2009 Hometown Spirit Award Nominee:
Doreen Reynolds

Nominated by: Laura N. Tahan and Lelia Babson, who both state on the nomination form:

“There is no doubt in my mind that Doreen Reynolds should accept the Hometown Spirit Award. She has been my next-door neighbor for 5 years, but my husband and I are youngsters when it comes to living in Meadowmont, one of the first suburban neighborhoods of Cary. Doreen has been in her home for 47 years – quite a record for a Cary citizen!

She has been a Florence Nightingale to me as well as to all the neighbors in Meadowmont. Last year for 3 and ½ months straight, she faithfully came every other hour from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to administer a myriad of eye prescriptions. During this time I could not read, drive, or enjoy the outside. She never missed an hour unless she found someone to replace her. She also has regularly visited the ill and terminally ill neighbors in Meadowmont.

As for hospitality, she certainly is the ‘Meeter and Greeter’ for all new families and their pets as well. She and her dog, Bailee, can be seen walking 2-3 times a day, chatting with those who’ve just moved in and learning the entire family’s names, including their pets.

She was a former teacher at Cary Elementary School and still educates all she meets about the history of Cary. Her desire to educate extends today as she volunteers as a tutor for Hispanic children while their parents attend ESL classes at Westwood Baptist Church (where Doreen is one of the Librarians).

She has also served on the Steering Committee for the annual Meadowmont Neighborhood Pot Luck Picnic night. The average attendance at these events is 90 neighbors. Doreen has made sure in the years past that our neighborhood stays informed. She has invited the Mayor of Cary, City Councilmen, and the newest Geo-police officer for our precinct to speak at our annual Picnic and for these politicians to know their constituents. She even got the Cary News to cover the event.

Spreading her love of Cary has always been her goal as she taught and retired from Cary Elementary School, volunteered with ESL, and even today calms the fears of residents as they or their loved ones face surgery at the Rex Same Day Surgery Center in Cary.

When I read the Town of Cary BUD newsletter and saw this opportunity, I knew that I could finally let the citizens of Cary in on my secret – Doreen Reynolds is truly a hometown treasure!”