Names & notes

Friday, June 20, 2008

Donna T. Retzlaff, executive director of Spring Dell Center Inc. in La Plata, has joined the Southern Maryland Business Network.

Retzlaff has been employed at Spring Dell for more than 20 years, serving as the executive director since 1992. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Towson State University. She is active in her community, according to an SMBN press release, and she also serves as president of the Maryland Association of Community Services as well as the immediate past chairwoman of the public policy committee. Additionally, she is a member of Charles County Non-Profit Coalition, the Chamber of Commerce Retail Council and the National Association of Retail Thrift.

Spring Dell is a nonprofit agency that has been assisting people with disabilities for more than 40 years in Charles County. The agency assists over 180 individuals annually through various support programs such as vocational and employment training, employment placement, supervised residential housing, transportation and advocacy.

The agency also operates five re-sale stores, Hooks-n-Hangers I and the Furniture Store in La Plata, West Side Thrift in Bryans Road, Use It Again in Waldorf and Hooks-n-Hangers II in Charlotte Hall.

SMBN is an independent, nonprofit, self-directed organization. Meetings are held weekly from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Regency Furniture Stadium’s Legends Club, 11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf.

For more information, go to www.smbn.org.

Olson electedto dentistry board

Dr. Bradley J. Olson of Waldorf has been elected to the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry, the credentialing authority of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Olson was elected at the organization’s 24th annual AACD Scientific Session in New Orleans in May.

‘‘I am honored to serve on the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry of the AACD. This is the premier organization for advancing excellence in cosmetic dentistry, and I am excited to help lead the profession into the future,” Olson said in a press release.

Olson is a 1983 graduate of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery Dental School, University of Maryland. He is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and is one of 286 dental professionals to achieve accredited status in the AACD.

The AACD is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, aesthetics and function.

Hospice welcomesnew employees

Three new staff members – Lucia Hartman, bereavement coordinator; Brandon Millar, management information systems coordinator; and Donna Crown, registered nurse and admissions coordinator – have joined Hospice of Charles County..

Hartman joined the hospice staff Feb. 26. She is retired from the U.S. Air Force after working 20 years in the IT field.

She has been a hospice volunteer for seven years and has assisted with grief support groups, bereavement calls and patient care. She received a master’s degree in spiritual and pastoral care in 2005 from Loyola College in Maryland.

Millar joined the staff April 2. Millar previously worked at the Charles County government as the business continuity intern.

Millar graduated from Towson University in December 2007 with a bachelor of science degree in computer information systems.

Crown started with hospice April 10.

She brings with her 25-plus years of nursing experience and was previously employed at Civista Medical Center as a case manager and nursing supervisor.

Scarafia honoredby state chamber

The Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives named St. Mary’s County Chamber president and CEO Bill Scarafia its 2008 Chamber Executive of the Year.

‘‘Bill is an outstanding leader and a strong advocate for chambers of commerce,” said Pam Klahr, president and CEO of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce and 2008 MACCE president, in a press release. ‘‘He is a problem solver who is always willing to offer his support and advice to colleagues.”

Scarafia was recognized for his many accomplishments that make the St. Mary’s chamber stronger. Under Scarafia’s leadership, the St. Mary’s chamber has developed a strong government affairs program and increased communication with elected leaders at the state and local levels, strengthened its ties within the community to make the chamber more respected and relevant, expanded programming to benefit the chamber membership, built the chamber’s annual business awards luncheon and business showcase into a major networking and recognition event and source of nondues revenue for the chamber and participated as a member of the community team working with employees and spouses transferring to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station to work on the Joint Strike Fighter Program.

Scarafia served as MACCE president in 2005 and 2007.