Reflection House Hosts 2nd Annual Walk for Recovery: Walk the Talk
Posted 9/13/24
September 13, 2024 – Reflection House, Garrett County's first residential recovery house for women, is proud to host the Walk for Recovery event on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Deep Creek Lake State Park. The event is designed to raise awareness about addiction recovery, support ongoing fundraising efforts for the house, and help reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.
This community-focused event features a 2-mile trail route or a 0.5-mile easy course, ensuring that participants of all fitness levels can join in. The walk begins at 12:00 PM, with registration opening at 11:00 AM. Reflection House staff and board members invite everyone to walk in unity to raise awareness and emphasize the message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible.
“We are walking to create a space where hope is reborn and purpose is restored,” said Jaimie Bell, President of Board of Directors for Reflection House. “This event is an important opportunity to educate the community, bring people together, and highlight that recovery is not only achievable but is life changing.”
Event Highlights
Date: September 14, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Registration begins at 11:00 AM)
Location: Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swanton, MD
Course Options: 2-mile trail route or 0.5-mile easy course
Cost: Suggested donation of $10 (no donation required to participate)
Registration: bit.ly/WFR-24
All registered participants will receive a purple Walk for Recovery t-shirt sponsored by Garrett Regional Medical Center. The event is open to the public and is a great opportunity for families, friends, and supporters to come together and show their commitment to the recovery journey.
If you, or someone you know, is ready to make a positive change and embrace a healthier future, join the Reflection House waitlist at https://bit.ly/3MdN4Ee.
Located at 40 Dennett Rd., Oakland, MD, Reflection House is the first women’s recovery housing facility in Garrett County, Maryland. Reflection House is a Maryland Certified Recovery Residence, dedicated to providing a safe and structured environment for women battling substance use disorder. Their program is much more than a place to stay; it is a holistic approach to recovery that encompasses various aspects of personal development and community support.
Two open house events will take place on September 23 and 24, 2024 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm; community members and supporters are invited to visit the property, meet the staff, and tour the home.
Please call 240-321-6723 or email hello@reflectionhousegc.org for more information.
Jennifer Petrie takes the reins as Director of Marketing & Communications!
Posted 9/12/24
Kimberly Moyers, Managing Director of Strategic Engagement is excited to announce the promotion of Jennifer Petrie as the new Director of Marketing & Communications. With a wealth of experience in both marketing and banking spanning over two decades, Jennifer is well-positioned to enhance our strategic communications and brand outreach in her new role.
According to Kimberly Moyers, "Jennifer brings a refreshing sense of curiosity and creativity that will help us engage with all stakeholders. I have full confidence that Jennifer will foster collaboration and strategic alignment to effectively convey our story and connect with our customers through their preferred communication channels."
Having dedicated more than 20 years to the banking industry, Jennifer has gained extensive expertise in financial product development, project management, and the creation of marketing concepts to execute strategies across all business lines and internal communications. With a strong passion for continuous learning, Jennifer possesses a deep understanding of marketing analysis, customer segmentation, lead generation, and implementing solutions to share successes and challenge conventional approaches.
Jennifer lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband, Todd, and their three children. During her spare time, she enjoys photography…
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 3/31/2024, the corporation posted assets of $1.9 billion.
Reflection House Opens Waitlist Ahead of Grand Opening
Posted 9/3/24
September 2, 2024 – The Reflection House is thrilled to announce that the intake waitlist is now officially open and can be found at: https://bit.ly/3MdN4Ee
With a grand opening scheduled for September 25th, the Reflection House is eager to welcome women to Western Maryland who are ready to begin a transformative recovery journey. Their 12-month, Level 2 residential recovery program is uniquely designed to offer comprehensive support and a nurturing environment to help our residents rebuild their lives.
Located at 40 Dennett Rd., Oakland, MD, Reflection House is the first women’s recovery housing facility in Garrett County, Maryland. Reflection House is a Maryland Certified Recovery Residence, dedicated to providing a safe and structured environment for women battling substance use disorder. Their program is much more than a place to stay; it is a holistic approach to recovery that encompasses various aspects of personal development and community support.
Reflection House provides a wide range of services tailored to support sustained recovery:
Addiction Counseling: The Reflection House program includes comprehensive addiction counseling services that address both the emotional and psychological aspects of substance use disorder. Residents will have access to individual and group counseling sessions, led by trained professionals.
Health and Behavioral Health Services: Reflection House offers connections to health care and behavioral health services, ensuring that residents receive the medical and psychological support they need.
Life and Relationship Skills: Reflection House residents will participate in training sessions focused on building life skills, fostering healthy relationships, and developing real-world coping strategies. These sessions are designed to empower residents to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Job Skills and Employment Support: Reflection House integrates a social enterprise model, providing hands-on workforce training and career readiness programs. Residents will gain valuable job skills and receive ongoing mentorship to support their journey towards independence and self-sufficiency.
Supportive Community: The staff and board for the Reflection House believe in the power of community in recovery. Their peer-led support groups and recovery coaching provide a sense of belonging and accountability, which are crucial for long-term success.
At Reflection House, they understand that recovery is not just about abstaining from substance use; it’s about restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and creating a future full of possibilities. Their program is designed to address the root causes of substance use disorder and equip their residents with the tools they need to achieve lasting recovery.
If you or someone you know is ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more empowered future, Reflection House invites you to join the waitlist today at https://bit.ly/3MdN4Ee.
Two open house events will take place on September 23 and 24, 2024 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm; community members and supporters are invited to visit the property, meet the staff, and tour the home.
Please call 240-321-6723 or email hello@reflectionhousegc.org for more information.
Garrett County Traffic and Transportation Advisory Committee
Asks Public to Stay Alert for School Buses
Posted 9/3/24
September 2, 2024 – School safety encompasses a range of locations and times – getting to school, safety inside and around the actual school, getting home again, and school related after-school activities. We all hope for overall safety as Garrett County students enter the 2024-2025 school year beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 3rd. Many of us feel like school safety is out of our control, but the Garrett County Traffic and Transportation Advisory Committee is asking for everyone’s help. Sharing the road with school buses puts responsibility on all motorists to obey all traffic signs and signals, including the flashing lights on the bus.
Motorists should pay close attention on all roads and in designated school zones, especially in the mornings and afternoons when schools open and close.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about 25 million students nationwide start and end their day with a trip on a school bus. Many built in safety features help protect students on school buses, including flashing red lights, cross-view mirrors, stop-sign arms, high crush standards, rollover protection features, and high visibility colors. School buses are designed to protect their student passengers through compartmentalization – closely spaced seats and high, energy-absorbing seat backs. The combination of all these safety features means students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely if they take the school bus instead of traveling by car.
The Maryland Highway Safety Office reports that although school buses are designed to prioritize safety, children are vulnerable when waiting for, boarding, or leaving the bus. During those times they become pedestrians and have the greatest danger of being hit by traffic.
When a school bus prepares to pick up or drop off children, it alerts drivers with flashing yellow lights. Drivers should use extreme caution, slowing and preparing to stop, because children may enter the roadway unexpectedly. Once the bus stops, it extends a stop signal (stop-arm) and the flashing lights change to red — requiring all drivers to stop no closer than 20 feet from the bus. The red lights signal children will be getting on or off the bus and drivers must completely stop if the bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and the motorist is meeting or overtaking the bus.
The only exception is when there is a physical barrier dividing a four-lane roadway, then only vehicles following the bus are required to stop. There are no bus routes in Garrett County with this exception.
Motorists may not pass by the bus until the stop signal and flashing lights are off and the bus is moving again. Violators of these laws are fined $250 if caught on camera, and up to $570 and 3-points on the driver’s license if stopped by a police officer.
To keep school children safe, the Maryland State Police, Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland Natural Resources Police, and Oakland
Police Department will each have additional patrols out to enforce traffic laws near schools and around school buses.
Announcing the promotion of our Marketing Engagement Guru, Jamie Alt!
Posted 8/30/24
Jennifer Petrie, the Director of Marketing & Communications, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jamie Alt as the new Marketing Engagement Manager. Jamie brings over 17 years of experience in bank marketing, with proven expertise in advanced technology, benchmarking, and graphic design.
"Jamie is an enthusiastic marketing professional who leverages her creativity to effectively communicate and design branding assets that not only tell our story but also resonate across all communication channels,” stated Jennifer Petrie. “I am thrilled for her to lead our content design team and continue providing financial education and raising brand awareness in the communities we serve."
In addition to Jamie's proficiency in graphic design, financial services placement, and communication, she has also earned the American Bankers Association's Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP) and Certificates of Completion within the Adobe Creative Suite.
With a strong passion for helping others, Jamie dedicates her free time to working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). She resides in Petersburg, WV with her husband and children, where she finds joy in gardening and caring for her pet goats.
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 6/30/2024, the corporation posted assets of $1.9 billion.
a difference in Garrett County. Apply today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in local law enforcement.
Garrett County Sheriff's Department Hiring Full-Time Sheriff’s Deputy Positions
Posted 8/27/24
Applications Due September 16, 2024
August 27, 2024 – The Garrett County Sheriff's Department is actively seeking qualified candidates for full-time Sheriff’s Deputy positions. Applications are due by Monday, September 16, 2024. This is an opportunity for individuals committed to protecting and serving their community while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary.
Sheriff’s Deputies in Garrett County will be responsible for patrolling designated areas to prevent and detect violations of laws and ordinances, maintaining public order, protecting life and property, and making arrests as necessary. Deputies will also prepare detailed reports, maintain records of their activities, and may be required to attend court proceedings as part of their duties. The position requires working shifts that cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round, including holidays.
Hiring Incentives and Compensation:
• Annual Salary: $49,611
• Hiring Bonus: $1,000 upon hire and an additional $1,000 upon successful completion of a probationary period
• Lateral Transfer: Additional pay for experienced candidates transferring from other law enforcement agencies
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
• Paid annual, personal, and sick leave
• 13 paid holidays
• Health insurance available from the first of the month following the date of hire (including medical, prescription, dental, vision, and telemedicine)
• 25-year retirement pension plan with a County contribution
• Deferred compensation with a County contribution
• Shift differential pay
• Overtime opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life insurance
Basic Requirements:
Must be 21 years or older
• U.S. citizen
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license
Candidates are encouraged to apply online by visiting https://www.garrettcountymd.gov/human-resources/job-openings. For additional information, contact Garrett County Government Human Resources at 301-334-8975 or email humanresources@garrettcountymd.gov.
A written and physical agility test will be held on October 4, 2024, at 9:00 AM at the Oakland Community Center or previous Armory. Applicants will receive further details via mail after the application deadline.
Don't miss this chance to join a dedicated team committed to making a difference in Garrett County. Apply today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in local law enforcement.
InnerAction Media Wins Telly Award for Outdoor Recreation Manufacturing Marketing Campaign
Posted 8/26/24
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — InnerAction Media, a local leader in marketing and advertising, is proud to announce that it has been honored with a Bronze Telly Award in the category of Branding — Non-Broadcast. The accolade recognizes their outstanding work on the “Make It In the Mountains” campaign for Allegany and Garrett County, Md. and State of Maryland Department of Commerce, for their ‘Elevating the Outdoors’ project.
“InnerAction Media played such an important role in the development of a regional business attraction campaign for our region,” said Ashli Workman, director of tourism for Allegany County. “They thoughtfully listened and engaged with our stakeholders and our workgroup and were able to produce a campaign that really drove home our messaging strategies. Their work is beautiful, emotionally driven, and something we are all very proud of.”
IAM partnered with the environmental and economic development consulting firm, Downstream Strategies, who was awarded the bid for the partner’s ‘Elevating the Outdoors’ project which was funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The “Make It In the Mountains” campaign featured six high-quality videos, an engaging website, and compelling photography, spearheaded by creative director Liza Heiskell and director of photography Gabe Ofca. The initiative aimed to attract outdoor businesses and manufacturing sectors to Western Maryland and showcase the region’s unique tourism opportunities.
“Completing this project was extremely rewarding,” said Heiskell. “Allegany and Garrett counties are hidden gems, and their advocates are inspiring in their work showcasing the beauty of doing business in Western Maryland. It is always exciting to work with clients to bring their stories to life, but working with Downstream Strategies, along with the representatives of Western Maryland, and in the splendor of the area was especially meaningful.”
“It was a privilege to discover for myself what makes the mountains of Maryland a great place to live, work, and play,” said Ofca. “To be able to share that experience with others was truly the goal, and I think this award is evidence that we were able to make that happen.”
This is one of two Telly awards the media company won this year, with a total of 23 Telly awards won since InnerAction Media’s inception in 2011. IAM specializes in providing high-quality video, social media management, and strategic marketing services. With a proven track record in industries such as healthcare, construction, higher education, tourism, and real estate, the agency creates personalized plans that simplify a brand’s message based on its proprietary BrandStory framework.
The Telly Awards celebrate excellence in video and television across all screens, judged by a panel of industry leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks, and production companies. This year’s winners list includes renowned names like Adobe, Calvin Klein, ESPN, LinkedIn, Mother Jones, MTV Entertainment Studios, NASA, the LA Clippers (NBA), PlayStation Studios, Sawhorse Productions, TelevisaUnivison, and more. For more information about InnerAction Media and its award-winning services, please visit inneractionmedia.com or call (304) 241-4959.
Students complete nurse extern program at GRMC
Posted 8/26/24
Oakland, Md. – Garrett Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce Oakland residents – Gracie Plessinger and Brayden Warnick – have successfully completed the hospital’s nurse extern program over the summer.
Plessinger is currently enrolled at Allegany College of Maryland and Warnick is a student at West Virginia University.
GRMC’s nurse extern program is a paid, eight-week program available for nursing students currently enrolled in a State Board of Nursing approved program. The program allows participants to rotate through various nursing departments while learning about career opportunities available at GRMC.
Both students worked as a member of the GRMC team under the direction of an experienced RN mentor to obtain valuable clinical experience and skills.
AJ Savopoulos promoted to Assistant IT Manager
Posted 8/16/24
AJ Tasker, Managing Director of Information Technology at First United Bank & Trust, is thrilled to announce that AJ Savopoulos has been appointed as the Assistant IT Manager. In this new role, AJ will manage daily IT applications, support initiatives to enhance customer value, and oversee the Bank’s infrastructure. This ensures that key business strategies and processes are supported by systems that are secure, cost-effective, and strategically robust.
According to AJ Tasker, “AJ's technical acumen and cybersecurity expertise highlight his value to our team. He is highly motivated to take on any IT challenges, nurture team growth, and ensure we stay compliant and secure. His passion will foster collaboration within the department and with other teams to provide essential updates and address inquiries quickly and effectively."
Previously serving as the Company’s Network Administrator, AJ also helped to enhance the Bank's network infrastructure, cyber security posture, and disaster recovery systems. AJ’s work has helped build more valuable relationships both within the IT team and with other departments.
A graduate of Frostburg State University and Garrett College, AJ's educational achievements and certifications include having a bachelor’s degree in Secure Computing and Information
Assurance, associate degree in Cyber Security as well as being a VMware Certified Technical Associate and Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate.
AJ and family reside in Oakland, MD where he enjoys mountain biking, leading the Worship Team at Faith Church, assisting the Summer Sports Camp at Faith Church, and supporting the FIRST Robotics competition held at the Garrett County Community Aquatics and Recreation Complex.
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 3/31/2024, the corporation posted assets of $1.9 billion.
Reflection House Raises Over $10,000 with Golf Tournament
Posted 8/2/24
July 31, 2024, Oakland, MD – The recent charity golf tournament held at Thousand Acres Golf Club has successfully brought in over $10,000 to support the establishment of Reflection House, a residential recovery program for women. The event, held on June 20, 2024, brought together community members, businesses, and organizations in a brilliant day of golf and camaraderie.
Reflection House, located in Garrett County, is a 12-month, Level 2 residential recovery program planned to open in September and will provide addiction counseling services and a safe environment for women in recovery. The funds raised will directly contribute to the development of the facility, ensuring that it can offer essential services and resources to those in need. More information about the mission and programs of Reflection House can be found at ReflectionHouseGC.org.
The winners of the tournament were (left to right) Barb Biddison, Kim Hunter, Jan Hodge and Nancy Archer
Boucot, health care leaders urge Congress to pass the SAVE Act at AHA briefing
Posted 8/2/24
Washington, D.C. – At a Capitol Hill briefing on July 31, President & CEO Mark Boucot of Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) and Potomac Valley Hospital joined hospital and health care leaders as they shared strategies and stories highlighting the importance of passing the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act (H.R. 2584/S. 2768), bipartisan legislation that would provide federal protections against violence to hospital workers.
The panel featured Boucot, Rachel Culpepper, DNP, RN, general medicine service line director at Indiana University Health West Hospital in Avon, Ind.; James Phillips, M.D., an emergency room physician in Washington, D.C. and chair of disaster medicine at the American College of Emergency Physicians; and Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., author of the Senate bill.
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.
“We are working with our teams at both Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital to prevent and respond to workplace violence,” remarked Boucot. “We are establishing a workplace violence task force at both hospitals to continue to educate people that violence shouldn’t be an acceptable part of the work that we do. Sometimes it’s us standing up and saying, ‘this isn’t OK’ that makes a change.”
Just last month, Boucot was honored with the American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award for Maryland at the Maryland Hospital Association’s Annual Reception. The AHA noted his commitment to improving advocacy for the SAVE Act.
In presenting him the esteemed award, the AHA noted Boucot’s tireless advocacy for national legislation making it a felony to attack healthcare workers on the job. In January he travelled to Washington, DC, to testify at a briefing on Capitol Hill regarding the SAVE Act, cohosted by the AHA and the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The American Hospital Association represents nearly 5,000 hospitals and health care systems as well as 43,000 individual members who work in the healthcare industry.
AHA is active in addressing national health policy development and legislative and regulatory issues. It also monitors judicial matters that may impact healthcare.
Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends.