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Empowering people with developmental disabilities to enrich their own lives through our services.

AROUND
WINTER 2008

FIrST YEAr SuCCESS FOr MELWOOD PrINCE GEOrGES COuNTY OPEN!


becoming one of the premier events on the Nationwide Tour schedule. We want to thank all of our sponsors and volunteers for helping us build a solid foundation on which we can grow this community event for many more years to come, said Tournament Director Teo Sodeman. More than 30,000 golf fans enjoyed tournament activities and watched the event won by Paul Claxton, who became the first player to earn more than a million dollars in career winnings on the PGA Nationwide Tour. Enthusiastic fans, sponsors and volunteers saw an exciting finish to the highly successful Melwood Prince Georges County Open, held May 21-27 at the Country Club at Woodmore. The event raised national awareness and exceeded all expectations for Melwood. Tom Hearne, a PGA Tour official said, All of us associated with the Nationwide Tour were extremely pleased with the success of the event. The PGA Tour sees this event We are extremely happy to see how thousands of people enjoyed a delightful week at Woodmore, said Melwood President/CEO Janice Frey-Angel. We feel many more people became aware of the needs of people with disabilities and how important our programs are to so many individuals. Melwood Prince Georges County Open Returns During the week of May 19-25, 2008, the Melwood Prince Georges County Open will once again be played at the Country Club at Woodmore where 156 professional golfers will vie for their share of a $650,000 purse. As this community event grows, there are numerous opportunities to participate. For 2008, we have assembled a very impressive group of top corporate executives and government officials as a tournament executive committee. With their help, this event will become more than a golf tournament. We have the ability to highlight the assets and capabilities of Melwood, Prince Georges County and all participating corporations, said Sodeman. Sean Duffy, President of Duffy Mechanical, said, This is going to blossom into something big for the community. Its going to give a lot to Prince Georges County and the State of Maryland. For volunteer, vendor or sponsorship information, please visit our website at www.melwood.org or call the tournament office at (301) 599-2732. The tournament executive committee members are listed on page 15.

To learn more about becoming a sponsor or volunteer for the 2008 Melwood Prince Georges County Open, go to www.melwood.org or call the tournament office at 301-599-2732.

In This Issue: 2 Letter from CEO 4 Employment 6 Community Services 10 Enterprise Division 12 Fund Development 13 General News 14 Special Thanks

Top Left: 2008 tournament champion, Paul Claxton, is congratulated by (l to r) Melwood Consumer Cathy Spaur, Melwood President/CEO Janice Frey-Angel, Tournament Director Teo Sodeman, and Prince Georges County Executive Jack B. Johnson.

Southern Maryland Hospital Center Raises $36,000 for Melwood


More than 175 golfers, Southern Maryland Hospital Center staff and vendors gathered September 10 at Old South Country Club in Lothian for the 11th Annual Conrad F. Wolfrum, M.D. Memorial Golf Championship. The event raised more than $36,000 for Melwood programs which support people with disabilities. It is important for us to support worthy local charitable organizations, said Michael Chiaramonte, Chief Executive of Southern Maryland Hospital Center. We are proud to support Melwood, our partners in care who do so much, from employment and training, to housing for people with disabilities right here in our community. Melwoods services are vital to people with disabilities, and we thank Mr. Chiaramonte and Southern Maryland Hospital Center for recognizing and supporting our important work, said Janice Frey-Angel, Melwood President/CEO.

A message from the President/CEO

A SEASON OF FIrSTS
Melwood 5606 Dower House road upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (301) 599-8000 www.melwood.org Chairman of the Board of Directors Andrew V. Colevas Principal Colevas Group Vice Chair Frank O. Coombs Business Executive Directors Stanley J. Botts John Buckmaster Frank DeHart Marty DErasmo Michael A. Edwards William W. Friel, Jr. reggie Harris Jay r. Kern David E. LHeureux George Moore J. robert Moore Dana B. Stebbins Samuel Thompkins Louis Welker President/CEO Janice Frey-Angel President Emeritus Earl Copus, Jr. Vice Presidents Donna Dukes ronald Hanley Donald Pollock Jonathon rondeau robert Tucker Editor Jay Thomas Contributors Latonia Adams Carmelita Ataviado Lauren Fairley-Wright Michelle Lucas David Simon Janice Frey-Angel President/CEO Dear readers, The spring, summer and fall months have seen many firsts for Melwood. In May, we entered a new era of community visibility with the inaugural Melwood Prince Georges County Open, the first Nationwide Tour event in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The event was highly successful, and we look forward to an even better event in 2008. More than 200 community members attended our Breakfast of Champions fundraising event in June which raised money and understanding about our vital services for people with disabilities. People with disabilities are most vulnerable when disasters occur. Melwood holds the safety of our consumers in the highest regard; and so in June, we hosted a mock disaster preparedness exercise to prepare for responding quickly and appropriately if need be. We were the first disability organization in Maryland to volunteer for this type of exercise, and it was only the second of its kind in the nation. In July, Melwood welcomed new and prospective clients and families to an admissions orientation to hear about services and decide if Melwood is the right organization to meet their needs. Im proud to report that everyone who attended the session enrolled in our programs. Project SEArCH, a new and exciting employment program, launched in August. This innovative program provides community-based training and competitive employment. Within two months, two of the first three students were hired by Sodexho to work at Bowie State university. In addition, nine students were enrolled in Project SEArCH in Charles County to intern at Giant Foods. In October, the amazing work of our employees was recognized at the highest level. Nearly forty people with disabilities who clean and maintain the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, an extension of the White House, were honored for their professionalism. These are just a few of the firsts, and just as important, the firsts which often go unnoticed in the lives of the people we serve. Each is a step closer to our vision of people with disabilities fully included in the world. Sincerely,

MELWOOD WELCOMES

new board members


Melwood welcomes Andrew V. Colevas, Frank O. Coombs, Stanley J. Botts, Marty DErasmo, Michael A. Edwards, Dana B. Stebbins and Samuel Thompkins as newly elected officers and members of its volunteer Board of Directors.
Chairman Andrew V. Colevas, a board member since 2006, was elected Chairman. Mr. Colevas is a Prince Georges County developer who also serves on the boards of St. Annes School, BB&T Bank and is president of the upper Marlboro rotary Club.

congratulations
TO THE FOLLOWING EMPLOYEES WHO CELEBrATED MILESTONE ANNIVErSArIES WITH MELWOOD IN 2007! 35 Years Edward Chisley Custodial Services 30 Years Susan Farr Community Services James Farr Community Services Lyndon Outlaw Contract Services 25 Years Gloria Harper Contract Services Sheila Nelson Contract Services 20 Years Janice Bingham Contract Services Lorenzo Brown Contract Services Dorothy Makle Contract Services Earline McDonald Contract Services Wilford Steward Contract Services David OConnor Contract Services Marchesa Whittington Training 15 Years Linda Neiser Finance Tyrone Pankey Contract Services Clifford Smith Contract Services Lillian Simms Garden Center Joseph upshaw Custodial Services Sheila Woods Community Services

Vice Chairman Frank O. Coombs, a member of the board since 2003, was elected Vice Chairman. Mr. Coombs owns the Forestville International House of Pancakes restaurant, and was named the 2003 Chester A. Troy Employer of the Year for his commitment to hire people with disabilities by the Maryland Governors Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

Stanley J. Botts, of Montgomery County, Maryland, has joined the board after a managerial career with Verizon Communications. Mr. Botts serves as commissioner of the Maryland Department of Labor, License and regulation, Division of Occupations and Professional Licensing, and as a commissioner of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.

Marty DErasmo, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, has joined the board after a successful career in health care. Ms. DErasmo served as President and Chief Executive Officer for QualChoice of Virginia Health Plan, Inc., Chief Executive Officer of Medical Services Organization at Georgetown university Medical Center, and President and Chief Executive Officer for The Johns Hopkins Medical Services Organization (JHMSC).

Michael A. Edwards, of upper Marlboro, Maryland, has joined the board. Mr. Edwards serves as the Chief Technology Officer for the Peace Corp. Previously, he served as the Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the American Skyline Insurance Company.

Dana Brewington Stebbins, MSW, Esq., has joined the board. Ms. Stebbins is an attorney with an advanced degree in human behavior. She has more than 25 years of experience in strategic and legal services for community and economic development projects.

Samuel Thompkins of upper Marlboro has joined the board after a successful career in IT at Oracle Corporation. For the past six years, he has been involved in Melwoods Human rights Committee and has chaired the committee for the past 18 months. Sam has two sons who receive services from Melwood.

The new leadership of our board will infuse energy, new ideas and momentum to help the staff and I open more doors for people with disabilities in the community. Melwood President/CEO Janice Frey-Angel

Winter 2008

MELWOOD

employment
CONTrACT EMPLOYEES rECOGNIZED

for their excellent work

Melwood contract employee Stacey Smith accepts his certificate of appreciation from Paul Denett, White House Office of Federal Procurement Policy Administrator, and Andrew Houghton, chairperson of the AbilityOne Program.

Sheaffers comments were part of a ceremony October 29 to honor National Disability Employment Awareness Month. At the ceremony, 38 Melwood employees who clean the New Executive and Eisenhower Executive Office Buildings were honored for their work as part of the AbilityOne Program. The employees do a great job. They act as a beacon for many others, said Paul Denett, Administrator for the White House Office of Federal Procurement Policy. Each day, workers counter the notion that people with disabilities are unable to perform well on the job, said Andrew Houghton, chairperson for the federal agency that oversees the AbilityOne Program. We are the backbone of the federal government. Sheaffer enrolled in Melwoods training program in 1999 and began working as a custodian at the National Zoo soon after completing her training. When Melwood won a new contract to clean the New Executive Office Building, Sheaffer applied for the job and the security clearance. She began working at the NEOB in 2000. If I didnt work for Melwood, I would collect government benefits instead of working. But now I am working and paying taxes. I am very proud of myself! says Sheaffer.

I have a place to go in the morning and people who need me, Brenda Sheaffer, 36, proudly states.

Brenda Sheaffer, who works at the New Executive Office Building, speaks to the gathering of more than 70 people.

More than 70 government workers and Melwood employees gather in the ornate Indian Treaty Room to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month on October 29.

JAVITS WAGNEr ODAY PrOGrAM


The program used by Melwood to employ many people with disabilities formally announced a name change at the Nish National Training and Achievement Conference in April. The Javits Wagner ODay Program, or JWOD Program, is now formally known as the AbilityOne Program. Nationwide, nearly 50,000 people with disabilities are employed in quality jobs, earning good wages and benefits while competitively providing essential goods and services to the federal government through the AbilityOne Program. Branding is essential in todays marketing world, said Andrew Houghton, chairperson for the federal committee which oversees the AbilityOne Program. Our conception was for people to recognize our brand and immediately know who we are, AbilityOne the program that provides thousands

changes name

MELWOOD PArTNEr EArNS


of jobs for people who are blind or severely disabled and quality products and services to our federal government customers. In addition to the name change, a logo was unveiled at the conference. The logo creates a unique brand identity for the program to help communicate the qualities of the AbilityOne program, distinguish it from other programs and to leave a lasting impression with various audiences.

employer of the year honors

Donald St. Armand, Fleet Maintenance Manager at the university of Maryland College Park, was honored as the Employer of the Year at the annual Disabilities Awards Breakfast on October 16. The event was hosted by the Prince Georges County Department of Family Services, Mental Health and Disabilities Administration, and Commission for Individuals with Disabilities. Cathy raggio, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, gave the keynote address.
Pictured Above: Keith Young and Don St. Armand display the Employer of the Year Award.

71 graduate

FrOM TrAINING CLASSES


On July 26, Melwoods Class of 2007 Skills Training graduates gathered with family and friends at the Greenbelt Marriott to celebrate their completion of document management or landscaping and custodial training. The event marked the 15th Anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act. Forty three landscaping and custodial students and 28 document management students completed intensive training programs lasting 13 weeks.

Graduate Antonio Wright, right, joins Jeannie Jones, WKYS radio host, who served as mistress of ceremonies for the Skills Training Graduation, after the ceremony.

The gathering of more than 65 listened closely as keynote speaker Liz Burley, Transition Specialist for Prince Georges County Schools, congratulated the graduates, saying, Everything you do is a matter of choice, and you made the best choice of all. You got into job training. Samantha rainey, a 2006 graduate and current Melwood employee at the Beltsville Agricultural research Center, assured the graduates that they made the right choice when she said, I am good at my job because I listened and learned from my instructors. Janice Frey-Angel, Melwood President/CEO, told the graduates, Tonights ceremony celebrates true accessemployment for people with disabilities.

Naval Academy Manager Promoted


robert Tucker has been promoted to Vice President of Contract Services for Custodial Operations after joining Melwood in 2005 to establish and run the united States Naval Academy custodial contract. This contract is Melwoods largest and most prestigious to date. under his guidance, Melwood has been frequently recognized for its superior service and support to the Naval Academy. In recognition of his leadership, Mr. Tucker was presented with the Nish East region Custodial Manager of the Year Award.

Dante Sigler, at left, shares his enthusiasm with transitioning youth coordinators Alice Perdue and Norma Roberts, and keynote speaker Liz Burley after the graduation ceremony. Sigler now works at the US Naval Academy.

Many graduates have already entered the workforce and are employed by Melwood at prominent area facilities including the George Washington Carver Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, Naval research Lab, uS Courthouse and Kennedy Center.

Winter 2008

COMMuNITY

services
employment opportunities. In early November, Melwood launched Project SEArCH in Charles County in partnership with Giant Foods and Charles County Public Schools. Students may be hired at any time. Cheree Shelton and Veronica Alexander, two of Melwoods first three students, performed so well that Sodexho already hired them as dining room attendants. Their new jobs started October 1. Shelton wanted to work and decided Project SEArCH could help her. It feels good to work. I am looking forward to receiving a paycheck, said Shelton. Alexander worked at roy rogers for over ten years before the restaurant closed several years ago and wanted to continue working in food service. I love to clean. Im happy to be working again, said Alexander. Project SEArCH gave her that chance. We continually explore new ways to enable people with disabilities to work, said Janice Frey-Angel, Melwood President/CEO. Project SEArCH is one more way to achieve our vision of full inclusion for people with disabilities. Project SEArCH aims to increase job prospects and income potential for high school students with disabilities and other concerns. Greater Cincinnati Hospital originally developed the program for retaining workers in critical jobs such as stocking emergency rooms. The program offers classroom instruction, on-thejob training and community support systems for students. Approximately 70% of students are employed by graduation. Project SEArCH offers special education students and others real-life work experience, job training and greater independence during a year-long internship program. Students take part in classroom instruction, non-paid job rotations that build communication skills, increase their problem solving abilities and learn different job duties to be independent in a competitive work environment. An estimated 15,000 students in Prince Georges and Charles Counties receive special education services. Students with disabilities often struggle to transition from the educational system into employment. Nationwide, nearly 70% of people with disabilities are unemployed, compared to 4.6% of the general population. Michelle Lucas and Lauren Fairley-Wright contributed to this article.

Melwood Launches Project SEARCH Program with Immediate Success


Project SEArCH, Melwoods newest employment program for people with disabilities, is already achieving success. The program began in late August as a pilot project between Sodexho, at Bowie State university, and Melwood to provide community-based training and competitive

Project SEARCH student Cheree Shelton, at left, and Veronica Alexander restock a dining area at Bowie State University.

rECrEATIONAL PrOGrAMS ENJOY A

great summer!
with disabilities, continued to be popular. Trips to Ocean City, Virginia Beach, and themed holidays such as rock with Elvis and Dude ranch at the Melwood retreat Center filled quickly and were enjoyed by all the vacationers.

Summer 2007 proved to be another great season for Melwoods recreational programs. The day camp program at Kamp A-Kom-Plish continued its strong growth. Almost twice as many children registered for day camp over last summer. Pony Pals day camp, where campers learned to care for and ride horses, was so popular that extra sessions were added to the summer schedule. The equestrian program and therapeutic riding for riders with disabilities continued to grow and benefited from several fundraisers during the season. Most riders are local to Charles County and have learned about the program through word-of-mouth. Vacations through Access Adventures, the destination-based vacation program for adults

Equestrian Program Needs Volunteers!


To volunteer as a therapeutic side walker for the equestrian program, please contact Doria Fleisher, Equestrian Program Manager at 301-599-3226 or dfleisher@melwood.org.

Kamp A-Kom-Plish is a friendly, kind and caring overnight camp. Children meet new friends, develop self-confidence, and have a great time in nature participating in fun and enriching activities.

Summer 2008 will be an exciting time at Kamp A-Kom-Plish. Camp sessions begin June 22 and run through August 22. To register your child, or for more information, visit www.kampakomplish.org or call (301) 870-3226.

Winter 2008

COMMuNITY

services
Clare Roach and Lorenzo Thompson were in charge of the event registration.

Admissions Orientation Proves Popular


By Carmelita Ataviado

Melwood welcomed 13 new program participants and their families to the Dower House road campus in July. Most new participants recently graduated from public school special education programs in Prince Georges, Charles or Anne Arundel counties. The orientation was designed to familiarize individuals with Melwood policies and procedures, enable them to ask questions, learn more about resources available to them, and ensure a smooth transition into the world of work. Participants broke into small group sessions following an introductory session. Sessions included Success stories, where participants learned how two individuals effectively utilized resources and grew with Melwood. In the resources session, participants learned about services available

to them. The Individual Planning session emphasized the importance of working together to develop the supports an individual needs to be successful, while Opportunities for Caregivers offered caregivers information on what to expect and how to support an individuals transition smoothly. The Support Group session stressed that getting to know people who can help an individual is important to each participants success. During the orientation, several Melwood consumers helped run the event. Melissa Maher took the lead in the logistics, including monitoring the reserved parking space and reception. Nyjal Kelley assisted in the physical arrangements, and Jim Kerrigan, the unofficial mayor of Melwood, welcomed all the new program participants to Melwood.

Carmelita Ataviado, Admissions Coordinator, answers questions during a small group session.

Janice Frey-Angel, Melwood President/CEO addresses the group of new Melwood program participants and their families at the July orientation session.

Outstanding Direct Support Professional


Whitney Henderson makes a tremendous difference in the lives of the four women she supports in residential Services. Her first challenge came when one of the housemates had to undergo a second mastectomy for recurring breast cancer. This was a tremendously stressful time for everyone in the home, and the recovery period was long and difficult, but fortunately the housemate is now cancer-free. The home was then struck by tragedy in February when another of the housemates died suddenly from a heart attack. Whitney overcame her own grief to help the others cope with a devastating loss, through the funeral and afterward. A family member of a housemate summed up Whitneys commitment to her work: She proved herself beyond what anyone could have expected. Im impressed with her ability to handle many things at the same time with ease and professionalism. I speak for my family and many others, Im sure, when I say that Whitney is a remarkable person.
Laura Howell, MACS Executive Director, presents Whitney Henderson, at right, with the Outstanding Direct Support Professional Award in April.

JOINS COMMuNITY SErVICES


Jonathon rondeau joins Melwood as Vice President of Community Services from the League for People with Disabilities. During his tenure at the League, he expanded Camp Greentop into a year-round destination for people with disabilities, started year-round therapeutic and respite services, and initiated services to people with autism. Mr. rondeau is the President-Elect of the Chesapeake Section of the American Camp Association and is a member of the Maryland recreation and Park Association.

executive

new

fall

HALLOWEEN DANCE
Melwood held its second annual Halloween Party and Dance at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center on November 1, attended by nearly 250 spirited partygoers. Clark Construction Foundation organized the event, and employees of Clark Construction decorated the hall, served dinner, organized contests, and donated prizes for everyone who attended. The Greater Waldorf Jaycees donated the facility and a wonderful chicken dinner for everyone. Clark Construction was thrilled to join with the Waldorf Jaycees to provide a Halloween Dinner Dance for 200 clients and family members from Melwood. The event was a great way to give back by giving everyone an opportunity to smile, make friends and have fun. We are looking forward to making next years event bigger and better, said Tish Dennison of Clark Construction Foundation.

We hope to see even more peopleand costumesnext year!


Winter 2008

enterprise

DIVISION
BuSINESS CENTEr ASSISTS

virginia county tourism

By David Simon

Tourism officials in Patrick County, Virginia are so pleased with the excellent work of the Melwood Business Center, they have requested Melwoods mission and website to be included on every brochure mailed to people interested in visiting Patrick County. Melwood has exceeded our expectations and saved us considerable time and money, says Jeannie Frisco, Patrick Countys Tourism
Elvis Jenkins affixes mailing labels to tourism brochures for Patrick County, Virginia.

Director. We are proud to promote our association with such a dynamic organization. Melwoods Business Center zip sorts deliverable addresses and deletes undeliverable ones, enabling customers such as Patrick County to benefit from lower bulk rates. To learn how your organization could benefit from the services of Melwood Business Center, contact David Simon at 301-599-4534.

horticultural therapists
VISIT MELWOOD
More than 100 members of the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) visited Melwoods Dower House road campus October 25 before their national conference at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. AHTA was formed in 1973 by a number of human services professionals and Melwood employees who used horticulture in their work, including Melwood President Emeritus, Earl Copus, Jr., who served as the organizations first president. Horticultural therapy is the practice of growing and using plants to improve quality of life and to speed rehabilitation. The practice benefits people of all ages and walks of life in settings as varied as hospitals, public schools, correctional facilities, senior centers and rehabilitation programs. On the tour, horticultural therapists from throughout the united States and as far away as Japan learned about Melwoods history of horticulture and watched demonstrations on how Melwood continues to use aspects of horticulture therapy in its current employment and enrichment programs for people with disabilities.
(Top Left) Melwood President/CEO Janice Frey-Angel addresses some of the more than 60 AHTA members during the afternoon tour of the Melwood campus. (Top Right) Rosalind Meyers and Bobby Dove demonstrate the Guadalajara Mexican folk dance for AHTA members who visited Melwoods Personal Enrichment Program. (Left) Richard Rasmussen and Dorothea Johns use gourds to create arts and crafts as Melwood volunteer Cleonice Copus, third from left, describes their work for AHTA members.

10

MELWOOD PEACE GArDEN DISPLAY

wins top prize!


Hundreds of returning customers patiently waited in line to purchase four truckloads of Melwood plants worth $12,000, almost double last years total.

Congratulations to Melwoods Garden Center team, which earned the top overall prize at the 2007 Washington Cathedral Flower Mart for its Peace Garden display as well as second place ribbon for best plants. Were thrilled to receive the Best Overall prize for our display, said Maggie Wiles, Melwood Garden Center Manager. The event is one of the largest springtime plant sales events in the Washington, DC area and features more than 100 displays and vendors. Thousands of visitors come to buy plants for homes and gardens. Melwoods reputation for producing beautiful plants and unique arrangements is well-known at the Flower Mart, where it also won awards for Best Display and Best Plants in 2006. Instead of just selling flats of plants, we sold highly appealing items such as hydrangeas and miniature hostas, said Sheila Gallagher.

Ron Farrin, Sheila Gallagher, and Maggie Wiles display the ribbons awarded to the Melwood display at the Washington Cathedral Flower Mart.

accreditation
Greenhouse supervisor Sheila Gallagher has earned her certification as a registered Horticultural Therapist from the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA). Melwood is a better place for having Sheila among us, said Maggie Wiles, Garden Center manager. Her achievement is the culmination of many hours and years of dedicated work and study in the horticulture field in general and most recently here with our individuals at Melwood. This rigorous peer-reviewed accreditation is voluntary and requires academic, professional and at least 2,000 hours of direct field work under the supervision of an AHTA-registered horticultural therapist. Gallagher has worked in the Melwood Garden Center for four years. Her horticultural therapy work has helped more than 60 people with disabilities attain new skills, improve self esteem, and find outlets for creative expression. I was honored to find out I was certified as a horticulture therapist by AHTA. I look forward to working with Melwood individuals, staff, and interns to share the benefits of horticulture. said Gallagher.
Pictured above: Sheila Gallagher and Lester Oden prepare ivy cuttings in a Melwood greenhouse.

MELWOOD EMPLOYEE EArNS

charles county

By Latonia Adams

PErSONAL ENrICHMENT PrOGrAM COOKOuT


participants enjoyed a dance contest, and played basketball, indoor tennis and a trivia game for some excellent prizes. The day ended by singing happy birthday, giving gifts, eating cake and enjoying some delicious ice cream.
Below: Sandra Beeler, Cathy Brawner, Anthony Kitts, Gena Galles, and Carolyn Lange enjoy a snack at the end of summer cookout on September 21.

On September 21, the Charles County Personal Enrichment Program (PEP) participants and staff enjoyed a fun-filled end of summer cookout and birthday celebration for several individuals with September birthdays. PEP participants and staff worked hard the day before the event preparing potato salad, fruit salad, and fried chicken. At the cookout,

Winter 2008

11

fund

DEVELOPMENT

Hundreds Turn Out for WHUR Visit


MELWOOD WELCOMES

new development director


Steve Evans joins Melwood as Director of Fund Development. Prior to joining Melwood, Mr. Evans served as the Senior Director of Marketing for the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania and as development director for the ArC of Delaware. His strong background in fund development and marketing, combined with his experience serving people with disabilities, will help build a community of supporters for Melwoods mission.

Nearly 250 consumers and staff gathered to welcome Howard university radio host Tony richards to Melwoods Dower House road campus on August 16. Mr. richards visited to interview Melwood President/ CEO Janice Frey-Angel for the local Office of the Week segment during the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show. This is the biggest crowd weve ever had for Office of the Week, richards told the audience on the radio and in attendance. Through the interview, WHurs listening audience was able to learn about Melwoods services for people with disabilities and how they can help support Melwoods work in the community. Spectators were treated to coffee and doughnuts as they listened to the interview which was broadcast that morning. After the interview, several consumers had the opportunity to give Shout Outs to friends and family live on the radio.

WHUR radio host Tony Richards, at right, interviews Melwood President/CEO Janice FreyAngel for the Office of the Week program.

Melwood consumers gather with Tony Richards to celebrate the largest ever turnout for the WHUR Office of the Week program.

Harness Race at Rosecroft Benefits Equestrian Program


This event will help provide us with money that can be used for scholarships and programs for campers.
Doria Fleisher, Equestrian Program manager

Equestrian program participants and their families enjoyed a thrilling evening August 18 at rosecroft raceway. The group of 30 watched from trackside as Kamp A-Kom-Plish was the featured non-profit organization for the evenings harness races. At the conclusion of the fourth race, sponsored by the Capitol Area Amateur Drivers Association, the group gathered in the Winners Circle to receive a check for $1,000.

12

GENErAL

news
rAISES OVEr $32,000
More than 200 people attended the Breakfast of Champions fundraising event at Martins Crosswinds on June 6. Attendees pledged and donated over $32,000 to Melwood. Audience members who chose to donate became part of Melwoods newly-formed Champions Society. The event was the conclusion to the Get to Know Melwood sessions held every Tuesday morning at Melwoods headquarters in upper Marlboro. Attendees of the free hour-long event were treated to a light breakfast. They listened to several brief presentations from parents and others on how Melwood serves the community through employment, training, housing, and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. If you are interested in becoming a Melwood Champion, please contact Melwood Fund Development Director Steve Evans at 301-599-8000.

breakfast of champions

MELWOOD AT FOrEFrONT OF

disaster preparedness
Melwood and other community partners recently took part in a disaster preparedness exercise conducted by the Center for Disabilities and Special Needs Preparedness. The June 27 event was only the second of its kind in the nation. We were pleased to host this important exercise, because we hold the safety of everyone at Melwood in the highest regard. This was an extremely valuable learning experience, said Janice FreyAngel, Melwoods President/CEO. More than 100 individuals from around the state took part as players, observers, or guests in the mock disaster exercise, which allowed Melwood and other service providers to test disaster plans including communication, staffing and evacuation procedures during a hurricane and its aftermath.

Melwood contract worker Essie Jackson addresses the crowd at the Breakfast of Champions event June 6, 2007.

MELWOOD CONSuMEr

achievements recognized

Employees of the Year: Cynthia Chance, Antonio Barber, ryan Holcomb Personal Achievement: Shirley Frazier, Tyrone rabsatt, Stanley Thomas Best Attitude: Anthony Hall, Michael Henry, Gregory Jones, Errin Lewis, Darlene Madison, Joey Markham, Bumni Omadayo, Walter Williamson Most Improved: William Lampe, Wayne Lore, Christopher William, roland Simms

CONGrATuLATIONS!

Melwood consumers honored at the Breakfast of Champions event pose with their certificates as Janice Frey-Angel, Melwood President/CEO looks on.

Photo courtesy the SeaWiFS Project, NASA/ Goddard Space Flight Center, and ORBIMAGE

Winter 2008

13

MELWOOD SAYS

thank you
Chiaramonte Huisman Zorn Urology, LLC Chris Collins Christina Valenzuela Christopher & Catherine Robson Chrysalis House Inc. Clark Construction Claudia Smith Cliffton Brandon Conrad & Roberta Angel CR Goodman Associates, LLC Craig R. Wulf Creative Access, Inc. Cynthia Boyd Daniel Davis Daniel Heffernan David & Sara Sanford David Cahn David Etheredge David LHeureux David Moulton David Pier David T. Gutwald David Williams Dawn Begin Debbie Carthorn Deborah A. Carpentier Deborah A. Fischel Deborah Carpentier Delores Wynn Desiree Reilly Diane Jessup Diane Miller Diane Wilson-Bragg Dina L. Harding Don & Lois Pollock Donald & Donna Sheaffer Donald Puchaty Donna Kramer Dorothy Lewis Dr. Barry H. Epstein Drew N. Gruenburg E. Lee & Hildegard Jett Earl Copus, Jr. Earl Middleton Earnest Dorsey ECHO-Employee Charity Organization

TO rECENT DONOrS
Ed Butler Edie H. Cratty Edith McHale Effie Smith Macklin Eleanor F. Weichert Elizabeth Ann Francis Elizabeth Van Nort Ellen Leissner Carroll Ellen Markham Ellsworth Harris Emerson & Julia Markham Ernst & Young LLP Errol Ingram Esmeralda Blacetti Ethel Kramer Etta Fleisher Eugene & Kathleen Waszily Eugene & Reta Williams Five L Company France L. Marlowe Frank & Elizabeth Coutler, Jr. Frank A. Nicolai Frank Coombs Frank Herron Frank O. Coombs Franz Misch Frederick W. Corbin G. L. Shannon Realty, Inc. G.S. Proctor & Assoc, Inc. Gary R. Harris Geneva Rivera George & Jean Vaeth, Jr. George & Kathleen Edwards, Jr. Georgia Chung Blake Gerald & Ann Jones Giles & Dianne Bragg Gordon Wells Gragan & Sons Glass Co., Inc GRL Corporation Harry L. Roesch Heart Center of Southern Maryland Heather Thompson Henry S. Trentman IBM Corporation Iclaine B. Proctor Inova Health System Foundation Ione Salkoski Irwin & Lora Neveleff Isabel Mejia J. Price & Anne Schuler Jack & Diane Miller Jaime Jones Jamarr Blue James & Sylvia Taylor James Ashe James Davis James L. Oakley, Sr. James Mintz James R. Moore James Rowe Janice Fielder Janice Frey-Angel Jarrell & Patricia Mitchell Jay & Donna Defibaugh Jay John Hellman Jay Kern Jay Thomas JDS Associates, Inc. Jeanne M. Smith Jerome Powell Jimmie Danner Gorski Joanne Gerloch Joanne M. McDonald Jobs Daughters Bethel No. 24 John & Astor Kane John & Christine Himmel John & Janet Benish, Jr. John & Jeanette McDaniel, Jr. John & Maureen Brady John & Sandra Barnes John Straub Jon S. Frank & Associates, Inc. Jonathan & Diane Tilton Jonathan Thomas Jose & Felicitas Cadisal Joseph & Mary Mazzafro Joseph Brown & Jacinta McCann Joseph R. Fernandez Joseph Wells Joy Morris Joyce Arthur Padgett, Jr. Juan Batista Karen C. Zanzig Karl Hankins Katherine Karker-Jennings, P.A. Kathleeen Berry Kathleen A. Copus Keir Howard Keith & Bonita Grier Kelly Anderson Kenneth Jackson Kenneth Thompson Kimberly Boykin Kirk Turner Krishna M. Loomba Kurt Salziger L & L Industries, Inc. Lafayette Investments, Inc. Lankford SYSCO Food Services Lareintz Johnson Larry Browne Lashanette Paris Lawrence & Dorothy Rooney Lawrence Tabbs Lee & Diane Miller Lee Roesch Leo Vadala Leonard Paper Company Leticia DeOliveira Liberty Group, LLC Lilia Martinez Lilian Reges Linda Hamel Linda P. Austing Lorenzi, Dodds & Gunnill, Inc. Lottie Winters-Johnson Louis & Diana Campbell Louis Welker Lt./Col Gilbert E. Jones, USAF Lucretia M. McGuire M. Anne Shuler M. Marie Anonsen Maia Floyd Manuel & Virginia Pinto Maria Cruz Marian E. Casarella Marilyn H. Ginsberg Mark Celeste

Adityanath S. Jetty Administrator Planning Services, Inc. Agens D. Colbert Alesa Phillips Alexander & Cleaver, Attorneys at Law Alfred H. Smith, Jr. Alice C. McCullough Alva Worthington American Collections Enterprise, Inc. Americas Charities Andre Robinson Andrew V. Colevas Angela Castellanos Angelia Powell Anita M. Thompkins Anonymous Ashley Haymond Ashley Henderson B. K. Miller Meats & Liquors, Inc. Barbara Clayton Barrett & Barbara Drifmeyer Barry N. Sisson Bella Plastic Surgery, LLC Beth Jones Bituin Loyola Blanca Mayorga Bowman Financial Mgmt Co, Inc - Melissa Bushey Brandon Bethel Calvary Lutheran Church Capital Auto and Truck Auctions, Inc. CareFirst, BCBS Underwriting Dept. Carmelita Ataviado Carol Callahan Carol Weichert Carolyn LeCrone Catherine Timmie Jensen CDR Karin Kulinski, USNR Chad & Angela BonDurant Chad Thorpe Channalingiah Sudhakara Charles County Auto Body Charles Lucas Charles Parrish

14

Melwood Prince Georges County Open Tournament Executive Committee Members


Mark Heagy Marlene Bumbry Marna Gomez Marta S. Jones/Ricarda E. Jones Martin & Barbara Lampe Mary B. Andrasco Mary Brown Mary Buszuwski Mary Catherine Sabatos Mary Cook Mary D. Saunders Mary E. Tabbs Mary J. Hellekjaer/Ann Johnson Mary McMahon Mary Mohr Maryland Charity Campaign Marylanders for Miller Maureen Hayes Maurice Tobias Maxima Mejia Melanie Cole Melvin Hood Melvin Jones Melvin Odems Michael & Patricia Nemchick Michael & Suzanne Darmstead Michael Aukard Jr. Michael Cunningham Michael Ganley Mildred L. Vanizon Milton & Leanne Titcomb Milton & Margaret Crawford Milton/Margaret Hein Monarch Construction & Masonry Co., Inc. Montgomery County Government Morley Krieger Mr. & Mrs. David W. Karsten Mr. & Mrs. Edward L. Sherrer Mr. & Mrs. Essy Saedi Mr. & Mrs. Lamar M. Ware, III Mr. & Mrs. Mike Carroll Mr. & Mrs. Paul K. Zeller Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Huber Nancy Magurn News Channel 8 Niraj Patel NISH - AbilityOne Norseman Defense Technologies Oncology-Hematology Associates, P.A. Owen Doswell Pamela Grier Patricia M. Sullivan Paul Day Paula Rogers Paulette Gooden Peter Miller Philip & Claudia Kieffer Philip & Elizabeth Danahy, II Phillip Brogsdale Pineview Extended Care Center, Inc. Preston Productions Inc. Queen Anne School Ralph Reese Ray Buckler Raymond OConner, Jr. Raynard Edwards Redis S. Floyd Reggie M. Harris Ricarda E. Jones Richard A. Farson Richard Howard Richard Kauffman Richard Reise Richmond Sweet Rita Franks & Linda Franks Caplan Riverdale Lions Club Robert & Jane Gough Robert & Jean Cohen Robert & Margaret Mitchell Robert Barney Robert C. Vandevort Robert Dove Robert Heritage Robert Keyes Robert Norton, Jr. Robert W. Kaufmann Robert Moore George Moore Robert Wells Robert Y. Clagett, Esq. Ronald P. Hanley Ronald Williams S C & H Group, Inc. Samuel Thompkins Sandra C. Goodman Sandra Evans Sandra Walker Sara Southard Sarah Johnson & Jeffrey Studds Schule Media & Marketing, Inc. Scott Hamel Serrina Williams Shareff A. Mustafaa Sherdon Lewis Sherri Weedon Silvia Heath & Sylvia Alvarez Soniya Barkley-Hall South Gate - Clinton Lions Club Southern Maryland Health System, LLC Southern Maryland Hospital Southern MD Novelty Co., Inc. Stanley & Allene Baum Stephanie Bell Stephanie Gagne Stephen & Darlene Varga Steven B. Evans Stuart & Beverly Kohn Stuart Kohn SunTrust Susan Mullins Sybil A. Hammond Sylvia Alvarez Tammy Coffee TAS Medical, Inc. Teamsters Local Union No. 639 Telisa Smalley Terry Neveleff The Crescent Cities Jaycees Foundation, Inc. The Crystal Companies, Inc. The Michael Companies The United Way of Charles County Thomas J. Lantz, Sr. Thomas & Edna Medford, Jr. Thomas & Sandra Ferrell Thomas Hampton Thomas Lantz Thomas Morgan Thomas Roberts Thomas S. Logan Timothy Edwards Todd Pounds Tony Williams United Methodist Women of Oxon Hill United Way of Central Maryland United Way of Charles County United Way of Delaware-Statewide Headquarters United Way of the National Capital Area USI - Patterson/Smith Vanetta Wells Veda Murray Vending Plus, Inc. Vernon Myers Vincent Salkoski Wainton Hall Waldorf Jaycees Wal-Mart #2799 Walter Lewis III Wander S. Rogers Wayne Cleaver Wayne E. Bean William A. Buckingham William Friel, Jr. Williams Lampe Willis J. Reilly Yellow Springs Lions Club Yu-Ren Chen Tim Adams SA-Tech Bob Berlinski DuPont Fabros Jeffrey Blauvelt CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc. Andy Colevas Melwood Katie Doherty Radisson Largo Joe Donato CBRE Capitol Markets Jerry Duffy Maryland State Golf Association Sean Duffy EMCOR Dr. James Dula Prince Georges County Chamber of Commerce M.H. Jim Estepp Greater Prince Georges Business Roundtable Hilary Fordwich Strelmark Tony Giachintoa Dietz Construction Thomas Graham PEPCO Jason Groves Verizon Fred Harley Prince Georges County Mike Herman Prince Georges County Kwasi Holman Prince Georges County Economic Development Peter Hudson The Hudson Group Ken Michael NAI The Michael Companies, Inc. Matt Neitzey Prince Georges County CVB Terry Prather Six Flags America Steve Proctor G.S. Proctor & Associates Inc. Bill robinson Country Club at Woodmore Patricia Terrell T&T Management Michael Vaughan State of Maryland Pam Weber Booz Allen Hamilton

A very special thank you to those who have included Melwood in their estate to perpetuate our mission and services for generations to come.

Winter 2008

15

MELWOOD

a story of empowerment
The New Book By Earl Copus, Jr. with Marian Calabro is on sale now.
With no reference manuals for guidance, and a piece of raw land with no plumbing, how would you begin to train people who were widely believed to be untrainable for any type of job? Here is the story of how Earl Copus and the organization he shaped, Melwood, met that seemingly insurmountable challenge and opened a new world of opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Please consider joining our family of supporters to expand the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families. For more information, please call the Fund Development Director at (301) 599-8000, ext. 551. Or, you can give via the united Way or Combined Federal Campaign. Melwoods designation numbers are listed below. united Way of the National Capital Area 8148

This book should be required reading for every person who has a loved one with developmental disabilities. You will identify with and cheer the wonderful people stories.
SAVE THE

$29.99 plus $3.75 shipping

On Sale Now!
Call (301)-599-4516 www.melwood.org

Combined Federal Campaign 21166 Maryland Combined Charities 3460 Combined Virginia Campaign - 8251

PLANET

SAVE THE

PLANET

- Lorraine Sheehan, Former President of The Arc of the united States

SAVE THE PLANET If you prefer an electronic instead of printed newsletter, please email us at aroundmelwood@melwood.org.

5606 Dower House road upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (301) 599-8000 www.melwood.org

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