Time Well Spent Logo

An Eco-Arts & Creative Repurposing
Community Enrichment Center
 
 Pre-Launch Update ~ June 2009
Announcing Phase II ~ Stepping Back in Order to Move Forward
In This E-Newsletter
DeClutter For Good Update
Summer Community Service Opportunities
Ongoing Clutter Donations
   
 
 
Nancy Gallant, Social Entrepreneur
 
Nancy Gallant
Founder/Director
Time Well Spent 
 
Pre-Launch Office
89 Turnpike Rd/Rte 1 
Ipswich, MA 01938
 
 
In-office hours vary. Throughout
the summer, visits and drop-offs are welcome by appointment only.
  
 
Cellphone
617.548.6340
 (call or text)
 
 
E-Mail
nancyDOTgallant
ATcomcastDOTnet
 
  
 
 
It's my photoblog of samples of the types of repurposed products that will be made by eco-artists and sold on consignment at Time Well SpentTM.
 
 
It's my Personal Blog & the Temporary
Cyber-Home of
Time Well Spent
Happy May Day! 
 
With a new season upon us, I hope this email finds all happy and healthy in spite of the continued tough economic times. It is not simply circumstances that dictate our degree of happiness, but how we interpret those circumstances... So, here's to proverbially half-full glasses, raised in gratitude for all that we do have ~ with thoughts, and action plans, for bright opportunities and better days ahead!
   
With this e-newsletter comes the prototype of my logo (let me know what you think of it!) and special news of the next phase of Time Well Spent. 
 
After months of brainstorming, legwork, networking and research,  I intend to spend much of the summer crafting the foundation that will bring my vision for Time Well Spent considerably closer to reality.
 
I've already met amazing people and accomplished a fair amount of good on behalf of those less fortunate and the environment. Now, I need to make Time Well Spent more than just (as I've been told), " a fabulous idea," and, "a wonderful mission-driven concept," or a "meaningful hobby" (ouch!).
 
Over the summer, I may reach out with updates or in search of feedback, but I will not be conducting DeClutter For Good drives (more on that below). 
    
You can be sure that I'll be hard at work, spending my time well, both at work and with family and friends, and I hope the same for all of you.
 
I appreciate your patience and support. 
As always, don't hesitate to be in touch ~ email a reply, comment on the blog, text or call with questions, ideas, and feedback ~ or just to say hello.
 
Until next time... 
  
 
                                            Carpe Diem! 
                             Nancy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

DeClutter For Good Update

 
Time Well Spent's The DeClutter For Good concept is near and dear to my heart. You might even think of it as DeClutter "4" Good as the benefits are (at least) four-fold, including the benefits of decluttering your home, keeping clutter out of landfills, getting clutter into the hands of service organizations, and being part of the movement increasing the trend toward mindful collective decluttering. To read more about these benefits, click here
 
It may seem contradictory that I've made the decision to hold off on DeClutter For Good drives for the summer months. While I'd love to continue the mini-drives, my time will be better spent focused on Phase II and, consequently, bringing Time Well Spent closer to launch so that the mini events can grow to the full vision and potential that I have for them.
 
In the meantime, click on the following links for a look back at some key DeClutter For Good results, including information about organizations assisted as well as types and quantities of items decluttered and donated:
 
Prom Gowns (March)

   
Special thanks to all of those who have contributed so far. To those who haven't yet, stay tuned ~ there will be plenty more opportunities down the road...

 
Summer Community Service Opportunities
 
 
If you know of any high school students who would benefit from some time spent on community service this summer, send them my way ~ It's good for their resume, their self-esteem and their spirit! Even if they've done the minimum service required at school, colleges are increasing the amount of consideration given to those with multiple and/or ongoing community service efforts.
        
Unlike monthly DeClutter For Good drives, this summer's community service projects pertain to research needed for "The Wall." The Wall is the focal point envisioned for Time Well Spent where, on an ongoing basis, we will "take recycling beyond the curb," finding alternative uses for items that typically make it only as far as the recycling bin or, worse, into the trash can. 
 
Students can choose their project focus based on their own interests. Examples include eyeglasses (given to those in third world countries), medicine bottles (used in Africa for dissemination of HIV medications) hotel-sized toiletries (for homeless women in Boston), cellphones (for victims of abuse on the North Shore), small stuffed animals (for soldiers to give to children) and sneakers (recycled into gym flooring) ~ and that's just for starters!  You can read more about The Wall by clicking here. 
   
In order to maximize the positive impact of community service such that it makes a meaningful impression and contributes to a lasting sense of stewardship and service, I believe in community service projects that focus on an area of specific interest to each particular young person. Those who take an active role in a project and feel connected to the outcome will learn the true satisfaction that comes with making a difference, being a part of the change.
    
If you want to learn more about community service opportunities for your teen, feel free to get in touch with me and we can discuss the possibilities further. Don't have a teen of your own? Feel free to forward this message to someone who does!

 
 
Ongoing Clutter Donations - Big & Small
 
While I will not be accepting clothing and other such items that typically would fall into the DeClutter For Good drive category, I encourage you to click on the links in the DeClutter For Good post above for the names of local service organizations that will accept such donations directly. Of course, feel free to shoot me an email, and I'll be happy to point you in the right direction if you are unsure.
 
Regarding those items that might just be right for repurposing in the Re-Work Shop ~ from buttons to bookcases ~ check the lists of items we are looking for:
 
 and
 
Next, call, text or email to confirm your items will be accepted at Time Well Spent and to arrange a drop-off. Clutter Credits will be awarded for donations to the Re-Work Shop! Don't know what a Clutter Credit is??? Click here and read the section under "personal use of the workshop."
 
Sorry but no surprise drop-off visits for now! Often, I can meet you at the office on very short notice assuming I don't have a prior commitment.
 
 
Where Caring for Yourself, Others and the Environment 
is Easy, Inspiring & Fun!
 
That's...
 
Time Well Spent TM