College Park Unit 217 Spreads Its Wings

By Ivy Christoffers

October was a very busy month for the members of College Park Unit 217 American Legion Auxiliary. The month began with a very successful “baby shower” held on the 4th where more than $800 worth of items were donated for the Greenbelt Pregnancy Aid Center. It was heartwarming to see so many who were concerned for the welfare of our little ones. After my announcement in a previous column about this planned shower, several members in Beltsville called to see if they could join us in the worthwhile project. Many beautiful hand made items that were dropped off at the Post Home. On behalf of the Unit and the Pregnancy Aid Center, my heartfelt thanks to all who donated infant and toddler items. They were sorely needed and will be put to good use. Executive Director Mary Jelacic gave us a tour of their facility and informed us of their ongoing need for warm clothing from infant to size 6x as well as everything else our smallest ones need, including formula, diapers, strollers, car seats, etc. This would be a great place to donate those unused items that are taking up space. The Pregnancy Aid Center also has a food pantry and is in need of non-perishables to replenish their supply.

An equine entertainment night and a crab feast were held to raise funds for Katrina Relief. Post 217 sent a donation of $3,000 to help the veterans in the Gulf area affected by the storm. Unit 217 donated items to a special drive for infant items and clothing and supplies to be sent to the Gulf area.

Next, it was on to Ocean City where the Department of Maryland American Legion Auxiliary held their Fall Conference, with chairmen presenting their plans of action for the year. We even had time for a side trip to Assateaque to see the ponies. Angie Rodriguez, Sarah Brown, Judy Slarb and I had a very enjoy-weekend. We were even by Neil Diamond on Saturday night.

Next it was on to the Special Olympics of Maryland Bicycle competition held at the training facility for the Maryland State Police in Sykesville. What a great day cheering on the special athletes! We had some guests with us from the Special Olympics of Japan to observe our program. Two weeks later it was on to Laytonsville Golf Course for their two-day golf competition. Again the special athletes were awesome. This time, “Fancy,” my Bischon Frise therapy dog was one of volunteers who added much to the day. It is inspiring to witness the sportsmanship and enthusiasm of these young folk. We are picking up several more volunteers each year who look forward to these events and we thank them for their time.

Now it was time to spend a very enjoyable evening at Toby’s Dinner theater in Columbia, MD where our “Miss College Park” of 1998, Felicia Curry, was starring in Aida by Elton John. What a magnificent performance it was. She is a tiny lady with a huge talent who has “star quality” written all over her. All 10 in our group posed for pictures with Felicia after the show. Our Miss College Park Executive Director, Angie Rodriguez, arranged for our party to be there to give support to our very talented Felicia.

Last, but not least, is the Halloween Party to be held on the 30th. Katy Beard and her committee do such a great job with these children’s parties. I don’t know what we would do without her youth and energy. The Post and Unit work hand in hand on these events.

As you can see, we have truly “spread our wings” across Maryland this month and have enjoyed every moment of our travels.

There are several special dates coming up in November. On Veteran’s Day there will be many programs held in the community and I hope you will take the time to attend one. Post and Unit 217 will hold ours at the College Park Veteran’s Memorial at the intersection of Greenbelt Road and Route 1 at 11:00 a.m. Youth Recognition Day will be held this month and I will report on it next month. We can’t forget Thanksgiving Day and all we have to be thankful for. I, for one, feel truly blessed and give thanks every day that I can still enjoy life in the land of the free and the home of the brave.