Mary Margaret Whipple, Jim Moran, Linda Chandler, Joe Diaz and John Huff gather at Linden Resources’ 55th anniversary celebration. Photo Contributed
Linden Resources, Inc., an Arlington-based non-profit organization that operates three commercial businesses and 15 federal contracts and provides work for more than 400 people with disabilities, held its 55th anniversary celebration on Sept. 23 at the Ft. Meyer Officers’ Club.
After the Presentation of the Colors by the U.S. Army Color Guard from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, and a performance of the National Anthem, sung by Maureen Jeffries, U.S. Air Force veteran and lead workforce specialist for Linden Resources, Barbara Harrison, NBC4 TV anchor, as emcee led the evening’s festivities.
Presenters, awardees, and performers included U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, Dr. Jennifer Lee, deputy secretary of Health and Human Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Mary Margaret Whipple.
Silvestre “Ace” Acedillo, a 22-year Navy veteran, brought the program to a close as he recounted his journey as a proud member of the service, retiring to begin a new career, and then losing everything. Working with the Operation Renewed Hope Foundation and Linden’s Vets Ready2Work program, he was able to get back on his feet and is now the creative director of Linden Resources’ printing department.
Following the last performance of the evening, which featured the String Ensemble of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Bob Cunningham, chair of the Linden Resources board of directors, gathered the crowd around a 55th anniversary cake.
To find out more about Linden Resources, call 703-521-4441 or visit www.Linden.org.
Honorees included the following:
- U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, received a Making a Difference Award, in honor of the work he has done on behalf of veterans and military personnel for the past 24 years, on behalf of Virginia’s 8th District.
- The Arlington Civitan Club, The Kiwanis Club of Arlington, and the Northern Virginia Knights of the Round Table, recognized for providing the original funding for the organization in 1959 and their continued support 55 years later.
- Del. Patrick Hope presented the Linden Resources Advocacy Award to Robert “Bobby” Silverstein, who is considered the behind-the-scenes architect of the Americans with Disability Act.
- Mary Margaret Whipple received a Making a Difference Award for her distinguished public service.
- Timothy Hughes, chair of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, presented The Harris Teeter store on Glebe Road with a Making a Difference Award for its commitment to hiring people with disabilities.
- Employee Service Recognition Awards went to Carol Mack and Bruce Weaver for 35 years of service; and Sue Hoffman for 40 years of service.