to early birds:  we do NOT have any lawn & garden supplies out on our sales floor yet.  We will not be selling any lawn & garden items until 9am on March 31st).

Image

(Get costume inspiration from this photo of the 2010 Dandies and Quaintrelles Seersucker Social - so stylish! Photo by Malek Naz Friedouni)

Schedule of Events
 

Door Prizes
Including gift certificates!

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 

Lemonade Lunchtime Potluck
12:00 NOON – 3:00 PM

Bring a main dish, salad, side or dessert to share with Community Forklift family and neighbors.
Plus, we’re also GRILLING FOR THE BUILDING. We’ll be selling hot dogs,
hamburgers, veggie burgers and chips to raise money for our building fund.

 Live Music by Michael Sevener

AFTERNOON

Long time Forklift fan Michael Sevener will be providing an afternoon of live music!
He’ll entertain the crowds by playing his guitar and harmonica.  He has also been kind enough to donate a very nice student guitar to be raffled off (you can purchase $1 tickets for a chance to win).

 

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Juggling Lessons from Deciduous Dave

TWO AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Local juggler and artisan “Deciduous Dave” will be attendance to teach juggling classes!

Deciduous Dave crafts walking sticks and other items from wood that was found, reclaimed, repurposed or sustainably harvested. Inspired by his passion for juggling, he also crafts devil sticks, juggling pins and juggling orbs, often using tools and wood from Community Forklift.

 

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FREE Seeds and Planting Advice
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Volunteers from the Neighborhood Farm Initiative (NFI), a nonprofit project of America the Beautiful Fund will be distributing vegetable and flower seed packets as well as providing gardening tips.

The NFI mission is to improve underutilized public green spaces in the Washington, DC area by creating demonstration gardens for hands-on community-wide education, thereby increasing access to fresh vegetables for all members of our community, regardless of income.

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February 18, 2012

Feb 18th: Only 11 days left to vote Community Forklift for Best Hardware Store

 

 

Dear Forklift Fans:

Please vote Community Forklift for Best Hardware Store

in the City Paper’s 2012 contest!

If you’re really feeling the love for the ‘Lift, please ask your friends to vote too!  Share this post on facebook/twitter/community listserves, etc.  The contest ends at the end of February. 

As a thrift store for home improvement supplies, one of our biggest challenges is that renovators don’t know they can donate instead of dumping.  But if we win the City Paper’s “Best of DC” contest, it means thousands of dollars worth of free publicity!!! 

If more folks learn about us, more materials will be donated.  This means more reusable items will be kept out of the landfill, more people will be able to afford repairs, more local green jobs will be created…and of course, you’ll find more good stuff here in the store!

Please vote now!

A few seconds of your time will make a big difference for for our nonprofit operation.

 

Thanks so much,

The Community Forklifters

(Nancy, Keith, Ruthie, Christine, Freddy, Doug, Matt, Katherine, Jimmy, Ricky, Curtis, Terry, Kitty, John, Alex, Bea, Matt, Anthony, Debby, Nick, Sean, and Jim)

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