Jul 8, 2019
During the past few weeks, “mad scientists” have visited community events across Garrett County, sharing their findings about the dangers of tobacco use. The skit has been performed in Accident and Oakland.
The goal of the skit is to discourage youth (or anyone) from using smokeless tobacco products, or to convince anyone who is already a user to kick the habit.
The actors, students from the Youth in Action Teams, add the various components of smokeless tobacco (actually harmless items representing those not-so-harmless components) to a blender one at a time: tobacco, lead, benzene, arsenic, formaldehyde…
“But, Big Tobacco doesn’t stop there,” the scientists exclaim. “They add another 15 to 20 ingredients. Some we know about and some we don’t, because they refuse to tell anyone what other ingredients are included in spit tobacco.”
Of course, the scientists remind the audience, the last ingredient is “…nicotine! It’s not bad enough that all those dangerous chemicals are in spit tobacco. No, Big Tobacco has to hook you on it so they can slowly rot out your gums, throat, cheeks and mouth.”
The nasty mess that comes out of the blender is enough to make the audience gasp, as does the fact that almost as many kids in our high schools are using spit tobacco as they are smoking cigarettes.
But the skit ends on a good note, as the scientists finish with, “But….remember this….most of us don’t use any type of tobacco. In fact, 4 out of 5 Garrett County high school students don’t have anything to do with spit tobacco. They’re smarter than Big Tobacco. Make sure you are too!”
Attendees are encouraged to visit the Garrett County Health Department’s KickingTobacco.com website for more information or to sign up for free cessation classes. The classes are good for users of any nicotine delivery products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, or any e-devices. For more information call the health department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.
Jul 8, 2019
Oakland Girl Scout Troop #55004 had a blast gluing hundreds of bottle caps onto panels as part of the GOBA Green Team mosaic project.
This colorful mosaic combined recycling, community involvement and art, by using bottle caps collected by area schools and businesses. Once collected the Green Team volunteers spent hours sorting them out by color. Each panel features a different design and a letter to spell out the word, OAKLAND. The Garrett Arts Council supplied the funds for the panels, screws and glue. Several ladies from the Garrett County Extension office completed 3 of the panels and the Girl Scout Troop #55004 finished the last 4 panels. After all of the estimated 1500 bottle caps were screwed on by the Green Team members, it was put up on the fence in the Pocket Park downtown.
“We would like to thank all of the schools and businesses that collected the caps, Karen Reckner and the Oakland Town Council for their support and to all who helped this mosaic get from paper to the finished project that everyone can enjoy”
“Troop leader, Kendra Rinard said the girls absolutely loved working on this project and hoped they could do more in the future” , they were so excited to do this project”, Lisa Baker, Green Team Chair. Two other troop leaders Karen Lewis and Marie Murphy also helped get these 4 panels completed. After the caps were glued on, Green Team members affixed each cap to the panels with stainless steel screws. All 7 panels are completed it was installed on Second Street in the downtown for everyone to enjoy when they visit our Great Small Town.
Jul 8, 2019
We hope you had a great holiday weekend! Now back to it!
The weather for today will be cloudy with a high near 70 and a low around 60. Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 3pm and 4pm as well as later on in the evening.
https://www.instagram.com/cravencakes/ shared this photo with us:
“#Glowsticks and #fireworks never get old, only you do.🤪 #78andgreat #myhero #dcl #dct#deepcreeklake #deepcreeklakemd”
FYI – beginning October 1st, the Maryland Department of Health is banning the use of tanning beds by anyone under the age of 18. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that if no one younger than 18 ever used a tanning bed, 61,839 melanomas and 6,735 deaths from melanoma could be prevented annually.
Also, another reminder that on October 1st, the legal age to buy cigarettes and other tobacco products in the state of Maryland will be 21.
Shared by Deep Creek POA: It goes without saying that being the captain of a boat comes with great responsibility, especially if you’re at the wheel while towing a rider. But as wakesurfing—and with it the number of wakesurf-specific boats on the water—has grown during the past decade, so has the number of incidents that could have been avoided if captains had been more aware of not only local rules and laws but exercised common-sense cordiality.
Congressman David Trone (MD-06) recently announced $170 million in funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an increase of $5 million from the previous year’s funding from Congress. ARC funds projects in the Appalachian Region to promote economic development, education and job training, critical infrastructure, and community development. This funding includes $10 million to develop workforce reentry strategies for those recovering from a substance use disorder and $10 million to spur high-speed broadband deployment.
In Case You Missed It:
The “Chautauqua, Then and Now” festival was held this past weekend to packed crowds in Mountain Lake Park. Local Mark Stutzman has created this four-part documentary on the movement: https://vimeo.com/showcase/6026664?fbclid=IwAR1MW91VP6dox_GO9Mn2qFBuzp_hzQl1ZPWLiSp3p6nTCa9Eg8KwBIJ_NL4
Jul 5, 2019
The weather for the weekend (each of the next three days) will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 78 and a low around 65. Showers and thunderstorms likely.
We were able to see the fireworks last night! It was a gorgeous show – here’s a photo I caught:
It’s another busy weekend with events and entertainment.
Starting today is the Chautauqua “Then and Now” Festival – a very special festival to be held in Mountain Lake Park, MD, the original home of Chautauqua in Maryland. Three full days of activities and special presentations and each evening, the activities will conclude with interactive presentations from Maryland Humanities Chautauqua 2019, “Making Waves.”
Tonight is the Roots: Yoga and Movement Studio Ribbon Cutting at 4:00 pm and the celebration will continue as Roots welcomes clients and guests to their Grand Re-Opening at the new location and One-year Anniversary Block Party style with their neighbors. Then, the night ends with an 80’s Night Black Light Party.
For entertainment tonight, there is Paul Burger at Black Bear Tavern at 6:00 pm, Old Time Jams at the New Germany Lake House at 6:30 pm, Gilbert Lee at MoonShadow at 8pm, and Center Fire at Black Bear Tavern at 10pm.
24th Annual Deep Creek Lake BULL RIDE MANIA RODEO tonight ant tomorrow evening. 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm. Events include Bullriding, Girls Barrel Racing, and Girls Breakaway Roping.
Tomorrow is the nearby Terra Alta July Demolition Derby 2019 beginning at 2:30pm. Also, the Deep Creek Lake Lions Boat Parade begins at 7:00 pm. Spectators at the judging stations will vote for their favorite boats, and prizes will be awarded in a number of categories, with a Grand Prize consisting of a custom-designed Winner’s Pennant and trophy.
Note that there are specific Personal Watercraft (PWC) Regulations on Deep Creek Lake — “PWC and hover crafts may not be operated on the lake between 11 am and 4 pm from Saturday-Monday of Memorial Day weekend. This also applies to the Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from July 1 through Labor Day.”
Relax and enjoy your holiday weekend but note there is a public meeting at the Deer Park Town Hall on Monday at 6:30pm. Then, the following morning is the Annual State of Garrett County to be presented on Tuesday, July 9th at 8am in the Crawford Room at Wisp Resort. The morning will begin with networking and breakfast at 8:00 am and the Commissioner’s presentation from 8:30 am – 9:30 am.
Have a safe weekend! 🇺🇸
Jul 4, 2019
Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸
The weather for today will be partly sunny, with a high near 78. A chance of showers before noon and thunderstorms between noon and 3pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Showers mainly before 8pm …. so they say.
Fingers crossed again that the “Fire on the Mountain” fireworks display goes off successfully tonight at dusk.
The best views are along 219 and, I will remind you the robotics team is fundraising by selling parking at The Lodges at Sunset Village and the Garrett County Fairgrounds. Both excellent viewing locations.
Also, we wanted to mention the Deep Creek Discovery center will be offering Fire Tower tours every Thursday in July (from 1:00 to 3:00) — see one of the best views of Deep Creek Lake this afternoon!
If your pet is new and hasn’t been exposed to fireworks yet, remember he or she may have trouble. If the noise and/or light is giving your pet anxiety:
- Act normally around your dog. Pretend as though the fireworks aren’t happening.
- Play white sound or music.
- Close the curtains.
- Distract your dog with a game or a puzzle treat.
- Put a Thundershirt on your dog.
- Make an anti-anxiety wrap out of an elastic bandage.
- Keep the dog on a leash if you go outside.
Remember not everyone (and every pet) likes fireworks.
We wish you each a safe and memorable Independence Day!
Jul 3, 2019
The weather today will be partly sunny, with a high near 80 and a low around 65. Isolated showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon.
For your Independence Day, it will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 80 and a low of 66. Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 5 and 9pm. Fingers crossed the fireworks will happen in McHenry — if not, the rain date is July 5.
Thanks to @kofishski on Instagram for this great shot from a kayak on Deep Creek Lake.
Is everyone is on “holiday-time” or is it just me?
According to AccuWeather Global Weather Center, today will be the busiest travel day for the July 4th holiday. But, notes, if you’re heading back to Washington, D.C. on Sunday, they say the worst time to travel in the city will be between 10:30am – 12:30pm.
This morning, the Farmer’s Market begins at 10:00am. This week we should see the first sweet corn and tomatoes.
Stage Wisp Kickoff Double-Header with Hillbilly Gypsies tonight — it’s a double-header on the 3rd & 4th of July beginning at 6pm. Check out the Farmers/Silly/Art Market before the show and bring your lawn chairs and a blanket.
If you’re on the Southern-end of the county, the Broadford Park Fireworks are tonight at dusk! Admission is $3 per person, children 8 and under $1. The Community Concert Band and an octet of singers from the Choral Society will be performing at Pavilion #1.
Check out the July Cover Story feature on downtown Oakland.
Looking for something low-key – out of the rain – and accessible for everyone? Try the local barn quilt tour — celebrating our farms, barns, & quilting culture in our beautiful Appalachian mountains.
The high school robotics team, Team 1629 Garrett Coalition – GaCo, is in need of CLEAN empty plastic bottles (without caps) 16oz-2 liters for rocket launching demonstrations on July 4th. Will you drop off your bottles at Wayne’s Water ‘N Wells (19139 Garrett Highway, Oakland, MD 21550) from 8am-5pm?
Jul 2, 2019
Special to Deep Creek Times by Michelle Ross (with Mike Tumbarello)
While Deep Creek Times is very much about Deep Creek Lake and its watershed and environs, we are about Garrett County and try from time-to-time to bring nearby events, features, and locations to our readers’ attention. This month, we cover the small town of Oakland. Oakland has a rich history, some interesting and fun destinations and can provide a nice change-up to the immediate lake-area for visitors and locals alike.
The Town of Oakland is a small town in Garrett County, Maryland near Deep Creek Lake. Oakland is the county seat and hosts a wide variety of shopping, dining, services, history, trails and parks and was one of the first designated Main Streets in Maryland and has an Arts and Entertainment District. It truly is an eclectic mix of old and new.
There are so many things people love about the Town of Oakland, one of them being its small-town charm and friendly nature. “I say it all the time; Oakland is one of the most giving communities I have ever seen. It is not just the businesses or the residents, it is everyone. It is truly amazing how the community pitches in to help each other,” says Michelle Ross, Oakland Business Coordinator. Oakland is a wonderful place to live for so many other reasons as well.
Oakland has great public schools with small classroom sizes in rural communities, with outdoor learning opportunities. Garrett County Schools offer competitive athletic, tech, and recreational programs. It offers accelerated learning opportunities as well as skilled trade pathways. According to RewardExpert, Garrett County Public Schools is ranked as the 4th best public-school system in the Northeast region of the United States. Garrett College, 20 minutes from Oakland, offers 2 years of free tuition to graduating Garrett County students! Not bad for a small (population-wise) county tucked-away in the beautiful mountains of western Maryland.
Oakland also offers a wide variety of professional, entrepreneurial and skilled trade opportunities for those looking for stable employment. Another perk of living and visiting Oakland is the lack of traffic congestion. You can go 30 miles in 30 minutes! Plus, Oakland communities are clean and safe. Oakland maintains very low crime rates and residents have the luxury of the town with its own police department, water department, sewer department, and street department.
The Town of Oakland owns and operates Broadford Recreation Area which has a volleyball and basketball court, swimming area, five pavilions available for rent, grills, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a boat launch. Non-motorized boats are the only boats allowed on the lake which make it excellent for fishing and relaxation. Oakland is also only 10 minutes from Swallow Falls, Herrington Manor State Park, and Deep Creek Lake. Special note: If you are reading this and have not yet been to Muddy Falls at Swallow Falls State Park, you need to check it out.
Oakland offers many ways to indulge in healthy living. It has several walking trails that are maintained by the town. It has the Mountain Fresh Farmer’s Market two days a week where fresh meats, eggs, vegetables, and fruits are in abundance as well as homemade desserts and soaps, and gifts. It operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 am-1:00 pm June-October in the Mountain Fresh Pavilion downtown. Garrett Regional Medical Center offers exceptional health care. They are able to offer a number of services in our rural area due to their affiliation with WVU Medicine in Morgantown, WV. Oakland is also the hub of specialty services, rehab services, dental and vision professionals.
Oakland is a very active community with year-round events that coincide with all four seasons and is most well-known for its stunning fall foliage and has been recognized in many national publicans for such. There is little to no humidity and the average temperature for the summer is 75 degrees. There is a wide variety of outdoor activities that will benefit your mind and spirit including horseback riding, hiking, biking, swimming, climbing, snow and water skiing. If outdoor recreation is not your thing there is a lot of history in this small town. There is remarkable architecture including our 1884 Queen Anne Style train station that has been turned into the Oakland B&O Museum, the Garrett County Historical Society Museum, and the Transportation Museum, all worthy of a family visit.
Oakland hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, most of which are free to the public. Some of the events include Winter Fest, the Winter Fest Wine Walk, Kick Off to Summer Event and Beer Walk, the Little Yough Summer Music Festival, Pocket Park movies, the Autumn Glory Festival, and A Great Small Town Christmas. Check out our Upcoming Events section for more details.
Oakland’s downtown offers a variety of quaint shopping and dining experiences. “…if you yearn for small-town experiences — church services and events, chicken barbecues, a diner-style breakfast or lunch, shopping in a good hardware store or collectibles shop, annual parades — pay a visit to the Garrett County seat. Oakland, a few miles south of Deep Creek on Route 219, would be a contender for Maryland’s Most Small Town-like Small Town”. There is free parking offered to patrons in the Town Parking lot. Each business is unique and special. You can spend an entire afternoon walking in and out of these businesses. You can have dinner in one place, dessert in another place and finish with a drink and live music somewhere else. The personal gifts found in our retail stores are sure to make the people in your life feel special or you can find a great present for yourself or your home. The allure is perhaps best stated by visitor Delonta Hicks, “All of my years coming to Deep Creek Lake, I never went past the Walmart. I love the small town, it felt just like home. 🙂 I will be visiting again. :)”
If you have not had a chance to visit Oakland, Maryland, make sure you do. You will not be disappointed. If you visit here and love it, let us help you figure out how you can make this your permanent home. Here’s a list of a few select locations for you to visit, but there’s many more (check Deep Creek Times Business and Restaurant Directories along with Upcoming Events for additional ideas). Why not drive down some day, park the car and explore? Tell them Deep Creek Times sent you:
Book Mark’et and Antique Mezzanine – Mike’s favorite area bookstore
Englanders Antiques & Grill – An eclectic mix of collectibles, antiques and over-the-counter food and ice cream (on Alder Street, no website)
FlipSide Music – Vinyl records, rock-n-roll memorabilia and much more make this worth the trip
Garrett County Arts Council Gallery Shop – A great store with affordable, locally produced arts
Garrett County Historical Society – A great place to learn about the county and its past
Garrett County Transportation Museum – Some very cool items on display including early snowmobiles
Grand Central Furniture – They have two locations, one near the lake and one downtown Oakland
Oakland B&O Museum – Recently restored locomotive and lots of history here
SipSide Lounge – A new addition to downtown Oakland and worth the wait for the great atmosphere and carefully crafted cocktails. Try their strawberry Moscow Mule!
Photo of SipSide Lounge:
Jul 2, 2019
The weather for today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 80 and a low around 65. Scattered thunderstorms this evening.
If you see my husband Kenny today, wish him a happy 40th birthday!
Paddleboarding on Deep Creek sent into us by Tyler Smith:
The local Cancer Support Group meets tonight at 6:30 pm in the hospital boardroom. It is open to everyone – people with cancer, caregivers, kids, relatives, friends, anyone. We sit and vent and laugh and eat, etc. and it is very informal and comforting.
Sipside Lounge is holding ladies lounge — featuring 25% off all glasses of wine with bottomless chocolate plus door prizes.
FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1629, the Garrett Coalition (GaCo), will be providing parking to view the Fire on the Mountains Fireworks display on July 4 at two locations in the McHenry area. GaCo will provide parking across adjacent to the Garrett County Fairgrounds as well as at the Fairgrounds parking lot on the Mosser Road entrance.
Garrett College has announced recent honor students for Spring 2019.
Recent county tobacco compliance checks found a compliance rate of 96%.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the awarding of $30.9 million in grants to local communities to implement projects that will restore local waterways, increase climate resilience, and develop the next generation of environmental stewards. A map of nearby projects and list of awardees for Fiscal Year 2020 is available online. Also, to streamline the grant application and management process, the department created a “Grants Gateway” to provide a single entry point to access funding for innovative, local projects.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal reminds the public of the dangers of legal and illegal fireworks. Click here for a list of permitted, professional fireworks displays across the State of Maryland this holiday season.
Jul 2, 2019
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 1629, the Garrett Coalition (GaCo), will be providing parking to view the Fire on the Mountains Fireworks display on July 4 at two locations in the McHenry area. GaCo will provide parking across Rte. 219 from Smiley’s, adjacent to the Garrett County Fairgrounds as in previous years. The second site will be at the Fairgrounds parking lot on the Mosser Road entrance.
Gates will open at 6:00 PM at the Fairgrounds using the Mosser Road entrance. The location across Rte. 219 down from Smiley’s Fun Zone adjacent to the Fairgrounds will open at 6:30 PM. Parking will be $5.00 per vehicle at both locations.
Prior to the start of the fireworks display, GaCo will be selling their old-fashioned fresh squeezed lemonade at the Fairgrounds location and providing hands-on pre-fireworks activities for youngsters and their families, including building and launching a variety of model rockets to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Mission.
Jul 1, 2019
The weather for today will be sunny, with a high near 78 and a low around 62.
The weekend was very humid and we had some crazy lightning, thunder and “gully-washing” rains on Saturday night. I know there were several flooded roads in the southern end of the county so we hope you all are staying safe!
The first photo below was taken (as a clip from a video) by me, the second was taken by Mark Richards, and the third was taken by Linda Herdering on Saturday evening.
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There were a few new photos added to a listing for a speedboat in our Online Marketplace under boats. Also, a dog kennel was listed under the miscellaneous category.
Congrats to Marcia C. as the winner of our June “Where Am I?” contest! This one is a little bit trickier but see if you can guess this month’s location!
In celebration of Coney Days in Lonaconing, nearby Dans Mountain State Park will be featuring a “Dollar Dip” at the (heated) pool July 3. Admission to the pool will be $1 per person for the entire day and children 5 and under will get in free.
The Town of Oakland has been working on a Downtown Wayfinding Project for several weeks and the firm MERJE was selected to develop design concepts. Take the survey to give your input: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CFT7DLY
GLAF, with help from a grant from the Maryland Historical Trust, and Maryland Humanities, will be returning to historic Mountain Lake Park July 5-7, 2019, with a three-day re-creation of Maryland’s early Chautauqua events this week! View a full schedule of the event.
Our annual MD DNR State Parks and Trails Passport is available! $75 for Marylanders; $100 for out-of-state visitors grants unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
Addictions counseling is a new program available at Garrett College developed to address the ever-growing opioid and substance abuse crisis. New prospective students and.or students that already possess a degree in a health or human services counseling are strongly encouraged to take the online pre-requisite course – PSY286 Drugs & Human Behavior – during GC’s summer session beginning June 12th.
Jul 1, 2019
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2019/2020 Board of Directors and Officers.
The 2019/2020 Chamber Board of Directors includes Shirley Bailey of GCC Technologies; Merlin Beitzel of Beitzel Corporation; Tim Bender of Byco Corporation; Brian Brenneman of Goodwill Retirement Community; Linda Carr of CLS Ventures, Inc.—The Lake-Front Magazine; Paul Cornish of Patriot Chrysler Dodge and Jeep; Andrew Fike of Oak-Mar Motel; Laura Fike of Garrett Mentors, Inc.; Chris Fredlock of C&S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A.; Liz Georg of Deep Creek Title Group; Steve Green of High Mountain Sports; Patty Manown Mash of Pine Lodge Steakhouse; Dr. Richard Midcap of Garrett College; Lisa Ratliff of Wisp Resort and Phil Rodeheaver of First United Bank & Trust. The Chamber Board of Directors was elected by the Chamber membership.
The 2019/2020 Board Officers were elected by the Chamber Board of Directors. The Board Officers are Tim Bender, Chair; Paul Cornish, Vice Chair; Brian Brenneman, Treasurer; and Patty Manown Mash, Secretary.
At the Annual Membership Meeting and Dinner, the Chamber thanked retiring Board Member, Liz Morin of Garrett Container Systems, Inc, for her service to the Chamber.
The Chamber’s fiscal year begins July 1, 2019 and ends June 30, 2020.
Jul 1, 2019
Staff members from the Garrett County Health Department and underage buyers from both county high schools worked with officers from the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office to conduct tobacco compliance checks around the county from July 2018 to June 2019. The purpose of the checks is to ensure that tobacco products are not being sold to minors and that the tobacco product placement law is being followed. Maryland State law requires persons to be at least eighteen years old to purchase or possess any tobacco product.
During fiscal year 2019, there were 124 compliance visits completed with 5 violations occurring for a compliance rate of 96%.
“Most of our merchants are compliant and do a very good job preventing underage sales to minors,” said Health Education and Outreach Program Director, Kendra McLaughlin. Those businesses that sold tobacco to an underage buyer were Cornerstone Market, Midway Discount Liquors, 7-11 in Oakland, Sheetz, and Swanton Grocery. In Garrett County, violations can lead to civil fines of up to $100 for the salesperson, up to $300 for the business owner, and referral to the State Comptroller’s office for repeat offenders. In all five incidents, civil citations were issued to both the clerk selling and the owner or operator of the store.
Tobacco compliance operations will continue in fiscal year 2020. Before visits begin each year, vendors receive a packet of educational materials which contains training information for employees and promotional materials to make customers aware of tobacco laws. Every vendor also receives a letter that notifies them of the law, penalties for violation of the law, and the start date of local compliance visits.
“The goal of our compliance operations is to have the salespersons confirm proof of age before making a sale,” said Health Education and Outreach Program Director, Kendra McLaughlin. “We are trying to catch vendors doing the right thing.” Research demonstrates that more than 80% of tobacco users started using before they were 18 years old, so preventing tobacco sales to minors is one barrier to youth tobacco initiation.
Students participants are under eighteen years old at the time of the operation and receive training from health department staff and law enforcement officers about the compliance check procedures. Students who enter a store to purchase tobacco are under observation of a law enforcement officer. If an illegal sale is completed the officer will interview the clerk to determine possible penalties.
For more information about tobacco compliance, contact the health department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111. Funds from the Maryland Department of Health Tobacco Enforcement grant support the Compliance Check Program.
Jul 1, 2019
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) organizes an annual conference called the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL). Every year for the past 34 years, at the University of Maryland-College Park, hundreds of college women join AAUW for three days of leadership education and training designed to propel their future careers and drive change on their campuses and in their communities.
Held May 29-June 1 this year, the attendance at NCCWSL was almost 1,000 students, which included 4 students from Garrett College and Frostburg State University. The local students were supported by AAUW-Garrett Branch, AAUW-Garrett College Student Chapter, and AAUW-Frostburg State Student Chapter. Haley Lowdermilk and Samantha Michaels, who graduated in May from Garrett College, and Bethany Beeghly, who graduated in May from Frostburg State University, are residents of Garrett County. In addition, Kiara Oliva, Calvert County, MD, attended NCCWSL and is a rising Senior at Frostburg State University. Judy A. Carbone, President of AAUW-Garrett Branch and the 2019 AAUW-Maryland Woman of Distinction, was also in attendance for part of the conference.
This year’s NCCWSL featured a showing and discussion of the documentary “RBG”, an Academy-Award-nominated documentary that follows the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; multiple workshops and panels on leadership development, professional development, women’s issues, and identity and diversity; keynote addresses by Roxanne Gay, author of “Bad Feminist Hunger”, and Dr. Terarai Trent, an internationally recognized voice for global education and women’s empowerment; and the Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony. National AAUW Women of Distinction included Jane Marie Chen, co-founder of Embrace Innovations; Sandra Kim, founder of the popular websites Everyday Feminism and Re-Becoming Human Together; Lauren Simmons, the youngest Equity Trader on the New York Stock Exchange; and Ashley Neil Tipton, the only plus-sized designer ever to win Project Runway.
Also recognized at the Women of Distinction Ceremony was Judy Carbone, the 2019 Maryland Woman of Distinction. Her message to the student audience was to “use your voice and demand to be heard,” encouraging them to take risks and speak their truth, even when it was not a popular opinion. She spoke about her experience as a local political candidate last year and all she gained from the experience even though she was not elected.
This is the second consecutive year that Mountain Maryland has been represented at NCCWSL. The young women who attended echo the description of last year’s local attendees, describing it as an empowering event. Says Haley Lowdermilk of her experience, “it was incredibly inspiring. I learned a lot about my self-confidence not only as a woman but also as a person who knows what they deserve in their career. I will take all the tips given on self-care and ways to jump start my career while still in college forward with me.”
Sammy Michaels states, “getting the chance to attend NCCWSL was an inspirational and empowering opportunity. Listening to each individual’s personal story fueled my motivation to create the future I want for myself. For me, NCCWSL was full of career advice, but most importantly life experience. There was something for every woman to take away from the event, and I believe it is an important step in understanding how we can be the change we wish to see in the future.” Both Sammy and Haley plan to be active in the AAUW-Frostburg State Student Chapter, of which Kiara Oliva will be President, when they start classes in the fall.
Bethany Beeghly, who was a founding member and the President of the AAUW-Frostburg State Student Chapter before her graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, says, “attending NCCWSL was an emboldening experience! Spending almost 4 days with such passionate and fierce individuals was rewarding as well as inspiring. Being there gave me hope that we can make a change today for a better tomorrow! I am thankful for the opportunity have been a part of the national conference hosted by AAUW!”
AAUW-Garrett Branch hopes to be a part of sending even more local women to NCCWSL in the future and will begin to fund raise for it this summer. Judy Carbone stresses that “supporting our local women become strong leaders will benefit all of us and help us reduce gender inequities in pay, positions, and political representation that women experience now in Garrett County as well as nationally. We at the Branch are so proud of the young women who attended NCCWSL this year from our local colleges and hope even more can attend next year.”
NCCWSL was born in 1983, when representatives from national gender equity organizations saw the need for a leadership space dedicated to empowering collegiate women. Since then, AAUW has taken the helm of the conference and NCCWSL has transformed into an essential experience for any woman serious about creating meaningful impact on her campus, mobilizing her community, and preparing for personal and professional success after graduation.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. Since its founding in 1881, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic and political. The Garrett Branch of AAUW has been working since its creation in 1946 to bring strong women together for activities related to women’s empowerment in our community.
Today, the AAUW-Garrett Branch is active in a number of priority projects including post-secondary education scholarships for women, mentoring for middle school girls and leadership development for women. If you are interested in learning more about AAUW-Garrett Branch, please visit their Facebook page or call Judy Carbone, Branch President, at 301-616-5036.
Jul 1, 2019
The following full-time students of Garrett College have been named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester according to Dr. Qing Yuan, Dean of Academic Affairs. Academic requirements for this recognition are full-time degree- and certificate-seeking students who complete a semester’s work of 12 or more hours in college-level courses with the attainment of a grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 to 4.00.
Dean’s List students include: Eric N. Beitzel, Tatum N. Clevenger, Brady F. Fratz, Tosha L. Griffin, Cameron T. Hook, Teri L. Macomber, and Samantha A. Michaels, Accident; Kendra S. Friend, Haley D. Lowdermilk, Natalie D. Manges, Michael S. Nugent, and Lauren C. Porter, Friendsville; Olivia G. Bennett and Emily M. Nichols, Frostburg; Jacob C. Anderson, Trevor D. Byler, Austin W. Buckel, Cassidy N. Mark, and Leighanna G. Wilhelm, Grantsville; Meghan L. Brady, Kitzmiller; Merlon W. Devine II, La Plata; Marlee L. Shumate, Lonaconing; Carly M. Rodeheaver and Jordan C. Sherbin, McHenry; Seth A. Adams, Alexander H. Baker, Danika Y. Dawson, Sydney E. Friend, Zackary S. Harvey, Destiny D. Jackson, Stephen M. Jones, Mark A. Kisamore, Alexis D. Kulcsar, Angelica M. Michaels, Jacquelyn L. Morgan, Tori R. Neece, Charles E. Olsson, and Olivia M. Robinette, all of Oakland: Colleen P. Kemp, Salisbury; Kayla E. Keplinger, Smithsburg; Aryssa D. Corby and Zachary K. Friend, Swanton; Tierra L. Jones, Waldorf; Alexis B. Sneed, Mansfield, Ohio; Alexander J. Barkley and Brooke G. Bennett, Confluence, Pa.; Jadyn O. Brugler, State College, Pa.; Audrey E. Kopich, Uniontown, Pa.; Nathan W. Shallcross and Steven R. Shallcross, Washington, Pa.; Dreama L. Tennant, Fairmont, W.Va.; Kristy L. Goff, Terra Alta, W.Va.; Marin Lisica, Split, Croatia; Reyhan M. Lebon, Saint Denis, Reunion; Strahinja Ivic, Belgrade, Serbia; and Jose M. Vitale Perez, Carabobo Valencia, Venezuela.
Full-time degree-and certificate-seeking students who complete a semester’s work of 12 or more hours in college-level courses and earn a GPA of 3.00 to 3.49 are named to the Honors List. The following students are recognized for this accomplishment:
Stephanie R. Bryner and Paige N. Redmond, Accident; Sharatia L. Jefferson and Jordan A. Knox, Baltimore; Kayley J. Sisler, Friendsville; Emily L. Blubaugh and Bailey N. Burdock, Frostburg; Garrett A. Beaulieu, Olivia R. Bonitz, Philip A. Checkes, Adam J. Crayton, Sandy L. Fazenbaker, Kaneena D. Felicia, Samantha B. Kennell, Charity H. Moser, Allison N. Ruff, Larissa M. Savage, and Kody J. Schmidt, Grantsville; Dezmon P. Gladney, Lusby; Gary A. Ouellette, McHenry; Alexis K. Skipper and Isaiah C. Skipper, Mountain Lake Park;
Andrew G. Adams, Jasmine M. Heath, Zachary D. Hinebaugh, Alec J. Horner, Quinn C. Iden, Casandra A. Kinzey, Lynsey A. King, Megan N. Koziarski, Brandon D. Mersing, Joseph C. Mousch Jr., Isaiah C. Taylor, Matthew L. Thomas, and Khristyn L. Towles, Oakland; Diana G. Burch, Thurmont; Myles Tinsley, Washington, D.C.; Hunter A. Witmer, Greencastle, Pa.; Vanessa J. Lytle, Rockwood, Pa.; Andrew W. Price, Salisbury, Pa.; Inga E. Haglund, Springs, Pa; Drew H. Keller, Gore, Va.; Hayley D. Lawrence, Pamplin, Va.; Tanner D. George, Winchester, Va.; Daniel O. Osafo, Woodbridge, Va.; and Micah C. Wotring, Aurora, W.Va.
Part-time degree- and certificate-seeking students who complete a semester’s work of six or more hours in college-level courses and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher are named to the Merit List.
These students include: Michael J. Biser and Kasey L. Drummond, Accident; Robert A. Abramowitz, Frederick; Abigail J. Sisler, Friendsville; Hollie G. McComas and Rebecca A. Meyers, Grantsville; Trista A. Aronhalt, Sarah L. Beckman, Ashely N. Doerr, Alexis V. Harvey, Caleb M. Marsh, Michaela I. McCrobie, Amanda L. Mersing, Lauryn M. Moon, Kaylin F. Paugh, Chelsie L. Pritt, Brandon T. Rohrbaugh, Lane R. Savage, and Jessica N. Schreck, of Oakland; Cara M. Bittinger, Rawlings; Sophia L. Newman and Susan E. Rexroad, Swanton; Kyle L. Armistead, Stephens City, Va.; Lisa L. Ketterman, Points, W.Va., and Justin W. Hardesty, Terra Alta, W.Va.
Part-time degree- and certificate-seeking students who complete a semester’s work of six or more hours in college-level courses and earn a semester GPA of 3.00 to 3.49 are named to the Recognition List. The following students are cited for this accomplishment:
Miranda M. Nealis, Accident; Lyndsay D. Moreland, Bloomington; Zachary B. Burgess, Morgan A. Carr, Emily N. Mayle, and Michael A. Mosser, Oakland; Tess K. Nichols, Sykesville; Briana H. Stevens and Jessica N. Wiles, Terra Alta, W.Va.
Jul 1, 2019
Addictions counseling, a relatively new program available at Garrett College, was developed to address the ever-growing opioid and substance abuse crisis, at both the regional and national level.
Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 23 percent nationwide and 20.7 percent in Maryland from 2016 through 2026, according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
Garrett College’s program is designed for students who plan to qualify as a certified supervised alcohol and drug counselor (CSC-AD) and enter the workforce after completing a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in addictions counseling.
The program meets a Maryland state requirement that CSC-ADs have an associate’s degree or higher in a human services counseling field that includes 24 college credits in addiction- and counseling-related coursework and a six-credit field placement. Prospective students that already possess a degree in a health or human services counseling field and that need 24 credit hours of alcohol and drug counselor training may also enroll in program courses.
“The program culminates with a hands-on fieldwork practicum, stated Lucy Manley, GC’s associate dean for academic affairs. “This is not only required for state certification, but also provides a semester-long, practical, hands-on experience to prepare students for careers as drug and alcohol counselors in a variety of settings.”
Prospective individuals who are either considering enrolling in the degree program this coming fall, or preparing for state certification, are strongly encouraged to take the online pre-requisite course – PSY286 Drugs & Human Behavior – during GC’s summer session beginning June 12th.
“Whether students are looking to begin the addictions counseling program this coming fall, or desire to obtain a Maryland state certification, this pre-requisite course is required,” said Mike Tumbarello, GC’s director of enrollment management. “Contact the Admissions office today to enroll and register in time for the start of summer session the week of June 12th.”
Students can also pursue the AAS degree as a foundation for transferring to a four-year institution.
Garrett received approval by the Maryland Higher Education Commission last fall to offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in addictions counseling.
For additional information on the addictions counseling program, or to register for the summer pre-requisite course, contact the GC Admissions Office at 301-387-3044 or visit us online at www.garrettcollege.edu.