Bobbi Reddix and Becky Banister of New Beginnings
November 14, 2012, By Nancy Saul, On Saturday, Nov. 17, the public is invited to an open house that will showcase Annette and Rick Bell’s expanded shop, Timeless Treasures, at 205 S. Sangamon St. During the open house, everyone will also get a chance to welcome Bobbi Reddix as the new manager of New Beginnings, next door at 201 S. Sangamon St. and see the reconfiguration of the thrift shop.

The open house will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at both businesses, where refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given.

The Bells, who started their business about a year ago, said the expansion has been in the planning stages since early summer.

“New Beginnings gave up their space in the back and (building owner) Dale Bassi asked if we wanted it,” Annette said. “We jumped at it.

“We’re getting more new things in every day and we’re making the shop more customer-friendly. This way we can spread everything out. It’s not layered. They can actually see stuff.”

The new portion of the shop, which was formerly the area used by New Beginnings to display clothing, has made the Bell’s display floor about four times larger. Annette is especially pleased with the large double doors in back and the lift, which make bringing heavy objects into the store much easier.

“Most people are downsizing,” said Rick Bell, “but we’re expanding.”

He described the shop’s offerings as an eclectic collection.

“We have everything from antiques to mid-century and from home furnishings to collectibles,” Annette said.

Shop hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Timeless Treasures is closed on Sundays.

New Beginnings, a non-profit, is a branch of Genesis Ministries, which helps women in Logan County.

“We’re one of the few not-for-profits in town that directly benefits Logan County,” said Bobbi Reddix,  the new manager. “We are having our winter donation drive.”

Bobbi, who has worked in the retail business for more than six years, said she decided it was time for a change.

“I wanted this position before it even became available,” she said. “I volunteered for two weeks time before I took over the position.

“It’s very fulfilling to use the experiences I have gathered in retail and use them in resale in such a worthwhile ministry.”

Bobbi replaces Katie Slighton, the former manager, who has accepted a job in Springfield. Becky Banister, who has worked at New Beginnings for four years, is also a paid employee. The remainder of the staff is made up of volunteers.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and donations,” Bobbi said. “We’re rearranging the store. Customers will notice a lot of changes. We have less clothing, but it’s better quality. And we have prices to fit every budget.

“There are a lot of changes in the interior of the store, and soon there will be changes to the exterior. We want to make it more welcoming. We will be constantly changing - I like to rearrange a lot. It makes shopping more fun.”

The manager said her new position is a “great job.”

“You meet the greatest people and the greatest volunteers,” she said, “people with a heart for giving. It doesn’t even feel like going to work in the morning.”

New Beginnings is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and donations are accepted during those hours. For more information about the available inventory or volunteer opportunities, people can call 217-737-9934, or visit the Web site at www.shopnbthrift.com.

“And ‘like’ us on Facebook,” Reddix invited.