Linwood Center dedicated its store, Good Deals Great
Stuff, to the late Chief Deputy Edgar G. Shilling, who passed away in
February 2008. Ed served on Linwood's Board of Directors for the last six
years of his life. During his tenure on the board, Ed guided us in so many
ways. In addition to his invaluable work in our human resources department,
he provided oversight on all facilities issues, focusing on the safety of
our school, dormitory, 13 homes throughout Ellicott City, Columbia and
Catonsville, and Good Deals Great Stuff. In fact, he
was instrumental in guiding us in all facets of getting the store up and
running. He provided his unique insights as we developed the concept for the
store, selected a site, obtained permits, fitted out the store and prepared
for our grand opening in November 2006. Until his passing, Ed visited the
store regularly and worked with our staff to ensure its success and remind
everyone of our mission to create the possibility of extraordinary lives for people living with
autism. Today, Good Deals Great Stuff provides
employment and training opportunities for most of our program participants,
individuals who, because of their significant disabilities, are unable to
find jobs and training opportunities anywhere else.
On September 27, 2008, we celebrated Ed's life with those who knew and loved him. The Elkridge community, including the Fire Department, the Police Department, the Howard High School Marching Band, the County Executive, a representative from Senator Barbara Mikulski's office, a number of elected officials, Linwood staff, Board of Directors, program participants and Ed's family attended and participated in this wonderful event that paid tribute to this remarkable man. We dedicated our store to Chief Shilling with the unveiling of the plaque depicted above. It is now displayed prominently at Good Deals Great Stuff for all to see.