FAI Info_WinterSpring 2015

Published by Friends Aware, Inc.
Winter-Spring 2015 • Vol. 27 / No. 2
FAI Annual Recognition Dinner
T
he Friends Aware Annual Recognition Dinner was held at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club. Allegany
County Public Schools (ACPS) was recognized as the 2014 Community Partner of the Year. Superintendent Dr. David Cox accepted the
award. ACPS was awarded for their
ongoing commitment to providing
students with opportunities through
the Transitioning Youth Initiative at
Friends Aware. About 25 years ago,
Friends Aware received a DDA grant
to provide a new service called
Supported Employment. At that
time, special educators, students
and families were recognizing and
promoting the value of communitybased employment. The State of
Maryland began providing qualifying
students with funding which guaranteed services for them upon graduation—a project called the Governor’s
Transitioning Youth Initiative that
continues today. In 2007, the Board
of Education approached Friends
Aware about creating a transition
program in their Life Enrichment
Center. This program has evolved
and proven to be a wonderful
Country Club Mall—Business Partner of the
Year (L to R): Mary Bond, FAI Board President;
Bessie Kesner, Marketing Assistant; Linda
Riggleman, Administrative Assistant; Sharon Merling-Brehm, Property Manager/
Marketing Director; Wayne L. Rugh,
Operating Manager; and Robert Godfrey,
FAI Executive Director.
Allegany County Public Schools—
Community Partner of the Year (L to R):
Mary Bond, FAI Board President; Sherree
Witt, ACPS Executive Director of Special
Education; Nicholas Hadley, Vice-President
of the Board of Education; Dr. David Cox,
ACPS Superintendent; Robert Godfrey, FAI
Executive Director; Randi Agetstein, Asst.
Supervisor of Special Education; and Dr.
Edward Root, Board of Education member.
partnership that greatly benefits the
students. Students have an opportunity to participate fully in the
programs at Friends Aware, develop
relationships, be involved in all activities, and receive regular paid
work at the facility on and off-site.
Country Club Mall was recognized
as the 2014 Business Partner of the
Year. Operations Manager Wayne L. Rugh accepted the award for their long partnership with Friends
Aware. For over 20 years, Country
Club Mall has provided employment
opportunities to individuals served
by Friends Aware. They have treated
individuals who receive services
from Friends Aware respectfully and
for who they are—people looking for
gainful employment—seeing beyond
whatever label society has placed on
them. The individuals who work at
Country Club Mall are employed by
the mall, paid by the mall, members
of the union, earn the same benefits
as other employees, are supported
by the mall’s supervisors and
managers, and welcomed by their
co-workers and other mall staff.
Staff Celebrates
Years of Service
— 35 Years —
Pat Toey
— 30 Years —
Al McDonald, Kim Lattea
— 25 Years —
Lisa Wharton
— 20 Years —
Judy Platter
— 15 Years —
Wannetta Huff,
Eleanor McFarland
— 10 Years —
Angie Rudd, Charlene Bovey,
Chris Rumphrey
— 5 Years —
Dan Bussard, Rhonda Blubaugh,
Stephanie Parks, Jennifer Harvey,
Mike Ruth, Lisa Williams,
Jentiel Thomas, Jordan Waxman,
Laura Oster, Melissa Wise
Wayne Kennell
Kasey West
Boyd Collawn
Wayne Kennell
received the Karen
Marie Howell Helping
Hands Award for his outstanding
character and willingness to help
others. The award
was established by
the Howell Family in
memory of the late
Karen Marie Howell.
The Direct Support
Professional of the
Year was awarded to
Community Development Specialist
Kasey West.
The Substitute Employee of the Year was awarded to Boyd Collawn.
Page Two • Winter-Spring 2015
Gifts • Gifts • Gifts • October 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015 • Gifts • Gifts • Gifts
Spotlight… Johnney Barger
Friends Aware
Contributors
Thank You for Your
Generous Donations!
Joe & Sue Wolfe
Dr. & Mrs. Mike McCagh
Selective Insurance Group
Foundation
Mr. Bryan Camey
Ms. Patricia Hilton
Mrs. Jane James
Mr. & Mrs. William Hunter
Mr. & Mrs. Karl Prodoehl
GFWC Western Maryland
Community Club
Ms. Angelique Aman
Mrs. Elsie Adams
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Snyder
Mr. & Mrs. John Ralston, Sr.
Ms. Carol Kauffman
J. Rowland Circle of Melvin UMC
Ms. Noreen Murray
Mr. David Hansrote
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hansrote
Ranjit Mantri
Ms. Debbie Boggs
Bernard Communications
Mr. Marshall Gangel
Ms. Deborah Smith
Ms. Teri Shives
Mr. Cyril Johnston
Tristate Filter Service
Ms. Regina Raley
Pope John XXIII Council #5450
in Cumberland
Ms. Mary Ellen Harrison
Robert Simpson
Frostburg Council #1442 in Frostburg
Atkinson Welding Contractors
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Ms. Sharon Nelson
Ms. Sharon Mike
Dr. & Mrs. Carlos Santiago
Ms. Monalisa Jiles
Mr. Frank Parisi
Ms. Jean Edwards
Mr. & Mrs. John Bell
Ms. Karen Hornig
The Matthew Seward Roadshow Store
Ms. Sharon Loewendick
Mr. Harry Neilson
Allegany County Agricultural Expo
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar
J
ohnney Barger began his scouting
journey in 2001 at the age of 23
when he joined Troop 89. Johnney
has been an active member of the
troop for the past 14 years, and has
held many troop offices including
Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant
Senior Patrol Leader, Quartermaster,
Scribe, and currently is the Order of the Arrow Troop Representative.
In 2012 he earned his Order of the
Arrow Vigil Honor. Johnney was
given the name Mapelahema, which
translates to “plays with marbles.”
His favorite part of Scouting is his
friends and learning new things. He
loves camping trips and sitting by
the fire making and eating s’mores.
Troop 89 Eagle Scouts (L to R): Adam
Lazarus, Johnney Barger and Brian Evans.
In July 2014, Johnney completed his Eagle Scout Service Project by
installing a handicap accessible
ramp at a one room historic schoolhouse. On March 7, 2015 he accomJohnney Barger (left) and Scout Leader
plished his ultimate goal in scouting
Doug Schwab put the finishing touches on his Eagle Scout Service Project.
by earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
In addition to scouting, Johnney has many hobbies and interests. He is a
Special Olympic athlete who has won many awards in track and field events,
golf, and Bocce Ball. He is an avid bowler with a 138 average. Johnney is a
1999 graduate of Fort Hill High School and a “Big Red” fan. Johnney currently
resides with his sister Julie and his brother-in-law Frank Colangelo. He has
attended Friends Aware for the past 15 years where he has learned many skills and trades. Friends Aware has assisted him in finding and maintaining
successful employment opportunities on-site and with off-site community
placements. Johnney has worked hard through the years to achieve his goals.
Congratulations to Johnney and Troop 89 for their achievements and their continued commitment to the community!
BSA Troop 89 is a Scout Troop for youth and adults with developmental disabilities and severe physical challenges. The Troop is sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church and Alhambra Wamba Caravan #89. Troop 89 is looking for new Scouts and leaders.
Contact Doug Schwab at doug@dougschwab.net, or visit www.troop89bsa.org.
Positive Attitudes Change Everything!
F
riends Aware representatives attended the PACE Reception in Annapolis
on January 22, 2015. The Reception
offers opportunities to interact with
state and federal government officials
and staff members. Friends Aware
shared their displays and provided
information about the exciting Capital
Campaign underway.
Winter-Spring 2015 • Page Three
Welcome to Our New Addition!
M
onday, March 9, 2015 was Opening Day! Excitement was in the air as the
buses pulled into the new handicap accessible entryway for the first time
and the doors opened to our new addition at the Friends Aware Life Enrichment Center. The Board of Directors and Staff welcomed everyone to their
new work space and helped them get acclimated to their new surroundings.
The new 10,000 square-foot addition is complete with a handicap accessible,
secure entryway, accessible restrooms, work rooms, a confidential shredding
room and conference space. Prior to this addition, the old entryway and the
bathrooms were not handicap accessible, the building lacked a sprinkler
system, and did not provide adequate space. The completion of the $2 million
project was funded through grants and donations and it is the first phase of
the “Building Independence Capital Campaign.” Individuals moved out of their
former work areas and into the fresh new space to allow for the renovation
planning phase of the project to get under way. Additional funding is being
sought to see the building project to completion. Donations for the “Building
Independence Capital Campaign” continue to be accepted and room naming
opportunities are still available.
Contributors to the
“Building Independence”
Capital Campaign
October 1, 2014 - March 31, 2015
Friends… $10,000 - $49,999
Maximus Foundation
Champions… $1,500 - $9,999
Mrs. Larry D. Boggs
Mr. & Mrs. John & Gail Ralston
Heroes… $50 - $1,499
Mr. Anne Blake
Ms. Sharon Snyder – In Honor of
Scott Robey
Ms. Marcy A. DeArcangelis,
Buttercup Boutique – In Honor of
Debbie Boggs & Trey
Walker Brothers Mining, Inc.
Thomas E. Kilduff
Allegany County Agricultural Expo
For more information on Friends Aware’s
“Building Independence” Capital Campaign,
or to make a contribution online, visit
www.friendsaware.org. Contributions may
also be made by phone at 301-722-7268.
Applebee’s®
Flapjack Fundraiser
Friends Aware will host an open house at
a later date and the public will be invited
to attend at that time.
Everyone enjoyed their short
stacks for a tall cause at the
Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser
Breakfast held December 20,
2014. Nearly $1,000 was raised to benefit Friends Aware.
18th Annual Friends Aware Ox Roast
Friday, June 19, 2015 • 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club Picnic Grounds
Tickets on Sale Now!
$25.00 Per Person
Order Online at www.friendsaware.org
or Call 301-722-7268
Donor Packages also available
FAI Financial Assistant Dan Reiss
preparing for the Flapjack Fundraiser!
Page Four • Winter-Spring 2015
Friends Aware Takes the Plunge!
FAI December
Fundraising
C
rafts and Baked Goods were
sold at Storybook Holiday in
Frostburg and at the Food Court
of the Country Club Mall as part
of Friends Aware’s December
fundraising events. Both events
were conducted by staff and
individuals, raising a total of
$2,114.87 to support the Capital
Campaign. Thank you to all who participated!
The 2015 Friends Aware Hooley Plunge Team
Friends Aware Elves are hard at work!
Bake Sale at Storybook Holiday.
Tom Kilduff packaging cookies!
T
he Friends Aware Hooley Plunge Team took to the icy waters of Lake Habeeb on Saturday,
March 7, 2015 to raise funds for the Hooley Plunge.
The funds raised support the Special Olympics of
Allegany County and other local programs for the
developmentally disabled. Friends Aware raised
over $4,000.00 for the cause. Thank you to the
Alhambra Caravan #89 for their tireless efforts to
make this event a huge success for the Developmentally Disabled in our community.
Thank You to our Hooley Plunge Team and volunteers: Ember Ball, Tanner Clark, Mary Garlitz, Janet
Hendershot, Kamini Hitch, Danielle Hook, Jeffery
Hook, Joseph Hott, Bryan Hott, Jr., Diane Kerchivale, Greg Leake, Dennis McDonald, Kori Melton,
Brendan McNickle, Tammy Merrill, Richard Nicol,
Siera Nicol, Casey Rhodes, Maggie Stahr, Derrick
Swandol, Kelly Washington, and Carrie Whitford.
Friends Aware Staff Contest
winners received Hooley Gift Baskets for raising the
most donations for the FAI
Hooley Plunge team. Left to
right are First Place Winner
Starr Nichol, Second Place
Winner Derrick Swandol, and FAI Executive Director
Robert Godfrey.
Friends Aware
Holiday Dance
I
Barb Evans and Lee Anne Santiago
preparing for the December Bake Sales.
t was “All Aboard” for good
food and great fun at Friends
Aware’s 2014 Holiday Dance
hosted by the Friends Aware
Social Committee!
Winter-Spring 2015 • Page Five
Band Blitz was a BLAST!
T
he 15th Annual Band Blitz was held on March
27-28th at the Cumberland Outdoor Club. The
two-day event was a huge success, raising over
$13,000 for Friends Aware and Arc of Frederick
County to help fund unmet needs for individuals
who receive services. Funds have assisted with the
purchase of adaptive equipment, training materials,
clothing, shoes, and dental work over the past
several years. Event coordinators Tim Haines, Arc of Frederick County, and Kimberly Lattea, Friends
Aware, have gone above and beyond to make the
Blitz a huge success! Thanks to our staff volunteers:
Adam is ready to ROCK!
Stephanie Parks, Carol Ketterman, Libi WilliamsZiler, Nancy Weisenmiller, Brenda Hayhurst, Al McDonald, Debbie Oates,
Jeannie & Ronnie Smith, Matt Smith, Lea Scarpelli, Lois Russell, Sue Buehler,
Rhonda Blubaugh, and Adam Lazarus. Special thanks to the evening’s emcee, Gary Wolz, and all of the band members and FAI staff who volunteered. And thanks to the staff members who performed with their bands: Harley
Kuhn, Jennifer Brown, and Eric
Breighner. Thanks to our supporting partners WCBC, GO I06,
Personal Best, Jim House, and
the Cumberland Outdoor Club.
Thanks to the musicians who
donate their time and talents to make this event a success!
This year’s lineup included:
Public Menace, Jaded, Cody Calp Band, Janice Ray Band,
Simon Sez, The Travis Minnick
Band, Uncle Fester, Greg and
Randy, Cramer Brothers & Tim
Haines, Heart Gravy, Sonic Mule,
Shadow Burn, So Low, Revv, City
Limits, Strangerz, The Limit, Lady Invidia, Anger Box, and
Surrender Dorothy.
Friends Aware
Welcomes New
Board Members
F
riends Aware recently welcomed newly elected
board members Janet Hendershot, Greg Leake, Jim Lindner
and Beverly McWhirter, and
returning board members
Angelique Aman, Frank Billard,
and Deborah Boggs.
Back (L to R): FAI Executive Director
Robert Godfrey, and New Board
Member Greg Leake. Front (L to R):
Board President Mary Bond, and New
Board Member Jim Lindner.
Toys for Happiness
Congratulations to the Hi-Fives!
First Place Winners at the Star Talent Tournament!
We are very proud of our Friends Aware team members who participated
in the Hi-Five’s dance fitness class at the YMCA. Week in and week out
they loaded up in buses to attend practices at the YMCA to prepare for
the Star Talent Tournament that
was held at the Allegany County
Fairgrounds on March 28th. They received standing ovations,
and tears of joy spread throughout the event, as they took their
first place win in their division!
Presenting toys collected and donations
from Friends Aware’s 7th Annual Toy
Drive (L to R): Chuck Koelker, Toys for
Happiness Chair; Robert Godfrey, FAI
Executive Director; Michele Wilhelm,
Friends Aware; and Kathleen Breighner,
FAI Community Relations & Resource
Development Director. Friends Aware
also volunteered wrapping gifts at the
Country Club Mall to aid in raising
funds for the cause.
PRSRT STD
NONPROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
1601 Holland Street
Cumberland, MD 21502
Phone: 301-722-7268 • Fax: 301-724-8965
www.friendsaware.org
CUMBERLAND, MD
PERMIT NO. 963
FAI Info is designed and produced by
GGI Advertising, a division of General Graphics, Inc.
Executive Director:
Officers of the Board:
Robert Godfrey
Mary Bond, President • Ray A. Bittner, Vice-President • Dottie Turner, Acting Secretary • Mirjhana Buck, Treasurer
Friends Aware Job Fair
Employment Opportunities are Available!
F
riends Aware recently held a Job Fair at
their Cumberland Street location in the Red Cross building. Representatives from all
programs were present to answer questions.
Friends Aware
serves approx. 140
developmentally
disabled adults and
employs over 200
staff in the local
community. We have
a variety of services
and programs to
offer including a
24/7 residential
program in 13 local homes, supports, and a day/
vocational program.
Friends Aware currently has several vacancies
for direct care positions. These positions are
full-time, part-time and substitutes, with the
possibility for rotating locations, schedules
and shifts. Positions remain available.
Applicants can apply online at: www.friendsaware.org/employment.html,
or at 1601 Holland Street, Cumberland, MD.