2002 Down-to-earth plans for the Garage Sale
The down-to-earth plans for a Medina Community Garage Sale were formulated in the Summer of 2002 by Medina Native Sherry Wheatley. The Event Concept was presented to several civic organizations The concept was to have village wide participation and market the event as 'avoid trips to several towns to yard sale hope, just look at all the opportunities in one place The Medina Lions voted to support the first year when it was organized by Coordinator, Sherry Wheatley and Doc Mruczek Co-Chairing. .
2003 Medina Lions Joins the Garage Sale
Sherry Wheatley and Doc Mruczek Co-Chaired with a small number of of volunteers from the Medina Lions Club and a 'knowledgeable' group of garage sale enthusiasts. The Committee met on Wednesdays to brain storm ideas and prepare a plan of action. To get things off the ground better than the grass roots effort of 2002, several activities were planned for the following year. The group reached out to local civic and organizations (both fraternal and social) to join it. The Village of Medina Public Safety increased it's presence to reflect the high number of visitors attracted for the weekend. The Profit from the event was used by the Lions Club for Community Projects, purchase of Eye Exam's and Appliances, annual Scholarships, New York State Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Batavia Blind School.
2004-5 The Medina Garage Sale Grows with new ideas
Sherry Wheatley really never stops working to find new ways for the garage sale to be more interesting and fun. A 'Roving Food Cart" would offer chow to those vendors who were too busy tending their booth and yard sales. Multiple Family Gatherings were encouraged. A Rubber Fishy Contest and the Old Pickle Factory Food Court was expanded. The Chicken BBQ was a sellout.
2006-7 The Medina Garage Gets Wet!
Well, all good things occasionally have a challenge. Even though the Chicken BBQ did not sell out because of the Cold Weather and Rainy Saturday, the Food pantry received cases of food and 100 Chickens for their Clients. The Antique auto, motorcycle and Tractor meet saw it's final day as the Pickle factory. Next year we moved to the grass for better parking and a warmer reception on the vendors feet. Despite the weather setback, things were going well with organization, committees and programs.
2008 GCASA joins The Medina Garage Sale
The service area encompasses Genesee and Orleans counties, with offices located in Albion, Batavia, Indian Falls, and Le Roy. Founded in 1975, the mission of GCASA is to improve community health, reduce stigma towards people with substance abuse disorders and work across systems to produce positive community change. GCASA administers the youth program and Skate Board competition at Butts Park. Insurance issues plagued the organizers but were resolved with Sigma who allows use of the Parking Lot and Grassy Zone for the Day.
2009 The Garage Sale Committee notices spin-offs!
Well, the garage sale had its youthful entrepreneura selling Lemonade by the glass this year. One of the stands reported more than $80.00 in profit. There is a growing body of work that shows that entrepreneurial behavior is dependent on social and economic factors. The use of presale Chicken BBQ tickets resulted in sellout of 350 by noon (after starting sales at 11am). Gasport Lions again provided the delicious preparation of all the Chickens.
2010 It was a great year!
Well, Mruczek stepped down from the Chicken BBQ and Sherry once again fired up the local papers, Village of Medina Services, swam with the rubber fish and organize the Eye Screening Project with John McElwain. A day after the Garage Sale Cleanup, Sherry said " I am going thru garage sale withdrawal aready!"
2011 The Event is scheduled for June 4th !
Well, Mruczek stepped down as leader and Sherry immediately told him he was not allowed.
