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Swimming program Aquatrend ‘making waves’ in area hospital

Angie Brant Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — Earlier this year, the Wellness Department at Garrett County Memorial Hospital launched a new program that — some might say — is “making waves.”

Called Aquatrend, this program is a combination of water aerobics and walking, designed to benefit people of any age or fitness level.

“The ideal goal for anyone, of any age or fitness level, is to exercise 30 minutes a day. With this class, participants have 60 minutes of exercise that is cardio, muscle and low-impact on joints,” said registered nurse Jeannie Miller.

“It’s awesome for patients with arthritis because it has very little impact on joints, while improving muscle tone and strength.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimming is the second most popular sports activity in the United States and is an excellent aerobic activity.

The CDC has reported that two hours of physical activity, such as swimming, can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses, while offering dramatic improvements to overall health and fitness.

Miller said water exercise can help improve the use of the arthritic joints without worsening symptoms and can, in some cases, reduce pain for patients.

Water-based exercise im-proves or maintains bone health in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis and also for post-menopausal women.

Miller said participants are often able to exercise longer in water than on land because it does to place added strain on already stiff or sore joints and or muscles.

“Water exercise offers bouyancy that supports the spine and for patients with injuries or who are recovering from surgery, this is perfect. It is exercise that is not weight-bearing, making it more comfortable and some even say helps people with pain issues,” Miller said.

Additionally, Miller said swimming can also help improve the mindset and mood of participants, adding that any kind of exercise is proven to help feelings of depression and anxiety.

Jenna Wilt, one of the hospital’s wellness coordinators, said the response of participants has been positive, as many attest that this class is both a great workout and simply put: fun.

“Everyone loves it and with classes offered at different times, it is convenient for most schedules,” Wilt said.

“You do not have to be able to swim to take these classes. We do have some people that have never been able to swim that stay in the shallow end and really enjoy the workout,” she added. “It is a really great workout for people of any age.”

Both Miller and Wilt said the list of benefits of water exercise are impressive and urge everyone to consider adding this class to their exercise regime.

During each Aquatrend class, participants are lead through a series of water exercises that include shallow-water walking.

Through these classes, participants can expect to experience improved muscle tone, strength, cardiovascular function, circulation, endurance, flexibility, balance and range of motion. Shallow-water walking helps build endurance and strength, while boosting one’s metabolism, said Miller.

“These classes require no special athletic skills and are fun. People really enjoy getting together to do a workout that is low-impact but effective,” Wilt said.

Aquatrend classes are held Monday through Friday in the heated pools at the Community Aquatic Recreation Center at Garrett College, and at Garrett Rehab Services.

Classes are held on Thursdays from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Garrett Rehab Services pool.

Classes at the CARC are held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Membership is not required, and participants can attend individual classes or enroll for eight sessions or an entire year.

Interested parties may call Miller at 301-533-4295 or Wilt at 301-533-4313 for more information.

Contact Angie Brant at abrant@times-news.com.

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Manta Ray Swim Team Finally Finds Permanent Home At McHenry CARC


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Dec. 8, 2011

by Rachel Sincell Vecchioni

The Manta Ray Swim Team is approaching its 30th year of operation, with the team finally able to call the pool at the new Community Aquatic and Recreation Complex (CARC) on the campus of Garrett College its home site. Not only does the CARC provide a permanent home for the team, but it has allowed it to become a true year-round competitive team, rather than a recreational league summer team, as it has always been.

It has been quite a struggle the last two years, as the team has survived the closing of the Alpine Lake Resort pool in Terra Alta, W.Va., as well as the Kingwood (W.Va.) City Pool. Both facilities were unable to accommodate the team’s needs. The team then turned to the Wisp Resort, where the pool is not quite the standard length for competition – 25 yards – creating an issue with accurate times and endurance needed to perform well at competitions.

As a former 10-year member of the Manta Rays, I am delighted that kids are still offered the opportunity to participate in a sport that teaches so much more than how to swim faster than the guy in the lane beside you. Each of us had the support of the entire team behind us, as well as many influential adults who made what we did possible.

“While it is obvious that the Manta Rays are involved in helping swimmers to swim fast, that is not the only purpose behind the coaching team’s goals for the Manta Ray athletes,” noted current head coach Dusty Huxford. “As a coaching team, we are far more interested in using the sport of swimming for teaching life skills, such as self-esteem, self-reliance, confidence, respect, and team pride.

The team began in 1982, with Paula Briggs wanting to give children a structured and healthy lifestyle during the early summer months. The team held practices under Briggs and her assistant George Collins for four years at the Wisp Resort pool, with only 14 swimmers participating. Vicky Skipper succeeded as coach from 1986 to 1988, with the team moving practices to Alpine Lake Resort.

Coaches who followed were Joanne Graybill from 1988 to 1997, Nan Gangler from 1997 to 2006, Connie Gibson in 2009, Krista Hollingsworth in 2010, and Huxford beginning in the summer of 2011. The years not documented were headed by a team of coaches.

“The team concept gave the swimmers the opportunity to work, play, and cheer for each other as they refined their strokes and improved their times,” commented Graybill. “A lot of time, expertise, dedication, energy, and effort were shared not only by myself but by the volunteer assistant coaches who worked with me over my 10-year tenure as head coach. Their dedication helped to make kids feel good about themselves and their swimming skills.”

The Manta Rays leverage a strong parent volunteer base in conjunction with a set of coaches. This allows non-water related duties to be completed by the parents, while the coaches concentrate on specific strengths for the benefit of the team as a whole. Several student assistants volunteer to help the team as well. They are always under the direction of the coaches and are usually in the water assisting swimmers in learning the strokes.

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Community Complex Becomes A Reality

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Oct. 27, 2011

Saturday was a day for celebration and appreciation. After years of discussion, planning, and seeking funds, the Garrett College Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex (CARC) doors were thrown open and hundreds of people were welcomed to enjoy the amenities of this state-of-the-art facility. It was the grand opening of the CARC, and members of the community were joined by state and local dignitaries to recognize the efforts of all who helped make this community center a reality. Since no grand opening could be complete without the ribbon- cutting ceremony, a blue ribbon was stretched across the CARC entryway. The scissors were held by Garrett College president Richard MacLennan and Don Battista, CEO of Garrett County Memorial Hospital. The hospital operates a wellness center in the CARC. In the photo from left to right in the front are Linda Sherbin, president of the Garrett College board of trustees, Battista, and MacLennan. In back, in the same order are Sen. George Edwards; Garrett County commissioner Bob Gatto; Dr. Jeannr Neff, chair of Garrett College Foundation board; Dr. George Brelsford, GC dean of student life; GC commissioners James Raley and Gregan Crawford; Chuck Hess, CEO, Hess Construction & Engineering Services; Christopher Uhl, representing Gov. Martin O’Malley; and Del. Wendell Beitzel.

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Grand Opening Of CARC Brings Accolades From Public, Officials

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Oct. 27, 2011

by Peggy Santamaria

The grand opening of Phase 1 of the Garrett College Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex (CARC) provided a day filled with fun and festivities for the nearly 500 people who attended. The long-awaited community center is now a reality.

Garrett College alumni were invited to attend a pre-opening tour and breakfast. About 55 former students gathered to reminisce about the past and marvel at what is the latest stride made by their alma mater. Among the attendees were two who had made quite a trip to take part in these events. Marcelo Grisi arrived from Brazil, and Jim Pedicone drove 1,000 miles from Wisconsin to take part in this event.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting was preceded by messages of congratulations from local and state officials and dignitaries. Among those present and offering congratulations were Christopher Uhl from the office of Gov. Martin O’Malley; Robin Summerfield from the office of Sen. Ben Cardin; Julianna Albowicz representing Sen. Barbara Mikulski; Sen. George Edwards; Del. Wendell Beitzel; Garrett County commissioners Gregan Crawford, Bob Gatto, and Jim Raley; and Don Battista, CEO of Garrett County Memorial Hospital.

Garrett College president Dr. Richard MacLennan recognized the ground-breaking work of his predecessors Dr. Steven Herman and Dr. Jeanne Neff for their vision and determination to develop the concept of the CARC and find ways to bring it to fruition. He expressed deep appreciation for the foresight of former county commissioner Ernie Gregg in working to make this facility a reality and the determination of Sen. George Edwards to find the funds to do it. MacLennan also thanked the current county commissioners for all the support they have provided.

The county commissioners presented a check for $50,000 to the Garrett College Foundation to help sustain the “I Can Swim!” program, offered free to all kindergarten children in the county.

Throughout the day there were demonstrations of activities that will be among the offerings at the CARC.

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County Commissioners Allocate $50,000 To "I Can Swim" Program

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Oct. 20, 2011

The Garrett County commissioners have allocated $50,000 for “I Can Swim.” In cooperation with the Board of Education, Garrett College developed the program with the goal of providing swimming and water safety training to every kindergarten student in the county.

Commissioner Jim Raley proposed the allocation during the commissioners’ public meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

“To me, as a nonswimmer, I know how important the program is,'” Raley said.

He said he had thought about the allocation for some time, but Gene Helbig’s letter to the editor in last week’s Republican “brought to light” the importance of I Can Swim.

Helbig, who lost his grandson Jack to a water accident, begged readers to donate to the program. Helbig and his wife Cathy recently presented a $1,000 check to I Can Swim. Their donation will enable 10 students to take swimming lessons.

Raley also noted that college officials were not afraid to implement the program, despite the lack of secured funding.

“What they did was forge ahead and said, ‘We’re going to do this,” Raley said.

Commissioner Bob Gatto, also an nonswimmer, approved Raley’s proposal.

“I can see the whole county benefiting from the I Can Swim program,” Gatto said. “I support the motion.”

Commissioner Gregan Crawford also approved the allocation.

The county’s donation will come from the unassigned fund balance in the fiscal year 2012 budget. Raley noted that recent developments, such as the sale of a county-owned facility in the Southern Industrial Park, make the allocation possible.

“We know that’s its an important enough program that the money is going to be well spent,” Raley said.

He stressed, however, that the funding would be for the first year only, to support the program in its initial stage and solicit more donors and sponsors.

I Can Swim classes began last week at the Garrett College Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex. The grand opening for Phase I of the complex will be held this Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The commissioners will present a ceremonial check for $50,000 to Garrett College president Richard MacLennan during the event.

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Garrett College to celebrate pool’s grand opening

Work crews completing last of the punch list items; festivities to commence Saturday

From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News

MCHENRY — The pool has been filled and the lifeguards have been hired at Garrett College’s new Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex.

Now it’s time for the public to take a dip.

A grand opening scheduled for Saturday will feature tours of the 32,500-square-foot complex, demonstrations in its fitness center and regulation-size pool — and a three-hour public swim from 2 to 5 p.m.

Funded by the state and county, the $23 million CARC is to be a wellness center for the entire community, college leaders have said. Membership fees are on a sliding scale based on income levels.

Last week, a group of area kindergartners was among the first to try out the pool when they participated in a new I Can Swim!  program. The free program will bring all Garrett County kindergartners to CARC for one week at a time for swimming and water safety classes.

Work crews are completing punch list items, but construction of the aquatic and fitness building is “substantially complete,” according to a report prepared for the Garrett College Board of Trustees.

An adjacent 42,500-square-foot gymnasium is about 40 percent complete and is expected to open in March, the report said.

Saturday’s grand opening kicks off with a 9 a.m. breakfast and pre-event tour for Garrett College alumni, followed by a ceremony and guest speakers at 10 a.m.

Tours begin at 11:30 and continue until 5 p.m. Demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day, including: 

• 11:30 a.m. to noon: Warm water pool features and healthy heart demonstrations

• Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Underwater robotic and scuba demonstrations

• 12:30 to 1 p.m.: Kayak roll demonstration and inflatable kayak kids race

• 1 to 1:30 p.m.: Manta Ray Swim Team, I Can Swim!, and dance demonstrations

• 1:30 to 5 p.m.: Fitness Center demonstrations

CARC’s operating hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

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Grand Opening Of Garrett College CARC Set For Saturday, Oct. 22

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Oct. 13, 2011

Plans have been finalized for the Grand Opening of Phase 1 of the Garrett College Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex, located on the McHenry campus and accessible from Mosser Road. The celebration event is slated for Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited.

The festivities will begin at 10 a.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks by guest speakers. A reception will follow from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome to tour the CARC facilities between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to see the competition pool, the warm water recreation and therapy pool, the fitness facility, locker and shower rooms, and classrooms. Demonstration and activities scheduled throughout the afternoon are as follows:

•11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Garrett County Memorial Hospital will perform free health screenings in the GCMH Wellness Center.

•11:30 a.m. to noon – Warm water pool features demonstration by Shawn Noel, CARC director, and Healthy Heart Demonstration by GCMH Wellness Center staff.

•11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – WKHJ live remote with Pam Trickett, as well as free hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks.

•12 to 12:30 p.m. – Underwater robotic demonstration will be presented by the new Garrett College Robotics Team and concurrent scuba demonstration organized by the ASI staff.

•12:30 to 1 p.m. – Kayak rolls will be demonstrated by students and staff from ASI. The program will be followed by inflatable kayak children’s races.

•1 to 1:30 p.m. – Members of the Manta Ray Swim Team will display their skills followed by the “I Can Swim!” students. The Frostburg Dance Academy will demonstrate the various forms of dance being offered at the CARC in the multipurpose classroom.

•1:30 to 5 p.m. – Demonstrations of equipment in the Fitness Center will be ongoing.

•2 to 3:30 p.m. – Guests can get their pictures taken with the CARC mascot Splash.

•2 to 5 p.m. – A free public swim session is scheduled. The public is invited to participate. Appropriate swimwear is required.

For more information on the CARC, persons may visit www.gccarc.com.

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>Community Athletic and Recreation Center (CARC) update

>Some photos I took last week of the progress at Garrett College on the Community Athletic & Recreation Center – it’s BIG!!



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