If you have a broken lamp or a wobbly chair gathering dust, hold onto it: the Croton Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) is bringing back the Repair Cafe. During the CAC’s November 12 meeting, the council confirmed it will help organize and financially support a Repair Cafe at the Croton Library on February 28. Members Sherry Horowitz and Halle Clarke are leading the effort, tapping into a roster of volunteer "coaches" who can help residents fix items rather than throw them away. The event fits neatly into the council’s newly reviewed $4,600 annual budget, which also includes a $260 bonus specifically earmarked for trails. That extra funding comes from surplus money left over after a local Eagle Scout recently completed a project installing new bridging over two wet areas on the North Highland Loop. Looking further ahead, the council spent significant time debating how to reshape Earth Day 2026. Members agreed the current format requires too much heavy lifting and leaves the event vulnerable to spring weather cancellations. To create a more focused, educational experience, the council discussed shifting to an invite-only vendor model—ensuring participating businesses align with environmental themes—rather than opening applications to the general public. To boost family attendance, members suggested adding a judged poster contest for kids with prizes, as well as pairing the popular tree giveaway with short educational talks. The council firmly rejected the idea of co-locating the event with larger village festivals, worrying the conservation message would get lost in the crowd. A final date for Earth Day will be set before the end of the year. In smaller updates, the council noted that new plant identification signs are now in the ground at the Garden Club circle, though larger signs are still held up over driver distraction concerns. Chair John Ealer said he will coordinate with the Department of Public Works to sod a weedy grassy area in the circle. Residents looking for immediate eco-friendly inspiration can catch CAC member Eva Thaddeus giving a talk on converting lawns into pollinator gardens this Sunday at 1 PM in the Municipal Building.