Howard County Students Receive SECU Scholarships
Four Howard County students recently received scholarships from SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union, as part of the annual SECU State Employee Scholarship Program.
The winners, each of whom received a $1,000 scholarship, are Matthew Heron, Columbia, who is going into his senior year at the University of Maryland College Park; Dale Walker, Elkridge, who will be a senior this fall at Salisbury University; Charles Fisher, Elkridge, who will be starting his second year at the Rochester Institute of Technology; and Michael Alper, Columbia, who will be a freshman at the University of Maryland College Park.
Scholarships were awarded to a total of 13 Maryland state employees and their immediate family members at a ceremony held at the SECU Arena at Towson University. Since 2007, SECU has awarded nearly $250,000 in scholarships to Maryland state employees and immediate family members planning to attend college, graduate school, or trade school.
Scholarship winner Charles Fisher is pictured with SECU Vice President of Marketing Peggy Young, left, and SECU President and CEO Rod Staatz.
National Cyber Security Hall of Fame Announces 2015 Inductee Gala
The National Cyber Security Hall of Fame, which honors individuals and organizations that played a key role in creating the cybersecurity industry, will hold its Fourth Annual Inductee Gala on Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore.
The National Cyber Security Hall of Fame inducts five cybersecurity innovators into the Hall of Fame at its gala each year. Inductees are nominated by qualified organizations engaged in cybersecurity, then ranked and reviewed by the board using established criteria in five categories: Technology, Policy, Public Awareness, Education and Business. The 2015 honorees will be announced in September.
“The gala is a wonderful opportunity to recognize and engage with those who protect our systems against threats,” said Larry Letow, co-founder of National Cyber Security Hall of Fame. “Their vision and dedication to the cybersecurity industry has better prepared us for the challenges we face today.”
Tickets for the Cyber Security Hall of Fame Gala are $250 and available via www.cybersecurityhalloffame.com/content/award/Cyber-Security-Cyber-Security-Award-Ceremony.
Howard County’s 50+EXPO Set for October
Vendor and sponsorship applications are now being accepted for Howard County’s 17th annual 50+EXPO. Presented by the Department of Citizen Services’ Office on Aging, this premier event for older adults will take place Friday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia.
The 50+EXPO provides vendors and sponsors with a marketing opportunity to reach Howard County’s older adults and baby boomers. The county senior population — residents 65 and older — is projected to make up 17.5% of the county’s population by 2025, and 21.6% by 2035. According to the latest American Community Survey (2013), the median household income of this population segment is $70,137. Last year’s event drew more than 5,000 attendees.
Vendor and exhibitor space is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and application fees are based on exhibitor category and booth location. Vendor packets and information on sponsorship opportunities are available on the Office on Aging’s web site at www.howardcountyaging.org/50plusexpo. Completed applications may be faxed to 410-313-5950 or mailed to: 50+EXPO 2015, c/o Donna Tugwell, Howard County Office on Aging, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 211, Columbia, MD 21046.
Public Invited to Taping of ‘Chesapeake Collectibles’ Season 6 Programs
Members of the general public are invited to register to attend the studio taping of the upcoming season’s episodes of “Chesapeake Collectibles,” Maryland Public Television’s (MPT) weekly series, on Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9, at Turf Valley in Ellicott City.
MPT will gather nearly two-dozen expert appraisers to review antiques brought in by the public. The appraisal events will take place from 9 a.m. until noon and from 1 until 4 p.m. each day. Every year, hundreds of collectors bring their treasures to the appraisal event. MPT films the evaluations of selected heirlooms for use in the 13-part television series, the sixth season of which premieres in January 2016.
Admission is by advance registration only. Registration closes on July 19. Interested parties can submit photographs and descriptions of items they wish to bring in, along with their name, address, zip code, phone and e-mail address. The information must be sent to [email protected] or mailed to Chesapeake Collectibles, MPT, 11767 Owings Mills Blvd., Owings Mills, MD 21117. Registration also can be secured through an online or telephone pledge to MPT at mpt.org/donate or 800-222-1292.
HCC Preparing for Columbia Classic Grand Prix
The Howard Community College (HCC) Columbia Classic Grand Prix will take place this year on Sept. 19, when, in a challenging course of obstacles, twists and turns, equestrians will race against the clock. Proceeds from the event benefit the HCC Educational Foundation, which provides scholarship support for HCC students.
The Grand Prix will be held from 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. at Marama Farm, 5610 Chamblis Drive, Clarksville. Tickets are available for lawn seating at $10 adults, free for children 10 and under; grandstand seating at $15 adults, $8 for children 10 and under; and box seating for six at $250. Sponsor seating and tables are also available. For more information, call 443-518-4223 or visit www.howardcc.edu/grandprix.
SHA Restores Section of Severn Run Near I-97
As part of its commitment to help enhance water quality, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is restoring 475 linear feet of a tributary to the Severn Run. The project is located west of I-97, near Najoles Road in Millersville. This tributary, as well as Severn Run, feeds into the Severn River, a major tributary to the Chesapeake Bay.
Work on the $613,000 project includes stabilizing the stream banks and installing step pools, cascades and other natural rock structures in the steam to reduce the energy of the water, particularly during heavy rainfall and snow melt. Slower energy reduces stream bank erosion and the amount of sediment and nutrients from entering the bay.
Crews will plant native trees and seed native vegetation in the project area to further reduce pollution from entering downstream waterways. SHA is also upgrading the stream outfall that is adjacent to the right shoulder of southbound I-97.
BOGB Supports Arundel House of Hope
The Bank of Glen Burnie (BOGB) has announced that, as part of its “Dream Big” loan campaign, it will donate $100 to local nonprofit Arundel House of Hope for every new loan booked in June.
“The Bank of Glen Burnie feels an obligation to help make our community a better place,” said Michael Livingston, president and CEO of The Bank of Glen Burnie. “Arundel House of Hope meets the needs of the poor and homeless in our county. We are pleased to offer our loan program to help Arundel House of Hope accomplish their mission.”
Visit www.BofGB.com/DreamBIG for more details about the campaign. Arundel House of Hope provides emergency, transitional and permanent affordable housing for the poor and those experiencing homelessness in Anne Arundel County. To learn more about Arundel House of Hope, visit www.arundelhoh.org.
Williams Offering Social Security Analysis
Gary Williams, founder of Williams Asset Management, of Columbia, is offering a complimentary Social Security analysis to area residents who are approaching retirement.
“This is an important topic, as more and more people transition into retirement. Most people simply view Social Security as a monthly check. But it is far from that; Social Security is a valuable asset that could potentially provide recipients $1 million or more during the course of their lifespan. In some cases, proactive planning can literally mean hundreds of thousands more dollars in your pocket,” said Williams.
“Using Money Guide Pro as the engine for this analysis,” he said, “we are equipped to provide a sophisticated analysis for individuals to truly understand their options pertaining to Social Security.”
To request a complimentary analysis, visit www.williamsassetmanagement.com and click the “Social Security Analysis” link on the right-hand side; call 410-740-0220 or e-mail [email protected].
The Children’s SPOT Unveils New Therapy Center
The Children’s SPOT recently celebrated the grand opening of its new, 3,000-square-foot Therapy Center at 8815 Columbia 100 Parkway Drive, Columbia, as part of Howard County’s 24th Annual Business Appreciation Week. The Children’s SPOT offers speech, occupational and applied behavioral analysis programming for children with a variety of cognitive disorders and developmental delays, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Once complete, the new facility will also include a multi-sensory room, which is a major benefit for special needs clients who require sensory modulation therapy. The 2-year-old business was previously located in a 1,000-square-foot space in Elkridge. The move to a larger facility was made possible in part by a $53,000 loan from the Howard County Economic Development Authority’s (HCEDA) Catalyst Video Lottery Terminal Fund.
“When we were selected as a fund manager for the Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) Loan Fund by the state of Maryland, we knew this program would provide some real opportunities to assist small, women- and minority-owned businesses, said Larry Twele, CEO, Howard County Economic Development Authority. “The Children’s SPOT is one of more than a half-dozen companies that we’ve been able to help expand or attract to the county, thanks to the Catalyst VLT Fund, and it’s a program we’d like to see expanded.”
Providence Center’s 23rd Annual Moran Golf Classic Raises $77K
Providence Center, which serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Anne Arundel County, announced that its 23rd Annual Moran Golf Classic, presented by Severna Park-based Moran Insurance; Chiron Technology Services, a Columbia-based cybersecurity and technology company; and Reliable Contracting Co., of Gambrills, raised $77,000 for the organization’s programs and services.
The event, the largest annual fundraiser for the organization, was held on June 1 at Queenstown Harbor on the Eastern Shore. It encompassed two golf courses, and included nearly 200 golfers, a silent auction and a raffle.
“Our 2015 classic was a huge success for Providence Center and the men and women who count on us,” said Providence Center CEO Chuck Coble. “We broke records this year and that would not have been possible without the hard work of our committee members and event volunteers, and the generosity of our sponsors and silent auction donors.”
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Kicks Off Summer Reading Program
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake (BBBSGC) kicked off its inaugural BigRead! Summer Reading Program on Tuesday, June 23, with a festive gathering at the agency’s Hampden headquarters, attended by dozens of mentors and mentees.
As a part of its commitment to youth literacy outcomes, BBBSGC has partnered with Scholastic to provide 10 books for each mentee enrolled in the program. “Littles” ranging in age from 9 to 16 years old attended the event with their “Bigs,” where they received their free books in a lime green drawstring bag to take home.
To learn more about the role mentoring plays in the community and for event details, visit www.biglittle.org or contact BBBSGC at 410-243-4000.
Sinai Hospital Awarded 2015 Grant from KBE Building Corp.
Lifebridge Health’s Sinai Hospital, of Baltimore, has been awarded a $1,500 grant by KBE Building Corp., allowing the hospital to upgrade its family neonatal intensive care unit lounge later this year. The Sinai grant was made possible by KBE’s corporate philanthropic program, 50 Ways to Make a Difference.
Established in 2009 to celebrate the firm’s new ownership, name change and 50 years in business, 50 Ways has helped KBE associates donate more than $1.5 million and 9,000 volunteer hours to charitable causes benefiting children, seniors and military veterans in Connecticut and Maryland.
HIRE POWER Awards Recognize Companies Promoting Howard’s Workforce
Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman and the Howard County Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency recently recognized five businesses with this year’s HIRE POWER Awards at a ceremony at Wegmans in Columbia.
The HIRE POWER Awards highlight businesses in the county that promote programs and practices to help develop the local workforce through innovative job support, inclusive hiring strategies and community outreach efforts.
This year’s award winners are Boston Market (Columbia location), which supports individuals by offering flexible work hours and opportunities for advancement; Pure Technologies, which assisted the Howard County Food Bank by unloading, sorting and stacking shelves of food; Success In Style, which provides individuals seeking employment with professional clothing and wardrobe consultations, and also offers interview counseling; Victoria’s Secret, which partnered with the Howard County Office of Workforce Development when it reopened its Columbia store in the fall of 2014; and Wegmans, which supports the board’s mission with donations to the food bank and volunteers at the Community Action Council’s community gardens.
To support the work of the board, e-mail [email protected] or call Phyllis Madachy, director of citizen services, at 410-313-6400.
Kittleman Opens Howard Astronomical League Observatory at Alpha Ridge Park
Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman recently joined County Council Member Greg Fox, Department of Recreation & Parks Director John Byrd and members of the Howard Astronomical League (HAL) for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the HAL Observatory at Alpha Ridge Park.
The HAL Observatory features a 15-foot diameter dome that houses the restored Paul S. Watson telescope, a 12-inch Newtonian telescope originally built in 1937, and a library with more than 250 donated books. The construction of the 18-foot by 18-foot structure began in February and was funded by a 2010 state bond of $25,000, as well as private monetary, labor and material donations.
NSA’s Cyber Camps Make Summer School Fun
A new partnership between the National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Science Foundation has announced GenCyber, a series of summer camps that are being offered to help young people learn about cybersecurity and how developing skills in that area can pay off for them in the future.
The camps will be held on 29 university campuses in 18 states this year, exposing (mostly) middle and high school students to subject matter and cyber problem solving that would help prepare them for related coursework in college.
The camps, some of which are overnight, are free for participants due to funding from the federal partnership. California, South Dakota, Alaska, New York, Hawaii and Mississippi are among the sites. The goal is to expand the program from the current 43 camps to 200 by 2020.
“It is important to seize the imagination of young people who have an interest in this field, showing them the challenges and opportunities that await them,” said Steve LaFountain, dean of NSA’s College of Cyber. “GenCyber camps help interested young people, from every corner of the United States and from diverse backgrounds, gain some incredible experience in this ever-changing field.”
For more information, visit www.gen-cyber.info.
4th Annual Power of the Purse Largest in Event’s History
Her Mind magazine’s 2015 Power of the Purse fundraiser, held at Sub-Zero and Wolf by Fretz Kitchen Showroom, on June 8, was the most successful in its four-year history. The event, which features both gently used and new purses for sale, raised more than $18,000, with proceeds going to Blossoms of Hope in support of the Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center at Howard County General Hospital.
The 350 guests in attendance had the chance to browse through more than 1,700 used and vintage purses, donated by women throughout the region and available for cash and carry; while more than 70 new and designer handbags, filled with gift certificates to spas and restaurants, food and wine, and luxurious accessories, were included in the silent auction.
Her Mind and Blossoms of Hope also extended thanks to those who contributed to the event, including special guest Danielle DiFerdinando, founder of New York-based Danielle Nicole handbag designs. DiFerdinando grew up in Howard County and launched Danielle Nicole at the age of 18, while a student at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
Brenda van Rautenkranz, owner of Fit for Life and host of the Fit to be Fabulous video series, was the event’s emcee; Michelle Wildman, of MW Events, was chair; and Pam Moss, of Custom Media Options, was co-chair of the event.
The 2015 Power of the Purse was supported by a financial contribution from Horseshoe Casino. In-kind donations came from the Iron Bridge Wine Co., Chuy’s, Sub-Zero, Wolf by Fretz Kitchen Showroom, Sir Speedy (in Columbia) and Pam Long Photography. The Business Monthly and the Business Women’s Network of Howard County were 2015 Power of the Purse media partners.
TFCU Classic Golf Tournament Raises $30K for Hopkins Children’s Center
Tower Federal Credit Union’s (TFCU) 33rd Annual Tower Classic Golf Tournament raised $30,000 to benefit The Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, in Baltimore. The tournament took place on June 5 at Renditions Golf Club, in Davidsonville.
More than 100 golfers participated in the tournament. Proceeds from tournament players, sponsors and donations from the business community totaled $20,000. CO-OP Financial Services contributed an additional $10,000 through its Miracle Match program, bringing the day’s total to $30,000. Miracle Match is a philanthropic matching program that encourages credit unions, chapters and leagues to create and participate in local Children’s Miracle Network fundraisers, which benefit 170 children’s hospital nationwide.
In recent years, the tournament has raised more than $15,000 annually for The Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Since 1998, the Tower Classic has raised more than $250,000 for Hopkins.
TLT4C Partners With the ZACF
The Little Things for Cancer (TLT4C) has entered into a letter of intent to merge with the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation (ZACF). Bringing the two together is a strong strategic fit, leveraging strengths from both organizations.
The ZACF currently provides those affected by cancer with scholarships, funding for college internships for cancer research, direct patient/caregiver funding and critical funds needed for research; TLT4C funds services for the “little things” often taken for granted when dealing with the disease, such as meals, transportation, child care, house cleaning and utility assistance.
The mission of Zach Lederer, the former University of Maryland men’s basketball manager who died from brain cancer in March 2014, was for everyone battling cancer to enjoy the love of family and the support and services he enjoyed during his own struggle.
“We are honored to be joining with Wendy and Larry Letow [of TNT4C] and their staff to truly help cancer patients in a positive way,” said John Lederer, Zach’s father. For more information, visit www.tlt4c.org and www.zachingagainstcancer.org.
Apple Ford Lincoln Partners With Neighbor Ride
Neighbor Ride, of Columbia, has announced a partnership with Apple Ford Lincoln, also of Columbia, that calls for the car dealerships to sponsor the nonprofit’s signature car magnets and to create a special (and ongoing) discount for Neighbor Ride’s volunteers at the dealership’s QuickLane service sites.
The magnets, now bearing Apple Ford Lincoln’s logo, can be seen throughout the county and beyond, with 20–40 Neighbor Ride volunteers on the road daily. They drive more than 135,000 miles and provide 15,000 trips for seniors annually. Since its services were launched in November 2004, Neighbor Ride’s volunteers have provided more than 100,000 trips for local seniors.
Kathy Lyons and Roslyn Rubin with the new car magnets promoting Neighbor Ride and sponsor Apple Ford.
Bridges Unveils New Slogan
The Bridges to Housing Stability, based in Columbia, has established a new slogan, “Solving Homelessness with Housing,” to clarify the common purpose of its Housing Stability Program. It guides homeless households to achieve stability in permanent housing by providing income-based rental housing with a circle of support to low-wage worker households that are at risk due to high rent burden.
It also underscores the Bridges’ belief that with housing affordable to households across the economic spectrum, “we can end homelessness — and without it we cannot.”
Howard’s 2015 Community Sports Hall of Fame Class Announced
Howard County’s Department of Recreation & Parks has announced that four new members will be inducted into the Community Sports Hall of Fame in October. The 2015 induction class includes Clifford Crown, Todd Del Tufo, Jack Milani and Barbara Rosato.
In search of a chance to play softball, Clifford Crown answered an ad in a local newspaper seeking men for a 55-and-older pickup softball program. Soon after joining, Crown became the organizer of the group, which made its official debut in April 1994 with only 12 men; today the program includes more than 45 participants.
In 11 years, Todd Del Tufo has worn many hats with the Howard County Vipers Wresting Program, from coach to travel team commissioner to president. Composed of nearly 400 wrestlers, the Vipers provide the county’s youth the opportunity to experience wrestling in a structured environment.
Jack Milani has coached, officiated, developed new programs and managed programs. He volunteered with the Western Howard County Youth Baseball/Softball league and is a founder of the Western Howard County Warhawks, Central Maryland Football & Cheer, Mid-Maryland Youth Football & Cheer and the Greater Howard County Club Lacrosse organization. He was instrumental in lobbying for the construction of Western Regional Park, and was a key player in the design and construction of Blandair Regional Park and Troy Park at Elkridge.
Thirty-five years ago, Barbara Rosato stepped in to volunteer with the Western Howard County Youth Basketball program. Since then, she has served the organization in many capacities, including primary leader, officer and administrative director. She has worked tens of thousands of hours and is the program’s longest-serving volunteer.
The 2015 induction ceremony will take place at the 13th annual Celebration of Sports on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the Turf Valley. Tickets are $40 each or $400 for a table of 10. For more information, call 410-313-1691. To learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/halloffame.htm.