“We make our friends; . . . but God makes our . . . neighbor.” Gilbert K. Chesterton
On Friday, September 16th the Sheffield Neighborhood Association (SNA) invited its members, neighbors, and friends to the beautiful Enabling Garden at St. Mary’s Home. The occasion was a celebration of SNA’s leaders with special recognition to the retiring Polly Kelly, who was instrumental in launching the very first Sheffield Garden Walk in 1969. She has remained dedicated to serving her neighborhood and contributed greatly to the growth of the event, watching it “bloom” from 16 gardens to more than 100.
The event featured great food from local favorite Zig Zag Café and guests enjoyed their libations in the candlelit garden as Barry Winograd’s trio provided live big band music. We selected St. Mary’s Home because we wanted a special venue that highlighted the unique charm of our Sheffield neighborhood. The Little Sisters have participated in the Walk since 1981, and their two-year old Enabling Garden has quickly become a popular stop for Garden Walk attendees.
After the sun had set, we moved indoors for dinner and to honor our founding members, including Polly, for their many years of service. Newly elected Alderman Michele Smith warmly acknowledged the importance of the SNA to the vitality of the City. Then former SNA Presidents and Garden Walk Chairs in attendance took to the mic and entertained us all as they recounted stories of the triumphs and tribulations from Garden Walks past.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who made this event possible and to the Little Sisters for their hospitality. Thanks to the generosity of everyone there, we were very happy to provide a donation in support of the Sisters’ work to care for the elderly poor.
Polly Gets a Tribute!