Neighbors Spotlight: Karen McCallum

Name: Karen McCallum

Age: 30

Family: I am the proud mother of two children, Kelsey, 3 1/2 and Brayden, 15 months, and a wife to my husband Chris McCallum. I was raised in Boardman Township and even live 16 houses away from my parents home (Allan and Nancy Williamson) and within a 20 house radius of my two sisters and their families all inside of Boardman Township.

Groups: I belong to Boardman Civic Association, MOPS, co-ed church volleyball league, and couples small group. I also volunteer at Old North Church nursery and Sunday School.

Education: I attended Cardinal Mooney High School and then received a degree in Recreational and Leisure studies from Bowling Green State University.

Q. What do you like best about living in your town?

A. This is a great place to raise a family and enjoy the simple pleasures. Location is everything. Boardman Township has just about everything anyone could want – shopping, restaurants and parks and recreation. Not to mention, the wonderful schools and programming for children throughout the township.

Q. What one thing would you add to your town if money was not an issue?

A. A Community Recreation Center with a Senior Center included, as well as a spray park for the kids to enjoy during the summer months.

Q. Describe the last community event you went to:

A. Being the Recreation Director of Boardman Park, my family and I are spoiled with all the events we get the opportunity to attend, like holiday character dinners, Family Nights in the Park, Halloween Hayrides, Father-Daughter Dance, Touch-a-Truck and Mommy and Me for Tea. I love all the programs for the community like Senior Fun Days and Music in the Park. It shows how diverse the community is and it answers the question: What is there to do in Boardman?

Q. If there was a store or business to add to your town, which would you like it to be, and why?

A. I think this community is in need of a Community Senior Center in the heart of Boardman. Boardman Township has one of the highest senior populations in Ohio, with one of the least amount of senior opportunities.

Q. If you could name a street after someone, who would it be and why?

A. Willamson Way. Williamson was my maiden name and my family and I joke that since we all live so close to one another we should have our own street. That and I come from a very strong-willed family that like things done a certain way.

Q. Where is your favorite place in town to go for a little hideaway time or bite to eat, and why?

A. Once again, I love going to Tots Town. That is a the playground inside Boardman Park and eating lunch with my family and watching my kids play in a safe environment.

Q. What one place would you direct an outsider to visit to experience your town?

A. Route 224 – everything is off of that! Boardman Park of course, it is a green oasis in the Heart of Boardman. It has a little bit of everything for everyone.

Q. Is there a song, book or movie that you hear or see and say “They’re describing me?”

A. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”