Oak Crest Residents Honored for Service During Star-Spangled Banner Celebration

PARKVILLE, MD—One resident helped to establish one of the busiest election precincts in Baltimore County. The other resident has made people feel welcome for the past seventeen years.

Together, these two residents of Oak Crest were honored for their service to others during the Erickson Living retirement community’s Star-Spangled Banner Celebration on September 17th.

Mrs. Jean Foster moved to Oak Crest with her husband, Tom, in 1995. They were Election Day volunteers at other precincts, but thought that Oak Crest could one day have its own polling place considering its size.

Three years later, that vision became a reality as Oak Crest became its own voting precinct for its 2,100 residents and nearby neighbors. Through the years, Mrs. Foster served as a judge and volunteer coordinator for primary and general elections, ensuring high turnout and a pleasant experience for voters.

“We greatly appreciate Mrs. Foster’s service and dedication to the election process,” stated Catherine Cohen, Director of Resident Life at Oak Crest. “She has laid the groundwork for us to continue to host elections here for many years to come.”

Mrs. Gladys Reed became chairwoman of the Oak Crest Welcoming Committee shortly after moving to the community with her husband seventeen years ago. In that capacity, she provided information, sent personal notes, made phone calls and hosted breakfasts for new residents.

“Gladys worked tirelessly to make new folks feel at home,” described Barbara Zorn, Chair of the Residents’ Advisory Council. “She affected thousands of people in a positive way, and we give here heartfelt thanks for her service as a volunteer.”

The awards were presented as the community celebrated the 200th anniversary of the National Anthem with patriotic music performed by the Oak Crest Village Chorus and the Edgewood High School Chamber Singers.