20080516 Westminster Eagle: Target Reaching Out

Westminster Eagle: Target Reaching Out

05/16/08 Westminster Eagle

Target opens new wing for vocation training

The Westminster-based Target Community and Educational Services Inc. last month celebrated the opening of a new wing that houses its Vocational Education Center.

This facility houses a new Day Habilitation Program for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The center includes classrooms, a computer lab, a library, a large multi-purpose room and an oversized training kitchen.

Clients in this program gain experience through employment and volunteer opportunities in our community.

For more information on the new center or Target services, call 410-848-9090.

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Non-profits and charities

Non-profits and charities Target Community and Educational Services

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpID=978&NewsID=902864&CategoryID=19662&show=localnews&om=1

20080421 An interview with Laura Rhodes about Respite Care in Carroll County

An interview with Laura Rhodes about Respite Care in Carroll County

Photo credit: An interview with Laura Rhodes, the Program Development Manager at Granite House. April 4, 2008 Photomontage by Kevin Dayhoff

Monday, April 21, 2008 by Kevin Dayhoff

Westminster, Maryland - This Wednesday’s Westminster Eagle column (Westminster Eagle Opinion; www.thewestminstereagle.com) will be focused on “Respite Care,” a new initiative in Carroll County that has been brought about, in part, by Laura Rhodes.

What follows here are some outtakes from the column – along with some necessary context in order for the outtakes to make some sense.

Please find some additional information on the Respite Care initiative that I pulled off the web in the appendix.

Recently I had an opportunity to catch-up with one of Carroll County’s true whirlwinds, Laura Rhodes.

And no, in spite of the fact that she is has worked for many years in various capacities as a mental health counselor, I was not there to see her for professional counseling.

It was a social call. Ms. Rhodes and I have worked together on many initiatives over the years - too numerous to mention.

As an aside, please add Ms. Rhodes to your list of Carroll County community leaders who are heavy metal aficionados. If you are keeping track at home, that list includes such folks as Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding and former Westminster Volunteer Fire Department President Chris Cull.

We first compared notes on the “Rock Ball,” an upcoming fundraiser for Granite House, one of the largest nonprofit mental healthcare organizations in Carroll County. Ms. Rhodes is currently the Program Development Manager at Granite House.

However, for much of our visit we talked about a relatively new initiative, “Respite Connection of Carroll County.” More on that in a minute…

When I arrived at her closet-sized office, she was doing what she does best – multi-tasking in a number of different directions – all at break-neck speed. To make up for the lack of floor space, Ms. Rhodes uses the stack-it-high method of organization.

If you are not familiar with Granite House; it was established in 1979 as critical resource in Carroll County’s social-welfare safety net to assist folks with mental illness.

Granite House’s network of psychiatrists, clinical social workers, nurses, and licensed counselors assist members of the community to receive the necessary guidance and support to make a fresh start.

In an era in Carroll County when so many folks move here and start complaining before they know any of the history or traditions of our community, Ms. Rhodes took the course that has been a critical component of all successful community leaders; she did her homework. She built bridges by investing years of hard work getting to know the community and our leadership.

In a published interview from a number of year’s ago, it was noted that her “efforts and determination to know the issues earned her a reputation for being well-prepared to make decisions.”

To which Ms. Rhodes remarked, “I always felt that you have no right to criticize unless you're willing to be part of the solution. I wanted to be part of the solution.”

Speaking of doing her homework and identifying current needs in the community and then, Ms. Rhodes was excited to tell me all about a new collaboration to help provide respite care families with children with disabilities and mental health challenges.

In layperson’s terms, this is about giving families, who have a family member who needs constant care, a break - by identifying a network of caregivers and providing them with appropriate training.

The idea is to team-up with other community leaders and mental health advocacy organizations such as Mona Freedman with “Caring Communities of Carroll County,” Sharon Glass - “Families of Children with Autism Support Group,” Heather Powell - CHANGE and Lynne Humphries-Russ - Maryland Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health, and Karen Koenigsberg – “Get Connected Family Resource Center.”

In an era in Carroll County when so many folks move here and start complaining before they know any of the history or traditions of our community, Ms. Rhodes took the course that has been a critical component of all successful community leaders; she did her homework. She built bridges by investing years of hard work getting to know the community and our leadership.

According to information provided by Ms. Rhodes: “The goal of Respite Connection is to increase the number of trained individuals to provide respite to families with children (birth-25) with mental health disabilities and/or developmental disabilities in Carroll County and to promote their awareness of and access to the new centralized list/registry of respite providers -- The Caring Network Respite Care Registry offered by Caring Communities.

The measure of any community is how we take care of our friends and neighbors in their time of need.

Hats off to Laura Rhodes and the many other folks who routinely roll up their sleeves to make a difference and help sustain Carroll County as a wonderful place to raise a family.

If you’d like more information about contributing to Granite House’s Charitable Fund – or on “Respite Connection,” or any of the services provided by Granite House, call 410-876-3007, ext. 140, or visit www.granitehouse.org.

*****

Appendix

New Respite Care Training Program In Carroll County

Getting Connected Family Resource Center

http://www.granitehouse.org/services/

Retrieved April 21, 2008

The Get Connected Family Resource Center is a referral center for families with children who have developmental disabilities, mental health issues, substance abuse issues, interpersonal violence experiences or other concerns. The Center is also sponsoring a Respite Care Provider training, click here for more information. This is a free program for any Carroll County family and is funded through the Carroll County Local Management Board. For more information on accessing services, go to www.getconnectedcc.org

NEW RESPITE CARE TRAINING PROGRAM IN CARROLL COUNTY

http://www.caringcommunities.org/respiteconnection.html

Retrieved April 21, 2008

Respite Connection of Carroll County Offers Respite Care Training

Information: respiteconnection@caringcommunities.org or 410-549-5707

The Carroll County Local Management Board (LMB) determined that respite care for children with disabilities and mental health challenges is apriority area.

Several county organizations and agencies developed a collaborative approach -- Respite Connection of Carroll County – to address the respite dilemma for families to have more providers, trainers and a linkage to the community.

The goal of Respite Connection is to increase the number of trained individuals to provide respite to families with children (birth-25) with mental health disabilities and/or developmental disabilities in Carroll County and to promote their awareness of and access to the new centralized list/registry of respite providers -- The Caring Network Respite Care Registry offered by Caring Communities.

Two eighteen-hour Respite Caregiver, and two Train the Trainer, training sessions will be offered in Carroll County in May and June 2008 at no cost to individuals. The sessions will consist of respite care training in developmental disabilities, mental health issues, cultural competence, and "restraint-free" de-escalation techniques. In addition, 100 Carroll County families will be registered on the Caring Network Respite Care Registry at no fee on a first-come, first-serve basis, thus increasing their access to respite providers.

Carroll County's Respite Connection is comprised of the agencies and
individuals listed here.

Granite House, Lead Agency for Respite Connection: Laura Rhodes, Program Development Manager

Caring Communities: Mona Freedman RN, Executive Director

FOCAS (Families of Children with Autism Support Group): Sharon Glass, Founder

Maryland Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health: Lynne Humphries-Russ, Administrator

CHANGE, Inc.: Heather Powell, Director of Support Services

Get Connected Family Resource Center: Karen Koenigsberg, Family Navigator

Vicki Duerr, a family member of a young adult with a disability

FAQ'S COMING SOON! PLEASE CHECK BACK: http://www.caringcommunities.org/respiteconnection.html

Provided by The Carroll County Respite Connection.

Funding provided by the Carroll County Local Management Board

*****

Medicine and Health

Medicine and Health Mental Illness

_____

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

www.kevindayhoff.net

http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff

http://www.livejournal.com/

http://gizmosart.com/dayhoff.html

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org or kevindayhoff AT gmail.com

His columns and articles appear in The Tentacle - www.thetentacle.com; Westminster Eagle Opinion; www.thewestminstereagle.com, Winchester Report and The Sunday Carroll Eagle – in the Sunday Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun. Get Westminster Eagle RSS Feed

“When I stop working the rest of the day is posthumous. I'm only really alive when I'm writing.” Tennessee Williams

Accept differences, Be kind, Count your blessings, Dream, Express thanks, Forgive, Give freely, Harm no one, Imagine more, Jettison anger, Keep confidences, Love truly, Master something, Nurture hope, Open your mind, Pack lightly, Quell rumors, Reciprocate, Seek wisdom, Touch hearts, Understand, Value truth, Win graciously, Xeriscape, Yearn for peace, Zealously support a worthy cause. (Author; Renee Stewart)

20080421 An interview with Laura Rhodes about Respite Care in Carroll County

20080331 Update on "Carrolls Idol"

Carroll’s Idol

March 12, 2008 – March 31, 2008 UPDATE on previous March 14, 2008 posts: 20080312 Carroll's Idol NBH: 20080312 Carroll's Idol

By Kevin Dayhoff

Photo captions:

Top: Members of the Carroll’s Idol committee compare notes after auditions at the VFW Post in Westminster, Monday evening, March 10, 2008

Bottom: Audrey Cimino and Eileen Gist confer as other members of the Carroll’s Idol committee compare notes after auditions at the VFW Post in Westminster, Monday evening, March 10, 2008

*****

Ten winners from the Semi-Finals will progress to the finale on Friday, April 25th at Grace Lutheran Church at 21 Carroll Street, in Westminster.

Community celebrities as well as Jennifer Franciotti from WBAL will be on hand to present and judge the competition.

Tickets are $10.00 adults; $8.00 seniors; $5.00 Children 12 and under.

For more information visit their website: www.g9m.org/carrollsidol or e-mail: www.Carrolls_Idol@yahoo.com

Tickets will go on sale at all New Windsor Bank branches, Orbital Hair Co. Salon/Spa and Shipley's Fine Jewelry, Buttersburg Inn in Union Mills on March 7th.

All proceeds will go to The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. so they may continue their philanthropic efforts in our community.

Sponsors of this event are WTTR, Carroll County Times, Dutterer’s Flowers, New Windsor State Bank, Orbital Hair Co. Salon/Spa, Friedel Travel Services, Shipley's Fine Jewelry, Metalloy Production Studio, Jean Burgess Productions, Boscov's, J&P Pizza and Hearty Party Entertainment

******

March 12, 2008

There were smiles all around the room last Monday night after 15 Carroll Countians got together at the Westminster VFW Post 467 at 519 Poole Rd Westminster to belt out some tunes.

That was when the first 15 contestants of “Carroll’s Idol” gathered around a few tables to discuss some organizational details for our county’s very own version of the hit TV series, “American Idol.”

“I want to thank the judges for being so positive. We didn’t have a Simon (Cowell.)” said one of the members of the team, Sharon Templeton above the chatter.

“On behalf of the Community Foundation I want to thank everyone involved,” said Audrey Cimino, the foundation’s executive director as she surveyed all the activity.

A brainchild of Eileen Dutterer Gist and Cheryl Schuster, the project is a fundraiser for operating capital for the Community Foundation. Gist reminisced, “I called my friend Audrey, knowing how much she’s into music… I want to put on (a talent contest) to raise money for the (Community) Foundation.”

“Let’s do it,” said Cimino. “Cheryl has been thinking about something similar.”

The next step in the contest is for approximately 20 contestants to audition at the Freedom Optimist Hall in Eldersburg this evening. 20 contestants will then progress to the semi-final on Tuesday, March 18th at the Westminster VFW Post 467. This competition is open to the public.

Ten winners from the Semi-Finals will progress to the finale on Friday, April 25th at Grace Lutheran Church at 21 Carroll Street, in Westminster.

Community celebrities as well as Jennifer Franciotti from WBAL will be on hand to present and judge the competition.

Tickets are $10.00 adults; $8.00 seniors; $5.00 Children 12 and under.

For more information visit their website: www.g9m.org/carrollsidol or e-mail: www.Carrolls_Idol@yahoo.com

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

www.kevindayhoff.net http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff http://www.livejournal.com/

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org or kevindayhoff AT gmail.com

His columns and articles appear in The Tentacle - www.thetentacle.com; Westminster Eagle Opinion; www.thewestminstereagle.com, Winchester Report and The Sunday Carroll Eagle – in the Sunday Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun. Get Westminster Eagle RSS Feed

“When I stop working the rest of the day is posthumous. I'm only really alive when I'm writing.” Tennessee Williams

20080312 Carroll's Idol

Carroll’s Idol

March 12, 2008

By Kevin Dayhoff

Photo captions:

Top: Members of the Carroll’s Idol committee compare notes after auditions at the VFW Post in Westminster, Monday evening, March 10, 2008

Bottom: Audrey Cimino and Eileen Gist confer as other members of the Carroll’s Idol committee compare notes after auditions at the VFW Post in Westminster, Monday evening, March 10, 2008

*****

Westminster Maryland - There were smiles all around the room last Monday night after 15 Carroll Countians got together at the Westminster VFW Post 467 at 519 Poole Rd Westminster to belt out some tunes.

That was when the first 15 contestants of “Carroll’s Idol” gathered around a few tables to discuss some organizational details for our county’s very own version of the hit TV series, “American Idol.”

“I want to thank the judges for being so positive. We didn’t have a Simon (Cowell.)” said one of the members of the team, Sharon Templeton above the chatter.

“On behalf of the Community Foundation I want to thank everyone involved,” said Audrey Cimino, the foundation’s executive director as she surveyed all the activity.

A brainchild of Eileen Dutterer Gist and Cheryl Schuster, the project is a fundraiser for operating capital for the Community Foundation. Gist reminisced, “I called my friend Audrey, knowing how much she’s into music… I want to put on (a talent contest) to raise money for the (Community) Foundation.”

“Let’s do it,” said Cimino. “Cheryl has been thinking about something similar.”

The next step in the contest is for approximately 20 contestants to audition at the Freedom Optimist Hall in Eldersburg this evening. 20 contestants will then progress to the semi-final on Tuesday, March 18th at the Westminster VFW Post 467. This competition is open to the public.

Ten winners from the Semi-Finals will progress to the finale on Friday, April 25th at Grace Lutheran Church at 21 Carroll Street, in Westminster.

Community celebrities as well as Jennifer Franciotti from WBAL will be on hand to present and judge the competition.

Tickets are $10.00 adults; $8.00 seniors; $5.00 Children 12 and under.

For more information visit their website: www.g9m.org/carrollsidol or e-mail: www.Carrolls_Idol@yahoo.com

*****

20080312 Carroll's Idol NBH: 20080312 Carroll's Idol

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

www.kevindayhoff.net http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff http://www.livejournal.com/

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org or kevindayhoff AT gmail.com

His columns and articles appear in The Tentacle - www.thetentacle.com; Westminster Eagle Opinion; www.thewestminstereagle.com, Winchester Report and The Sunday Carroll Eagle – in the Sunday Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun. Get Westminster Eagle RSS Feed

“When I stop working the rest of the day is posthumous. I'm only really alive when I'm writing.” Tennessee Williams

20080229 Westminster Eagle: “A pie in the face for a good cause,” by Kevin Dayhoff

Westminster Eagle Article

“A pie in the face for a good cause”

February 29, 2008 by Kevin Dayhoff

Photo by Kevin Dayhoff

Former Carroll County Commissioner Perry Jones, left, takes bids from Fraternal Order of Eagles’ members for the opportunity to toss a pie in the face of the local Aeries’ president, Ralph Goodwin, right, after last Thursday’s meeting at the non-profit’s facility on Airport Drive.

_____

Westminster - Last Thursday, after the regular board meeting of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Post 4378 in Westminster, Ralph Goodwin got a pie in the face.

However Goodwin, who is the president of the local Aerie (lodge) on Airport Drive, was all smiles.

Former Carroll County Commissioner, Perry Jones, quickly explained that Goodwin was on the receiving end of the pie as a result of a friendly and very successful contest to raise money for the Eagles’ building fund.

Goodwin acknowledged that he got the pie in the face because Jones had raised more money that he did.

Then Jones opportunistically auctioned off the chance to wield the pie to Brandon Dillon, who energetically outbid a cabal of women in the auxiliary, for the pie-tossing opportunity.

The Fraternal Order of the Eagles (FOE) purchased the former location of Bullock’s Airport Inn on May 31, 2006 after quickly outgrowing their first home base on Main Street in Westminster.

Since the move, membership has doubled in size. The FOE Auxiliary – the fundraising wing of the local lodge - was recently lauded for having the number one gain in new membership of all the Aeries in over 1700 cities across the United States and Canada,

The extraordinary membership growth has come in spite of being “the best kept secret in Carroll County,” said Josie Goodwin, Ralph Goodwin’s wife, and the president of the auxiliary.

As Mrs. Goodwin took a break from cheering on lodge member Dillon, an employee of Finch Services, she detailed with a big smile, “We’re people helping people… That’s our philosophy. In 2007, we donated $9,000 to charities. We take care of our own and we take care of the community.”

Jones, who has been a member for several years, said, “I always wanted to join when I was a commissioner and the Eagles were on Main Street, but I just couldn’t find the time to commit … and do it right… I felt it was a great way to keep working for the community. These are some of the nicest people around – and hardworking too.”

Blaine Brown, a Westminster volunteer firefighter and Aerie member said he joined because he likes the family environment of the local organization. “This lodge helps people and does good things for the community.”

Tim Kyle of Kyle Electric nodded in agreement as he munched on some popcorn. He said that he’s a member “because it is a good American diverse club” that comes together for Carroll County.

As he wiped the pie away from his mouth, Mr. Goodwin proudly concurred. “Our lodge here in Westminster – and our whole Eagles’ organization emphasizes diversity in our membership. We are an inclusive club that looks like our community.”

As Kyle looked around the room, he also pointed out that members come from all walks of life; “from white-collar professionals to laborers.”

“And the FOE just put President John F. Kennedy’s membership card in our national archives in Grove City, Ohio,” added Mr. Goodwin. “Seven U.S. presidents have been FOE members.”

Mr. Goodwin elaborated that the philosophy of the Eagles to share its good fortune as much as possible in the community. The local post contributes annually to several charitable funds throughout its national organization.

These include donations to help fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney ailments, and spinal cord injury. Then, locally, the Eagles have donated to Junction Inc., Change Inc., Carroll Hospice, the Westminster Public Library and needy families.

Funds donated by the Eagles come primarily through events at the FOE hall, and through raffles, 50/50 drawings, and members' dues. “You name it, we try it," said Mrs. Goodwin, who approved of the growing agitation that “Perry (Jones) should take a pie too.”

1977 Western Maryland College graduate Bill Treherne looked up from his sandwich and said that the lodge is “bunch of good people who support a lot of charities, while we have fun… Very family oriented and good food too…”

And smoke free too, said Gina Greene excitedly from behind the counter as she served up a BLT sandwich. The transition to a smoke free facility was “absolutely no problem. I think it’s brought out more people. The members switched (effortlessly)…”

Since it was first chartered in Westminster on July 21, 1996, the local Aerie has gathered almost 900 members.

“We have lots of members but… there’s always room for more help, and always a lot to do,” said Mr. Goodwin.

Established in Seattle in 1898, the Fraternal Order of Eagles is recognized nationally and internationally for humanitarian, charitable and community service. Each year, the Eagles raise funds to help combat diseases like cancer and diabetes, and support children and older adults in need.

For more information about the Eagles and the Eagles Auxiliary, call Ralph or Josephine Goodwin at 410-848-0668.

Kevin Dayhoff can be reached at kdayhoff@carr.org. Jim Joyner contributed to this article.

20071010 Chili Cook-Off Sunday, October 21st Benefits Access Carroll

20071010 Chili Cook-Off Sunday, October 21^st Benefits Access Carroll

CHILI COOK-OFF BENEFITS ACCESS CARROLL

Posted October 11, 2007

Put your favorite chili recipe to the test or come and taste the best of the best!

The GFWC Junior Woman's Club of Westminster is pleased to announce the Third Annual Chili Cook-off to be held on Sunday, October 21^st at the Carroll County AG Center.

The event will be held indoors from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. RAIN or SHINE with live bands, kids activities, raffles and more.

All proceeds will benefit Access Carroll. For tickets, entry forms or other information, please call 410-876-7421.

Access Carroll is a non-profit provider of health care to uninsured or low-income Carroll County residents. Their office is located in downtown Westminster at 2 Locust Lane.

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20070922 An Overdue Update to the Granite House May 11 2007 Rock Ball

An Overdue Update to the Granite House May 11 2007 Rock Ball

Lyndi McNulty, Joe and Audrey Cimino entertain at Granite House fundraiser

May 11, 2007 – September 22, 2007

These short videos feature Lyndi McNulty, Joe and Audrey Cimino entertaining at the first annual “Rock Ball” hosted by Granite House. (Please see: 20070406 Support Granite House Rock Ball.)

On May 11^th, 2007 Caroline and I were pleased to attend the first annual “Rock Ball” hosted by Granite House in Westminster, Carroll County Maryland.

This year’s event was held at the Inn at Roop’s Mill in Westminster Maryland.

The event was billed as an evening of classic rock and roll, amazing food, and lots of fun surprises. The event lived up to its advertising as we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with great folks who all came together to raise money for a great cause.

One of the many entertaining and delightful surprises was Audrey and Joe Cimino – and Lyndi McNulty.

Please see the videos below.

What folks from outside Carroll County are not aware is that these three individuals are held in high regard as part of the top tier of folks who make thinks happen in Carroll County and the fact that they were so willing to, how shall I say, have some fun; was greatly admired by one and all.

And they did it for a great cause…

The Rock Ball specifically raised dollars for Granite House’s “Charitable Fund.” The Charitable Fund was created to help folks who cannot afford to pay their co-pay from their insurance plan or even have no insurance coverage at all, i. e: the working poor. We believe strongly that mentally healthy people are more productive community members and that all people should be able to receive the care they need.

If you would like more information on Granite House, please contact Laura Rhodes at 410-876-3007 x140. If you are interested in specific information about Granite House’s programs, you can view their website at www.granitehouse.org or contact us at 410-751-5970.

20070511 Lyndi McNulty entertains at Granite House fundraiser

20070511 Audrey and Joe Cimino entertain at fundraiser

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20070810 Update on Johnson and Johnson suing the Red Cross

Update on Johnson and Johnson suing the Red Cross

Friday, August 10th, 2007 6 PM - Image credit: “Red” Cross? and geek philosopher

UPDATE on 20070808 Johnson and Johnson sues Red Cross over use of Red Cross emblem: Friday, August 10th, 2007 6 PM

Joe Albero over at Salisbury News has some additional information and a commenter has posted even more information. To get this information go to:

THE FACTS AND LEGAL ISSUES IN J&J CASE

Good work – Thanks.

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20070808 Johnson and Johnson sues Red Cross over use of Red Cross emblem

J&J (NYSE: JNJ) Sues Red Cross Over Use of Red Cross Emblem

National Headquarters

2025 E Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20006

www.redcross.org

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, August 08, 2007 — Today, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) filed a lawsuit against the American Red Cross and four of its licensing partners for “unlawful conduct” related to the nonprofit's use of the Red Cross emblem.

Specifically, J&J demands that the Red Cross:

Stop the Red Cross and its licensing partners from using the Red Cross emblem permanently on first aid, preparedness and related products sold to the public;

Surrender to J&J for destruction the Red Cross' inventory of accused products;

Hand over to J&J all Red Cross proceeds from the sale of these products with interest; and

Pay punitive damages to J&J along with attorney fees related to its legal action against the Red Cross.

“For a multi-billion dollar drug company to claim that the Red Cross violated a criminal statute that was created to protect the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross—simply so that J&J can make more money—is obscene,” said Mark W. Everson, President and CEO of the American Red Cross.

Research has found that only seven percent of Americans have taken the necessary steps to be prepared—and that more people would get prepared if preparedness products were more available, including at retail locations. Since 2004, the Red Cross has worked with several licensing partners to create first aid, preparedness and related products that bear the Red Cross emblem.

All money the Red Cross receives from the sale of these products to consumers is reinvested in its humanitarian programs and services.

“The Red Cross products that J&J wants to take away from consumers and have destroyed are those that help Americans get prepared for life's emergencies,” said Everson. “I hope that the courts and Congress will not allow Johnson & Johnson to bully the American Red Cross.”

For more information, please contact Carrie Martin at (202) 303-4459.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected.

Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

Contact: Carrie Martin
Organization: American Red Cross
Phone: (202) 303-4459

20070426 Antidepressants don’t help bipolar depression

Antidepressants don’t help bipolar depression

April 27th, 2007

One of the many things that gives me faith in the future are the bloggers in the Maryland area who express passion for various social (and political – no matter which side of the aisle for which you reside) issues that face our greater community.

Certainly one colleague who comes to mind immediately is Bruce Godfrey over at Crablaw – one great example: “Getting the Truth Out About Autism.”

The reaction to former Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan’s announcement on June 22, 2006 was affirming…

Various family members and friends work with the physically and mentally handicapped and that higher calling is first among equals.

I take my hat off to them. The work can be difficult, but we should all take a moment from time to time to thank them as there, by the grace of God, could be any of us by merely a faint twist of fate.

I thought that many of the thoughtful and socially conscious bloggers and readers, who work with handicapped and mentally disadvantaged folks, would find the following interesting.

Antidepressants don't help bipolar depression

Thu Apr 26, 9:31 AM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The swings in mood from depression to mania that afflict people with bipolar disorder can be tempered with drugs such as lithium, but adding an antidepressant drug to ease the depression component is not helpful, new research suggests.

Depressive episodes are the main cause of disability for people with bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, according to the report in The

New England Journal of Medicine. However, few studies have assessed the benefits of standard antidepressant drugs in treating bipolar depression. This may in part stem from the widely held but unproven belief that treatment with these drugs may trigger mania.

Read the rest here: Antidepressants don't help bipolar depression

And if you would like to consider supporting a great cause, go to: http://www.granitehouse.org/ - - “Granite House, Inc. is a not-for-profit behavioral health system dedicated to the improvement of mental health in the community by meeting the needs of individuals, families and organizations.”

To join me at the “Rock and Roll Ball,” call 410-751-5970 and ask for Laura Rhodes and tell her I sent ya.

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20070406 Support Granite House Rock Ball

January 29, 2007

Rock On!

Support the Granite House Rock Ball!

Dear Friend,

Get ready for a night filled with music, dancing and fun! On Friday, May 11, Granite House will host its first annual Rock Ball, which will be held at the Inn at Roop’s Mill. This great event will feature classic rock and roll, amazing food, and lots of fun surprises. As a friend of Granite House, we would like you to consider supporting the Rock Ball in a number of ways:

1. Donate an item to our silent auction. Your donation will be prominently displayed for the duration of the event. Your name or your company’s name will be featured in our event materials and on the Silent Auction bid sheet and in the event program, where up to 200 attendees will see it.

2. Attend the Rock Ball. Tickets for the event are $100 per person.

3. Be a sponsor for the Rock Ball to help decrease our overhead.

This ball will help support individuals and families with mental illness to have successful, satisfying and productive lives. Our clinical staff of psychiatrists, clinical social workers, nurses and licensed counselors has tremendous impact on the lives of our clients. Our rehabilitation and housing staff has helped those in need to make a fresh start since 1979—a start that has truly made a difference in their lives. We would like to extend these services to other folks in the community who desperately need our services but cannot afford them.

Our Rock Ball will specifically raise dollars for our “Charitable Fund”. The Charitable Fund has been created to help folks who cannot afford to pay their co-pay from their insurance plan or even have no insurance coverage at all, ie: the working poor. We believe strongly that mentally healthy people are more productive community members and that all people should be able to receive the care they need. All donations are tax deductible. Sponsorship levels are attached to the back of this letter.

The “Rock Ball” will become our annual event with dinner, dance and an auction. In addition, we will also be featuring a sale of our Consumer made art work. We hope that this event will be successful not only in raising funds for those who need it most, but also in shattering the stigma associated with mental illness.

For more information, please contact Laura Rhodes at 410-876-3007 x140. If you are interested in specific information about our programs, you can view our website at http://www.granitehouse.org/ or contact us at 410-751-5970.

Very Truly Yours,

Spencer Gear

Executive Director

Note: Granite House is a 501 c (3) non-profit registered with the Maryland Secretary of State to allow us to raise funds. (This does not imply endorsement of the Secretary of State). A copy of the current financial statement of Granite House, Inc. is available by writing to 288 E. Green Street, Westminster, MD or by calling (410) 876-3007-Ext 127. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.

Granite House Rock Ball

Gift-In-Kind Record

Name: _________________________

Company: __________________________________

A Gift-In-Kind donation was made to the Granite House Rock Ball on Friday, May 11, 2007:

Date Received/Approved: ____________ Estimated Value: ____________

_________________________________ __________________________________

Signature of Donor Signature of GH staff member

Please send acknowledgement of this donation to:

Donor Name: _________________________

Address: _________________________

_________________________

Phone: __________________ Email: ___________________

Thank you for your generosity!

Granite House Rock Ball Sponsorship Levels

Specific Tactic Sponsorships

Invitation Sponsor 1000 invitations, stress balls custom cylinders	$4,000	Name of sponsor on stress ball and cylinder Full page ad in program Banner at event Announcement at event
Open Bar Sponsor	$5,280	Banner across bar Full page ad in program Table of 8 at event Announcement at event
Appetizer Hour Sponsor	$3,600	Banner at event Full page ad in program 2 free tickets to event Announcement at event
Goody Bag Sponsor Bags at each table, will include autograph book, rock candy, disposable camera and sponsor logo items	$2,000	Packaged in sponsor-provided logo bag Sponsor may provide logo pens Banner at event Full page ad in program
Photo Sponsor Attraction at Ball: photographer will morph faces of attendees onto bodies of famous celebrities onto photo magnets	$1500	Sponsor’s name and logo on back of all photos taken Attendees will receive photo magnets at the ball Photographer will be at ball for 4 hours- unlimited magnets for attendees Sponsor will have Full page ad in program

Event Sponsorships

Advertiser	$50	½ page ad in the program
Advertiser	$100	Full page ad in the program
Star Level	$1250-1999	Table of 8 at event Full page ad in the program Announcement at event
Quartz Level	$2000-3999	Table of 8 at event Full page ad in the program Banner at event Announcement at event
Granite Level	$4,000	Table of 8 at event Full page ad on back cover of program Banner at event Announcement at event

20061114 The Night Train Foundation Muffler Drive

The Night Train Foundation Muffler Drive

Now through December 5^th, 2006

Muffler (muf’ler)n. 1. A scarf, shawl, etc. worn around the throat for warmth. 2. What Harleys do not have.

The Night Train Foundation

Muffler Drive

Now through December 5^th

We are collecting Mufflers, Gloves, Hats, and Mittens, anything to keep children warm. They will be given as gifts to the children who attend the “Shop with a Cop” Program organized by the Westminster Police Department.

There is a drop off box at:

Dutterer’s Florist

114 Pennsylvania Avenue

Westminster, MD 21157

If you would like to make a donation for us to purchase them, send your checks to the above address made payable to “The Night Train Foundation.” For more information call Lori at 410.848.9350 or e-mail loriwg@carr.org