Crafting Galore at Broadneck High

Nearly 200 crafters and vendors filled two gyms and the cafeteria at Broadneck High this past weekend during the athletic boosters' annual holiday craft fair.

The event was headed this year by the very dedicated and capable Crystal Johnson.

"We made about $17 thousand and 100% of the proceeds goes to the boosters," said a very pleased and tired Johnson.

What is especially astonishing is that, though Johnson has children, none of them is involved in the high school's athletic program.

"I think it's just in my heart to always help the children," said Johnson. "Last year the Boosters Club was looking for a Chairperson for the Craft Bazaar and I agreed to take it on. 

Over 1,000 fair attendees were happy with the wide variety of vendors, from hand-made birdhouses and holiday floral arrangements to knitted scarves and children's clothes, holiday shopping was in high gear.

Fellow crafters and friends Roz Kleffman of Bowie and Thelma Loret De Mola of Greenbelt shared their table, full of Kleffman's handmade change purses and De Mola's knitted scarves and headpieces.

"I came last year and really enjoyed it," said Kleffman who convinced De Mola to join her for a productive Saturday.

Stephi Schulman of Annapolis was happy to show off her own stuffed dolls and animals, all made with recycled materials. "My husband and I saw similar offerings at a shop in Virginia, and I went home and tried it myself," she said of her new, profitable business.

Student groups such as the Environmental and Anime Clubs, as well as the Tri-M music students did their part to sell and raise money for their causes. Students in the athletic programs were busy helping run a variety of tables and services as well.

This was the 28th such fair run by the boosters. Once the dust settled and everyone had packed up and gone home, Johnson was already thinking ahead to next year.

"I hope that year 29 will be even bigger and better," said Johnson. "This is a nice club to be a part of. The members are very friendly, supportive and very appreciative of my hard work, time and effort that it takes to put on this event."