PEOPLE OF SHENTEL  Ronnie Royster and his wife Ellen, not only open their hearts to children in need, they open their home to children in need of a place to stay. Ronnie, a staff accountant with Shentel for five years, became a foster parent 10 years ago when he lived in Danville, VA. Currently, he and Ellen are members of the Warren County, VA Foster Parent organization. They have hosted two children since moving to Warren County. In the past, they hosted three international children; one from the Philippines and two from Brazil. Ronnie and Ellen have one birth child, but they have chosen to officially adopt six other children ranging in age from an infant to 8 years old. “The Lord blessed us, so when there are children out there who need help, we are able to offer it to them.” Dawn Sager, office assistant in the marketing department, has worked for Shentel since 1996. Her former job as a dispatcher with the Strasburg Police Department led to 21 years of volunteering with the Strasburg Rescue Squad. Dawn has served as secretary and building and grounds lieutenant for the squad. She currently is serving another term as the organization’s treasurer. As an Emergency Medical Technician, she pulls regular duty; devoting up to 24 hours a month volunteering with the squad. “The potential is there to make a real difference for someone.” There aren’t many corners of Wakeman’s Grove Church of the Brethren that Gary Shipe, who has worked as an installer repairman for Shentel since 1986, doesn’t know. At Wakeman’s Grove he serves on the executive committee, teaches Sunday school and sings in the choir. He does whatever is necessary to keep this tight-knit country church in good shape. Gary believes it is important to not just sit in the pew on Sunday. “I believe that you should help where you can.” Ann Masland has been a business-to-business sales representative in Central Pennsylvania for Shentel’s PCS business for the past three years. In 2002, Ann joined the United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County. In 2003, she was appointed to the United Way’s Needs Assessment Committee. This nine-member group is responsible for reviewing data collected about community needs to provide an overview for the United Way board. The board uses the information as a basis for its strategic plan. Ann also finds the time to serve on the Board of Directors of the Carlisle, PA YWCA and is Chairperson of its Marketing Committee. “I’ve lived in Carlisle a long time. My kids are now old enough where I have some time to give and that’s what I do.” 5 ■  2003 ANNUAL REPORT Ann Masland Gary Shipe Dawn Sager Ronnie Royster