People of the Year—Karen Green

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.

KAREN GREEN

is a special person.

To many, she may be just a recognizable face. To most in Havre de Grace, she's a friend. To some, she's a hero.

With an infectious smile and a heart-warming laugh, Green has the ability to calm, motivate, inspire and refocus those around her. Simply by being Karen.

Green maintains that magnetizing personality despite her physical hardships. Green is battling kidney failure. She continues to work. She continues to support the programs and initiatives she helped create as Harford County's Parks and Recreation specialist for the Havre de Grace area.

Green spends fewer days at the office now, splitting her time between home, work and dialysis. But her presence is always felt at the .

"No matter what time of the day it is, morning, noon, or night you will always find Karen's car at the center. That is, unless she is in dialysis," said resident Dave Glenn.

"She has to go to dialysis three days a week. That is not an option. Despite her medical situation, she continues to put our kids first," Glenn said. "Whether it is sports and recreation programs, the , the , the annual Easter egg hunt, you will always find Karen in the middle of it. Her thumb print is on everything."

Green's compatriots at the have been awakened to a new world through her illness.

The , under Terri Glenn's guidance, created quilts for Green's fellow patients at dialysis. As Green said, dialysis patients can feel very cold during the process.

The volunteers who spend time with Green are inspired to put forth their best effort—and smile.

Community leaders and elected officials are wowed by Green's exuberant nature.

"I had an opportunity to be at the that they had. Karen was right there in the middle of everybody making sure everyone was having a good time," Havre de Grace said. "Karen is an individual who thinks about other individuals before she thinks about herself."

But most importantly, it's the children who are cognizant of Green's condition and her dedication that gain the most.

"She continues to inspire others with her ethics, her fortitude and attitude," Dave Elliott told Patch. "She is a role model in the truest sense. A beautiful person that has standards others can look up to."

In an email to the day after earlier this month, : "Twenty eight years ago, my employment lead me to a quiet city along the Susquehanna. I have never regretted the miracle that brought me to a world of wonder, magic and miracles called Havre de Grace."

Most in town would agree: the miracle was gifted to Havre de Grace. Not Karen.

Do you know Karen Green or have a story to share about her impact on Havre de Grace? Share it in the comments. Click below to add an image or video.