A heavy rainstorm did not dampen spirits, nor did it wash out a planned ribbon-cutting event July 2 at the Special Hands Shoppe in Middlefield…
A heavy rainstorm did not dampen spirits, nor did it wash out a planned ribbon-cutting event July 2 at the Special Hands Shoppe in Middlefield to mark the official opening of the new store.
Jim Groner, director of Metzenbaum Sheltered Industries, Inc. simply moved the festivities inside the glass doors, at 15910 West High Street, and had it facing inside the store instead of facing the street.
He praised the efforts of the Geauga County Board Developmental Disabilities, Middlefield city officials and the MSI board for working together to create the store and workshop area that employs 20 people, many of whom are Metzenbaum clients.
“It was a team effort,” he said. “Middlefield was so warm and welcoming. We’ve had a lot of donations and presales already since the store opened June 16. ”
He said this was icing on the cake, since many of his clients are from the Middlefield area.
“It’s great to have this space in their back yard,” he explained.
One of the goals was to create an environment where MSI employees with disabilities could work and routinely interact with the public, he said, adding other MSI venues were too sheltered.
The store front location affords them that opportunity, he said.
Described as “a tasteful secondhand and unique items shop with quality local furniture and crafts,” the store includes traditional and contemporary furniture pieces, seasonal decorations, home dcor and gift items, a variety of toys, some books and magazines, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, rugs and table linens, for starters.
Elvis has not left the building.
One nook is an entire display of Elvis mementos. While another nook has fine glass figurines and cut glass pieces.
A tabletop display with fancy glass dinnerware was marked “sold.”
“That’s how it goes,” Mayor Ben Garlich said. “I stopped in a few days ago and eyed a table for my daughter, but it’s already sold and out of here.”
Garlich told the crowd of attendees he was pleased with the store, and especially pleased it is occupying a former vacant storefront.
In addition, workshop rooms to the rear of the building allow MSI employees to do contract assembly and repackaging work, providing jobs.
Irene McNeilly, a resident of Chester Township, attended the opening with her granddaughter, Bailey, 3, and son, Kevin.
She took advantage of the time there and checked out the store’s merchandise. Kevin works with a Metzenbaum Center crew on landscaping projects.
Evan and Randi Morse, of Auburn Township, snagged a replica of an old-time radio for $25 and looked at Elvis collectibles for sale. Their adult daughter works at the store.
Evan is a veterinarian in Shaker Heights where the family lived until three years ago.
“We moved out here, and we just love it,” Evan said. “It’s a bit of a ride to work, especially in winter, but it’s worth it.”
The store is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Consignment goods are welcome. Contact store manager Debra Griggs at dgriggs@geaugadd.org or 440-632-0659.
