What kind of people give up a Saturday to fix “meaningful things” for folks they don’t even know? Guys and gals with big hearts and a variety of technical skills who volunteer to make repairs at the Orange County Repair Café, sponsored by Sustainable Warwick. The Repair coaches will gather again on Sat., Jul. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center, located at 132 Kings Hwy. in Warwick.

      Gerardo (Jerry) Fischetti was the first to answer Repair Café organizer Elizabeth Knight Moss’ request for skilled volunteers when she spoke to a Warwick Senior Club. He celebrated his 88th birthday on Nov. 19, 2016 by repairing lamps at the inaugural OC Repair Café.

      Barbara Barron works in the Warwick Valley Central School District‘s Transportation Department. Now, she volunteers to fix lamps, jewelry or sewn items.

      Mary Bono worked as a designer for decades and now crafts vintage button bracelets and crocheted tote bags made with “plarn,” cut from plastic bags that are available for purchase at Sugar Loaf’s Bliss and online at www.snoozecrafts.etsy.com.  Mary makes hand-sewn clothing and textile repairs. Her husband, Glenn Bono, volunteers to fix small electrics and sings with the Warwick Valley Chorale.

      Using a whetstone, Steve Carras can hand sharpen as many as 43 knives and ten tools, including scissors, clippers, and loppers, in a single session.

      Retired physics teacher, Kim Garrison, is pleased to have a place to make the kinds of repairs he’s been doing all his life – everything from metal toys to electrical and mechanical items.

      For seven years, Cathe Linton owned a store selling her own hand-crafted jewelry designs, as well as Native American Jewelry on Warwick’s Main St. Cathe repairs jewelry, including replacing jump rings or clasps and untangling knotted chains.

      Jim Luce is a retired chemical engineer. He likes to repair appliances and gadgets.

      Susanne O’Brien, of Oh Susanna Designs and Moonshine Jewelry, volunteers with her husband, Mike O’Brien. She volunteers to provide basic jewelry repairs and suggests creative solutions for odd pieces. Mike works on everything from warped wooden bird houses to vintage stained glass lamps.

      Carol Pinkowski’s “at home sewing” consists of repairs, drapes, curtains, and casual slip covers and she’s working on items for the Warwick Handmade Market.

      Deanne Singer is a retired college marketing teacher who was looking for something creative to do. The result is the Mending Maven, a business she started to make alterations for others.

      Edwin Winstanley lived in the United Kingdom before moving to Warwick. A clinical chemist, he likes fixing and restoring electrical items and broken wooden things.

      Repairs available at the Repair Café include: mechanical and electrical, things made of wood, clothing and textiles, soft toys, electronic and digital devices, knife and tool sharpening, jewelry, and basic bike repairs. There will be a charge for lamp/bike parts. A Kids Take Apart Table will be available and putting things back together is not required. Volunteers, including fixers, greeters, and bakers, are needed. To volunteer or for more information call Elizabeth Knight Moss at 544-1056 or visit www.RepairCafeHV.org.

The next Repair Cafe will be held on Sat., Nov. 17. (Photo provided)

Repair Coaches Joan Bono (left) creates custom-made teddy bears & Deanne Singer (seated, right) is assisted by Lucy Fischetti as she makes alterations. (Photo provided)

Repair Coaches Jerry Fishchetti (left) & Barbara Barron (right) team up to work on a broken lamp at a one of the Repair Cafes. (Photo provided)

Jim Harper supervises children at the Kids Take It Apart Table. (Photo provided)

Bob Berkowitz (left), a.k.a Fix-It-Bob, tackles repairs to a lamp under the watchful eye of fellow coach Tom. (Photo provided)