Why I Love Gaithersburg in 100 Words

Gaithersburg, Maryland, August 5th, 2018: The Gaithersburg Creative Writers Group has closed its contest: Gaithersburg in 100 Words – Why We Like Our City.” It was open to people of all ages, and the winner is 16-year-old Kelvin Boakye. Here are the words that earned him $100:

Let me tell you. My city… is a city! From the pop, pop, pop of the fireworks at SummerFest to the slurp, slurp, slurp of your hot chocolate at Winter Lights. From the shouts you hear as you enter the fair to the twinkle of the lights in December. Let’s not mention the different types of people you’ll meet. One day you’re talking to a Ghanaian as you’re waiting in line at the water park, the next day the door is opened for you by a Russian. Activities, scenery, hospitality, come on, I told you my city… is a city!

Several excellent short essays were bunched near the top of the scoring. The first runner-up is Jiali Yi, who sent the following entry:

Gaithersburg is a well-crafted story with layers of meaning and presence, imbued with contrasts and variations. Its historic landmarks are mingled with contemporary architecture, local traditions balanced with diversified outlook, old-world charm blended with dynamic modernization. Each plot of the story unfolds a unique aspect of Gaithersburg, leading to a holistic understanding of its urban fabric and a personal connection with it. From scenic dining at Washingtonian to a laid-back stroll at Seneca Creek State Park, from the nostalgic sentiment of Old Town to the leisurely feel of Kentlands community, I read the story again and again, always with pleasure.

One entry came as a poem and one as an illustration. Also, several young people entered and did very well. This, by eight-year-old Leia Barnett, is an excellent example.

I love Gaithersburg because living there makes me happy. First, the Gaithersburg library makes me happy. I love books and reading, and the library has almost all the books that I want. Also, the librarians are friendly and warm-hearted. Next, the friends, family and neighbors who live in Gaithersburg make me happy. I have all kinds of neighbors, different shapes, sizes and skin colors but we all treat each other kindly. Lastly, I love the nature in Gaithersburg, for example parks where people can bike and listen to the chirps of the birds. That is why I really love Gaithersburg!

Contest entries were judged by members of the writers’ group: Marylou Bono, Mario Salazar and Cory Schulman. Ms. Bono is an artist and writer whose column, Eye on Art, is published in the Gaithersburg and Urbana Town Courier newspapers. Mr. Salazar is a Colombian born engineer and artisan who has more than 300 articles published in Internet news analyses sites and is a Quora Top Writer for 2018. Mr. Schulman is a publisher and an author of technical, fiction, non-fiction and biographical books.

Gaithersburg Creative Writers is a critique group, about two years old, which normally meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome to attend, but there is time for only about four persons to read in each meeting.