In the spirit of the holidays, I asked local residents if they had anybody they wanted to thank. I was overwhelmed with responses. Here is what many of them shared.
Jon and Katherine Wikstrom, of Campus Hills, thank the men and women who collect our garbage and recycling. "They get up early every day, more often than not with a smile and a friendly wave."
Tamee Bollinger, president of Campus Hills Community Association, is grateful for the board members dedicated to their neighborhood. "The following have exemplified the spirit of giving and have often filled more than one role: Will Hill, Wesley Wood, Greg Finnerty, Benny Louie, and Michele Mangiafico."
Wesley Wood, in turn, thanks Paul Hartman, outgoing president of Greater Towson Council of Community Associations. "Paul has been an articulate spokesman by testifying at hearings against rooming/boarding houses to help maintain our quality of life."
Cheryl Womack-Whye, professional development school coordinator at Loch Raven Technical Academy, commends Greg Suber, school resource officer. "He works continually to provide information, resources, and constructive connections in an effort to highlight positive choices."
Karen Williams, of Loch Raven Village, is grateful for the staff at A+ Care at Babcock Presbyterian Church. "I thank Emily Meoli, "Mrs. Carol," Pastor Harry [Cahill] and the rest of the staff. They do such a wonderful job taking care of all the kids in the before- and after-school program."
Ruth Schaefer, of Timonium, is grateful for Cathy Burgess, executive director of the Assistance Center of Towson Churches. "[Cathy is] a compassionate director who carries out and develops projects and activities designed to provide food and numerous other emergency services for the needy in our communities."
Mike Barger, of Towson, thanks Pollard's Towing, among other local towing companies. "I think they do a great service. These companies and the drivers are pretty much always working. They are also some of the ones that head out in the snow to plow the parking lots so you and I can continue our lives."
Tracy Barr, volunteer coordinator and parent service coordinator for Pleasant Plains Elementary, thanks Maria Kowalevicz, Vera Shipley, Stephen Reisinger and Ann Pierson of the Point Breeze Pioneers Organization for donating $400 to help replenish the school's 100 Book Challenge Reading Program. "We are so thankful for their outreach to us and for their extraordinary generosity."
Jen Arrogancia, of Rodgers Forge, thanks neighbor Rob Williams for being a selfless member of the community. "He is constantly watching out for the neighborhood. He walks dogs for neighbors and helps anyone he can. I am grateful for all he does to make the neighborhood safe."
Beth Renwick thanks Stu Sirota, former president of the Rodgers Forge Community Association, and all of the other neighbors who worked so hard to successfully save the trees on the Dumbarton Middle School/Rodgers Forge Elementary School property.
Happy Holidays, Towson! Be sure to express your thanks to the members in your community who are making a positive difference in the lives of others.