Mineral County Champions

March 1, 2023

Creating Opportunities For a Better Future

Returning home and giving back to the community she loves, a local donor is making a positive difference through the Community Trust Foundation (CTF). Combining her interest in enhancing the quality of life throughout our region and her appreciation of her high school education, Dr. Julianne Ferris has established both a community fund and a scholarship to carry out her charitable intentions for generations to come.

“I’ve always ascribed to the philosophy think global but act local,” says Ferris.  Interested in helping our region, Dr. Ferris was engaged in the formation of CTF and has been a proud supporter of its mission ever since.  Her newly established fund at the foundation will support charitable initiatives and nonprofits within Allegany County, Maryland.

As a graduate of Fort Hill and with love for her high school alma mater, she also created the Julianne K. Ferris Ph.D. Scholarship at CTF to assist Fort Hill High School students pursuing a degree in visual or performing arts at Allegany College of Maryland.  Dr. Ferris was a founding member of the Fort Hill Scholarship Fund (FHSF) and served as the first president in their commitment to making every dream count for Fort Hill graduates.  CTF works in tandem with the FHSF as a fiduciary of the scholarship funds and administrator for award recipients.

After graduating from Fort Hill in 1956, Dr. Ferris went on to continue her education at the University of Maryland where she received her doctorate in arts management. She also taught art education there for 10 years. Upon her return to Cumberland, Ferris continued to teach art history and aesthetics classes at Allegany College of Maryland. She has served on multiple boards including Allegany Museum, Cultural Event Series at FSU, Cumberland Theatre, Western Maryland Health System Auxiliary, and the Woman’s Civic Club.  Her community service earned her the 2014 City Star Award.

CTF is a public foundation created with gifts from donors committed to causes in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.  CTF grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Recreation & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership. For more information visit www.ctfinc.org or call 301-876-9172.  To learn more about the Fort Hill Scholarship Fund, visit www.forthillscholarshipfund.org or call Brenda Friend 301-723-0076.

Photo caption: Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director & Dr. Julianne K. Ferris Ph.D., fund donor

January 23, 2023

A Local business establishes a scholarship in memory of a Fort Hill student

ServiceMaster of Allegany County has created the Saiquan Jenkins Memorial Scholarship at the Community Trust Foundation to support Fort Hill High School football players pursuing higher education.  Saiquan’s tragic death shocked the community after he was stabbed in front of Fort Hill High School in October 2021 at the age of 17.  Saiquan would have been a senior this year.

Business owners Jeremy & Crystal Bender knew Saiquan well, he spent considerable amounts of time in their home hanging out with their oldest son, Lance.  “The kids were talking about wanting to do something more to remember Saiquan, they wanted to be a part of something that would permanently honor him, says Jeremy.  “This scholarship not only does that, it puts the focus on the qualities he exemplified rather than the way his life ended.”

With a smile that could light up a room, Saiquan was a standout athlete at Fort Hill on both the football field and basketball court.  Praised by coaches and teachers for his work ethic and adored by friends for his kind hearted, courageous, and carefree personality, he was an overcomer of great adversity.

Recipients of the scholarship must be a member of the football team and exemplify traits that characterized Saiquan.  Interested applicants should inquire with the Fort High School Guidance Office.

Public contributions to the fund are welcome.  They should be made payable to CTF and mailed to 112 Baltimore Street, Suite 201, Cumberland, MD 21502. For online contributions click here.

CTF is a public foundation created with gifts from donors committed to causes in Allegany, Garrett, & Mineral Counties. CTF grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership.

Photo caption(s):

• Saiquan Jenkins
• ServiceMaster Group Photo L to R:  Tavin Willis & Lance Bender, friends of Saiquan; Jeremy & Crystal Bender, ServiceMaster

December 9, 2022

CTF Grant Helps KHS Students Achieve Success

A grant from the Community Trust Foundation (CTF) is providing supplemental textbooks for students in the Business Computer Applications classes at Keyser High School.

“Software versions are updating and the testing components are changing,” say computer application teachers Sheila Powell and Kelly Stanislawczyk. “It is critical that these students receive a level of instruction necessary to achieve a successful outcome not just in our class, but in all of the courses they need to graduate and be successful in the future.”

CTF is a public foundation created with gifts from donors committed to causes in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.  CTF grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership. For more information visit www.ctfinc.org or call 301-876-9172.

Photo Caption: Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director, Kelly Stanislawczyk, KHS Business/Technology Teacher, Sheila Powell, KHS Business/Technology Teacher

November 21, 2022

CTF Receives Grant from Dominion Energy Employee Fund

Dominion Energy Mount Storm Power Station presented CTF with an $8,050 contribution from their Employee Outreach Committee to enhance the organization’s efforts in Mineral County.  “This contribution came from the hands of local hard-working people who love their community, and we are honored,” says Leah Shaffer, executive director at CTF.  “It expands our ability to address the evolving needs and aspirations of Mineral County.”

CTF is a public foundation created with gifts from donors committed to causes in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.  CTF grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership. For more information visit www.ctfinc.org or call 301-876-9172.

Photo Caption: Sean Ellifritz, Dominion Power and Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director

November 18, 2022

Community Trust Foundation Helps You Create the Community You Imagine

“The Community Trust Foundation provides each of us with an opportunity to do good in our community both now and in the future,” says entrepreneur Terry Stephens.  “Through our gifts, we can help create the type of community we imagine.”

The foundation (CTF) is a non-profit granting organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in our region.  With the vision of growing stronger, more vibrant communities, the foundation is solely supported by individuals who want to give back to the place they call home. Caring citizens donate their resources to establish funds at CTF.  These funds provide grants to the charitable organizations and projects in the community that the donors care about most.

Donors can create the legacy they have imagined in their community in ways that are as unique as their passions.  Anything from improving education through scholarships, to building museums to help ensure our heritage, to supporting workforce development or youth leadership programming, even creating outdoor recreational spaces if that is what the donor is passionate about. Whether you establish a new fund or contribute to one of our existing funds, your legacy can last forever.

Through the generosity of our donors, CTF has invested $1.5 million back into Mineral County in the last 10 years, and $85,000 in the last two years.  Grants have provided literacy and summer food programming, access to free dentures for low-income, preservation of local historical landmarks, robotics and STEM leadership funding, murals highlighting local talent around Keyser, meal delivery for the elderly and homebound, food security during COVID, and healthy family-support programming.

While it is inspiring to look at the many organizations and programs funded through these efforts, the future needs of our county are unpredictable. In response to this, CTF created the Invest in Mineral County Fund to build permanent resources to meet the unique challenges and opportunities in Mineral both now and for future generations.

You can help the Mineral County Fund reach a critical milestone: $50,000.  Being a part of growing this resource for our community is both rewarding and legacy building.  You can give by clicking here.

The Community Trust Foundation has been Connecting Philanthropy for Community Good for more than 15 years and is for good, forever.  Let us help you create the type of community you imagine!

October 22, 2022

Where to Park

Street parking: pay at kiosks located on the sidewalks, cost $.50/hr.

Center City Parking Garage: located on South George Street. Pay upon entering the garage cost $1.00/hr

Free parking: park in the lot at Canal Place in front of the Western MD Railway Station or the lot at corner of Mechanic St. and Howard Street under I68 Bridge

To Enter the Museum 

Use the building entrance located on Pershing Street. Take the elevator to the 2^nd floor, event in Ballroom.

Partnership for Hands-on Robotics Programs

The WVU Mineral County Extension Service’s 4-H Program is partnering with Mineral County Schools and the Community Trust Foundation (CTF) to offer hands-on robotics education with students at Frankfort Middle School this fall.

Thelma Carr is currently using engineering and robotics kits with students in the classroom. She has incorporated these hands-on activities to support classroom teaching objectives. “We feel blessed to have the kits to integrate into our curriculum where engineering is a focus topic. In addition to the construction and coding, students gain team building skills, troubleshooting, and exploration. As a teacher I’m excited to see the students working with the kits.”

The Mineral County 4-H program’s grant with the CTF supports both 4-H STEM and Robotics hands-on educational programs, as well as training with 4-H Teen Leaders in teaching these activities. “In addition to fall classroom activities, we used the new kits this past summer with 4-H Camps and the WVU Potomac State College STEM camp,” says Margaret Miltenberger, WVU Extension 4-H Agent.

4-H is a program under the leadership of WVU Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development program. The purpose of the 4-H program is the four-fold development of youths’ – Head, Heart, Hands and Health. Programs support a child’s learning and life skills which include decision making, planning, project work, teamwork, leadership, service, and healthy lifestyles.

The WVU Extension Service 4-H program has a current focus on providing hands-on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs that support growth mindset. Growth mindset is the understanding that people can improve their abilities and intelligence through dedication and practice. It refers to growth and development, such as learning from mistakes, not just “trying harder.”

“We are excited about the partnership with Thelma Carr and Frankfort Middle Schools,” says Miltenberger, “because it helps the 4-H program to reach more youths daily with hands-on learning to support a growth mindset.”

The Community Trust Foundation is an important partner which provides the funding that enables these educational experiences.  CTF is committed to building stronger communities in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral counties.

For more information about how you can connect with the Mineral County 4-H program and STEM activities contact the WVU Mineral County Extension Service at 304-788-3621 or email m.miltenberger@mail.wvu.edu.

Photo Caption: 4-H Transforms Lives – Margaret Miltenberger, WVU Extension Service 4-H Agent, Leah Shaffer, Executive Director, Community Trust Foundation, and Thelma Carr, Mineral County Schools Frankfort Middle School.

October 17, 2022

CTF Beautification Grant Assists Cemetery

Community Trust Foundation (CTF) through the Marta Coulehan Gehauf Beautification Fund recently awarded a grant to the Allegany Historical Society to benefit the Green Mount Cemetery Group. The grant will be used for various projects at the cemetery including road and drainage repairs, headstone cleaning, and security cameras. The cemetery group is made up solely of volunteers focused on improving the condition and care of the cemetery as well as maintaining the history of the memorial park located on Shades Lane, Cumberland.

The Marta Coulehan Gehauf Beautification Fund at CTF supports charitable initiatives focused on and benefitting the beautification of the city of Cumberland.

CTF is a public foundation created with gifts from donors committed to causes in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.  CTF grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership.  CTF connects philanthropy with community good, for more information visit www.ctfinc.org or call 301-876-9172.

Photo Caption: L to R  Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director; Jane Sloan, Green Mount Cemetery Secretary; Roger Growden, Green Mount Cemetery Co-Treasurer; Dave Williams, Allegany County Historical Society, Fiscal Sponsor; Debbie Powell, Green Mount Cemetery Treasurer

July 29, 2022

CTF Grant Funds Shakespeare in the Park Tour

Community Trust Foundation (CTF), through the Ray & Brenda Morriss Fund, recently granted to the joint effort of two theater companies for an outdoor touring production of Shakespeare in the Park. The Cumberland Theatre and the Embassy Theatre have teamed up to present Comedy of Errors in Cumberland and Grantsville the weekend of July 29th – 31st.

​The Ray & Brenda Morriss Fund at CTF supports arts & culture, animal welfare, education and other charitable initiatives benefitting CTF’s geographic service area.

CTF is a public foundation created with gifts from donors committed to causes in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.  CTF grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership.  CTF connects philanthropy with community good, for more information visit www.ctfinc.org or call 301-876-9172.

Photo Caption: (L to R) Brenda and Ray Morris, donors; Kimberli Rowley, Cumberland Theatre Artistic Director; Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director

July 18, 2022

CTF Funds Writing Workshops at Victorian Chautauqua Event

The Community Trust Foundation (CTF), through the Naylor Family Trust Fund, has awarded a grant to the Mountain Lake Park Historical Association to support the writers’ workshops at the Victorian Chautauqua in Mountain Lake Park, MD.  The workshops coincide with the two-day event celebrating the history of Mountain Lake Park with historical portrayals, musical performances, historic home tours, family-friendly activities, artisans, and food.

Under the guidance of skilled and experienced writing instructors, participants will have the opportunity to learn or expand upon their writing skills in a variety of genres from July 11 – 15, 2022.  Workshops for individuals from third grade to adult include creative writing for children and theatrical scriptwriting for teens and adults. New workshops have been added for 2022, including poetry, songwriting, nature/environmental writing, and writing/illustrating of children’s stories.  Excerpts from the workshop projects will be presented at a culminating event.  Visit https://www.victorianchautauqua.com for more information on these events.

Photo Caption:(Left to right) Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director, Dolores (Lori) Youse, Program Director Victorian Chautauqua Writers Workshops.

July 6, 2022

Grant Supports Educational Experience of Local Farming in History

A grant from the Community Trust Foundation’s (CTF) Ebert Family Hope Fund is supporting the addition of an experiential exhibit to the Evergreen Heritage Center’s Living Off the Land Agricultural Museum. Students and visitors will experience the post-Civil War world of the Western Maryland farmer as impacted by severe weather, economic depression, the industrial revolution, environmental awareness, and the First World War.

Guests will see recently discovered photos, journals, letters, and books that convey the hardships of farming at that time. By pressing a button on the period timeline in the exhibit, guests can listen to stories told by the family that acquired the farm in 1869. The exhibit will be located in the stables of its recently restored 200-year-old Barn and will open in May 2023.

Photo Caption:(Left to right) Janice Keene, Director of Evergreen Heritage Center, Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director

June 30, 2022

CTF Funding Brings Maryland Symphony Orchestra to Area

The Community Trust Foundation (CTF), through the Iris & Peter Halmos Community Fund, has awarded a grant to Frostburg State University Cultural Events Series (CES) to sponsor the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s presentation of masterworks from Mozart, Stravinsky, and von Weber.  The performance is November 11, 2022 at the FSU Performing Arts Center.

MSO Musical Director Elizabeth Shulze will also present a virtual session to discuss the works to be performed. The recording will be available on YouTube approximately one week prior to the concert.

An audition workshop for local high school and college students will also be held to give the next generation of classical musicians a taste of professional musician life. The workshop will take place Wednesday, October 26 in the FSU Performing Arts Center.  Visit ces@frostburg.edu or call 301.687.3137 for more information on these events.

Photo Caption:(Left to right) Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director, Dr. Peter Halmos, Donor, Melanie Moore, Associate Director of FSU CES

June 30, 2022

CTF Supports Summer Music Program for Youth

The Community Trust Foundation (CTF), through the Naylor Family Trust Fund, has awarded a grant to the Garrett College Foundation for the Mountain Maryland Music Institute (MMMI) music camp. MMMI is a summer enrichment experience in Garrett County that provides quality music education to youth ages 9 – 17. Students that attend the the MMMI gain experience in group instruction with a focus on musical ensembles, attend classes in music theory and musicianship, and meet with instructors individually to develop instrumental technique and tone quality.   They also enjoy outdoor activities and swimming during the week.  The MMMI runs July 11-15, 2022 at Garrett College, more info at https://www.garrettcollege.edu/mmmi.php.

Photo Caption:(Left to right) Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director, Dr. Sean Beachy, Instructor of Music, Garrett College, and Kearstin Hinebaugh, Coordinator of Grants and Special Funds at Garrett College

June 21, 2022

Community Trust Foundation Receives Grant from FedEx Cares

FedEx employee, Doug Widdows, was recently recognized as a top volunteer at the company and a $5,000 grant was made to the Community Trust Foundation (CTF) in his honor.  FedEx Cares is recognizing top volunteers for the hours they spend giving back to the communities where they live and work by awarding grant funding to their non-profit of choice. Doug selected the City of Cumberland Skate Park Fund at CTF to benefit from the award.   

CTF is a public foundation created with gifts from donors committed to causes in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.  CTF grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership. For more information visit www.ctfinc.org or call 301-876-9172.

Photo Caption: Doug Widdows, FedEx employee and Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director

June 9, 2022

Community Trust Foundation Grant Supports a Thriving Environment

Community Trust Foundation (CTF) through the Kim & Marion Leonard Mindful Leadership, Health, Wellness, and Environmental Preservation Fund has awarded a grant to the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation to support the continuous monitoring of Deep Creek Lake water levels and temperatures by the US Geologic Survey (USGS).

The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation (DCWF) was established to preserve and protect the lake and its watershed, which are valuable resources in Maryland for outdoor recreation and are the backbone of the $360.5 million tourism industry in Western Maryland.  Temperature and water level are critical for assessing water quality and its vibrant sustainability.

In 2020, a grant from CTF defrayed the cost of installing the gauges and the first year of calibration.  The monitoring devices are part of the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan developed in collaboration with private citizens and county and state officials.

CTF is a public foundation created with gifts from donors committed to causes in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.  CTF grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership.  CTF connects philanthropy with community good, for more information visit www.ctfinc.org or call 301-876-9172.

Photo Caption: L to R Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director; Robert Hoffmann, DCWF President; Morgan France, DCWF Director of Projects

June 9, 2022

Community Trust Foundation Grant Equips Robotics Facility for STEM Education

Community Trust Foundation (CTF) through the Naylor Family Trust Fund recently awarded a grant to Robotics and Engineering in Allegany County – Together, Inc. (REACT) for their Allegany County youth robotics expansion project.

The robotics expansion project will create an engaging and challenging advanced robotics opportunity for motivated high school students in Allegany County and will provide a unique opportunity for students to work side-by-side with STEM professionals as they deepen their knowledge of computer programming and robotics engineering principles. The grant from CTF will be used to equip the new robotics education facility to be located in the former SS. Peter and Paul parish hall on Fayette Street, Cumberland, MD.

CTF is a public foundation created with gifts from donors committed to causes in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.  CTF grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership.  CTF connects philanthropy with community good, for more information visit www.ctfinc.org or call 301-876-9172.

Photo Caption: L to R  Mike Fiscus, REACT Project Director/ Board Treasurer; Leah Shaffer, CTF Executive Director, Barry Hartung, REACT Director/ Board President

June 6, 2022

Community Trust Foundation Grant Creates Autism Sensory Environment

The Salem Children’s Trust has received funding through the Naylor Family Fund at the Community Trust Foundation (CTF) to convert their pre-existing fitness center into a sensory environment that enhances the behavioral health of those they serve with autism and intellectual disabilities.

The facility, which had ceased operations in 2020, recently reopened its doors as an educational and residential treatment program for youth with intellectual or developmental delays, or autism often combined with other psychiatric diagnoses.  The renovated fitness center will be equipped with furnishings that create an environment for safe sensory stimulation, emotional regulation, cognitive development, and motor skills practice.

“Our vision at Salem is to make every moment a teaching moment, to provide our youth with life skills that will enable them to be able to return to their communities and homes, and to treat them with respect and kindness,” shared Chris Atkinson, education director at Salem.  “We cannot emphasize how essential this award is to what we are doing.”

“Donors who care about our community make amazing things like this happen through CTF”, said executive director Leah Shaffer. “This new sensory space will enhance the teaching environment, provide opportunities for engagement, and bring joy to these kids.”

CTF is a public foundation created with gifts from donors committed to causes in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.  CTF grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership.  CTF connects philanthropy with community good.

Photo Caption: L to R  Leah Shaffer, CTF executive director, Connie Meyers, Salem Children’s Trust executive director

May 31, 2022

MCCAGHS SELECTED AS 2022 HUMANITARIANS OF THE YEAR

Leah Shaffer, Executive Director of the Community Trust Foundation (CTF), recently announced that the husband-wife duo of the late Dr. Sean McCagh and Terri McCagh has been chosen by the CTF Board of Trustees as the 2022 Humanitarians of the Year and will be formally honored at the upcoming Humanitarian Leadership Award Dinner on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.

“A big heart that produced a big impact” paraphrases the sentiments that many have shared in remembering Dr. McCagh.  “Sean demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others in our region, both professionally and philanthropically”, shared Shaffer.  “He contributed his resources, time, and expertise without the expectation of personal gain and his impact on our community continues to live on after his unfortunate death in January 2021.”

His wife, Terri, always supporting and sharing in his pursuits, is carrying on with his projects and the spirit of caring for the community that Sean role modeled.  “Community was very important to Sean”, says Terri.  “I believe it came from his large family, they did a lot of things together growing up.  I think his love for Cumberland came from that.”

As a local dermatologist, practicing for 24 years, Sean developed meaningful friendships in the community.  He graduated from Bishop Walsh High School and attended Georgetown University Medical School.  It was while at Georgetown that he met Terri who was living in Northern Virginia.  Terri, now a retired pediatric physical therapist, remains active in our community.

The McCaghs created the Hooley Plunge, which features hundreds of people dunking themselves in the icy waters of Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park every year.  Proceeds from the event help support special needs students in our county and the Special Olympics.

The event honoring the McCaghs will be held at the Lane Center on the Campus of Frostburg State University, on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, beginning at 6:00 p.m. We hope you will join us!  For more information call 301-876-9172.

The Community Trust Foundation connects philanthropy for community good in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties and is a way for local donors to give back to their community.  Through CTF, more than $6 million in grants and scholarships have been awarded to charitable causes in our region. To learn more call 301-876-9172 or visit www.ctfinc.org.

February  2022

Endow Maryland Tax Credits Available for a Limited Time

Community Trust Foundation (CTF) is pleased to once again offer Endow Maryland Tax Credits.  This state tax credit was created to encourage Maryland residents to give back to their local community in a meaningful and lasting way.  It promotes philanthropy in Maryland, FOR Maryland.

The tax credits apply to gifts given to support permanent charitable funds at the Community Trust Foundation that allow us to address Allegany and Garrett Counties’ greatest needs today and for generations to come. Qualified donors can receive a 25-percent tax credit on their 2022 Maryland state tax return, this means a $1,000 gift may only cost the donor $750 after the tax credit is applied.

“It’s a win-win for donors and the community, said Leah Shaffer, Executive Director at CTF. Contributions to these endowed funds stay right here in our community.  These gifts will generate many times the original value of the gift and benefit Allegany & Garrett County forever.

These credits apply to gifts of $500 or more and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Ms. Shaffer explained that CTF and the other community foundations around the state share the available tax credits and are always amazed at how quickly they are claimed. To find out how to take advantage of the tax credit or what endowed funds qualify, contact Leah Shaffer at ctf@ctfinc.org or call 301-876-9172.

February 1, 2022

Scholarship for Young Runners Established With Community Trust Foundation

Running enthusiasts Norman and Patty DeRosa have established a college scholarship to remember their late daughter and to honor another Frostburg resident as a means to encourage young runners to work hard and pursue their dreams.

The DeRosa’s collaborated with the Community Trust Foundation to create Katie and Molly’s “I Run Because I Love It” Scholarship in tribute to their daughter, Katie, and Molly Offstein, both of whom were outstanding teenage runners.

“The scholarship is an opportunity to introduce others to these amazing young women with the hope that they may be inspired by the drive, grit, and humanity the girls demonstrated in their lives,” shared Mr. DeRosa.  The name of the scholarship was inspired by one of Katie’s poems.

The Frostburg couple began the fund to benefit students in a four-county area as they recognize two young women who demonstrated kindness, hard work, determination, and a strong sense of community and family as well as a love for running. Sadly, Katie and Molly were tragic victims of road-running accidents.

Katie DeRosa was fatally struck by a car while training for her freshman year at Beall High School in 1998. After attending a runners camp the year before, she was excited to have found her place among like-minded teenagers who enjoyed the sport of running.

Katie achieved much in her 13 years. In addition to being a promising athlete, she was an accomplished violinist, an award-winning writer, a person of faith as well as a special friend and family member.  As an organ donor, Katie gave the gift of renewed life to 5 people at her passing.

Molly Offstein, along with her older sister, Maddie, were standout runners at Mountain Ridge High School. Between them, they won five state championship titles and earned runner-up finishes, school records, and national elite times.

Coached by Norm DeRosa, Molly was inspired by Katie’s story and achieved much in her four years of secondary education. She served in student government and the National Honor Society and graduated as valedictorian of her high school class.

While a freshman at Elon University in 2017 Molly was struck by a car as she crossed a road on a morning training run. Although she survived life-threatening injuries, Molly confronts lingering disabilities as a result of trauma to her brain, spine and pelvis.

In spite of these challenges, Molly continues to inspire and enlighten others through her determination and perseverance. Through this scholarship, Molly’s story serves to encourage runners to live out a dream cut short for her and Katie and to further their athletic and academic pursuits beyond high school.

Katie and Molly’s “I Run Because I Love It” Scholarship will be awarded annually to two graduating seniors who have participated in at least two years of cross country or long-distance track events at a high school in Allegany, Garrett, Hampshire, or Mineral counties.

In addition to their athletic activities, applicants should exhibit leadership, describe community involvement and demonstrate financial need. The first scholarships will be awarded for the 2021-22 academic year and the deadline to apply is April 1, 2022. High school guidance offices can provide applications and additional information.

The Community Trust Foundation welcomes gifts from donors who are committed to causes in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral counties.  CTF connects philanthropy for community good through grants to local nonprofit organizations that are working to build stronger communities. For more information call 301-876-9172.

To donate to the Katie & Molly’s “I Run Because I Love It” Scholarship Fund Click Here

Caption:  Katie DeRosa, portrait by Moriah K. Photography; Molly Offstein

End Of The Year Tax Planning 

Here are a few simple ways to make a lasting impact in your community all the while reducing your taxes.

1. Care for Your County:  Make a tax-deductible contribution to Community Trust Foundation (CTF) and direct your contribution to the county fund of your choice (Allegany, Garrett or, Mineral). Your gift will be used to target the opportunities and challenges you care most about in your county.

2.  Support Seniors:  WV residents giving $500 or more to the Mineral Co. Meals on Wheels Fund can earn a 50% West Virginia tax credit to reduce their liability for West Virginia Personal Income Tax or Corporate Net Income Tax.

3. Donate your RMD: If you are 70 ½, there is still time to donate all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD) from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified nonprofit such as CTF.  You not only lower your taxable income but also benefit the region you call home. Consult your tax professional for proper transfer procedures.

Avoid the last-minute rush, make your contribution before December 15, 2021. To enable quick processing of your donation, give online under the GIVE tab.

RMD and check contributions should be made payable to CTF and mailed to 112 Baltimore Street, Cumberland, MD 21502.

Have questions?  Please call us at (301) 876-9172.

Register here:Dementia Affects Everyone

Tax Credits for Donations to Mineral County Meals on Wheels Program

The Community Trust Foundation (CTF) has received $5,000 in tax credits from the State of West Virginia to incentivize contributions made to the Mineral County Meals on Wheels program fund.

Contributions of $500 or more are eligible to receive up to 50% of the contributed amount in the form of West Virginia state tax credits to apply to WV Personal Income Tax or WV Corporate Net Income Tax. A $1,000 gift translates into an actual $500 savings in West Virginia state taxes.

“These tax credits reward donors for contributions that will benefit the greatest needs in their community,” says CTF executive director Leah Shaffer.  The Meals on Wheels program run by the Aging and Family Services of Mineral County, delivers more than 30,000 hot meals to low income seniors and is critical to providing proper nutrition and safety checks to some of the most vulnerable at this time.  “Let’s not forget those who need us, particularly during these times when the protection of our elderly population’s health is crucial,” Shaffer prompts.

Louie Kitzmiller, Director of Finance and Human Resources for Aging and Family Services of Mineral County stated, “We’re pleased to continue working with Community Trust Foundation for the fifth year as we ask local residents and businesses to support this important community program.” To find out how you or your business can participate please contact Mr. Kitzmiller at lkitzmiller@wvaging.com (304) 788-5467 ext. 110 or the Community Trust Foundation at ctf@ctfinc.org

“All of us feel the immediate internal reward of giving to others, but this program adds a bonus — a financial reward come tax season!” adds Shaffer.

CTF serves Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties with the mission of strengthening the region by working in partnership with donors and community groups.  CTF establishes permanent funds through local donors and grants to local nonprofits working to build a stronger community. Connecting Philanthropy with Community Good, visit www.ctfinc.org or call 301-876-9172.

Community Trust Foundation Grants to Needs-Based Programs

The Community Trust Foundation’s (CTF) Ted A. Wolfe Fund has granted the Judy Center $5,000 for their Childcare Assistance Program.  This grant will help families, on a case by case basis, afford childcare so they can remain employed or enrolled in an educational program.

Funding from CTF’s Healthcare Fund and Lancelotta Health Care Fund provided $5,000 for Associated Charities’ Short-Term Emergency Prescription Program.  The program provides emergency medications to low income, uninsured, and under insured residents of Allegany County.

The Community Trust Foundation connects philanthropy for community good in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties and is a way for local donors to give back to their community.