Month: November 2025

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GCBR’s 3rd Annual Pumpkin Palooza a Community Success

The Garrett County Board of REALTORS® hosted its 3rd Annual Pumpkin Palooza at Dutch’s at Silver Tree. This family-friendly, community-focused fundraiser benefits Garrett Mentors, a nonprofit providing positive role models for Garrett County elementary students. Pumpkin Palooza offers kids and adults alike a fun and casual atmosphere to carve and decorate pumpkins which are later judged for the chance at a gift card to Dutch’s at Silver Tree.

The public event welcomed everyone from GCBR members and affiliates, local families, and Garrett Mentors and Mentees. A total of 21 pumpkins were entered into the Pumpkin Contest, with winners determined by a poll conducted on the GCBR Facebook page, allowing the community to vote for their favorites.

By Facebook vote, the Winners were:

      1. 🥇 The Pumpkin in the Purple Mask
      2. 🥈 ‘ROWAN’
      3. 🥉 The Tim Burton

This year’s Pumpkin Palooza was made possible by generous contributions, including refreshments donated by Dutch’s at Silver Tree, pumpkins provided by Halian & Associates Landscapes, and sponsorships from GCBR affiliates April Jones of First United Bank (double platinum sponsor) and David Savage of Savage Home Inspections (platinum sponsor).

“Pumpkin Palooza is a wonderful way for our community to come together, celebrate creativity, and support Garrett Mentors,” said GCBR Networking Committee Chairwoman Katie Cantrell.

For more information about Garrett Mentors, visit www.garrettmentors.org/.

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GCBR Installs New Board of Directors and Welcomes President Nina Beitzel for 2025–2026

The Garrett County Board of REALTORS® (GCBR) installed its new Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 year on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Dutch’s at Silver Tree. The ceremony was conducted by Maryland REALTORS® President Denise Lewis and attended by special guests Senator Mike McKay and County Commissioner Paul Edwards.

Nina Beitzel was officially installed as GCBR’s incoming President, beginning her term November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026. In her installation speech, Beitzel emphasized three key priorities for the upcoming year: professional excellence, advocacy, and community engagement. She highlighted the importance of education, ethical practice, and collaboration among members; the need for strong advocacy for property rights and the real estate profession; and the role of REALTORS® as active, giving members of the Garrett County community.

“Real estate isn’t just about properties—it’s about people,” Beitzel said. “In the year ahead, let’s hold fast to those values. Let’s push ourselves to be excellent, advocate fiercely, and serve generously. Together, we can make 2025–2026 a year of growth, connection, and impact—for our members, our clients, and Garrett County as a whole.”

The GCBR Board of Directors works collaboratively with members and affiliates to support professional development, promote ethical standards, and strengthen the local real estate community.

Pictured from left to right: Immediate Former President Larry Smith, Secretary Katie Cantrell, Director Laura Newhall, President Nina Beitzel, Director Zach Wesolowski, Treasurer Nick Fratz-Orr, and Director Kristin Skeweris. Not pictured is President Elect Lauren McCann & Director Jessie Railey