Chamber Honors Pikesville Businesses, Individuals at Annual Breakfast

The Pikesville Chamber of Commerce named Seven Mile Market as its "Business of the Year" during a ceremony on Wednesday that honored numerous companies and individuals for their contributions to the community.

"We salute Hershel Boehm for having the vision of moving the ... market to better serve his customers, and to take up the large vacant space, making it a vital part of the community," said Clarence Mitchell IV of WBAL Radio.

Mitchell was master of ceremonies for the chamber's Business and Community Recognition Awards Breakfast held at North Oaks Retirement Community.

The 28,000-square-foot food store was previously located on Seven Mile Lane since 1988. It was moved in November into the 55,000-square-foot former Safeway store, making it one of the largest kosher supermarkets in the nation.

It now features a salad bar, bakery, natural and gluten-fee departments, a pharmacy, a cafe and flower shop.

Seven Mile Market was among 11 businesses and individuals honored at the chamber event, sponsored by North Oaks.

Rita Feinberg of was honored as businessperson of the year. She puts together luncheons, Bar Mitzvahs and other events at the club. "Rita has approached each event as if it were her own," according to the award nomination form, read by Mitchell.

Linda Lazarus of 's Quarry Lake branch was honored as "Employee of the Year." She's worked at BB&T since 1998, and is customer relations manager. She is also the treasurer of the Pikesville Police and Community Relations Council.

Mitchell read the nomination form for Lazarus, which stated: "Linda is the best example of a dedicated employee" and "Linda is the voice of patience."

"We complement each other," said Marcy Gorman of BB&T who nominated Lazarus. "We work well together, but our focus is the same: the success of the branch."

The Fedder award of excellence in architectural design went to the accounting firm , and Zahlco Construction, for their work revitalizing the old Pikesville Firehouse into offices.

Sam Luxenburg and Michael Katz accepted the award. Katz & Luxenburg and Zahlco, owned by Yonah Zahler, now occupy the building in downtown Pikesville. The historic site has additional office space available for rent.

Receiving the Robert Horn memorial award for "Business Volunteer of the Year" is Edward Steinberg, who, along with his wife, owns  located in  in Pikesville.

"He works tirelessly for the community," Mitchell said. He has served on the board of the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce for 15 years, including as president, and has served on numerous chamber committees. He is on the Festival at Woodholme Council, among other work, Mitchell said.

Officer Eli Visnick of the Baltimore County Police Department earned "Police Officer of the Year." Visnick has won numerous awards since he became an officer in June 2006.

His awards include officer of the month four times. And in 2009, he earned the emergency service award for saving a teen who tried to commit suicide in the frigid waters of Quarry Lake.

"He is the chamber's man on the street," Mitchell said.

Maryland State Police Trooper Douglas Reiner earned the "State Trooper of the Year" award. He works in the computer crimes unit and criminal investigation division. He investigates online and child-related criminal investigations. In 2010, he conducted 54 investigations, among other work.

He also visits local schools, Boy Scout troops and other organizations to educate them about Internet safety. "We are proud to say that TFC Reiner lives in Pikesville," Mitchell said.

EMT Angel Torain earned the "Career Firefighter of the Year" award. She "is a highly motivated employee, whose primarily responsibilities are driving, operating medic unit, patient care and transport ... report writing, vehicle maintenance and station duties," Mitchell said. 

She works for the Baltimore County Fire Department in "exhibits a demeanor of patience which is very reassuring," Mitchell said.

Charles Kolkin earned the "Volunteer Firefighter of the Year" award. 

Kolkin is an active member of the  and is trained on all the fire apparatus. He has firefighting training and qualifications in firefighting and in hazardous material operations.

He was the company's No. 2 responder with 698 responses for 2010. "Kolkin always has a kind word for everyone and is always willing to lend a helping hand," Mitchell said.

The "School Program of the Year" award went to Summit Park Elementary School and its "Building Enduring Values One Step at a Time."

It's a program that teaches students about values. Through the program, students choose and study a value to place on a stepping stone to be used in the garden.

Accepting the award were Principal Diane Richmond, Carol Jacobs and Lana Marks.

Winning the Eileen Marks Memorial Scholarship, a $500 award, was Pikesville High School senior Ben Greenberg.

"Ben Greenberg is an exceptional young man, whose personal experience is shaping his career path and influenced his direction for giving back to the community in the future," Mitchell said.

Greenberg spoke about his plans for the future, which include becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon.

This is the 15th year the chamber's awards breakfast has been held at North Oaks Retirement Community, located at 725 Mt. Wilson Lane in Pikesville.