When you think of country folks, I’m probably not what you envision. Until you meet me.
I’m told I have quite the southern charm and accent. Which is rather peculiar considering I was born and raised in the Bronx. In all fairness to my upbringing there, I did spend every summer in North Carolina. I loved growing up in NY and take nothing away from it but, I felt most at home in N.C. In my early twenties, I joined the Marine Corps and was eventually stationed at Camp Lejeune in N.C. After getting off active duty, I joined the U.S. Army Reserve. Between both, I served for 12 years. Sometime later, I made my way to Maryland where I worked in the D.C. metro area for the Federal Government for twenty years. During this time, I also went back to school, earning a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. Did I mention that I did that while working full-time and raising three children as a single mother? Eventually, I went on to become the Director of Acquisitions, responsible for over $45 billion in federal contracts. My children and I volunteered our time for philanthropic events in and around the D.C. metro area and I served a couple of years on the Howard County Commission for Women. I’m currently a member of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, and the South Carroll Business Association.
I also love to give back whenever I can. Whether it’s my time, money, products, or services. For the past five years, I have chosen an organization to give back to and I enlist the help of my friends and family in providing support to that cause. I am blessed to have such a giving network of friends and family. Prior to Covid taking over our lives, I had started planning and hosting story time for children living in shelters. At the end of storytime, each child would receive a book to keep. I have authored two children’s books to date: “Do Bears Eat Pancakes?” and “Miranda and the Lost Shoe.” “Do Bears Eat Pancakes?” comes with a stuffed giraffe named Georgie, who is the star of the book. I figured being in a shelter is hard enough. The kids should have something of their own no matter where they go or end up. I also host a “Donate-a-Book” program year-round where an individual can make a donation and I take care of purchasing and distributing the books to local non-profit organizations.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family. Include your pets too!
Maryland turned out to be quite the lucky place for me as I met my husband Cliff here. We each brought children into the relationship. My three and his two. We have a wonderfully blended family, a dog named Hero and a few chickens who supply us with a daily dose of fresh eggs and cackle..
Q: What is one of your favorite quotes or lines in a song and why does it resonate with you?
“If you can, help others. If you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.” Dalai Lama – I have lived my life in service to others, whether it was working as a public servant or giving back to my community.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I started working when I was 15. My first job was at the NY Public Library. Fast forward, my career included the military, the department of corrections and the Federal Government. Now, I spend the majority of my time focused on my passion for crafting at Sweetpolly’s Creations; a business I created out of my love for sewing.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Do all the things you enjoy, while you can still enjoy them. There really is no reason to wait.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite places or events in our community? What is something unique about our community?
I love a good craft show! That’s why I hang out at the AG Center in Westminster. It’s close to home and in addition to the craft shows and flea markets it offers so many other events throughout the year.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Westminster or looking to move to Westminster?
You may not know it but, there is a lot to do in Westminster. If you love history, there is plenty. I think many folks, even those who have lived in Westminster all their lives, take for granted all the really neat things that are here.
Q: What 3 words come to mind when you think of Westminster?
Family, friendly, fun!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
There are a lot of things I do to take care of myself but, one of my absolute favorites is visiting my LMT Angeline Morland who runs Mystic Zen in the Westminster Mall. Definitely a 10 out of 10!
Q: Tell us about your bucket list.
We recently bought an RV. Our bucket list includes hitting all the states and state parks together.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love, love, love classic cars and own a 72 Mustang Grande
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
We still have a 16 and 13 year old at home. I always want to be the best form of myself for them. I want to set a positive example any and every chance that I get.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Mine is actually a group of about 10 folks who I used to ride the MARC train with everyday when I was travelling to DC. I would take them to Cinco De Mayo Mexican Restaurant and Bar.
Q: Who in Westminster should be featured on The Faces Of Westminster MD and why?
Nigel Forney – Commander of the local DAV chapter – Old Glory Chapter. Nigel recently became the Commander of the chapter and is assisting local disabled veterans.
Q: Finally, how can our readers and I know if someone we come in contact with is a good connection for you or a good person for you to meet?
People who have an appreciation for handcrafted products are my kind of people. If they are a small business who’s looking for loyalty gifts , send them my way. If someone is looking for a unique gift, send them my way. If you know of someone who wants to create a sentimental gift that helps them keep a loved ones memory close, send them to me. I’ll help them create something that’s worthy of being a keepsake.
Please include your website link if you have one!
https://sweetpollyscreations.com
