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Annex thrift store in Barriere to remain open

After almost four years, Shelly Cooper is retiring from her work as manager and operator of the Church of St. Paul Thrift Store Annex, situated across Barriere Town Road from the Liquor Store. Everyone who knows Shelly, her many friends, and all those who worked with her will miss her very much. She would have liked to carry on with the volunteer work she enjoyed doing, but says that because of poor health, this is no longer possible.
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After almost four years, Shelly Cooper is retiring from her work as manager and operator of the Church of St. Paul Thrift Store Annex, situated across Barriere Town Road from the Liquor Store. Everyone who knows Shelly, her many friends, and all those who worked with her will miss her very much. She would have liked to carry on with the volunteer work she enjoyed doing, but says that because of poor health, this is no longer possible. Silvia Chivers and Michelle Quaife, both new volunteers at the store, recently reminisced about Shelly’s volunteer work. “She created the Annex in 2013 when the Church Store experienced large donations that could not be handled in the existing store and the overflow had to be sent out of Barriere. “Shelly believed that there was a better way to handle the problem and at a meeting with volunteers, the creation of an “Annex” to the Church Store was worked out so that the overflow from the existing store could remain in Barriere easily available for local customers to purchase.” The small store became a ‘go to’ place for numerous residents, not only to shop there, but also to socialize with each other over a cup of coffee, provided by Shelly, in comfortable surroundings. The Annex store will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. thanks to the commitment of nine rotating volunteers. There are still a few “kinks” for them to work out, and it will take a little more time before everything runs smoothly. Shelly is helping with the transition and will be in the background until Dec. 1, when Debbie Johnson will be taking over. “Shelly has provided a fantastic service; given generously of her time and talent,” said the ladies, “We will miss her good-natured presence, and wish her good health and a pleasant retirement.”

Pictured (L-r) Silvia Chivers and Michelle Quaife are two of nine volunteers whowill be keeping the Church of St Paul Thrift Store Annex open after Shelly Cooper retires on Dec. 1.

Elli Kohnert photo