Drop, Swap, and Shop

Yes, it’s that magical time here in Concord, a time that comes but twice a year: the Concord Public Works DropOff and SwapOff. For the uninitiated — or people like me who weren’t paying attention — this Saturday, October 15, is one of only two days that you can drop off stuff you no longer want and/or need at the public works parking lot on Keyes Road and pick up other people’s stuff that you THINK you want and/or need. It’s a beautiful thing.

There are, of course, rules about what they will and will not take (see here), as well as which items may be dropped for free and which items will cost you a token amount — $5 or $10 depending on how hard it will be for them to get rid of. There is also a special section for unused and/or expired medications, so this is a great time to clean out the medicine cabinet, because you don’t want to dispose of this stuff in ways that could leech it into the groundwater.

The swap is the best way to get rid of unwanted furniture, old audio and video tapes, athletic shoes — all the stuff that’s been mucking up your garage and basement. And it’s a GREAT way to find cool stuff that other people are tired of seeing in THEIR garages and basements. One year my husband found the very expensive sled my son had begged for, and hadn’t gotten, for Christmas — for free!

All items must be dropped off by 1 p.m. And if you want to unload your items a bit early, this year for the first time, CPW is having an early SwapOff on Friday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. But know this: there will be no volunteers to help unload, so you’re on your own; and it’s only to drop off, there’s no browsing.

Just remember, though, if it rains, the party’s off, which is bad news, because this opportunity won’t come around again until May.

There’s a new kid in town.

There’s a new store on Walden Street, and before it got it’s new sign, it was a little hard to find. I happened in last week, compelled by the hand-written “Come on up and see!” sign in the doorway. That, and the fetching pink dress in the entryway. It’s above Priscilla’s Candy shop, and it’s a mix of contemporary and vintage items. I met the owner, Suzy, who had enough personality for ten shop owners, and who told me she’d moved recently from Bedford Center — her shop was in that block that’s now completely gone and being rebuilt. This space was once a dark, cramped used bookstore, but you’d never know it now: it’s bright and wide open, perfect for showcasing her wares. If you’re wandering around downtown, check it out.

Oh, and it’s called Jack + Toba, and it has a beautiful new sign.

Do you have something you would like to share? Contact me at stefanieac@comcast.net or Maureen at mcb23@comcast.net, and we will be happy to help you spread the good news.