In early 2018 when Brogden’s new principal asked Janice and Tom to organize a school-wide celebration, they had only a few weeks to plan what eventually became the first Brogden Community Day. The list of tasks was ambitious; a custom banner, a new website and Facebook page, many student performances, indoor and outdoor games, book and food giveaways, bouncy houses, food trucks, sidewalk chalk, bubbles and and a raffle filled with donated items. The raffle was big enough to keep admission free for everyone.
At the first planning meeting, I remember sitting in the living room of Janice and Tom’s historic home. I looked over at Janice as the list of tasks increased. I was beginning to panic, with no idea how this would all come together. Instead, of the look of concern I expected to see, Janice looked calm and energized and guided everyone. She brought feeling of confidence and fun to the whole process. Tom and Janice made it work. ( Later, Tom contributed his amazing trebuchet for a few years adding even more excitement. )
Community Day turned out to be a great success and quickly became an important event for the school and surrounding neighborhood. Families with younger children came to explore the school, and alumni returned to help and reconnect. The tradition of community and simple joy and fun Janice brought to that first event continues at Brogden’s Community Day bringing several hundred people each year. This is just an example of the impact that Janice had on me and on so many families in Durham. I’m attaching a picture of me and Janice as we took a moment to celebrate at the end of Brogden’s Community Day in 2022.