Annual awards ceremony showcases volunteers who make Olney strong

by Judith Hruz

Editor

The Greater Olney Community Awards on March 30 provided a snapshot of the people, and in some cases organizations and businesses, who make the community strong and cohesive.

If there is something good about the town, chances are one of the award recipients is responsible for getting it done.

The recipients of the annual Greater Olney Civic Association (GOCA) Awards, the Olney Chamber of Commerce Awards and the Olney Civic Fund grant recipients were honored for their contributions, but they will tell you they are grateful for the chance to help the community.

The awards began decades ago with GOCA, a dedicated and integral part of the community in and of itself, who each March honors those who help Olney thrive.

“I have always thought it was important to take time to bring the community together to recognize the importance of people’s contributions, big and small, to building a strong community,” said Helene Rosenheim, longtime community volunteer who has served in various capacities on the GOCA board and other organizations. “But in the current stressful and chaotic environment, this event is even more important than ever to focus on the need to get involved.  And, in a community like ours, there are lots of ways to get involved.”

A reception and awards ceremony was held at the Oak Room at Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department’s Station 4 in Sandy Spring.

GOCA Awards

Howard J. Garber Memorial Citizen of the Year: Kathy Curtis — For the past 10 years, Kathy Curtis has coordinated and organized the Olney Days Parade, which is the event that was the beginning of the Olney Days celebration. During that time, she has leant her management skills to the organization of the parade. All of the improvements ensure that none of the steps necessary to put on a successful parade fall between the cracks and the community is able to enjoy a more well run, better organized, safe and fun parade, GOCA officials said.

Contribution to Community Award: Stephen Green — Stephen Green is the manager at Giant Food in town. He is always approachable and open to support community groups. He and his team are often out on the floor where the customers are and they know many by name.

Contribution to Community Award: Richard Leotta — When Police Officer Noah Leotta was working to protect the public on a drunk driving task force in December 2015, he was struck by a drunk driver and died. He was 24 years old. At that time, Maryland had some of the country’s weakest penalties for drunk and impaired drivers. Noah’s father, Rich Leotta, while facing unimaginable pain, has been advocating for stronger laws and ignition interlock systems to be placed in the vehicles of all drunk driving offenders in Maryland. It has taken years to pass Noah’s Law and to patch up loopholes, but Rich Leotta’s determination and tenacity have made all the residents of Olney, Montgomery County and the state of Maryland safer from drunk drivers.

Youth Contribution to Community Award: Andy Perera — Andy Perera’s Eagle Scout project was to collect worn American flags and properly dispose of them at an inspirational ceremony at the Flags for Our Heros Memorial Days observance at Bohrer Park. Andy conceived the idea and led a group of scouts to construct the flag deposit boxes. He reached out to groups and individuals throughout the community to publicize the effort and arranged for the ceremonies for their proper retirement. His efforts brought together many Olney-area groups and involved many private citizens in paying respect to our country and its flag. He is an Eagle Scout in BSA Troop 457 at St. Patrick’s Church on Muncaster Mill Road.

Ron Berger Memorial Heritage Award: Alden English — When the Englishes moved to Olney in 1968, Alden became involved in many aspects of Oakdale Emory Church, where he has held various positions, especially building-related. He has done much planting and landscaping, and helped with critically needed fundraising for the church. He has been an active member of the Men’s group, has been involved in the Buildings Committees for nearly 50 years and served as the building engineer for 10 years. English launched his own landscaping business, English Gardens, and built English Gardens plant center. He planted many of the trees in the then-new Olney Mill subdivision, as well as along Route 108. He became part of the new Olney Square community surrounding the garden center and hosted its annual summer picnics at his home. As Olney grew, English and a few others founded the Olney Boys Club. He joined Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department in 1969, serving as EMT, answering active fire calls, and taking on roles as officers, including president. He received an award for outstanding service in 2011 and 2012, and continues to be actively involved with the fire department.

GOCA Worker of the Year Award: Matt Quinn — Wearing various hats in the community, including that of GOCA’s 2^nd vice president, Quinn  has worked with State Senator Craig Zucker and the District 14 delegation to obtain the funding from the state to purchase and renovate the vacant bank building on the southeast corner of Georgia Ave and Spartan Road to use as a community center, which has been a long-standing desire of the community.

Olney Civic Fund

The Olney Civic Fund recently joined the celebration, handing out grants to local organizations.

Olney Civic Fund (OCF) awarded grants to five recipients, who will use the funds to support the arts and the overall health, safety and well-being of the Olney community. A total of $25,000 raised by OCF is being gifted through grants back to the community.

“Groups and nonprofits that benefit Olney and its residents help make our community a vibrant place to live,” said Jodi Finkelstein, chair of the OCF Gifting Committee.

The Olney Rotary will install two AEDs (automated external defibrillators) providing life-saving equipment to those that experience a cardiac event. Hopefully they will never be needed, but will be close by when every minute is crucial.

The Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department will receive funds to make repairs to their Fire Safety Trailer.

Sherwood Community Chamber Choir will receive funds to support staff so all who wish to sing can, including a new choir serving youth in grades 4-8.

Sherwood High School Compostology will reduce food waste by 50 percent by setting up compost bins in the cafeteria. What the students learn can create new habits and continue throughout their lives.

Medstar Montgomery Medical Center will be awarded funds to help renovate the Addiction and Mental Health Center, making it a safer and more welcoming environment for patients and their families.

“The 2025 Community Grants allow OCF to live its motto of ‘Give Where You Live,’” said Barbara Falcigno of the OCF Board of Directors. “Great nonprofits serve the Olney area and OCF is pleased to support them, which is one of the reasons Olney is a great place to live.”

Olney Chamber of Commerce

The Olney Chamber of Commerce honored business and public safety officials for their contributions to the community, marking the second year as part of the awards program.

    The Young Professionals of the Year Award went to Walter Giusti and Sofia Taramona of Pegasus General Contractors, who were raised in Olney and are deeply committed to their community. Giusti, the founder of Pegasus, and Taramona, a successful esthetician and chamber volunteer, have supported numerous local initiatives, sponsored chamber events, and contributed to community organizations.

The Business of the Year Award went to Christopher’s Hardware & Garden Center, a family-owned business that has become a cornerstone of the Olney community. “Their recent expansion, combined with their exceptional service, customer care and local involvement, showcases their dedication to the region’s growth and well-being,” according to the Chamber of Commerce.

Sean Stanfield, owner of What’s Up Promotions, was recognized as Business Leader of the Year for his “unwavering support” of the chamber and the local business community, said the chamber. Through sponsorships, committee involvement and direct contributions, Sean has helped strengthen business connections, recruit new chamber members and ensure the success of key community events.

The Olney Public Safety Award went to Officer Sean McKinney for his courage and investigative skills in a high-risk law enforcement operation that resulted in the arrest of a dangerous suspect and the removal of illegal firearms from the community, according to the chamber. His leadership, quick decision-making and commitment to justice embody the highest standards of law enforcement.

Also receiving the Olney Public Safety Award was Chief George W. Brown Jr., who has dedicated over six decades to fire and rescue services. As a chief emeritus and Life Member of Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department (SSVFD), “his unmatched leadership, mentorship and lifelong service have shaped the local fire and rescue community, leaving a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of Olney residents,” the chamber said.