MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center Opens New Gym for Associate Wellness

Thanks to long-standing philanthropic partner, Freedom Federal Credit Union for $30,000 pledge

MedStar Health Check Presentation — Freedom Federal Credit Union representatives (L to R) Carmen David Mirabile, Freedom Senior Vice President of Marketing, Patrice Ricciardi, Senior Director Business Development, and Michael MacPherson, President and Chief Executive Officer present a check to MedStar Health’s Stuart Levine, MD, FACP, President and Senior Vice President, and Leah Murray, MHA, Director of Philanthropy Education.

BALTIMORE – (December 29, 2022) A $30,000 pledge by Freedom Federal Credit Union has made possible the opening of “Square Fitness,” an associate gym at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, to support the emotional and physical well-being of hospital employees.

Michael MacPherson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freedom, along with Carmen David Mirabile, Freedom Senior Vice President of Marketing and Patrice Ricciardi, Senior Director Business Development, presented a giant check representing the commitment on Sept. 7th to hospital President and Senior Vice President of MedStar Health, Stuart Levine, MD, FACP.

“This means so much to me and my family,” said Dr. Levine, whose family also contributed to the costs of the gym. “But more importantly, it means so much to our associates, and to our learners, our residents, and our medical students. This is something that our internal community has asked for, for years. It far predates when I came here as president. I couldn’t be more pleased to celebrate the opening of this facility for our care providers.”

The gym, open to all MedStar associates, is located on the second floor of the hospital. It features two treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, strength-training fusion trainers, weight benches, along with one rower, a set of free weights, and a water bottle filling station. All equipment is from NordicTrack’s commercial line and will be linked to iFIT® technology, allowing access to fitness classes, structured workouts, and instruction.

“This type of endeavor, this gym, it’s more than just the physical equipment, it’s about the emotional health, the mental impact on members of our community. This was an opportunity to do something meaningful for MedStar associates, and that’s what this partnership is all about,” MacPherson said.

Freedom Federal Credit Union provides financial products and services in Harford and Baltimore County and is a long-time philanthropic partner to MedStar Health. The not-for-profit previously supported patient-centered initiatives at the MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus.

About MedStar Health

At MedStar Health, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. Our 30,000 associates and 4,700 affiliated physicians are committed to living this promise through our core SPIRIT values—Service, Patient first, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—across our more than 300 locations including 10 hospitals, ambulatory, and urgent care centers. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University, MedStar Health is training future physician leaders to care for the whole person and is advancing care through the MedStar Health Research Institute. From our telemedicine and urgent care services to the region’s largest home health agency, we’re committed to providing high-quality health care that’s also easy and convenient for our patients. At MedStar Health—It’s how we treat people. Learn more at MedStarHealth.org.

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford and Baltimore County. Additionally, Freedom offers a full-line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in Harford or Baltimore County. Freedom has been in business since 1953 and has six locations throughout Harford and Baltimore County. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.

Freedom Sponsors 1st Annual Magic of Science Fair

May 20, 2019 – The APG Discovery Center held its first annual Magic of Science Fair at the APG Discovery Fest at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The APG Discovery Fest, held on May 4^th, 2019 was an opportunity to see what is being done “behind the fence” at APG, including demonstrations of APG technology, a job fair with nearly 2,000 participants, and the First Annual Magic of Science Fair for middle schoolers.

The APG Discovery Center, with the help of the Harford County Senior Science Society, planned and organized the Magic of Science Fair, which included students from eight middle schools and several home-schooled students. There were 25 projects with 33 students who entered the juried competition. Projects ranged from citrus powered phones to harnessing solar energy, gravity’s effect on root growth, and the impact of hurricanes on different housing structures. Winners were determined as “Best in Grade”, “Runner-Up”, and “Honorable Mention”.

Student Awardees stand on stage with ribbons — APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Randy Taylor and Freedom Federal Credit Union’s Business Development Director, Sue Manning, stand with award recipients at the Magic of Science Fair.

The Magic of Science Fair was sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union, a strong supporter of the APG Discovery Center. Freedom’s Business Development Director, Sue Manning, was present for the awards ceremony. Their sponsorship included high tech prizes like 3-D printers, virtual reality systems, and robotic kits, which were awarded at each grade level. “It was a privilege to meet these phenomenal young people and an honor for Freedom to present them with awards that will encourage their love of science and technology,” stated Manning.

The APG Discovery Center is envisioned to be a 30,000 square foot facility, located near, but not on, the APG property. The intent is to develop a destination location for STEM related activities, APG displays providing a view of “tomorrow’s technology today”, and a place to show and retain the more than 100 years of history at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Additional information can be found at http://www.apgdiscovery.com/

About APG Discovery Center

The APG Discovery Center will be a place where students of all ages experience, create, and play with science and technology. A place where new worlds are discovered, and connections are made. In addition to interactive exhibits, the Discovery Center will offer after-school programs, maker spaces, and serve as an anchor for the region’s STEM activities. Phase I, The Discovery Preview Center will open in Aberdeen, Maryland in late 2019.

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford County. Additionally, Freedom offers a full-line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in Harford County. Freedom has been in business since 1953 and has five locations throughout Harford County. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org

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.