Brown, who is divorced and has two children, always wanted to get involved with the community on a civic level, however she was unable to find the time to do so until she retired from a job in the computer industry.

"I had wanted to play a strong role in the community for many years, however my job restricted me from doing so," she said. "Soon after I retired however, I saw an ad for the board and applied."

Brown, whose interests include community theater and reading, is concerned with how difficult it can be for senior citizens to find affordable housing.

"All senior citizens, even those that earn a moderate income, can have a great deal of difficulty living in the county," she said.

In order to assure that emphasis is placed on issues such as these, Brown has become a member of the board's social committee.

"Our goal is to look into various social issues," she explained. "We bring in people such as policemen and firemen to speak on different issues. Other types of speakers are also brought in to talk about issues such as senior housing and mental health."

After living in Germantown for 18 years, Brown has developed a close connection with the area.

"I love Germantown because a small town environment is maintained, despite the phenomenal growth it has experienced."

Because Brown has seen the population of Germantown rise from approximately 15,000 residents to 80,000 residents during the time she has lived in Germantown, she believes that the future of the town rests in managing its population growth.

"In the upcoming years we need to carefully monitor the population growth because it has no signs of letting up anytime soon."

According to Brown, this includes taking a closer look at transportation, the school system, the maintenance of roads, as well as other issues that have a significant impact on the community such as the relocation of the Germantown Library.

The Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board represents more than 280,000 county residents living north of Shady Grove Road. The 20-member board advises the director of the Upcounty Regional Services Center, the county executive, and County Council on area needs and priorities such as transportation, human services, environment, public safety, and other issues of local importance.

Members serve three-year terms without compensation and attend meetings one Monday a month, September through June, at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown.

For information, call 240-777-8000 or go to http://www.co.mo.md.us/upcounty.