— Norris Counseling Services adds program director

CUMBERLAND — Therapist Joy Grabenstein, a licensed clinical professional counselor, has joined Norris Counseling Services as director of an innovative program called Building Blocks, which will service children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders.

A native of New York state, Grabenstein received her bachelor of arts degree from Potsdam State University, where she majored in psychology and minored in Spanish.

She moved to the Cumberland area in 2000, graduating in 2003 from Frostburg State University with an master’s degree in counseling psychology.

Beginning in 2003, Grabenstein received extensive training on ways to enhance the lives of children with autism spectrum disorders. She has received trainings in verbal behavior, modified discrete trial therapy, sensory integration, and using icons to promote communication. She has also been trained to provide therapy to children, adults, couples and families, with a wide range of mental health disorders.

She will run the Building Blocks program, as well as provide therapy to children and adults, families, couples, and will be facilitating group therapy.

To schedule an appointment, call 301-724-7277.

West Virginia man named Colonial Life district agent

RIDGELEY, W.Va. — Dean Patton of Ridgeley has been named district general agent for the Western Maryland and Eastern Panhandle district of Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Co., based in Columbia, S.C.

In his new position with Colonial Life, Patton is responsible for building a sales team to market the company’s products, programs and services in the area. Patton has 13 years of experience in the insurance and finance industry, having worked most recently for CBIZ Financial Solutions and American Fidelity Assurance Corp.

He is a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., with a degree in communication and marketing and a member of the Ali Ghan Shrine Club. Patton and his wife, Beth, have four children.

Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company is a market leader in providing insurance benefits for employees and their families through their work place, along with individual benefits education, advanced yet simple-to-use enrollment technology and quality personal service.

For more information, call Patton at (301) 947-1224 or e-mail him at Dean.Patton@ColonialLife.com.

Supermarket chain aids Children’s Miracle Network

CARLISLE, Pa. —  Through Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets’ annual summer fundraising efforts for Children’s Miracle Network, a record $2 million will be donated to local hospitals that work to conduct medical care for children.

The Giant and Martin’s chain is among the top 10 in the country in raising money to support the work of Children’s Miracle Network. With these latest efforts, Giant/Martin’s has raised more than $24 million over the past 14 years to support regional  children’s hospitals.

Customers again showed their support for Children’s Miracle Network with a $1 donation at the checkout from June 27 through July 10, raising $502,817 through the annual in-store campaign.

Wine festival could help set record for toasting

SEVEN SPRINGS, Pa. — Seven Springs Mountain Resort will hold its 18th annual Wine & Food Festival Aug. 14 and 15.

This year, 29 wineries from across Pennsylvania are scheduled to attend, including Adams County Winery, Glades Pike Winery, Long Trout Winery, Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery, Presque Isle Wine Cellars and Walnut Hill Winery.

Project Natale and No Bad JuJu will provide entertainment and a variety of arts and crafts will be available. Seminar topics include the essentials of wine tasting and a look at the dynamic duo of wine and cheese.

In addition, Seven Springs and the Pennsylvania Winery Association will host the Great Pennsylvania Wine Toast on Aug. 14. The toast, which will begin at 3:30 p.m., is a quest to set a Guinness World Record for the largest wine toast ever conducted. The current record was set in 2009 by 400 pubs in the United Kingdom. Their toast totaled 17,429 participants.

All attendees must be at least age 21. Tickets are available online at www.7springs.com or by calling (866) 703-7625.