Meet Lisa Gallina, a dedicated volunteer and project captain with the Jewish Connection Network whose lifelong dedication to community service stems from her deep Baltimore roots. Growing up in Lochearn before moving to Reisterstown at age 10, Lisa was raised with her two sisters to be well-rounded—immersing herself in ballet, piano, drama, Girl Scouts and summers at Camp Milldale and Camp Louise.

Here are 13 things to learn about Lisa.

3. 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.

4. 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 Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC where I get to expend all my crazy energy teaching Latin dancing to members of all ages.  

6. How long have you been volunteering?

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 raised a lot of money, which we then took over to the TV station to turn in during the local telethon coverage.  

In the early 2000s, 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.”

7. What projects have you worked on thus far through JCN?

I have led several meaningful volunteer projects, including serving Christmas meals at the Hannah More Family Shelter in 2023 and 2024 and organizing activity time for families. In 2024, I also led a Good Deeds Day project at The Baltimore Station, providing lunch service. Looking ahead to April 2025, I am excited to lead a project at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, packing stuffed animal care packages through Noya’s Bears. 

8. 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.  

10. Can you tell a memorable story from your work 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.

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

I am a huge foodie and love to eat, cook and 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 JCC. I’ve also had season tickets to the Hippodrome for many years and look forward to seeing shows with my cousin every month.

12. 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).

13. What are some things 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.” 

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 to 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.