After  37 long years, a Germantown woman has finally met her French pen pal.

Mary Ann Fitzpatrick sealed and signed her first letter to Beatice Aillet October 14, 1972 at age 14. Over the course of those years, the women had two children each – Aillet named Fitzpatrick her first child Raphael’s godmother. Thirty eight years after their first letter, the two met October 6 at Dulles International Airport.

The occasion? Fitzpatrick’s oldest child is getting married.

According to the Gazette, Fitzpatrick said: “When we met, it was like we’d known each other forever. Over the years, people were somewhat fascinated that we’d kept in touch. We were there for a lot of life’s big moments. Betty was always there as one of my best friends.”

Over the years, the women sent each other gifts and mementos from their lives, such as holy water, records and clothes. When Aillet’s son was born, Fitzpatrick sent over a box of baby clothes and $20. Aillet sent a pocket watch in the form of a necklace, and both women have saved each other’s letters in boxes.

They did lose touch for a few years at a point when Fitzpatrick moved from Maryland to Florida and back to Germantown. However, the friendship returned in the form of e-mails.

Fitzpatrick gave 50 cents to International Youth Service and received the name and address of Aillet in the early 70’s. These days, the service based in Finland is no more, thanks to the Internet. Still, the women have very fond memories of scouting out gifts for each other while out shopping and swapping memories. Now, Aillet is hoping Fitzpatrick will visit her hometown of Dijon some day.

Regardless, they say they will never be out of touch again.

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Oktoberfest Alive and Kicking

Forty sponsors have kept the Germantown Oktoberfest alive, but the donated funds aren’t nearly as much as they used to be.

Despite the generous donations, including a $10,000 grant from the city council, but many are unsure as to whether or not the event will go on next year due to a shaken economy. So far, $19,500 has been raised by local donors, so in all, $29,500 has been raised (obviously). This is lackluster compared to the $40,000 the endeavor usually pulls in.

Oktoberfest is a Worthy Cause

All proceeds from Oktoberfest go to local charities that participate, as well as two others selected by a committee. They receive up to $1,500 of the money made on food and vendor rental spaces. The charities chosen this year? Two local high school after-prom parties.

As unsure as the future of Oktoberfest is, some businesses are putting the event in their budget for next year. Oktoberfest is no doubt an important staple of the Germantown community, and hopes to see brighter days ahead.

Oktoberfest was started in 1982 by local residents and organizations.

Oktoberfest Information

What: Germantown Oktoberfest

When: Saturday, 11 a.m.-dusk

Where: Ridge Road Park, 21155 Frederick Road, Germantown.

Details: Live music, biergarten, German and American food, children’s games, exhibits by local crafters, artisans and businesses. Only handicapped and vendor parking is permitted at the park. Shuttle service provided from satellite parking is at 10501 and 10511 Seneca Meadows Parkway.

www.germantownoktoberfest.com for information on this year’s Oktoberfest.

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