Allegany's 20 Most Fascinating People of the Year 2007

When we came up with the concept to mark the end of our first year last year with a special feature honoring the 20 Most Fascinating People of Allegany County, we had no idea what a complicated and awesome task it would be. We also didn't know we would be embarking on somewhat of a new tradition.

Once again, this year, we sifted through many nominations and in the end, the criteria for making the final 20 was if the essay submitted made our staff sit up and say "I did not know that...how fascinating." We were looking for the unsung heroes of our community for the most part - those who deserved some attention for the wonderful things they do or the amazing people they are. We fully acknowledge that there are many more folks out there who are fascinating and we hope in future issues to feature them and to showcase their stories.

When it debuted last year, the feature was such a hit with readers that we knew it had to become an annual staple of our magazine. Our readers quickly recognized that nominating someone as an "Allegany Magazine Fascinating Person" of the year was a great way to pay tribute to a person who has made a difference in his or her community. And most times, without any accolades or acknowledgment.

Again, we think these 20 stories submitted by you, our readers, showcase some remarkable individuals from our community truly worthy of the distinction of being called fascinating.

To see the 20 Most Fascinating People of 2007, click here

Bringing Wellness to Light

Inspired by health and living well, how 13 women are out to make an impact

By SHANE RIGGS Managing Editor

Photos by Shane Riggs

While Allegany County may be well known as one of the nation's top 25 small town arts destinations, 13 local women from all walks of life and health are on a mission.

Their goal: To get Western Maryland on the map as one of the top 25 wellness destinations, to establish the area as one known for health, to promote and preach the gospel of fitness, preventive and yes, even alternative medicines.

The group calls itself "wellness friends" and was established as a mustard seed of an idea in 2006 by two-time breast cancer survivor, Marion Leonard.

"I want to see Cumberland and the area lit up like a Christmas tree on the map of areas known for its wellness," Leonard said. " I really do want us to be known as one of the top 25 destinations for wellness."

While the area is continuing to make great strides in areas of medicine and becomes known nationally for heart related treatments and surgeries through efforts of the Western Maryland Health System, members of the wellness friends say they believe it's time for the area to sit up and be noticed when it comes to areas of natural health.

"It's time to look at wellness in this area from a holistic perspective," said "friend," and massage therapy instructor Paula Jilanis. "It's time to look at our physical being in connection with the spiritual being."

"This area could be a fountain of information that people could take advantage of," said yoga instructor and member of this grassroots organization, Abby Burk. "We're all notes on the same scale of the same music and the whole landscape and spectrum."

The group - which meets monthly at rotating houses - even has its own mission statement. "To become a ..."

To read more about the Wellness Friends and find out how Western Maryland is on the road to wellness, click here

Oh, go soak your feet

The art of Aqua-Chi

By SHANE RIGGS Managing Editor

Photos by Shane Riggs

Water.

The first component in nearly everything. Including the human body.

So is it any wonder than that people have been seeking out water for its medicinal and reported healing purposes for centuries?

George Washington was said to bathe regularly only in warm springs that came from the mountains. For those in India, the Delhi is a holy place where people go to become cleansed of their sins. The New Testament reports that Christ would also prescribe dipping in the river in various intervals to be healed of leprosy. In fact, no life form on this planet can exist without water. All life is dependent on it.

Now imagine if a treatment existed today that combines the holistic properties of undistilled H2O with the relative modern science of electricity.

What you have is an ancient eastern practice known as Aqua-Chi. Loosely translated, aqua means water and chi means energy. And the practice of it is making a comeback of sorts not only in Western beliefs but in Western Maryland.

To learn how the treatment works and where it is available, click here.

Tea with the Angels

How a woman with her head in the stars found heavenly inspiration in a simple child's playset

by SHANE RIGGS
Managing Editor

Renowned astrologer Sharyn McIntyre never aspired to write an inspirational book with a holiday theme -- let alone an entire planned series.

The author and advisor -- who among things writes Written in the Stars for this publication --- was intent on penning a book of advise geared toward women.

"I was sitting in my TV room surrounded by windows and I was just looking out the window one day and was working on this other book project and this idea came to me," she said. "One idea slid out a window and the other one came in."

The idea was to write a series of seven holiday novels -- one each year if the Christmas spirit so moved her. The result of her first endeavor was A Traditional Christmas Tea published by Outskirts Press and this year follows that success up with the second of her series, Christmas Tea With the Angels.

"I have literally all my life felt surrounded by the presence of angels," said McIntyre. "I believe in angels and I believe they are around us all the time. These books are meant to have that same energy. For me, creating these books was such a unique feeling. At some moments, the stories were coming so fast I could hardly keep up."

The new book -- Christmas Tea with the Angels -- tells the tale of Noel O'Malley, a 16-year old girl who rediscovers her childhood teaset in an attic. However, whereas she used to invite imaginary friends for tea, now her teas in the attic are accompanied by three angels -- each of which has an inspiring message for her blossoming life.

"This second book deals with personal issues and is geared toward people who may..."

For your sip of Tea with the angels, click here to learn more...

Click here for a look back at some of our previous feature articles!