(Captain Samuel González, Divisional Secretary for The Salvation Army in Southern New England, and Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra, congratulating Sandy Barry on her service to the Marshall House.)

South Marshall Street Block Party a Success

with special thanks to Sandy Barry!

HARTFORD - The 12th Annual South Marshall Street Block Party is in the books…a little wet... but nevertheless... it’s now in the archives. A monsoon couldn’t stop the inevitable! Everyone got wet, but the revelers certainly enjoyed the festivities. There were the usual games and activities, with plenty of food and drinks for everyone. There were tables with books and informational resources too. The street was packed with neighbors, vendors, performers, guests, kids and horses too.

The entertainment kicked off with a drumline performing their street routine, and the event ran until 7:00 PM. Aetna came through again this year with the kids’ most popular item - the bikes, a million of them (at least it seemed like a million). Each child who had their raffle number drawn received a bike and a helmet to ride around South Marshall Street. The Salvation Army Emergency Services canteens served drinks and popsicles, as well as kept the food servers dry, while some Salvation Army staff and volunteers participated by passing out red bead necklaces to all of the kids, which proved to be very popular. Other Salvation Army programs had their own informational tables, including The Right Place, Human Services Bureau, and our Hartford Adult Rehabilitation Center.

"33 Years of Service" – Thank You Sandy!

A special highlight of this year’s Block Party was Sandy Barry being recognized for her “33 years of exemplary service” to Marshall House and The Salvation Army. She received a plaque from The Salvation Army’s Captain Samuel González and Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra. Both individuals thanked Sandy for all of her contributions over the years. They said that Sandy has left her mark on Hartford and that she will not be forgotten. One of her many achievements included helping to start and grow the Block Party into what it is today.

Sandy was most recently serving in the position of Housing Stabilization Coordinator for The Salvation Army in Greater Hartford, where she was responsible for writing grants, completing reports, and developing programs. She began her career in social work with The Salvation Army in September 1981, as a Childcare/Family Worker. She climbed through the ranks and eventually became Marshall House Director in 1985. Her next position will be as Grant Writer for the Southern New England Division, where she will assist all programs throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island apply for and report on grants.

Recently, Sandy was asked to reflect on the most exciting change she has seen at the shelter over the years. She responded, “Witnessing the transformation that has occurred on South Marshall Street as people and organizations come together to improve the neighborhood has been a true blessing. On this street twelve years ago, there were high crime rates, several dilapidated buildings and littered vacant lots. Improving the neighborhood is an investment in the lives of approximately 300 South Marshall Street children and their families and I have always considered this a privilege to be part of such a worthwhile effort.”