Local residents discuss their favorite moments, lessons learned and new year’s resolutions as we prepare to ring in 2018
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
As 2017 quickly comes to a close, we took a minute to reflect on the lives, stories and passions of individuals featured in the Lower Bucks Times over the past year. To end things on a high note, we asked a few of our interviewees to share their favorite moments and highlights of 2017 as we get ready to welcome a new year.
Robyn King
Story: “Finding joy” was featured in the Bensalem Times. The local artist shared her inspiring outlook on life as she closed out an exhibit at the Bucks County Visitor Center.
What was your favorite moment or highlight of 2017?
“It was the end of the sixth round of the Art Olympics competition. I was anxiously awaiting the judges panel votes to see if I would move on to the final round of the competition. When I did not receive an email on the day they had stated, I decided to check my junk mail. Still nothing. At that point, I gave it one more day then contacted them asking if I was eliminated — no response. ‘That is strange,’ I thought. They were always very happy to answer questions. I figured they were busy and I was eliminated, so I let my followers know on social media and thanked them for all their support. I was disappointed, but also very proud for getting so far in the competition.
After putting the contest behind me, I was very surprised and excited when, a week and a half later, the contest website contacted me apologizing for any inconvenience. The site was down due to a computer issue, and they were not able to notify anyone by email. I finally uploaded my entry I had previously picked out, which was also in my last exhibit at the Bucks County Visitor Center, entitled ‘Grateful.’ That is exactly how I felt when I finally was able to hit send, uploading my entry!”
Resolutions for 2018?
“Create artwork where the proceeds will benefit cancer and RSD; challenge myself by painting larger-scale paintings; write a book combining my art short stories and poetry; and continue meditation and positive life energy practices.”
Any lessons learned in 2017 that you’ll carry into the new year?
“Life is a true learning experience. This past year has taught me many things. The most important one is to never lose faith and to always remember, today’s the day when anything is possible. I will carry this with me into 2018 and for the rest of my life.”
Drucilla Van Wright
Story: “A place of empowerment” was featured in The Bristol Times. The founder and director of H.O.P.E.E. House provided an in-depth look at the transitional space, located at 200 Otter St., which helps women in recovery gain empowerment.
What was your favorite moment or highlight of 2017?
“My favorite highlight of 2017 was celebrating the one-year anniversary of H.O.P.E.E. House on Sept. 1. It gave me a chance to look back over the first year and assess the challenges and visualize a greater endeavor in time to come. Since September is National Recovery Month, we chose to hold our celebration and recognition on the day of our first 3K Walk for Recovery. We sought permission to utilize the Bristol Spurline for the event and the turnout was awesome. We have the event on the 2018 calendar and we are looking for a date in September again.”
Resolutions for 2018?
“I really had not thought about a resolution for the upcoming new year. But, based on the past endeavors and outcomes, some things became profound and thus, I resolve to never give up on a God-given vision. I will not abandon women in recovery and I will continue to empower them to change and gain a new way of living — clean and sober.”
Any lessons learned in 2017 that you’ll carry into the new year?
“The major lesson that I learned is that not everybody who can will do or support, and promises will be made in vain, but I must not let that discourage me. I must keep my eyes on the mark and remember the goal is to help women help themselves.” ••
