March 23rd, 2017 by WCBC Radio

Cathy Growden, executive director of The Children’s League, recently announced the retirement of Mary Ann Reinhard as board president. John Balch has been elected to serve as the new board president.

Reinhard has been a member of the board of directors since 2000 and was elected League president in December 2007. Reinhard worked alongside League staff members, physicians and other board members over the years, while promoting the League and its mission to serve the children of the tri-state area with services necessary to help them prosper and grow.

Balch has been a member of the board of directors since November 2008. Concerning his new role, Balch said, “The future of The Children’s League will revolve around new therapies and opportunities created by needs of the children in the counties we serve.”

Balch said, “Mary Ann Reinhard has been a tremendous asset to The Children’s League for the past ten years. The dedication she demonstrated to the board, the staff and to the patients is truly remarkable.” Growden reiterated those sentiments, adding “Mary Ann is a caring individual who provided this organization with support and incredible leadership. We are so thankful to have had her on our team.”

When asked about her plans for the future of the organization, Growden said,  “I look forward to working with Mr. Balch as board president, and am excited to be part of his vision and leadership of The League.” 

Other new officers include President-elect John Athey; Vice President Mary Ruddell; Secretary Amanda Ruthenberg; and Treasurer Larry Boggs.

Beginning 90 years ago as an Allegany County need of treating children with polio, The Children’s League has evolved and grown since holding its first orthopedic clinic in 1926. Incorporated in 1934 the League has provided free services for children birth to age 21 from Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The League currently provides orthopedic and cerebral palsy clinics throughout the year. When physical therapy is recommended, the League’s physical therapist develops and provides a weekly therapy program for those children.

The Cumberland Cleft Clinic, directed by local plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Carpenter, is operated and managed by The Children’s League. Twice a year Carpenter’s team of 10 local physicians and specialists evaluate children with cleft lip/palate and develop a specific treatment and care plan for each child.

The Children’s League also operates and manages the Scottish Rite Early Childhood Language Disorders Clinic. The clinic provides diagnostic evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders in children. Children who may have fallen behind developmentally in the past, are now given services that help them to speak and read and equip them with the ability to lead productive lives.

For information or to schedule an appointment for any service provided by The Children’s League, call the League office at 301-759-5200. The office is located in the Allegany County Health Department building on Willowbrook Road and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.