Get surprised by the busy quaintness that is the Rusty Wagon in Orland

The Rusty Wagon Rolls along

In the words of the famous Gomer Pyle, “Surprise, surprise, surprise!” That’s the reaction one gets when walking in the door of The Rusty Wagon. It’s too much to take in all at once. If all the items in the shop were listed here, you’d have a complete article. From the wooden Indian standing tall in the passage between the two large rooms, to the barrage of color representing 100’s of products, it’s impossible to focus on one thing. You name it, there it is. Food products, paintings, pottery, shelves, and tables full of crafts, clothing, knick knacks, books, and crazy—yet beautiful—artistic creations. The list does go on and on.

Vocational trainer Carol Van Tol led the tour. The two large showrooms were brightly lit with overhead lights and huge pane glass windows facing Walker Street. You can purchase regionally-sourced olive oil, olives, almonds, pistachios, barbeque sauce, honey, coffee, spices, cheese, bread, candy, and yogurt. The items come in small packages, gift baskets, or are individually wrapped. Along the way I met many of the adult associates employed by the store. They are the focal point of the organization and an integral element in creating gifts and stocking the shelves.

The mission of The Rusty Wagon is to provide adults with disabilities an opportunity to learn, work, and thrive. They provide excellent customer service and are happy to show you their creations and crafts. Associates include Martina Ramirez, who’s worked there since the inception, Jose Amezquita, nine years, Sarah Lehr, Jesus Ulloa, Claudia Chavez, and Fred Hess. Nothing explains it better than the store pamphlet: “The Rusty Wagon is a community integration program that trains and employs adults with disabilities in our community. Our associates are qualified Far Northern Regional Center eligible. This program is a not-for-profit retail

store governed by Glenn County Office of Education. It has been developed to create training assessments and employment opportunities for individuals with various needs. Classes for our associates are graphics and printing, retail and merchandising, and adult living skills, including crafts. Some products are created for resale in the store by associates. Come visit. We would love to show you around and give you free local food samples.”

Not only do they perform all the basic duties of running a gift shop, including the cash register. The large back room work area is where the associates spend a lot of time. It is here they create their crafts, paint furniture, make pottery which is fired at William Finch School, and also utilize the printing and graphics portion of the business. “It’s a place for associates to thrive,” said Carol. “We set individual goals for each associate and they are paid through the sales in the store.” Many of the supplies have been donated by local individuals and businesses. One shelf held thirty or so cans of non-toxic chalk paint donated by Ace Hardware. Some of the featured artists and artisans are painters Annette Carroll and June Carey; Gerald Wall, who works magic with rock and metal designs; and local authors Gene Russell, Gary Carter, and David D. Allee. One of the comments Carol hears all the time is basically, “You’ve been here ten years? I had no idea the store was here.” As a matter of fact, August 11 will be the ten year anniversary.

Of course, a number of people have made this possible including Monica Castro, another vocational trainer, and Lisa Morgan, of the Glenn County Office of Education Glenn Adult Program. Special recognition goes to GCOE Superintendent of Schools Tracy Quarne, who was a prime mover behind the project and who has supported them all the way.

If you’d like a pleasant surprise, find your way to 420 Walker Street in Orland. Hours of operation are Tues-Fri 10:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 10:30 to 3:30. It’s worth the trip.