Throughout the Fifth District, there are outstanding men and women who work tirelessly to improve their neighborhoods. I have decided to create an annual award to honor three citizens who have worked in different ways in their communities.
In the Towson area, I am honoring Loni Ingraham, who worked for 24 years as a local journalist. She was best known as principal reporter for the Towson Times. Upon her retirement, The Baltimore Sun noted that “the job Loni has accomplished most completely is that of storyteller, whose tales of local residents, events and issues have chronicled the lives, times, struggles, setbacks and victories of the greater Towson community.”
In the Loch Raven/Parkville area, I am honoring Bill Deysher, president of the Ridgeleigh Community Association. Ridgeleigh includes 1,100 units (mostly brick rowhomes) between Loch Raven Boulevard, Putty Hill Avenue, Oakleigh Avenue, and Joppa Road. This neighborhood is commonly called “the Oaks.” Over the past year, I have been greatly impressed by the energy and genuine affection residents feel for their community. Much of their success is due to the tireless leadership of Bill Deysher.
In the Perry Hall area, I am honoring Dennis Hoover, who is leaving the Baltimore County Planning Board after a decade of service. The Planning Board reviews zoning, development, and infrastructure throughout the county. While on the Planning Board, Dennis was a tireless advocate for the construction of the new Perry Hall library. He also worked for new traffic calming policies, and most recently has served on the Perry Hall Dog Park Committee.
I am very proud to honor these three outstanding citizens.