Member Spotlight: Sharon Englisch
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Sharon was very excited to share this Eastern Hercules Beetle with her pre-school students.
Do you need a ride to the airport? Sharon Englisch, a vivacious, 2-year member of the Silver Spring Timebank, is the person to contact. She is a part time preschool teacher who divides her time between that and other work - driving people to doctors’ appointments and caretaking for a couple elderly clients. She enjoys the flexibility of not having a full-time job, and the variety of things she is able to do with this arrangement.
Sharon offers translation of German to English as a timebank skill, with help from her German husband. Her most engaging time bank exchange so far was translating a series of old letters which were written in German beginning about the time Hitler was elected chancellor of Germany. Quoting Sharon, “Reading and translating many letters with the hindsight and horrors of WWII, my husband and I were anxiously awaiting the next letter, fearful for the safety of the writer and his family.”
In addition to the things already mentioned, Sharon earns hours by supporting local exchange activities. In an opposite exchange, she had a member help organize her basement when she felt overwhelmed by the job.
Another great interest is hiking and leading hikes, which she has done for the timebank. One of her favorite hikes is the Underground Railroad Trail in Sandy Spring, which is close to her home. When I discovered that Sharon lives near me, we arranged to meet for a hike of this trail. It was a very pleasant hike, and I learned things from Sharon about the trail that I had not previously known.
Sharon led a group of timebankers on a hike at Lake Needwood, too.
In an early exchange, Sharon learned to play pickle ball from Gina Ottaviani. She still enjoys playing pickle ball with Gina and, as a bonus, they have now been friends for a couple years! They also volunteer together at Charity’s Closet in Savage Mill. This isn’t Sharon’s only volunteer activity. She has also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Olney Days, and helping an Afghan family resettle.
Sharon grew up in Greenbelt, MD, traveled around several states and countries before settling down with her husband in Maryland. She studied at the University of Maryland and took their German classes while living in Germany. She and her husband have two sons, one attending Montgomery College, and the other who just graduated from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, NM.
Sharon was introduced to SSTB when she met Laura Kranis at a marketing research focus group. In 10 minutes or so, Sharon was sold on the idea of timebanking. She was really intrigued with the concept of exchanging hours for various things. Additionally, it fits well into her schedule. She also feels that exchanges provide everyone, not just herself, an opportunity to give and to receive which engenders wonderful feelings.
She very much likes getting to know new people, and consequently, looks forward to many future time bank exchanges.
Many thanks to SSTB member Donna Sasser for writing this terrific Member Spotlight.