Aunt Teak and Uncle Junque: Celebrating an Avon Tradition

Mayor Jensen with Lois and Bob Shinko

It has been a big month for Lois and Bob Shinko of Shinko’s Country Store in Avon.

The happy couple celebrated 50 years at Shinko’s Country Store on Thurs. June 24, from 5-8 p.m. with a Polka band at the Avon community gazebo (Stoney Ridge and Detroit Roads) near the store. The 83 year old couple with 58 years of marriage are still going strong and have the spunk to prove it as they welcomed family and friends to the party.

The special day celebrated 50 years of owning this 1896 historic landmark and kicked off the weekend’s “Aunt Teak and Uncle Junque” event and City Wide Yard Sales that Lois started many years ago.

Bob and Lois Shinko recognized by Avon City Council

It was a fitting tribute to this lively couple whose store lists its hours as “Barely Open.” Truth is, Lois and Bob have built a legacy of community involvement that has included Scarecrow Decorating contests, Outhouse Races and, of course, the annual Community Garage Sale.

Monday evening, Mayor Bryan Jensen and City Council presented the Shinkos with a proclamation declaring the fourth weekend in June as the “Lois Shinko Aunt Teak & Uncle Junque – Avon Citywide Garage Sale Weekend” to recognize the many contributions Lois has made on behalf of our community.

The proclamation also commends the Shinkos for their role in the development of the French Creek Development Association, now called the French Creek Foundation.

“Lois has been an active member of the group since its inception, always promoting the small businesses in our French Creek District.

“Without Lois’s commitment to Olde Avon, old traditions and love of antiquing, our downtown area would not be what it is today.”