Select Board and volunteers advance Swap Shop; board signals acceptance of small electrical donations with posted warnings

Volunteers and staff reported April 22 that the Alton Swap Shop conversion is nearing completion and that the Select Board will allow small electrical appliances to be accepted as donations with clear posted warnings for users.

Joan Blackwood, representing the Alton Swap Shop effort, outlined plans to categorize donated items and described research of other local swap shops. "All of them in fact, Meredith accepts every single thing that people bring in," Blackwood said, reporting that many towns accept small electrical appliances when volunteers or staff test them.

Jane Bradbury, a resident and volunteer, described an incident at a previous swap-shop-like operation and urged careful handling. "She was carrying a box with glass in it, and she couldn't see her feet. And she apparently fell over her feet," Bradbury said while discussing safety.

Staff and volunteers described facility improvements: windows and doors installed on the front wall, an exhaust fan, primed interior walls, primed and finished floors, donated shelving, and donated trenching and electrical work from local contractors. The DPW provided an emailed status that roof leaks were sealed, flooring holes repaired, perimeter fencing ordered and other safety steps completed.

The board and volunteers discussed liability and signage. Volunteers and a board member recommended posted language that clearly notifies donors and takers that items are used and accepted "at your own risk." The board indicated they did not require individual liability waivers for each donated item, though staff said they could consult the town attorney if the board wanted a formal waiver.

Select Board members praised the volunteer effort and directed staff to continue coordinating DPW, electrical contractors and volunteer schedules to complete the opening.