Freedom’s Edgewood Branch Hosts Bike to Work Day Event

Support Includes Jersey Sponsorship, More

Bike riders cycling into the parking lot at Freedom's APG Edgewood-Area Branch. — **Cyclists returning to the Branch parking lot after the morning’s ride.**

On May 23 the parking lot of Freedom’s Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) Edgewood-Area Branch welcomed Bike to Work Day enthusiasts. Bikers assembled at 7:00 am for a 7-mile ride. Riders then made their way back to the Branch for food and “door” prizes donated by local merchants. All riders received a Bike-to-Work t-shirt and a Freedom goody bag. Giveaways from Harford Commute Smart and other local Bike-to-Work event sponsors were also available.

Cycling at APG-South

Bike to Work teams at Aberdeen Proving Ground Edgewood-Area ride together on a regular basis, including lunch-time and weekend rides. The rides provide recreation, exercise, and a way to connect with co-workers.

Team CBRNE (Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive) is comprised of several commands at Aberdeen Proving Ground Edgewood-Area. This year the Team once again won the prize for most participants in the Edgewood-Area ride. The Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center in particular was well-represented, with several members on the CBRNE team.

Harford County itself was also well-represented at this year’s Bike-to-Work festivities. Events were held in Havre de Grace; Aberdeen Proving Ground North; Bel Air and Aberdeen Proving Ground Edgewood-Area. Alan Doran, Harford County Commute Smart Rideshare Coordinator spoke at the event. He noted that in the Baltimore-Washington area, Harford County was second only to Baltimore City in number of Bike-to-Work participants.

This is the third year Freedom Federal Credit Union’s Edgewood-Area branch has hosted the Bike-to-Work event. For the last two years we have supported team CNRNE’s riding jerseys. These eye-catching jerseys feature the Freedom logo on their back. This year’s jersey’s also featured the Edgewood Arsenal logo — a nod to this year’s 100th Anniversary of the Arsenal, now know as Aberdeen Proving Ground.

**Team CBRNE wore Freedom-sponsored jerseys**

Sue Manning, a representative of Team CBRNE, and Alan Doran — **From L to R, Freedom Business Development Specialist Sue Manning, a representative of Team CBRNE, Alan Doran, Harford County Commute Smart Rideshare Coordinator**

Military Appreciation in Action

Freedom Sponsors 2017 Military Appreciation Luncheon

Sue Manning and Bill Suchting, co-chairs of the Military Affairs Committee of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce — **Sue Manning, Business Development Representative, and Bill Suchting, Army Colonel, retired, co-chaired this year’s Military Affairs Committee of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce.**

Freedom was the premier sponsor of the 40^th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon, conducted by the Harford County Chamber of Commerce at Richlin Ballroon on May 18. Several Freedom staffers had the honor of attending the event.

Sue Manning, a Freedom Business Development Specialist, served as co-chairperson of the Military Affairs Committee of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce. Sue’s co-chair, Bill Suchting, a retired Army Colonel, was the recipient of the Appel Award announced at this year’s luncheon.

**(L to R): Sue Manning, Stacey Sloan, Michele Young, Bob Wehland, Keith Gill, Julie Irby, Chris Eliopoulos, Patrice Ricciardi, and Mike Dilworth.**

We’ve Got a Winner!

Freedom Member Wins Scholarship

Rachel Amrhein and Mike MacPherson — **Rachel Amrhein (L) is presented a check for $1,000 from Mike MacPherson (R), Freedom President and CEO**

Freedom member Rachel Amrhein’s essay on Credit Unions has earned her a $1,000 scholarship from the Maryland/DC Credit Union Foundation. Ms. Amrhein, who lives in Bel Air, is a a graduate of the John Carroll School and a junior at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Each year the Maryland/DC Credit Union Foundation awards twelve, $1,000-scholarships to eligible Credit Union members throughout Maryland and D.C. This year thirteen Freedom members entered an essay, video or photo in the competition.

2017’s essay topic was: “As a credit union member, explain why someone should choose a credit union as their primary financial institution over alternative service providers, such as for-profit banks.”

Highlights of this year’s competition —

College-bound credit union members submitted a total of 328 essays
Another 58 photo entries were received
Twelve video applications were entered
Entries were scored by 104 volunteer judges
Judges recorded over 6,300 scores
Members from 57 MD & DC-based credit unions applied