College, County, GCPS, StageWEST, and Arts Council are PAC partners
McHenry, MD – The power of partnerships was celebrated last Thursday night as the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College hosted the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s December Business After Hours event.
Chantel Lowdermilk, who oversees the PAC as well as Garrett College events, thanked the College’s four partners for their collaborative efforts in expanding access to performing arts in Garrett County. Garrett County Government, Garrett County Public Schools, the StageWEST Arts Collective, and Garrett County Arts Council have been PAC partners with the College since planning began for the PAC, which opened in October 2022.
“We have wonderful partners who have all played a key role in the PAC’s success,” said Lowdermilk.
Several of the PAC partners spoke about the value the facility brings to the region.
“We appreciate the opportunities it affords our students,” said GCPS Supervisor of Elementary Instruction and Gifted and Talented Candy Maust, noting the most recent example with Broad Ford Elementary School having performed Winnie the Pooh in the PAC’s Offutt Theatre.
Steve Orndorff, executive director of StageWEST, observed “just how special it is to live in Garrett County and have access to this facility.”
Lowdermilk highlighted some of the PAC’s enhancements since it last hosted a Business After Hours event in 2023, including installation of a choral shell, web cameras for hybrid and virtual events, updated theatre technology, and a recording system. She also noted expanded staffing, which now includes Audio Visual Technician Daniel Skipper and Administrative Assistant Susan Rexroad, permitting “seamless integration for PAC and college events.”
As is traditional, the Chamber’s December Business After Hours also included the opportunity for attendees to give to the Garrett County Toys for Tots campaign.
“We have four boxes in the lobby that are almost filled,” said Toys for Tots representative Rob Heilig. “We already have toys for 250 families this year. Garrett County is the most giving county in the State of Maryland.”
