Green Towson Alliance rewarded for their creation of a park

Councilman David Marks on Jan. 6 awarded the Green Towson Alliance with the 5th District “Citizens of the Year” award for its dedication over the past four years in establishing the Radebaugh Neighborhood Park in Towson’s Aigburth Manor neighborhood.

Workgroup Committee leader Carol Newill and team members Avery Harden, Nick Linehan, Tracey Marcantoni, Shannon McDonald, Richard Ames-Ledbetter, and Brough Schamp were joined by Kaitlyn Radebaugh and Spencer Fastie, from Radebaugh Florists, park neighbor Mary Lous Stenchly and other neighbors and Green Towson Alliance members who gathered at the park entrance as Marks presented the award.

Radebaugh Neighborhood Park, at 11 Maryland Ave., formerly the location of old greenhouses for Radebaugh Florists, will be a beautiful addition to the area. So much thought has been put into making it a unique green space rather than a flat, empty field. The 3.76-acre plot will feature varied terrain and native plants and offer a peaceful place for people to walk, play, picnic or just spend time relaxing in nature.

Clothing for Others

Perhaps you’ve found that (for better or worse) your clothes aren’t quite your size these days. Or, maybe the new year has inspired you to “Marie Kondo” your closet. Changing your wardrobe could help change someone’s future. If you have professional clothing that is in good shape, consider passing it on to someone who could use it to make 2020 their best year yet. Loyola Blakefield high school in West Towson will be holding a clothing drive on Feb. 15-16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside of Knott Hall, to benefit Attire 4 Hire and Dress for Success.

Volunteers will be collecting lightly used business suits, dress pants, dress shirts, ties and dress shoes for men, and interview-appropriate suits, blouses, separates, shoes and scarves for women (prom dresses will also be accepted at this collection). Attire 4 Hire at the Franciscan Center of Baltimore provides professional clothing free of charge to economically disadvantaged men, aiming to increase confidence and self-worth. Dress for Success Greater Baltimore empowers women to break the cycle of poverty and attain safer, better futures.

Blazer Swim Success

Finally, I’d like to use a bit of space to give a shout-out to the Notre Dame Preparatory high school varsity swim team (full disclosure, my daughter’s on the team). At the Jan. 15 meet against McDonogh, the undefeated Blazers beat the Eagles for the first time since 2015. Then, at the National Catholic High School Swimming and Diving Championship Meet at Loyola University on Jan. 18-19, NDP took home first place with a stellar score of 399 points, NDP swim coach Terri Byrd was named Coach of the Year, and NDP’s 200-meter freestyle relay broke the meet record. Next up will be the IAAM Conference Championship meet on Feb. 2, which also will take place at Loyola University. Congratulations on your achievements, ladies, and best of luck this weekend!