Here at Team Whisler we’ve developed our Top 10 list of New Year’s Resolutions. 2010 is going to be an excellent year. Of course it will be, because, come November, Steve will be elected and the world will be a safer place. (or at least the county…nope, I’ll stick with the world.).
So, we’re shared ours, now it’s your turn to share yours. What’s on your Top 10 list for 2010? Heck, I’ll settle for your Top 5, or even 2! Post comments below!
1) Spend more time with the family, neighbors, and friends. We hope to see you at one of our terrific parks, libraries, and/or senior centers in southwest Baltimore County. You’ll meet new friends and discover great things about our communities! And they’re all FREE! Can’t beat that!
2) Volunteer in our public and private schools. Whether or not you have school-age children, consider donating your time to help teachers and school staff whenever possible. Serve as a lunchroom monitor, help promote safety before and after school, and/or help teachers prepare for the next day.
3) Do more to recycle electronic goods. Consumers will throw away about 400 million electronics in 2010. Sell, donate or recycle old electronics instead. You’d be surprised that many area small businesses may appreciate the donations, too!
4) Preserve our environment. Don’t wash paint thinners, household cleaners, or pesticides down drains. Instead, discard these items at the county refuse site off Hollins Ferry Road or donate unused items to a neighbor or local charity.
5) Participate in Operation Welcome Home events at the Thurgood Marshall / BWI airport. As a retired US Navy combat veteran, it meant so much to Steve to see smiling, friendly faces when he returned home from the Middle East. You will want to participate in these great events again and again!
6) Support local volunteer fire department (VFD) fundraising efforts. The five VFDs in our region augment Baltimore County career stations to provide fire, rescue, and emergency services. Did you know that the County provides just a fraction of the funds necessary for VFDs to purchase trucks, technology, and training?
7) Challenging your property tax assessment and pay less property taxes. Read your property tax assessment bill carefully. Maryland home values have dropped by about 15-20%, but state bureaucrats continue to increase assessments. Spend more money on your family in 2010!
Pitch in around your community. Whether you shovel away snow on a neighbor’s sidewalk, participate in a neighborhood crime watch program, or attend a community meeting, do something nice for neighbors at least one a month in 2010.
9) Attend a local Police Community Relations meeting. Two great organizations in southwest Baltimore County support our brave officers. If you live south of Route 40, contact Lorna Rudnikas who is the president of the Wilkens Police Community Relations Organization. Those above Route 40 should contact Bernice West who serves as the president of the Woodlawn Police Community Relations Organization.
10) Support local businesses and help save valuable jobs. We have so many great shops and restaurants in our business districts in Lansdowne, Arbutus, Catonsville, Westview Mall, and Security Square Mall. You, not the government, will create or save jobs for our neighbors and friends! What is your favorite local joint?
That’s it! Although, I’ll let you in on a little secret. These aren’t really resolutions for Steve. He’s already doing them. Just another reason (or should I say 10) to elect Steve to the County Council. Happy New Year!
