The Baltimore Ravens and BGE have selected four outstanding community volunteers as their 2013 Community Quarterback Award recipients. Supported by NFL Charities and the Ravens Foundation and funded by BGE, the award recognizes individuals who exemplify dedication, leadership and commitment to improving the communities in which they live through volunteerism, with a focus on education, environment, community development and arts & culture. The four honorees will be honored at M&T Bank Stadium this Sunday (12/8), when the Ravens host the Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m.). Each Community Quarterback will be awarded game tickets for themselves and a guest, Ravens apparel, autographed memorabilia, a commemorative plaque and a $3,000 financial grant benefitting their respective nonprofit organization. The 2013 Community Quarterbacks and their accomplishments are listed below:* *
Thomas Clavell: Sons of the American Legion – Post #200
Sons of the American Legion (SAL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veteran causes. For over 10 years, Thomas Clavell has been a devoted volunteer at his local SAL branch in Hampstead, Md. He works tirelessly to keep the environment clean and comfortable for the veteran members and guests. Clavell regularly plans and executes different fundraising events to provide services for veterans in need. Tending to duties like cooking and serving meals, cleaning the post, repairing areas in need of service and transporting veterans to appointments – Clavell works hard to benefit the lives of the individuals he encounters.* *
Scott Kashnow: Franklin Square Community Association
Scott Kashnow is president of the Franklin Square Community Association (FSCA), a nonprofit organization that serves the families and members of the Southwest Baltimore community. As a member of the FSCA, Kashnow founded the monthly newsletter that goes out to the entire community, continues to coordinate tree plantings, organizes community events and works to head community cleanup and art projects. Kashnow is a founding member of Southwest Partnerships, a member of the Watershed 263 Council, a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and a devoted husband and father. Kashnow, the creator of Sunflower Village, a community arts project created from five vacant city lots, continues to beautify and better Baltimore City.
Susie Oursler: Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna
Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization that seeks to help others by building homes, communities and hope. Susie Oursler, a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna, dedicates over 100 hours annually to help the organization. As the chair of the organization's gala committee, she ensures that necessary funds are raised for upcoming projects. Oursler serves as a liaison with area schools to build relationships with children and the organization. Additionally, Oursler is a local Girl Scout troop leader, a volunteer at Harford Day School, a former nurse and a mother of four children.* *
*Jason Reed: Filbert Street Garden *
Jason Reed is the current manager of Filbert Street Garden (FSG), a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of residents and students in the Brooklyn/Curtis Bay Community. FSG provides classroom and community education about urban agriculture and environmental stewardship. As manager, Reed has worked diligently for three years to build the garden in the Curtis Bay area. The program engages residents and gives them hope for transformation in their community. FSG partners with local schools to provide education on sustainability, healthy eating, economics, business and other applicable subjects. Because of Reed and FSG, Baltimore students and local residents are raising food for themselves and their neighbors with eight garden plots in Filbert St. Garden.
