Group Homes

Potomac Center's future discussed at meeting By SCOTT BUTKI scottb@herald-mail.com A meeting Saturday mediated by two state elected officials to address concerns about the future of the Potomac Center was attended by about 45 relatives and employees. The state-funded Potomac Center is a residential facility on Marshall Street that provides daily care for about 80 mentally disabled residents. It has approximately 180 employees. The relatives and Del. Bob McKee, R-Washington, and Del. Chris Shank, R-Washington, asked a state official if it was true the center was going to close.

On Oct. 6, Gov. Martin O'Malley, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Department of Human Resources Secretary Brenda Donald honored the Washington County Department of Social Services for the progress it has made in reforming Maryland's child welfare system. Washington County DSS was one of nine jurisdictions recognized. Two and half years ago, DHR launched "Place Matters" to reform child welfare in Maryland by finding permanent families for foster children. Place Matters, an initiative of Donald, emphasizes the importance of decreasing the number of children in foster care home and group homes.

HAGERSTOWN marlob@herald-mail.com Growing up on the Eastern Shore, Phyllis Landry said one of her earliest memories was spending time with a special playmate when she went to visit her Aunt Mary. "Then my friend had an illness that left her severely mentally retarded," Landry said. "She didn't even know me anymore and that made such an impression on me. " Landry said that experience at the age of 12 set her on a path that in May brought her to Arc of Washington County as executive director.

Amanda and Kaady readily admitted they're no angels. The women, both 18, spent much of their teenage years in foster care, group homes, juvenile detention and residential treatment, but appear to have emerged from the juvenile justice system intact, if not unscathed. "I got in a fight and the cops got called, but I didn't get locked up then," Kaady recalled of her first brush with juvenile justice at the age of 14. "I got on probation when I was 11," also for an assault, Amanda said.

laurae@herald-mail.com HAGERSTOWN - About two dozen new residents will be coming to the Potomac Center in Hagerstown, which is now home to about 55 mentally disabled people. The additional people could be a boon for the center, which has been eyed for closure as the state has moved many residents into less-restrictive group homes. But one community activist is trying to find out whether any of the newcomers have criminal records, raising questions about the safety of staff and neighbors as well as residents of the West End center.

HAGERSTOWN - Could a state hospital center in Hagerstown with empty space take in residents from a financially struggling senior citizen group home? It's possible, according to people connected to both facilities, who discussed the idea on Christmas Eve. The problem is broader than just Western Maryland Hospital Center, which will soon have a vacant floor, and Holly Place, which is financially strapped, said N. Linn Hendershot, who organized Sunday's informal meeting. Hospice of Washington County will move from the hospital center's third floor to a new home on Northern Avenue around the middle of January, said Hendershot, the hospital center's communications director.

By DAVE McMILLION Staff Writer WILLIAMSPORT - Cedar Ridge Children's Home, which suffered a major fire last May, opened its doors Thursday following about $1 million in repairs and improvements to the facility. A building that housed a gym, recreation center and several classrooms went up in flames in an electrical fire May 14, officials said. Six months later, school officials broke ground on a new facility along Cedar Ridge Road to replace the burned structure.

For 129 years, children in Washington County have had a safe haven in times when home life is untenable, or trouble is in their way. That place, since 1927, has been known as the San Mar Children's Home in Boonsboro. Here, girls whose homes are too difficult to navigate, and girls whose paths are leading them into danger, find shelter and programming that gives them a chance at a better future. And the future, for those who attend the home's upcoming annual Showcase of the Stars, might include a ride in an L-39 Albatros military jet. The showcase is on Friday, March 15, at Hagar Hall Conference & Event Center, and will feature six amateur groups competing in a lip-synch contest, with judging akin to that on "American Idol," said Daniel C. Day, director of development and marketing for San Mar. Lawyers, doctors, clergy and business leaders will compete for judges, including radio and television personality Lou Scally, District Court Judge Dana Moylan Wright and attorney Carl Disque, who is also the organizer of the annual Western Maryland Blues Festival.

WILLIAMSPORT - After pedaling more than 50 miles on the C&O Canal towpath since 8 a.m., 13-year-old Stephanie Spurrier was beyond ready to set down her kickstand for the night at a campground in Williamsport on Sunday. "I'm dead, I'm sore and I'm tired, but it feels good," she said as she waited for a shuttle to the campsite. Spurrier, of Mount Airy, Md., is one of 105 people participating in a four-day C&O Canal bicycle tour to benefit San Mar Children's Home in Boonsboro.

Support available in group homes To the editor: Dear Mr. And Mrs. Abbott: My name is Michael A. Taylor and I am the coordinator for the Living Free: Campaign for Freedom. I am responding to your letter in the Hagerstown Herald-Mail dated June 22, "Please don't close the Potomac Center. " People with disabilities need to live out in the community, not in institutions. I have done it and now live in my own apartment. I understand your concern about your son's health needs, but nurses and doctors are available in community settings, like group homes, just like they are in institutions like the Potomac Center.

For 129 years, children in Washington County have had a safe haven in times when home life is untenable, or trouble is in their way. That place, since 1927, has been known as the San Mar Children's Home in Boonsboro. Here, girls whose homes are too difficult to navigate, and girls whose paths are leading them into danger, find shelter and programming that gives them a chance at a better future. And the future, for those who attend the home's upcoming annual Showcase of the Stars, might include a ride in an L-39 Albatros military jet. The showcase is on Friday, March 15, at Hagar Hall Conference & Event Center, and will feature six amateur groups competing in a lip-synch contest, with judging akin to that on "American Idol," said Daniel C. Day, director of development and marketing for San Mar. Lawyers, doctors, clergy and business leaders will compete for judges, including radio and television personality Lou Scally, District Court Judge Dana Moylan Wright and attorney Carl Disque, who is also the organizer of the annual Western Maryland Blues Festival.

Amanda and Kaady readily admitted they're no angels. The women, both 18, spent much of their teenage years in foster care, group homes, juvenile detention and residential treatment, but appear to have emerged from the juvenile justice system intact, if not unscathed. "I got in a fight and the cops got called, but I didn't get locked up then," Kaady recalled of her first brush with juvenile justice at the age of 14. "I got on probation when I was 11," also for an assault, Amanda said.

A Washington County judge Wednesday ordered a 17-year-old girl who hid a handgun at a playground after a toddler shot himself placed in a group home. Fantaisa Shantal Rivera, who admitted to hindering and obstructing police and was found delinquent in a February court appearance, will remain in juvenile detention until she is placed in the group home, Judge Donald E. Beachley ordered at a hearing held in Washington County Juvenile Court. Rivera had also been charged with false statements to police, possession of a firearm by a minor, theft and illegal possession of a firearm in connection with the accidental shooting of 2-year-old Mario Longus in his Little Elliott Drive apartment on Sept.

The Hagerstown Country Western Dance Association recently held a tropical theme dance to welcome back Tiffany Cassner from American Samoa. The deaf student was presented a check and roses from the dance association in recognition of her work as a student intern with deaf students in American Samoa. For 10 weeks, Cassner taught American Sign Language, reading, writing and social skills. She spoke through an interpreter, Traci Hose, Cassner's aunt. Cassner showed pictures and talked about how she worked to be a role model in the deaf community.

BOONSBORO -- Each year, dozens of individuals and families volunteer to make wishes come true by purchasing and wrapping holiday gifts for the children and teens in the foster-care program and group homes operated by San Mar. Their generosity floods the homes with piles of brightly wrapped packages chosen for each child, but it also requires coordination to match children with donors, keep track of what has come in and make sure the gifts are...

On Oct. 6, Gov. Martin O'Malley, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Department of Human Resources Secretary Brenda Donald honored the Washington County Department of Social Services for the progress it has made in reforming Maryland's child welfare system. Washington County DSS was one of nine jurisdictions recognized. Two and half years ago, DHR launched "Place Matters" to reform child welfare in Maryland by finding permanent families for foster children. Place Matters, an initiative of Donald, emphasizes the importance of decreasing the number of children in foster care home and group homes.

HAGERSTOWN -- Dina Kegarise is too humble to consider herself a special person. But in the world of foster care, she's a difference-maker. Over the past 16 years, the Hagerstown woman has made a home for more than 30 children. Some are infants, others are teens. But all have one thing in common. They are surrounded by support and love when they come through her door, she said. Kegarise admitted being a foster parent isn't for everyone. "But I need to be needed.

GREENCASTLE, Pa. -- An organization that was denied the ability to establish a group home for recovering drug addicts in Kauffman Station said it was disappointed by Antrim Township's opposition to the idea, but added the decision will not stop it from opening somewhere in Franklin County. In a 4-0 vote Tuesday, the Antrim Township Board of Supervisors denied the request of Fayetteville, Pa.-based Lighthouse to Life Inc. to add group homes as a conditional use in the agricultural-residential (AR)

Deputies on Friday were searching for a teenager who reportedly ran away from a group home, The Oak Hill House, Monday, the Washington County Sheriff's Department said. Maurice L. Butler, 17, was described as black, about 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing 196 pounds. He has short black hair, brown eyes and a mustache. He was last seen inside the home Sunday night. Maurice may have returned to his hometown, Baltimore, deputies said in a news release. Anyone with information can call police at 301-791-3020.

A celebration to honor the 30th anniversary of Potomac Center was held Sept. 6 in the activities building of the facility on Marshall Street in Hagerstown's West End. Cathy Marshall, director of Potomac Center, welcomed state dignitaries, staff, retirees, residents and family members, former residents, and volunteers to the event that focused on the growth of the facility and the accomplishments and achievements of the people who made Potomac Center...