My fall 2012 plan before Hurricane Sandy had been to drive the Lit Lab myself from Winter Park to Summit and back.  When Sandy hit New Jersey and New York, I decided to drive up to Rockville, MD, leave the Lit Lab there, take the bus back and forth to New York so I could make my visit to the Morristown Neighborhood House and drive back down.  Winter Storm Athena then made that plan unwise, but by then I was excited by the invitations I had in Maryland and New Jersey.  I decided it was time to put my new Lit Lab suitcase into service.

I packed the suitcase full of hats, my costume and a few clothes and jumped on the Vamoose Bus in NYC.  Actually it was quite a comfortable journey and got me where I needed to be.  I was highly motivated because Viers Mill Elementary had asked me to come back for another visit.  How could I resist giving books to 700 students?!  And I am so glad I made the trip.  The principal, Mr. Matthew Devan, was very welcoming and supportive, the staff in the cafeteria were helpful and friendly, the teachers were enthusiastic (especially ESOL teacher Dr. Marie Baker) and best of all, the students once again responded with energy and smiles.  I was very thankful for the help of a friend, Becky Ellett, who made sure all the books got into the right hands.  This school gave me just the encouragement I needed!