Who says old-fashioned values are lost on today?s techno-driven, me-first generation? Ann Marsh of Phoenix knows better.
Her daughter, Lindsay, just turned 20 and celebrated her departure from the teen years by asking her friends and family to take the money they would have spent on gifts and donate it to her favorite cause ? Habitat for Humanity.
“During my senior year at Notre Dame Prep ? as a part of my community service, I got involved with Habitat, and it made a huge impression on me. I plan to continue with it when I finish design school,” Lindsay said. Habitat for Humanity, according to its Web site, has helped change the lives of more than 30,000 American families. Building affordable housing takes a lot of volunteer time and money. How refreshing to learn that this young lady is doing both.
For information on the Maryland Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitat.org, then key in your ZIP code for the office closest to you.
A VALUABLE LESSON LEARNED
They say that playing football prepares kids for life. Well, here?s a lesson one young Ravens fan learned the hard way after Tuesday morning?s practice. And it didn?t involve passing or catching a football.
Linebacker Adalius Thomas, a pretty imposing guy at 6 feet, 2 inches and 270 pounds, is one of the Ravens? most receptive players, both to the media and the fans. But he drew the line after one young autograph-seeker ? holding out a football in the area reserved for The Ravens Rookies (for kids 12 and under) ? blurted out: “Please A.D., today?s my brother?s birthday!” The Pro Bowler, who was busy signing everything thrust in front of him, stopped, eyed the youngster carefully and asked, “Where is he? Is he here?” The boy nodded yes. “Go get him,” Adalius said. In less than a minute, he was back ? with his brother. One problem ? the boy seeking the autograph was white, his “brother” was black. “Uh, he?s my half-brother,” the autograph-seeker stammered. “When?s your birthday?” Adalius asked the other youngster. “In October,” came the reply.
Adalius looked at the autograph-seeker and said, “Why did you lie to me? I give autographs to everybody.” As the crowd of young Ravens fans watched ? and listened, A.D. continued: “You didn?t have to lie to me. Now, you?re not getting my autograph.” As a linebacker, A.D. is used to leaving an impression on the field. But this lesson hit home for a lot of impressionable kids. Good job, A.D.
DID YOU KNOW?
» That actor Kevin Bacon?s sister, Elinor Bacon, who lives here in Baltimore, also shares the spotlight in the area of building. She has 25 years of experience in the housing, real estate development and community development.
» That the V-Fest set for Pimlico Race Course on Sept. 21 has reached the halfway mark in ticket sales. Organizers are expecting 55,000 people for the event, which features headliners The Who and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, to name a few.
» Gilman grad Christopher Patternotte has made his dream come true by opening Vin, a restaurant and lounge in Towson.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the society columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
