What's Happening In Garrett County-Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce

Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce   April 30 - May 6, 2025

April 29 - May 8 | 11:15 am - 2:30 pm  Mother's Day Special at The Root Cafe 321 Chestnut Street, Friendsville, MD. The Root Cafe is offering a special package for Mother's Day that can be pre-ordered from April 25, 2024 - May 8, 2024. What's Included in the Package: $29.50 - Bouquet of flowers  - Iced or Hot Latte 12oz (your choice of 1 flavor)  - Your choice of cupcake: Lemon Filled or Chocolate/Peanut Butter  Pre-order NOW by coming in person and requesting or calling 301-746-5111 Deadline to pre-order: May 8th

May 1 | 11:15 am - 2:30 pm  Garrett County Affordable Housing Forum Performing Arts Center at Garrett College, McHenry, MD. Community members are invited to attend the upcoming Affordable Housing Forum on Thursday, May 1, from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25. Complimentary lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.   Hosted by the Garrett County Board of REALTORS®, this forum will spotlight local initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable homeownership and rental opportunities in Garrett County. Through a series of engaging discussion panels, participants will gain insight into critical housing resources and support services.   Key topics include: The Grantsville Attainable Housing Project The journey from renting to homeownership Down payment and closing cost assistance grants “This is a unique opportunity for residents to connect with housing professionals, learn about available support, and be part of a larger conversation about shaping the future of housing in our community,” said Kelli Hallenbeck, GCBR’s Affordable Housing Committee Chair.   Event Details: Affordable Housing Forum Thursday, May 1, 2025 11:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Check in opens at 11:15 a.m.; buffet lines open at 11:30 a.m.; and forum panels start at 12:15 p.m.. Multipurpose Room, Performing Arts Center at Garrett College Free admission | Lunch provided Registration deadline: Friday, April 25 at 12:00 p.m. Have questions? Contact Amy Lowdermilk, GCBR Executive Officer at 301-334-8405.   Can’t make it in-person? Skip registration and watch the Facebook LIVE stream on the Garrett County Board of REALTORS page.

May 1 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm  Team Trivia   Mountain State Brewing Company, 6690 Sang Run Rd, McHenry, MD. Team Trivia every Thursday, free to play! Contact information: 301-387-3360.

May 3 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm  Spring Farmers Markets by Mountain Fresh Producers Association Mountain Fresh Pavilion, S 1st St., Oakland, MD. Join us for our spring farmers markets!  Our vendors will have fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, jams & jellies, crafts, and personal care items. Want to get updates and product availability lists for the market? Sign up for our weekly email list at mountainfresh.org.

May 3 | 2:30 pm - 9:00 pm  Season Opener Clay Shoot at Shamrock Sporting Clays and Whiskey & Cigar Bar Shamrock Whiskey & Cigar Bar, 624 Humbert School Rd, Rockwood, PA. Get ready to kick off the season with a bang! Join us for the Season Opener Clay Shoot at Shamrock Sporting Clays on Saturday, May 3rd in Rockwood! Don't miss this fun-filled day of clays, great food, music, and Derby vibes!  Registration: 2:30 PM ($150 includes cart, eye & ear protection, and steak dinner) Shotgun Start: 3:15 PM Cocktail Hour: 5:30 PM (Derby-themed hors d'oeuvres & complimentary Mint Julep) Steak Dinner: 6:30 PM (includes salad & dessert) Dinner-only option is available for $75 Live Music: Cole Douglas 6–9 PM Kentucky Derby: Live on TV at 7:00 PM!   **Out-of-County Regional Event**

May 4 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm  Team Bingo Mountain State Brewing Company, 6690 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD. Team Bingo every Sunday at 1pm! Contact information: 301-387-3360.

April 28 - June 9 | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm  Spring Icon Class St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Parish, Parish Center Hall, 208 S. Fourth Street, Oakland, MD. Jesus of Sinai Class Term: April 28 - June 9, 2025, no class on Memorial Day. Mondays Only from 5-8 p.m.   Class size is limited to 12.    $125 fee includes all materials and a finished Icon. Registration and (non-refundable) deposit of $50  is required to secure a seat before April 12.   To learn more and to register, visit https://www.garrettstpeter.com/Icon

County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda

County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda

PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Monday, May 5, 2025

Agenda Session Times are Approximate

Meeting will also be Live Streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/

The Board of County Commissioners may close a portion of this public meeting and move into Executive Session to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicial requirement that may prevent public disclosure about a particular proceeding or matter. 

*To comment on agenda items – please send to @garrettcountymd.gov

3:00        Administrative Session   

Board Appointment:  Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc.

Petition for the Opening of a Public Roadway – McHenry Business Park Drive

Mr. Null will review a number of administrative and managerial matters under his authority and jurisdiction with the Board of County Commissioners 

4:00       Call to Order of Public Session, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance

              County Administrator – Additions/Deletions to Public Meeting Agenda

              Approval of Public, Administrative, and Executive Meeting Minutes

4:05       Proclamation – Garrett Regional Medical Center – 75th Anniversary

4:10        Garrett County Department of Financial Services – Appalachian Regional Commission Proposed Projects:

Garrett County Public Schools – Northern Garrett High School Culinary Arts Lab

Town of Oakland – Water Street Revitalization Project Planning

Reflection House – Pathways to Purpose: Workforce Development for Addiction Recovery and Reentry

Garrett College – Continuing Education & Workforce Development Program Expansion: Welding

Garrett County Department of Public Works – GC Water & Sewer SCADA Modernization Project  

4:25       Public Commentary

  ADJOURNMENT  

4:30       FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET PRESENTATION:

                      Garrett County Department of Public Works – Road Division

Public issues or concerns that are to be presented to the Board of Garrett County Commissioners during any Public Meeting should be scheduled with Carol A. Riley–Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator.     

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners’ next scheduled Public Meeting will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 PM. 

Pocket Yacht Company Appoints Seth Fike as New Director of Sales

Eye On Annapolis

Pocket Yacht Company has announced the appointment of Seth Fike as its new Director of Sales. Fike brings extensive leadership and marine industry experience to the role, along with a background in military service.

Experienced Leader with Marine and Military Background

Raised on Deep Creek Lake in Oakland, Maryland, Fike is a U.S. Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Lake Erie (CG‑70) based in Pearl Harbor. After completing his military service, he earned a marketing degree from West Virginia University and entered the marine industry in 2017.

Fike began his marine career at Bill’s Marine Service, where he advanced through a range of roles including Sales Associate, Service Writer, Service Coordinator, and ultimately Assistant General Manager and Sales Manager.

Driving Sales Across Pocket Yacht Locations

In his new position, Fike will oversee sales operations across Pocket Yacht Company’s locations from Maryland to Florida. His hands-on experience and passion for boating are expected to support the company’s continued focus on customer satisfaction and service excellence.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Seth to the leadership team,” said Mark Schulstad, Owner and Managing Director of Pocket Yacht Company. “His service-minded background, industry experience, and strong leadership qualities make him the ideal person to help guide our sales team and continue providing an exceptional customer experience.”

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

Fike’s appointment aligns with Pocket Yacht Company’s commitment to delivering high-quality products and superior service to its customers throughout the East Coast.

April 21 - April 27, 2025 Events- Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce

Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce   April 21 - April 27, 2025 May Business After Hours 2025 - Market on 42 The Chamber is pleased to announce that the Market on 42 will be hosting our May Business After Hours on Thursday, May 8th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.    The Market on 42 is an outdoor market that houses locally owned shops. These shops include Railey Design, Secondhand Citizen, Appalachian Print Studio, Wild Ember Bakery and OMG Relax.    Enjoy delicious food and drinks as you mingle with fellow Chamber members and Chamber staff at our monthly networking events. Don't forget your business card to enter to win prizes.    $10.00 in advance for members $15.00 for members at the door and non-members To register, click here. Business Before Hours - Legislative Wrap-Up 2025 The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its next Business Before Hours for Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the Perfroming Arts Center at Garrett College. The Chamber will welcome back Senator Mike McKay and Delegate Jim Hinebaugh for an informational presentation on the 447th session of the Maryland General Assembly, convened in Annapolis, Maryland January 8 through April 7, 2025. Attendees will hear directly from our elected officials on which bills passed, which did not, how these legislative decisions will impact the county, region, and state, and what the upcoming election cycle holds for future policy issues.     $25 for members $30 for non-members To register, click here   The event is sponsored by Byco Enterprises, Inc and Garrett Regional Medical Center, a proud partner of WVU Medicine.  The Bloodhounds Will Return to Garrett County The National Police Bloodhound Association (NPBA) will be hosting their annual 40-hour training certification seminar in Garrett County, Maryland Sunday April 27, 2025 to Thursday May 1, 2025. This is one of the NPBA's annual seminars held each year and has held the spring seminar in Garrett County for many years. The seminar happens at a time of the year, between seasons in Garrett County, and for many of the businesses, it contributes to the economy. Training areas will remain largely the same as in previous years, including Grantsville, Oakland, Friendsville, Accident, Mt. Lake Park/Broadford Area, state parks, the 4-H Complex near Bittinger, and the fairgrounds in McHenry. We expect approximately 40 handlers and hounds to participate this year, with up to 60 total people in attendance. Host lodging will again be provided by WISP Resort, and now that Garrett College has recongnized this course through the Continuing Education Department, Sunday classes will be held in a classroom at the College.   The bloodhounds are training, so please be respectful and don't interrupt them or be alarmed.   Now Accepting Applications for 2025 Autumn Glory Royalty Please help spread the word that the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is inviting all those Garrett County students currently in their junior year of high school to submit an Autumn Glory Royalty application for consideration. We will be choosing a King and a Queen to represent the 58th Annual Autumn Glory Festival at a variety of events throughout the summer and fall of 2025. Both the King and Queen will receive an educational contribution. As part of the application, you are required to submit a 300-word essay on why you think you should be selected to be part of the Royalty Court. In an effort to give all qualifying students a chance to become Autumn Glory Royalty we have eliminated the application fee. Interviews will be conducted by appointment in May and we hope to complete the process by June 1. Please click here to download the application. If you have any questions, please contact Nick Sharps at nick@garrettchamber.com or call (301) 387-8745. Help Address Your Workforce Issues with the Updated Work Ethic Diploma Program! After 5 successful years we feel it is time to make some changes to the Work Ethic Diploma (WED) Program to keep the it relevant and take it to the next level. The concept of the program was originally put forward to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce by employers who felt students were not learning the soft skills necessary to become productive members of the workforce.   With the input of area educators, business leaders, and post-secondary representatives, we developed standards to evaluate the work ethic of our students. These standards are not being changed. Based on feedback from employers participating in the program and discussions with our stakeholders we have decided to replace the hourly pay incentive with a more tangible sign-on bonus to be rewarded after a qualifying length of employment. Another exciting change we are implementing is a Worth Ethic Diploma Reception that will recognize and celebrate students receiving the honor and our business partners participating in the program. This will be a great opportunity for you to network and recruit prospects. More details on this event will follow.   Whether you are a current WED partner or looking to join the program, we ask that you please review and sign the new form and return it to holly@garrettchamber.com or 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541. You can also click here for the criteria and business commitment form updated with changes highlighted for your convenience. We appreciate your participation and look forward to working with you to grow and enhance the Work Ethic Diploma Program to better meet Garrett County’s workforce challenges. Office Depot - April Monthly Specials This April, enjoy members-only exclusive specials with discounts of up to 84% off folders, desk accessories, sticky notes, and more. Take advantage of these monthly specials when you shop online for office, school, and home essentials at ODP Business Solutions. Click here to view the April 2025 Monthly Specials. Click here for more information on the program and to register.   Member News   The Hidden Cost of an Overpolished Portfolio Website   Chamber members may submit company announcements (awards, new hires, promotions, events) for inclusion in the Member News. For instruction on submitting Member News, contact: nick@garrettchamber.com or call (301) 387-5237. New Members   Marine Plus DCL   Fleur de Montagna - Deep Creeks Only Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Prairie Vacation Home   Watch this space for new members! Consider reaching out to welcome them to the Chamber. Special Promotions

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce | 15 Visitors Center Drive | McHenry, MD 21541 US

K9 Emergency Medical Care Training

On April 12th Garrett County Emergency Services hosted an inter-departmental training and continuing education program lead by the President of the National Association of Veterinary Emergency Medical Services, flight paramedic, and Impact EMS instructor Rick Maricle. 

The topic of the training was operational K9 emergency medical care. This CAPCE accredited course was supplemented by a K9 officer for non-invasive assessment and the latest state-of-the-art high fidelity K9 mannequin for advanced skill demonstration and training. Personnel from Garrett County Emergency Services, Southern Garrett Rescue Company 9, Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department, Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company, Maryland State Police, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Natural Resources Police came together for this excellent training opportunity.

 

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https://www.garrettcountymd.gov/emergency-management/news/2025-04/k9-emergency-medical-care-training

 

 

McHenry Heights - Elevated Living

New project in McHenry that my clients have just announced! Pre-sales coming very soon! 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIoRdDtuLK6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

 

 

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Free Days Set At Deep Creek Lake State Park

The Garrett County Republican

McHENRY — The DCL100 Centennial Committee, in partnership with the Maryland Park Service, has announced that the Deep Creek Lake State Park will have free entrance for one day in each of the months of May, June, July and August.

“As we began planning for this 100th birthday celebration for Deep Creek Lake, one of the core goals was to make sure the ‘Lake’ was accessible and affordable for everyone to come and enjoy,” said Karen Myers, Co-Chair of the DCL100 Committee. “There is nothing more affordable than free.”

Market Stats March 2025

31st-annual Women's Hall of Fame celebration held

The Garrett County Republican

DEEP CREEK LAKE — The 31st annual Women’s Hall of Fame celebration was held Saturday morning, April 12, at Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub, Deep Creek Lake. The event honors Garrett County women who make a difference.

Sponsored by the Garrett County Commission for Women, it recognizes new inductees into the Garrett County Women’s Hall of Fame, gives Young Woman of Distinction Awards and presents scholarships.

“Today we honor nine deserving women for their significant contributions to the Garrett County Community celebrating their commitment to leadership, community service and pursuit of academic excellence,” said Rhiannon Dodge Chair of the Garrett County Commission for Women.

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are the late Kathryn Bowser, nominated by Kevin Dodge, Audrey Kennedy, nominated by Jaiden Todd, and Emily Newman-Edwards, nominated by Jan Russell.

Kathryn Bowser’s son Henry accepted the award on his mother’s behalf.

“It is my honor to have nominated and to honor Kathryn Bowser, a wonderful, remarkable woman,” said Kevin Dodge. “Wherever you go, there are people who folks recognize as pillars of their community. These are people who go above and beyond to give their time and their talents in service to their fellow citizens. For over 50 years, Kathryn Bowser was a pillar of the community of Bittinger.”

Audrey Kennedy’s nomination letter was read by Pam Trickett on behalf of her employees who nominated her.

“We believe that Audrey is the best choice for this honor because of her constant promotion of compassionate care, advocacy and service within the Garrett County community,” the letter stated.

Jan Russell spoke about her nominee, Emily Newman-Edwards.

Inductee Emily Newman-Edwards accepts a citation from Judy Carbone, Maryland Commission for Women commissioner.

“It is my honor to be here with Emily and her family,” she said. “We’re so proud of her. She has been my right hand and has been a tremendous help.”

She spoke of the help Newman-Edwards gave in growing Savage River Lodge after coming to them as a college student with great enthusiasm and professional skills.

“She has contributed to the economic development of Grantsville by helping us with our property,” Russell said.

She also spoke of her time on the town council and being elected the first female mayor of Grantsville.

Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards noted that the commissioners join in honoring the inductees and declared April 12, 2025 as Garrett County Commission for Women Hall of Fame Day in the county.

He presented a proclamation honoring each of the inductees, noting that their efforts “play a pivotal role is shaping the county’s progress.

“The county seeks to highlight and celebrate the achievements of today’s women leaders, while providing visible role models for future generations through the Garrett County Women’s Hall of Fame,” the proclamation read. It was signed by all three commissioners. Larry Tichnell was also in attendance.

Del. Jim Hinebaugh offered an official citation for outstanding contributions to Garrett County.

Robin Summerfield attended on behalf of Senator Chris Van Hollen. He also presented citations “in appreciation for outstanding contributions to the economic, political and cultural life of Garrett County and with gratitude for all that was done to inspire women.”

Edena Bradford attended and presented citations on behalf of Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.

Maryland Commission for Women Commissioner Judy Carbone made presentations on behalf of Gov. Wes Moore, who sent his greetings.

The Young Woman of Distinction Award was given to Kambria Kyle.

Young Woman of Distinction Kambria Kyle accepts a citation from Robin Summerfield.

Five $750 Garrett County Commission for Women Scholarships were also presented. Recipients were Aaliyah Rhodes, Hannah Moyer, Leah Brenneman, Linsay Liller and Lizzie Bird.

Former Hall of Fame inductees in attendance were Linda Buckel, Heather Hanline, Judy Carbone, Linda Edwards, Charlotte Sebold, Peggy Jamison and Brenda McDonnell.

Editor Brenda Ruggiero can be reached at 301-501-8393 or by email at bruggiero@therepublicannews.com.

County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda

County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda

PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Agenda Session Times are Approximate

Meeting will also be Live Streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/

The Board of County Commissioners may close a portion of this public meeting and move into Executive Session to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicial requirement that may prevent public disclosure about a particular proceeding or matter. 

             *To comment on agenda items – please send to @garrettcountymd.gov

                  3:00        Administrative Session   

Board Appointments – Garrett County Civil Service Board                   

Accident Community Housing Corporation – Request for Fiscal Year 2026 County Property Tax Abatement

Declaration of Surplus County Property – Bush Hog Mower 25HP Kohler

Petition for the Opening of a Public Roadway – McHenry Business Park Drive

Mr. Null will review a number of administrative and managerial matters under his authority and jurisdiction with the Board of County Commissioners 

4:00       Call to Order of Public Session, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance

              County Administrator – Additions/Deletions to Public Meeting Agenda

              Approval of Public, Administrative, and Executive Meeting Minutes

4:05       Proclamations – National Day of Prayer – May 1, 2025

                                        Mental Health Awareness Month – May 2025  

                                        Children’s Mental Health Week – May 4–10, 2025

4:10        Garrett County Department of Financial Services – Purchasing Division – Bid Recommendations

                                            Bid Approval:  Bid # 25 – 0327  Garrett County Health Center Boiler Replacement Project 

                                            Bid Rejection:  Bid# 25 – 0320  Community Action Boiler Replacement Project

4:25       Public Commentary

ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC SESSION

4:30       FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS:

                      Garrett County Health Department

                      Garrett College

                      Garrett County Board of Education

       Public issues or concerns that are to be presented to the Board of Garrett County Commissioners during any Public Meeting should be scheduled with Carol A. Riley–Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator.     

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners’ next scheduled Public Meeting will be on Monday, May 5, 2025 at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 PM.