Local news covering the Russett and Maryland City areas
Russett’s Whittaker Sisters Share an Olympic Journey
Congratulations to Russett residents Isabella and Juliette Whittaker! The sisters made Laurel proud by representing the United States in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Isabella and Juliette, who are two years apart, often refer to themselves as the “Whittasisters.” They shared a bedroom growing up, excelled in sports at Mount de Sales High School in Catonsville and then at their respective colleges, and ultimately had a “dream come true” as they shared a room in the Olympic Village this past summer. Isabella was part of the women’s 4x400-meter team and Juliette ran in the women’s 800-meter individual race.
Isabella, 22, was a competitive swimmer as a child but started running track in high school. She was ranked in the top 10 nationally in the 200-, 300-, and 500-meter races in high school. As a senior at University of Pennsylvania, she earned first-team All-America honors, graduated having set four new individual records, and made history by breaking Ivy League indoor and outdoor 400m marks that had stood since 1990. In the final race of the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, she ran a personal best of 50.17 seconds to finish fifth. Shortly after graduating from Penn this past June, she ran 50.48 seconds in the 400m to qualify for the Olympic trials. In the final at the trials, she finished sixth with a time of 50.68 seconds and was named to the 4x400m relay pool for the USA Women’s Track & Field Olympics team, but ultimately was not selected to compete. Isabella announced in April that she would transfer to the University of Arkansas as a graduate student to take advantage of an extra year of athletic eligibility granted to COVID-affected college athletes.
Younger sister Juliette, 20, is a Stanford University junior and 2021-2022 Gatorade National Player of the Year in Maryland for Girls Track & Field. She is also a two-time collegiate 800m champion, having won both the 2024 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the 800m—the first person to do so since 2017. Juliette qualified for the U.S. Olympic team with a third-place finish at national trials. At the Olympics, she ran a personal best of 1:57.76 in her semi-final and went on to finish seventh in the women’s 800m final with a time of 1.58.50.
The sisters’ parents both ran track in college. Paul was a mid-distance runner and is currently the coach at Mount de Sales; Jill was a hurdler. They wore matching T-shirts featuring their daughters at the Paris Olympics.
Juliette offered the following statement on her experience: “What a privilege it is to be dissatisfied with a 7th place Olympic finish...an outcome I didn’t think was a mere possibility even a week ago. I am forever grateful for such a magical first Olympic experience I will never forget. I gave it my all; at the end of the day, that’s all I can ask for.”
Laurel Park to Host 39th Maryland Million Day
An esteemed thoroughbred racing event is happening right in our neighborhood, at Laurel Park Racecourse. Founded in 1986 as the Maryland Million Classic, this 12-race event has had a few name changes over the years and is known as “Maryland’s Day at the Races.” Legendary Maryland sports broadcaster Jim McKay played an instrumental role in founding the event. McKay reported on the first live racing television broadcast from Pimlico Race Course and subsequently became engrossed in the sport. He evolved into an active horse racing enthusiast and even went on to raise thoroughbreds himself.
Wishing to spotlight Maryland’s contribution to the rich tradition of American thoroughbred racing, McKay came up with the idea of a “state-bred” horse race modeled on the Breeder’s Cup: to enter, a horse must have been sired by a Maryland-based stallion. The first event of its kind, it debuted in October 1986 at Laurel Park with a nine-race program; the format was later duplicated in several other states. The event was run at Pimlico in Baltimore eight times, but Laurel Park is considered its home. After McKay died in 2008, the event was christened the “Jim McKay Maryland Million Day.”
This year, the 39th edition of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day takes place on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Not only will there be horse racing, but there’ll also be something for everyone. Kids can experience various activities and attractions, including a pony kissing booth, face painting, live music, and interactive games. Attendees will have an opportunity to enjoy refreshing beverages, take in the panoramic views of the racetrack, and sample a variety of food, from casual food stands to upscale gourmet dining. This event promises the perfect opportunity to experience the spirited ambiance of Laurel Park and make lasting memories.
Quarterly Russett Good Neighbor Award: Dixie Bare
Dixie Bare is the latest recipient of the Good Neighbor Award. An original owner who has lived here since 1998, Dixie says, “I very much enjoy living here and being surrounded by nature in Russett.” A diehard Nebraska Husker fan, she was selected for her tireless endeavors to help others. One neighbor went as far as to say she’s a “lifesaver.”
Dixie volunteers to drive people to medical appointments, shopping, events, and the airport. Not only does she act as a taxi for neighbors, but she also babysits and drives children to school/meetings when their parents cannot; she also tends to friends’ pets when they are on vacation.
An engaged resident, Dixie has been a pillar of our community for many years. She has held many positions, including Chair of the Activities Committee. She is currently a Neighborhood Representative and member of the Communications Committee, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the Russett community.
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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