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Inside:
Stories about you and
your co-workers.
March-April 2016
Editor: Glenn Tolbert
Photographer: Susan Peterson
Contributing Editor: Steve Watkins
Publishing Editor: Rachelle Watkins
The folks at the left want
you to read page 2.
•••
Your stories about your off-
spring are found through-
out this edition
•••
“Yikes!!” It’s Easter!
Photo by Glenn Tolbert
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Here’s What the Staff Appreciation Committee is All About What is the Staff Appreciation Committee, you ask? Who is on this committee and what do they do?? Here are the answers: The Staff Appreciation Committee was put together to have a group of people, one representative from each department in the Agency, to come up with creative ways to show how much GCCAC does appreciate each and every employee on staff. Members of the committee are Carrie DiSimone (Chairperson), Duane Yoder, Dora Shahan, Steve Watkins, Rachelle Watkins, Peggy Cannon, Jennifer Rexrode, Brenda Kelbaugh, Barbara Un-ger, Joni Diehl and Michele Wolfe. The Committee is in charge of keeping track of years of service to hand out certificates for years of service at the 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 etc. markers. We also serve as the planning committee for events to show appreciation such as the Staff Appreciation/Christmas dinner that was held back in December. We are planning events for every quarter to hand out certificates and show appreciation. Since we are a non-profit organization, to do all of this, as I am sure most of you have noticed, we have fundraisers to be able to afford these events and certificates. We have been doing 50/50 raffles every month as a start; there is now a GCCAC online store with lots of items to choose from, and we are now selling Yankee Candle products. There are lots of other fun things that we are planning. If anyone has any ideas of the types of things you would like to do or like us to try to work on, please get in touch with the representative from your department. GCCAC staff members do so much for the community. We would like to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and service. Sincerely, The Staff Appreciation Committee
https://ssastores.com/store/garrett-county-community-action-committee-oakland-md
Visit our store at the address below!
You’ll appreciate the merchandise
available to show your pride in the work
of your
Garrett County Committee Action
family!
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Our Kids
One of the many things that makes me
proud of my children is their soft and kind
hearts. My oldest, Madelyne, is very kind to
all and puts others before herself. For her
fifth birthday, all she wanted was 'for every-
one in the world to get along and not fight.'
The twins, Rayden and Amya, are two years
old and follow everything their big sister
does. Rayden is my blue eyed boy who has
no cares in the world. He is very laid back
and watches the world before taking charge.
Amya is my go-getter; she runs at the world
with full force; she lets nothing get in her
way. Although all my children have very different personalities, one thing is the same, they
stick together. Madelyne, Rayden, and Amya are excited to be welcoming a baby sister in
early summer!
Amanda Hefner
These are my girls. Kelly plays the clarinet and is in honor band. Kelsey plays basketball
and softball. Her basketball team was undefeated this year. I'm very proud of my girls.
They do well in school and have just started raising chickens.
Amy Jones
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These are my three babies.
Jeremy is 17 and a senior at
Southern High. He is planning
on attending GCCC in the fall
with Natural Resources being
his major. Jeremy is an amaz-
ing son and has a huge heart.
He loves his sisters and helps
me a lot. Alaina is 6 and is in
kindergarten at Broad Ford.
She loves being in dance and
gymnastics; she is also active
in soccer. Alaina plans on being a cowgirl and an astronaut (if she ever gets over being
scared of the dark). Then there is Keira Mae, she is 2 and attends Dennett Road Early Head
Start. Keira is very headstrong but loving. She is her sister’s protector and my shadow. I could
not see my life without these 3 in it. They are my heart and make me a better person by all
they add to my life.
Dawn Rinker
I am proud of my two daughters, Emma Lewis and Tabitha Ringer. Emma started working at McDonald’s and while there went to work for Dennett Road Manor nursing home part time. She wanted to quit McDonald’s, but I convinced her to stay at both until she determined if working at the nursing home was what she wanted to do. I was afraid that she could not han-dle it, but Emma is so caring and she loves taking care of the people and listening to their sto-ries. Tabitha went to college and is now a sixth grade teacher in Saint Mary’s County. With all of the school closings in Garrett County, she didn’t think she could find a job here. She ex-panded her horizons. She went for one interview and got the job. She basically had less than three weeks to find a place and move before school started. She had no family or friends there, but packed her things and moved. She is doing great there and the kids love her. So, yes, I am extremely proud of both of my daughters.
Dora Shahan
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I have four wonderful children. Tristan (Age 19), Daisy (Age 11), Caitlin (Age 7) and Ava (Age 18 months). They are all
four exceptional children and are loved so much.
Baby Ava is an exciting little girl, who keeps me quite busy. Ava was born with a Primary Carnitine Deficiency with Up-
take Receptor Defect. This is a condition that prevents the body from making and using certain fats for energy. Compli-
cations from this genetic defect include severe brain dysfunction, a weakened and enlarged heart, muscle weakness, and
low blood sugar. While she remains at risk for heart failure, liver problems, coma, and sudden death (just what every
parent wants to hear), she continues to overcome medical odds. While I noticed that she was not quite like other babies,
shortly after her birth I sought help from WVU with feeding issues. At the time she was failing to gain weight, which we
initially thought was due to her inability to suck normally. I thank God every day that I made that phone call to WVU,
because it was at the consultation at their breastfeeding clinic that the pediatrician identified Ava’s low muscle tone. The
doctor spent more than two hours with us that day, ordered a lab workup and scheduled an immediate consultation with
pediatric neurology. If none of that would have happened, Ava would not be the little girl that we all know and love to-
day. Although the need for layered medical services continues as she grows, she is defying the odds of this rare genetic
condition. I attribute it all to early detection and the good Lord’s protection over this little one.
Caitlin Belle is our 7 year old diva, with a taste for flair! She most loves gymnastics and cheerleading. She is on the
WMXA Tiny Cheer team, which has confirmed my suspicion… She DOES have glitter in her veins! She is lighthearted
and quite tongued: a sassy little thing. She is artistic by nature and is a born comedian.
Daisy is in 5th grade and growing up way too fast! She is a good student, and wonderful big sister. She is on a competi-
tive dance team and is full of life. She is a compassionate young lady with a heart of gold. She strives to make others feel
good about themselves, which is a very rare quality to have today. She’s organized and much of a perfectionist. She loves
math and science (a girl after my own heart). I can’t wait to see what she grows into!
Tristan is an honor student and sophomore at Frostburg State University. Tristan is a very kind, intelligent young man,
who is pursuing a Masters degree in science. He is also nationally recognized for his success in the competitive powerlift-
ing arena. Tristan has always been an excellent athlete. He exhibits tremendous self-control and is extremely analytical.
I believe these are the traits that have enabled him to have the success that he does in powerlifting. The brain-body con-
nection is amazing. He is self-made and a prime example of how hard work and sacrifice can make any goal attainable.
Tristan received a Senate Resolution from Senator George Edwards for this success. He currently holds close to 30 State
Records, 6 American titles and has just recently accepted a position on the USA Powerlifting Bench Team. He will be
traveling to Denmark in April to compete for the first time representing the United States in the World Powerlifting
competition.
Jessica Briggs
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This is my son, Andrew K. Clark. He is a Pfc in the United
States Army serving in Hawaii as a satellite communication
specialist.
Ginger Clark
Mariah Holmgren is 11 years old and attends Yough Glades
Elementary School.
We made the rocket that she is holding in the 2nd picture at school.
That picture was taken during the rocket launch on March 14.
Mariah loves to cook and bake cookies, cupcakes and cakes.
She also is very creative and loves to draw and do crafts.
Julia Kate Metzger
My son Joseph has been “special” or “incredible” (as we like to
call him) from the moment he made his grand entrance. I was
only 23 weeks pregnant with Joe when I developed many compli-
cations. I was rushed to Ruby Memorial on January 29, 2002 and
on January 30, 2002 by C-Section my son was delivered about 3
months early!! As the doctors prepared us all for the worst we
were introduced to Joseph weighing in at 1 pound 9 oz. But the
awesomeness started then!! Joe never needed any oxygen; his
lungs were amazingly fully developed and the doctors could not
believe how wonderful he was doing for being so premature. Well
at 14 years old he is a strapping 6’1” and 210 pounds!! And alt-
hough declared completely blind in his left eye he has been active
in basketball and baseball since the age of 5!! His true love is
music though he plays percussion in the band, has been part of
the county wide honor band ever since 3rd grade, and is working
towards a scholarship to WVU to play in the drumline of the “Pride
of West Virginia”!! His future is bright and full of magic no matter
how rough the start he may have gotten off to!! LaRena M. Naylor
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My foster child since June 12, 2012. What a difference you
can make in a child's life!
He became a Junior Firefighter at age 16 and received the
following awards during 2014: Junior Firefighter of the Year,
Most Training, and Number 6 Responder in 2014.
At age 18 he became a regular member and last year (2015)
he was the Number 2 Responder.
This picture was from a training, for which the buses were do-
nated by Garrett County Head Start and Garrett Transit Ser-
vice. He currently works at the Wisp Tubing Park.
Julie Feather
I recently retired from the Maryland State Police after
nearly twenty-seven years of service. I was assigned to
many different job functions and duties throughout the
years, including road patrol trooper, drug investigator
and accident reconstructionist. My last assignment was
the Commander at the McHenry Barrack where I over-
saw the daily operations of the barrack.
I was born and raised in Garrett County and graduated
from Northern Garrett High School in 1987. I have lived
in Garrett County my entire life, other than two years I
resided in Queen Annes county while assigned there as a
trooper.
I am married to my wife Sarena, and have two children,
Derek 20, and Carly 16.
My goal is to provide the citizens of Garrett County a
safe, reliable mode of transportation.
In my short time at GTS, personnel have been very helpful and responsive. I look forward to meeting and working with
all personnel, not only at GTS, but Community Action as a whole.
Mark Rodeheaver
This basket will be raffled off along with the 50/50 for the month
of April. The winner will have a choice of taking the basket or tak-
ing the money. It makes a nice gift for a mom (or any girl) on
Mother’s Day! Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Basket will be on
display beginning April 1st at the receptionist desk on the CAC
Center Street building. All proceeds benefit the Staff Appreciation
Committee projects.
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February 2016 Anniversaries: Tonya Brenneman Child & Family Services 2 yrs Heather Cooper Service Coordination 4 yrs Haden Cramer Asset Development 1 yr Gregan Crawford Core 1 yr Coit Custer Transportation 1 yr Monica Fries Service Coordination 1 yr Denise Householer Service Coordination 9 yrs Sandra Noble Child & Family Services 19 yrs Janie Nugent Service Coordination 31 yrs Alysha Sines Child & Family Services 4 yrs Gaylord Stratton Child & Family Services 8 yrs Glenn Tolbert Core 2 yrs Margaret White Child & Family Services 11 yrs Robert Yutzy Transportation 12 yrs
March 2016 Anniversaries:
Amanda Anderson Child & Family Services 2 yrs Peggy Cannon Finance 18 yrs John Chadderton Transportation 18 yrs Roy Dawson Transportation 12 yrs Karen Elliott Child & Family Services 6 yrs Ruby King Child & Family Services 14 yrs Jarrett Mahoney Core 1 yr Pam Nelson Administration 38 yrs Vernon Pyle Transportation 10 yrs
April 2016 Anniversaries:
Jennasue Bassford Child & Family Services 1 yr
Anne Byrne Child & Family Services 13 yrs
Roger Crosco Transportation 12 yrs
April Gordon Child & Family Services 2 yrs
Linda Leasure Transportation 3 yrs
Joseph Paugh Transportation 7 yrs
Dora Shahan Administration 24 yrs
Jill Warnick Child & Family Services 17 yrs
Rachelle Watkins Core 2 yrs
