The Arc of Howard County Honors Supporters

The Arc of Howard County has presented Celebration of Excellence awards to organizations and individuals distinguished by their efforts to include people with developmental disabilities in their activities and otherwise support the agency’s mission.

Board member Vincent Grauso was presented the President’s Award for 2011 by outgoing President of The Arc, Robert Topper.  Grauso, a Dayton resident, was praised for his leadership in chairing the Monitoring and Advisory Committee and helping ensure the high quality of The Arc’s services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to a couple, Bob and Fran McDonough of Columbia, who have been involved with The Arc for over a decade as individuals and as members of their church and other organizations, as well.

The husband-wife team has been helping with The Arc’s Chocolate Ball since 2003.  In addition, they have volunteered at other fundraising events, such as the Columbia Triathlon, miniature golf and bowling nights and wine and beer tastings.

Another supporter of The Arc’s Chocolate Ball, Jim Kave and the “dedicated employees” at The Kossiakoff Center of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, was presented the Community Partnership Award. The Chocolate Ball has been held at The Kossiakoff Center for 13 years, and the 2011 event required extra support to accommodate technical improvements. 

Excellence in Schools Award was presented to Marriotts Ridge High School, its principal, Pat Saunderson, and other administrators, staff and teachers, especially Kristina Norris, Christine Schmidt and Cara Moulds.

Marriotts Ridge High was cited for its commitment to students with special needs, its willingness to modify curriculum, adapt to needs of students, and create opportunities for peer interactions while encouraging independence.

The Howard County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly and the Community Action Council were presented Excellence in Public Service Awards.  The Howard County delegation was honored for its outstanding and continuing support of individuals with developmental disabilities and for its advocacy on The Arc’s behalf. The Community Action Council was cited for providing weatherization modifications and other upgrades to four homes where The Arc supports residents with developmental disabilities.

Two individuals served by The Arc were presented Self Advocate of the Year Awards, Julie Gallagher was cited for her work at Costco and participation in Special Olympics, as well as her engagement.  Tiffany Mason was recognized for coping with physical and emotional setbacks and succeeding in getting a job, enjoying visits with family and friends and living in an apartment with a roommate.

The Arc was started by a group of parent volunteers in 1961, and has grown to be one of Howard County’s major employers. The Arc of Howard County helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve full community life, including independent living and employment. The Arc is celebrating its 50^th anniversary. 

For information, call 410-730-0638, or visit www.archoward.org.

Board member Vincent Grauso (l.) was presented the President’s Award by Robert Topper, outgoing President of the The Arc of Howard County, at its 2011Celebration of Excellence event.