Local Students Compete in Maryland "Rethink Recycling" Sculpture Competition
Posted 12/20/24
December 20, 2024, Oakland, MD – On Friday, November 22nd, 2024, two Southern Garrett County High School students joined 53 students from fifteen (15) schools across the state to participate in the 22nd Annual "Rethink Recycling" Sculpture Competition hosted by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in Baltimore.
Isabelle Savage, a Senior at Southern Garrett High School, competed with a “Manta Ray” made with aluminum pop tabs, plastic, cardboard, wood, textiles, and newspaper.
Lani Daughtry, a Junior at Southern Garrett High School, participated in the competition with her sculpture, “Beetles.” The sculpture was made with aluminum cans, nails, and wood.
After all attendees—including students, teachers, judges, parents, sponsors, and government personnel—had the opportunity to vote in the People’s Choice category, two sculptures were selected as the most popular. Isabelle Savage’s “Manta Ray” came in 2nd place. Miss Savage was awarded a $100 Amazon gift card and two passes to the National Aquarium.
All students participating in the competition were given $25 gift cards from Amazon.
Since 2001, MDE has celebrated America Recycles Day by hosting the annual “Rethink Recycling” Sculpture Contest. High school students from across Maryland are invited to participate by creating sculptures made of recycled and reusable materials. This competition is just one way MDE educates and empowers the public to reuse and recycle materials that would have otherwise gone into landfills.
This competition is held yearly in November to celebrate America Recycles Day and all students enrolled in Garrett County Schools’ grades 9-12 may enter. Students are urged to begin their sculpture projects as early as possible.
For more information on the 2025 state sculpture competition or recycling in Garrett County, please contact Kimberly Madigan the Garrett County Department of Public Works – Solid Waste & Recycling Division Recycling Coordinator at 301-334-7492.
All Earth Eco Tours Unveils New Logo Reflecting Commitment to Serenity and Nature
Posted 12/18/24
DEEP CREEK LAKE, Md. — All Earth Eco Tours, LLC, a leading provider of outdoor recreation experiences in Garrett County, is proud to unveil its new logo, symbolizing the company’s ongoing dedication to offering rejuvenating and stress-free nature experiences. All Earth Eco Tours is known for helping busy individuals unwind and find joy in the beauty of nature.
The former logo, crafted by local artist Jennifer Pletta, captured the essence of the company’s mission and contributed significantly to its growth and success over the years. As the company looks toward the future, the new logo ushers in a fresh era for All Earth Eco Tours, while maintaining its core values of empathizing with its clients’ need for relaxation and memorable nature experiences.
All Earth Eco Tours specializes in serving people looking to disconnect from the pressures of everyday life and connect with nature. The company offers a variety of guided tours designed to help people relax, have fun, and enjoy nature therapy. Tailored to customers’ desires to escape, learn, and bond with friends or family, the tours promise a worry-free experience.
“Our old logo served us well for many years. It was a perfect reflection of who we were and what we did, thanks to Jennifer Pletta’s artistry. We’re proud of our accomplishments and excited to move forward. Our new logo represents the continuity of our mission to provide a sanctuary for those looking to reconnect with nature.”
The launch of the new logo underscores All Earth Eco Tours’ commitment to provide exceptional, guided nature experiences that prioritize safety and enjoyment, allowing customers to detach from hectic routines and alleviate stress.
For more information about All Earth Eco Tours, LLC and our offerings, please visit our website or contact us by phone at 301-746-4054 or email - Carol@allearthtours.com We are looking forward to many more great things to come and are ever grateful to all for your continued love and support.
Six WVU Medicine hospitals recognized for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report
Posted 12/16/24
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has recognized the maternity care services at six WVU Medicine hospitals as part of its 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings.
Five WVU Medicine Hospitals – Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg; Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) in Oakland, Maryland; St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon; United Hospital Center (UHC) in Bridgeport; and WVU Hospitals in Morgantown – were all named as a 2025 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.
U.S. News evaluated 817 hospitals from across the United States. Half of all hospitals evaluated for U.S. News’ 2025 ratings edition have been recognized as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.
Three WVU Medicine hospitals – Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, GRMC, and UHC – were named 2025 Maternity Care Access Hospitals. This recognition is reserved for hospitals offering essential maternity services to underserved communities. Introduced last year, the Maternity Care Access Hospital designation recognizes essential hospitals serving communities that would be in danger of becoming maternity care deserts if they were to stop providing crucial maternity care services.
Only 14 percent of all U.S. News evaluated hospitals have been designated as Maternity Care Access Hospitals. They were evaluated based on detailed data submitted to U.S. News.
“As a father, I understand and appreciate the full spectrum of emotions new parents experience – from joy to stress to everything in between. It is a core memory that will stay with them forever,” Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the West Virginia University Health System, said. “This recognition from U.S. News & World Report shows that our hospitals are providing excellent care to families throughout the region during this life-changing chapter. We are honored that those families have entrusted us with their care in such a pivotal moment in their lives.”
The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, birthing-friendly practices, and reporting on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.
“The hospitals recognized by U.S. News as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care showcase exceptional care for expectant parents,” Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News, said. “These hospitals demonstrate significantly lower C-section rates and severe unexpected newborn complications compared to hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.”
The U.S. News Maternity Care Access Hospitals designation is based on a number of measures, including geographic isolation, number of obstetric providers per 10,000 births, and hospital quality. Maternity Care Access Hospitals must also meet quality measures for C-section, severe unexpected newborn complications, and episiotomy.
“U.S. News awarded the Maternity Care Access Hospital designation to just 118 hospitals nationwide,” Dr. Winston said. “These hospitals ensure continued access to critical maternity care services and demonstrate their dedication to closing the gap in maternity care deserts.”
For more information on WVU Medicine, visit WVUMedicine.org.
First United’s Phil Rodeheaver and Eric Goff receive CAFP designations
Posted 12/12/24
Jason Rush, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at First United Bank & Trust, is proud to announce that Phil Rodeheaver and Eric Goff recently passed the Certified Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud Professional exam and can now proudly display their CAFP designations.
Rodeheaver is Vice President and Managing Director of Risk at First United and has worked in the financial services industry for over 30 years. Goff is Vice President and Fraud Officer at First United and has 25 years of financial services expertise, with 13 years at First United.
To earn the designation of a CAFP, Rodeheaver and Goff had to demonstrate experience and knowledge in anti-money laundering and fraud program design and governance, regulatory requirements, and how to detect, prevent and report emerging money laundering and fraud risks.
“We commend Phil and Eric for achieving this designation and furthering their commitment to safety and security at First United Bank & Trust,” Rush said. “It’s vital that those in our risk management and fraud departments stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the financial fraud world, and this is another fantastic example of that dedication to protecting our customers and educating the public about risk management.”
First United takes measures to ensure that its customers’ non-public data is secure and protected. As part of that initiative, the bank offers a webpage, MyBank.com/security, which is frequently updated with the many types of scams customers often face. The public is encouraged to visit this site to stay up-to-date on the latest security alerts and ways to keep their hard-earned money safe.
First United Corporation operates one full-service commercial bank, First United Bank & Trust. The Bank has a network of community offices in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties in Maryland, as well as Mineral, Berkeley, and Monongalia counties in West Virginia. First United’s website can be located at MyBank.com. As of 9/30/2024, the corporation posted assets of $1.9 billion.
GRMC welcomes Morgan Rush, PA-C, to Garrett Medical Group in McHenry
Posted 12/9/24
Rush accepting new patients in McHenry office
Oakland, Md. – Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) welcomes Morgan Rush, PA-C, to WVU Medicine Garrett Medical Group in McHenry as the practice’s new physician assistant.
A Garrett County native, Rush received her Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies and her Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology with a medical pathway from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.
During her physician assistant program at WVU Medicine, Rush completed the following clinical rotations: internal medicine, psychology and addiction medicine, dermatology, emergency medicine and urgent care, rural family medicine, surgery, women’s health OBGYN, pediatrics, and primary care family medicine.
Rush has an extensive background in volunteering and serving her community with the following organizations: American Red Cross, Relay for Life, Youth Athletics, Make a Wish Program, Be the Match, ‘Healthy People, Healthy Places’ Program, Center for ActiveWV Program, and the WV Vacs Program.
She also worked for both the Human Performance Lab and WVU Exercise Physiology Program at WVU Health Sciences Center and Ruby Memorial Hospital as a clinical associate in addition to being involved in breast cancer research.
Rush is now a full-time primary care provider at the WVU Medicine Garrett Medical Group McHenry office at 24441 Garrett Highway. She is available Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment with her at the McHenry office, contact 301-387-8718.
For more information on Garrett Regional Medical Center, visit wvumedicine.org/Garrett.
Free Chromebooks for Income-Qualified Garrett County Households
Posted 12/6/24
December 5, 2024, Oakland, MD – Garrett County Government, in partnership with the Ruth Enlow Libraries, continues to offer free Chromebooks to income-qualifying households in Garrett County. This program seeks to bridge the digital divide by providing families with essential tools for educational and professional success.
To date, the Garrett County Government Broadband team has distributed over 1,400 of the 1,900 available Chromebooks to eligible families. The Chromebooks are available while supplies last. Limit one Chromebook per household address in Maryland.
"We believe that access to technology is essential in today's digital world. Through this effort, we want to connect Garrett County residents with the means to enhance their educational, professional, and personal opportunities," said Cheryl DeBerry, Broadband & Energy Manager for Garrett County Government and program coordinator.
To be eligible for a free Chromebook, households must have at least one full-time resident whose income falls within the income guidelines of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The income qualification levels are based on household size, ranging from $30,120 for a single-person household up to $94,680 for a seven-person household. Documentation such as government-issued identification, proof of residence, and income verification is required at the distribution sites. Income can be verified by participation in various federal programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, etc.
A simple application form is also required. Paper copies are available at the libraries or for download and print here: https://bit.ly/46DjMrM
Visit one of the Ruth Enlow Library branches during open hours to pick up the Chromebook:
Accident Library
• 106 S. North Street, Accident, MD 21520
• Open Hours: https://www.relib.net/accident
• Phone: 301-746-8792
Friendsville Library
• 315 Chestnut St, Friendsville, MD 21531
• Open Hours: https://www.relib.net/friendsville
• Phone: 301-746-5663
Grantsville Library
• 102 Parkview Drive, Grantsville, MD 21536
• Open Hours: https://www.relib.net/grantsville
• Phone: 301-895-5298
Kitzmiller Library
• 288 W. Main Street, Kitzmiller, MD 21538
• Open Hours: https://www.relib.net/kitzmiller
• Phone: 301-334-8091
Oakland Library
• 6 N 2nd St Ext, Oakland, MD 21550
• Open Hours: http://relib.net/oakland
• Phone: 301-334-3996
The Chromebook distribution program is made possible through a Connected Devices Grant from the Office of Statewide Broadband at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development in partnership with the Ruth Enlow Libraries of Garrett County.
For more information on acceptable verification document or any questions about the program, please visit https://www.garrettcounty.org/broadband/devices or contact 301-914-1543.
Jennifer Hare Appointed Garrett County Health Officer
Posted 12/3/24
December 3, 2024, Oakland, MD – Laura Herrera Scott, MD, MPH, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health, has approved the appointment of Jennifer Hare as the Garrett County Health Officer, effective November 27, 2024.
Ms. Hare was nominated by the Board of Garrett County Commissioners following the retirement of Robert Stephens and has served in interim Health Officer role for the county since June 2024.
Ms. Hare will direct and administer all aspects of activities and operations of Garrett County Health Department. This role includes establishing and overseeing overall policies and procedures, program goals and plans, as well as personnel and financial resources.
Hare stated, “I am very grateful to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Garrett County and look forward to continuing the strong tradition of service of the Garrett County Health Department.”
Ms. Hare will also collaborate closely with the Maryland Department of Health and local organizations to safeguard the health and well-being of Garrett County residents. She assumes all powers and responsibilities of a Health Officer as prescribed by law and delegated by the Secretary of Health.
"We were pleased to nominate Jennifer Hare for the position of Garrett County Health Officer," stated County Commissioner Ryan Savage. " Her expertise will help maintain and strengthen the public health standards here in Garrett County."
Garrett County Health Department remains committed to its mission of promoting and protecting the health of its residents through ongoing partnerships and proactive health initiatives.
For further information or inquiries, please contact Maryland Department of Health Chief of Staff Erin Penniston at 410-767-6575 or Erin.Penniston@maryland.gov.
First United Promotes Julia Hershman to Wealth Advisor
Posted 12/3/24
Chris Sisler, Director of Wealth Management Sales at First United Bank & Trust, is pleased to announce the promotion of Julia Hershman to Wealth Advisor.
Bringing a background of relationship development, teamwork, and sales skills, Julia will focus on wealth and investment management, as well as retirement, estate, and insurance planning in her new role. Her favorites, she notes, are retirement and estate planning. In this role, she will continue to build rapport with new and existing clients and helping them to understand the various types of wealth options.
“Julia’s experience in sales strategies and her mathematical mind make her the perfect fit as a Wealth Advisor here at First United Bank & Trust. She recognizes that making the sale starts with building solid, trust-filled relationships, and we know she takes the time and effort to do just that with both existing and potential clients,” Sisler explained.
Julia graduated from Frostburg State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Economics. During her time at FSU, she became a student coach for Developmental Mathematics. She worked as a staff accountant for a vacation sales business before being hired as a Wealth Advisor Associate at First United. Julia has a Life & Health Insurance license in Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and California. In addition, she also has her Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.
In her spare time, she volunteers for the United Way of Garrett County and serves on the Advisory Board and the Finance Committee. In addition to that volunteer work, she enjoys playing pickleball, reading, weightlifting, and spending time with friends and family.
First United Corporation operates one full-service commercial bank, First United Bank & Trust. The Bank has a network of community offices in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties in Maryland, as well as Mineral, Berkeley, and Monongalia counties in West Virginia. First United’s website can be located at MyBank.com. As of 9/30/2024, the corporation posted assets of $1.9 billion.
GRMC participates in Healthy Hospitals, Healthy Communities Campaign
Posted 12/3/24
Oakland, Md. – The Maryland Hospital Association recently launched a branding campaign, “Healthy Hospitals. Healthy Communities.” as an effort to make sure legislators, regulators, and state agencies recognize and appreciate hospitals across the state of Maryland. The campaign aims to elevate the profile of our hospitals, celebrate the invaluable contributions of hospital workers, and inform key stakeholders about the positive impact Maryland hospitals have on our communities.
Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) welcomed Maryland Delegate Jim Hinebaugh, Garrett County Commissioner Larry Tichnell, and Garrett County Commissioner Board Chair Paul Edwards, to visit GRMC ahead of the start of the legislative session.
‘Survivorship Begins with Diagnosis’ event shines a light on cancer survivors and families
Posted 12/3/24
Oakland, Md. – On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Garrett Regional Medical Center hosted a ‘Survivorship Begins with Diagnosis’ event in honor of all cancer survivors and their families.
Doug Riley provided the blessing for the event. Guest speakers Karen Myers, Joan and Herb Lambert, and Robin Tasker each provided a testimony to the level of care, treatment, and support they received at GRMC during their journey with cancer.
At the conclusion of the event, members of GRMC’s Cancer Center team provided tours and discussed available services and treatment options available at GRMC as well as additional support services in the community, including Cindy’s Fund.
President & CEO Mark Boucot of GRMC and Potomac Valley Hospital also presented a check to Sandy Bell of Cindy’s Fund for their ongoing support and dedication to cancer patients and families at GRMC.
GRMC’s Cancer Center opened in 2015, when the local hospital became clinically affiliated with the WVU Medicine Health System. Prior to that, people receiving a cancer diagnosis were forced to travel for care, often an hour’s drive. The burden of travel on families as well as patients created a barrier to care that forced some patients to curtail their treatment, or even forgo treatment altogether.
Led by board certified medical oncologist and hematologist Kevin Shannon MD, the WVU Medicine James & Shirley Bailey Cancer Center at GRMC will celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2025 in providing care to patients in the Garrett County and surrounding region.