| The
Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce recognizes local leaders
and heroes
On Saturday, April 24, the Greater Silver Spring Chamber
of Commerce recognized individuals and organizations who have
contributed to the community during the past year.
 Helen
Frederick accepted the "Arts Enterprise Award"
on behalf of Pyramid Atlantic, a paper arts studio.
When Silver Spring designated a Maryland Arts and Entertainment
District, Pyramid Atlantic became one of the cornerstones
of the new district. Frederick is the founder of Pyramid Atlantic.
Whole Foods Market received the "Business
Excellence Award" for its contributions to schools,
community organizations, and charities.
 Robert
Colvin was given the "Senior of the Year"
award for his dedication to Silver Spring through thousands
of hours of volunteering in the community. Colvin has logged
more than 2,500 houors of volunteer service as a member of
the Park Police Community Volunteer Patrol and has served
as the president of the East Silver Spring Citizens Association
for the past 16 years.
 The
"Small Business of the Year" award was given
to George Singleton of Singleton Studios for
the high quality and integrity of his business practices.
Singleton has contributed many hours and photographs to the
Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s "Educator of the Year"
was Timothy Hall, director of the Chelsea School
in downtown Silver Spring. The Chelsea School is dedicated
to educating students who have a specific language-based disability.
Howard Sribnick was recognized as the "Volunteer
of the Year" for his work on many boards and committees
over the years. In February of this year, Sribnick was elected
to chair the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Committee.
A second "Volunteers of the Year" plaque
was awarded to the staff of the Maryland-National Capital
Park & Planning Commission in Silver Spring. Twenty-one
members of the staff signed on as tutors and helped local
children improve their skills in math, reading, writing, spelling,
and social studies.
The Towers Companies were recognized with a "Business
Beautification Award" for their conversion of an
aging convenience center into the Blair condominiums and shops.
The Blair Towns became the nation’s first apartment community
to be recognized for "green construction"–certified
for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
PFA Silver Spring received the second "Business
Beautification Award". PFA has been responsible for
the development in the heart of Silver Spring, including AFI,
Silver Plaza, and the new restaurants.
 This
year’s "Silver Spring Hero" is Police
Officer Kyle Olinger who was shot and seriously injured
while on duty last August.
 The
"Silver Spring Champion Award" went to Bill
Mooney, Acting Director of the Silver Spring Redevelopment
Office. Mooney’s leadership has been key in attracting
AFI to Silver Spring, expanding Montgomery College into South
Silver Spring, and securing Montgomery County’s first
Arts and Entertainment District.
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