Pikesville resident Carly Greenberg, 37, hasn’t strayed far from her roots in Baltimore’s Jewish Community, and with all the volunteering she’s done over the years, how could she?
After graduating from Towson University, Greenberg worked for a party planning service before starting her career as an administrative assistant at the Marriott Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, where she still works today.
All the while, Greenberg has balanced work with having two daughters, Blake, 6, and Madelyn Harlow, 4, being one of the Center for Jewish Education’s original connectors, taking on responsibilities are her daughters’ schools and running a “side-hustle” party planning and décor business.
These days, Greenberg is taking her work and volunteering slowly to spend more time her family. Greenberg lives with her daughters and husband, Jeffrey, who she met when they were both counselors at Camp Milldale in 1998, and their new beagle puppy, Gibson.
When did you start volunteering with Jewish organizations?
Shortly after I had Blake I was one of the original connectors in CJE’s Connectors program. We’d plan events for moms and parents. I’ve made some of my best friends that way. I don’t have any scientific data or whatever, but I think a lot of people through the Connectors program ended up signing their kids up to go to a Jewish preschool.
I did another mentor program working with Charm City Tribe, the Pearlstone Center and the downtown JCC. I worked with leaders from those organizations to start a connector program.
Tell us some more about the Connectors.
The Connectors program was developed to bring community together. It’s a way for people who are Jewish by culture and custom to find a way to start traditions once you have kids. It’s about teaching your kids about Jewish holidays and building relationships. I did things like planning a small challah bake for moms and other activities to bring mothers and children together to educate them about raising children and Jewish holidays.
It’s about community. It’s sort of a weird phase in your life to have just had a baby and not know what you’re doing, but with the connection to the community and to have other moms and families with in the neighborhood, hopefully you can start lifelong friendships.
What are you up to now?
I’m really active in my children’s schools. I’m the social chair of the preschool committee, I’m chair of Chesed on the parent association at Beth Tfiloh, and I’m also on the PTA at Fort Garrison Elementary, where my oldest daughter goes to school. I love the Chesed position. If a baby is born we deliver a onesy and poem, or if there’s a shiva we’ll drop off a shiva bag with challah and wine and write a note. I think it’s really what makes Beth Tfiloh such a special place, and I love that I can be a part of that. I will be vice president of the PTA at Fort Garrison Elementary next year. Dreams do come true, I’m just letting you know.
Are you still involved in planning?
The first job I had out of college was working for two women making bar and bat mitzvah decorations and doing event planning. I still do that on the side. It’s kind of like a hobby, but kind of like a job. I make sign-in boards for bar mitzvahs and centerpieces and décor for baby showers, stuff like that.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like going to the gym and taking a spin class, and meeting up with friends. I know that sounds boring, but I love having lunch with a girlfriend. I also love going to concerts.
Who have you seen in concert?
My sister has made me see the Red Hot Chili Peppers with her every time they’ve been around for the last six years. We even went to Cleveland for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and we met Anthony Keidis. It was one of the most exciting moments.
Are you going to any concerts this summer?
I’m going to see Billy Joel, Goo Goo Dolls and Kidz Bop. I’ve got it all covered this summer.
