Angie Carroll, volunteer coordinator and director of marketing at the Heritage Farmstead Museum, was voted as the best contributor for the 2008 Plano/Murphy Neighbors Choice Awards. All winners will appear in Saturday's print edition.

Below is a preview of a story she wrote for the issue.

By Angie Carroll

Growing up an army brat, my family was always on the move to various cities in the United States and Europe.  My hard-working and brave Dad was gone for long periods of time serving in Vietnam, so my  mom was left to use her versatile skills in raising four children. 

Between the two of them, I learned what it meant to give something back to the community no matter what city I called home.

After high school, I went to college and began working in the hotel industry.  I left my last hotel management position in order to start a family with my husband Mike. There has been no greater reward than being married to Mike and being called mom by our three daughters, Shannon, Megan and Caitlin.

In 1992, we moved to Plano because it is the perfect place to raise a family. Plano showered us with great friends, wonderful schools, beautiful parks and safe neighborhoods. I am always proud and honored to tell visitors about our wonderful city.

For 16 years, I volunteered for several organizations, including the HeritageFarmsteadMuseum. I would say that volunteering is my favorite hobby.  In 2007, I was offered a job as director of marketing and volunteer coordinator at the museum.  

I had already been working as a volunteer docent since 2004, so the decision to accept a job was an easy one.

When neighborsgo was just getting off the ground, I was excited about our volunteers having an opportunity to be in the newspaper and felt it was an honor and reward for all of their hard work.  Each time a volunteer or an event gets published, I always hear positive feedback, especially from the people who get to see their picture in print. Being a non-profit organization, we rely heavily on our volunteers.  

Because of neighborsgo, our exposure within the city has increased and business is thriving. The Farmstead has something to offer every visitor. Whether our guests enjoy learning about Plano’s early history, seeing the animals, attending festivals, events, birthday parties, children’s programs, school tours, volunteering or just looking for a beautiful, peaceful place to spend part of a day, the HeritageFarmsteadMuseum is the place to be. I am blessed to be a small part of this wonderful Plano treasure and tourist destination.