Meet Linda Plotkin

August 20, 2025 | People in Our Neighborhood

Meet Linda Plotkin, our dedicated Bookworms VolunTeam leader at Bedford Elementary and a philanthropic community member. Learn more about Linda’s journey as a relationship builder, world traveler, and how she expresses her Jewish identity through cooking.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Linda Plotkin. I was married for 46 years until my husband passed away. I have two children, a son and daughter, and three grandchildren. Two of them live locally, but my oldest lives in Australia. I taught children with special needs in Howard County for 36 years and substituted for another 5 years until my grandson here was born.

You have been a Bookworms leader (at different local elementary schools) for many years and are also involved with Covenant Guild. Can you share a bit more about these programs and your connection to them?

Nine years ago, I joined a wonderful organization called Covenant Guild. We are a philanthropic organization that gives a great deal of money to many worthy causes. We are always looking for new members. About seven years ago, the CIVIC committee, which stands for Covenant Is Volunteering in the Community, met at the Park Heights JCC with Erica Bloom to see what the JVC organization had available for us to participate in, and lo and behold she mentioned the Bookworms program at Church Lane Elementary. My ears perked up and she said, “You must have been a teacher.” We met with the principal and vice principal, who were delighted to have us. I became the coordinator and had a wonderful group of women from Covenant and friends of mine who enjoyed reading to children. We were there for two and a half years until COVID-19 struck, and we did not return because they had a new administration who didn’t seem to want the program.

Three years ago, I got in touch with Erica once again and lo and behold Bedford Elementary wanted us. We read at the original school for two years and are starting our second year at the new school, which is absolutely fantastic. I have 23 readers this year. Quite a few of the volunteers have been in the program from the beginning. We read one Wednesday a month for an hour in kindergarten, first, and second grade. Each grade level has four classes. I am still the coordinator as well as being a co-vice president of Covenant Guild.

Do you have a favorite book (or children’s book) that you enjoy reading to your students?

I have been reading to first graders since we started the program. If I had to choose my favorite book to read aloud, it would be The Wonky Donkey. I love this book because it is repetitive and funny, and the kids always join in.

Besides volunteering, how do you like to spend your free time?

I love to volunteer, but I have other interests as well. I play mah-jongg twice a week. To fulfill my need for exercise, I do water aerobics four days a week at the Owings Mills JCC. My favorite thing to do is to travel. I just returned from a 21-day cruise to Norway, Denmark, and Sweden and have another cruise booked in January to Antarctica. I am a penguin lover!

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone interested in volunteering or giving back to their community?

If you are interested in volunteering, there are many options open to you. There are many organizations that would love to have more volunteers. Some synagogues also do things that need volunteers to participate. The Network is another place where you can volunteer. One of the most uplifting places to volunteer is at Hope Lodge, which is a facility that houses patients undergoing chemotherapy. Covenant Guild goes there every three to five weeks and plays bingo with the patients and gives out prizes and snacks. The patients are so excited to see us. When you leave there, you know you have done a mitzvah.

 What are some of the ways you like to express your Jewish identity?

I like to express my Jewish identity by making special Jewish foods for the holidays. My grandchildren love my chicken soup with matzo balls. On the first day of Rosh Hashana, I go to a friend’s house with three pounds of homemade chopped liver. By the end of lunch, there is very little left.

I would like to personally thank Erica Bloom, who got me started with a program I absolutely love. Thank you also to Allison and Kate, who keep me in stickers and have found some wonderful new readers for the Bedford Bookworms.

Want to join the fun? The Bookworms VolunTeam is always excited to welcome new readers. Whether you love children’s books, enjoy connecting with students, or simply want to give back in a meaningful way, there’s a place for you. To learn more and get involved with Bookworms, click here.