News from the Forecourt
The Shops?
The dreaded Silly Season is fast approaching - and we're prepared. There are plenty of 2003 Astro Calendars & Moon Planting Guides, Moon Diaries and Wall Charts, Wilderness Diaries, and a beautiful range of Calendars (Wilderness, National Parks, Wildflowers etc). And, of course, there is the usual range of affordable gifts like incense, deo crystals, perfume oils, cards, stickers, etc., so please keep us in mind for your Xmas shopping.
NEW: The Greens "No War" T Shirts ($ 15) and Stickers ($ 1)
We have had quite a few inquiries regarding environmentally friendly detergents and cleaning agents, and after getting lots of info from the Big Scrub EC, we have organised for the Emporium's Bulk Food Shop to stock lines like "Citron", "Zest" etc. These items are slightly dearer than supermarket lines but are very concentrated and effective.
Volunteers
We'll be losing two valued shop volunteers before the end of the year and are urgently looking for a few people who might feel like doing one or two four hour shifts in a lovely and stimulating environment. Unfortunately, no one has so far some forward or shown any interest in taking over as volunteer co-ordinator. Due to other commitments I'll only be able to look after the accounts and administration side next year. The CEC can only function if the front desk is manned. Campaigns like our current water issue are important but costly, and apart from a small GVEHO grant and membership fees, the money raised in our Gift Shop and Op Shop is our only income to cover rent, phone, photocopier and other running expenses plus varying campaign costs. The volunteer co-ordinator's main task is to ensure that the Centre stays open for sales, information, access to the Resource Library and as a base for active and passive members.
The Library
A recent donation from the Clarence Afforestation Association enabled us to buy 'Tree Hollows and Wildlife Conservation' and complete our set of 'Flora of NSW', plus we have had quite of few interesting donations - so remember, the library is for pubic reference use.
Finances
All memberships were due at our August AGM, and only a fairly small number of members have so far updated. Also, here is a reminder that we are now on the Register of Environmental Organisations with full Gift Recipient status, ie. all donations of $ 2.00 or more are now tax deductible.
Karin