by Frank Gormlie

The Open House that the OB Rag and The Green Store held yesterday, Sunday the 28th, turned out to be a huge success – with a big turnout.  The Mayor was a no-show, however, but he is forgiven as he was down at the international border opening gates, a worthy pastime.



The significant turnout from the community and from supporters of both organizations is gratefully appreciated by all the volunteers who work for the two groups that are now under the same roof.  Donations were given, T-shirt sales were made, delightful acoustic music was played, and the liquid refreshments ran out before the vegetarian food.  Thanks to all who came and joined us in our celebrations, and who donated to our causes. And gracias to those who also brought food.

The Green Store was celebrating its 24th anniversary in OB, and the OB Rag was celebrating the opening of our new office. Colleen Dietzel runs the Green Store – which is actually changing its name to the Green Center – and has been primarily responsible for maintaining the ecological resource for this past quarter of a century.  Kip Kruger – who also opened the Green Store with Colleen all those years ago – was on hand, helping out.

Representing the OB Rag was Patty Jones, Judi Curry and myself.

The OB Rag also awarded prizes to the two winners of its recent T-shirt design contest.  Kat Svetlic won first place – and her design is now the current design of the OB Rag T-shirts just printed at James Gang.  Kat was awarded an official, framed certificate and a $50 check. Val Tuck – who won second place – also received the certificate and a $30 check. These T-shirts are now available for a $20 donation. (The size tags on the shirts had this great quotation: “This shirt was sewn by 9 people in a sweatshop-free environment in downtown LA, paid a fair wage and who receive health and other benefits.”)

The music for the Open House – coordinated by Rio Metza – enjoyed by many who attended, and was held outside under a canopy. One of the highlights was a wonderful duo set by Rio and Dustin, with Dustin on guitar.  Jim of People’s also played. David the poet entertained everyone with quiet but insightful demeanor. Megan did an impromptu song, and another couple played great tunes.

On behalf of the OB Rag and the Green Store, we’d like to especially thank Debbi Greene, our bartender. Plus we’d like to acknowledge all the hard work by Kim, Helen, Rio, Judi, Kip, that made the scene a success.  And thank you to the canopy guys, Geno and Bobby.

We want to also give an appreciative nod and bow to the businesses that supported our event: Hungry Lu’s sent over a large platter of cookies – (thank you Charlie), and Surf Rider Pizza donated a vegetarian pizza (thanks Hilary).

Source:  http://obrag.org/?p=73181