NOTTINGHAM, MD—Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has announced the 2021 Fifth District Citizens of the Year.

The award, created by Councilman Marks when he began service as Fifth District representative, honors outstanding volunteers and community leaders who have made a difference in communities stretching from Towson to Kingsville.

The 2021 recipients are as follows:

Pat Keller, for service as President of the Perry Hall Improvement Association, and for his work in chairing numerous efforts to improve the quality of development in Perry Hall;

Tim Bonner, for his leadership in advancing recreational improvements throughout Baltimore County, and his overall support of the Perry Hall and Carney communities;

Brant and Tiffany Watts, for their extraordinary volunteer efforts in preparing the future Bierman park property, and their many hours of service to the Glenside Farms community;

Perry Hall Family Worship Center volunteers, for their heartfelt efforts to improve the community in countless charitable ways, reflecting Christian compassion and service to others;

Neal Houk, for his untold acts of generosity in the community, including those associated with the Perry Hall Family Worship Center which reflect Christian compassion and service to others;

Greg Heitner, for his leadership in advancing recreational improvements throughout Baltimore County, and his efforts to create the new park at the Bierman property in Perry Hall;

Ed Beranek; for his leadership in advancing recreational improvements throughout northeastern Baltimore County, and his leadership in creating the new park at the Bierman property in Perry Hall;

Jim Lightner, for his outstanding contributions to the Seven Oaks Senior Center and aging-related efforts in Baltimore County;

Paul Hartman, for his outstanding service as Fifth District representative on the Baltimore County Planning Board, and his leadership with numerous Towson initiatives;

Nick Linehan, for his leadership on the Green Towson Alliance Workgroup on Radebaugh Park. Nick looked at the 2.4 acres on a hillside covered with old, deteriorating greenhouses and driveways, and envisioned an open, natural park with 2 terraces for rest and play, ADA-compliant paths for walking, and gentle slopes and a bioswale to absorb the stormwater that comes down the hill from Burke Ave and on its way to the western branch of the Herring Run;

Beth Miller, for her leadership with the Green Towson Alliance, and her ongoing efforts to improve the quality of development and environmental conservation in the Towson area; and

Nancy Goldring, for her ongoing efforts to revitalize the East Towson community.

“On behalf of all those whose lives have been impacted by these volunteers, I thank the 2021 class of the Fifth District Citizens of the Year,” said Councilman Marks.

Councilman Marks solicited public input and recommendations from local leaders in identifying candidates.

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels