Culpepper Garden Executive Director Marta Hill Gray addresses the roomful of first responders on March 18.
Carol Rivers stands in front of a large poster board inside the lobby at Culpepper Garden writing her thank you note to the Arlington first responders. It is the 5th annual Culpepper First Responders Day on March 18.
ACPD Chief Andy Penn stands chatting with County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti and Colonel Burgess while other police officers circulate around the room sharing stories with the residents. Sheriff Jose Quiroz enters and joins the group.
Due to the 30 degree temperature, the event has been moved inside from the traditional location by the famous daffodil garden but Marta Hill Gray, Executive Director of Culpepper Garden, has brought the springtime inside with her traditional golden suit.
Gray says, “Of all the organizations in Arlington the first responders have been here on a regular basis. There were 250 calls to our first responders last year. They care for our residents beautifully.” She addresses the officers around the room, “Whenever we see you arriving we know we are in good hands.”
De Ferranti says Arlington is a great community, and Culpepper Garden is a piece of Arlington history. “A community measures itself by how they treat people in the beginning of life, the end of life, in the shadows of life.” De Ferranti refers to the county’s very tight upcoming budget and the expectations of all the competing interests. “All of you are looking at me hoping I’ll do the right thing.”
He continues on a personal note, “Service is a part of being a first responder. I have a two-year-old and a five-month-old and I know they could be in your hands. I am thankful that we have the first responders so be sure to find a first responder today and say thank you.”
Culpepper Garden is an award winning low-income retirement independent living community in Arlington.