People of the Year—John Narvell

Patch recognizes people or groups with a People of the Year award for their contributions to Havre de Grace in 2011. Nominees were submitted by Patch readers via , email or on Facebook.

JOHN NARVELL

If it's a major event in Havre de Grace, John Narvell is likely involved.

carnival and . The . Anything with the city's parks and recreation committee has Narvell's fingerprints.

Narvell has been the president of the parks and rec committee since 1982.

"He has worked tirelessly to improve the quality and availability of recreation activities and facilities for our community," John's wife, Carolyn said. "His all volunteer work has served to improve the quality of life in Havre de Grace, particularly for the youth of our city and surrounding area."

Local business owner and Patch Local Voices columnist made reference to the Narvells in earlier this year: "I think the thing that impresses me most about the Narvells is that they just keep on keeping on. A few years ago, the was the subject of lots of discussion and opinion. I suspect that few of those loud voices offered to help with the celebration in any way. But the Narvells didn’t let it get them down. They just worked harder to make the next year even better."

Narvell is knowledgeable on a number of subjects in town, and was able to earlier this year in regards to the now-defunct city skate park.

, the city's manager of tourism and marketing, said Narvell was "the backbone" behind the informational signage along The Promenade on the city's waterfront.

"John Narvell is one of those foundation blocks that has always been there," Peters said. "He touches it all."

And when it's impossible to touch everything in town, there's his partner in good—Carolyn—who was one of many nominating John for People of the Year recognition.

"They just shine together just as much," Peters said. "It's amazing that their kids grew up here, they went to school here. They have impacted not only this year, but previous years, and i hope for many, many years to come."

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