Skip to content

Member News

Garrett County Government Team Raises Over $7,800 for Special Olympics Maryland

Posted 2/27/24

February 26, 2024, Oakland, MD - In the spirit of community and generosity, 15 Garrett County Government employees took the plunge at the first ever Community Dunk event, collectively raising an impressive $7,827 for Special Olympics Maryland. The first ever Community Dunk drew new participants from across the county, all eager to support their friends, family, and colleagues as they braved the icy waters of Deep Creek Lake for a good cause.

Kevin Null led the fundraising efforts with a contribution of $2,400, closely followed by Tracy Kelley, who generously donated $1,325 to the cause. The combined efforts of every team member showcased the power of community action, with individual contributions ranging from $75 to over a thousand dollars.

The funds raised will go directly to Garrett County Special Olympic athletes.

Participants on the Garrett County Government team were: Kevin Null, Tracy Kelley, Sarah Myers, Nathaniel Watkins, Connor Norman, Matthew Kisner, Ryan Hershman, David Kordyban, Anthony Glotfelty, Michael Null, Brandon Hartman, Jeremiah Lewis, Addison White, Quentin Whetzel, Gavin Piper, and Nicholas Llanza.

A video recap of the dunk event can be found at https://bit.ly/garrett-gov-community-dunk

“We are overwhelmed by the support shown by our employees as part of the first ever Community Dunk event,” said Commissioner Ryan Savage. “Seeing everyone come together, cheering on their friends and raising such a significant amount for a great cause has been truly inspiring. We are grateful to every participant, donor, and volunteer who made this event a success.”

For more information about the event and how you can get involved in future activities, please visit https://support.somd.org/event/2024-community-dunk/e535413

39 Riders Conquer Fat Tire Bike Race at Herrington Manor State Park

Posted 2/27/24

February 27, 2024, Oakland, MD – The Deep Creek Adventure Bureau (DCAB), a local event production and promotion company specializing in races, rides, runs, and fundraisers, successfully held its third annual winter fat tire bike event series.

This race, the fourth event in the first annual Highlands Fat Tire Series, took place at Herrington Manor State Park and Garrett State Forest on February 24, 2023. Competitors across various categories faced off on a challenging mix of gravel, singletrack, and snowmobile trails amid heavy snowfall. Susan Haywood, Zachary Adams, and Sean Smith triumphed in their respective divisions.

A diverse age group and skill levels underscored the event's inclusive atmosphere, welcoming everyone from seasoned pros to newcomers to the sport. The race, which drew participants and spectators from Maryland, Ohio, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, showcased the amazing local trails and amenities in Oakland.

Women's Open Results:

• Susan Haywood from Blackwater Bikes led the pack with a time of 1:19:23.8.
• Julia Kastner of Joey's Bike Shop finished strong at 1:28:09.4.
• Victoria Weeks representing The Victory Lap rounded out the top three with 1:31:44.3.

Men's Open Results:

• Zachary Adams dominated the course, finishing with an impressive time of 1:03:45.7.
• Brian Kelly secured the second spot, crossing the finish line at 1:07:41.6.
• Nathan Aldridge rounded out the top three with a time of 1:09:10.2.

Masters Open Results:

• Sean Smith, representing JB’s Bike Shop Racing, clinched first place with a time of 1:07:16.6.
• Anthony Kramer of 814 Outdoor Sports was hot on his heels, finishing at 1:07:25.0.
• Greg Sampson completed the third-place podium, finishing in 1:12:20.9.

Sponsored by High Mountain Sports, Vagabond Taproom, Fox’s Pizza Den – Oakland, Trail Labs WV, and Highlands Outdoors, the race garnered strong community and business support.

Event coordinator Sarah Myers reflected on the race's impact: "This year's Herrington Manor Fat Tire Bike Race was a remarkable display of friendship, skill, and sportsmanship. We're honored to host an event that not only spotlights fat tire biking but also unites our community in such a significant way."

For more detailed results, highlights, and information about next year's Highlands Fat Tire Series, please visit https://dcabfun.com/winter-fat-biking/ or https://highlandsfatbikeseries.com/.

Follow the Deep Creek Adventure Bureau on social media @DCABfun.

Two Morgantown Companies Develop "Make it in the Mountains" Initiative to Boost Western Maryland's Economy

Posted 2/20/24

MORGANTOWN, WV - In a significant move to spur economic development in Western Maryland, Morgantown's own Downstream Strategies and InnerAction Media are steering the "Make it in the Mountains" campaign. This initiative, which is poised to energize the outdoor industry across Allegany and Garrett counties, showcases the area's capacity to host lifestyle manufacturing companies and is heralded through its online portal, MakeItInTheMountains.com.

Evan Hansen, President of Downstream Strategies, shared his insights stating, "Our involvement in the 'Make it in the Mountains' campaign is a testament to our commitment to sustainable development. We're excited to apply our expertise in environmental research to promote an industry that not only drives the economy but also respects and integrates with the rich natural resources of Western Maryland."

Jim Matuga, President of InnerAction Media, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the strategic marketing angle: "Marketing is storytelling, and there's no better story to tell than that of Western Maryland's thriving outdoor sector. Our marketing goal with creative video storytelling and modern website platform is to attract businesses that not only contribute economically but also embody the adventurous spirit of the region."

The project's inception was catalyzed by a $75,000 grant awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in January 2022 to the governments of Allegany County, Garrett County, and the Maryland Department of Commerce. This grant facilitates the "Elevating the Outdoors: A Regional Approach to Growing Western Maryland’s Outdoor Economy" project, with Downstream Strategies and InnerAction Media applying their research and marketing acumen to foster the growth of the outdoor recreation and lifestyle manufacturing sectors in the area.

Maryland Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson extolled the initiative: "The launch of this new initiative underscores the advantages of conducting business in Western Maryland. The synergistic efforts of Allegany and Garrett counties will boost the region's profile, attract business investment, and enhance tourism."

The initiative is in line with the State of Maryland’s Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic (MORE) Commission report from December 2019, which highlighted the need for a targeted recruitment plan for outdoor lifestyle manufacturers.

Paul C. Edwards, Chairman of the Garrett County Commissioners, praised the collaborative history of the two counties: "This initiative is a perfect match for our counties, combining our heritage of cooperation with the potential to draw in manufacturing companies that align with the outdoor recreation niche, making the most of our exceptional natural surroundings and dedicated workforce."

Allegany and Garrett counties are the gateway to over 150,000 acres of public land, encompassing 31% of Maryland's state-owned land and featuring more than 600 miles of developed trails. The "Make it in the Mountains" campaign, energized by the expertise of Downstream Strategies and InnerAction Media, is set to harness these assets for widespread economic and community benefits.

The project concluded with a detailed manufacturing analysis, a tourism analysis, and a creative strategic/recruitment marketing plan, which included the creation of MakeItInTheMountains.com. This concerted effort highlights the dedication of Allegany and Garrett counties to employ their outdoor strengths as pivotal economic drivers with professional videos and powerful testimonial stories from existing local companies.

“The partnership with Downstream Strategies and InnerAction Media brings a powerful research and creative solution to communities wanting to grow their economic base, bring new jobs, and recruit workforce to their areas,” said Hansen. “We look forward to helping other communities in this way.”

The campaign, backed by Allegany County Government, Garrett County Government, and the State of Maryland Department of Commerce, signifies a cohesive push to advance the outdoor economy in the region. The participation of Morgantown's Downstream Strategies and InnerAction Media underlines the critical impact that local companies can have in propelling economic development initiatives across regional lines.

Allegany County Government, Garrett County Government, and the State of Maryland Department of Commerce funded the match for the project. The workgroup, which consisted of staff from the funding agencies, included: Jeffrey Barclay, Director for Economic and Community Development (Allegany County); Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development (Garrett County); Marci Ross, Senior Assistant Director for Maryland Tourism Development; Andrew Sargent, Senior Business Development Representative Department of Commerce; Sierra Wigfield, Senior Planner (Garrett County); and Ashli Workman, Director of Tourism (Allegany County). Steve Kelly, Director of Community Development (Garrett County), and Sarah Duck, Director of Tourism (Garrett County), assisted with the project’s marketing committee. Downstream Strategies and InnerAction Media from Morgantown, WV, served as the project consultants.

Garrett Regional Medical Center earns ACR Accreditation in Ultrasound, CT, and Nuclear Medicine

Posted 2/19/24

Awarded three-year term for high-level image quality and patient safety

Oakland, Md. – Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in multiple imaging modalities, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and nuclear medicine as the result of an extensive review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The imaging modalities receiving ACR accreditation are:

• Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body parts to help providers diagnose illness, injury, or other medical problems.

• CT scanning, sometimes called CAT scanning, is a noninvasive test that helps to diagnose patients and tailor treatments for various medical conditions.

• Nuclear medicine uses trace amounts of radioactive material to diagnosis and treat a variety of diseases including cancers, gastrointestinal abnormalities, heart disease, problems associated with the endocrine system, and more.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards, following a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field.

Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are accessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which later provides the practice with a comprehensive report for continuous practice improvement.

“This is a tremendous honor for Garrett Regional Medical Center and our radiology department team,” said Mark Boucot, President and CEO of GRMC and Potomac Valley Hospital. “Achieving this level of national recognition for imaging and patient safety is a direct reflection of our radiology team and their dedication and compassion to our patients.”

The ACR, founded in 1924, is a professional medical society dedicated to serving patients and society by empowering radiology professionals to advance the practice, science, and professions of radiological care. The College serves more than 37,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

A full partner in the West Virginia University Health System, Garrett Regional Medical Center is a 55-bed hospital located in Oakland that serves 46,000 people from eight counties throughout the tri-state region. GRMC provides cancer care, urology and nephrology, dermatology, cardiopulmonary, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, women’s healthcare, and heart and vascular care, among other specialty services.

Thomas named Patient Safety Star of the Year at GRMC

Posted 2/5/24

OAKLAND, Md. – Kela Thomas was recently named the 2023 Patient Safety Star of the Year at Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC).
A certified nurse practitioner at GRMC, Thomas provided an elevated level of care to a patient in time of need. Her compassion and quick response to the patient's situation led to the patient receiving appropriate care and treatment.

“I’m very honored to announce Kela as our second Patient Safety Star of the Year recipient,” stated Mark Boucot, President and CEO of GRMC and Potomac Valley Hospital. “GRMC has made a commitment to providing our patients with the highest level of care in the safest environment, and Kela demonstrates that level of commitment each day. We are blessed to have her as part of our GRMC family.”
GRMC’s Patient Experience, Safety & Employee Engagement Council, whose membership is comprised of GRMC’s frontline staff, created the patient safety star of the year program. Employees can nominate a fellow teammate for patient safety star of the month and nominations are voted upon by staff members.

The Patient Safety Star of the Year is voted upon by GRMC’s administration based on the monthly award recipients.
For more information on Garrett Regional Medical Center, visit www.wvumedicine.org/Garrett.

Volunteers needed for Winter Fest

Posted 2/5/24

[Oakland, MD] — The Town of Oakland is gearing up for its annual Winter Fest, slated for February 17, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is searching for volunteers to assist with the highly successful Wine Walk.

Wine Walk Registration will begin at 10a.m. with the Walk officially starting at 11a.m. The $25 ticket will allow the holder to taste 16 different wines, which will be available at 8 different locations throughout the town.

Volunteers are needed to assist with registration and pouring stations. Volunteers must be 21 years of age and TIPS Certified is preferable, but not required. Registration volunteers will be welcoming presale and day-of attendees, taking cash payments, checking ids, and securing wristbands. Pouring volunteers will be pouring wine samples from measured pourers and are required to punch a hole in the tasting card of each visitor who gets a sample. The volunteer shift is generally 4.5 hours; however, if enough people respond we may be able to offer staggering shifts. Some of the pouring stations are outside and some are inside and it involves mostly standing.

There will be a free TIPS for Concessions alcohol awareness training, February 8, 2024 at the Oakland Town Hall from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

Interested persons should call Nicole McCullough at Oakland City Hall at 301-334-2691 or at nicole@oaklandmd.com.

Boucot advocates for SAVE act to protect healthcare workers from violence

Oakland gears up for Winter Fest

Posted 2/5/24

Health care leaders address Congress on Capitol Hill

Washington, DC – Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) and Potomac Valley Hospital (PVH) President & CEO Mark Boucot joined members of Congress and hospital and physician leaders from across the United States at a recent Capitol Hill briefing to advocate for the bipartisan Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act.

The SAVE act would help protect healthcare workers from violence in the workplace, alleviate workforce challenges, and sustain quality patient care. The American Hospital Association (AHA) supported legislation would provide federal protections from violence for health care workers similar to those that apply to aircraft and airport workers.

House bill sponsor representatives Larry Bucshon, M.D., R-Ind., and Madeleine Dean, D-Pa. opened the briefing. Boucot was one of three health care professionals serving on the AHA panel.

In his testimony, Boucot said some might think his hospitals are less prone to workplace violence because they’re located in rural areas, but that isn't the case.

"People who work in our hospitals don’t want to dwell on the potential for violence that is there everyday," he said. "They would rather focus on the care they’re providing their patients, and the challenge a particular patient’s condition may present. I think the intensity of caring for people who may be seriously ill coupled with the fact that we treat everyone who walks through the door, regardless, has created a sense of acceptance that the potential for violence is just part of the job. It really shouldn't be that way – our health care workers deserve to be safe. The proposed legislation will help accomplish that.”

The AHA and American College of Emergency Physicians cohosted the briefing, which was attended by nearly 100 House and Senate staff members. The bill’s sponsors are hopeful that it will pass sometime during the 2024 legislative session.

Posted 2/5/24

[Oakland, MD] — The town of Oakland is gearing up for its annual Winter Fest, slated for February 17, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event will feature kids’ activities, store specials, live music and performances, the return of the highly successful Winter Fest Wine Walk, and back for the first time since covid, the popular ice sculptures!

For the first time since 2020, Winter Fest will feature hand carved ice sculptures by The Ice God team from Baltimore Maryland! Prepare to be impressed by the beautiful ice carvings placed around the downtown area. We plan to have some that are interactive as well! If you would like to participate by having an ice sculpture contact Nicole at City Hall for information and pricing.

The Wine Walk will begin at 11 a.m., and tickets will be sold at the gazebo in Oakland on the day of the event. They can also be bought online in advance by going to http://www.oaklandmd.com/winter-fest.html The $25 ticket will provide the holder to taste 16 different wines, which will be available at a number of locations throughout the town. The 8 wine tasting locations are at the Oakland B&O Museum, The Gallery Shop, Tomanetti’s Pizzeria & Italian Eatery, The Vagabond Taproom, 206 Alder, Stephanie’s Sweet Shop, Smoke N Mirrors Photography, and the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market. Maps will be provided at registration.

In addition to the sculptures and Wine Walk, the events team is working on numerous family activities to keep everyone entertained, including local artists including Keen & Bright, a local glass blower, kids crafts and activities, a face painting station, a bounce house and obstacle course, a hot cocoa station provided by a local Boy Scout Troop 1, free carriage rides, and more.

The Oakland Historical Society Museum, Transportation Museum, Oakland B&O Museum will all be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day of the event, offering festival-goers a unique look at Oakland’s history with information and tour opportunities.

“This is a fantastic family fun, free event,” said Oakland Business Coordinator Nicole McCullough. “There will be plenty to do for adults and children. We have a few new shops and restaurants in downtown Oakland,” McCullough said, “as well as several museums and events specific to Winter Fest.”

The day’s events are being presented by the Greater Oakland Business Association and the Town of Oakland. Organizations supporting Winter Fest include all participating businesses in the Wine Walk, ice carving sponsors, the Garrett County Arts Council, the A&E District of Oakland, the Ruth Enlow Library, the Garrett County Historical Society Museums, the Mountain Fresh Producers Association, Patriot Automotive Group, The Painted Cupboard and The Chic Shack, Alder Street Apartments, and more.

For further information, persons may call GOBA/Main Street at 301-334-2691 or visit www.oaklandmd.com/winter-fest.html.

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Appoints Andrew Fike as President

Posted 1/30/24

McHenry, MD -- The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the official appointment of Andrew Fike as full-time president of the organization, effective Thursday, January 25, 2024. Fike resigned his position as Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors in May of 2023 in order to fill the vacancy in an interim capacity.

"We are very pleased to announce that Andrew Fike has been promoted to the permanent position of President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce,” said Steve Stuck, Chair of the Board for the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “Andrew has been a lifelong resident of Garrett County, long time business owner and someone that has been very active in the Chamber and the community for many years. He brings much enthusiasm and passion to this position and is determined to do whatever he can to help the businesses thrive and succeed in Garrett County. Please join me in welcoming Andrew into this position."

In his youth, Fike spent 15 years at Beachy Lumber Company. He also owned Fox’s Pizza, Oak-Mar Motel & Restaurant, Oakland Motel, 3rd Street Diner and still owns Parkview Apartments. He has also served on boards for various church and civic organizations including the West Marva District Church of the Brethren District board, Bridgewater College trustee board, and the Oak Park Church of the Brethren board.

Fike was elected to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2019. He served as the Vice Chair of the Board from 2020 – 2021 and Chaired the Board from 2021 until he stepped down to act as interim president. Under Fike’s leadership on the Board and during his stint at interim president, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has made a number of well-received changes including adopting a discounted membership rate for non-profit organizations, creating an Associate-level of membership for individuals who wish to engage with the Chamber and business community, splitting Business After Hours admissions fees with hosts to help offset costs, and updating the Chamber logo to better reflect the organization’s dedication to the whole county.

“Having been a member of the business community for the past 40 years it’s wonderful to be in a position where I can help connect fellow business owners and community leaders make connections,” said Fike. “I’m proud of what we’re doing here and our renewed dedication to the Chamber’s mission to ‘organize, support, and represent Garrett County’s business community in advancing common interests.’”

Scroll To Top