September, 2026
So good to be home again. I love telling the stories of my time in Philadelphia, my special friends (all of them) and my key learnings about Philly as a city. What incredible memories I have!
I will be back at San Antonio Missions Historical Park the Monday after Labor Day, working my usual shifts of Monday and Tuesday. My next step here with the park is to prep a talk about San Juan Mission that I can deliver during my day there on Mondays. Tuesdays I will be back in the library working to get it completed by Spring of 2027 (my goal, no pressure from NPS on this one but I’d like to see it completed.).
I’m sorry to see that the President Volunteer Services Award is no longer active. It was originally 4,000 hours and my service at Independence National Historical Park brought me to 4425 hours. San Antonio park is ordering my 4500 and 5000 hour pins. I’m so blessed to have had the opportunities in my life.
Looking forward to catching up with Daughter Jennifer and family in Dallas real soon. And then I will begin thinking about next summer’s road trip. I have so many old and new friends to see I may have to add more time on the road.
Be Well, Stay Safe, and happy travels to all of you. Your Inn in San Antonio is always available.
Your San Antonio home away from home.
Blessings to all! This post will close the book on 2026 at Independence National Historical Park!
(Please forgive any unintentional mistakes.)
Hugs,
Mara
Welcome home. What a happy adventure. Hugs. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
thanks as always for sharing yourself!
You will definitely get an award for all the volunteer work, heart, and dedication you have put into each of these volunteer efforts. If not from the paused presidential award, it will come in many other ways. So proud of you and love you so much. You set a wonderful example for all!
Mara, Glad you arrived home safely. And you are already back to volunteering.
Thank you so much for your messages from Philadelphia, before, during & after the Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, Weatherwise it was a tough assignment. But you did a great job of helping us feel we were ther with you.
Thnk you!
Janet, It was so hear to hear from you over the summer. Let’s catch up now that I am back home and almost back in a groove again. Do you have any time next week for a short call one evening?
Mara