My family has called Westminster home for more than 45 years – if you include my husband who graduated from Western Maryland and remained here. Though our children are thriving hither and yon these days, their strong roots are here. I found this gem of a town because of journalism; the company that owned The Carroll County Times transferred me from the rural hills of Tennessee to Maryland, and I worked as the newspaper’s city editor when I was MANY years younger. McDaniel College was my professional home for more than 20 years; I also enjoy/ed volunteering for The Carroll Arts Center, ARC of Carroll County, Rape Crisis Intervention Center, Common Ground on the Hill, local and state campaigns. For years I was a reporter, and then the editor, for Carroll Magazine; I still write for the publication and love it tons. I also work as a consultant and write for a health magazine based in Charleston, SC. Time with family and nature – cards games and a glass or wine with friends – fuel me.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We are a loving bunch with diverse interests. Social work, law, construction management, education, nursing, recruitment, banking – our legacies, hopefully, will be the people and the communities we help. Odd humor, a love for board games and books, all things water and mountain related, faith – for some- and, unfortunately, rising up from ashes -are what we share in common.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?Educator, writer, fisherwoman, retiree. Everything I do introduces me to new people, immerses me in communities and/or offers alone time. I strive for a balance of all.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite places or events in our community?
The Carroll Arts Center and The Agricultural Center
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Most movies at the local arts center and The Charles Theater. TV – meh.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Get outside every season – without technology; meet someone who is not like you and learn from them; get your news from at least three sources that contradict each other.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
It’s a threesome: Joni Mitchell, Pete Seeger and The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Maya Angelou at Island Green. Can you imagine the magic of that moment? We might even “hit” a bucket of balls after we talk about writing to heal – ourselves and others.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Westminster, thanks to local leaders who give tirelessly and engaged residents, has sustainable charm – parades, Hoffman’s Ice cream, Baugher’s Orchard and Market, farmers markets, cultural events at the arts center, McDaniel College and Carroll Community College. The younger generation is partnering with seasoned residents and the community of givers, life lovers rolls on.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Those who know me, know what matters – lol.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Love
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Family
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
All deserve one.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I consider everything I do a bucket list item – really.
Q: How can I know if someone I am speaking with is a good connection for you? Please include your website link.
Anyone who is a giver and has time to share talents, funding, brainpower to lift up folks – would love to meet them. No website, but is someone searches my name and reads a few stories, Editor’s Notes – they will learn just as much. Thanks.
