History
The New Ipswich, NH recycling center aka The Green Center has been in operation for almost 10 years. It had its origin in a shipping container located at the town dump on Turnpike Road. People would drop off household items on several tables which were set up inside the container.
I was a regular visitor when we made our Saturday dump run. Winter was especially challenging (and chilly) for browsing. Sadly after the container became a dumping ground for trashed couches and broken televisions the town removed it.
The Green Center came into existence as the result of an interest in recycling efforts. The effort was spearheaded by Mary Fortier, Administrative Assistant to Town Administrator. I immediately signed up as part of the original team. We were housed in what is now the infamous Building 2 behind the Town Hall on Turnpike Road. We ran it there for several years until the building was condemned for toxic mold.
Our current building is located just behind Building 2 on Turnpike Road. Access is limited to residents of Greenville and New Ipswich. We are open on various Saturdays from 9-12 on vaguely bi-weekly schedule. This leads to the most common question on Facebook which is “Is the Green Center Open?”.
Tales From the Green Center
Something for the musicians
Over the years I’ve seen all types of donations to the recycling center. Everything you can imagine had entered and exited the Green Center. I know that there must at least four stories for each item. Two stories belong to the donor, why did they buy it and why are they giving it up? The other stories belongs to our patron, why are they taking it and what are they going to do with it?
There have only been a few instances of donations of quality music instruments (photo below) and I’m part of the story for the accordion.
Cellini Accordion
On one Saturday a patron took me aside to show me an item she was donating to the Green Center. It was an Italian Cellini piano type accordion. I knew a perfect person to give it to, so it never entered the building.
I couldn’t resist posing for a picture as a Polka King.
I gave this to a close friend at her 70th Birthday Party and much to the delight of the crowd she played a tune.
