Longfellow Middle School Craft and Flea Market Fair- November 2007
During the 2006-07 school year, three of my stories were published about the Longfellow Middle School. The staff and the students there have always been wonderful hosts. The Longfellow Middle School PTA hosted its first ever holiday craft and flea market, in the school'sgymnasium. It was held on a bright Saturday, prior to Thanksgiving. Sabrina Awoonor Renner, the President of Longfellow's PTA, told me how Diane McGowan, a school employee had suggested the idea for the craft fair and flea market. “The fundraiser was a positive way to bring people from the community in to visit the school,” she said.
Here are some of the great volunteers and entrepreneurs who were in attendance:
Rosa Metz (above) has been active for over 15 years as a member of the PTA's executive board. She donated several racks of clothing and handbags to the first-time event. “My son’s education is the most important thing in his life. It’s very important to take time out on a Saturday to support my son’s school, and to be active here, because it does build a child’s self esteem. We all still need to support the community and the children of Mount Vernon.”
Regina Tyson of Regina’s Place of Fashion (display above), had an elaborate trunk show of some of her designer quality clothing, and sophisticated handbags. Tyson has been in business for the past 12 years, and can often be found at fashion trade shows throughout the country selling her clothing. The Mount Vernon resident expressed to me that it was so gratifying to participate in such a worthwhile cause so close to home.
Marilyn Turton (above), had a display table of stylish handbags and costume jewelry. Her year-old business, Eboni Fandangles also offers hats and other accessories. She told me that she enjoyed spending the day at Longfellow because, “It was an opportunity to meet new people, and give a donation to the school.”
I also saw Zelda Robinson, my grandmother's Vernon Heights neighbor. Her son goes to Longfellow, and her two daughters (pictured above) were at the event. The family sells fragrance beads, and their company is called Lest We Forget. The aromatic beads can be used for a variety of uses throughout the home, and came in a variety of fruit, citrus, and floral scents.
Another entrepreneur named Shay, a purse maker, was with her daughter (pictured above) at the event. The duo sold environmentally conscious handbags, made from recycled juice boxes. The company was called Kool-Aid Handbags. The PTA hopes that this will be the first of many events to bridge the school with the community. Stay tuned for updates!
