Crystal Off the Clock: City Council Member Has Passion For “Junking”

Nancy LaRoche has served on the Crystal City Council for the past year and a half. She represents Wards 1 and 2 and sits on many committees, including Crystal Frolics.  She and her husband, Walt, have lived in Crystal for more than 20 years.  The graphic designer uses her artistic talents to repurpose and recycle things in her home.

“I love to take things and make them look better,” LaRoche explained.

“Junking” Brings New Life to Old Items

LaRoche spends about four to five hours each week “junking.” She turns many unwanted items into pieces of functional furniture. She purchased and old pulley and metal egg basket at a flea market and fashioned a lamp out of the items.

She also spruced up her back yard with some flea market finds. Her creative juices really got flowing after she purchased an old coffee urn, wash tub and wiring.  She used those things to make a flower and light display.

“Never Know What You’re Going to Find”

We went along with LaRoche as she hit up a yard sale in Crystal. After searching for a few minutes, looking at items on a table, she found some useful gadgets, including a grass spreader to replace an old one that broke.

“I found this one and the size for our smaller yard is perfect,” said LaRoche.

The city council member says she goes to her “happy place” when garage sailing.   

“You never know what you’re going to find at these things. But I always find something useful,” she said.

LaRoche is also toying with the idea of bringing a flea market to Crystal. She would like to utilize the community green space at Becker Park.

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