ENOUGH

Our Story – Kitzmiller

In the small town of Kitzmiller, nestled in Garrett County, Maryland, the spirit of community burns brightly despite its challenges. With a population of around 300, many of whom are seniors, Kitzmiller faces the common struggles of a declining economy and a quiet Main Street. Yet, the heart of the town beats strong, fueled by dedicated individuals and a deep-seated care for its children.

The “ENOUGH – Kitzmiller” initiative aimed to reignite that spark, starting with a vision to “turn the curve.” The action plan is ambitious: transform abandoned businesses into unique shops, drawing on the town’s existing assets. Kitzmiller is rich in potential, with natural beauty like Jennings Randolph Lake, Wolf Den Run State Park, and a serene Riverwalk. Even a budding Botanical Garden offers a glimpse into a greener future.

But Kitzmiller has faced significant hurdles. The closed restaurant and school serve as a constant reminder of what is missing, and a block of condemned buildings stands as a testament to the town’s past when the mines thrived. Ideas for the town’s revival include an artisan’s village that will attract new businesses and stimulate commerce. The community, while protective and cautious of outsiders, especially when it comes to their children, yearns for more activities and a chance to grow again.

The children remain the primary focus of Kitzmiller’s future. At the core of the community are its champions. Cookie Noble, a Headstart teacher for over 30 years, embodies the town’s dedication to youth, running a vibrant Youth League that brings together kids from Bloomington and beyond for soccer, basketball, baseball, and volleyball. Priorities have been challenging to address, but the enthusiasm for youth sports is undeniable. There is a desire to add more low-cost activities for youth, as well as improve the sports field, which needs significant upgrades. A pitching machine, field lights, and a line marker machine would serve as significant improvements to the youth sports activities.

Tier 1 – Safe and Thriving Communities (Commercial Core/Capture Tourism)

Artisan Village to accompany the existing river walk 

The town has condemned and bought a section of buildings that are no longer habitable. Clean up of the area is next. However, we are not aware of a step-by-step plan or any timeline associated with the project.  

“We want to create cute shops and honor our heritage with local artisans and create a place that helps build businesses in our town. We want Kitzmiller to be a memorable spot to visit when people come to Garrett County.” 

Tier 2 – Youth League Safe and Thriving Communities

Grassroots league run by volunteers serves up to 100 kids from the surrounding area.  Currently, it serves as the community gathering spot where older residents come down and watch games and fellowship. The field is in desperate need of upgrades and repairs.

Target Demographic – “Our kids, they are the future.” 

Our Story – Bloomington

Fire and EMS is the heartbeat of Bloomington, volunteerism thrives, community members are united by a shared vision: to provide safety and nurture the well-being of its families and children.

At the center of these efforts stands the Bloomington Fire Company Park, a beloved gathering place now undergoing a remarkable transformation. Thanks to “Project Green Space”, new handicap-accessible swings and updated playground equipment are being installed, promising a safer, more inclusive play area. The park’s quarter-mile track is also getting a facelift, with new paving, exercise equipment, and benches, inviting everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

This park is more than just a place to play; it hosts everything from food distributions and fire company picnics to Bloomington Days and t-ball games, even serving as a school bus pickup. The strategy for updating the park is to help all rural residents build resilience and further social connections by creating a safe space. The long-term infrastructure vision is to have lighting and a helipad for emergencies. Beyond the park, the community’s dedication to its young ones extends through a multi-faceted approach. Several lower-cost strategies have been identified, and the community champions are working with the Population Health, Innovation, and Informatics Unit within the Garrett County Health Department through various competitive funding opportunities.

To foster stronger connections and healthier lives, initiatives such as a walking club and exercise classes are being explored, with community surveys guiding the creation of new exercise programs and even incentives like Fitbits.

Based on the TA the town received from the Population Health, Innovation, and Informatics Unit within the Garrett County Health Department, a beautiful collaboration took shape. To support education and healthier families, the “backpack bundle” program was created to ensure students from elementary to high school, including those with special needs, receive not only essential school supplies like backpacks, pencils, and notebooks. But also items to aid in addressing chronic disease, such as a water bottle, a jump rope, and healthy snacks.

The community will diligently track the success of these programs through check-ins and surveys at events like Bloomington Days, striving to create a safe, nurturing environment where every child can flourish.

Bloomington has expressed great appreciation for being remembered as part of Garrett County and looks forward to improving the wellbeing of the community.

Tier 1 – Safe and Thriving Communities

Helipad

Tier 2 – Safe and Thriving Communities

Access to essentials items that people in poverty have to go without centered around food security and access to physical fitness opportunities, using grassroots community bonds .

Events: Backpack Bundle (Aug 28th / 6PM-8PM), Bloomington Days Sept 20th

(Walking Program with Fitbits)

Our Story – Accident

The beloved town of Accident, Maryland, is bravely confronting its community challenges, as highlighted in a recent “ENOUGH” meeting on September 4, 2025. This dedicated community is working to strengthen its social fabric, focusing on areas like housing, generational well-being, and fostering a stronger sense of connection among residents.

The school in Accident is a focal point for the future, although that future has become more & more uncertain. For young families, securing affordable housing, even with employment, has also been a struggle. 

Food security is a priority in the town of Accident. While a dedicated food pantry is a future goal, additional innovative ideas are emerging, such as distributing meal boxes through the schools and working in partnership to help homebound seniors through the Population Health, Innovation, informatics Unit within the Garrett County Health Department. 

Despite ongoing needs, Accident is hopeful in the anticipation of growing community engagement. Community leaders like Amy Hook are exploring new ways to encourage participation. Efforts to secure donations are ongoing, and insights from surveys are being used to guide future initiatives. 

Accident’s narrative is one of perseverance and collective growth. It’s a community actively working to strengthen its bonds and overcome obstacles, with dedicated individuals leading the way in building a brighter future.

Tier 1 – Safe and Thriving Communities

Affordable Housing 

Tier 2 –  Safe and Thriving Communities

Holiday Meal Bags for school-aged kids out of Accident Elementary and seniors who are homebound

Our Story – Grantsville

In Grantsville, a charming town with a big heart, the community is actively working to ensure everyone has access to a new community center. A place to gather and hold critical services like child care, and opportunities to address chronic diseases by providing access to physical fitness are just some of the ideas we’re hearing in Grantsville, Maryland. The town recognizes the growing need for a more consistent food pantry as a strategy, as they work toward their long-term vision for the community center.

A significant and inspiring community development is the rehabilitation of an old church to create a vibrant community center. This new center is envisioned to include a gym and a much-needed childcare facility, addressing a critical demand in the area. The location of the future community center is the Maranathan Church. Before that community vision can be realized, the building is in desperate need of a new roof, along with ADA upgrades. 

A cornerstone of their current food assistance efforts is the Highland Thrift store & food pantry, a vital resource that provides food to those in need, especially during summer and holidays. A forward-thinking idea for improvement involves placing a refrigerator in the thrift/food pantry to provide even more consistent access to food.

Currently, the town benefits from a monthly food truck arranged through the Ruth Enlow Library system, food giveaways by Mountain Laurel, Food Vouchers through the Garrett County Health Department’s GoGarrettCountyPlus program, and distributions from the House of Hope through the Methodist church. 

To promote health and prevent chronic diseases, residents currently enjoy pickleball, yoga, and walking clubs. There are also discussions about introducing coaching and 12-week programs through GoGarrettCountyPlus.com.

The town excels at community engagement, understanding the importance of reaching every resident. Recognizing that many older residents may not have internet access, hand-delivered newsletters are a crucial way to connect with people quarterly. Senior dinners, organized by Garrett County Community Action, are held three times a week, providing essential meals and social connections for vulnerable populations. Local organizations, such as the Rotary and Lions Club, as well as various businesses, are deeply involved, supporting these initiatives through events like food drives and back-to-school programs.

Tier 1 – High Quality Childcare and Education 

A new roof on the old Maranatha church that was purchased for the town so they can get a child care facility operational. 

Tier 2 – Safe and Thriving Communities

Consistent food pantry for those in need, possibly with the Highland Thrift Store.