Mr. Seamens commented on his work with Ms. Ziegler on the Independence Day Committee. He said he grew to respect her for bringing in volunteers, but even more so because she was a catalyst for much of what Takoma Park is know for today. She helped give the city a small town feeling.
Mr. Robinson commented on his experience with entering a float in the parade. Ms. Ziegler was very supportive. She asked him to enter a float the following year, and so on. When he could no longer enter a float, she encouraged him to find someone else to enter.
Mr. Williams remembered his early experiences with Ms. Ziegler, through first entering a float in the parade and providing his truck each year thereafter.
Mr. Seamens noted that in addition to her work on the parade and fireworks, Ms. Ziegler made an effort to reach out to young people and used her position as recreation director to empower others in pursuing their ideas.
Buddy Daniels, 19 Sherman Avenue, commented that he had known Ms. Ziegler for as long as he could remember. He spoke about the close knit athletic community and the programs she had helped to build. He said that she was one of a kind.
Matt Corley, former Recreation Department employee and member of the Independence Day Committee, said he would like to see the City dedicate a park to Ms. Ziegler.
Sol Schneiderman, 306 Lincoln Avenue, commented that Belle Ziegler loved Takoma Park and was dedicated to the community, which she and others like her built brick by brick. He said what makes Takoma Park great is its people, and that is what Ms. Ziegler was all about.
Eric Mendoza, said he met Ms. Ziegler in the Recreation Department. She would always call him on his birthday. He said she would say it takes one person to start a chain of people.
Kay Daniels-Cohen, Sherman Avenue, commented on the collaboration of her mother, Opal Daniels, and Belle Ziegler. Ms. Daniels-Cohen said Ms. Ziegler was the last of a breed. She was an unconditional giver, an innovator, and always pulled the best out of people.
Kathy O’Neill, said she grew up in Takoma Park. She attended many of the programs in the Recreation Department during Ms. Ziegler’s tenure, where her parents volunteered. She said as she got older, she volunteered herself.
Howard Kohn, noted that he had been involved in the community for 25 years, which was only half of what Ms. Ziegler gave to the community.
Mike Melish, Silver Spring, commented on Ms. Ziegler’s youthful exuberance. She encouraged neighborhoods and children to participate in the parade. He noted that during the week before the 4th of July, she would be answering calls, tweaking the parade lineup, and rounding up last minute participants.
Brian McLaughlin, Sherman Avenue, said he knew Ms. Ziegler as a neighbor and from the parade. He commented that the money she collected for the 4th of July was substantial. He said she would see an idea and try to support it. She did not dismiss people who had a different opinion. He supported naming a park after her.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2009-1 recognizing the contributions of Belle Ziegler and offering condolences to her friends and family. Moved by Councilmember Seamens, seconded by Councilmember Clay. (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright; ABSENT: Councilmember Barry)
Resolution 2009-1 (attached).