July 2024 Forage Center Coastal Promise Humanitarian Simulation, Swanton, MD
The Forage Center(Forage Center) for Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Education, Inc. held its annual Coastal Promise Humanitarian Simulation July12-14,2024, in Swanton, Maryland. This was the fourth field exercise the Forage Center has held in Garrett County. The overall objective of the simulation was to prepare students for careers in humanitarian response and peacebuilding.
The event reenacted conditions of a humanitarian crisis created by the convergence of a natural disaster and internal conflict. The exercise included nearly 40 role players and students. Graduate student participants in the exercise came from U.S. institutions including George Mason University, University of North Carolina/Greensboro, University of North Carolina/Wilmington, and Stockton University. In addition to the student participants, role players in the exercise came from Forage Center staff, program alumni, and students from Allegany College of Maryland. Several role players volunteered from the local Garrett County community.
“This year’s exercise was a huge success. The varied background of the students and staff gave us a chance to tap into diverse perspectives and creative solutions, hopefully paving the way for more humanitarians,” said this year’s co-Exercise Director Heather Payne.
The need for well-trained professionals working in humanitarian response has never been greater. The United Nations reported that 114 million individuals were forcibly displaced due to war, conflict, and natural disasters at the end of 2023, which is expected to rise to 140 million in 2024. These numbers continue to grow because of conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and other parts of the world. In addition, many are fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries and continue to seek entry to the U.S., resulting in a humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. And everywhere, climate change has brought about natural disasters resulting in the need to see to the needs of those displaced.
The Forage Center wishes to extend its appreciation to the many Garrett County individuals and businesses that supported our effort including Stop ‘n Save, Brenda’s Pizzeria, Lowe’s, Mankamyer Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, Simon Pearce, Moonshadow Restaurant and Bar, and St. John’s Lutheran Church Meadow Mountain.
For Garrett County resident Robert Pattison, the Aspiring Nurse Program at Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is helping him achieve his dreams and further his career.
Pattison is employed both full-time as an ER technician at GRMC and a paramedic for Garrett County Emergency Services. For him, caring for others has always been his passion.
Prior to that, Pattison worked for commercial ambulance services, seeing many different hospitals. After gaining this experience, he knew he wanted to work in a small community hospital.
“Working in a small community hospital allows me the opportunity to work with a small knit of people who share the same goal of treating our patients like family,” Pattison said. “Serving the citizens in the area where I grew up is a privilege.”
On top of working full-time and being a husband and a father, Pattison is also enrolled as a full-time nursing student at Allegany College of Maryland (ACM).
“After receiving an email from ACM, I immediately applied for the Aspiring Nurse Program,” states Pattison. “I believed this program could not only help me financially, but also jump start my career at GRMC.”
Earlier this year, both GRMC and ACM collaborated as partners to join WVU Medicine’s Aspiring Nurse Program, which provides financial and human-centered support to nursing students enrolled at select schools in West Virginia and neighboring regions. Nursing students accepted into the program will receive up to $25,000 over the course of their study, including a sign-on bonus upon hire in exchange for a three-year work commitment following graduation.
To be eligible for the program, prospective students must be admitted and actively enrolled at a school with a formal Aspiring Nurse Program partnership with WVU Medicine, such as ACM. Candidates must apply and take part in an interview with GRMC nursing leadership.
GRMC’s caring and supportive team environment has been vital to Pattison’s journey so far.
“I am surrounded by people that care about my success and check in on me often,” added Pattison. “The program really gave me the confidence boost most students need around the third semester by giving me the sense that an employer is truly interested in me.”
The program is specifically designed to support students for up to 2 years of pre-licensure RN programs. RN-to-BSN programs, LPN programs, and graduate programs are not eligible to participate. Current WVU Medicine employees are also eligible to apply for the program.
“Garrett Regional Medical Center is very excited to be participating with Allegany College of Maryland in the Aspiring Nurse Program,” said Kendra Thayer, Chief Nursing Officer at GRMC. “We want to support our nursing staff as much as possible; they play a critically important role in today’s healthcare environment. Helping mentor nurses through the process of getting the training needed and beginning the process of providing care is a plus for everyone – the hospital, the new nursing staff members, and most importantly the patient.”
Pattison encourages others to apply and obtain more information about the program.
“Students that have a desire to serve their community can have a rewarding career right here in their own hometown,” he said. “Why not take the chance and have your future employer invest in you!”
For more information on the program or the application process, including how to apply, contact Jackie Bittinger, Regional Recruiter, at jacquelyn.bittinger@wvumedicine.org or call 304-598-4000.
With public education spending in the U.S. reaching over $16,000 per pupil each year, the personal finance website WalletHub today released its report on the States with the Best & Worst School Systems in 2024, as well as expert commentary, to help parents find the most worthwhile places to enroll their children.
WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 32 key measures of quality and safety. The data set ranges from the pupil-teacher ratio and dropout rate to median standardized test scores.
Quality & Safety of Schools in Maryland (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
Overall Rank: 3rd
28th – Pupil-Teacher Ratio
13th – Median SAT Score
5th – Median ACT Score
26th – Dropout Rate
12st – Bullying Incidence Rate
11th – % of Threatened/Injured High School Students
The weather today will be scattered showers, with isolated thunderstorms in the morning, then showers and numerous thunderstorms in the afternoon–highs in the mid-70s and a low of 63. Southeast winds of around 5 mph. The chance of rain is 90%.
DHCD’s Office of Statewide Broadband has launched the BEAD broadband challenge process, starting July 16, 2024, with a deadline of August 15, 2024. Eligible participants include ISPs, local governments, and non-profits with a Costquest Broadband Fabric license. More details are available in the linked article.
We have a new listing in our marketplace: a custom dining table perfect for small spaces. This elegant piece features a beautiful wrought iron base and a light brown chalk-painted solid wood top, combining style and durability. With dimensions of 68 inches long, 26 inches wide, and 31.5 inches high, it’s an ideal addition to any cozy dining area. Check it out under the “Furniture” category.
Catch the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus on July 26 at 6:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College! Founded in 1995, Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, Inc. celebrates America’s circus, sideshow, and vaudeville traditions. They produce original shows and festivals, support emerging artists through events like the Bindlestiff Open Stage Variety Show, and offer high-quality circus arts education.
At the June 22, 2024, POA meeting, a DNR executive claimed renting private docks on Deep Creek Lake is legal, which the Policy and Review Board (PRB) disputes. This issue will be discussed at the PRB meeting on July 29, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Garrett College’s PAC Conference Center. Please RSVP, and we will notify you if the venue changes.
DCAB hosts the W.A.W. Bicycle Show on August 3! Show off your human-powered or pedal-assist bicycle at the “Wings & Wheels Fly-In” event. All bikes and ages are welcome to participate and display their rides at our inaugural show.
High school students interested in nature and the outdoors can spend a week learning about careers from forestry to wildlife at the Natural Resources Career Camp, July 21-27!
Deep Creek Pottery’s Make a Mug Monday lets you create a cool mug from a slab of clay! Texture the mug and select your glaze when finished.
Honi-Honi Bar features live music by Matt Tichon & Co, performing popular tunes on piano and acoustic guitar.
DCAB offers a FREE Intermediate Group MTB Ride every other Monday this summer! Meet tonight at 6:00 PM in the upper lot (by the pool); ride starts at 6:15 PM and returns by 7:30 PM.
Friday, July 19, Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, 2024: The weather today will be sunny. Isolated showers in the afternoon, with highs in the mid-80s. Except in the upper 70s at the higher elevations. East winds of around 5 mph, becoming south in the afternoon. The chance of rain is 20%. Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon–highs in the mid-70s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. The chance of rain is 50%. Sunday will be mostly sunny—highs in the lower 80s.
HUD recently previewed proposed rule changes to modernize the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), aiming to expand funding access, clarify rules, simplify requirements, enhance rental assistance, and promote green building. This program is vital for affordable housing initiatives. For details and feedback submission, visit HUD’s HOME Proposed Rule page. Comments are due by July 29, 2024.
The Maryland Producer Cold Storage Grant Program assists farmers and watermen in purchasing essential cold storage equipment. Applications opened on June 14, 2024, with a deadline of August 30, 2024. MARBIDCO will match up to 50% of project costs, with a grant award range from $500 to $2,000, requiring a minimum project or equipment purchase size of $1,000.
The Garrett County Government announces new funding for the Agriculture Marketing Grant (AMG) Program to support local agriculture-based businesses and associations. This program promotes the region’s agricultural heritage, enhances economic stability, and boosts market competitiveness. Applications open today, July 19, 2024.
Welcome our newest advertiser! Go Go Gelato serves homemade gelato and Italian ice to-go. They have a mobile food truck and a self-serve stand at the Route 560 Market.
The Allegany County Fair continues this weekend! Don’t miss the fantastic FIREWORKS display tonight, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Allegany County Fairgrounds, sponsored by Breezeline!
The 2024 Nourishing Neighbors Mobile Market & Resource Exchanges is happening today at 20701 Bethel Drive, SW, Lonaconing! Food distribution starts at 11:00 AM on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to 100 boxes. Participants must complete a screener to receive a box.
It’s Local’s Day at Deep Creek Farmers Market! The first 30 customers with a Garrett County ID get $10 in free “market bucks.” Support local vendors and enjoy fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and more.
Mark your calendars for the “Skyhoundz” Classic World Canine Disc Championship Series this weekend at Lions Club Ball Park in Accident, MD, next to the HART Animal Center. Enjoy free admission for spectators and grab snacks and drinks from HART volunteers!
What are your plans tonight at 7:00 PM? Enjoy some FREE live music as Replay performs at the Little Yough Summer Music Festival at Mountain Fresh Pavilion!
Celebrate Maryland Farmers Market Buy Local Week with Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets from July 19-28, 2024! Support local farmers and enjoy the freshest produce Maryland has to offer.
Celebrate all things Polish this Polska Saturday! Enjoy food, music, and fun from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. “Vibrations Band” from Uniontown, PA will provide polkas and more. Decorate a pierogi magnet and join in on the games!
Don’t miss Drew Harrison: In the Spirit of Lennon this Saturday at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College! This tribute to John Lennon captures his intensity and honesty, spanning his Beatles years to his solo work. With his natural Lennon voice, Drew has been sharing John’s music and stories for nearly two decades in a heartfelt, emotionally charged performance.
Edward Jones Night Golf kicks off tonight at 7:30 PM at Oakland Golf Club! Reserve your spot now – only 10 teams can participate!
The Community Health Outreach Workers in Health Education and Outreach at the Garrett County Health Department promote health messages throughout the county to encourage wellness and the prevention of risky behaviors so that residents live longer, healthier lives. This is accomplished by emphasizing messages that promote healthy eating and physical activity and that prevent or reduce the misuse of tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs.
Katie Lucas is one of the Maryland Certified Community Health Workers in the Health Education and Outreach division. She has been with the Health Department for more than two years and is currently serving the communities of Swanton, Bloomington, Loch Lynn, Mountain Lake Park, and Oakland.
As an Outreach Worker, Katie assists local businesses with providing worksite wellness opportunities for employees, where she brings in the prevention message for the month, offers blood pressure checks, maps out walking trails, sets up challenges that employees can complete to win prizes, and promotes healthy behaviors to help build up workplace morale.
“We never know how much of an impact we can have on someone else,” Katie said. “In November, we shared a success story from one of my worksites, “One Woman’s Journey towards Better Health,” and we have gotten a lot of positive feedback from it. The takeaway message is, “today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want.”
Mtn. Lake Partners is one of four health department-sponsored community planning groups throughout the county that host fun, educational activities for families and residents of all ages.
“Mtn. Lake Partners is a new group that I helped get started,” Katie said. “It has been a big success thanks to our wonderful members for answering the call to help their community.” Some activities that Mtn. Lake Partners have offered are Bowling Night, Let Summer Begin, and historic walks through Mountain Lake Park.
“The new community planning group has been one of the best things to happen in my town of Mountain Lake Park. It has provided a wonderful opportunity for local residents interested in enhancing the quality of life in our community to come together, brainstorm and plan a wide variety of programs and activities, and then execute those plans. Their health-conscious, family-oriented events have been educational, informational, and perhaps most importantly, fun,” shared Mayor Don Sincell.
“We are always looking for new members, new ideas, new ways to bring the community together,” Katie added. “Feel free to come to our meetings. The Mountain Lake Park Mayor and Town Council have been a big asset in helping us get our group going. They are very open to letting us host events and help us get the word out about making healthy choices.”
In her Outreach position, Katie has been helping Dietitian Amy Ritchie for the past two years. “I love to learn how to help show support to our community through being healthy and living a better lifestyle,” said Katie. “Amy has taught me so much about how to present and help people take control of their health. I love doing my job because of the joy I know it brings families,” Katie added. “I’m a big family person, and I love it when family and friends can strive to better themself in any way.”
Katie’s experience working with Amy has inspired her to pursue further education in nutrition, and she is currently working toward becoming a certified nutritionist.
If you, your community, or your workplace could benefit from collaboration with an Outreach Worker, contact Venessa Stacy at Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Southern High Fieldhouse, which will be located at the northern end of the football field’s endzone. Many individuals who were instrumental in making this project a reality, along with local dignitaries and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, were on site for the ceremony.
The Richard E. Stuck Fieldhouse will contain the Tom & Sara Kuhn Concession Area, the First United Bank Visitor Team Room, the WGW Community Youth Cup Home Team Room, and two sets of restrooms. Beitzel Excavating & Paving, LLC, is completing site prep work, and Beitzel Corp. will complete building construction. Representatives from each company attended the ceremony. Pending the permitting process’s timeliness, the building is projected to be completed in the Fall of 2024. The fieldhouse will be approximately 3500 sq. ft. upon completion.
The weather today will be mostly cloudy in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. Patchy fog in the morning, with highs in the mid-80s. Except in the upper 70s at the higher elevations. Northwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 65%.
The new Tools and Links page on Garrett County’s website offers quick access to resources our local business community frequently needs.
From the edge of an outcrop, view green mountains stretching from Pennsylvania to West Virginia. Overlook Cumberland, a transportation hub, with roads and rail lines visible below. Wills Mountain State Park, long inaccessible, will soon open to the public thanks to a Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition.
In June, the FHFA sought input on enhancing the FHLBanks’ Affordable Housing Program (AHP) application processes. Stakeholders urged improvements during FHFA’s FHLBank System at 100 review. FHFA invites written feedback on the RFI until August 19, 2024.
The diabetes epidemic affects thousands in Maryland due to factors like food insecurity and lack of education about healthy food. To address this, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield launched the “Place-Based Diabetes Grant Program.” Organizations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia working to combat diabetes are encouraged to apply by July 19.
Thousand Acres Golf Club was a blast! The event featured great golf in pristine conditions, with beautiful swings, stunning views, and a ton of fun. Check out the roundup for the Garrett County Junior Golf Tour’s Tournament 6.
Only 1 month until the I Donut Run Family Fun Day on August 18! Save the date for a local event filled with fun and donuts — there will be a 5k, a 0.5k and kids’ balance bike race and more! It’s a perfect day to get outside, get moving, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
Today marks the 7th day of the Allegany County Fair! Don’t miss the full schedule of events. Enjoy the captivating Marvelous Mutts show on the midway, with performances scheduled for 7:45 PM and 9:45 PM.
Open interviews for Dietary Assistants today! Drop by anytime between 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM at the GRMC board room, lower level near the cafeteria, to meet our hiring team.
There may be last-minute space at Smoke N Mirrors Photography for Friends and Couples Night in the Gallery. Enjoy five different wine pairings with light fare starting at 6:00 PM.
Experience Tiki Night at Firewater every Thursday at Firewater Kitchen & Bar from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with live music by Pan Jammin’.
Pursuant to the Maryland Education Code, the Board of Garrett County Commissioners “shall appoint a qualified individual to fill any vacancy in an elected member’s position on the [elected Board of Education] for the remainder of the term and until a successor is elected and qualifies”.
Following the resignation of Josh Hinebaugh in May 2024, The Board of Garrett County Commissioners has appointed Don Morin to serve as a board member of the Garrett County Board of Education. Mr. Morin will complete the unexpired term of office for Hinebaugh through 2026.
Garrett County Commissioner Ryan Savage expressed strong confidence in Mr. Morin’s abilities: “Don’s experience as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Garrett College, coupled with his role as founder and president of Garrett Container Systems, exemplifies his deep commitment to education and community development.”
Morin will attend the Garrett County Board of Education’s next scheduled public meeting on August 13, 2024.
The Garrett County Government is pleased to announce a new round of funding for the Agriculture Marketing Grant (AMG) Program. This grant program supports and promotes agriculture-based businesses and associations within Garrett County.
Local grant programs, such as the AMG, help sustain the agricultural heritage of the region, promote local products, and enhance the overall economic stability of the community. Such programs also encourage innovation, improve market access, and ensure that local businesses remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Each AMG award is up to $1,000, each, to cover up to 90% of the costs of eligible marketing or promotion projects including signage, banners, print, digital, and radio advertising, business cards, brochures, and rack cards, website revamps or updates, farmers market display items (e.g., canopies, tables, tablecloths), and promotional giveaway items.
“In today’s competitive market, effective marketing is crucial for the growth and sustainability of our local farms and farm-business community,” said Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development. “We are pleased to continue our commitment to our local businesses through the continuation of this program.”
For additional information and assistance with the application process, please contact Melissa Bolyard at (301) 334-7285 or via email at mbolyard@garrettcountymd.gov, or Kim Durst at (301) 334-1992 or via email at kdurst@garrettcountymd.gov.
Thousand Acres Golf Club was a blast today. Some great golf in pristine conditions. Beautiful swings, beautiful views, and a ton of fun. Great job to everyone out there!
In our Scheffler tour, we saw some great improvement from many of our players. Carter Bishoff came away with the win with a 42 over Jack Prell’s 50 with Nolan Luzier close behind with a 52. The Woods tour saw a shift in control over the past 2 weeks. Carter Goff pushed ahead with his 42 as well. Olivia Nichols and Keaton McKinnie both tied with a solid round of 46, with Olivia taking the 2nd Place spot in a card off. The Nicklaus Tour had a winner who was new to the podium. Andrew Mason drove in a strong 48 on a tough playing golf course. Meanwhile, Luke Brenneman and Amelia Bolden both came in with 54 with Amelia winning the card off for 2nd place. All around a fantastic and fun round to see with some tight competition.
Our Winners:
Scheffler Tour
1st Carter Bishoff
2nd Jack Prell
3rd Nolan Luzier
Woods Tour
1st Carter Goff
2nd Olivia Nichols
3rd Keaton Mckinnie
Nicklaus Tour
1st Andrew Mason
2nd Amelia Bolden
3rd Luke Brenneman
Congratulations to our Winners and great round to everyone! Check out the pictures and videos below. Also a little sneak peek of what it looks like behind the scenes during scoring time!
Wednesday, July 17, 2024: Today is World Emoji Day! Emoji, a Japanese expression, roughly means “picture word” and was created by Shigetaka Kurita in 1990. While working for the Japanese telecom company NTT Docomo, Kurita would design these picture words as a feature on their pagers to make them more appealing to teens. What’s your most frequently used emoji?
Mine emoji are: ☀️🤩⚠️🥰
The weather today will be mostly cloudy. Scattered showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon–highs in the upper 80s. Except in the upper 70s at the higher elevations. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. The chance of rain is 80%.
Some property owners members have noticed lower lake levels this year. According to Chris Nichols, lake level seem to be declining faster than in previous years, especially in shallow coves, mainly in the southern part of the lake. If you’ve recently acquired a docked boat, you may be surprised by how quickly the lake level can drop. However, check the linked article for a lake level graph and “rule band” information.
The ENOUGH Act targets concentrated poverty in marginalized Maryland communities, addressing higher crime rates and limited educational and economic opportunities. It partners with community organizations and non-profits to enhance quality of life. The ENOUGH Grant Program grant application deadline is July 19, 2024.
Hurry! Spots are filling up fast for Edward Jones Night Golf on July 20. Call now to reserve your place—limited to 10 teams!
Don’t miss the GRMC Foundation’s premier event on Wednesday, July 24, at the stunning Chanteclaire Farm. Limited tickets are available!
This week at Trout’s House Seafood, enjoy great deals on Grand Bay Alabama crab meat. Don’t forget to check out our Chicago steaks and burgers!
Here are today’s specials from our advertisers! Enjoy $2 off any Large Wedgie at Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakland for their Wedgie Wednesday! Visit Cashmere Clothing’s Facebook page for their Want it Wednesday promotion. Plus, indulge in Pasta Night at Ace’s Run Restaurant and Pub from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM—it’s the perfect night to let their chefs create your culinary masterpiece!
Available only this Wednesday night at MoonShadow~ Chef Jason’s Seafood Boil! 🍤🦀 Enjoy 1 lb of steamed crab legs with shrimp, crab claws, andouille sausage, corn, and potatoes! Reservations recommended.
If the weather forecast has you seeking indoor activities, join Deep Creek Axe Throwing Company for an axe-throwing session! 🪓
Deep Creek Pottery offers pottery wheel lessons every Wednesday at 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Limited to 2 people per session, you can create up to 3 pots with one hour of hands-on instruction, including all glazes and firings.
Catch Andy & Devo at Honi-Honi Bar! Enjoy the beats with Let’s Go members, and dance the night away on the dance floor!
The Stage Wisp Concert Series continues with The Remedy! Experience their timeless blend of original and classic rock favorites that appeal to all ages. With years of stage experience, The Remedy delivers high-energy performances sure to evoke nostalgia and entertain audiences from eight to eighty.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024: The weather today will be partly sunny. Numerous showers and scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon, with highs in the upper 90s. Except in the upper 80s at the higher elevations. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. The chance of rain is 60%.
Cornerstone Family Medicine is offering FREE High School Sports Physicals this summer! Don’t let the busy Fall sports season sneak up on you, call 301-533-1046 to schedule a sports physical for your high-schooler.
This year’s cover crop sign-up is from June 21 to July 17, 2024, at soil conservation district offices statewide. Maryland’s 2024-2025 Cover Crop Sign-Up Contact the Garrett County Soil Conservation office at 301-501-5886.
Reflection House is hosting a fundraising and public awareness campaign to support Garrett County’s First Residential Recovery House for Women. Their upcoming Walk for Recovery on September 14 offers a 2-mile trail route or 1-mile paved course, inviting everyone to join and unify the community. The event aims to raise awareness and combat the stigma of substance use disorder, promoting the message that behavioral health is crucial to overall well-being and recovery is possible. Register for the walk!
Extreme heat endangers adults over 60, infants, children, pregnant individuals, those with chronic diseases, and outdoor workers. Check on vulnerable people to ensure they stay cool. For safety tips, see the linked article. Heat Wave Hits Garrett County.
Polska Polish Pottery of Deep Creek Lake hosts a weekly Tuesday Scavenger Hunt for local charities! Sign up your team (max 20 teams) for a fun competition starting at 9:30 AM (teams can start until 6 PM) at Polska Polish Pottery at Dry Dock Plaza (next to McDonald’s). Teams have two hours to complete tasks and earn points, with prizes for the top 3 teams awarded at 9:30 AM on Wednesday. Team costumes are encouraged! All fees go to Reflection House.
Take a 4-mile hike with Ranger Noah on Take a Hike Tuesday and enjoy the benefits of outdoor exercise.
Embark on a Herp Hike led by a naturalist to encounter native reptiles and amphibians. Great for all ages! Meet on the Discovery Center deck.
What’s dueling pianos? If this question has crossed your mind, you’re not alone. Dueling pianos is a captivating form of entertainment that blends music, comedy, and audience participation.
Join us at Brodaks Banquet Hall on August 17th (doors open at 7 PM) as we present the Flying Ivories Dueling Pianos! What you will experience is two custom-built black pianos battling to be the best and most entertaining. The artists will belt out an all-request, rock and roll singalong while you and your guests dance, hoot, holler and even join them on stage for a show that’s part music, part comedy and all fun. The best part, these performers will donate ALL of their tips to Garrett Lakes Arts Festival as our largest annual fundraiser of the year!
From Billy Joel to Aretha Franklin, from Sinatra to Metallica, from Johnny Cash to Katy Perry, they’ve got us all covered!
So bring some cash, bring your list of song requests, and your dancing shoes and come have a fun filled night that you will never forget!
Sponsorships are still available for the Dueling Piano performance!
$100 Key Sponsor includes 1 ticket and inclusion in program.
$250 Note Sponsor includes 2 tickets, inclusion in program and social media mentions.
$500 Bench Sponsor includes 4 tickets, inclusion in program, social media mentions, paper event poster, and announced at event.
$1000 Grand Piano Sponsor includes 10 tickets (table) with preferred seating, inclusion in program, social media mentions, paper event poster, and announced at event.
Five students recently completed the classroom portion of the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program at Garrett College. Pictured, left to right, are (seated) Brittany Burns (Oakland), Hanna Yutzy (Friendsville), Wisteria Uber (Swanton), (standing) Instructor Lindaly Stewart, Brianna Wilt (Grantsville), Rebecca Younkin (Friendsville), and Instructor Bridgette Friend.
Five students recently completed the classroom portion of the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program at Garrett College. They are now working to complete their final externship hours before sitting for the CCMA national certification.
The CCMA program – which takes nearly a year to complete – consists of 426 hours of classroom and lab time, followed by 120 hours of externship. During the externship, students work with experienced medical assistants and phlebotomists in the field.
After externship completion, students are eligible to earn three national certifications through the National Healthcareer Association. They do so by sitting for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exams.
“We’re very proud of our first-attempt certification pass rates,” said Program Coordinator Doug Beitzel. “We continue to maintain 95 percent pass rates over the last nine years we have offered this program, while the national average is 84 percent.”
Beitzel said the College is adjusting its program format to reduce the amount of time students are required to be on campus to one day a week. The other two sessions most weeks will be on Zoom and can be done from home, according to Beitzel.
“We tested that format this year, and it seems to work well,” Beitzel said. “We plan to fully implement this for the next class beginning in the fall.”
Certified Clinical Medical Assistants are versatile healthcare professionals who are engaged in a variety of tasks in a medical office or hospital. Certified Medical Assistants can be found in a number of healthcare settings, including nursing homes, medical centers, laboratories, and hospitals.
“These professionals are involved in the clinical and administrative aspects of a hospital or practice,” explained Beitzel. “Clinical medical assistants help doctors and nurses by preparing examination rooms, taking and monitoring patient vital signs, interviewing patients for medical histories, preparing patients for X-rays, and assisting in medical procedures such as the administration of electrocardiograms.”
Clinical medical assistants are allowed to perform more advanced duties such as drawing blood, administering injections and medications, and properly disposing of biohazards, added Beitzel.
Scholarship money is now available, and orientation dates are being set up for the fall program starting in September. Registrations are currently being accepted with limited space available.
Classes are slated to run Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9:15 p.m. with Mondays being in person at Garrett College’s Beitzel Career Technology Training Center in Accident.
