A funny thing happened on Franklin Street and after hours event photos!

What’s great about living and working in Arlington is that I know so many people. What’s not so great about living and working in Arlington is that I know so many people. As someone who was raised on the Baltimore Catechism, I try to remember 1) to commit no mortal sins in town (not that I commit them anywhere or anytime, mind you) and 2) not to embarrass myself.

The not embarrassing myself part came into play twice this last week while I was on the road. The first time happened in the Chamber parking lot after Farmers Market. As lots of cars inched out onto the road from a side aisle and a main aisle, everyone was pretty much taking turns. Not one car on my left. That’s usually when my NASCAR recessive gene kicks in. My mouth opened to say something (the windows were closed). Yikes, that’s a Chamber member! I was very glad I had not embarrassed myself.

Franklin Street from Lewis Avenue to Warren Street is twisty and curvy. When cars are parked along the curb, it makes navigation tricky. Even more so when an oncoming car is driving towards you in your lane! This time I mouthed, “What are you doing?” The driver stopped to park in front of me because a huge truck made it impossible for her to get back in the right lane. I pulled around her and the truck, shaking my head. After driving by, I realized it was another Chamber member.

At The Children’s Room as Kate Killion and I put finishing touches on our preparations for the after hours event, I asked her: “Kate, do you live on Franklin Street?”

“Yes.”

“Were you driving on the wrong side of the road yesterday in front of the beige duplex?”

“Yes.”

“That was me in the black Subaru!”

“Oh, I don’t know what I was thinking! I just wanted to visit a friend and pulled over.”

“Do you live in that house?”

“No, I live in the house with the wild garden.”

“The house where Bob Ferlanti the painter lives?”

Yes, he’s my husband.”

“Then we're neighbors. How can you get cosmos to grow because I can't. And every time I see his van in the neighborhood, I wonder why isn’t he a Chamber member! ”

“You know, we’ve been thinking about it. Tell me more.”

Long story short. I told her more. Bob Ferlanti Custom Painting joined the Chamber. Now Kate is an Arlington Wins All Around member. Find out more about why she’s now eligible to win $500 in Shop Arlington First gift certificates in November.

Sometimes it pays to drive the wrong way! It always pays to keep my cool!

Kate gave me permission to share this story. In the interest of full disclosure lest you think I never goof in the car, just this last month I turned the wrong way on Marathon Street from Waldo. Honking drivers (none of them Chamber members!) alerted me!

Enjoy the photos from the September 11 event sponsored by TD Banknorth!