Clients

Name of business: BalmShell Beauty Owner: Shelly Bayko Address: 38 W. Baltimore St., Funkstown (business is inside Blondy and Co.) Opening date: Jan. 19 Products and services: Using Aquage, Bioelements and OPI products. Hair and spa services offered: haircuts, color, foils, including styles, updos and makeup for special occasions; natural nail manicures, pedicures, body waxing and facials. Market area: People who need a smile How did you get into your business, or what motivated you to start it?

When a state-run center in Allegany County, Md., for people with disabilities closes this year, some clients might be moved to the Potomac Center, a similar facility in Hagerstown. Gov. Martin O'Malley's fiscal 2012 state budget proposal includes shutting down the Joseph D. Brandenburg Center near Cumberland. The number of clients there has dwindled in recent years. In fiscal 2000, there were 43. As of Tuesday, there were five, said Cathy Marshall, the director of both the Brandenburg Center and the Potomac Center.

Name of business: Fast-Teks On-Site Computer Services, Central Mason-Dixon Region Owner: Mark R. Bierman Address: 8992 Grape Creek Road, Walkersville, Md. Opening date: April 1, 2011 Products and services: Fast-Teks is a national company offering on-site computer services for business and residential clients. The company services all major brands and types of computer equipment; provides software support, including email, security solutions and virus protection; offers networking installation and support (traditional and wireless)

HARRISBURG, Pa. - As of the end of July, county drug and alcohol programs, or contract providers for counties, reported that 494 people had been laid off in those programs, according to figures provided by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. Thirty-nine programs have closed and 100 more reported their capacities had been reduced between 15 percent and 90 percent, according to the association, which estimated that 29,000 clients or potential clients had been affected.

By MARLO BARNHART Staff Writer Work, friends, recreation, emotional support - these are vital components of life for all people, including the mentally ill. That was illustrated Wednesday when the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Washington County held its annual summer picnic for clients, staff, board members, families and health care professionals. "These kinds of activities are important, for all of us," said Connie Pauley, the new president of the organization.

CHAMBERSBURG, PA. - Like countless other businesses at this time of year, Occupational Services Inc. held its Christmas party this week, with revelers enjoying a holiday meal and dancing. Many of the 175 clients of OSI, people who might otherwise not have a job to go to, gathered Thursday at the American Legion. "I love it. I really love it. We all need a break," Michael Lohman said of the party. Lohman, who makes shingle samplers that are used by a roofing company, said he has worked at OSI since 1996.

ANNAPOLIS - Hagerstown's Potomac Center for mentally retarded people was bracing this week for an influx of clients from a troubled Baltimore County center targeted for shutdown. State investigators have alleged abuse and neglect at the Rosewood Center in Owings Mills in Baltimore County. The state's Office of Health Care Quality last month banned the Rosewood Center from admitting anyone new until late February. Potomac Center employees expect that mentally retarded people - including some who committed crimes - will be diverted to Hagerstown, possibly right away, said Freida Forrest, a Potomac Center direct care worker.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - A pyramid of violet Easter baskets was stacked in a room of the Franklin County Day Reporting Center earlier this week, filled with candy and waiting to be delivered to children whose lives might need brightening this holiday. "I'm sure they'll make some people happy," Jeff Lyons of Shippensburg, Pa., said while looking at the baskets. Each one took about an hour and a half to make, he said. Lyons, 26, who was assigned to the center for violating probation, is one of dozens of criminal offenders who helped make the baskets.

HAGERSTOWN -- Jill Parker knows firsthand how profound the impact of people in helping professions can be. Born with spina bifida and paralyzed from the waist down, she walked with leg braces until second or third grade, then began using a wheelchair when the braces no longer functioned for her. Through that experience, she's benefited from the assistance of doctors, physical therapists, vocational counselors and social workers. While a student at Smithsburg High School, Parker thought she wanted to be a teacher.

A federal judge has imposed a $2.5 million penalty on a Fulton County, Pa., man who authorities say lied to investors about losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. On Nov. 10, 2011, District Court Judge William W. Caldwell found Robert G. Bard and his firm, Vision Specialist Group LLC, liable for violating securities law. The judge issued an order Feb. 2 setting the civil penalty at $2.5 million to be paid to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Caldwell found that a permanent injunction barring Bard from controlling client funds and holding a job in the financial services industry is warranted.

Before members and invited guests, Hagerstown's SCORE chapter celebrated Small Business Month and the selection of its clients of the year at the April 26 awards luncheon at Always Ron's in Hagerstown. This year's award winners were selected by the chapter's board of directors from among more than 300 applicants mentored by the local organization. Chosen as startup client of the year was Toni Ogden, owner/operator of Sour Sentiments, an online retail outlet offering a unique line of gifts, greeting cards and novelties.

While a lot has changed in the realm of accounting since Smith Elliott Kearns & Co. LLC was established five decades ago, one vital element has remained constant. “The accounting profession has always been deemed to be the most trusted adviser,” said John R. Schnitzer, managing member, in a phone interview from Hanover, Pa., where he lives. “We have a very close bond with our clients that has been very fulfilling and very rewarding.” Schnitzer is the company's fourth managing member, which he said is the equivalent of a chief executive officer.

Raymond James MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Karen L. Coyne, of the Martinsburg office of Raymond James, recently completed the Level II program of the Institute of Investment Management Consulting certification series at Raymond James. By doing so, Coyne is recognized for implementing an institutional investment approach in her practice. The Institute of Investment Management Consulting, or IIMC, was developed to help financial advisers drive success in their consulting practices through educational programs, ongoing communications forums and networking with other financial advisers.

The Potomac Center gets state funding for its services for intellectually disabled clients, but center officials say they continually have to go to the community to raise money for all their clients' needs. Hearing aids, literacy training and transportation services are among the needs that must be met through fundraising, said Lisa Lynn, volunteer coordinator for the Potomac Center on Marshall Street. The annual Leap Out of Cabin Fever event was held at Cortland Mansion Sunday afternoon to raise money for the center, which serves about 58 clients.

Name of business: Healthy Lifestyle Natural Foods Owner: Benish M. Pirzada Address: 222 E. Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, in the South Pointe Shopping Center. Opening date: Aug. 1, 2012 Products and services: Vitamins, herbs, homeopathic items, sports supplements, health and beauty products, more than 250 bulk herbs Target market: All ages How did you get into your business, and what motivated you to start it? My grandfather and father were in the same business Previous business experience: Running health-food stores for the last 15 years Number of employees: Two Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone number: 301-791-7975 Email: healthylifestyle2@hotmail.com --- Name of business: College Mini Mart Owner: Benish M. Pirzada Address: 11341 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown Opening date: June 2012 Products and services: Convenience store selling milk, bread, eggs, candy, laundry items, soda, coffee, smoothies, chips, ice cream, etc. Target market: College students and neighbors How did you get into your business, and what motivated you to start it?

Veralynn Morris, who has more than 30 years of financial consulting experience, recently opened a Frederick-based practice dedicated to assisting divorcing individuals and couples understand the financial aspects and effects of divorce settlements. The service is offered by Divorce Financial Solutions Inc. from the beginning of the divorce process until a final decree is made. Morris also assists in Qualified Domestic Relations Order preparation with clients' attorneys. She follows the course of the order until completion to assure proper and prompt transfer of assets to the designated accounts.

Keller Stonebraker Insurance Inc. recently acquired the assets of another Hagerstown insurance broker, Stine Davis of Hagerstown, a Stonebraker official said. “Scott Davis, the principal over there (at Stine Davis), will be coming over to us as a licensed agent,” said John Schnebly, vice chairman of Keller Stonebraker. There will be little or no impact on Stine Davis clients because Keller Stonebraker represents the same insurance carriers, Schnebly said. Transactions for clients of the former Stine Davis will be handled out of Keller Stonebraker's offices at 1120 Professional Court, he said.

Cecil Hamilton is a man who wants to be measured not by what he did, but by what he is going to do. The Chambersburg resident has a lengthy criminal record that provides glimpses into his troubled past, when he stole a car, sold crystal meth and drank to excess nightly. But sometimes only the person who has hit the bottom can offer a hand to others and help show the way out. “In a life where I took, took, took, now I want to give,” Hamilton said. Hamilton rehabilitated himself largely through the programs offered by the Franklin County (Pa.)

A federal judge has imposed a $2.5 million penalty on a Fulton County, Pa., man who authorities say lied to investors about losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. On Nov. 10, 2011, District Court Judge William W. Caldwell found Robert G. Bard and his firm, Vision Specialist Group LLC, liable for violating securities law. The judge issued an order Feb. 2 setting the civil penalty at $2.5 million to be paid to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Caldwell found that a permanent injunction barring Bard from controlling client funds and holding a job in the financial services industry is warranted.