Our Firehall Volunteer – Patrick Knoll
A visit to the Thrift Shop is a treasure hunt! Some visitors focus on our unique repeats in the basement store, looking for kitchen items, or decor; others focus on our amazing selection of ‘new to you’ clothing. Others head directly to the Garage where there is a remarkable selection of vintage items and sporting goods. But many miss one of the favorite spaces, The Fire Hall.
The Fire Hall is accessed by going outside, behind the Senior’s Center. It is filled with our larger items (like furniture pieces), lamps, chairs, a huge selection of tools and trinkets, bed frames, and mirrors. It is a space that invites a look-see, and it is made very special by its ‘caretaker’, Patrick Knoll. Patrick loves company, and can help you find that one-of-a-kind item that you don’t know that you need – like a fix for your facet, an extension cord, a specialized screw for that old piece of furniture … .or that antique chair that exactly matches the set from your grandmother!
LONG ROOTS IN OUR COMMUNITY
Patrick’s roots in our community are very deep – he is a third-generation Seba Beacher! His grandfather built the family’s Seba Beach residence on two lakefront lots in 1934. That home remains in the family today, and Patrick’s cousins still live there. Patrick’s Mom was born in that home, and while Patrick was also born there, he was raised in Edmonton. About 20 years ago, after two close friends passed away, Patrick made the decision to spend more time doing things that make him happy, and being where he finds peace and contentment. Patrick built his own home in the area, and moved to his Paradise – a place where he could breathe deeply, and reach out his arms without touching anything except open space. When his friends asked him why he was moving so far away,he told them ‘that he was moving closer to me’.
As a commercial and industrial contractor, Patrick was able to ‘work from home’ long before it became trendy, and he continued to work for himself while living in his own Paradise. While helping reno the Seniors Center Melmoth Lounge about 5 years ago, he began volunteering at the Thrift Store. Recruited by Toni Yurkewich, he quickly realized that he loves that Thrift Shop Team, the comradery, the flexibility of the hours, the simple joys of meeting visitors, seeing the treasures, and knowing that he’s making a difference. He is an active member of the Seba Seniors – he loves the socials, the special events, the classes, and being part of that community. He spends a lot of time in Jasper – he is an avid downhill skier. Jasper in the winter is beautiful, he says, but in the summer, there is no place better than Seba Beach! Many childhood friends still reside here.
Patrick works with a great team at the Thrift Shop, but would love to see more gentlemen (of all ages!!) volunteer for a 2 ½ hour shift – assistance is always needed, and Patrick would be thrilled to have you join the team.
