Eric Washington hasn't had an extra incentive to continue volunteering with the Edmondson-Westview Recreation and Parks Council for several years now.
His daughter, Erica, is preparing for her sophomore softball season at Coppin State University.
His son, Antoine, is a senior at the University of Maryland where he will graduate with a degree in sports medicine.
But even though his children aged out of EDRECO sports years ago, Washington serves as commissioner and coach for the softball program and orders equipment.
He's also been known to run the concession stand or do field maintenance when necessary.
Paul Schneider, president of EDRECO since 1986, said in the two years since Washington became commissioner of the softball program, participation has increased from 100 to 150 players.
"I've never asked him anything that he hasn't taken time and done for me," Schneider, 76, said. "Eric is a super guy. He just can't do enough for you."
"I don't know what the heck we'd do without him," Schneider said.
Last week, Washington's 16 years of volunteerism were recognized as Baltimore County named him a Shining Star.
During the sixth annual Shining Stars awards ceremony Dec. 13 in Towson, 46 other volunteers, one from each recreation and nature council in the county, were also recognized.
"It means that you're appreciated, and everybody likes to be appreciated," Washington said of what the award meant to him. "I just like the results. The kids that play after school sports very seldom get in trouble."
Washington, an Edmondson Heights resident for 18 years, grew up playing rec sports in Baltimore.
His passion has changed from playing to making sure others can, but that passion has not wavered.
"I like to see them learn to play the game the right way," Washington said. "It still keeps me doing something positive."
His commitment to the council has evolved since he started coaching softball and girls basketball in 1997.
He has also coached boys basketball, held the position of manager of the softball program and served as assistant commissioner for girls basketball and of softball.
After 10 years as assistant commissioner of the softball program, Washington became commissioner of the program in 2009.
When Erica chose to play in a more competitive softball league a couple of years ago, she assumed her father would transfer his role to that league, Washington said.
After all, her dad had introduced her to the sport and taught her much of what she knew.
Instead, he remained with EDRECO.
"Some of these things, I like to do," Washington recalled explaining to her.
Washington recently made a major change to the softball program, turning it from slow to fast pitch.
Watching his players make the adjustment, learn the new rules and strategy and improve provided him with a strong a sense of satisfaction, he said.
Because he spends a lot of time volunteering in the recreation programs, Washington said he makes sure to find time to spend with his wife of 25 years, Rene, whom he recruited to coach a softball team one year when the league had a shortage of coaches.
The main reason Washington willingly sacrifices time with family and away from his rug cleaning business is because of the important role he believes sports play.
"It's about the children. It's really about the children," he said.
Though he plays a major role within the council, Washington is quick to note that the program succeeds thanks to the work of many volunteers, not just him.
"We have a lot of good people to help out. I just designate," he said. "We just kind of work together. Ultimately I'm responsible, and they do a good job."
Friends of Benjamin Banneker
In 2011, the county saw 68,500 volunteers donate 1.5 million hours to support 1,945 nature and recreation council programs, according to a release from Baltimore County.
During her 12 years as recording secretary for the Friends of Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Julie DeMatteis played a significant role in establishing the Annual Colonial Market Day, according to the release.
The free June event transports visitors back to the 19th century when Benjamin Banneker lived.
Her efforts in support of the program made her a Shining Star.
Catonsville Rec Council
In 1990, Barry Lloyd started a 12-team Ultimate program, a game similar to football that uses a Frisbee.
Under his leadership, the program has grown to 700 players divided among 30 teams, the release stated.
A Catonsville native, Lloyd organizes an annual charity Hat Tournament that has collected thousands of pounds of food and clothing for the Community Assistance Network, the release stated.
Outside of the Ultimate program, Lloyd has led the effort to add lighting to the Banneker Community Center, the release stated.
Those efforts made the Columbia resident a Shining Star.
Therapeutic Recreation
Ten years ago, Angela Schwartz and her son TJ joined Champion Baseball, a league consisting of players ages 5 to 18 that have disabilities.
The Arbutus resident and mother of four began volunteering as a coach in 2003 and has acted as chairwoman for the league since 2004.
Last week, her efforts with the league, which plays its games behind Catonsville Elementary School and includes players with and without disabilities, earned her recognition as a Shining Star.