2015 Very Special Arts Festival

Woodberry Crossing has been supporting the VSAF for countless years! They bring the fabulous petting zoo which is always a highlight of the festival. We are so excited to raise funds to support Woodberry Crossing in memory of Jake Janiak.

Jake passed away on January 1, 2015. He has been a consistent and fabulous volunteer at the VSAF, working at the petting zoo, along with his family, since he was in elementary school in BCPS.

While he is greatly missed, his bright spirit and boundless energy will live on through the great works and programs at Woodberry Crossing. Every summer, Jake worked at the Woodberry Crossing summer camp with many urban youngsters, providing them fun-filled days, interacting with farm and exotic animals, and opportunities to experience the wondrous nature of Woodberry Crossing’s beautiful setting in Parkton, MD.

From Woodberry Crossing (http://www.woodberrycrossing.org/):

It is with great sadness we need to share the news that one of our camp counselors, Jake Janiak died on New Year's Day. Jake has been a part of Woodberry since he was 3 years old. Early on he was the one who got run over by the emu. He was found riding the donkey by himself (totally forbidden). He is the one who talked his 2nd grade teacher into bringing the class to Woodberry instead of going to the zoo, to culminate their study of vertebrates. That program continued for several years after Jake moved and changed schools. As a part of his college entrance requirement he wrote a beautiful account of teacng a camp kid to ride a bike and how much it meant to both of them. He will be remembered for his ability to chat with anyone and make them feel comfortable, for his enthusiasm and daring and for his kindness and humor. . .

We miss you Jake!