The Mason Dixon Business Association held their April meeting at the Peach Bottom Inn in Delta Pa. The ARC Northern Chesapeake Region and Penn-Mar Human Services provided our guest speakers.
. As the Unified Sports and Recreation Coordinator for Harford County, Chass Seymour runs the Special Olympics Unified Sports Program. This program includes competitive league play where a volunteer helper partners with an ARC athlete to compete in such sports as kayaking, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and bocce. This program is held in various locations throughout the county for adults and seniors. The ARC also holds a summer youth camp known as Diverse Explorers which is open to children of all abilities. The camp is at held at Harford Community College and includes field trips, swimming, birding, geocaching, kayaking, crafts and many other activities. Over fifty children attended last year and there are some spots left for this summer’s camp. ARC also partners with the Bel Air Athletic Club which allows ARC the use of their facility. The annual Harford County Special Olympics Inspiration Walk and 5K Run was held on April 24. This event is the only local fundraising event held and all proceeds benefit the local athletes. Not only are the recreational needs being addressed by the ARC, so are the emotional needs. Torri Dietrich, Director of Development at The Arc explained the importance of developing partnerships with business and individuals for their clients. Loneliness is an issue for persons with disabilities. Finding opportunities for the person to work in a business not only provides financial benefits, it also provides social interaction as well. Reading partners, cooking partners, computer partners, and mentoring opportunities are just a few areas where the ARC is seeking volunteers. Businesses are encouraged to contact the ARC to discuss partnership opportunities. Becoming more self sufficient is a challenge and the ARC is looking for ways to create micro enterprises which provide jobs and income for their clients. One such program already in operation is ShARC, the Shredder. The ShARC will travel to your home or office to shred any confidential papers that need to be destroyed. Further information is available on the web at www.arcncr.org or 410-879-6785.
Penn-Mar Human Services Customized Employment Manager Casey Smith discussed the customized employment program that they offer businesses to provide employment for their clients. Penn-Mar has over 350 clients that are available to be placed in jobs in the northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania area. The mission of Penn-Mar’s Customized Employment Program is to develop, secure and maintain employment with local businesses, self-employment or entrepreneurial opportunities based on the job-seeker’s interests and abilities. Casey will come to the business and evaluate which tasks their client can perform. Penn-Mar offers a win-win opportunity for the business and the client. The business can free up tasks thereby lowering their operating costs and increasing productivity for their staff while providing jobs to a worker whose dedication and loyalty will exceed expectations. It has been found that customers and employees support businesses that provide opportunities for these dedicated, loyal, dependable and productive workers. Kevin Walker, Vocational Program Administrator, announced that Penn-Mar also has developed an in-house business known as Penn-Mar INK. Penn-Mar Ink recycles inkjet cartridges and provides skills training and employment to their clients and value to their customers. The remanufactured cartridges sell for 30-50 percent below manufacturer’s prices and actually contain more ink than the original cartridge and are 100% guaranteed. Kinsley Construction, Southern School District and many other local businesses are already supporting Penn-Mar Ink. Penn-Mar is seeking more customers for this worthwhile enterprise. Further information is available on the web at www.penn-marink.com or calling 410-343-1069.
Mason Dixon Business Association’s May meeting will be held at Basta Pasta in Upper Crossroads on Wednesday May 19. State Senator Barry Glassman will be our guest speaker. Networking begins at 11:30 with lunch at noon. Visit our website at masondixonba.org or call 800-382-4811. Guests are welcome to attend.
Please note: The Mason-Dixon Business Association does not endorse candidates or political parties. However, we do recognize the importance of citizens playing an active roll in issues that effect our community.
