Member News
Garrett 250 Committee Announces Winners of Student Art & Essay Contests
Posted 7/29/26
As part of the Garrett 250 celebration, students from across Garrett County showcased their creativity and appreciation for the local contributions to American history through the Garrett 250 Student Art and Essay Contests.
The contests invited students to reflect on Garrett County's past, present, and future while celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Through original artwork and essays, participants shared what makes Garrett County special and explored the people, places, and values that have shaped the community.
"The Garrett 250 celebration is about honoring our history while inspiring the next generation," said Elizabeth Morin, Education Sub-Committee Chair of the Garrett 250 Committee. "These students demonstrated tremendous creativity, pride, and thoughtfulness in their work. Their entries remind us that our story continues through the young people who will help shape Garrett County's next 250 years."
The winning entries were recognized and given prizes during the Garrett 250 Birthday Bash on Saturday, July 18, at the Garrett County Fairgrounds.
Art Contest Winners
1st Place: Sadie Scott — Crellin Elementary School (Grade 5)
2nd Place: Cora Skidmore — Route 40 Elementary School (Grade 4)
3rd Place: Stella Edwards — Grantsville Elementary School (Grade 3)
4th Place: Camber Rizer — Friendsville Elementary School (Grade 5)
5th Place: Paislee Andres — Accident Elementary School (Grade 4)
6th Place: Lucy Sisler — Homeschooled (Grade 2)
Essay Contest Winners
1st Place: Levi Wolfe — Friendsville Elementary School (Grade 7)
2nd Place: Michael G-Smith — Friendsville Elementary School (Grade 7)
3rd Place: Olivia Hinkle — Friendsville Elementary School (Grade 7)
4th Place: Marlee Thomas — Friendsville Elementary School (Grade 7)
5th Place: Ava Cosner — Homeschooled (Grade 9)
Garrett 250 commemorated the 250th anniversary of the United States with the Garrett 250 Birthday Bash on Saturday, July 18, at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, featuring historical exhibits, family activities, live entertainment, community displays, a giant American flag unfurling, and a drone show.
For more information about Garrett 250 event, visit Garrett250.com.
Help Plan the Future of Parks, Trails, and Recreation in Garrett County
Posted 7/29/26
Garrett County is seeking public input as part of the update to the County’s Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan.
Your feedback will help the County understand how people use local parks, trails, recreation facilities, and open spaces; what may be missing; and where future improvements and investments may be needed.
The survey is open to residents, seasonal residents, visitors, students, and people who work in Garrett County. People of all ages are encouraged to participate, and the survey should take only a few minutes to complete.
Take the survey: www.garrettcountymd.gov/RecSurvey
Your voice can help shape the future of parks, trails, and recreation throughout Garrett County.
First United Announces Promotion of JoLeen Haskiell to Director of Compensation
Posted 7/27/26
Diane Emory, Managing Director of Financial and Management Accounting at First United Bank & Trust, is pleased to announce the promotion of JoLeen Haskiell to Director of Compensation.
In her new role, Haskiell, who was also recently named a Vice President of First United, will oversee payroll administration and compensation-related functions for the company.
Haskiell brings nearly 30 years of payroll and benefits experience to the position and has been a valued member of the First United team since 2002. She began her career with the company as a Staff Accountant in the Finance Department before transitioning to Human Resources as an HR Systems Administrator. In 2012, she was promoted to HR Payroll Supervisor and advanced to HR Payroll & Benefits Manager in 2014. She returned to the Finance Department in 2019 as Compensation & Benefits Manager, where she has continued to expand her leadership responsibilities and expertise.
“JoLeen’s promotion is a reflection of her exceptional knowledge, dedication, and commitment to First United,” said Emory. “Throughout her more than two decades with the company, she has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and a deep understanding of our compensation and payroll processes. Her loyalty to First United, combined with her passion for serving our employees, has made her an invaluable member of our team. We are excited to see her continue to excel in this new leadership role.”
Haskiell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from West Liberty University, where she graduated as Valedictorian.
Her extensive experience, institutional knowledge, and long-standing commitment to First United position her well to lead the company’s compensation function and support its continued growth and success.
Member of FDIC. 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 6/30/2026, the corporation posted assets of $2.1 billion.
Healthy Septics Program Planned for August 3
Posted 7/27/26
July 27, 2026, Oakland, MD. - The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation will host the free community program Healthy Septics, Healthy Streams, & Healthy Lake on August 3, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Garrett College Performing Arts Center.
Craig Umbel, Director of Environmental Health, will explain common septic and wastewater systems in Garrett County, what to do when a septic system shows signs of failure, and how proposed increases in wastewater flow are reviewed.
The program will also cover public sewer best practices, including an overview of grinder-pump systems, what red-light alerts may indicate, and whom property owners should contact at Garrett County Public Utilities with questions or concerns.
Of particular interest to property owners in the Deep Creek watershed, guest speaker Eric Null, former Deep Creek Lake Manager and Foundation Advisor, will discuss how failing septic systems can affect Deep Creek Lake and the surrounding watershed. Participants will also learn about local partnerships and potential assistance for Deep Creek Lake watershed property owners in who need help covering the cost of septic-system maintenance.
Attendance and refreshments are free, but advance registration is requested through the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation event website: https://deepcreekwatershedfoundation.betterworld.org/events/healthy-septics-healthy-streams
For additional information, please contact Molly Ramsey at 301-334-1923 or mramsey@garrettcountymd.gov.
Garrett Regional Medical Center and Garrett County Health Department invite community to participate in Walk with Ease program
Posted 7/21/26
OAKLAND, Md. – WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center and the Garrett County Health Department are partnering to offer The Arthritis Foundation's Walk with Ease program, a free six-week community walking initiative designed to help participants improve their health, reduce joint pain, and increase physical activity in a supportive group setting.
The program will be held August 3 through September 14 at Broadford Park, with group walks taking place Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Because Walk with Ease is a structured, evidence-based program, participants should plan to attend throughout the six-week session.
Developed by The Arthritis Foundation, Walk with Ease is an evidence-based program that combines guided walking sessions with practical self-management education. While originally created for individuals living with arthritis, the program is beneficial for anyone looking to become more physically active, improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and build healthier lifestyle habits.
Participants will begin and complete the six-week challenge together while receiving encouragement and support from program leaders at Garrett Regional Medical Center and the Garrett County Health Department. The structured group setting helps participants stay motivated, build confidence, and enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity alongside others working toward similar wellness goals.
To help make participation even more convenient, park passes for admission to Broadford Park will be provided to all registered participants, courtesy of the Garrett County Health Department.
In addition, the Garrett County Health Department will offer a variety of giveaways throughout the program while supplies last, including Fitbits, air fryers, Skechers shoes, and other wellness-related prizes.
The Walk with Ease program is designed as a continuous six-week program, with participants beginning and completing the challenge together. To ensure everyone receives the full benefit of the evidence-based curriculum and group experience, registration is required prior to the program's start on August 3. Community members interested in participating or learning more about the Walk with Ease program are encouraged to call 301-533-4554.
WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center Ranked No. 1 in Maryland for Patient Satisfaction by Lown Institute
Posted 7/21/26
OAKLAND, M.D. – WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has been recognized among the nation’s top hospitals for social responsibility, earning outstanding marks on the 2026 Lown Institute Hospitals Index, including being ranked number one for patient satisfaction in the state of Maryland.
Garrett Regional Medical Center also received ‘A’ grades in Health Equity, Patient Satisfaction, Community Benefit, and Avoiding Overuse.
The Lown Institute Hospitals Index is the nation's only independent ranking focused on social responsibility in healthcare. The index evaluates hospitals on more than 50 measures, examining how equitably care is delivered, how well hospitals invest in their communities, whether patients receive high-value care that avoids unnecessary services, and overall clinical outcomes.
"These rankings reflect the dedication of our physicians, nurses, staff, and volunteers who work every day to provide exceptional care while putting our patients and community first," said Mark Boucot, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital. "Being recognized as the top hospital in Maryland for patient satisfaction and earning 'A' grades across multiple categories reinforces our commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality, and equitable care close to home."
“The best hospitals aren’t just clinically excellent, they're deeply committed to the communities they serve and work hard to ensure all patients get the care they need,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “High performance on the Lown Index shows that hospitals are doing more of what matters to patients and communities.”
Since joining WVU Medicine, Garrett Regional Medical Center has significantly expanded access to specialty care so patients can receive more services close to home. New and expanded services include cancer care, hematology, urology, gynecology, pain management, nephrology and inpatient dialysis, stroke care, dermatology, pulmonology, podiatry and foot and ankle care, behavioral health, cardiology, vascular surgery, a Lyme disease clinic, palliative care, and additional wellness services, under the leadership direction of president and CEO Mark Boucot.
"The guiding principle behind everything we do is simple—we care for patients the way we would care for our own family," Boucot said. "Every decision we make, every service we develop, and every interaction with a patient is measured against that standard. Our entire team lives this mission every day, and this recognition reflects their compassion, dedication, and commitment to providing exceptional care."
Dr. Marjorie Fridkin, chief medical officer at Garrett Regional Medical Center, said the hospital’s culture of collaboration is one of its greatest strengths.
“Our medical staff, nursing teams, and hospital leadership work together exceptionally well,” Fridkin said. “The medical staff are some of the most dedicated people I’ve ever seen and are very collaborative with our administration and nursing team. When people work well together, their happier; and it shows in the way we care for patients.”
The recognition from the Lown Institute highlights Garrett Regional Medical Center's ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves through patient-centered care, community investment, and a focus on delivering the right care at the right time.
Adding to this achievement, Healthgrades also recognized Garrett Regional Medical Center with the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Award, placing GRMC among the nation's leaders for patient experience. Together, these recognitions reflect the hospital’s unwavering commitment to exceeding patient expectations and providing compassionate, high-quality care.
“It’s an award and recognition we had no idea was coming,” stated Boucot. “This recognition was nothing that we applied for, nor had any idea even existed. We’re truly blessed that people on the national level are seeing the great work that our staff at GRMC is doing, as the really are living out the mission to care for people like family.”
For more information about Garrett Regional Medical Center and its services, visit WVUMedicine.org/Garrett.
Governor Moore Announces $5 Million in FY27 Maryland Heritage Grant Awards to Promote Local Economic Development
Posted 7/10/26
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced 58 matching grant awards totaling $5 million for Maryland nonprofits, local jurisdictions, and heritage tourism organizations awarded by the Maryland Heritage Areas Program. This grant funding will support the development of heritage-related, place-based projects across Maryland that promote economic growth through tourism, community enhancement, and sustainability.
“You can not understand the history of America without understanding the history of our state,” said Gov. Moore. “The Maryland Heritage Areas Program grant awards ensure that the history and the culture that makes our state great, is preserved through private-public partnerships that boost our local economies, while enriching and educating Marylanders and all who visit our state.”
The Maryland Heritage Areas Program provides $2.4 billion in annual economic benefit to the state and Maryland Heritage Areas Program grants generate $319.8 million in state and local taxes while supporting 33,815 full and part-time jobs annually. Organizations receiving awards include museums, parks, arts organizations, historic sites, schools and other educational institutions, as well as other entities that steward and celebrate the unique cultural and natural resources located within Maryland’s 13 state-certified heritage areas.
“The Maryland Heritage Areas Program leverages Maryland’s unique historical, cultural, and recreational assets in creative and compelling ways to build stronger, more livable communities as well as thriving local economies,”said Maryland Department of Planning Secretary and Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Chair Rebecca L. Flora. “Much credit and a debt of gratitude is owed to the countless staff and volunteers of the many organizations working to preserve the identities of Maryland’s diverse communities, telling their stories in ways that honor the past while continuing to capture the hearts and minds of future generations.”
Governed by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, the Maryland Heritage Areas Program is an independent unit of government chaired by Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca Flora and is housed administratively within the Maryland Historical Trust. Since 1996, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority has approved more than $74 million dollars in grants to hundreds of organizations. These grants have generated more than $175 million in non-state matching funds for heritage tourism projects and activities in the state’s 13 heritage areas.
A full list of the FY27 grants is available at https://mdhistoricaltrust.wordpress.com/2026/07/09/maryland-heritage-areas-program-fy27-grant-awards/
To learn more about the Maryland Heritage Areas Program and heritage areas, visit https://mht.maryland.gov/planning-protection/maryland-heritage-areas-program
Connor Norman Graduates from Appalachian Leadership Institute
Posted 7/7/26
Garrett County Business Development Specialist Connor Norman is among 40 leaders from across Appalachia to graduate from the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI) Class of 2026. ALI is an intensive leadership development program focused on strengthening economic opportunity throughout the entire Appalachian region.
Over the course of eight months, fellows from Appalachia's 13 states participated in a series of immersive seminars hosted in communities across the region. The curriculum combined leadership development, economic development strategy, case study analysis, peer-to-peer learning, and site visits to successful ARC-funded projects. Participants explored topics such as community and workforce development, entrepreneurship, regional collaboration, strategic partnerships, and innovative approaches to addressing economic challenges unique to Appalachia.
As Garrett County's Business Development Specialist, Norman works closely with small businesses, regional partners, and community organizations to encourage business growth, attract investment, and strengthen Garrett County's economy. The knowledge and regional perspective gained through the Appalachian Leadership Institute will further support these efforts by providing new strategies, expanded professional networks, and opportunities for collaboration with leaders across Appalachia.
"Connor's participation in the Appalachian Leadership Institute demonstrates his commitment to continuous learning and to advancing economic development in Garrett County," said Garrett County Business Manager Kim Durst. "The relationships and insights he has gained through this program will help strengthen our work to support local businesses and create new opportunities for our community."
Upon graduation, Norman joins the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network, a growing community of more than 250 public, private, and nonprofit leaders committed to sharing ideas and best practices that strengthen communities across Appalachia.
The Appalachian Leadership Institute is an initiative of the Appalachian Regional Commission designed to equip current and emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to drive long-term economic growth and improve quality of life throughout the Appalachian region.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners congratulates Norman on this achievement and looks forward to the continued contributions he will make in service to Garrett County.
Garrett Regional Medical Center named among nation’s cleanest hospitals
Posted 7/6/26
OAKLAND, M.d. – WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the 396 cleanest hospitals in the United States – and one of only three Maryland hospitals – to earn this distinction.
The list highlights hospitals that achieved a 5-star cleanliness rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), based on results from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. This national, standardized survey asks patients about their experiences during recent inpatient hospital stays.
Survey data, collected between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, was updated on May 13.
“We are incredibly proud of our Environmental Services team and all staff members who contribute every day to providing a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for our patients and visitors,” said Mark Boucot, president and CEO of GRMC and Potomac Valley Hospital. “This recognition reflects the dedication and commitment to excellence that our teams demonstrate across the organization.”
For more information on Garrett Regional Medical Center, visit WVUMedicine.org/Garrett.
Headwaters Restoration Therapy transitions to WVU Headwaters Family Medicine July 1; joins Garrett Regional Medical Center
Posted 7/1/26
OAKLAND, M.D. – WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce that Headwaters Restoration Therapy will transition to WVU Headwaters Family Medicine on July 1, 2026, and officially join Garrett Regional Medical Center, further expanding access to comprehensive primary care services for residents throughout Garrett County and the surrounding region.
Family nurse practitioners Taylor Crabtree, FNP, and Jessica Myers, MSN, NP-C, who jointly owned and operated Headwaters Restoration Therapy, along with their staff, will join WVU Medicine and Garrett Regional Medical Center’s growing network of primary care practices.
“This partnership strengthens our ability to care for the communities we love while ensuring patients have access to the extensive resources and expertise of WVU Medicine,” stated Myers.
Jessica Myers has been a family nurse practitioner since 2017. Prior to working at Headwaters Restoration Therapy and Mountain Laurel Medical Center, she served at Garrett County Memorial Hospital as a registered nurse, house supervisor, staff nurse, and supervisor of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Taylor Crabtree has practiced as a primary care nurse practitioner since 2019. Prior to joining Headwaters Restoration Therapy, he served as a registered nurse at West Virginia University Hospitals, Mon General Hospital, and Garrett County Memorial Hospital, providing care in critical care and emergency department settings.
Taylor added, “WVU Medicine is doing great things in our community, and we’re honored to now be a part of the Garrett Regional Medical Center team.”
WVU Headwaters Family Medicine will provide patient-centered healthcare services focused on prevention, wellness, chronic disease management, and coordinated care for individuals and families of all ages. The practice will continue serving patients at its current location, 14689 Garrett Highway, Suite 3, Oakland.
“This transition represents an exciting opportunity to expand access to high-quality primary care in our region,” said Mark Boucot, president and CEO of Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital. “Taylor, Jessica, and their team have built strong relationships within the community, and we are proud to welcome them into the WVU Medicine family.”
Garrett Regional Medical Center is committed to strengthening local healthcare access and enhancing the continuum of care available throughout the community. By joining the hospital's family of primary care clinics, WVU Headwaters Family Medicine will benefit from closer integration with Garrett Regional Medical Center and the broader WVU Medicine health system. Patients will also gain access to MyWVUChart, providing convenient online access to their health information and care team.
Patients can expect the same commitment to compassionate, personalized care throughout the transition. Existing patients will continue to receive care from the providers and staff they know and trust.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with WVU Headwaters Family Medicine, contact 301-859-7178. For more information about Garrett Regional Medical Center and its services, visit WVUMedicine.org/Garrett.