College, Foundation, donors combine on OER effort

Aug 30, 2019

Garrett College, the Garrett College Foundation and a private donor couple are combining to fund an initiative to drastically reduce student textbook costs.

The college and foundation, along with part-time Garrett County residents Lori Richards and Ken Newbaker, are teaming up to provide $15,000 annually over the next two years to fund creation of Open Educational Resources (OERs) by Garrett College faculty.  OERs are online resources, available to students at free or dramatically reduced costs, which can replace traditional textbooks and other course materials.

Garrett College has applied for a matching OER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).  Whether the ARC grant is funded or not, GC President Richard Midcap said the college and foundation will move forward with the initiative thanks in part to the donation by Lori Richards and Ken Newbaker.

“The first wave of OERs, created by Garrett College faculty, have saved our students over $100,000 just in the last two years,” noted Dr. Midcap.  “The challenge is that faculty have to expend a considerable amount of time outside of regular hours to convert their courses to OERs.

“Many support materials that faculty receive from textbook publishers – test banks, assessment plans, auxiliary materials – must be produced by faculty members when they convert to OERs,” explained Dr. Midcap.  “The most effective – and most fair – way to accelerate this process is to compensate faculty to develop these resources.”

Funding from the college and the foundation – along with Richards and Newbaker – will help accomplish that goal.

“We’re very excited about this initiative,” said Richards, who indicated she and Newbaker researched how expensive and problematic the current system of funding course materials can be for students.  “We’re thrilled about the partnership between the college, the foundation, and hopefully ARC, and to be able to help.”

“The generosity and caring for our students by Lori and Ken is deeply appreciated by the Foundation,” said Cherie Krug, executive director of the Garrett College Foundation.  “With the burden of rising textbook costs, this gift will help to move our students toward being able to realize their dreams of a debt-free higher education.”

“I appreciate the support of the foundation, as well as the commitment from Lori and Ken, to fund an initiative that has such far-reaching potential,” added Dr. Midcap.

The OER initiative, assuming the matching ARC grant, will fund the development of 35 OER-supported courses over the next two years at Garrett College.

Lt. Governor, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Celebrate Grand Opening of Wolf Den Run State Park

Aug 30, 2019

Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford today joined Maryland Department of Natural ResourcesSecretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, as well as parks staff and state and local elected officials, for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Wolf Den Run State Park, the newest state park in Maryland.

Located in Kitzmiller, Garrett County, Wolf Den Run is the first state park to offer off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. The lieutenant governor was also joined by Senator George Edwards, Delegate Wendell Beitzel, County Commissioners James Hinebaugh, Larry Tinchnell, and Chairman Paul Edwards, County Administrator Kevin Null, Kitzmiller Mayor Robert Reckhart, and James Ratino, President of the Maryland Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance.

“Maryland’s state parks are very dear to my heart, which is why I am so honored to be here today to celebrate and officially cut the ribbon on our newest state park, Wolf Den Run,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “In addition to traditional recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting, thrill-seeking visitors to Wolf Den Run State Park will be able to enjoy 12.5 miles of off-highway vehicle trails.”

“Since acquiring this spectacular property in 2017, our staff and volunteers — with valuable input from the public — have worked diligently to bring Wolf Den Run State Park to fruition,” Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “We are proud that we were able to preserve nearly 2,000 acres of land that will be an asset to the region, providing quality recreational opportunities including biking, fishing, hiking, hunting, and off-road vehicle trails.”

The Maryland Park Service hopes to open a total of nearly 50 miles of OHV trails in the future. Other future additions planned for the park include a vehicle maintenance shop and visitor check-in area. As part of the clean-up and preparation for this park, the department removed about five tons of trash and debris. The department also set aside 20 percent of the Huckleberry Rocks area for conservation of sensitive habitats, and future park planning will prioritize the protection of riparian areas along three trout streams and the North Branch of the Potomac River.

Like many of Maryland’s state parks, Wolf Den Run is rich in history. The name comes from the prominent stream, Wolf Den Run, which is located within the park boundary and empties into the north branch of the Potomac River. Additionally, the land was mined by the Wolf Den Coal Company around the turn of the century.

In addition to Wolf Den Run, Lt. Governor Rutherford today also visited Big Run State Park in Swanton and Dans Mountain State Park in Lonaconing. All three park visits were part of Rutherford’s #LGStateParkBucketList initiative, which the lieutenant governor started to highlight the natural beauty and recreation and exploration opportunities offered at Maryland’s many state parks.

Chamber to Host Welcome Reception for New Garrett College Students

Aug 30, 2019

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Task Force is partnering with Garrett College to host a welcome reception for all new students who will be attending Garrett College this fall. The Chamber will throw out the welcome mat and introduce the students to Garrett County at the Deep Creek Lake State Park. Through Wisp Resort’s activities center at the park, the students will have access to kayaks, paddleboards and the beach area. Pontoon boat tours of the lake will also be provided. The reception will be held on Friday, September 6 from 11:00 am to 2:00 p.m.

“We are excited to provide this opportunity to new students of Garrett College and new residents of Garrett County,” said Laura Fike, Workforce Development Task Force chair and Chamber board member. “We can showcase some of the fun activities in Garrett County and make these new students, some of whom are away from home for the first time, feel welcome.”

“Each year, more than 200 new students begin their college career at Garrett College,” said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president.  “Many of these students are new not only to the college but to the county, and I appreciate the Chamber’s continuing work to help us make our new students feel welcome.  Expanding the program to include all new students, including those who are from Garrett County, was a decision that will help an even larger number of students get off to a great start this fall.”

The Chamber sees other benefits to making the new students feel welcome. They believe that people are overlooking the fact that these students are prospective future employees and permanent residents.

“If the students grew up here then we want them to know we are glad they stayed and if they are from outside of the county then we want them to know that we’re excited they chose our community,” said Nicole Christian, Chamber president & CEO. “We want all of these young people to love being here in Garrett County and eventually become permanent residents and employees in our community,”.

A second phase of the welcome for the new students will include familiarization tours of the County. The first one is scheduled for September 13 and the students will be touring Swallow Falls and Wisp Resort.

The Workforce Development Task Force has been functioning for the last three years to identify the workforce challenges plaguing our businesses and has adopted a holistic approach to addressing the difficulties of strengthening and expanding our labor pool. They are focusing on four focus areas – Education/Training, Affordable Housing, Transportation and Child Care.

The declining and aging county population is having the greatest impact on the local workforce as it is reducing the number of prospective employees. Unfortunately, this is a growing trend among rural communities and no single panacea has been developed to combat the issue. However, the Chamber is hopeful that implementing initiatives like the Welcome Reception to attract new full-time residents will help address the problem.

Through the Task Force, the Chamber has also implemented the Work Ethic Diploma in partnership with Garrett County Public Schools to emphasize the value of a strong work ethic in our young people. The Work Ethic Diploma Program has 37 business partners. The Chamber of Commerce and Garrett County Public Schools presented Work Ethic Diplomas to 32 Class of 2019 graduates from Northern and Southern High Schools and hopes to see the number increase in 2020. More information can be found on the Chamber’s website at visitdeepcreek.com/pages/WorkEthicDiploma or by contacting Holly Lane,holly@garrettchamber.com or 301.387.6171.

Businesses who are members of the Garrett County Chamber and would like to join the Workforce Development Task Force should also contact Holly Lane.

Roots Offering Youth Yoga

Aug 28, 2019

Chris Herren: Prevention Starts With All Presentation

Aug 28, 2019

A nationally known motivational speaker is scheduled for a public presentation at Garrett College CARC on Monday, September 9^th at 7 p.m. He will also speak at both county high schools on the following day. Eighth-grade students from each middle school will attend the high school presentations.

Chris Herren, a basketball legend from Fall River, Massachusetts, was an All-American who broke scoring records and was recruited by the nation’s top colleges. Herren realized his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA when he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999 and then traded to his hometown team, the Boston Celtics, before losing his career and almost his family to the disease of addiction.

“In long term recovery since 2008, Herren inspires people to start the conversation about wellness and educate themselves about the disease of addiction,” says The Herren Project website. “It is his hope that strength will be found in the struggle, and communities will come TOGETHER to address the issue of a substance use disorder, advocate for effective treatment, and embrace the power of recovery.”

“We are bringing Chris Herren to Garrett County to help raise awareness about substance use disorder and remind everyone that it takes the entire community to combat this problem,” said Sadie Liller, Prevention Coordinator at the Garrett County Health Department. “We know that the longer we delay any type of substance use to the developing brain, the better the outcome is for the person.”

“Chris Herren’s story is very personal,” Liller said. “He will share his recovery journey in a brutally honest format, taking the audience on his journey from addiction to sobriety, addressing the themes of gateway drugs, prescription drug use, vaping and the responsibility of prevention starting with us all.”

Attendees are asked to wear purple in support of National Recovery Month and Project Purple.

“Project Purple combines National Recovery Month with a campaign to reduce the stigma of mental and substance use disorders,” said Bob Stephens, Garrett County Health Officer. Project Purple asks everyone to turn Garrett County purple by putting up banners, purple ribbons, purple lightbulbs, wearing purple clothes, and using #EndTheStigmaGC on marquees, etc.

For help finding community resources for mental health and substance use disorders, visit AddictionHappens.org, or call the Behavioral Health division of the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7680. The Chris Herren presentation is sponsored by the Garrett County Behavioral Health Authority, and grants from Behavioral Health Administration and the Health Resources and Services Administration. For more information about the presentation, contact Sadie Liller at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.

Know your insurance needs before arriving on campus

Aug 25, 2019

As college students return or go to campus for the first time this month, Maryland Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer, Jr. reminds them and their parents of the importance of insurance for college students away from home.

BacktoSchool.jpg“Insurance can be confusing,” Commissioner Redmer said. “Over the next few weeks, thousands of Maryland parents will be dropping their children off at college and unloading those laptops, furniture and electronics. Even if a student is a dependent under his or her parents’ insurance, that property may not be covered. Now is the time to consult an insurance professional to check on your insurance needs.”

This year, the Maryland Insurance Administration is making it easy for you to get smart about your insurance needs. Take a look at these quick tips before the school year begins:

Health

There are a few options for students looking to purchase health insurance. You may be able to continue coverage under your existing health benefit plan if you are still a dependent, or you may be able to purchase a new policy through your school or the Maryland Health Connection.

Existing Health Benefit Plans
If you are covered as a dependent under your parent’s or other guardian’s health benefit plan, you may be eligible to continue this coverage as long as you are under age 26. You should contact your carrier to find out if your plan will cover services in the area where you are attending school and if there are any additional steps you need to take to ensure coverage.

School

Students who do not have health insurance may opt to purchase a student health plan. Some schools will offer this during the registration process. Check with your institution to see what their process is.

Maryland Health Connection
Starting November 1, open enrollment begins for individual health policies. You can contact the Maryland Health Connection at 888-642-8572 for information on an individual policy, tax credits, or Medicaid enrollment. An individual health policy you sign up for during open enrollment will take effect on January 1. If you qualify for Medicaid, you can sign up at any time.

Once a student determines the appropriate option, it is important to make sure they understand their policy and what it covers and excludes. Take a look at our Health Insurance Shopping Tool on our website, www.insurance.maryland.gov, for more information.

Home

A student’s property, such as clothes and electronics, may be covered by their parents’ or legal guardian’s homeowners policy in the event of loss or damage. However, since the homeowners policy may limit what student property is covered or have a high deductible, if the student is living off campus, renters insurance should be considered. Renters insurance is an inexpensive form of coverage that protects your personal property and insures you in case someone is injured while at your property.

Regardless of where you decide to live, it’s a good idea to have a list of your belongings in case something happens. This list will help you and your parents determine how much insurance is needed, and it will provide an inventory in case you need to file a claim. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a home inventory app for iPhones and Androids and a simple-to-use printable home inventory checklist.

Auto

Maryland requires vehicle owners to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, which pays damages and injuries to someone else if you are found responsible for an accident you did not intentionally cause. Maryland also requires personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. It is always a good idea to check with your agent to see if you have enough coverage.

If you want coverage for damages to your car, you will need comprehensive and collision coverage. Collision coverage fixes damage caused when you hit something or if somebody hits you. Comprehensive coverage is for just about everything else.

You will need to purchase your own policy if your name is on the title for the vehicle but you may be able to stay on your parents’ policy if they own the vehicle and you are a listed driver.

Everyone has insurance needs even when you are just starting out. Your parents, family members and friends are great resources, but be sure to check our website or contact us for the most up to date information.

Overdose Awareness Day: A Time to remember loved ones and end overdose

Aug 23, 2019

Local communities around the world are coming together on August 31st to remember those who have died or suffered a permanent injury due to a drug overdose.

Observed on the 31^st of August every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.

The public is invited to participate in a local event on August 31^st, from 7 – 9 pm at Glades Park Pavilion at 10 Spruce Lane, Oakland, MD. The Stories of Hope & Candlelight Vigil is designed to raise awareness that overdose affects all walks of life and it is preventable. Resource tables will be available with information about prevention, treatment, recovery, support groups, etc.

In 2018, there were 747 IOAD events of all kinds, held in 38 countries, with people and communities coming together to raise awareness of one of the world’s most urgent public health crises – one that, unfortunately, is only getting worse.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s most recent World Annual Drug Report, 585,000 people around the world died as a result of drug use in 2017.

“The candlelight vigil is a touching way for families to remember a loved one they have lost, or who is still struggling with addiction,” said Sadie Liller, Prevention Coordinator at the Garrett County Health Department, and organizer for the event. “By coming together to remember them, we stand together to say that more needs to be done to end overdose in our community.”

The Stories of Hope will begin at 7:00 p.m. with three community members telling their stories. The candlelight vigil portion of the event will take place at the end of the evening. New this year will be a photo voice project, which depicts the stigma associated with addiction.

In addition, the event will be the kickoff for the Project Purple Campaign, designed to reduce the stigma of mental health and substance use disorders. Businesses, agencies, towns, communities, and individuals are asked to turn Garrett County purple by putting up banners, purple ribbons, purple lightbulbs, wearing purple clothes, and using #EndTheStigmaGC on marquees, etc.

Individuals can also support IOAD and Project Purple by posting appropriate pictures to their social media accounts and using #EndtheStigmaGC or #ItTakesUsAllGC. Posts must be marked as public to allow everyone to be able to see.

“Overdose can affect anybody and one of the messages of this day is that the people who overdose are our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters – they are loved and they are missed,” Liller said. “No family should ever have to go through the pain of losing a loved one because of overdose.”

International Overdose Awareness Day is organized by Penington Institute, an Australian not-for-profit. Locally, the event is partially funded by the Maryland Department of Health and SAMHSA. For more information visit bit.ly/oad2019, or call the health department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.

Leadership Garrett County seeking applicants for this year’s class

Aug 23, 2019

Garrett College Continuing Education & Workforce Development is accepting applications for the next class of future leaders.  Entering its fourth year, Leadership Garrett County is scheduled to begin on September 19^th.

Although Leadership Garrett County is open to anyone, organizers for this year’s class are seeking individuals of the community and surrounding area that demonstrate potential qualities and aptitude among future leaders.

The program is the result of a cooperative partnership between Garrett College and the Garrett County Department of Economic Development.

The ultimate goal of the program is for graduates to emerge as more informed, connected and effective managers, leaders and citizens, to ensure a bright future for Garrett County as the next generation of leaders in the county.

“Leadership Garrett County is dedicated to providing positive change by creating a network of future leaders that will impact the community in which they live, work and play,” stated Jodi McClintock, director of the program and business solutions at Garrett College.

The first session will begin on Thursday, September 19^th.  The class will meet once a month, with the exception of December.  The program will conclude in April.

As in the past, this year’s class will have the opportunity to learn from a variety of guest speakers and presenters throughout the duration of the program.  In addition to leadership programming content, the class will participate in on-site visits with various businesses within the Garrett County community.  Participants will gain first-hand knowledge of the many industries in the county, including education, government, manufacturing. and tourism.

Any organization wishing to sponsor an employee, or any individual wishing to apply, or inquire about a scholarship for the program should contact Jodi McClintock at Garrett College, at 301-387-3084 or jodi.mcclintock@garrettcollege.edu.

Stay Alert for School Buses

Aug 23, 2019

As the 2019-2020 school year gets underway, the Garrett County Traffic and Transportation Advisory Committee reminds everyone that motorists will be sharing the road with the big yellow buses. The first day of school for Garrett County students is on Monday, August 26th.

Motorists should pay close attention on roadways and designated school zones, especially in the mornings and afternoons when schools open and close. Maryland law requires all vehicles to come to a complete stop for stopped buses with activated red lights on both sides of the road if there is no physical divider or barrier.
In other words, if the bus is stopped with its red lights flashing motorists meeting or overtaking the bus are required to stop at least 20 feet from the bus in either direction. The only exception is when there is a physical barrier dividing a four-lane roadway, then only vehicles following the bus are required to stop.
According to the National Research Council, school buses are nearly eight times safer than passenger vehicles. Of the more than 800 students killed in the US each year going to and from school, only an average of seven students are killed in bus crashes.

The Maryland Highway Safety office reports that “the greatest risk is not when riding in the bus, but approaching or leaving the bus. While an average of seven school-age passengers are killed in school bus crashes each year, 19 are killed getting on and off the bus. Most of those killed are children, five to seven years old. They are hit in the Danger Zone (the 10 foot area) around the bus, either by a passing vehicle or by the school bus itself. It’s illegal for a vehicle to pass a bus with its red lights flashing.”

In an effort to keep school children safe, the Maryland State Police, Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland Natural Resources Police, and Oakland Police Department will each have additional patrols out to enforce traffic laws near schools and around school buses.