Myers Named to Garrett College’s Board of Trustees

Jul 22, 2021

New trustee is local business owner and 9^th-generation county resident

 Karen Myers, a ninth-generation Garrett Countian who serves as president of Mountaineer Log & Siding Company, is the newest member of the Garrett College Board of Trustees.

“I have endeavored to do my best to make the county better each year, so that my grandchildren and future generations have opportunities to grow up here, receive an excellent education and can choose to live and work here,” said Myers.

“When the opportunity presented itself,” continued Myers, “I felt that serving on the Garrett College Board of Trustees would further enable my aspirations for the next generations.”

Myers’ appointment by Governor Larry Hogan became effective July 1^st.  She replaces Vianne Bell, whose 16 years of board service included five terms as chair of the Board.  Bell most recently served as chair from 2014 to 2018.

“I want to thank Vianne for her long-time service to Garrett College as a Board member and her impressive leadership as Board chair,” said Don Morin, the current chair of the Board of Trustees.  “And I want to welcome Karen, whose business acumen and multi-generational commitment to Garrett College will prove valuable to both the Board and the College.”

Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president, said he is looking forward to “Karen’s unique understanding of both the county’s business and cultural environment, which will help Garrett College serve the economic and social needs of our community.”

Myers has served since 1979 as president of Mountaineer Log & Siding Company, Inc., which has furnished over 800 log home packages in the Mid-Atlantic area in its 42-year history.  She also works as an Associate Broker for Taylor Made Vacations & Real Estate as a buyer representative in the Garrett County/Deep Creek Lake market area.

Myers was president of Recreational Industries, which owned the Wisp Resort, from 2001 to 2012.  In that role, she was responsible for organizing and leading corporate board meetings, providing liaison between the owners and the general manager of Wisp Resort, legal issues, permitting, lobbying and participative public relations.

Myers, who served on the Board of Directors for First United Bank & Trust, also has an extensive history of community involvement and leadership.

She has served as president, vice president and member of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, as a member of the Maryland Economic Development Commission, and as president and director of the Garrett County Board of Realtors.

Myers also served on the Steering Committee of the Western Maryland Economic Development Task Force.

“I have served on many Boards and organizations, both in the financial services industry and economic development realm,” noted Myers.  “I like to think that I am a creative thinker.

“I don’t know all the issues that higher education faces,” added Myers, noting securing qualified faculty at competitive pay rates is likely high on the list.  “I hope to learn more about all of the issues so that I can participate in developing solutions.”

Myers indicated rural community colleges can serve particularly important roles in their communities.

“I believe that rural community colleges are integral for the local communities to serve their young people and adults,” Myers said, “both as preparatory to 4-year colleges and graduate programs as well as workforce training to assist local businesses to be able to hire skilled employees from the community.”

Myers also has an artist side, having been a member of the Garrett County Community Band, Garrett County Jazz Band, and the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival Board of Directors.

Myers has received numerous awards.  She was both Garrett County Woman of the Year and Garrett County Employee of the Year in 1996, Garrett County Golden Ambassador in 1999, and twice named to the Daily Record’s Top 100 Women of Maryland.

Notes: Morin and Dr. Brenda McCartney were reelected to their fourth one-year terms as chair and vice-chair, respectively, at the Board’s July 20^th meeting.

Road Closure Notice from CSX Transportation

Jul 21, 2021

ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE FROM CSX TRANSPORTATION -SWANTON ROAD 8/9-8/13/21

Are You Up For The Buy Local Challenge?

Jul 21, 2021

Delta Variant of COVID-19 Identified in Garrett County

Jul 20, 2021

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

The Garrett County Health Department was notified today that the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant has been confirmed in Garrett County.  The Maryland Public Health Laboratory conducts RNA sequencing on COVID-19 case specimens from across the state, and the Delta variant was found in a Garrett County specimen.  The variant was identified in Allegany County last week.

The World Health Organization and the CDC have labeled the Delta variant of COVID-19 as a variant of concern because it is spreading much more quickly and easily than other variants of the disease. The CDC reports that the Delta variant has been found to be particularly dangerous to those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against COVID-19, and preliminary data indicates that it may increase the risk of hospitalization.

Fortunately, studies show that all three available vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson – do provide protection against the Delta variant and help to prevent hospitalizations and deaths.

“It is now more important than ever that everyone who is eligible for the vaccine gets it,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens.

Vaccination rates for Garrett County residents are 46.1% for those 12+ and 74.3% for those who are age 65+.

The Garrett County Health Department has weekly clinics scheduled at their Oakland and Grantsville Offices throughout the summer, with Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccine available at each clinic.

Oakland Clinics

• Tuesdays at 1025 Memorial Drive
• 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grantsville Clinics

• Fridays at 28 Hershberger Lane
• 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Scheduling links through July are available at garretthealth.org. August links will soon be available. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are also welcome.

Volunteers Needed for 2021 Art & Wine Festival

Jul 20, 2021

Volunteers are needed for the annual Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 10th and 11th, at the Garrett County Fairgrounds in McHenry. This year the committee added Friday night premium wine tasting to the weekend.

This is the largest fundraiser of the year for HART for Animals and the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) and provides participants the chance to taste new wines and see unique wares of juried artists.  Volunteers will be needed for set-up, Friday night and Saturday wine pouring, security, silent auction, tear-down, and staffing the front gate, wine store, and information areas.  Volunteers will receive free non-tasting admission and a festival t-shirt, or have the option to purchase a tasting ticket at a discounted price.

For more information and to sign-up, please go to deepcreekwinefest.com and click on VOLUNTEER at the bottom of the home page.  It is requested that volunteers sign up by August 5th.  Advance tickets to the event may also be purchased on the website.

Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area Announces FY2022 Mini-Grant Program

Jul 19, 2021

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area’s Mini Grant Program is now accepting applications. The mini-grant program is a one-to-one cash or in-kind matching grant for up to $3,000.00 designed to provide funding for non-capital projects including innovative exhibits, tours, events, planning and projects which build upon interpretive themes identified in the Heritage Area’s Management Plan. These include: Transportation, Man and Nature, Historic Recreation, and Cultural Uniqueness.

“We’re excited to once again offer the mini-grant program to the local community”, said Kim Folk, Heritage Area & Groups Director. “These projects will help foster heritage tourism and boost awareness for our residents.”

Projects should seek to attract cultural and heritage tourists to the region.  Non-profit organizations and local jurisdictions are eligible.  Individuals and businesses with proposals fitting the guidelines may apply in partnership with non-profit organizations.  A workshop schedule will be released soon for anyone interested in learning more about the program and how it may benefit you. Or call or email 301-387-5238 or kim@garrettchamber.com  Applications and guidelines are available online at www.garrettheritage.com. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2021 by 4:00pm.

The Mini-Grant Program is funded in part by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area is one of 13 Heritage Areas certified by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA), a program of the Maryland Historical Trust. Established in September of 2011 and managed by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area’s mission is to engage public and private partners in the commitment to preserve historical, cultural and natural resources for sustainable economic development through heritage tourism.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the largest professional business association in the region with 600 members representing every industry in the community.  The mission of the Chamber is to organize, support and represent Garrett County’s business community in advancing common interests and additionally to promote Garrett County’s hospitality and recreation industry by attracting visitors to the county through comprehensive marketing. The Garrett County Chamber also serves as the Destination Marketing Organization and Heritage Area Management entity for the County.

For more information on the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area, please visit www.garrettheritage.com. For information about the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, log onto www.visitdeepcreek.com.

“Skyhoundz” World Qualifying Classic Returns July 24 & 25

Jul 16, 2021

The “Skyhoundz” Classic World Canine Disc Championship Series, which is the largest disc-dog series in the world, is set for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 23rd through 25th at the Lions Club Ball Park, adjacent to the HART Animal Center, on Bumble Bee Road, in Accident, Maryland. The three-day event will feature an amateur day on Friday at 4:30, and approximately 30 teams competing in various qualifying events on Saturday and Sunday. The event is free to spectators. Pepperoni rolls, pretzels, cookies, beer, and water will be available for sale by HART volunteers.

The “Skyhoundz” Series consists of Distance and Accuracy disc competition, using one disc; freestyle choreographed routines set to music, using up to five discs, performing a variety of tricks and maneuvers; and pairs freestyle, choreographed routines set to music and using up to ten discs, performing a variety of tricks and maneuvers.

Competitors may register for six classes of events, from youth and novice to master and expert. Registration forms are available online at    www.mad-dogs.org. Registration at the event begins at 8:30 am on Saturday. The competition begins immediately after registration. The proceeds of the event will benefit HART for Animals.

For those interested in trying their pet’s jumping and fetching skills, expert disc competitors will conduct an amateur event at 4:30 pm on Friday, July 23^rd. “We’ll be showing how to properly throw a disc and teaching your dog the basic skills of jumping,” says Ray Lowman, “Skyhoundz organizer. “The training is free, but a donation to HART is most appreciated.”

MAD Dogs (The Mid-Atlantic Disc Dog Club) is hosting the “Skyhoundz” Classic. The regional club supports all K9 Disc Enthusiasts and Spectators alike. Their focus is competitive fun, welcoming all new members, both human and canine, at all competition levels.

 MAD Dogs encourages all canine lovers and their furry friends, through hosting fun events, well run, competitive, and varied, and promote good sportsmanship.

For additional information on HART, the HART Animal Center or any of its programs, or to donate, visit the HART website at www.hartforanimals.org or become part of the HART for Animals community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HARTforAnimals.

Town of Oakland Routine Water Testing

Jul 16, 2021

The Town of Oakland, MD water department will be conducting routine flow testing and fire hydrant flushing at various locations throughout the system on July 22nd and 23^rd.  Residents may have colored water during the testing and are advised to let the water run until it clears. If the discoloring persists, please call Oakland City Hall at 301-334-2691. The Town advises that residents check the water prior to doing laundry.

Library Offers One-on-One Tech Help

Jul 16, 2021

Have questions about using your phone, laptop or tablet? Want to learn how to download books and more? The Ruth Enlow Library will be offering free one-on-one tech help (on the subject of your choice) for patrons the last Thursday of every month starting on July 29, 2021.

The Oakland Library will be offering 30-minute time slots from 1:00pm – 3:00pm (to reserve a spot call 301-334-3996 or email andrew@relib.net)

The Grantsvillle Library will be offering 30-minute time slots from 4:00pm – 5:30pm (to reserve a spot call 301-895-5298 or email Kim@relib.net)

COVID-19 Contract Tracing Continues as Numbers Rise Slightly

Jul 15, 2021

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

State and local public health continue to do contract tracing when they are notified of positive COVID-19 cases.

Garrett County experienced a slight increase in COVID-19 cases over the last week. Currently the 7-Day positivity percentage is 1.4% and the case rate per 100,000 is at 3.54. These new infections are mostly in persons who have not been vaccinated.

Vaccination rates for Garrett County residents are 46.1% for those 12+ and 74.3% for those who are age 65+.

The Maryland Contract Tracing Weekly Data Summary shows an increase in persons who are reached by contact tracers reporting that they attended large gatherings, sporting events, funerals, and religious services. These are locations where they may have been infected, or they may have spread the infection to others.

Today, the Allegany County Health Department reported that the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant has been confirmed in Allegany County. The Maryland Public Health Laboratory conducts RNA sequencing on COVID-19 case specimens from across the state, and the delta variant was found in an Allegany County specimen. The delta variant now accounts for about 58% of all new COVID-19 cases in the United States, up from just 3% in late May. The variant was first detected in the U.S. in March and is now present in all 50 states.

The World Health Organization and the CDC have labeled the delta variant of COVID-19 as a variant of concern because it is spreading much more quickly and easily than other variants of the disease. The CDC reports that the delta variant has been found to be particularly dangerous to those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against COVID-19, and preliminary data indicates that it may increase the risk of hospitalization.

Fortunately, studies show that all three available vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson – do provide protection against the delta variant and help to prevent hospitalizations and deaths.

“It comes as no surprise that the delta variant has been detected locally,” said Dr. Jennifer Corder, Deputy Health Officer for Garrett and Allegany Counties. “Please protect yourself, your family and your community by being vaccinated. If vaccination rates are high, transmission can be greatly reduced, and this is in the best interest of each of us.”

The Garrett County Health Department has weekly clinics scheduled at their Oakland and Grantsville Offices during July, with Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccine available at each clinic.

Oakland Clinics
1025 Memorial Drive

· 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Tuesday, July 20, and 27

Grantsville Clinics
28 Hershberger Lane

· 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Friday, July 16, 23, and 30

Scheduling links are available at garretthealth.org. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are also welcome.

Maryland Backlogged E-ZPass & Video Tolls Now Posting

Jul 15, 2021

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has resumed processing and posting E-ZPass® tolls and Video Tolls (Notices of Toll Due) that were delayed due to COVID-19 and Maryland’s transition this spring/summer to its new tolling system.

Between March and October 2020, to help provide some financial relief during COVID-19, the MDTA paused mailing Notices of Toll Due (NOTD) for drivers who used our toll facilities without E-ZPass. To prepare customers on how to pay for toll trips taken between March and June 2020 and to help them avoid civil penalties, we sent courtesy letters in September 2020 informing non-E-ZPass customers they could proactively make payments for these trips. The MDTA followed those courtesy letters with additional digital/social media communications.

In the spring, we temporarily paused the processing of this tolling backlog during the transition to the new tolling system, and now have resumed the backlog processing. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the backlog. Please continue reading for additional information.

If you’re an E-ZPass customer who travels the Intercounty Connector (ICC):

Since July 2020, the MDTA had temporarily paused posting E-ZPass transactions for the Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 to customer accounts. This ensured that ICC toll trips were being constructed accurately prior to the launch of MDTA’s new tolling system.

• E-ZPass transactions from July 2020 forward are now posting to your account.
• We are working to control the volume of transactions hitting an account at one time. For every week of current ICC transactions processed, we are also processing one week of backlogged transactions.
• Appropriate replenishment of your E-ZPass account is advised to maintain a positive balance, as backlogged transactions will continue to post in upcoming weeks. If a customer does not maintain a positive account balance and travels a Maryland toll road, a Video Toll transaction will result. To help avoid a potential negative account, customers may also opt into auto replenishment by adding a credit card to their E-ZPass account.
• If you have automatic replenishment, your account will have more frequent auto-rebills until all backlogged transactions have posted. If you’d prefer to increase your auto-rebill amount to limit the frequency of auto-rebills, please visit one of our Customer Service Centers (locations can be found here) or contact a service representative at 1-888-321-6824.
• Always properly mount your E-ZPass transponder to receive the lowest toll rate for your account. Instructions for mounting your transponder can be found at https://driveezmd.com/acct-types/how-to-mount-your-transponder/. To request additional mounting strips free of charge, click on Contact Us at www.DriveEzMD.com, located in the menu at the top of the screen. Within the Contact Us form, select Transponder Supplies in the Category drop-down menu.

If you’ve traveled Maryland toll roads WITHOUT an E-ZPass or Pay-By-Plate account:

• Video Toll transactions from July 2020 forward are being posted and available for payment.
• We encourage you to visit www.DriveEzMD.com regularly to see if Video Toll transactions for your vehicle have posted to the system and are available for payment before an NOTD is mailed. Click on “Pay Tolls” and input the vehicle information.
• If tolls associated with your vehicle are not in the system, stay tuned as we will continue to post additional Video Toll transactions online that will allow customers to SAVE 15% (up to $5 total discount) if paid before the NOTD is mailed. Payments made electronically after the NOTD mailing date are not eligible for the early payment discount.
• If you’ve recently moved, ensure that you receive your NOTD mailings by updating your address with your state’s Motor Vehicle Administration or Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you’ve already received an NOTD in the mail and have not yet paid:

• We encourage you to pay online at www.DriveEzMD.com. This will ensure your payment is received promptly. You will also be able to see if additional transactions have posted and are available for payment.

• You can drop off check or money order payments 24/7 in designated drop boxes outside any E-ZPass Maryland Customer Service Center at an MDTA facility here (drop boxes are not located at MDOT MVA or Hatem facilities).
• You can speak to a representative in-person at one of our Customer Service Centers. Center locations can be found here.

Make your next trips count – pay the lowest tolls:

• #EZPassMD remains the most cost-effective way to travel toll roads in Maryland, saving E-ZPass Maryland account holders up to 77% versus the higher rates and additional paperwork that come with Video Tolls. Sign up at https://driveezmd.com/sign-up/.*

• Pay-By-Plate is a new payment option for Maryland tolls with no need for a transponder or pre-paid toll balance. After opening your account, each time your vehicle’s license plate is read by MDTA tolling equipment, the credit card on your Pay-By-Plate account is charged automatically for the toll. Learn more at https://driveezmd.com/acct-types/pay-by-plate-faq.*

*Please note that backlogged Video Toll transactions that occurred before account opening will not currently post to E-ZPass and Pay-By-Plate accounts.

For account-specific or NOTD assistance, please contact us through one of the following methods, as other platforms do not have access to tolling notices or accounts:

• E-ZPass Customer Service Centers at toll facility buildings are open for in-person services Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. without needing an appointment. Temporary extended hours are available on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• E-ZPass Customer Service Centers at MDOT MVA branches are open by appointment only.  Representatives are available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to schedule appointments by calling 410-537-8400.

• Visit www.DriveEzMD.com to submit a request for a Live Chat with a Customer Service Representative.**
• The Customer Service Call Center (1-888-321-6824) is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a callback feature to reserve your place in line without holding and receive a call back from a representative if the call center is experiencing a high call volume.**

 ** During the backlog processing, MDTA is experiencing high call and web chat volumes, so wait times may vary and could be extensive. Please note that other emails, phone numbers and venues do not have access to tolling notices or accounts. Please direct all inquiries to one of the methods noted above.

Pay Tolls

July 14 and 17 Farmer’s Market Availability

Jul 14, 2021

Blood Shortage Continues: Red Cross Needs Donors Now

Jul 13, 2021

While donors across the country have rolled up a sleeve to give this summer, the need for blood remains crucial for patients relying on lifesaving transfusions. The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give now. Right now, the Red Cross needs to collect more than 1,000 additional blood donations each day to meet current demand as hospitals respond to an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, organ transplants and elective surgeries. To thank donors who help refuel the blood supply this month, all who come to give July 7-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card via email and will also receive automatic entry for a chance to win gas for a year (a $5,000 value). More information and details are available at rcblood.org/fuel. Also, all those who come to donate throughout the entire month of July will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm. To learn more, visit rcblood.org/CedarFair. Donors who give now will help stock the shelves for the rest of the summer season. Schedule an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility. Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 16-31 MD Allegany Cumberland 7/14/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Covenant Life Church, 15300 McMullen Highway 7/16/2021: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Allegany College of Maryland, 12401 Willowbrook Road S.E. 7/22/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 1222 Vocke Road 7/23/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cumberland YMCA (Riverside), 601 Kelly Road Ellerslie 7/30/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Calvary Bible Church, 13901 South Gardner Ave 2021-APL-0456 _______________ Garrett Accident 7/19/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Garrett College Career & Technology Training Center, 116 Industrial Park Drive Oakland 7/13/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Pleasant Valley Community Center, 975 JONI MILLER ROAD WV Grant Petersburg 7/26/2021: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Petersburg Elementary School – Cafeteria, 333 Rig St _______________ Harrison Bridgeport 7/15/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Meadowbrook Mall Bridgeport, 2399 Meadowbrook Mall Rd 7/26/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 20 Sweetbrier Lane 7/28/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Benedum Center, 164 West Main Street Clarksburg 7/23/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Robinson Grand, 444 W Pike St. _______________ Marion Fairmont 7/14/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Central United Methodist Church, 301 Fairmont Ave 7/16/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., White Hall Municipal Building, 118 Tygart Mall Loop 7/20/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Police Reserve Building, 35 City View Terrace 7/21/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., South Ridge Church, 1659 Fairmont Avenue _______________ Mineral Keyser 7/27/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Legion Building, 66 South Main Street _______________ Monongalia Morgantown 7/13/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., StoneBridge Baptist Church, 6510 Mall Road 7/15/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Westside Senior Center, 500 DuPont Road 7/16/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Holiday Inn-University Area, 1188 Pineview Drive 2021-APL-0456 7/19/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Suncrest United Methodist Church, 479 Van Voorhis Road 7/21/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Health Science Center South Tower, 1 Medical Center Drive 7/23/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Holiday Inn-University Area, 1188 Pineview Drive 7/26/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Morgantown Elks Lodge 411, 1138 Chestnut Ridge Rd 7/27/2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Hotel Morgan, 127 High St. 7/28/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Courtyard Marriott, 460 Courtyard Street 7/29/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Francis De Sales, 1 Guthrie Lane 7/30/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Holiday Inn-University Area, 1188 Pineview Drive _______________ Pocahontas Snowshoe 7/20/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Snowshoe Mountain Resort, 10 Snowshoe Drive _______________ Preston Bruceton Mills 7/22/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bruceton Fire Hall, Union Street _______________ Randolph Elkins 7/14/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Elks Lodge, 1953 Country Club Road, P.O. Box 1210 _______________ Upshur Buckhannon 7/12/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 88 S Kanawha Street About blood donation To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements. Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Health insights for donors At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is also screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with 2021-APL-0456 sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease. Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. Blood drive safety The Red Cross has updated its pandemic safety protocols in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Fully vaccinated individuals, including staff and donors, no longer need to wear masks or socially distance. Unvaccinated individuals continue to be required to wear masks and socially distance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda

Jul 13, 2021

Garrett County Heritage Area Receives $168,483 From Maryland Heritage Areas Authority

Jul 12, 2021

Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA), a state heritage organization, awarded 116 matching grants totaling $5.03 million to Maryland nonprofit organizations, local jurisdictions and tourism groups. The grants fund historic preservation, natural resource protection and educational programs in 13 state-designated Heritage Areas.

Garrett County’s Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage area was awarded $168,483.00 in grants for fiscal year 2022. By supporting capital projects and educational activities, the grants spark renewed interest in Maryland culture from residents and visitors, boosting tourism-related jobs.

“We are very pleased to have been awarded this funding, especially since it’s such a competitive process,” said Kim Folk, Heritage Area & Groups Director for the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “The continued investment in the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area has produced development and preservation of historical sites and attractions, as well as created awareness among residents and visitors resulting in greater appreciation of our rich heritage.”

Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area projects funded were:

• Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area ($100,000) – Management Grant for management services of the certified heritage area with a goal to promote heritage tourism
• Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area ($12,000) – Block Grant for mini grant program through MMGTW Heritage Area.
• Garrett County Celtic Festival ($6,000) – Funds to support programing of the 2022 Celtic Festival
• Garrett College Foundation ($5,483) – Trail studies and trail counters for data collection
• Spruce Forest Artisan Village ($45,000) – Renovation and improvements to the Granary Building on the Little Crossings campus to serve local artisans and visitors.

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area supports heritage tourism in Garrett County through technical assistance and grant opportunities with a focus on heritage related initiatives that preserve valuable heritage resources and enhance tourism in the County.  As one of the 13 state certified heritage areas, efforts are made to create public and private partnerships to preserve historical, cultural and natural resources focusing on under-utilized resources fostering a greater sense of community pride.

“Being a state certified heritage area provides us access to funds without which many of the projects awarded would be unable to proceed,” said Folk. “The funding also allows us to promote heritage and cultural attractions in our community and attract visitors to our area.

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area has secured more than $2.1 million in funding from MHAA over the last nine years.

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area is a program of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce which provides the one-to-one match for the management and marketing grants. The Heritage Area & Groups Director administers the Heritage Area Program and works with stakeholders by offering technical and grant assistance for heritage related initiatives that preserve valuable heritage resources and enhance tourism in the County.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the largest professional business association in the region with 600 members representing every industry in the community.  The mission of the Chamber is to organize, support and represent Garrett County’s business community in advancing common interests and additionally to promote Garrett County’s hospitality and recreation industry by attracting visitors to the county through comprehensive marketing. The Garrett County Chamber also serves as the Destination Marketing Organization and Heritage Area Management entity for the County.