USDA Rural Development NEWS RELEASE

United States Department of Agriculture • Rural Development

1221 College Park Drive, Suite 200, Dover, DE  19904

Phone: (302) 857-3580 • Fax: (302) 857-3640 • TDD: (302) 857-3585 • Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

EDNA HOOPER NAMED MARYLAND SITE MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Emmitsburg, MD April 20, 2006 – Edna Hooper, site manager at Lincoln on the Park in Emmitsburg, has been named Maryland Site Manager of the Year, according to Marlene Elliott, USDA Rural Development State Director for Maryland and Delaware.

"Each year we are proud to recognize a site manager who contributes to the success of the USDA Rural Development Multi-Family Housing Program," said Elliott. "Edna is deserving of this award that was documented so well in the glowing nominations that were received from her tenants."

Lincoln on the Park is 1of 172 rental properties in Maryland that has received financing through USDA Rural Development to provide safe, affordable, apartment living for people who do not want to, or who are not ready to, purchase and maintain their own home. USDA Rural Development recognizes site managers from a pool of two different categories; properties that are dedicated to serving families and properties that serve the elderly and disabled. Lincoln on the Park opened in 1994 providing 32 apartments for the elderly and disabled.

"What a way to end your career," said Edna Hooper; announcing, after 20+ years with Humphrey Management, her retirement that will occur later next month. 7 of her 20 years were devoted to the tenants at Lincoln on the Park; when asked, what is the best part of her job, she replied, "My tenants and making them happy; they are just wonderful," said Hooper!

Rural Development’s motto is "Committed to the future of rural communities." Their mission is to improve the quality of life and increase economic opportunity in rural America. In addition to rental housing, they have programs supporting agriculture, home ownership, home repair, business opportunities to start or expand a business, water and wastewater systems for municipalities, and community facilities or services that provide for public safety, health care, education, social and cultural needs. Last year the agency returned over $100 million of the people’s money supporting projects in rural Maryland. To learn more about USDA Rural Development and the programs that are offered, call the Area Office in Hagerstown, MD at (301) 797-0500 ext. 5 or visit their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov. TTY users in Maryland should call 302-857-3585.  

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