News: Press Releases
Celebrating accomplishment
The Arc celebrates the agency’s accomplishments, the successes of its staff and achievements of the individuals it serves.
May 2010
The Arc Honors Supporters
The Arc of Howard County has presented awards to individuals and groups which support The Arc in its mission of achieving full community life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Individuals recognized with Celebration of Excellence Awards for 2010 include self-advocate Charlie Settle, music therapist Rita Mayhew, educator Christie Raines and employee of the year Geraldine Gemayel. Board member Peter J. Della-Croce was presented the President’s Award.
Organizations honored included the Howard County Library, which was presented the Excellence in Community Award for its efforts to increase autism awareness and improve services for families affected by autism. Two businesses, B/A Products Company and Lead Off Management Company, were honored for providing inclusive work environments and support for employees with developmental disabilities.
Settle won the Self-Advocate of the Year award in recognition of his “well-rounded life in the community.” He has worked for 20 years at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and recently purchased his own condo in Columbia, realizing his dream of being a home owner.
Mayhew, a music instructor at Howard Community College, provides voice lessons to individuals supported by The Arc. She was honored with the Excellence in Services Award.
Raines, a Special Educator at Bollman Bridge Elementary School, received numerous nominations for the Excellence in Education Award in recognition of her inclusive practices and praising her “advocacy on behalf of her students.”
Gemayel is the Residential Coordinator for one of the homes operated by The Arc. An employee of The Arc for 10 years, Gemayel was recognized for her dedication, knowledge and communication skills.
Merrill Lynch Vice President and financial advisor Della-Croce, who was presented the President’s Award, is the primary force behind Team Embrace which, along with Columbia Triathlon, has recruited team members to participate in fundraising athletic events to benefit The Arc. Team Embrace has raised more than $30,000 for The Arc.
May 2010
Robert Topper Re-Elected President of The Arc Board of Directors
Robert Topper, Vice President of Corporate Banking for M&T Bank, has been re-elected president of the board of The Arc of Howard County. He is a resident of Sykesville.
Other officers are Ellicott City resident Douglas Erdman, vice-president; Highland resident Phil Swanson, secretary; and Laurel resident Derward Brooks, treasurer. Joseph V. Murray, Sr., of Columbia is past president.
Erdman is co-owner and President of Community Realty Co. Swanson is the Canada Dry Potomac Corporation Vice-President and General Manager. Brooks is the retired Director of Utility Accounting Service with General Growth Properties. Murray is Director of Community Relations for Ascend One Corporation.
William Erskine, a lawyer with Miles & Stockbridge; Jodie Gill, owner of Patrick’s Hair Design; Lisa Hussman, President of the Lisa Higgins-Hussman Foundation, were elected to their first terms on the Board of Directors. Members reelected to the board include Vidia Dhanraj, Matthew Plantz and Ed Wilson.
Team Embrace founder Peter Della-Croce, a member of the board of directors, was presented the President’s Award, a recognition from Board President Robert Topper. Geraldine Gemayel was also named Employee of the Year by Executive Director Carol A. Beatty. A 10-year employee of The Arc, Geraldine is the Residential Coordinator at Hickory Ridge Avalon 1.
November 2009
Steins & Wines Fundraising at Columbia Builders Model Home
Columbia Builders is hosting a Steins & Wines fundraiser for The Arc of Howard County on Nov. 12, 5-7 p.m., at its model home in the Lakeview at Buckskin Ridge community in Ellicott City.
Microbrews, fall beers and a variety of wines will be available for tasting, along with other refreshments. Admission is $50, which can be paid on-line at www.archoward.org or at the door the evening of the event.
Proceeds benefit The Arc of Howard County’s vocational and residential support and services, respite care, and other programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The model home is located at 4272 Buckskin Wood Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
November 2009
The Arc Renovates Respite House
The Arc of Howard County has renovated its Respite House in Columbia, with financial assistance from Howard County government and volunteer help from DreamBuilders and students from Centennial High School.
The renovation project was led by Jay Raksin, The Arc’s Facilities and Maintenance Manager. Raskin cited the support of Stacy Spann, Howard County’s Director of Housing and Community Development, as critical to the growth of The Arc’s residential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc, which opened Maryland’s first LEED certified Platinum home earlier this year, also included “green” features in the Respite House, which is the site of temporary care for people with disabilities who are usually in the care of family members.
Teens and adults from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ellicott City, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Highland, The Church of the Ascension in Westminster, Temple Isaiah in Fulton, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Elkridge participate in the projects undertaken by DreamBuilders.
The Arc has an educational partnership with Centennial High School.
July 10, 2009
Melting Pot Fundraiser for The Arc of Howard County
The Melting Pot is hosting a fundraiser for The Arc of Howard County, on Thursday, August 20, from 5-10 p.m., at its restaurant in the Wilde Lake Village Center in Columbia.
The Melting Pot’s signature dish is fondue, and a special menu has been created for the fundraiser. Admission is $35 per person, and 20% of the proceeds from the evening’s sales will go to support The Arc’s vocational and residential support and services, respite care, and other programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Melting Pot is located at 10457 Twin Rivers Road. Call 410-740-9988 to make reservations.
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July 1, 2009
Robert Topper Elected President of The Arc of Howard County
Robert Topper, Vice President of Corporate Banking for M&T Bank, has been elected president of the board of The Arc of Howard County. He is a resident of Sykesville.
Other officers are Ellicott City resident Douglas Erdman, vice-president; Highland resident Phil Swanson, secretary; and Derward Brooks, treasurer. Joseph V. Murray, Sr., is past president.
Erdman is co-owner and President of Community Realty Co. Swanson is the Canada Dry Potomac Corporation Vice-President and General Manager. Brooks is the Director of Utility Accounting Service with General Growth Properties. Murray is Director of Community Relations for Ascend One Corporation.
Members reelected to the Board of Directors include Vince Grauso, Chip McAuliffe, Lori Powell, Robert Smith and Robert Vigorito. Jane Chambers and Suzanne Henig were elected to their first terms on the board.
June 11, 2009
State’s First LEED Certified Platinum Home Opens in Columbia
After nearly 300 hours of research and preparing documentation, the state’s first LEED certified Platinum single-family home has opened its doors in Columbia. The house, an Arc of Howard County group home, is located on Torrent Row in the village of Stevens Forest.
The Platinum rating is based on the home’s design, water conservation features, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and other factors. The U.S. Green Building Council, the nonprofit organization that developed the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Green Building rating system, provides third-party verification in rating homes seeking certification.
Ellicott City architect Don Taylor of DW Taylor Associates designed the home, and Columbia Builders, a Columbia-based homebuilder, handled the construction. Columbia Builders president and Arc board member Jim Greenfield arranged for many of the subcontractors working on the house to either donate services or provide them at cost. All work by employees of his company was done without charge. Funding for the project was provided by the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development.
But achieving the Platinum designation was not easy.
“Not only are the materials needed more expensive, but the time, research, and documentation needed to submit the project are very time consuming and pricey,” said Eva Castillo of DW Taylor Associates. She handled the certification process for the project and said she spent nearly 300 hours doing research, scanning documents, creating diagrams, doing calculations, preparing documentation and more.
In rating new construction, the U.S. Green Building Council assigns points to various features. The Torrent Row house needed 102 points to achieve Platinum designation.
Among the items that helped win the home’s Platinum designation are rainwater recovery barrels (the water is used for irrigation), using an existing site in the community and the site’s proximity to services and resources, drought tolerant and non-invasive plants, pest control alternatives, high efficiency water fixtures and fittings inside the house and more.
The house also won points for reducing framing and construction waste and using environmentally preferred products and products of local origin.
The Arc’s house is the first single family home in Maryland to be awarded a platinum certificate by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Arc executive director Carol A. Beatty said she’s most “excited that a home for individuals supported by The Arc of Howard County has been totally renovated to be a very attractive, very comfortable living situation for the guys who make it their home.”
She said she’s also proud and excited about the Platinum designation but not all that surprised.
“All of our recent renovations have included as many green components as possible,” she said. “That’s because we both respect the earth and also strive for the highest efficiencies.
May 18, 2009
DreamBuilders Win The Arc of Howard County President’s Award
Joseph V. Murray, Sr., President of the Board of Directors of The Arc of Howard County has presented the 2009 President’s Award to DreamBuilders, the interfaith coalition whose mission is to provide housing for those in need. The President’s Award recognizes a person or group which has made a significant impact on the quality of life of children and adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities.
DreamBuilders was selected for this year’s honor, Murray said, because of “its members’ commitment to the full inclusion of those who intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.”
Teens and adults from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ellicott City, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Highland, The Church of the Ascension in Westminster, Temple Isaiah in Fulton, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Elkridge participate in the projects undertaken by DreamBuilders.
Three years ago DreamBuilders and The Arc formed a partnership to maintain and rebuild homes in The Arc’s Residential Program. Since that time, DreamBuilders has assisted The Arc on five projects. Modifications have included widening doors and hallways, renovating bathrooms, building ramps and making other changes to increase accessibility.
“Improving these homes also fosters community acceptance and inclusion for those served by The Arc,” Murray noted.
April 22, 2009
The Arc Hosts Reception for The Awake House
The Arc of Howard County will host a community reception to celebrate its new “green” residence on Earth Day, April 22, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at 9359 Torrent Row in Columbia.
A brief program, featuring Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, Housing Director Stacy Spann and others is scheduled at 5 p.m.
The residence is owned by Supportive Living, Inc., and will be the home for individuals with developmental disabilities who are served by The Arc.
DW Taylor Associates, Inc. is responsible for the architectural plans and development of the house, which was built by Columbia Builders, Inc. Columbia Builders founder Jim Greenfield, whose late son received services from The Arc for many years, recruited subcontractors to donate time and labor to the project. Funding for the project was provided by the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development.
The house has been built to comply with LEED for Homes, a certification system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes and encourages the adoption of sustainable practices by the homebuilding industry. The house features universal and green design features so that it is suitable for both elderly and physically challenged residents.
A Platinum level LEED for Homes certification is being sought for the residence, based on its design, water conservation, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and other factors. The U.S.Green Building Council provides third-party verification in rating homes seeking certification.
April 17, 2009
Cole Schnorf Wins Award from The Arc of Maryland
Cole Schnorf was presented the Bernard A. Gould Award for outstanding volunteer service in governmental affairs at the annual Arc of Maryland State Convention, held April 17 and 18 at the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn. Schnorf is Senior Vice President, Director of Development and partner at Manekin, LLC in Columbia. He lives in Ellicott City.
As the father of a daughter with developmental disabilities and as a past president of The Arc of Howard County, Schnorf has been deeply involved in advocating for quality community programs.
He has worked on the Community Services Rate Reimbursement Task Force to develop recommendations for funding systems, has met with the Department of Disabilities and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to discuss the needs of youth who are transitioning to adulthood, and has testified on funding at a Senate budget hearing.
April 17, 2009
The Arc of Howard County Representatives Honored
The Arc of Howard County will be represented this weekend by four award winners at the annual Arc of Maryland State Convention, a two-day event to be held April 17 and 18 at the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn.
At Friday’s award luncheon, Cole Schnorf will accept the Bernard A. Gould Award for outstanding volunteer service in governmental affairs.
As the father of a daughter with developmental disabilities and as a past president of The Arc of Howard County, Schnorf has been deeply involved in advocating for quality community programs.
He has worked on the Community Services Rate Reimbursement Task Force to develop recommendations for funding systems, has met with the Department of Disabilities and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to discuss the needs of youth who are transitioning to adulthood, and has testified on funding at a Senate budget hearing.
Also at the luncheon on April 17, a Light the Fire Meritorious Award will be presented to DreamBuilders, an interfaith coalition of teen and adult volunteers from four Howard County churches who have made it their mission to help provide suitable housing for people in need.
Three years ago DreamBuilders joined with The Arc of Howard County in an ongoing partnership to maintain the homes in its residential program, and its members have assisted on five renovation projects. Much of the work has been focused on making residences barrier-free so they are accessible to residents with special needs.
At the President’s Reception Friday evening, Matthew Plantz will be one of 10 people statewide to receive recognition as a Volunteer of the Year.
Plantz has served for four years as a board member of The Arc of Howard County, representing People Power, a self-advocacy organization supported by the organization.
Currently president of the group, Plantz has worked for three years to increase membership, develop leadership, and to encourage others to become more involved in public policy issues. He also serves on the Howard County Commission on Disability Issues.
Finally, in a luncheon ceremony on April 18, Christine Towne will receive the Stanley Sidle Memorial Citizenship Award. Towne, who works at the reception desk and provides computer support at The Arc of Howard County offices, is gifted at helping those who are shy or socially inhibited. She maintains a busy lifestyle which encompasses college, several sports, and work with People Power, the self-advocacy group.
Towne has met with area legislators on several occasions to discuss important issues and last year joined a protest of the film “Tropic Thunder” at a local theater.
March 14, 2009
Chocolate Ball Raises $150,000 For The Arc of Howard County
Chocolate Ball 2009, “Infinite Possibilities Boundless Opportunities,” presented by BB&T, garnered $150,000 to benefit The Arc of Howard County.
In addition to BB&T, the sold-out event was supported by Chocolate Indulgence sponsor, The Columbia Triathlon Association, and its founder and director and board member of The Arc, Robert Vigorito.
Chocolatier sponsors included Canada Dry and Manekin, LLC, and French Silk sponsors were the Bolduc Family Foundation, M&T Bank, and Nagle and Zaller.
Chocolate Lace sponsors included Ascend One, Carney Kelehan, Columbia Builders, Human Services Benefit Company, Kaiser, Maryland State Lottery, Patrick’s, S&W Management and The Zukowski Family.
The People’s Choice Award winner was Howard Community College Hospitality and Culinary Management, which was voted the best of those presenting chocolate creations from area bakeries and restaurants supplying desserts: Angel’s Bakery, The Cake Faerie, Charm City Cakes, Elkridge Furnace Inn, The Melting Pot, Naron Candies, Oh, What A Cake!, Sweet. a bakery & café, and Sugarbakers Cakes.
Volunteers included Chocolate Ball Chair Dr. Chuck Ecker, Logistics Chair Chip McAuliffe, and Silent Auction Chair Fran McDonough. The Arc’s Resource Development Department, Director Kari Ebeling, Coordinator Bryan Sorrentino, Volunteer Coordinator Linda Congedo, managed the event.
Proceeds from the Chocolate Ball benefit The Arc of Howard County’s vocational and residential support and services, respite care, and other programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
February 21, 2009
“Bowling for a Change” Raises $12,000 for The Arc
Columbia Triathlon Association was the presenting sponsor of “Bowling for a Change-One Pin at a Time,” a new benefit for The Arc of Howard County which raised almost $12,000.
Among the bowlers, Jeff Webking of the Knights of Columbus team had the top score and the most strikes (20). The Knights of Columbia team was the top scoring team, as well. Other members included Vince Grauso, John Roth, Paul Blanchard, Hans Wiedig and Keith Thompson.
Carney Kelehan sponsored the team that raised the most money for The Arc, with Tom Meachum the top fundraiser. Other team members included Kevin Kelehan, Stacie Irish and Julia Mathis.
Lane sponsors included: BB&T, Beatty Family, Bouland & Brush, Broadway Services, Inc., The Business Monthly, Carney Kelehan, Cellular Plus, Columbia Builders, Columbia Triathlon, Damon Foreman, Document Mill, Dream Builders, Eberhardt Family, ESA, Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel, Hallmark, Vail A. Kaufman, Sharon Kenney, LeaseWright Commercial Real Estate, McCabe Insurance Associates, Inc., Merrill Lynch, MET Laboratories, Inc., Moon-Singleton Family, Nighmare Graphics, Oracle, Pixel Workshop, Plantz Family, Remax Allegiance-Garth and Julia Mattis, Salt Creek Landscape Design and Construction, Sam & Elsie’s, Sun Nurseries, SuperBookDeals, and William’s Custom Cleaning.
Since its inception in 1961, The Arc of Howard County has become one of the county’s largest employers, with more than 250 staff members and hundreds of volunteers working to achieve full community life for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
November 12, 2008
The Arc of Howard County Recertified for Standards of Excellence Seal
Maryland Nonprofits has recertified The Arc of Howard County for its Standards of Excellence Seal of Approval. The statewide association made the announcement at its annual conference Nov. 12. Ten organization received certification and 10 received recertification.
Maryland Nonprofits developed Standards for Excellence to promote ethical practices and accountability in nonprofit organizations across the state. Eligibility for the Seal of Approval rests upon adherence to such fundamental values as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, compassion, responsibility, and accountability in program operations, governance, human resources, financial management and fundraising.
October 30, 2008
Schnorf Wins Infiniti Raffle
R. Colefax Schnorf, Jr., President Emeritus of The Arc of Howard County, won the Infinity Dream Car raffle held as a fundraiser for The Arc of Howard County.
Funds from the raffle were dedicated to The Arc’s Residential Services program. A maximum of 1,000 raffle tickets were sold. JBA Infiniti of Ellicott City provided the luxury vehicle at a discount to The Arc. Schnorf selected an Infinity G35 Sedan.
August 28, 2008
Kari Ebeling Selected for Leadership Howard County
Cooksville resident Kari M. Ebeling, Director of Resource Development for The Arc of Howard County, was recently selected for the Leadership Howard County 2008-2009 Premier Program, according to Paul Gleichauf, Chairman of the Board of Directors.
August 12, 2008
The Arc of Howard County Calls for Boycott of “Tropic Thunder”
Movie Characterized by ‘Hate Speech’ and Hurtful Stereotypes
The Arc of Howard County is calling upon the community to boycott the new “comedy/action/adventure” movie, Tropic Thunder, which opened August 13, at local cinemas.
The Arc of Howard County is joining a national movement to protest the film. Tropic Thunder, while satirical in intention, depicts people with intellectual disabilities in a derogatory and demeaning manner, according to The Arc of the United States Executive Director Peter V. Berns, who has called for all people “of good conscience” to avoid the film.
The movie features Ben Stiller, Robert Downey, Jr. and Jack Black, who portray self-absorbed actors filming a movie together. A film-within-a-film, Simple Jack, stars Stiller as a man with an intellectual disability.
“People with developmental disabilities are a minority group that suffers the indignity and disrespect of what may be intended as harmless humor,” said Carol A. Beatty, Executive Director of The Arc of Howard County. “Jokes about people with developmental disabilities just aren’t funny when they reinforce negative stereotypes.”
Developmental disability advocates particularly object to the labels “retard” and “retarded,” both of which are used in the movie. “It is extremely hurtful to be the subject of derogatory language,” said Joseph V. Murray, Sr., President of the Board of The Arc. “Labeling another human being dehumanizes them and fosters prejudice and discrimination.”
July 1, 2008
Wagner Heads Up New Department
Debbie Wagner has been named Associate Executive Director of Services for The Arc of Howard County. In her new position, she oversees all adult and children’s services, including residential, day and supported retirement, employment, and family and individual supports.
Wagner has been with The Arc for almost 21 years as Assistant Director of Residential Services, Director of Residential Services, and, most recently, Director of Residential and Day Support Services.
Wagner holds an undergraduate degree from Towson University and a Masters in Human Resources from the College of Notre Dame.
June 12, 2008
The Arc Honors Home Builder Jim Greenfield
The Arc of Howard County hosted “A Tribute to Jim Greenfield,” June 12. The benefit to support quality housing and services for individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities attracted over 270 attendees. The presenting sponsor was The Columbia Triathlon Association.
At the tribute, Greenfield, founder of Columbia Builders, was presented the 2008 Award for Compassionate Leadership, in recognition of his four decades of service to the people of Howard County and for his support of The Arc of Howard County. Greenfield has been a benefactor to The Arc through sponsorship of its annual Chocolate Ball and through leadership gifts to The Arc’s capital campaign and Silver Arc Legacy Fund.
May 20, 2008
The Arc Presents Ulman President’s Award
Joseph V. Murray, Sr., President of the Board of Directors of The Arc of Howard County has presented the 2008 President’s Award to County Executive Ken Ulman. The award recognizes a person who has made a significant impact on the quality of life of children and adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities.
Ulman was selected, Murray said, because of his “tremendous moral and financial support for human service organization in Howard County, including The Arc.”
“Ken is a cheerleader for the agencies that deliver much needed services to Howard County’s most vulnerable populations,” Murray noted. “His vision of an inclusive and nurturing community here in Howard County embraces people of all types, backgrounds and abilities.”
May 20, 2008
The Arc of Howard County Presents Awards of Excellence
The Arc of Howard County has presented awards to individuals and groups which have provided innovative programs and opportunities for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities in typical settings.
Individuals recognized with Celebration of Excellence Awards for 2008 include coach Chuck Spalding of Long Reach High School, Centennial High School graduate Miguel Albornoz, and nurse Marie “Mardi” Adams. Spalding has successful included a student with developmental disabilities in sports at the school. Albornoz started a chapter of Best Buddies, which pairs students with disabilities with typical students, at Centennial. Adams, who works for the Central Maryland region of the Developmental Disabilities Administration, was cited for her “best practices” and her compassion in dealing with individuals served by The Arc.
Self advocates Robert Bussard and David Gold, both of whom receive services from The Arc of Howard County, were recognized by members of The Arc’s Management Team for their success in living a full community life. Bussard works at McDonald’s and is a volunteer at his church. Gold is a founding member of a the self-advocacy group, People Power, stated his own document scanning business and is an active community volunteer.
Groups honored include the Office of Human Resources of the Howard County Board of Education, Grace Episcopal Church, the third grade team at Elkridge Elementary School, and the Savage Volunteer Fire Company. The Office of Human Resources has successfully included an employee with developmental disabilities. Grace Episcopal was cited for the supportive environment it has provided a family whose daughter has autism. The Elkridge Elementary teachers were honored for the “adaptive measures” they have taken to allow a student with developmental disabilities learn at her own pace. Savage Volunteer Fire Company was recognized for its “warm acceptance” of an individual served by The Arc who has been volunteering at the fire company.
May 20, 2008
The Arc of Howard County Honors Life Time Fitness
The Arc of Howard County has recognized Life Time Fitness and its Operations Department Director Brian Hawkins with a 2008 Celebration of Excellence Award, which is presented to individuals and groups which have provided innovative programs and opportunities for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities in typical settings.
The fitness center in Columbia employs one of the individuals served by The Arc of Howard County. Hawkins was cited for his planning, excellent communications, and person-center attitude.
May 20, 2008
The Arc Presents Employee of Year Award to Daughaday
Carol A. Beatty, Executive Director of The Arc of Howard County, has presented the 2008 Employee of the Year Award to J.C. Daughaday.
Daughaday is a “job coach,” and he supports people with developmental disabilites who are working in the community. He was cited for his commitment to people with cognitive and developmental disabilities and for his success at meeting the needs of local employers. He is also a spokesperson for The Arc’s employment services.
The Arc of Howard County provides housing, employment services, and individual and family support programs to people with cognitive and developmental disabilities and their families. For information, call 410-730-0638, or visit www.archoward.org.
April 17, 2008
The Arc Recognizes Volunteers
The Arc’s Second Annual Volunteer Appreciation Social recognized seven people and one organization. Long time advocate Nancy Rhead was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Annette Hinkle was honored as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.
Rhead first served on The Arc Board in 1987 and was President during her term and has chaired many of The Arc’s committees, as well as served as an articulate spokesperson locally and in Annapolis.
Hinkel has been involved with The Arc for more than 10 years and currently serves as treasurer and chair of the Finance Committee. She is also a charter member of the new Friendship Group, a social club of people served by The Arc and volunteers.
Awards were also made to: Friendship Club member Ryan Griffin, Outstanding Student Volunteer; Howard Bank Vice President and Relationship Manager Christa Spalding, who serves on several committees and has participated in raffle sales and helped renovate homes of The Arc, Outstanding Community Volunteer; Chocolate Ball logistics chair Sheila Greenfield, Outstanding Special Event Volunteer; Safety committee member and volunteer house painter Phil Kiracofe, Outstanding Individual Volunteer; Carole MacPhee of Columbia Housing Corporation, Outstanding Partnership Award; Bon Secours, Outstanding Volunteer Outreach Organization for sending 100 employees to work on two of The Arc’s homes during its Day of Caring last Spring.