Ascend One Corp. Director of Community Relations Joseph V. Murray, Sr., was presented the President’s Award at The Arc of Howard County’s annual Celebration of Excellence.
Murray, a past president of The Arc, was cited as an “exemplary volunteer,” who served in every office and on many committees, and as a spokesperson before the Maryland Legislature, said Douglas Erdman, president of the board of The Arc. “We benefit a great deal from his advocacy and connections in the community,” Erdman said.
In addition to Murray, award winners included Environmental Systems Association President Richard Dean. Another Past President of The Arc, Dean was honored as Volunteer of the Year. According to Executive Director Carol Beatty, Dean “has been a mainstay of The Arc for two decades.
“The Arc of Howard County would not be the organization it is today if not for the efforts and support of Richard Dean,” Beatty said, noting Dean’s service as a board officer and member, as a capital campaign supporter and as chair of many committees. Currently, he serves on the Resource Development Committee.
The Employee of the Year award was presented to Ebony Crowell, the Respite House coordinator, who has overseen the growth in use at the home where people with developmental disabilities stay while caregivers are otherwise occupied. According to Crowell, “It’s knowing that I can help families go on a vacation or that parents can go out on a date” that is rewarding.
Bob’s BMW and Jeremy Gigogne of Antwerpen Nissan-Clarksville were presented Excellence in Employment awards. Bob’s BMW has had a relationship of two decades with The Arc, having hired William “Bucky” Buchanan 20 years ago. Owners Bob and Suzanne Henig were cited for the “work culture” at Bob’s BMW and for helping Buchanan “grow personally and professionally.”
Gigogne has developed a friendship with Nissan co-worker Frank Baker and has included him and his housemates in a variety of activities. Gigogne was cited for “modeling the mission of The Arc” for inclusion in community life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Excellence in Professional Services award was presented to Jean Moon of Jean Moon & Associates. Moon has been a consultant to The Arc for more than 11 years and “has helped expand the reputation of the organization and understanding of its mission and services,” Erdman said.
For information about The Arc, visit www.archoward.org.
