Local news covering the Russett and Maryland City areas
Challenge Accepted: Russett Resident Is Outrunning Kidney Disease
Sixty-year-old Russett resident John Anthony Griswold is the picture of dedication! In 2015, he was challenged by a member and good friend, Charles Brown of Street Runners International, to run one mile a day for a month. Skeptical at first, Griswold accepted the challenge and hasn’t wavered, even after receiving a diagnosis of kidney disease in 2010.
Physical activity and sports have always been a part of this Philadelphia, PA native’s life: he participated in four sports in high school, including football and wrestling. When diagnosed with high blood pressure, he chose a different path, opting to run and bike in order to manage the condition. A Morgan State graduate, Griswold has lived in the Russett area since 1991. In 2012, he joined a bike club and embarked on 50–70-mile rides on weekends, exploring the East Coast.
When challenged to join Street Runners International, Griswold accepted the challenge and said, “Okay, let me see if I can run a mile every day for a year.” And off he went, braving the weather and running outside daily through rain, snowstorms, and 100-degree heat because he didn’t have a treadmill. Most of his running occurs in Russett, where he enjoys the various trails and scenery. He said that people wave to him and stop their cars so he can cross the street. He has had just one negative experience with a dog, and that was because the owner was inattentive.
In 2015, Griswold experienced hip pain and took cortisone shots which, when combined with the purchase of a new pair of running shoes, helped alleviate the pain. To add to the injury, in 2016 he was hit by a car while riding his bike; he was shy of reaching his daily running goal so, bandaged and achy, he took off running, with his wife following him in a car just in case he might need to stop. Fortunately, he got right back on track toward his accomplishment.
Although he never had to go on dialysis, Griswold recently underwent a kidney transplant, donated by the younger of his two daughters. The surgery only occurred once he’d completed day 3,182 on May 5, which marked eight years and eight months of running at least one mile daily. The surgery went well for both him and his daughter; he currently is taking a three-month recovery period but says that he’ll be back. “It’s not the end of my running, just the end of my streak for the time being.”
Meade Graduate Publishes Inspirational Children’s Book
Russett resident Tavon Paye is a budding author and self-proclaimed entrepreneur. However, his biggest job is parenting his 4-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. Paye, a 2012 Meade Senior High School graduate, is a self-proclaimed creative who has been drawing since age five. Multi-talented, he is an artist, digital creator, and much more.
When asked about his decision to write the children’s book The Adventures of Curious Charlie, he shared, “I have children, and I wanted to create something that has a profound and lasting impact. I aim to guide children in the right direction, leaving a meaningful legacy.” The book, a tale of a young boy named Charlie who is filled with dreams and curiosity, has the power to ignite confidence and determination in children. Charlie dreams of becoming an astronaut and an inventor, but often lacks confidence. As the story progresses, he receives encouragement from an unexpected source. With a new determination, Curious Charlie accomplishes his goals, fulfills his dreams, and much more.
After reading the book, I spoke with Paye and asked if the book was his memoir because (spoiler alert!) ultimately Charlie writes a book. Titled Dream Big, Believe in Yourself, Charlie’s book shares his story and encourages children to embrace their passions and believe in their abilities. In answer to my question, Paye revealed that much of the book is, indeed, his life story.
The Adventures of Curious Charlie is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and other outlets.
Quarterly Russett Award Goes to Will Alberts
Will Alberts is the recipient of the Russett Good Neighbor Award for the first quarter of 2024. The award was given to him for his act of kindness in using his snowblower during a snowstorm this past winter. Not only did Will clean his own property, but he also used his new snowblower to remove the snow from the sidewalks on Old Channel Road, making them walkable and safe for his neighbors. He will receive a gift certificate, and his name will be added to the list of past recipients on the Good Neighbor Award Plaque displayed in the Russett Community Center.
Coming Soon to Russett Green: Four “Surprise” Tenants
If you’ve traveled to the Laurel Walmart lately, you’re probably wondering, just as I am, what’s going on with the Russett Green retail space. When will tenants move in? The six-unit commercial space was built in 2023, and in mid-Spring of this year, I noticed utility trucks and cars in front of the building. So, curiosity prompted me to contact a real estate advisor for MacKenzie Retail, LLC, to ask what was happening. According to the agent, “We have two spaces leased to national tenants along with two more leases in negotiations, one with a national tenant and the other with a local medical group. The remaining space of 1,500 square feet is available, and we can’t help but anticipate the exciting businesses that will soon be a part of our community.” The agent did not share the prospective businesses’ names, so the suspense persists, and we’ll just have to wait and see.
Brenda Zeigler-Riley is a retired educator and entrepreneur with a marketing, public relations, and fundraising background. Please send information on Russett/Maryland City (historical pieces, stories from first responders, hometown memories, resident profiles, etc.) to russett.mdcinfo@gmail.com.
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