How the Locals Celebrate - Get Your Joy On

Quotes from locals:
 

Michelle Kownacki
Paws Pet Boutique
"A gentleman came into the store a few years ago, and he was nervous as can be. He told me he wanted to propose to his girlfriend in a memorable way, and really wanted to include their Retriever in the surprise. So we decided to make him a beautiful navy dog collar inscribed with the words, "Will you marry me?" He thought that was fabulous, so we worked with Star Monogram on Maryland Avenue, because they do a wonderful job. He came back after he proposed with great news. She said yes the moment she saw the collar. I just love that story!"

Cynthia McBride
McBride Gallery
I'll never forget the day an adorable young man and lady came to the gallery, and as they left they told us how much they liked the art—and wanted to remember their date by getting a clipping from the beautiful Coleus plant that we had in the doorway. They said they loved the special leaf coloring and design, so we clipped off a piece, and put it in a little cup of water and a towel around it. They were thrilled. A few months later, the man called to ask if he could have permission to propose to the young lady in the gallery. He told me that they had been nurturing the Coleus together, and every time they water it they think of the McBride Gallery. We said of course, and then hatched a plan. On the designated day, he came in and gave me the high sign. I tried hard to not watch him propose, but I heard her clearly say yes. They hugged and they kissed, a number of times, and I hope they live happily ever after. That proposal will live in my memory forever."

Debbie Gosselin
Watermark Journey
"I'll never forget the day when a an older couple, in their 60s, came to us with a special request: They wanted to get married at sea. If that wasn't exciting enough, before the boat left the dock, they asked if they could use our phone because they wanted to call their kids to surprise them with the big news. It turns out that this couple was re-marrying after being divorced for 10 years. Of course, we pulled out a champagne for them!"

Matt Baker
Chief Adventure Officer, Terrapin Adventures
"A group of co-workers came out on a beautiful Sunday in October, but soon realized that one of their teammates wasn't there. She came in about 15 minutes later, sweating with fear—despite the fact that it was 55-degrees out on the adventure course. Her manager confided in me that his hope was to get of her comfort zone and challenge herself, because that's what they needed her to do in the office. So we took it slow. I helped her walk over the first part, a wire that's about ½-inch thick, then we moved on to a rope that's only slightly thicker, before finally getting to the last part, a section that looks like a giant slinky and is very wobbly. Fifteen minutes later—she finished. After hugging me hard, she got some serious high-fives from her co-workers. There are always a lot of 'ah-ha' moments happening here for the people who work through their fears on our zip line, giant swing, and ropes courses. But watching this woman overcome her fears was extraordinary. I hope she comes back again for more.

Senator John Astle
District 30, Anne Arundel County
"I'm not much of a romantic, but there was a party at Zachary's Jewelers that my wife and I were invited to. And my wife was definitely admiring the beautiful jewelry in the cases. But when the owner's sister came over and put a beautiful diamond choker around my wife's neck, it just took my breath away. She looked so gorgeous, and our anniversary was just a few weeks away that it gave me an excuse. She walked out of the store wearing it, and to this day I love seeing that necklace. It reminds me that being spontaneous is the spice of life."

Marilyn Burge
Reynolds Tavern
"They come in every year for high tea. It's always the same group of gals, 50something women who were Girl Scouts together in Anne Arundel County in the early 1960s. The sit, giggle, and sip Earl Gray and chamomile, and laugh so hard that one of them always comes over to apologize to us for making noise. We love it—especially when they show us the photos from when they were young girls. People have connections to this building, and this city. We are happy to be a part of their joy."