McHenry, MD – A year ago, the Garrett College women’s soccer team had no home field, no experienced players, no bench to speak of, and no idea what they would be facing in NJCAA Region 20 competition.
What a difference a year makes.
Second-year head coach Brandon Jackson had built a 2024 squad that features nine sophomores and 14 freshmen, providing plenty of depth and experience. The Lady Lakers will also get to play a full home season on their turf field, which was only available for their final three home games last year upon field completion.
“The biggest difference this year is having my first-ever returning class coming back,” said Jackson. “It’s also nice to know that the returners have all experienced the first-year challenges and can take on a leadership role in helping our freshman class.”
The Lady Lakers have two returning all-NJCAA Region 20 players, including second-team defender Cheyenne Zack (Niles, Ohio) and honorable-mention midfielder Sydney Weeks (Oakland). The remaining returners are goalkeepers Sara Tabuena (Sitges, Spain) and Johnna Collins (Deer Park), midfielder Allison Harrold (Rockwood, PA), and forwards Cara Stout (Morgantown, WV), Natalie Warne (Oakland), and Courtney Milner (Huddersfield, England).
The ninth sophomore – Nevaeh Hambosky (Connellsville, PA) – played her freshman season at Potomac State College of West Virginia University in 2022.
“I expect Nevaeh to be a goal-scoring threat for us,” said Jackson, noting Hambosky scored 14 goals during the season with the Catamounts.
Jackson’s 14 freshmen include four international players. Combined with Milner and Tabuena, that gives GC six international players on its 2024 squad.
“There’s a lot of competition when it comes to international players,” said Jackson. “I worked to sell them on our vision and told them I’m a holistic coach. I care about them as players, as students, and making sure they also enjoy their experience.”
The best of the bunch among the international students may be Austrian Victoria Kovazh, whom Jackson described as “a phenomenal left winger with a lot of speed.”
Defenders Ruby Molloy (Manchester, England) and Sofia Mesrobian (Mississauga, Canada), and midfielder Chloe Mccaul (Cork County, Ireland) round out the international contingent.
The Lady Lakers have also added goalkeeper Kayla Moore (North Marion, WV).
“Kayla comes from a very small school, but she’s 5-9 and super-athletic,” said Jackson. “I think she’ll be a tremendous goalkeeper.”
Other newcomers include midfielders Katelyn Leaman (Millersville, PA), Madison Jones (Kansas City, Kansas), Skye Leasure (Williamsport), Jacquelyn Jeffreys (Uniontown, PA), and Laci Slick (Inwood, WV); forward Danielle Brobst (Oakland), defenders Izzy Shafer (Preston, WV) and Alissa Breeding (Mount Savage), and central defender Jorjalyn Ward (Philippi, WV).
The Lady Lakers travel to CCBC-Essex on September 3rd to open their season with a 3 p.m. game against the region’s reigning champion. Essex nipped the Lady Lakers, 1-0, in the region quarterfinals last year.
GC plays at region rival Allegany College of Maryland on September 5th in a 4 p.m. contest.
GC opens its home season September 12th with a 3 p.m. match against Anne Arundel Community College.
Jackson heads into Season 2 confident the Lady Lakers are ready to make a statement.
“I would not be shocked if we finish in the top four in the region this year,” said Jackson. “We’d like to make a nice splash and let the region know that Garrett College women’s soccer is here to stay.”
State Police, Sheriff’s Office, Oakland PD, DNR all participate
Multiple law enforcement agencies teamed up with Garrett College last Wednesday and Thursday to offer “active-shooter” training.
The training, led by the Maryland State Police (MSP) and its Emergency Response Team, included both classroom and live-scenario components. A total of 35 officers from MSP, the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Oakland Police Department participated in the training.
“The classroom training helped familiarize our employees with what an active shooter situation might look like and how to respond,” said Chris Painter, Garrett College’s director of facilities, capital projects, and security. “The live-action scenarios, with our employees as role players, helped them understand what law enforcement expects of them in those situations.”
Painter – a former assistant special agent in charge of the Federal Air Marshal Service’s VIPR Teams, which trained extensively on active-shooter events and scenarios – said hosting the training at GC permitted local law enforcement to become more familiar with the campus.
“By training at the College, local law enforcement will have a better understanding of the campus layout should they ever have to respond to an active-shooter situation,” said Painter.
A total of 49 Garrett College employees – including GC President Richard Midcap – participated in the activities.
“You would like to think that an active-shooter situation can’t happen here – but that’s just not the case,” said Midcap, recalling the 2015 mass casualty event at Umpqua Community College in rural Oregon that left 10 dead. “The best way to prevent or minimize a situation like that is to train for it.”
The training emphasized the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) – also known as Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) – options available to individuals involved in an active-shooter situation. Presenters noted that each active-shooter situation is different, and individuals have to determine in the moment what strategy provides their best option for success.
MSP also provided an Emergency Stop the Bleed training. The training was designed to provide individuals with the basic skills to effectively assist a victim with a serious bleeding injury, including applying a tourniquet to extremities when a wound is “spurting or squirting” blood.
“A significant bleed can bleed out in 4-6 minutes unless it’s treated,” said MSP Sergeant William Jansen, who serves as a flight paramedic and tactical paramedic. Jansen demonstrated how to apply a tourniquet and use other emergency equipment contained in a basic Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK).
Garrett County Public Schools also provided EMS and first-responders with a training on how to deal effectively in emergency situations with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The training was led by Dr. Chelsie Manges, GCPS director of the Department of Special Education.
Garrett County Government is urging all residents to participate in an important inventory of water service line pipes connected to our public water systems. This initiative aims to identify and replace any lead pipes.
Your involvement is essential for several reasons. Completing this inventory will allow the government to apply for the necessary funding to replace any hazardous lead lines that may be discovered. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of all residents and meets Federal and State government requirements.
Please check for lead pipes within your home. Guidance on how to identify pipe materials, including lead, is available here:
Locate Your Water Service Line: Check the lowest level of your home—this could be the on the exterior, basement, a utility closet, or a crawl space. Look for a pipe entering through the floor or low on the wall.
Test with a Magnet: Hold a magnet near the pipe. A magnet will not stick to lead pipes, but it will stick to galvanized steel, which is a different material.
Penny Scratch Test: If the magnet did not stick, scratch the pipe with a penny. If the scratched area reveals a shiny silver metal, it may be lead. Lead is a soft metal and scratches easily.
Complete the Survey: Visit this link to access and complete the online survey: GarrettCountyMD.gov/WaterLine. Please provide information about the types of pipes present in your home, regardless of the material.
Your participation is vital and will directly impact the improvement of our public water infrastructure.
For more information or for any questions, please contact Siera Wigfield at swigfield@garrettcountymd.gov or 301-334-7477.
Governor Wes Moore today announced the launch of the Higher Education Clean Energy Grant Pilot Program, a $9.2 million competitive pilot opportunity to support clean energy transitions within Maryland’s colleges and universities. The program will promote both workforce development and Maryland’s climate goals by funding solar installations, comprehensive campus clean energy planning, and specialized renewable energy sector academic programming.
“We need to prepare the next generation of Marylanders to lead industries of the future. Today, our administration takes an important step toward doing exactly that by investing in programs that will arm students with the skills they need to compete for jobs in clean energy,” said Gov. Moore. “Together, we are demonstrating how climate action builds new pathways to work, wages, and wealth.”
The pilot program is open to all of the state’s accredited two- and four-year colleges and universities. Participation must support workforce development programs that design courses and curricula focused on skills for careers in the renewable energy industry, in addition to internships that encourage hands-on student involvement in campus sustainability and workforce development projects.
The pilot provides funding for several key clean energy initiatives, including solar panel installation on Maryland’s campuses to boost onsite renewable energy production. Participating intuitions have the option to use or sell the renewable energy they generate. Funding will also support creation of campus clean energy master plans, which outline strategic paths for campuses to reduce energy consumption, integrate renewable energy, and reach sustainability goals.
“Maryland’s higher education institutions have a key role to play in reducing the state’s carbon footprint, while fostering the next generation of clean energy professionals,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “This pilot program empowers campuses to lead by example, creating cutting-edge energy solutions and providing students with essential opportunities in the booming green economy.”
Colleges and universities have until October 30 to review program guidelines and submit applications for consideration.
Originally published by Chris Nichols of Deep Creek POA.
Deep Creek Lake has been such a fixture in Garrett County for so long, it’s tough to think about the time when it wasn’t there, but it used to be that there was just Deep Creek flowing through “The Glades” (the central part of the county) until 1925 when it was dammed to create the lake we know today. But there is a rich history of the area pre-1925 including two earlier dams on Deep Creek, a rock formation known as the “Devil’s Castle” and that the Glades was a vacation hotspot back in the early 1800’s. We’ll dive deep into the history of Deep Creek before the dam.
It’s unclear who first named Deep Creek and when that was, but it was indeed deep, about three to four feet for most of its course, which is unusual for streams in the area. From its origin around Sand Flat Rd to where today’s 219 bridge is, the banks were grassy and marshy. This area, especially the area between today’s bridges, was subject to flooding during heavy rains and snowmelts, creating an intermittent lake. As the creek passed the area of the 219 bridge, its course became more rocky with a thick coverage of mountain laurel and rhododendrons until it met the Youghiogheny River.
The first written mention of Deep Creek I have found is from one of the McHenry family letters dated 1818. Colonel James McHenry, the namesake of both the fort in Baltimore and the local town, was a prominent early inhabitant of the Glades. He was a physician, aide to General Washington during the Revolutionary War, and Secretary of War under two administrations. When he retired from public service, he established a seasonal lodge generally where today’s Lake Pointe Inn is today. Colonel McHenry wrote of the Glades in 1812 in one of his letters to a colleague:
“I like this country, its salubrious air, its mild summers, its interesting views made up of hills, woods, glades, streams, and mountains; above all, it delights me as affording me at my time of life, a salutary retirement from the busy world and its cares. I do not feel, therefore, dispossessed to wander further or to quit it in a hurry. Indeed, did it quadrate with the interest of the whole of my family to fix here, I should never move from the spot I am now.”
Col. McHenry’s nephew John McHenry, a lawyer, inherited the homestead there and was a full-time resident until he died in 1856. He also seemed to appreciate the special appeal of the Glades and the Deep Creek area, eschewing a more profitable career as a lawyer in Baltimore to the quiet country life. Several of his letters discuss the incredible trout fishing in Deep Creek, noting that visitors from Virginia caught more than 700 trout during an outing. John was also host to a number of other visitors to the area who shared their favorable impressions of the Glades.
James Shriver was one of these visitors. He was an engineer with the C&O Canal Company, and around 1823, he was commissioned to write a report on extending the C&O Canal past Cumberland to eventually connect with the Ohio River. Unfortunately for Mr. Shriver and the backers of the C&O Canal, the railroads superseded transport via canal and the plan never moved forward. But Shriver did a meticulous study of what it would take to get this canal past Cumberland, including a two-week visit to the Glades and John McHenry’s home to get on-the-ground data on this possible route. His final report included a very detailed map, with the proposed canal route to include a dam on Deep Creek to create a navigable lake generally from Crab Tree Creek to the Youghiogheny (getting from the Potomac River to Crab Tree would have required a tunnel under Backbone Mountain!).
Below is a detail of Shriver’s map from the 1824 report. The course of Deep Creek is highlighted in yellow and the main roads in black. Several interesting landmarks are also called out including the McHenry home, the only bridge over Deep Creek at the time, the Narrows (site of the current Glendale Bridge), and the Falls of Deep Creek. The green shading indicates the area that Shriver speculated would be flooded if the proposed dam were constructed.
In the text of his report, Shriver discusses the course and flow of Deep Creek, noting its unusual width and depth, the seasonal inundation of the creek during heavy rains, and an interesting phenomenon near McHenry’s named Boiling Spring that is now under McHenry Cove. He also details a remarkable rock formation near the Falls of Deep Creek that locals had named “The Devil’s Castle,” so named because the towering cliff seemed to be ready to fall on the viewer at any moment. It seems likely that these formations may still be in existence, although the flow of water of Deep Creek has been substantially diverted through the powerplant now and permission to access the area is unclear. However, the Falls of Deep Creek were documented in a 1909 postcard, reproduced below.
Another visitor to the Glades in the early 1820s was a hunting enthusiast named F.G. Skinner, who traveled the world and the US publishing his stories in a New York-based magazine. His visit to this area is preserved in a collection of his stories, Reminiscences of an Old Sportsman. Skinner was visiting a Scotsman named Campbell who was living in the Glades at the time (his home is noted on Shriver’s map as well). Skinner has one of the best descriptions of what Deep Creek looked like, in the context of duck hunting:
“Deep Creek runs sluggishly between steep banks, varying from three to five feet in height, and in the absence of these elevated banks there is a tall growth of wild grass, so that the fowler can approach the stream anywhere perfectly masked from the vigilant ducks until within half range of No. 6 shot…” Skinner was also apparently an early “foodie,” waxing rhapsodically about a meal he had at John McHenry’s, saying “I here do most positively assert that never anywhere at any time have I eaten anything to compare with those fat flaky salmon-colored Deep Creek trout…” Skinner rounded out his trip with several successful hunting expeditions of the larger game and was amazed at the abundance of deer and bear.
Meshach Browning was another hunter in the area who had an appreciation of the large populations of wildlife in the area. He was also a settler of the Glades during the early 1800s and “neighbor” to Campbell and McHenry, though by several miles. Browning wrote the book Forty-four Years of the Life of a Hunter which details many of his hunting tales but also provides a rich description of what life in the Glades and what would become Garrett County was like in the early 1800s. He and his wife Mary had several homesteads throughout the area, one of which is generally around the site of the current McHenry Community Park. Many of Browning’s hunting tales take place around Deep Creek, including a story of him “spotlight” hunting deer with a shuttered candle lantern from a canoe on Deep Creek at night. The trip was cut short by a bear who jumped out of the grassy banks, capsizing Browning, but not before he got off a shot into the bear which was later tracked down and harvested. While some of Browning’s hunting tales may strain credibility, his appreciation of the natural beauty of the area rings true in his description of the area that would become Deep Creek Lake:
“My mind cannot imagine a more beautiful sight than could be obtained from the highest grounds of the Hoop-Pole Ridge, which commanded a view of the valley between that and the great Back-Bone . . . It was a grand sight to watch the tall grass, rolling in beautiful waves with every breeze that passed over its smooth surface, as well as the herds of deer skipping and playing with each other”
After this flurry of coverage of the Glades from the McHenry’s, Shriver, Skinner, and Browning in the 1820s, the area seemed to go quiet until the 1870s when state and national levels of interest grew in protecting natural fisheries. Part 2 of this article will cover the two dams that were built on Deep Creek before the current one and what kind of activity was going on here right before the dam was built. For more detail on Part 1 (and the rest of the story if you just can’t wait) visit https://dimesy.com/2024/03/09/before-the-dam-life-in-the-glades-before-deep-creek-lake/ for high-resolution maps and images and links to all of the sources for this article.
About the author: Chris Nichols is a Garrett County native, now living in the log cabin his grandparents built on Narrows Hill in the 1930s. He is a real estate agent with Taylor Made Deep Creek Sales and is active in the community, currently serving as the Treasurer for the Deep Creek Lake Lions, VP for Membership for the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake, and Board Member for the Garrett County Historical Society.
Garrett College is proud to announce the approval of five innovative programs, each meticulously crafted to cater to specific segments of the student population. With a focus on flexibility, career readiness, and addressing industry demands, these programs promise to redefine educational opportunities for learners of all backgrounds.
Starting from the upcoming fall semester, Garrett College will roll out an array of offerings, ranging from retooled degrees to specialized certificates, ensuring that every student finds their path to success.
1. Professional & Technical Studies Degree:
The revamped Professional & Technical Studies degree, now more flexible and inclusive, targets individuals with existing licensure or certifications, as well as working professionals keen on advancing their careers.
Julie Yoder, the dean of continuing education and workforce development at Garrett College, highlights the program’s adaptability, allowing students to tailor their technical coursework to align with their career aspirations.
2. Health & Exercise Science Degree:
The Health & Exercise Science degree equips students with a comprehensive understanding of health and fitness principles, preparing them for a variety of careers in the thriving health industry.
Christa Bowser, GC’s chief academic officer, emphasizes the program’s relevance in today’s competitive market, offering students a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and exercise science.
3. Addictions Counseling Certificate:
Tailored for credentialled professionals seeking specialization, the Addictions Counseling Certificate addresses the specific requirements for Certified Supervised Counselor-Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD) certification.
Christa Bowser underscores the certificate’s significance, particularly for individuals aiming to pursue licensure and certification with the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.
4. Health Science Certificate:
The Health Science Certificate provides students with an academic groundwork essential for further studies or a career transition into specialized health programs.
Christa Bowser highlights the certificate’s role in facilitating seamless transitions for students pursuing advanced studies in health-related fields.
Exclusive to Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) students, the Engineering, Robotics & Technology Certificate offers a hands-on learning experience, preparing students for the dynamic field of engineering and technology.
This initiative demonstrates Garrett College’s commitment to fostering partnerships with local institutions and nurturing the next generation of engineering talent.
As Garrett College embraces this exciting chapter of expansion and innovation, prospective students are encouraged to explore these diverse offerings and embark on a journey of academic and professional growth. For more information on these programs and how to enroll, visit the Garrett College website.
Garrett College continues to be a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to empowering students and serving the evolving needs of the community.
In 2014, Jodi Taylor Refosco, her husband, Joe Refosco, and her brother, Chad Taylor, were the owners of Deep Creek Lake’s most successful vacation rental management company. Their knowledge of the resort market and desire to expand made real estate the logical next step. In April of that year, that vision came to fruition through a partnership with Jay Ferguson, a local, top-producing sales agent. With his leadership, they were able to attract experienced agents from around the area. Soon after, Betsy Spiker Holcomb, also a leading sales agent, signed on as a co-owner of the real estate company. The team quickly expanded when Taylor-Made bought a local brokerage in 2016. Many of the agents were happy to make the transition to this reputable company.
The Taylor-Made team includes more than two dozen sales agents led by Broker and Sales Manager, Terah Crawford, along with in-house marketing, media, and administrative staff. The experienced group of agents has spent decades serving the Deep Creek Lake area. Innovation, technology, and expertise have made them stand out as the hometown real estate team you can trust.
“Not only are we proud of how our company has grown, but we are also honored to serve our clients and the community,” said Chad Taylor, Owner.
Recently, Taylor-Made expanded into neighboring Pennsylvania counties and West Virginia where they focus on areas including Morgantown, Canaan Valley, and Snowshoe.
Commitment to community is at the core of the company’s culture. Individuals volunteer with a variety of originations, and the company supports numerous non-profits and local events.
The entire team looks forward to another decade as a valued real estate partner for buyers and sellers in Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
About Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales
Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales is a leader in Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County real estate services. The area is a popular vacation destination conveniently located within a few hours drive from Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington, DC.
3/4BR, 2.5 BA two-story home has been lovingly renovated & modernized inside and out! Vinyl siding & metal roof, high-end finishes in bathrooms & hardware upgrades. Recently added 100 amp electrical service, hot water tank, and wall heater in garage. Multiple living areas to entertain guests & eat-in kitchen with custom cabinets & potential breakfast nook. Original craftsman style woodworking & trim. Walking distance to most town amenities. 1 car att. garage. Wraparound porch (covered in front), back deck. Mature trees, corner lot.
In the tranquil expanse of Garrett County’s Deep Creek Lake, a bill aimed at regulating water levels has sparked a contentious debate, highlighting discrepancies in data measurements and raising concerns among stakeholders. Senate Bill 837, proposed by Sen. Mike McKay, seeks to periodically lower the lake’s water levels to facilitate environmental studies and enhance recreational opportunities. However, the bill’s reliance on different data than that used by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has ignited opposition and calls for clarification.
Understanding the Discrepancies: At the heart of the issue lies the utilization of distinct vertical datums – the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88) referenced in SB 837 and the Historical Spillway Datum 2462 employed by MDE for permitting purposes. This discrepancy, amounting to approximately 1.82 feet, has significant implications for water level management and regulatory compliance.
The Implications for Stakeholders: For Brookfield Renewable US, the company responsible for operating the lake’s dam to generate electricity, SB 837 poses operational challenges that could disrupt regular dam releases and impact summer whitewater rafting businesses. Furthermore, the bill’s potential to lower lake levels significantly raises concerns among local officials and residents in nearby Friendsville. Jess Whittemore, a resident and former councilman, emphasizes the adverse effects such a reduction could have on the town’s economy and recreational activities.
Addressing Concerns and Seeking Solutions: As the debate intensifies, stakeholders advocate for inclusive dialogue and comprehensive assessments of the bill’s impact. John Bambacus, a former state senator, underscores the need for alignment between legislative proposals and regulatory standards set by MDE. He highlights the importance of public engagement in the legislative process to prevent oversights and ensure informed decision-making.
In response to concerns raised, Sen. McKay has introduced amendments to SB 837, adjusting the proposed water level requirements to align more closely with MDE’s standards. The amended bill aims to strike a balance between environmental stewardship and economic considerations, acknowledging the diverse interests at play.
As SB 837 navigates through the legislative process, stakeholders await further deliberations and seek clarity on the bill’s implications. Delegate Marc Korman’s acknowledgment of the significant public interest underscores the importance of transparent governance and robust public engagement in shaping policies that impact local communities.
