As a teen, I became involved with student government and I played the clarinet in the marching band and the keyboard in jazz band. My first job was at Twin Kiss, where I was employed for five years. I loved every single minute, working the front counter and also making (and eating!) subs, pizzas and ice cream sundaes (best job ever!).

Where did you attend school?

I graduated from Franklin High School in 1982 and continue to be in close touch with many of my friends from those days. After that, I went on to community college and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree, got married and had two baby boys. I was very active with the PTA during my kids’ elementary school years, acting on the board as Recording Secretary for many years and volunteering time on many family activities and fundraisers.

And what did you do for work?

As for my career, I worked as a legal assistant for various law firms in and around Baltimore for almost 40 years, and happily retired in April 2021.

Last year, at the age of 59, I became certified as a Zumba instructor, and I am currently employed part time at the Owings Mills JCC where I get to expend all my crazy energy teaching Latin dancing to members of all ages.

I am the oldest of three sisters, one of whom lives in Reisterstown, and the youngest is in White Plains, NY.

2025 is going to be a great year for me, as I am looking forward to welcoming my first grandson due in May and then attending my younger son’s wedding in Southern California later this summer.

How long have you been volunteering (either with Associated or in general?)

As a child, I remember being involved every year raising money for the Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.  With the help of my awesome dad, we hosted a “carnival” in our backyard when I was about 12 years old and we raised a lot of money, which we then took over to the T.V. station to turn in during the local telethon coverage.

In the early 2000’s, when my family belonged to Temple Emanuel, I became active with volunteering on Mitzvah Days. I remember driving my son downtown to Our Daily Bread to prepare and serve lunch to the homeless community, and another time donning gloves and orange reflective vests and picking up trash along the side of the road on “community clean-up day.”

What projects have you worked on thus far?

2023 – Project Leader: Mitzvah Month Volunteer at Hannah More Family Shelter (served Christmas dinner)

2024 – Project Leader: Good Deeds Day Project at The Baltimore Station (lunch service)

2024 – Project Leader: Mitzvah Month Volunteer at Hannah More Family Shelter (served lunch on Christmas Eve and hosted activity time with the families)

2025 – Coming up in April: “Pack Stuffed Animal Care Packages through Noya’s Bears” at BHC – looking forward to it!

Which activities were you the project captain on, and how did you get into that role?

I have been project captain on all that I have participated in so far. Kate Kirby asked me if I would be interested in that role, and I said “yes.” I am typically an outgoing and organized person and can efficiently multitask, so it just comes easy to me.

What is your favorite type of volunteer work?

I love it all, really, but I guess any kind of meal service is right up my alley due to my love of cooking.  Food equals love in my opinion, so when I can fill up someone’s tummy with nourishing food, it makes me feel good inside.

Can you tell a memorable story from your being involved with The Associated?

While at Hannah Moore last December on Christmas Eve, I saw a young girl sitting at a table all by herself after lunch. I asked her if she wanted to put a jigsaw puzzle together with me and she said “yes.” So we sat and worked on the puzzle and I asked her about her family and school, etc. She was shy and quiet, but I felt like we were able to bond for a short amount of time. I like to think that I helped to brighten up her day a little by engaging with her.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time, besides volunteering?

I am a huge foodie and love to eat, cook & bake, and have hosted many dinner parties and cookouts for friends and family through the years. During the winter months, it is not uncommon for me to bake literally hundreds of mini pumpkin breads to share with everyone!

In the summertime (my favorite season), I love to be outside as much as possible, either working in the garden, taking walks around the neighborhood, or heading to the beach with friends. I also love to read, travel, dance, play piano, and attend live music events with friends.

Over the years, I have acquired lots of fun hobbies, like crocheting, mahjong, and taking various fitness classes at the J. I’ve also had season tickets to the Hippodrome for many years and look forward to seeing shows with my cousin every month.

What are some other things in life that are important to you?

Family first, and friends (most of whom are like family).  And of course, I adore my kitties who provide me with unconditional love and affection.

Taking care of my body to ensure good health, because without that, you have no quality of life.

While not particularly religious, my strong spirituality and faith in G*d help to keep me grounded. I am definitely proud of my Jewish heritage.

Helping those in need, volunteering time, and offering acts of kindness (tikkun olam).

What are some things that not a lot of people know about you?

•  I am a “Dateline” junkie.

• Back in the day, I could type 110 words per minute.

•  I’ve shaken hands with Oprah, danced alongside Harry Connick, Jr. and stood a few feet away from George Clooney when he was in my office filming for “Syriana.”

Anything else interesting you’d like to share?

In 1994, when I was in the throes of an awful divorce, I was sitting at my desk at work one day when the following meaningful words on my daily calendar caught my eye … “The Only Way Out is Through.”

Feeling as if this was a sign from above, I tore out the calendar page and made that phrase my mantra. It truly changed my way of looking at things. 

Fast forward to 2021, I was unexpectedly faced with a tragic, life-changing incident and never thought I would be able muster any inner strength to move forward. Amazingly, those six little words that had helped me back then were able to help me find the light at the end of the tunnel. I am happy to say that I am now living my best life.  Incidentally, I still have that original calendar page from over 30 years ago and share its profound message with anyone who needs a boost of moral support.