Civic & Community

Mary Virginia Jones, 1914-2014

Juanita C. Isiminger was the founder in 1967 of Operation Gateway, a local organization sponsored by the Women's Civic Club, which was dedicated to promoting local history, civic pride, the area's rich history, and its scenic beauty and in particular the preservation of the Cumberland Narrows. In addition, Juanita helped originate Allegany County's Heritage Days Festival in 1969 and is the person most directly responsible for the establishment of an Allegany County Office of Tourism.

SOUTHPORT, N.C. — Sophie Relich Holbrook, 93, of Carillon Assisted Living, in Southport, passed away Monday, Nov. 17, 2014.

She was born Sept. 27, 1921, in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of Zika and Lenka Relich, Serbian immigrants. Sophie’s devoted husband, Bill, survives. They met in high school and enjoyed 72 years of marriage.

Sydnia Jane Hill is considered to be the first community nurse in Mount Savage. On her tombstone in the St Patrick's cemetery in Mount Savage is written, “she lived and died in service for humanity.”

Another Mount Savage resident, Margaret Schaffer, is believed to have been the first registered nurse in Maryland.

Hazel Groves Hansrote was a well-known preservationist and long-time historian, writer, and researcher of local and state history. In the early 1970s she served as Chair of the Allegany County Committee of the Maryland Historical Trust. Along with Mary C. Miltenberger (1934-2024) she also served as a co-editor of the Heritage Press, a monthly newspaper published by the Preservation Society of Allegany County which was founded in 1970.

In honor of Rotary International’s 25th anniversary celebration of women being accepted into Rotary membership, the Frostburg Rotary held a Salute to Women Reception recently at St John Episcopal Church in Frostburg. Frostburg Rotarians Vicky Peterson and Linda Brumage presented Service Above Self Awards to, seated, Sharon Robinson, left, and Jane Grindel, and standing, from left, Maureen Brewer, Peggy Kealy, Michaela Linn and Barb Armstrong. Not pictured are Barbara Ornstein and Diane Romaine.

1938 - First "Colored" Girl Scout Troop

The following three newspaper articles, or excerpts of articles, are from June, October, and November 1938, respectively. The articles provide some background on the formation of the first "colored" Girl Scout troop in Cumberland, which was initiated by Father Boniface Weckmann. Not mentioned in these articles is Romaine Franklin, who is featured elsewhere on this website, and who played a lead role in the formation of the troop.

Sandra Grandstaff was inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in October 2006. A teacher from Allegany County, Sandy taught from 1961 until her retirement in 1995. Most of these years were spent as a Music Resource Teacher that had her traveling to elementary schools throughout the county.

Irene Grabenstein, 1922- 2017

The following are excerpts from Irene Grabenstein’s obituary as it appeared on the Scarpelli Funeral Home's website.

Mrs. Grabenstein was long-active in the region’s Catholic community, held numerous professional and civic positions and received many honors throughout her career:

“CUMBERLAND – Irene (Ley) Grabenstein, 94, of Cumberland, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at the Western Maryland Health System Regional Medical Center.