We are continuing to move forward with The Arc Project, an initiative designed

to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities who

are aging and have increasing needs for accessible housing. Paul Muddiman,

Principal with Morris and Ritchie Associates and Jim Lambdin of Lambdin

Development Company are co-chairing The Arc Project committee and will

oversee the project that is divided into two distinct phases.

Phase One of the project will encompass renovations of five separate residences

currently owned by The Arc, and Phase Two will focus on our rental properties

and working with landlords to make sure the residences continue to meet the

needs of the people we support. There is an increasing need for walk-in showers,

wider doorways and larger living areas for people who will soon use walkers and

wheelchairs for mobility at home. New assistive technology in Arc homes will

enable individuals with developmental disabilities to manage their activities of

daily living with a greater degree of independence.

The Arc Project began this past Spring with a partnership with Harford Habitat

for Humanity to renovate a home on Custis Street in Aberdeen. The home is slated

for completion by late August and a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration will

be scheduled early this Fall!

The next exciting component of The Arc Project initiative will involve the

demolition and total rebuild of our home located on Tollgate Road in Bel Air.

Crouse Construction will donate their services to demolish the current home site,

and Bill Luther, President of Gemcraft Homes has generously agreed to build a

brand new wheelchair friendly home at cost for an in-kind value of $100,000 for

The Arc. Bill Luther adds, “Our partnership with The Arc ties in with our overall

company’s mission. Just as Gemcraft Homes builds dreams one home at a time,

we are happy to make dreams come true for The Arc. We are proud to be taking

a leadership role with this initiative by building a home that will set the gold

standard for accessible housing at The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region.”

If you would like to become involved in this worthwhile initiative, or if you would

like to make a monetary or in-kind donation, please contact Torri Dietrich at

410-836-7177.

Summ

er2006

Art print by permission of Martha Perske from Martha Perske’s Best 100 drawings courtesy of Abingdon Press.

Moving Forward with the ARC Project

Harford Habitat for Humanity and volunteers from The Arc

help renovate a home in Aberdeen.

2

We have a hero in our midst!

Our very own Sharon Neary

competed in the Special Olympics

USA National Games held in Ames,

Iowa in early July. Sharon traveled

via corporate jet along with 50 other

athletes from Maryland to compete

in three separate events including

the 100 Meter Freestyle, Backstroke

and Butterfly.

Sharon, along with many fellow

athletes became quite ill during her

first few days in Iowa and in fact

ended up in the Emergency Room

of the local hospital. Her parents

were afraid that she would not be

able to compete, but in her usual

resilient spirit, she rebounded and

went on to win a Gold Medal in

the 100 Meter Butterfly.

We are very proud of her

accomplishment and inspired by

her determination and tenacity!

Sharon Neary Wins GoldMedal at National SpecialOlympics Games

Sharon Neary (center) wins the gold medal in the

100 Meter Butterfly at the National Special Olympics

games in Ames, Iowa.

On June 5th, Governor Robert

Ehrlich and Kristen Cox, Secretary

of the Maryland Department of

Disabilities attended a special

meeting at the Bel Air Reckord

Armory to present the Harford

County Transportation Steering

Committee with a citation to

recognize their very important

work in the county.

In an effort to improve transportation options for individuals with disabilities in

Harford County, a dedicated and determined group, including individuals with

disabilities and agency representatives came together to find creative solutions to

this complex problem. They developed a strategic plan that has resulted in:

• User friendly bus schedules

• Travel training services for individuals with disabilities to use public

transportation to get to work

• Orientation regarding disabilities for Harford Transit bus drivers

The committee’s efforts, chaired by Tim Quinn, The Arc Northern Chesapeake

Region Executive Director, have resulted in a 24.85% increase in the number of

passengers with disabilities using public transportation during a three-month

period in 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.

Harford County Transportation CommitteeWins Governors Citation Award

The Harford County Transportation Steering

Committee receives a citation from Governor

Robert Ehrlich and Kristen Cox, Secretary of

the MD Department of Disabilities.

The Arc is a private non-profit membership organization, which has provided support services and advocacy

The Arc welcomed more than 60 friends and family members on June 29 to celebrate

the opening of The Arc’s Memory Garden and to view 51 bricks engraved with the

names of people both living and deceased whose special gifts have contributed so much

to The Arc. The Memory Garden Magnolia tree, donated by Dave and Linda Thomas

of Bel Air, produced its first blossom for the occasion.

Eagle Scout Aaron Litz, whose idea for an Eagle Scout project became the energizing

force behind the Garden, was represented by his mother, Stacey Litz, and grandmother

Dotty Myers, longtime friends of The Arc. Committee members, Sandy Kyle, Aaron

Litz, Brian Litz, Andrew Nolan, Betty Pearce, Earle Scoggins, and Mara Walter, were

recognized for their 18 months of Garden planning and oversight. The Committee

expressed appreciation to Aaron Litz for raising $1000 for the Garden, to his family, and

fellow Scouts for their labor, to Dave and Linda Thomas of Bel Air for their donations

of trees and plants, and to Dave Thomas for the design and construction of the brick

pathway. Brownie Pearce, The Evergreen Garden Club, The Garden Mart of Bel Air,

L&L Supplies of Baltimore, and T&M Mulch were thanked for their special contributions.

The Arc Memory Garden Dedication:A Special Gift

Bess Reed, Vocational

Coordinator for The Arc, is

the winner of the 2006 Body

Challenge! Bess won a $750

Marriott hotel vacation

package towards a vacation

of her choice. The Arc Body Challenge was a competition open

to all staff at The Arc and was facilitated by Mike Cornish in

Health Services. The twelve-week physique transformation

contest was a competition for the person who attempted to

make the most significant overall body changes in weight, body

fat percentages, fat weight and lean body mass. Bess met her

physical fitness and nutrition goals by joining Curves and being

able to go off her cholesterol medication. Through her affiliation

with Curves and the Body Challenge, she has lost over thirty

pounds. Bess had joint problems in the past that are now

nonexistent and has increased energy. Congratulations to

everyone and gratitude to Mike Cornish for facilitating this

successful challenge.

Bess Reed Wins 2006 Body Challenge

The Bel Air New Car Dealer’s Annual Golf Tournament to

benefit The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has had an

“Extreme Makeover”! For the first time, this year’s Arc Golf

Tournament will combine the best features of past BANCD

Tournaments including The Arc’s Mixed, Women’s and Cecil

County Golf Tournaments. Winners of the “Week at the Beach”

golf putting contest and a community wide raffle, will win the

Grand Prize of a week at the beach in a 2,000 sq. foot condo on

143rd Street in Ocean City, Maryland. The condo is oceanfront

and has 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths and wrap around balconies.

This year’s golf tournament will raise funds for The Arc Project

to complete much needed Arc home renovations and accessibility

modifications. The tournament will be held on Monday, October

23rd at The Maryland Golf and Country Clubs, Bel Air, MD.

You can help us to make a difference…. Please join us as a

sponsor, a golfer, or purchase a raffle ticket! Contact Paul Levine

at 410-836-7177, ext. 356, email plevine@arcncr.org, or visit our

website at www.arcncr.org for more information.

Invest in The Arc, Help People to Live Rich & Vibrant LivesHelping people to live rich and vibrant lives is at the core of The Arc’s philosophy and mission. The Arc supports people withdisabilities to create lives that mirror yours and mine: studentsattending neighborhood schools, adults going to work and living in their own homes, and individuals enjoying the social andrecreational opportunities of their communities.

The Arc guarantees a return on your investment! Your contributionwill make a difference in the lives of people with developmentaldisabilities in the following ways:

$25-$100• A night out at the ballgame

• A holiday gift for an individual with no immediate family

• An art class for an aspiring artist

• A fitness class for someone who wants to improve their stamina

• A few hours of respite care for parents of a child with a disability

$250-$1,000• A guest speaker for a Foster Parent training program that give

families the tools to care for a child with special needs

• A camp scholarship for a child that is on summer vacation

• A computer with email to allow someone to remain in contact with families and friends

• An appliance or funding to cover home improvements for our Supported Living Program

$2,500 and above• A walk-in shower to enhance accessibility in a bathroom

• Adaptive equipment to increase one’s level of independence

$20,000• A new vehicle that will help transport people to jobs

and recreational activities

Make your donation!Yes, I want to Help People to Live Rich and Vibrant Lives

Name: ___________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________

City: _____________________________________________

State: __________________ Zip: ____________________

Email: ___________________________________________

Home Phone: _____________ Work Phone: ____________I would like to invest in The Arc to help people live rich and vibrant lives!I/we wish to donate _________.Please make checks payable to The Arc Northern ChesapeakeRegion. Mail to The Arc NCR, 4513 Philadelphia Road,Aberdeen, MD 21001

Please charge my Visa/MC #: ________________________

Expiration Date: ___________________________________

Authorized Signature: ______________________________

Or pledge on-line at www.arcncr.org

Golf Tournament Gets an “Extreme Makeover”

Bess Reed, winner of the 2006

Body Challenge.

to people with developmental disabilities and their families in Harford and Cecil Counties since 1953.3

4

Two heads are better than one. Peanut butter and jelly. Double

coupons. The power of pairs is everywhere. Now, The Arc

Northern Chesapeake Region is launching PAIRSUITS, a

program that brings together two people who share common

interests - volunteers and people with developmental disabilities

supported by The Arc.

For example, an individual supported by The Arc who wants

to learn to play chess would be matched with a volunteer with

the same interest. Others may enjoy cooking, line dancing,

crafting, going to hear live music, or following local sports

action. With help from Arc staff, each duo decides on what

interests and activities they want to pursue and how, arranging

time each month that fits with their schedules.

“It's our goal to foster mutual satisfaction and growth through

enriching activities and friendship. People with developmental

disabilities experience social isolation and loneliness far too

often. Volunteers and individuals supported through

Community Partners can share in this journey of discovery

together” says Gloria Perry, Director of Individual

and Family Support Services for the Arc.

Getting started with PAIRSUITS is simple. Mara Walter,

The Arc’s Volunteer Program Coordinator helps interested

volunteers complete a brief application including a fun

“Dreams & Passions Profile” to help with the matching process.

A “Match Team” then compares profiles to find compatible

partners. Volunteers agree to share a minimum of six hours per

month with their partner for a period of at least six months.

Of course, pairs are welcome and encouraged to continue

beyond this initial commitment.

Following an informative volunteer orientation, each new group

of PAIRSUITS volunteers begins getting acquainted with their

new partners during small group activities. Once both partners

indicate they are comfortable, they pursue their individual

activities with the ongoing support of Arc staff. A regularly

scheduled check-in with both members by the Volunteer

Program Coordinator answers any questions and ensures they’re

happy with how things are going. In addition, all currently

participating volunteers are invited to PAIRSUITS gatherings

held every other month where they can share experiences and

ideas, ask questions, and get additional training.

PAIRSUITS matches just a few duos at a time and helps them

get started pursuing their shared interests. That way everyone

receives the support needed to get the most out of the

experience. Rounds of volunteer recruiting, briefings, matching

and training will be held three times a year so everyone can

enjoy being part of PAIRSUITS!

Mara Walter, Volunteer Program Coordinator, manages

PAIRSUITS. “Volunteering is more than an altruistic act, it’s

an opportunity to enhance your life. PAIRSUITS is a perfect

example of how someone can make a difference not only in

their life, but in the life of someone with a developmental

disability. You’ll find that enriching others’ lives also enriches

your own. I encourage people to contact me about this exciting

new opportunity!”

For more information about PAIRSUITS, please contact

Mara Walter, Volunteer Program Coordinator (Individual and

Family Support Services Department, Community Partners)

at 410-879-6785 ext. 381, or mwalter@arcncr.org.

Good Things Come in TwosPAIRSUITS Launching

Jo Anne Witherspoon with the help of volunteer, Sabine McKnight have

created the business venture, Sassy Sandals.

Administrative Offices • Employment Services • Family Support Services

5

We want your current address and email records to be

correct. Please let us know if there is a change in your

information so that we can keep YOU in touch with the

latest news!

Simply call, write or email your address to us and we

will add you to our email distribution list. Call Bev at

410-836-7177, ext.338, or email to bolsen@arcncr.org.

Receive the AmbassadorNewsletter in your email box!

May is Foster Parent Appreciation Month, and the occasion

to recognize some of our families, volunteers, and community

partners. We invited the community to help us celebrate and

honor these people at a recent “Meet The Arc” event. This is a

quarterly event at The Arc where staff have the opportunity to

“Tell the Story” to the community about the work we do and

some of the rewards of our efforts. On May 17 the Family

Services Department welcomed nearly 100 official and volunteer

members of the Harford and Cecil County communities.

Many of our foster parents have a connection to The Arc

as employees, former employees, and friends of employees.

Mowana Russell, Arc employee and foster mom extraordinaire,

spoke about mothering her preschooler, an elementary school

son, and a young adult daughter who turned 21 in June.

Flossie Rosser and Amy Blackburn, two recent graduates of

the Family Support Services year long Educational Partnership

Initiative, gave heart warming accounts of how this program

has helped them to become better advocates for their children.

The two-year EPI Program is supported by a grant from

The Arc Foundation.

David Hood introduced his daughter Samantha, then read

his wife Katie’s nomination for the School Inclusion Award.

This was an opportunity for The Arc and families to recognize

the efforts of the public school system to include all children in

their programming. Ellen Tracey, principal of Youth’s Benefit

Elementary School, received the framed poster and shared the

recognition with Samantha’s teachers Mrs. Charitonuk and

Mrs. Spenard.

Following the presentation attendees enjoyed a light breakfast

and were guided on a tour of the facility.

Family Services Featured at “Meet The Arc” Event

• Individual Support Services • Supported Living Services

6

Local Artist’s Work Tells Stories,Finds Healing

The Gift of Hope Exhibit was held on

June 5th at Gallery RoCa in Havre de

Grace to benefit The Arc Northern

Chesapeake Region. Featured Artist Lisa McGann, creates burn-relief carved

images and stories on dried gourds. This form of creative expression proved a

way for Lisa to express the wide array of emotions she felt as a woman, a wife,

and a mother of a child, Claire, with developmental disabilities who receives

services at The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region.

Claire participated in The Arc’s Life Assistance initiative last summer, designed

to help her connect with her neighborhood. Lisa says, “The goal is to teach

Claire how to interact in the community and for people in Harford County to

know Claire by name and for her to be able to work in the community after she

is through school. She will always need help getting up and getting dressed.

I want her to have a reason to get dressed.” Tim Quinn, Executive Director for

The Arc adds, “Lisa and her family have given so much to The Arc. This has

been a reciprocal relationship in that The Arc has helped fulfill dreams, while

Lisa and her family have given us so much back in return.”

Gallery RoCa will donate 10% of the proceeds from Lisa McGann’s artwork to

The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region from June 5th to September 9th, 2006.

The public can visit The Arc’s website at www.arcncr.org for more information

or to view Lisa’s gourd work. To place an order, contact or visit Gallery RoCa

on Sundays from 12-5 PM, Mondays-Tuesdays 11-6 PM, Thursdays-Saturdays

11-7 PM or call 410-939-6182.

Gallery Event BenefitsThe Arc NorthernChesapeake Region

Artist Lisa McGann

The fun and glitz of the 2006 Arc Annual

Awards Dinner Dance provided a wonderful

forum to recognize and thank Arc supporters.

With Arc staff, consumers, friends and family,

The Arc celebrated another year. Former Harford County Executive, Jim Harkins

and John O’Neill received The Arc’s “Friend of The Arc” award for their years of

support for The Arc. The generous Ride Away Handicap Equipment Corporation

who donated a wheelchair-modified van to an Arc Cecil County family was

applauded. Ray Torreon and Curt Mason accepted the award.

The Arc Celebrates at Annual Awards Dinner Dance

Other Award Winners Include:Awesome AchievementJane Schuler

Community BuilderTorri Dietrich

Outstanding OutcomesShannon Gettier

Shared ValuesShawn Smith

Rob Dare “Unsung Hero” MemorialRob Bayne

Personal GrowthRoy Peters

Success at WorkPatty Jo Evans

Personal AchievementMelvin Webster

Community Bridge BuilderJoe Cardiff

Outstanding ServiceLisa McGann

Outstanding AchievementHarold Lootens

Direct Support ProfessionalJohn Rosser

Harford County Delgation CitizenshipMary Cook

Cecil County Delegation CitizenshipKim and Rusty Shuler

Friends of The ArcBattelleHarford Habitat for HumanityJohn O'NeillJim HarkinsRide-Away Handicap Equipment Corporation

A Day of Fun and Fitness!

The Arc is pleased to announce that Quest Fitness

has opened its doors to staff, people receiving services,

and their families this fall. This event will provide

people the opportunity to utilize the equipment and

get fit. Trained staff will assist people in trying state of

the art equipment and there will be exercise classes for

various fitness levels. Participants must be 18 years or

older. People receiving services must be accompanied

by an Arc staff member to assist them on the

equipment. Look for more information to come

regarding a date and time.

Arc Wellness Day at Quest Fitness

Michele Stutzer (center) presents

John O’Neil (left) and Jim Harkins

(right) with “Friend of The Arc”

Award

7

Ongoing Monthly Meetings

Teen’s TogetherWill not meet during the summer.Please call Kathleen Moore for moreinformation at 410-836-7177 ext. 353.

Autism Society of America Harford County ChapterMeets every 3rd Monday 7:00 - 9:00 pm,McFaul Activities Center, Bel Air, MD.Call Ruth Good, 410-879-4643 or 410-836-7177 ext. 617.

Deaf Education Advancement FoundationMeets monthly 7:00 - 8:30 pm., Bel AirLibrary, call for specific dates. RSVPto deafoundation4md@yahoo.com or call 410-790-3619.

People First of Harford CountyAugust 14, 2006September 11, 2006October 2, 2006November 6, 2006December 4, 20066:30 - 8:30 pm, Christ Our King Church, Alpha Room, 10 Lexington Rd., Bel Air, MD. All are welcome. Contact Vernon DeHaven, 410-638-1465 or Mitchell Neiburger, 410-836-7177,ext. 355.

Sibshops SessionsA program just for brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.September 16, October 14,November 18, December 16 from10:00 am - 2:00 pm at MountainChristian Church, Timothy Hall, 1824 Mountain Rd., Joppa, MD. Ages 8 – 13. Sponsored by Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, The Arc NCR, Harford County Infants& Toddlers Program, Partners forSuccess Resource Center, HarfordCo. Public Schools. To register or formore information, call 1-800-999-9442ext. 5169.

Other Events

Sunset Picnic for Family Services August 11, 2006, 4:00 - 8:00 pm, at Friends Park, 35 E. Jarrettsville Rd.,Forest Hill, MD. Food, fun, games and excitement. RSVP to Stacie Claypoole by August 7 at 410-836-7177, ext. 349 or email at sclaypoole@arcncr.org.

Arc Holiday Card ContestDeadline for submission is August 31, 2006

Bel Air New Car Dealers GolfTournament to Benefit The SupportedLiving Program of The Arc NorthernChesapeake RegionOctober 23, 2006. Maryland Golf and Country Clubs, Bel Air, MD.Featuring a “Week at the Beach”putting contest and community-wideraffle, a chance to win $10,000 on aHole-in-One Putt, and a New Car fora Hole-in-One. Contact Paul Levine 410-836-7177, email at plevine@arcncr.org or visitwww.arcncr.org for more information.

Calendar of Events

Visit Our Websitewww.arcncr.org

The Arc website has new and exciting features.

Families can access informationabout events and other informationpertaining to their sons & daughters.

• Register for workshops & outings.• Read current and past

newsletters, press releases, & annual reports.

• Find links to important websites.• STAY INFORMED!

We are offering two classes at the same time. Hopefully one of these will meet your scheduling needs.

To RSVP, please contact Dianne Ross at 410-836-7177 ext. 402 or e-mail to dross@arcncr.org.

New Foster Parent Training Classes

DATES TIME

10/12 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

10/13 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

10/14 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

10/19 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

10/21 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

DATES TIME

10/9 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

10/10 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

10/11 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

10/12 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

10/14 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

10/19 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

10/21 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

CLASS #1 CLASS #2

2006-2007 The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region Board of Directors

Michele Stutzer, PresidentPatrick Neary, Vice PresidentIsolda McClelland, SecretaryDiane Schmittinger, Treasurer

Nancy BrughMike DrummondPatty Jo EvansPam KarwowskiKen KozelJanet LeszlRay PopkikKenneth SpicerJoanne Witherspoon

Immediate Past President - Pat OurednikExecutive Director - Tim Quinn

2006-2007The Arc Northern Chesapeake RegionFoundation Board of Directors

Ken Kozel, ChairmanSal Molite, Jr., Vice ChairmanBeverly Olsen, SecretaryJoseph Hoffman, III, Treasurer

James LambdinRay MaskellPaul MuddimanPatrick NearyEric Newman June PooleTim QuinnDiane SchmittingerTom Walls

Executive Director - Torri Dietrich

Serving Harford, Cecil, & Kent Counties

4513Philadelphia RoadAberdeen, MD21001410-836-7177 or 410-879-6785Fax 410-893-3909www.arcncr.orgPersonal stories, tributes and expressions of gratitude comprised the

program at the The Arc's Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

held June 30 in the Stephens Room at The Arc administrative offices.

51 certificates of appreciation awaited their recipients, but the

crowd was much smaller. Those who came to thank the volunteers

described their gratitude for their help and friendship in the

multitude of roles that volunteers play at The Arc. Sabine

McKnight gives German lessons to a young woman interested in

her German ancestry, and has helped Joanne Witherspoon with her small business, “Sassy

Sandals.” Lisa Fong takes a lady retiree out for coffee on a weekly basis. Andrew Potter

helps with sibling activities provided to families. Carmen and John Jourdan, and Minnie

White of the Aberdeen VFW have hosted buffet dinner dances several times each year for

the last 12 years. Janet Letz and Nancy Brugh donate their time to The Arc as members

of the Board of Directors. Harold Lootens has raised $80,000 for The Arc since 1999 by

coordinating The Arc's vehicle donation program.

In a delightful role reversal, many who came to pay tribute to The Arc’s guests began to

share their own stories of volunteering. Bill Ramos described the fun of serving as an

LPGA tournament course marshal in early June. Sigrid Benson helps weekly at Martha’s

Meals, a local soup kitchen. Ruth Lingo has been part of a group helping the Humane

Society with a recent influx of small animals by picking up donations.

For information on how you can develop a meaningful friendship with someone sharing

your interests, dreams and passions as a volunteer, see “PAIRSUITS” on page 4 or contact

Mara Walter, Volunteer Program Coordinator at 410-836-7177 ext. 381.

A special thank you to the following volunteers for their dedication and service

to The Arc: Shanna Bartlinski, Amanda Burns, Roger Butash, Justine Cerruto,

Damarcus Coleman, Rosalie Cummings, George Dickerson, Tara Donlin, Erin Donlin,

Doyin Famodu, Lisa Fong, Terry Fowler, Amber Franklin, Beverly Goebel, Dawn Good,

Lester Harris, Jr., Sherry Hawkins, Johanne Henrickson, Carl Hisley, Carmen Jourdan,

John Jourdan, David Knox, Bea Kolchin, Aaron Litz, Hal Lootens, Jennifer Martucci,

Sabine McKnight, Janine Meadows, Vaughn Miller, Vicki Muddleman, Karen Newman,

Betty Pearce, Andrew Potter, Dawn Sacks, Kate Saltzer, Katie Smith, Tracy Smith, Jennifer

Starkey, Michele Stutzer, Dave Thomas, Linda Thomas, Shana Thomas, Patricia Thornton,

Kyle Vaughn, Ellie Vollerthum, Wendy Weyant, Minnie White, Ralph Wittman.

THANK YOUThe Arc Thanks VolunteersNON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S.POSTAGEPAID

ABINGDON,MDPERMIT NO.200

Arc volunteers Tony Perry

& Linda Townes take a few

moments with Governor

Ehrlich and the First Lady.