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Summer Camphas Best Season Yet

Summer camp at Melwood Recreation Center had its best season since opening in 1998. Over 500 childrenbetween 6 and 18 enjoyed totally inclusive day and overnight camp between June and August.

Campers o varying abilities enjoyed new and challenging activities, ormed newriendships, and took the frst step to independence with the support o more than 45sta and camp counselors rom the United States and around the world.

This was Aidans third summer as a day camper.

Aidan has autism, and oten kept to himsel duringhis frst two summers. However, this year, he spentmore time playing with other campers. On Aidansfnal day o camp, his ather said he wished he signedhim up or our weeks instead o three; his motherCheryl said she is already counting down to 2011!

Caroline was beyond thrilled that she got to go on atrail ride, go to the pool, make new riends and meetpeople who also like teen star Serena Gomez. Hermother Jill wrote to camp sta, THANKYOU. Toknow that she is not only sae, but HAPPY, means theworld to me.

Summer highlights include a new ully unctional greenhouse supported by BB&T, and the Terrifc TeenProgram receiving the Innovative Program Award rom the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association.

Terrifc Teens enables young people between 13 and 18 to explore career goals, begin job skill training, and build their socialskills, leadership and independence while enjoying a two-week overnight camp experience.

Summer 2011 dates will be published in late all. Please contact kampakomplish@melwood.org or more details!

By Doria Fleisher and Marisa Cucuzzella

AROUNDCreating jobs and opportunities

or people with differing

isabilities so they can have

good quality of life.

SUMMER / FALL 20

n This Issue:

2 Letter from CEO

3 Celebrating the ADA

4 Talent Has NoBoundaries

5 Long Time Employees

6 Fall Programs

7 Golf Tournament

Melwood Recreation Center is one o Charles Countys best kept secrets, and we want to change that!

Our frst-ever Fall Fest will be held on Saturday, October 16 rom 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come see whatmakes Melwood Recreation Center one o Southern Marylands premier recreation spots!

Activities include pumpkin carving, ace painting, a climbing wall, pony rides, games and muchmore. Admission is ree, as are many activities. Concessions and all plants or sale will also beavailable.

By Bekah Carmichael

AdmissionisFREEsmallfeeforsomeactivities

SATURDAY,OCTOBER11am-4pmMelwoodRecreationCente

9035IronsidesRoadNanjemoyMD 20662

MELWOO

M A R K Y O U R C A L E N D A R S !

Fall Fest at Melwood Recreation Cente

MatthewandGagec

lownforthe

awhilecampcounse

lorCharlotteBryan

efeld,Englandorganize

sagroupactivity.

Campersbuildconden

ceonth

ropescoursebeforetryin

gthehighro

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Dear Friends and Supporters,

This summer has seen many achievements by and orpeople with disabilities at Melwood.

The hard work o our employees and managers resultedin higher perormance evaluations rom our largestederal customer over the past year. This is wonderuleedback or our hardworking employees. It opensdoors to more contracts which translates to more workor people with disabilities.

Advocates and people with disabilities observed the20th anniversary o the Americans with DisabilitiesAct in July. Participants included elected ofcials andpeople who have benefted rom the ADA.

Summer camp at Melwood Recreation Center saw itshighest ever enrollment. Parents continue to see value

in our unique, inclusive summer camp. Our specialevent undraiser, the Melwood Prince Georges CounOpen, was the most successul to date.

Frank Nicolais and Frank Coombss terms o ofce adirectors o our board ended this June. On behal oindividuals, sta and other board members, I would to recognize their dedicated service and thank them.

Thank you or sharing in Melwoods success!

Sincerely,

Janice Frey-AngelPresident/CEO

A message from the President/CEO

ACHIEVING HIGHERPERFORMANCE

2

Melwood606 Dower House Road

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772301) 599-8000

www.melwood.org

Chairman of theDirectors of our BoardAndrew V. ColevasPrincipalColevas Group

Vice ChairReginald Harris, MBABusiness Executivetate Farm Insurance

Directors

tanley J. Bottsrank O. Coombs

Donald Donahue, Jr., MBA, PhDChristina Eaglin-HawthorneMarlon Grifth, JDMike Keppler, MBARichard Mahan, CPA

rank A. Nicolai, MBADana B. Stebbins, MSW JDBrenda Sheaer

President/CEOanice Frey-Angel, MSW

Chief Financial OfcerRonald L. Stubblefeld, CPA,PhD, MSW

enior Vice PresidentMatthew T. Scassero

Vice PresidentsRonald Hanley, RBSMDonald Pollock, MAonathon Rondeau, MA CPRP

Editoray M. Thomas

ContributorsBekah CarmichaelMarisa CucuzzellaMark CelesteDoria Fleisher

Changing of the GuardMelwood welcomes Tina Campanellaas a newly elected member o its volunteer Boao Directors. Campanella, o Washington, D.C., is Executive Director o Quality Trusor Individuals with Disabilities and brings over 30 years experience with adults andteens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Beore coming to Quality TrustCampanella worked at the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL), a nonproftorganization promoting enhanced quality o lie or people with disabilities throughtraining and accreditation activities in the United States and abroad. Campanella is agraduate o Leadership Greater Washingtons 2010 class.

Tina Campanella

Frank Nicolai and Frank Coombs display plaques recognizing their service with MelwoodPresident/CEO Janice Frey-Angel after their nal board meeting.

Frank Coombs and Frank Nicolai let the board at the end o theirterms in June. Coombs, a Restaurant Executive, hired a number opeople with disabilities served by Melwood beore joining the board.In 2003, he was named the Chester A. Troy, Sr. Employer o the Yearor the State o Maryland. Nicolai joined the board ollowing hisretirement rom American Management Systems, Inc. We are grateuor their many contributions to Melwood.

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Summer / Fall 2010

Celebrating Twenty Years of the ADA

U.S.Rep.DonnaEdwardsaddressesthea

udienceasfellowspeakers

MikeFitzpatrickandSecretaryofDisabilitiesCatherineRaggiolook

on.

People with disabilities, amily members, advocates, government ofcialsand Melwood sta gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary o theAmericans with Disabilities Act in July, and support continued eorts toully include people with disabilities in the community.

The celebration opened with Maryland Secretary o Disabilities CatherineRaggio and Angela Miles comparing their college experiences beore andater the ADA became law. Raggio described her struggle to get adequateassistance rom school ofcials. Miles told the audience how ofcialshelped accommodate her needs, while pointing out that she still acesoccasional discrimination or using a wheelchair.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said, every American deserves theopportunity to work independently to the extent they can. That was thedream o Melwood beore the ADA. Hoyer was the bills chie sponsor inthe House o Representatives in 1990.

U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards told the audience, Today, we are remindedonce again that it has been the power o your voice and your advocacythat has changed your world, our world, in a way that we didnt know20 years ago.

DANCE

Expanding Social NetworksMelwoods Alumni group held its third annual summer dance in the Copus Training Center on August7th. More than 150 guests enjoyed the early evening estivities, which included a picnic are, music,door prizes and dancing. Twin Grills Catering o La Plata catered the event. Rachel

Stanley, Alumni President, coordinated this years dancewith her ellow ofcers and committee members.

Event proceeds help the group to plan activities thatoster socialization, independence and give back to thecommunity.

The Alumni group began in 2006. Membership iscomprised o individuals who receive or have receivedsupports through Melwood. Many members are successulin community employment and establishing their ownhomes, and desire to expand their social network.

The group elects its ofcers, coordinates undraising events,

plans day and weekend trips and is committed to givingback to the community through volunteering. Currentofcers o the Alumni group are Rachel Stanley, President;Brenda Sheaer, Vice President; Robert Moore, Treasurer, andGeorge Moore, Secretary.

For more inormation contact Mark Celeste at (301) 599-4527or mceleste@melwood.org, or Sandra Ginyard at (301) 599-4516 or sginyard@melwood.org.

By Mark CelesteBobAistandD

arleneNanceenjoythemusic

attheAlumnigroups

annualsummerdance.

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Talent Has No BoundariesOctober is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and this years theme

is Talent Has No Boundaries: Workorce Diversity INCLUDES Workers with Disabilities.

The theme, set by Hilda Solis, Secretary o the U.S. Department o Labor, symbolizes her

commitment to good jobs or everyone.

Having a job is important to maintain economic security and independence, especially those

with disabilities. Nationwide, nearly 70% o people who are blind or have other signifcantdisabilities are not employed.

Brenda Sheaer, a custodian at a secure ederal acility in downtown, Washington, DC now lives

on her own, but her severe learning disability made it difcult to compete in the job market

beore she joined Melwood in 1993.

Melwood now employs more than 870 people with disabilities through contracts with the

ederal government. These jobs are made possible through the AbilityOne Program, which is the

largest source o employment or people who are blind or have other signifcant disabilities in

the United States.

Sheaer is a talented public speaker and part o the AbilityOne Speakers Bureau. She also

serves on Melwoods Board o Directors. She is oten requested to talk about how Melwoodsumbrella o support and AbilityOne enabled her to live independently and stop receiving

government benefts.

To request Brenda or another speaker or an event, please contact Sarah Gray at sgray@nish.org

or Sandra Ginyard at sginyard@melwood.org.

Goddard Peers HonorMELWOOD EMPLOYEES

4

Sheaffer spoke at

USDA headquarters in 2009.

Seven Melwood employees earned Peer Awards for their customer service at Goddard Space Flight Center and received plaques at an August ceremony.

They are (front row) Kenneth Thompson, Lilian Reyes, Azie Clark, Charles Parrish, and James Mintz. Not pictured: Brandyce Jackson and Hasine Thorpe.

At left, joining the winners are Janice Frey-Angel, President/CEO, and Earl Middleton, Site Supervisor; at right, Fred Corbin, Operations Manager,

and Matt Scassero, Senior Vice President.

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Summer / Fall 2010

Long Time Employees

Higher Perormance OpensMore Opportunities

One hundred six Melwood employees with disabilities provide custodial, landscaping andcycling services or our largest ederal customer, the US Navy, at 22 locations throughout

he Washington area.

heir hard work paid o in higher perormance ratings in the yearly evaluation completedy all Department o Deense agencies.

t is important that [a contractors] rating be acceptable as this can and is used whenmaking other contract awards, said Ron Hanley, Melwood Vice President o ContractManagement.

High marks are valuable when competing or other contracts, and quality perormance byur workorce helps open more employment opportunities to people with disabilities.

We have good people doing good things, said Matt Scassero, Melwood Senior Viceresident o Contract Services.

ongratulations to all our hard-working employees!

in memory of EDWARD H. JONES, JR.

Edward Jones, Jr., who began many oMelwoods custodial contracts and eventuasupervised the entire custodial operation, in May at the age o 90.

Following his retirement rom HowardUniversity, a custodial supply vendorintroduced him to Melwood.

Ed came as a consultant, said ormerco-worker Becky Wright-Brizee. We him and or years he worked Tuesdaythrough Thursday and played gol on

Monday and Tuesday!

Jones made employment or people with disabilities a lot lessintimidating, said ormer co-worker Tony Matthews. He instilledproessionalism in all aspects and was the frst one to pat you on the

Among many other duties such as teaching Melwoods Job TrainingPartnership Act (JTPA) class, Jones supervised Melwoods custodialcontract at the Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and StorageFacility, where the National Air and Space Museum preserves and res

aircrat, spacecrat, and other artiacts.

Melwood employees Stanley Mohr and Bill Foster recycle old corrugate

cardboard for the US Navy.

Melwood employees

often entrusted to wo

near national icons s

as the Enola Gay, th

to Edward Jones tute

Many employees with and without disabilities have put their talents to workat Melwood or many years. We salute their hard work and dedication!

More than 30years:

Ellsworth Harris

Gregory Jones

Lyndon Outlaw

Robert Walker

26-30 years:

Robert Barney

Mildred L.Washington

Gloria Harper

Eileen Whitesed

Anthony Hall

James Rawles

Mary Brown

Melba Christopher

Andre Harris

Gene Hunter

Vernon Myers

Robert Phillips

Raymond Reher

Paul Thornes

21-25 years:

Cynthia Burton

Ann Morgan

Vanessa Bowie

Douglas Copeland

Reginald Copeland

Robert Johnson

Deborah Lepak

Jacqueline Lotin

Donald Pollock

Richard Whittlesey

Lorenzo Brown

Anthony Ford

Dorothy Makle

David OConnor

Marchesa Whittington

Karen Boatwright

Wilord Steward

Sandra Dyson

Darlene E. Toy

16-20 years:

Barbara E. Calabrese

Reginald Locke

Marlene MarshallBumbry

David Mason

David Page

Scott Painter

Byron Durrington

Kathy Long

Lee Roesch

Melvin Stiney

Wanda BrooksWilliams

Linda Neiser

Tyrone Pankey

Cliord Smith

Dwight Anderson

Russell Bowie

Ronald Green

Monica Moore

Brenda Sheaer

Joseph UpshawBenita White

Melvin Odems

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As summer ends at Melwood Recreation Center, all programs like Access Adventures, the EquestrianProgram and the Retreat Center come alive.

Equestrian ProgramFall riding lessons at the Equestrian Program begin in mid-September. Melwood Recreation

Center oers both private and semi-private lessons or individuals o all ability levels, ages fve andup. General horsemanship classes and riding clinics are available throughout the year. Scout Badgeprograms, Pony Parties, and Equine-Centered Team Building are also available. To sign up, contactequestrian@melwood.org.

Access AdventuresAccess Adventures is Melwoods assisted travel program or adults withdisabilities. Autumn trips include a visit to Ocean City or the popularregional Sunest event, a 9-day cruise with stops in Puerto Rico and theDominican Republic, and three themed weekend retreats at MelwoodRecreation Center. Access Adventures also coordinates customizedvacations or other agencies, including a trip to New York City.

All vacations provide quality, age-appropriate and exciting experiencesor adults with varying levels o special needs. Specifcally trained Travel

Hosts act as guides and caregivers and ensure that all travelers needsare metrom assisting to personal care, to singing a karaoke duet! Formore details, contact accessadventures@melwood.org !

Retreat CenterWhat happens to the cabins when camp is not in session? MelwoodRecreation Center provides retreat rentals and private parties or manygroups! Team building, corporate and spiritual retreats, and weddingsare just a sample o all that we can do. Buildings can be rentedindividually, or the entire acility is available to rent or your event. Toask about rentals, contact retreatcenter@melwood.org.

By Doria Fleisher and Marisa Cucuzzella

fall programs atMELWOOD RECREATION CENTER

6

Disability advocate and ormer Melwood employee Wally Szyndler died July 10th ocomplications rom gall bladder surgery. Szyndler spent 29 years at Melwood and wasresponsible or many o Melwoods programs.

Following his time in the Peace Corps, Szyndler joined Melwood in 1968 as only the thirdemployee. During those early years, he was instrumental in establishing the greenhouse andlandscaping programs or adults with disabilities.

Szyndler was the frst person in charge o Melwoods Nanjemoy arm, now known as Melwood

Recreation Center. The Farm began as a true arm and vocational training project, withcrops growing in the felds and with the help o local volunteers, a greenhouse. A store soldproduce and crats to a steady stream o locals and visitors.

Reecting on that time, Szyndler said, People who had limited exposure to individuals withdevelopmental disabilities did not understand who we were and what we were doing. It wasgratiying that over a very short period o time, Charles County became the most supportiveplace on Earth or people with disabilities. The contributions o their citizens at every levelhave been incalculable.

In the mid-1970s, Szyndler went to Alberta, Canada as a vocational rehabilitation consultant and director o training programs.

In 1984, Szyndler rejoined Melwood, and developed programs to encourage greater community inclusion and well-being o people with disabilities.He was particularly interested in horticultural therapy and art therapy, helped lead the eort to enable people with disabilities move into residentialneighborhoods, and ought or their right to live together as couples.

Following his retirement, Szyndler volunteered extensively and enjoyed creating art rom gourds. He exhibited his work in shows and enteredcompetitions where he consistently won frst place and best in show awards.

Top Photo

Sophia, at center, began riding

at Melwood Recreation Center

February, and had a great time

Pals Day Camp this summer wfriend Julia, at left, and Equest

Counselor Amanda Ward of La

Scotland.

Left Photo

Pamela had a wonderful rst A

Adventures trip this summer an

counselor, Kirsty MacInnes of W

Maryland said, she is one of th

sweetest travelers Ive ever met!

in memory ofWALLY SZYNDLER

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New Venue,New Champion

Summer / Fall 2010

Arlena Pannell, a member o Melwoods Finance Department or thepast 11 years, passed away August 16 ater a long battle with cancer.

Arlena joined Melwood ater a 29-year career with Saeway. Shewas an avid goler who or many yearshelped organize and play in Melwoodsannual charity gol tournament in

Charles County. Arlena was also an activemember o the Upper Marlboro MooseLodge.

Her son Steve, daughter-in-law Denise,grandchildren Colin, Dylan andLauren, and numerous brothers andsisters, including Fran Reynolds, alsoa member o Melwoods FinanceDepartment, survive her.

in memory ofARLENA PANNELL

ArlenaandhersonSteveatthe2005MelwoodCharles

Countycharitygolftournament.

Melwood Prince Georges County Openpresented by Under Armour Returns

In early June, Tommy Two Gloves Gainey won the ourth Melwood Prince GeorgesCounty Open presented by Under Armour or his frst career PGA Nationwide Tourtitle.

Its unbelievable. I dont know any other way to describe it, said Gainey, whosenickname was inspired by habit o wearing gloves on both hands.

The weeklong event is Melwoods undraiser, and took place at the recently-renovatedUniversity o Maryland Gol Course.

Gary Williams, Maryland mens basketball coach, served astournament host and presented Gainey with the trophy and abasketball jersey emblazoned Champion.

This tournament is a great event on the Nationwide Tour. Maryland is an excellent venue and the support we received rom theUniversity, club members and local business community is remarkable, said Teo Sodeman, tournament director.

Beore the tournament at Media Day, Sodeman and Leon Duncan, Under Armour Brand Director o Gol, announced that UnderArmour agreed to be presenting sponsor or the 2010 and 2011 events.

Said Duncan, Were thrilled to be part o this event.

The tournament was again broadcast on The Gol Channel in the United States. The PGA TOUR also aired the tournament to 72countries worldwide.

For more inormation about next years event taking place May 30 June 5, 2011, visit www.pgatouratumd.com.

TournamentwinnerTommyGaineyholdshistrophyaloftastournahostGaryWilliamsshowsthecrowdthechampionsbasketballjer

Donate Your VehiclTax deduction Free towing

1-877-MELWOOD(1-877-635-9663)

Donate online at www.melwood.org

Give people with disabilities just thelit they need!

Visit www.pgatouratumd.com or more inormation about next years event,taking place May 30 - June 5, 2011

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If f l i i d f i d l l il d l d@ l dSAVE THE PLANET

Help Melwood Save Money!With the click of a mouse, you can help Melwood

save thousands of dollars this year!

Simply visit www.melwood.org/signup.asp toreceive your copy of Around Melwood via email!

5606 Dower House RoadUpper Marlboro, MD 20772301) 599-8000

www.melwood.org

Contributions to Melwood help individuals with disabilities to earn their way. Each

year, Melwood provides employment, support services and recreation for more than

1,600 people with disabilities. To nd out how you can help, call (301) 599-8000 or

visit www.melwood.org.

Workplace Giving Campaigns sup

worthy programs at Melwood. Wi2010 campaigns right around the

wont you join our amily o suppo

create jobs and opportunities or p

with disabilities? Designate Melwo

through the United Wayor Comb

Federal Campaigns this all. Our

designation numbers are listed bel

United Way of theNational Capital Area 81

Combined FederalCampaign 21166

Maryland CombinedCharities 3460

Combined VirginiaCampaign 3127

Call your UW/CFC coordinato

request Melwood at your workp

giving fair!$29.99 plus $3.75 shipping, Call (301) 599-4516

www.melwood.org

On Sale Now!

MELWOOD

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Subscribe to Melwoods channel at

www.youtube.com/MelwoodNews

Each year, Melwood helps improve the lives of over 1,600 people

with disabilities! With so much going on, why wait for the latest

news? Learn about our work as it happens!

Help Spread the News!

he New Book by Earl Copus, Jr. witharian Calabro is on sale now.

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