Published by Friends Aware, Inc. Winter-Spring 2016 • Vol. 28 / No. 1

FAI Employees Recognized for Years of Service

— 25 Years —Wayne Hedrick— 20 Years —

Tony Kimble— 15 Years —

Lance Adams, Dianne Dorsey,Sherry Elsesser, Elizabeth Powell,

Rhonda Shaffer— 10 Years —

Shannon Albright,Patricia Case, Brenda Hayhurst,

Carol Ketterman,Susan Shackelford

— 5 Years —Clarissa Bible, Sonia Britton,

Shannon Emerick, Sara Scarlett,Joleen Smith, Michele Thomas,

Lindsey Yoder

The Ali Ghan Shrine Club was buzzing with excitement during the Friends Aware 2015 Annual Recognition Dinner Award Ceremony. Department of

Rehabilitation Services was recognized as Community Partner of the Year. Matt Shipway, DORS Supervisor accepted their award. DORS has made a tremendous impact through their services and partnership, providing a variety of supports to help individuals reach their employment goals. Since 2012, fifty individuals served by Friends Aware have utilized DORS services.

Department of Juvenile Services was recognized as the 2015 Business Partner of the Year. Friends Aware has maintained a contract with the DJS through MD Works since 2012. They provide work opportunities to five individuals for a total of approximately 1,200 hours per year. The gentlemen who work there have grown from this partnership and take sincere pride in this employment opportunity and their increased independence.

FAI Annual Recognition Dinner

Department of Rehabilitation Services—Community Partner of the Year. Front Row (L to R): Erin Shanan, DORS; Emily Laden, DORS; Dena Winner, DORS; Matt Shipway, DORS; and Robert Godfrey, FAI Executive Director. Back Row (L to R): Mary Bond, FAI Board President; and Adele Connolly, DORS.

Department of Juvenile Services—Business Partner of the Year (L to R): Bill Pickrel, DJS; Mary Bond, FAI Board President; Renee Page, DJS; and Robert Godfrey, FAI Executive Director.

Jason Parker

Chris Davis

Kimberly Farrall

Christopher Davis received the Karen Marie Howell Helping Hands Award for his outstanding character and will-ingness 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 Develop-ment Specialist Jason Parker.

The Substitute Employee of the Year was awarded to Kimberly Farrall.Years of Service Recognition Teresa Mason retires after 24 years of service.

Page Two • Winter-Spring 2016

Friends Aware representatives exhibited at the 40th Annual

PACE Reception held in Annapolis. The PACE reception provides an opportunity for local businesses to inform state legislators of the significant contributions we are making in our region and request their support for our future needs.

Positive Attitudes Change Everything!

Applebee’s® Short Stacks for a Tall Cause!

The Kauffman’s enjoying our Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast held December 19, 2015. The event raised funds to support the Friends Aware Capital Campaign.

Friends Aware Welcomes New Board Members

Friends Aware recently welcomed three newly-elected

board members Skylar Dice, Tiffany Mock and Christina Ujcic, and returning board members Bill Brotemarkle and Nicholas J. Monteleone.

Skylar Dice

Christina Ujcic

Tiffany Mock

The Friends Aware Hooley Plunge Team took a dip in Lake Habeeb on Saturday, March 5, 2016 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 again this year for the cause. Thank you to the Alhambra Caravan #89 for their hard work and dedication to make this event a huge success for the developmentally disabled in our community. This was the 12th year for the fundraiser and it was an extraordinary year as it reached its million dollar mark. This was also Dr. McCagh’s last year as chairman for the Hooley Plunge. All of us at Friends Aware wish to say “THANK YOU” for your years of service to the developmentally disabled community.

Friends Aware Staff Contest winners received Hooley Gift Baskets for raising the most donations for the FAI Hooley Plunge team. L to R: 2nd Place Winner Ember Ball, CRRD Director Kathleen Breighner, and 1st Place Winner Starr Nichol.

Friends Aware Takes the Plunge!

The 2016 Friends Aware Hooley Plunge Team

Sean McCagh and Chelsea Sulivan at the Hooley Plunge.

Winter-Spring 2016 • Page Three

Christopher Howell, owner of Howell Sunoco (formerly Wayne’s

Gulf), donated $1,000 towards the Friends Aware “Building Indepen-dence” Capital Campaign. Funding is currently being sought to complete the Kitchen/Dining Room renovation phase of the project. In addition to installing a sprinkler system, the renovation will enlarge the kitchen and widen doorways to make it more accessible and convenient for persons with disabilities, as we assist them in job skill development.

Howell Sunoco Supports Capital Campaign

Left to Right: Robert Godfrey, FAI Executive Director; Mary Bond, FAI Board President; Christopher Howell, Howell Sunoco; and Kathleen Breighner, FAI CRRD Director.

Contributors to the“Building Independence”

Capital CampaignDream Builders… $50,000+

The Howell Family“In Memory of Karen Marie Howell”

Belt Construction GroupFirst United Bank & Trust

Doug & Betsey Schwab & Family Foundation

Friends… $10,000 - $49,999Mr. John F. Boyer, PhD

Champions… $1,500 - $9,999Mr. Frank GerwigBerry Plastics, Inc.

Kiwanis Club of CumberlandMs. Wilma Delbrook

“In Memory of Stuart & Denis Delbrook”Mrs. Virginia Lloyd & Family

“In Memory of John ‘Jack’ Lloyd& In Honor of Jimmy Lloyd”United Commercial Travelers

(Mr. Jearald Allen)John & Gail Ralston

Western Maryland Building & Construction Trades Council

Alliant Tech Systems Operations, LLCAES Warrior Run

Heroes… $50 - $1,499Mr. Morton Peskin

GFWC Western Maryland Community ClubMr. & Mrs. Lindsay StahlMr. & Mrs. A.M. KobackMr. James Zamagias, Sr.

Fairfield Inn & SuitesRotary Club of Cumberland

Gloria & Sandra SavilleMs. Carol A. Kauffman

“In Memory ofM. Patricia Murray Kauffman”

Mr. John A. Kauffman“In Honor of Kaity Pat Kauffman”

PNC Foundation MatchingMr. & Mrs. Edward Mattingly

Staggers, Heare & Whitman, P.A.Ms. Patricia Hilton

Rocky Gap Casino ResortOpposite GendersSusquehanna Bank

Ms. Jo Edda Rosskamp McDowellMrs. Joan C. Jackson

Bradley E. SmithHowell Sunoco

Greg & Beth Leake

Friends Aware and the Country Club Mall Chick-fil-A joined together to host a “Chamber After Hours” at the Friends Aware Life Enrichment Center on

March 16, 2016. Over 200 people stopped by to mix and mingle. Charis Winery was on hand to offer wine tastings and Laura Godfrey provided music for the evening. Tours of the new addition and current renovation project areas were offered. Visitors viewed the shredding operation and employment training areas. Chick-fil-A supplied refreshments and participated in give-a-ways… even the cow stopped by for a visit!

Chamber After Hours

J.J. and Amy Jacobs made a new friend!

Left to Right: Robert Godfrey, FAI Executive Director; Kathy Diehl, Door Prize Winner; and Bill Boyer, Owner of Country Club Mall Chick-fil-A.

19th Annual Friends Aware Ox Roast

Friday, June 17, 2016 • 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.orgor Call 301-722-7268

Donor Packages also available

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s Friends Aware ContributorsThank You!Ms. Carole BurkettMt. Hermon United

Methodist ChurchMrs. Charlotte TroutmanMurleys Branch United

Methodist ChurchMr. & Mrs. Robert AppelRoyal SecurityMrs. Regina RaleyMr. Joe RiddleMr. Nicholas MonteleoneMr. & Mrs. Bernard WinnerMs. May Ellen HarrisonMr. & Mrs. Steven JamesMs. Karen KingMr. & Mrs. Bill HunterMr. James WeigandMrs. Carole KauffmanWharton’s ElectricJ. Rowland Circle of Melvin UMCMs. Noreen MurrayMr. Ranjit MantriBernard Communications Mr. Cyril JohnstonWells Fargo FoundationMs. Gwendolyn HarrisonMr. & Mrs. Frank GerwigMr. & Mrs. Robert HardenMr. & Mrs. Robert MayMcKinley Chapter #12

Order of Eastern StarMs. Carole KirchnerMr. & Mrs. John ParsonsAlpha Delta Kappa, Beta Eta ChapterMs. Sheila KinnieMr. & Mrs. Kenneth LessnerDr. & Anthony Crosby, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. David RitterMr. & Mrs. Richard Wheeler Mr. & Mrs. Harvey May, Jr.Ms. Ruth ChapmanGFWC Western Maryland

Community ClubWinchester Premiere

Jazzercise Instructor TeamWestern Maryland

Watercolor SocietyMr. & Mrs. Donald PeckMrs. Lee Anne SantiagoDr. Reed EricksonMr. & Mrs. Kevin KauffmanMs. Wilma SwabMr. & Mrs. Daniel ArnoldShanty Irish BandQueen City Antique Car ClubKnights of Columbus -

Frostburg Council #1442Mr. & Mrs. William DavisJohn & Marybelle Light

Hi-Fives and Friends

The Hi-Fives win again! The Dance Crew won First Place in their division at the Star Talent Tournament at the Allegany County Fairgrounds on

April 2, 2016. Congratulations to the Friends Aware team members who participated in the Hi-Five’s dance fitness class at the YMCA. This year, they were honored by a Hip-Hop Dance Crew from Jessica’s Creations in Oakland, MD who selflessly gave their first place trophies to the Hi-Fives. The dance crew told the Hi-Fives they were all winners and exchanged hugs as they gave each of them their trophies, then posed for a picture with their new friends. It was truly a heartfelt moment as they came together to celebrate and appreciate each others abilities!

Best Buddies closed out its year with an awards ceremony on May 5, 2016. The Best Buddies program is the world’s largest organization dedicated to

ending social, physical, and economic isolation of 200 million people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. Best Buddies Frostburg State University Chapter partnered with Friends Aware in 2012 to offer opportunities for individuals served by Friends Aware to make one-on-one friendships and participate in activities with students from Frostburg State University. The buddies participated in a variety of one-on-one and group activities through-out this school year. They enjoyed, bowling, movies, and even a few rounds of Twister during game night. Wishing everyone a happy and safe Summer Break!

Best Buddies Shining Stars!

Winter-Spring 2016 • Page Five

The 16th Annual Band Blitz was held April 1-2, 2016 at the Cumberland

Outdoor Club. The two-day event was a tremendous success, raising over $7,876.00 in funds for Friends Aware and Arc of Frederick County to help fund un-met needs of individuals who receive services. A big “Thank You” goes to the staff, volunteers, and bands who donate their time and talent to support the cause. Funds have assisted with the purchase of adaptive equipment, training materials, clothing, shoes, and dental work over the past 16 years. Event coordinators Tim Haines, Arc of Frederick County, and Kimberly Lattea, Friends Aware, have organized this event since it began. They put a lot of energy into making this an event that attendees look forward to all year.

Many thanks to our staff volunteers and basket donors: Shannon Albright, Heather Ashenfelter, Rhonda Blubaugh, Alyssa Cook, Jeannette Gares, Brenda Hayhurst, Lisa Humbertson, Carol Ketterman, Al McDonald, Brianna Naylor, Lois Russell, Rebecca Rank, Kelly Washington, Debbie Wodaski, Libi Williams- Ziler and Adam Lazarus. Special thanks to the evening’s emcee, Gary Wolz, who does a spectacular job. Huge thanks to the staff members who performed with their bands: Jennifer Brown and Eric Breighner. Thanks to our supporting partners WCBC, GO 106, Personal Best, Jim House and the Cumberland Outdoor Club.

This year’s lineup included: Ally Norris, Public Menace, Hot Sauce Willie, Janice Ray Band, The Ol’ Buzzard Band, Jaded, Uncle Fester, Greg and Randy, Heart Gravy, Cramer Brothers with Tim Haines, Chloe Wildman, Sonic Mule, Butterscotch Blonde, So Low, Strangerz, City Limits, Lady Invidia, REVV, and Anger Box. And last, but not least, “Thank You” to all who attend and support our organization.

The Band Blitz Didn’t Miss a Beat!

Keith Skidmore and Libi Williams-Ziler selling 50/50’s at the Band Blitz.

Adam Lazarus, Gary Wolz and Kim Lattea working the crowd and raising dollars!

Friends Aware and ACM wrap presents to support toys for happiness!

Toys for Happiness

Presenting toys collected and donations from Friends Aware’s 8th Annual Toy Drive (L to R): Kathleen Breighner, FAI; Chuck Koelker, Toys for Happiness; Derrick Swandol, FAI; and Annie Steele, FAI.

TJ Maxx Internship

Friends Aware Employment Services and TJ Maxx have

partnered to create a 6 week paid internship. The staff have been encouraging and support-ive of the interns, who man the fitting room, unpack boxes, sort housewares, and hang clothes. The partnership provides new opportunities for individuals to learn skills in retail and provides future employment options.

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1601 Holland StreetCumberland, MD 21502Phone: 301-722-7268 • Fax: 301-724-8965www.friendsaware.org

Officers of the Board:Mary Bond, President • Jim Lindner, Vice-President • Nita Collins, Secretary • Mirjhana Buck, Treasurer

Executive Director:Robert Godfrey

Volunteers Give Back…

Cameron Campbell Racing Team and UPS Freight workers and family helped to

beautify Friends Aware Assisted Living Unit and a Group Home, both located in the LaVale and Cumberland area. These homes received some fresh paint, sprucing up, and hauling away of old household items. Thank you to all who volunteered!

Cameron Campbell Racing and Friends

UPS Freight and Family