Resilience and Hope

On Saturday, September 10, 2011, I was proud to volunteer my time with Gambrills Fall Festival.  This is the festival's second year, and although last year was almost a wash out from heavy rain,  many vendors had signed up for this year.  They paid their entrance fees in order to help the local schools and to be able to share their business with the local community.  We were happy to see that the day dawned gray but not rainy.  Soon the clouds gave way to a beautiful late summer, sunny day.  Walking through the festival, I was thinking about how many of the vendors were representing businesses and organizations  that did not exist ten years ago.  We have probably all run into someone with a story of how they dramatically changed their life after 9/11, in order to pursue a dream or a more balanced lifestyle.  Here were many such people all gathered together at a community event.  All came together, in part to help others.  What a perfect example of American resiliency.  The hope for a better life, the strength to make it happen and the faith in God's plan.  Here are some of the lovely people who made the day a success.

 

Nancy Franklin, Tupperware Dealer Extraordinaire back for her second year at the festival.!

Local Banks always ready to be part of community life

 Two local dog care businesses also attended for the second year.

West County Chamber of Commerce, always behind the community

Geli Blomquist with Creative Memories

Donna Sita, owner, Divine Details

Deborah Frantz, representing Odenton Chiropractic

New business owner Mike Butler cooks up a delicious New England seafood lunch

Kaufmann's Tavern, our hosts for the event

Wami Sittu, owner of Baker's Park in Catonsville.  Delicious!

HAP volunteers representing a group formed as a result of 9/11  This group makes and distributes handmade afghans to injured members of the armed forces. 

Friendly members of the Bay Area Shuckers basketball team.  These guys lent a hand to any vendors needing help unloading their display materials. thanks guys!

Lori Garland of New Adventure Design, a promotional products company talks hair with the ladies from  Xtreme Hair from Crofton

Wheels Skating Center combines childcare and roller skating activities for all ages

Maureen Adams with Premier Design Jewelry

Thanks again to one and all.  It takes lots of people to make a festival come to life.  A big shout out to Kaufmann's Tavern, James King, Dan, Anthony and Alicia for a job well done, and  Julie from Little House of Flowers who works tirelessly  on community events.  See you all next year!