Village Trash and Treasure Sale Lives up to its Name
May 16, 2024 11:56AM ● By Gail Bullen, River Valley Times Reporter
Eva McMullen asks vendor Traci Albee about a glass item during her visit to the annual Murieta Village Trash and Treasure Sale on April 27. The sale took place outdoors near the clubhouse and at various carports. Photo by Gail Bullen
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RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - The old adage that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” was proven again when the Murieta Village Association held its annual Trash and Treasure Sale on April 27.
Jackie VanBuskirk organized the event.
“I’m pleased it went as well as it did and everyone seemed to be selling,” she said. “The weather also was perfect, given the pouring rain we had the day before.”
The sale had two components. VanBuskirk rented out 15 tables to vendors who showcased their goods in the traditional location outside the clubhouse. Simultaneously, across the village, a dozen residents displayed their offerings on their driveways and carports.
The table rentals generated $425, while Nancy Warrington, Social Committee chair, raised an additional $128 by selling donated items. All proceeds were directed into the committee treasury to fund memorial services within the village following a resident's passing.
The vendors at the clubhouse included Rancho Murieta residents living inside the gates who can’t host their own garage sales due to association rules.
Among them was Berniece Jones, a first-time vendor. Jones, a frequent attendee of past sales, looks for Christmas decorations, particularly sleighs.
"Now I'm selling them because I can't afford to store them," Jones said.
Deb Clemens, who lives in the village, showcased her handcrafted jewelry at the sale. She said being a vendor was wonderful.
“Everybody is so friendly and nice, so it makes for a good experience, even if they aren’t buying anything,” Clemens said.
Bill Piva, a regular attendee of the sale, shared his most memorable bargain from two years ago: a crystal pelican he purchased for $5.
"It turned out to be worth $110 when I checked online," Piva said. "I felt so bad about the price difference and considered returning to give them more money because they were so sweet."
Village resident Patti Sewall observed a decrease in the number of browsers at her carport sale this year compared to previous years. Despite the lower turnout, Sewall said, there was an increase in purchases.
Dan Dilbeck reminisced about the enjoyment he and his wife, Kim, found in leisurely cruising through the village on their golf cart, admiring sales.
“It was so relaxing and calming,” he said.
However, this year, Dilbeck’s wife rented a table at the clubhouse to sell some of their belongings, leaving him to browse the other sales alone.
