The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce proudly announced the Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee as the recipient of the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award. The announcement was made at the Chamber’s Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception on October 8, 2025. Team One GMC is the title sponsor of the 58th Annual Autumn Glory Festival.
Formed in December 2023, the Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee (DCL100) was established to celebrate the lake’s 100th anniversary in 2025. Comprising representatives from over 10 local organizations as well as dedicated residents, the Committee has worked tirelessly to plan and execute a wide range of centennial projects and events. Their mission is not only to commemorate the first 100 years of Deep Creek Lake but also to protect and promote the lake for the next 100 years and beyond.
Throughout 2025, the Committee has led numerous initiatives, including educational programs for students, interpretive signage, a lecture series, lake clean-up events, parades, regattas, festivals, and the creation of a commemorative time capsule. These efforts have drawn visitors from across the region, boosted local tourism, and strengthened community pride. Their collaborative work with area businesses, nonprofits, and government partners showcases the best of volunteerism in Garrett County.
Members of the Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee include:
Ruth Beitzel – Resident
Sandy Bello – Deep Creek Watershed Foundation
Lisa Bender – Educational Outreach Chair, Resident
Linda Carr – CLS Ventures, Inc.
Missy Gralish – Events Chair, Black Bear Broadcast & Media Consulting
Willis McGill – Deep Creek Lake Sailing Association
Bruce Michael – Garrett County Government
Sarah Milbourne – Maryland DNR
Roy Musselwhite – DCL State Park Manager
David Myerberg – Deep Creek Watershed Foundation
Karen Myers – Vice Committee Chair, DCL Property Owners’ Association, Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales, Mountaineer Log Homes
Sarah Myers – Marketing & Publicity Chair, DeepCreekTimes.com, Lake-Front Magazine, Garrett County Government
Chris Nichols – Committee Chair, DCL Property Owners’ Association, Dimesycorp
Jeanne Nichols – History Contributor
Kevin Null – Garrett County Government
John Quilty – Research Committee Chair, Resident
Bob Raley – Thousand Acres Golf Club
Molly Ramsey – Garrett County Government
Amber Sanders – Garrett County Chamber of Commerce
Cristina Sanders – Deep Creek Lake Manager
Tanya Schwinabart – Resident
Cindy Stark – Thousand Acres Golf Club
Bob Sutton – DCL Property Owners’ Association
Siera Wigfield – Garrett County Government
Steve Wilson – Deep Creek Yacht Club
Brenda McDonnell – Brenda’s Pizzeria
“The Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee embodies the very best of volunteerism,” said Garrett County Chamber of Commerce President Nick Sharps. “Their creativity, dedication, and collaboration have made the centennial a once-in-a-lifetime celebration and have left a lasting legacy for Garrett County.”
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to recognize exceptional individuals or groups who donate their time and talents to improve the community and advance the county as a premier destination to live, work, and visit.
Morin Aviation and The Garrett County Republican are the sponsors of the 2025 Golden Ambassador. Garrett Regional Medical Center, a proud partner of WVU Medicine, served as the sponsor of the 2025 Annual Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception & Dinner; Cocktail Hour Sponsors were Budget Charters Inc., Clear Mountain Bank, and Silver Tree Marine, LLC; Dinner Entertainment Sponsor was Usource; fall-themed centerpieces and decorations were sponsored by Mlend and Middletown Valley Bank. David Jochynek, State Farm, and M&T Bank sponsored the official Autumn Glory Photo. Deep Creek Docks, Inc., First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union, Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales, The Rodeheaver Group, P.C., Somerset Trust Company, and Unique Décor were Silver Sponsors, and Deep Creek Spa & Billiards was a Bronze Sponsor.
Photo caption: from left to right: Nick Sharps, Missy Gralish, Chris Nichols, Karen Myers, and Amber Sanders.
