Ellerslie Apartments First Annual Outdoor Bazaar

Last Saturday, Senior Corps RSVP at the Ellerslie Apartments held their first annual Outdoor Bazaar. Residents rented tables for $15 to sell new and gently used items at the flea market-style event. Here, GHCC’s Senior Resource Coordinator and AmeriCorps*VISTA Delores Somerville reflects on the day’s successes:

What a delightful day for a Bazaar! The weather was perfect!

Just being behind the scenes before the bazaar opened was quite an experience. The tables were filled with an array of colors: toys, clothing, games, kitchen equipment, and so much more. I was amazed at the participation of the wheelchair-bound residents — WOW! They pitched in by carrying supplies on their laps and on the backs of their chairs.

Mr. Samuel, president of the Tenant Council, was busy preparing the burgers and sausage and icing the sodas. He is a recent amputee, but is not letting it get him down. Mr. Samuel kept himself busy working the grills and tables to get ready for the bazaar attendees.

Mrs. Samuel, chairperson of the Senior Corps RSVP for the Ellerslie Apartments,
spent weeks making contacts and meeting with partners. She had a vision for this event as an annual affair on the Ellerslie calendar and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. She has so much energy despite the fact that she is a wheelchair-bound dialysis patient. Mr. Campbell and Ms. Jones from the RSVP office came out on the day of the event as well.

Baltimore City Police Officer Barnett and his partner attended for added security to ensure everything ran smoothly. They mingled with the residents and everyone had a great time.

I rented a table myself and furnished the photographer for the day. Terry does a good job, she kindly provided the photos for this post.

All proceeds from the Bazaar will go towards the purchase of a large screen TV for the Ellerslie Apartments’ community room. This event was a joint effort where all groups at the Ellerslie worked together for the benefit of all residents. Many residents and neighborhood families attended the event, mingled with their neighbors, and made it a wonderful day.