In addition to his duties assigned by the county Department of Recreation and Parks, Mr. Coomes was cited for his work in upgrading the maintenance and safety of the park, as well as in making the park more open and inviting to neighbors, fishermen and the numerous visitors who traveled to the area for views of the historic lighthouse.

He and his wife Carol, who died of cancer May 31 at their Davidsonville home, lived in the log cabin on the park grounds and became active participants in the activities of the nearby communities.

Previously they were in charge of Lake Waterford Park in Pasadena for 17 years.

At the celebration, held on a blustery Saturday, a park bench was unveiled that will remain a permanent fixture at the promontory overlooking the lighthouse.

Plaques on the bench are inscribed and signed by the Oakwood and Watergate community associations.

Mr. Coomes knew the event was going to happen, but was surprised to see nearly 30 people at the celebration.

"I thought what they did was a really good thing," he said in a telephone interview from his home.

"We thought a lot about Marion and Carol," said Jack Roadhouse, president of the Oakwood Homeowners Association.

"Prior to their taking over the park, the park was almost like a private preserve. They walked around, letting us know about getting walking permits in the park, and invited the communities in. It added to the value of our community."

Whew! We've celebrated Thanksgiving, and now are rushing headlong into the gift-giving season. Those of you who would like to give something to others for the holidays might want to consider the following.

Jewish Women International, Tradition Chapter, is undertaking a project to create and fill a multimedia center at Arden House, Anne Arundel County's YWCA shelter for women and children escaping from domestic violence.

With the generous cooperation of the Annapolis Woodworkers, the chapter is constructing bookcases for women's books, magazines, CDs and DVDs, and children's books, magazines, games, puzzles and more.

"We are now in the process of collecting these items in order help make life a bit nicer for those who find themselves in such difficult situations," Joan Blum said in an e-mail about the project.

The items will be new or very gently used. The chapter also is buying equipment to complement the shelter's audio-visual machines.

"The publicity about our Suitcase Project last year brought such an outpouring of community support that we are coming again to the thoughtful, generous citizens of Anne Arundel County," Ms. Blum said.

"At this extended season of giving thanks and sharing joy, we are hoping that the community will reach into your hearts and pocket books to help us."

Donations of books for women (such as self-help, inspirational, parenting, short stories) and for children of various ages, or tax-deductible monetary contributions (made out to Jewish Women International), may be dropped off in Crofton (call 410-721-0679) or Annapolis (call 410-897-0433) until Dec. 8.

Katie Brophy, student government adviser at Annapolis Middle School, said the SGA has been working to help members of the Annapolis community.

Students raised more than $700 by holding a penny drive for Toys for Tots. This was part of a Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils project.

In addition, students held a canned food drive and collected more than 500 pounds of food, all of which will be donated to the Light House shelter in Annapolis.