RFCA Annual Meeting and Election - October 4
The Rodgers Forge Annual Meeting and election will be held on Oct 4th. There will be a brief summary of last year’s community activities, an update of current happenings, and an outline of future plans. All residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts. At the meeting, the board will elect a new slate of candidates for a two-year term. RFCA celebrates the diverse voices of our neighbors and encourages involvement by all. Candidates are from various backgrounds and areas of the neighborhood. Some are running for a second term and some are new. We usually have fewer nominees than seats available so, as permitted by the By-Laws, the election will most likely be by acclamation - all candidates will automatically be seated absent any objection. Please come to the annual meeting to “acclaim” these candidates who are your neighbors. We are grateful to all who have stepped forward to contribute to our community through service on the board! Look inside for introductions of the candidates.
RFCA Candidates for 2023 – 2024 (term to expire in 2025)
Lauren Crabtree is a longtime resident of Rodger’s Forge whose first experiences of the neighborhood were as a high schooler. Returning at several points in her life, she has witnessed the growth of the neighborhood in parallel with her own. After graduating high school, Lauren studied art history and visual and cultural studies in college and graduate school, and spent several years traveling and studying in Russia and Europe. After resettling in Baltimore, she rode the (local) rails while working in D.C. for a think tank associated with the Smithsonian. Although she enjoyed the opportunity to read long books on the train and sleep while sitting upright, the experience only enhanced her appreciation for “the local.” For the past 10 years, she has worked at Hopkins as a project manager, and has honed her experience in layout and design as well as instigating change respectful of the past and cognizant of the present needs in storied communities. She recently started working on the Homewood campus again where she learned that her new mentor grew up in the same block in Rodger’s Forge! Lauren has two daughters at Rodger’s Forge Elementary School, and enjoys nothing more than the experience of walking them to school (when not running late) and experiencing the neighborhood anew through their eyes. She wishes to give back more and help share the lore of the neighborhood’s hidden stories and treasures.
Rob Williams Since August 1986, Rodgers Forge has been my home. Having grown up in Owings Mills, my family bought my home as an investment as I was attending Towson University. In the time I have lived here, I have worn many hats. People and this community are my passion. Being born in the Year of the Goat, 1967 to be exact, I believe I exude many of the qualities associated with that animal in that Chinese zodiac. I currently lead the Rodgers Forge C.O.P. The homeless outreach I've had has been featured twice in The Towson Times. I've had a pet care service for about 20 years. I've cut lawns, helped people move and other odd jobs. I've organized two picnics, and portrayed Santa and the Easter Bunny. I'm always doing my best to make sure our infrastructure is in great shape. I make sure light outages are reported, downed traffic sign posts get reinstalled and I do my best to remove graffiti from tagged spots. People who know me also know my awesome dog, Seven. He is just as sociable as I am, probably more. "Mr. Rob" as I'm informally known as, is looking forward to continuing to serve others and the Rodgers Forge as a whole. Whether I'm a Board member or not, as long as I live here you and this neighborhood will be my passion.
Greg FitzGerald, and his wife, Molly, grew up locally and moved to Rodgers Forge on Regester Ave in 2018. Greg works nearby at Notre Dame of Maryland University focusing on government and community affairs and has a Master’s degree in Public Policy from UMBC. Greg and Molly enjoy walking throughout the neighborhood and spending time with friends and family. Greg has served as Treasurer of RFCA since 2019 and is looking forward to continuing his service on the Board.
Jamie Norwood and his husband, their constantly vigilant dog Goofy, and somewhat less vigilant cat Miss Adele, are proud to call Rodgers Forge their home. Living in the neighborhood and being able to enjoy the landscape, history, and community of the neighborhood has been a treasure to enjoy over the past few years and particularly during the pandemic. As an architect, living in Rodgers Forge, and serving on the RFCA for the past years has given Jamie a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community and contribute to the long standing legacy.
Eduardo Gonzalez, moved to Rodgers Forge in 2011. He lives with his partner and two cats on Stanmore Road. He is a Chemical Engineer with a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, and works as a Quality Manager in the HVAC industry. He likes hiking, running, tennis, gardening and walking in Rodgers Forge, admiring neighbors’ gardens as there is always a new garden, flowers or tree to discover! He is passionate about the environment and looks forward to continuing on the board to contribute to our community and try to make our neighborhood greener and more sustainable!
Sam Kratz, his wife, and three boys moved to Rodgers Forge in June 2020. Sam is a Maryland native and has lived in the Towson area since graduating from Towson University and Johns Hopkins where he completed his graduate degree. When Sam is not on his iPhone, he can be found starting home improvement projects. Never one to shy away from community involvement Sam and his wife have been block captains in our previous neighborhoods and is excited to continue his support in the Rodgers Forge Community.
