Members of the Steering Committee for the Garrett County Memorial Hospital Foundation's GALA proudly display a large check for $56,000, the net proceeds from the fundraising GALA held last November. Proceeds from the GALA were slated to help the Foundation meet its 2009 commitment to fund a series of equipment used in critical care situations. Pictured left to right are: Patti Battista, Jackie Johnson, Wayne Johnson, Barbara Frantz, and Judy Prather. "The GALA is held every other year and is very generously supported by the community. Plans are already underway for our next GALA which will be held in 2011," remarked Wayne Johnson, GALA Chairman. Committee members not available at the time of photo are: Don Battista, Jeanine Sisler, Frances Gnegy, Bea Crosco, Regina Gearhart, Jason Sweitzer, Elaine McDonald, Betsy Spiker, Linda Fike, Bill Grant, Dana McCauley, Sharon Markwood, and Kris Miller.

"Whose pill is it to swallow?" will be the question of the hour as Dr. Lance Rhodes talks about medication safety at the Garrett County Health Fair scheduled for April 17th at the Wisp Resort in McHenry.

"The prevention of medication errors is an area of national focus. Both governmental and community groups have taken action to reduce the risk of medication errors," noted Dr. Rhodes. "New regulations have been implemented and educational resources made more readily available to the public. During the presentation I will recommend strategies, actions, and resources that may aid in preventing a medication error that involves you," explained Rhodes.

Dr. Lance Rhodes is a graduate of West Virginia University School of Pharmacy (BS 1985) and Shenandoah University School of Pharmacy (PharmD 2002). He has been the Director of Pharmacy Services at Garrett County Memorial Hospital since 1996 where he also serves as a Patient Safety Officer responsible to implementing patient safety initiatives.

The Health Fair is open to the public and will offer a number of free health screenings and demonstrations. Additional information on the community Health Fair can be obtained be calling (301) 533-4178.

Carole Gallentine is being honored as the Loar Auxiliary Volunteer of the Month for February.

Carole works a regular shift every week in the Gift Shop and often accepts extra shifts. She manages and coordinates the Auxiliary's quarterly bake sales, "Carole can always be found when we have our special sales in the Hospital lobby and is part of the cleaning crew to ensure a customer-ready Shop," remarked Denise Shay, Gift Shop Manager. Carole is also known to be very active in numerous community service organizations and in her church.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Loar Auxiliary or VIVA should contact the Hospital's Volunteer Services Department at (301) 533-4041.

Peggy Santamaria, local certified yoga instructor, will demonstrate and lead simple stretch exercises at the Garrett County Health Fair scheduled to be held on April 17th at the Wisp Resort in McHenry.

"Simple stretches will release hip flexor muscles and relax quadriceps. Tightness in these muscles can occur while sitting and can cause a sense of "stiffness" when standing. I will present some easy methods to flex the lumbar spine to relieve pressure from prolonged sitting, and to ease tightness from the neck and shoulders," explained Santamaria.

Peggy Santamaria reportedly began practicing yoga 42 years ago. Now, at the age of 65, she teaches people of all ages her "easy-does-it" method of yoga. Santamaria offers classes at the Flowery Vale Health & Fitness Center in Accident.

The Health Fair will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on April 17th and will offer free health screenings, speakers, demonstrations, health information and displays. Additional information about the Health Fair is available by calling 301-533-4178.