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Lituya Bay tsunami. A description of the 8.3 magnitude earthquake-caused landslide in 1958 that caused a wave to wash away treestands up to 1,720 feet (524 meters) above the bay.

May 5, 2003

Ms. Diana Boller
Mountain Top Mental Health Associates
428 Weber Road
Oakland, MD 21550

Dear Ms. Boller:

Thank you for allowing your agency to step in for the Maryland State Department of Education's Division of Rehabilitation Services and temporarily fund needed textbooks as required by my employer-to-be, MedQuist. I will return the cost of the books, approximately, to Mountain Top Mental Health a day or two after I receive my first paycheck from MedQuist.

Since the opportunity has presented itself exposing weaknesses in the State of Maryland funding formula for one individual, myself, I conclude there are similar instances throughout the county where a planned service or good was suddenly unfunded. It would not be unprudent to speculate as to the likelihood of future lack of funding at the State level given the difficult patch Governor Ehrlich says we are in vis-a-vis a budget shortfall of over $1 billion; historically, public service agencies have borne disproportionate cuts during lean budgetary times.

My suggestion is that Garrett County study the success of the Mental Health Trust during the past six years since its reemergence in Alaska. Their direct-link website address is:

mhtrust.org

It was quite a battle to get the trust out of litigation and in force in the mid-1990s to serve people as intended prior to statehood in 1959. I would like to see a more comprehensive approach to a trust within Garrett County, one that would involve voluntary participation of the beneficiaries in contributing and managing the trust in addition to the sale of property belonging to the Garrett County Commissioners to help fund the core principal which would (in principle) never be spent (if the Alaskan version of the trust were to be adopted).

There is a strong willingness among prospective beneficiaries to have input and enforce direction, management, and asset building for themselves. I believe a mental health trust is a vehicle with which to address major lifetime issues of chronic homelessness, health care and prescription medication costs, and quality of life enhancement. Those with psychiatric illness, developmental disability, chronic substance abuse, and Alzheimer disease are truly vulnerable in any community. We have clearly been defined as a group in Garrett County and ought to stake out as much resource development as possible to fend off the cyclical funding crises at the State level. There should be a transparent switch of funding pools, and no beneficiary should need be challenged any more than they already are with their unique and difficult set of treatable conditions.

I have personally worked with Janet McGillivary, M.Ed., Executive Director of the Mental Health Association in Alaska from 1993 to 1997 and gave televised public testimony at the State of Alaska Legislature Senate Finance Committee and advocacy for funding of community-based mental health centers face-to-face and written with State Representatives while the legislature was in session. Ms. McGillivary is originally from the Baltimore area, and I believe she would be accessible as a resource to help set-up a mental health trust within Garrett County.

Sincerely,


Jared Zitwer

cc:

R. Lamont (Monty) Pagenhardt (County Administrator, Garrett County Commissioners)
Les McDaniel (Case Manager, Garrett County Lighthouse, Inc.)
Nancy Rotruck (Case Manager, Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc.)

References:

Mental Health Association in Alaska

Garrett County Commissioners

Maryland Health Partners - Core Service Agencies

Burlington United Methodist Family Services - Oakland, MD

Garrett County Health Department - Garrett County Lighthouse

Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitative Services

MedQuist (medical transcription)

-------------------------------

Wednesday, May 14, 2003

Editorial Staff (newsroom@therepublicannews.com)
The Republican
P.O. Box 326
Oakland, Maryland 21550

I chose to live in Oakland, the governmental seat of Garrett County, since the summer of 2001 because of all the services concentrated in and around town. This has made it possible for me to forego the financial responsibility of an automobile to move groceries and commute to my daily concerns.

After looking through last week's (May 8, 2003) edition of The Republican newspaper, I calculated the yearly rents listed for representative living
quarters in the Oakland area:

x - A one-bedroom in Oakland at per month and a security deposit
x - Mobile home in Loch Lynn (number of bedrooms unlisted) at per month and a security deposit.

Taking the average of the two, I arrived at x per year or x per month.

Now, let's see what an applicant for one of these homes can expect to earn from their 40-hour per week job in town. By raising the Federal minimum wage of x per hour (since 1997) by approximately 10% to adjust for the employee's experience, I come up with around x per hour. In a 2,080 hour year (52 weeks of 40 hours), the employee would earn x gross. As we know, we don't get to keep 100% of the gross, due to Federal and State tax, unemployment insurance, and other withholdings. Let's say the employee gets to keep 88% of their earnings. That's x in net earnings.

The percentage of x taken by x is just north of 40%.

As referred to the Homes and Communities Renter's Kit in the U.S. Housing and Urban Development agency website, housing costs should take no more than 30% of one's net earnings.

Next Tuesday, May 20th I will make a presentation before our Garrett County executives, the Board of Commissioners. The presentation will propose selected staff within the county government (perhaps in the Community Action agency) to work with employers and landlords to ensure that working tenant's rent and earnings formula fall within the 30% guidelines described above.

In a meeting with the Commissioners in September 2001, I proposed a 'living wage ordinance' to affect only those employers contracting with Garrett County. My proposal was met with stiff opposition. Although living wage ordinances are in effect in the City of Baltimore, Montgomery County and, soon, Prince George's County (where even the Chamber of Commerce supports the measure).

Due to the relatively small number of people renting in Garrett County, I now believe a targeted case-by-case voluntary review of renter's ability to keep within the 30% guidelines will help renters claim their fair share of their earnings which are destined for food, insurance, clothing, and entertainment purchases within Garrett County as well as earnings earmarked for savings.

Sincerely,

Jared Zitwer

--------------

Then, as reported in the Cumberland (Maryland) Times-News:

Thursday, May 22, 2003

Living wage would help Garrett County workers pay rent

Jo Donaldson
Times-News Staffwriter

OAKLAND - Garrett County residents have trouble paying rent because of low wages, Jared Zitwer told the county commissioners on Tuesday.

Zitwer, who has lived in Garrett County since the summer of 2001 and had a business in Oakland in the mid 1980s, said he has been a tenant, but not an employee since he is on disability.

Guidelines issued by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development state that housing should be 30 percent of the monthly salary. In Garrett County, housing costs are generally 40 percent of monthly salary, he said.

In a meeting with the commissioners in 2001, Zitwer proposed a living wage ordinance. He asked the county to contract only with companies that pay a living wage, the amount to be determined by the county.

Similar ordinances are in effect in Baltimore City and Montgomery County, he said.

Garrett County Community Action is working with employees and landlords, he said. Perhaps a voluntary program could be established with employees and business owners.

The county has supportive housing programs but is always looking for new ideas, said Cindy Sharon of Community Action Housing Services.

Many residents of Garrett County cannot afford rental payments, she said. Programs such as federal Section 8 help, but there is a waiting list.

Community Action supportive housing program helps, targeting physically and mentally disabled people and families with children. Rental allowance programs, voucher programs and caseworker assistance are available. Anyone who wants more information can call Sharon at (301) 334-9431.

I do feel the wages employers pay are not enough for a young person starting out, said Mary Layton, who came to the meeting. Many young people leave the county to earn better wages.

According to 2000 Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation figures, the average wage in Garrett County is a week. However, 22 percent of the population, in retail trade, earns a week. The 24 percent in services earn a week.

After federal, state and other withholdings, people may keep 88 percent of their salary, said Zitwer. With rents often around a month, there is not much left over for clothes and other necessities.

At last week?s budget announcement, Commissioner Ernie Gregg said with unemployment rates down, the county would focus on getting higher wages.

We are 100 percent behind that, said Commissioner David Beard. Also, it is important to help young people improve skills so they can get better jobs.

Housing under Community Action is very well-maintained, he said. It is one thing to get the funds to build and another thing to keep the properties looking nice.

Mike Bello said he came to lend support to the concept of a living wage. The Garrett County Democratic Club is preparing a new platform for the county and is considering the need for a living wage.

The county works with new businesses to provide competitive wages and good benefits, said County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt. The Economic Development Department attracts new business and helps existing businesses.

The commissioners will continue expanding business in the county and strive for higher wages, he said. Although they studied the issue, he doubts they will try a living wage concept in the near future.

---------------------------

© 2003 Cumberland Times-News

=====

August 18, 2003

I wish to inform readers that reductions in social services announced last month by the State of Maryland have put an at-risk group of adults in Western Maryland at substantially higher risk. Proof of this increased risk is apparent in recently diminished attendance at the local adult psychiatric rehabilitation facility (PRP) and possibly a link to recent suicides by consumers of mental health services in Allegheny and Washington counties. In light of this, I and others are motivated to acknowledge these roadblocks to our recovery, resist the temptation to endure them in silence, and work even harder on assisting ourselves despite our profound illnesses.

We who are considered uninsured by the Oakland-based adult psychiatric rehabilitation program (PRP) were notified last month our yearly participation was limited to a total of 60 visits or after-hours transportation service, and a co-payment would be expected for each visit to the PRP. Also announced last month, State cuts to Garrett County core mental health service funding led to a reduction by two thirds in direct client services dollars. Even with short notice, treatment plans could have been reassessed in direct consultation with the affected adults to help lessen the blow and better prepare for a leaner tomorrow.

Since May, I and others have proposed methods to offset cuts in social services. One such idea is to develop a county or regionally-based trust which could be funded through pledges from individuals and the counties to some of their land and resource development rights. Another idea is to form a for-profit consumer-managed organization through which fund raisers would be held.

A poorly tapped resource are adults in various stages of recovery who could serve as mentors to at-risk adults. The community at large is encouraged to lend a warm hand by holding more functions at the Garrett County Lighthouse building and providing volunteer and paid work opportunities to earnest adults in recovery.

With each passing month, I appreciate more the complex and difficult job faced by providers of social services. Increased cooperation by the people they serve and the community are essential ingredients to effectively handling this crisis of care.

Sincerely,

Jared Zitwer

=====

Thursday, August 28, 2003


Mrs. Mimi Demaree, President
Board of Trustees
Ruth Enlow Library
6 N Second Street
Oakland, MD 21550

Re: house immediately north of the Ruth Enlow library's Oakland branch

Dear Mrs. Demaree:

I walked around the house this morning. The outside structure appears to be weathered and in some disrepair.

I have heard that a local historic preservation group wishes to save the structure. In light of its present condition, however, further inactivity restore the house puts the library at increased liability due to an unsafe structure.

If the house is to be saved, perhaps it could serve as an "Oakland Hospitality and Information Center," part of which could be open during hours the library is closed particularly during Friday and Saturday evenings and on Sunday. A donation could be suggested. Staffing could be by volunteers who could help visitors to Oakland with event planning, weather, lodging and food information. Reference material, brochures, and maps could be available for visitors to read or purchase. The rest of the house could be open for tours to show off its historic status and to educate students and others about historic buildings in Oakland in particular and the Heritage status of Garrett County in general. Perhaps the Town of Oakland, the Garrett County Historical Society, and some local businesses would be willing to share some of the responsibility for this option.

If the house is razed, I hope the library will benefit from either an expansion of the current building or sale of the property. At a minimum, the library's exposure to liability will decrease.

Sincerely,

Jared Zitwer

===========

November 17, 2003

re: Recovery Management Project

Dear Ms. Yoder,

This is a followup to the idea proposed a few weeks ago about developing a
guide to assist those with diagnosed mental illness in Garrett County.
Although implementation of it will be a dynamic work in progress sensitive
to the ongoing recovery efforts of the individuals it is tasked to help, we
should not be discouraged by the potentially high initial costs in
administrative labor necessary to produce such a guide.

I envision a guide that is totally customizable as selected by the affected
individual. Parts of the guide may be chosen by him or her to reside with
the records of their provider(s), but ultimately the contents of the guide
will be the property of the affected individual. It could be in a looseleaf
binder form.

The cost to produce each selected section might be underwritten by money and
volunteer efforts of the individuals themselves, community members, or
others.

Suggested sections could include:

- Cover (a favorite picture, drawing, or selected text)

- Privacy and Confidentiality (notice of the private and confidential nature
of the document; if found, kindly return to ...)

- Introduction/Purpose (description of the guide and how it is to be used;
this could be developed by the affected individual with the assistance of
any provider or other individual of their choosing)

- Philosophy (may include beliefs, favorite quotes, input from local clergy)

- Human Rights (statement of intrinsic value of individuals regardless of
affliction, work history, education level, or quality of life)

- Ecology (where people fit into the ecosystem, description of other
species)

- Autobiography or Biography

- Recovery Goals (short term, mid term, long term; may include past
successes)

- Favorites (list of what the affected individual enjoys - can be anything,
including an audio record of songs or spoken words)

- Memory Lane (description of periods of highest functioning, baseline
condition, and crises)

- Setting (description of the local area, region or beyond; may include a
map, history, geography, geology, wacky Garrett County weather,
demographics, religious institutions, businesses)

- Community Resources (contact info., hours, and description of local
treatment and drop-in centers, groups, transportation resources, emergency
friend, religious resources, shelter, food, library)

- Family (description of those who are considered family, including pets;
may include comments from family members)

- Mentors (profile and contact info. of other affected individuals who have
volunteered to help with recovery efforts)

- Community Partners (contact info. for businesses and others who have
volunteer opportunities; can also be a place for businesses or agencies to
describe themselves)

- Exercise (what types of physical activities are helpful and why, e.g.,
walking; may include map of local walking route or guide to stretching and
aerobic exercise)

- Body/Mind (description of human anatomy including how the brain works)

- Nutrition (importance of hydration and eating nutritious food)

- My Insight (descriptions of successes in recovery efforts)

- Others' Insights (positive comments by providers, family, friends, or
others)

- What is Heck is This? (description of the individual's affliction(s) and
current state of research)'

- Medication (prepared by or with a qualified professional; this could
include history of medication tried and current medication and its
description)

- Legal Rights (1st Amendment expression, loitering laws)

- Law Enforcement (available protections from abuse and sensitivity to
nondescructive behavior of affected individuals)

- Advocacy Team (contact info. for those working to assist the affected
individual's recovery; includes emergency contacts)

- Lifetime of Learning (resources available at the local library, courses at
the local schools, personal websites of affected individuals)

Sincerely,

Jared Zitwer

(443) 979-1569

6118 Park Heights Avenue, #1

Baltimore, MD 21215 

was:

(301) 895-3694
P.O. Box 439
Grantsville, MD 21536-0439