Volunteers shared their expertise with participants at the August Fix-It Clinic event
8/29/2024
This is new a Ask-A-Master-Gardener (AAMG) booth to answer questions from the public and helping them "fix" their garden or houseplant problems at the Ramsey County's Fix-It Clinic, where other community volunteers help members of the public fix physical items to keep them out of the waste stream. The event is a collaboration with Ramsey County. This pilot event happened in August 2024.
Danielle and Roger participated in this pilot run and said it was fun! The Master Gardener table – with a"bouquet" of problem plants and a few natives plants that Roger brought – which was both eye catching and also helpful.caught people's attention. While very few people attended just to talk with the Master Gardeners, many people took the opportunity to start a conversation. It helped that our table was near the waiting area chairs so people who were waiting for their turn to get something fixed ended up asking us questions. Some of the other "fixers" were enthusiastic about talking with us as well.
The county staff who leads the Fix-It Clinic program said she was pleased with how the pilot run with RCMG worked out. We are invited back once the new building is up and running in April 2025. Look forward to trying this new opportunity next year!
About this Activity: At Ramsey County Fix-It Clinics, residents bring in small household appliances, clothing, electronics and more (like plants!) to receive free guided assistance from volunteers with repair skills to disassemble, troubleshoot and fix items. Fix-It Clinics build community connections and reduce the number of repairable objects that are thrown in the trash.
Danielle Cabot
RCMG Volunteer