Bruce and Martha Sue Soles of Gloucester have been selected as this year’s grand marshals for the Gloucester Daffodil Festival Parade, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 1.
Born and raised in Gloucester, the couple has a long history of being deeply involved in their community. Bruce has been a lifelong member of Singleton United Methodist Church, where he now serves as chairman of the administrative council. Martha Sue joined the church after the couple married and now plays the piano at the church.
“To give back to the community means a lot to us,” said Martha Sue.
Bruce has been a member of the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad since he was 18 years old and is now president of the organization. Martha Sue and Bruce served on the rescue squad together until they were expecting their first child.
“It’s been real rewarding,” said Bruce about his time with GVFRS, where he has worn many hats.
Martha Sue’s business, The Silver Box, has been a fixture of Gloucester Main Street for more than 20 years. She opened her business in 2001 as a way to cover the costs of her children’s education.
“I feel very blessed for the support of the community,” said Martha Sue. “I just never thought it would still be open.”
Martha Sue also uses her business to help homeless members of the community.
“I have a heart for the homeless,” said Martha Sue.
She will take donations at the shop on a regular basis, and will also buy extra water and juice to donate. She donates gift cards to the Salvation Army over the holidays and will also donate items to Helping the Homeless Ministries throughout the year.
“When it’s cold, I can’t imagine sleeping outside and wondering where your next meal is coming from,” said Martha Sue.
For her birthday and Christmas, she will tell people to donate to Helping the Homeless or GUEST.
“That’s what means the most to me,” said Martha Sue.
Both Martha Sue and Bruce are members of the Ware River Yacht Club. Martha Sue is also a member of the York River Circle of The King’s Daughters.
The couple’s community service and involvement made them fitting choices to serve as grand marshals for the festival.
Martha Sue’s ties to the Daffodil Festival began in 1938, when her grandmother initiated the Daffodil Tour. This later became the Daffodil Driving Tour. As a little girl, Martha Sue would pick daffodils and give them to people in the community.
Since opening The Silver Box, Martha Sue said that she has seen snow fall on the weekend of the Daffodil Festival a few times.
Bruce and Martha Soles have been married for over 40 years and have two children and two grandchildren.