As elementary school students, Alee and Annie Pagnotti thought it might be nice to deliver homemade Easter baskets to women living in shelters.
More than seven years and 1,000 baskets later, the Pikesville sisters are now known as the Peter Cottontails of Baltimore County. Now busy high school students and athletes ? who still deliver Easter cheer ? they were too swamped even to claim awards Monday at the county?s annual Good Neighbor Week kickoff luncheon recognizing their goodwill.
“They were just thrilled,” said their father, Tony Pagnotti. “They think this notoriety will get even more people to join the Bunny Brigade, as they call it.”
From Talmon and Queenesther Russell, a quiet couple who tend community gardens in Turners Station, to Middle River?s infamous Hal Ashman, whosponsors a Paddle for a Cure event to raise money for breast cancer research, the 11th annual ceremony also honored schools, civic groups and church leaders for building bridges across race, religion and culture in county communities.
A selection committee chose 22 honorees out of more than 70 nominations, including the Rev. Frederick Weimer as this year?s county representative in the statewide Maryland You Are Beautiful contest.
Other winners such as Lavinia Jackson dedicate hours to homebound seniors with grocery shopping and trips to doctors appointments. Rosedale resident Evelyn Gibson was honored for diligently reporting crimes and testifying in court, and managing the Citizens on Patrol program for her community.
“They have all given of their time and energy to make Baltimore County an even better place to live,” said County Executive Jim Smith. “I am very proud that so many Baltimore County residents are committed to strengthening our community and to reaching out to help neighbors become friends.”
