Citizen of the Year - Beth Schlenoff
Beth Schlenoff
Awarded Parkside's Citizen of the Year
At the Annual Meeting, Susan Pourian announced that the Citizen of the Year award for 2026 was given to Beth Schlenoff for her contributions to community building, and for her volunteer service to Parkside, both on and off committees.
For the past 15 years, Beth has overseen Parkside People, an unofficial and independent listserv that has been, “at the heart of neighbor-to-neighbor connection at Parkside,” stated Susan Pourian.
On the listserv, neighbors connect with one another, discussing everything from misdelivered packages and giveaway items to community events and condo-related issues.
Over a single time period the postings have included:
stargazing for upcoming astrological occurrences; neighbors looking to borrow a tire pump, ice melt, or vinegar; and still others with something extra to give away, like an extra delivery of eggs, gift pies, or oversupply of saline rinse; and of course, larger giveaway items including desks, chairs, tables, and more.
The listserv has been used by neighbors seeking or offering snow shoveling services or needing help with errands while recovering from surgery. And there are many notices of misdelivered packages, located with the help of listserv subscribers.
There have been recommendation requests for laundromats, electricians, local appliance suppliers, painters, lampshade suppliers, internet services, cleaning services, sources for fresh seafood, hairdressers, and for computer and printer troubleshooting.
Postings have also included others who may just want to share a story of neighborliness or share information on local art exhibits and events.
And, of course, there are messages and opinions on Parkside activity, policies, proposed changes, board decisions, management decisions, budgets, security cameras, proposed bylaw amendments, and condo dues — and still others that share accolades and gratitude for the staff during snow or other above-the-call-of-duty events.
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In addition to these many years monitoring Parkside People (from which Beth plans to retire at the end of the summer, (see “Forum” article in May, 2026 newsletter), Beth has contributed her time and expertise to the work of many committees and the Association, both as a committee member and as an off-committee volunteer.
Beth donated her time and graphic arts expertise to design the Parkside GREEN Tree Tour Guide brochure and offered guidance for the Parkside Condominium webpage, often stepping away from her own workday with a call to assist with logo concepts and graphics.
Beth was also the master designer for the concept of the new Parkside entrance sign, bringing our "look" to contemporary and classic standards.
Beth attends board and committee meetings, often contributing valuable insight. While she has a critical eye, she offers positive action and solutions, often volunteering her help to see them to fruition.
Her Parkside committee experience over the years has included service on the Architectural Control Committee, Communications Committee, Ad Hoc Pool Committee, Website Ad Hoc Committee and additional volunteerism for Parkside Green and for the Association at large.
Beth grew up in Baltimore County and studied art and design at the University of Maryland. Now a self-employed graphic designer, she has worked for Washingtonian Magazine, the Smithsonian, Brookings Institution, National Academy of Sciences, AARP, and other organizations.
Beth has lived at Parkside for over 30 years. When asked how she discovered Parkside, she explained she had a friend who knew someone who lived here and suggested Beth expand her search from DC out to Maryland. She says she “discovered plentiful parking, an easy walk to Metro, and learned that Rock Creek Park comes all the way out here.”
She's a big fan of the pool, swimming and socializing there almost every day in the summer. She also enjoys community activities like Game Night. Her hobbies include local travel, reading, baking, NY Times daily puzzles, working on personal art projects, playing piano, singing, and tapdancing.
Beth's service to Parkside has brought many benefits to our Parkside community and has helped to improve its quality of life.
