Ball Receives 'Schaefer Helping People' Award
"I'm humbled and honored," said Ball, who was recognized for his work assisting local residents and increasing community pride.
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Howard County Council Member Calvin Ball was awarded the William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award Wednesday in Ellicott City.
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot presented the award to Ball for his work assisting local residents, enhancing opportunities and increasing community pride.
“I’m humbled and honored," said Ball. "It’s particularly fulfilling to receive an award that reflects what we should all really be involved in doing and that’s actually helping people.”
The awards were created in honor of William Donald Schaefer, who died in April of 2011. Schaefer previously served as the mayor of Baltimore (1971-1987), governor of Maryland (1987-1995) and state comptroller from (1999-2007).
Ball’s recent work includes teaming up with Baltimore Ravens’ running back Ray Rice to combat bullying and organizing a community meeting to discuss neighborhood safety after a stabbing in Long Reach.
Ball said currently he's helping to organize a men's health fair in the county to educate men on how to stay more healthy.
He said when a woman notices something wrong with her health, she makes a doctor's appointment, but "a guy wants to walk it off."
"This will be the fourth [men's health fair]," said Ball. "We're going to educate men how to stay healthier, not just for ourselves, but for our families."
The fair will be held on June 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Howard High School.
H.R. Pufnstuf
6:03 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Of all the people doing volunteer stuff and helping others in this county, Calvin Ball is who gets an award? For organizing "community meetings" which are likely legendary in their ineffectiveness? Haha, great use of an award.
Andrew Metcalf
10:06 am on Friday, May 11, 2012
I would love to see you write a blog post for us about the legislators, policies and businesses you think are having a positive impact in HoCo. We could call it Ohai's Best Practices - or something of your own creation.
Julia McCready
8:38 am on Friday, May 11, 2012
This couldn't have happened to a nicer person! Thoughtful, supportive, providing prompt feedback to constituents--this is the kind of person we want to have in public service.
H.R. Pufnstuf
9:49 am on Friday, May 11, 2012
Nice has nothing to do with it, and providing "prompt feedback to constituents" is Calvin's job. I find it very disturbing that working for the government- elected or not- is somehow considered "public service", yet the private sector employees who actually make this county what it is are not considered to be serving the public. Very strange.
Greg Schuckman
9:24 am on Friday, May 11, 2012
Julia, I couldn't agree with you more! Calvin has his heart and mind in the right place and has (rightly) used his influence as a Councilman to provide services and programs that go above and beyond what one might expect from a part-time public servant, especially one who has a young family like Calvin. I have served on local, state, and national Boards and Commissions for more than 20 years and couldn't be more impressed with what I see in Calvin and so many others in Howard County. That is not to say that citizens who do not hold elected positions are not doing as much or more than Calvin and that we should -- and do -- find ways to honor their service, but to belittle his effort for 'Making a Difference' is just plain ignorant.
Frank in Elkridge
9:50 am on Friday, May 11, 2012
I'm so glad the Councilman Ball got this award. He has been unfailing in responding to inquiries and requests for assistance or information from his constituents. He is proactive in his approach to issues in the community and communicating with the community. I too am constantly amazed at the efforts and initiatives that he makes considering that he has a full-time job and young children too.
Ralphie
8:11 pm on Friday, May 11, 2012
Here is the problem I have with this. Calvin Ball is elected to do this sort of stuff. There are literally thousands of people in Howard County who volunteer, and who do not have the connections that Calvin Ball does, who go unrecognized. They have to work much harder, and have other jobs to deal with. These people also do not have access to a nearly unlimited amount of county money to fund these events.
What is this award? It is simply one Democrat giving another Democrat a resume-padder that he can brag about at the next election. I find this offensive when the state is about to come to me for more money. If the state can afford extras like this, then it does not need any more money.
As an aside, nice to see all the Calvin Ball campaigners out telling us how great he is. Pass a message back to Calvin - tell him it is disrespectful to constantly check his phone when citizens are testifying at council meetings.
a9
9:42 pm on Sunday, November 25, 2012
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