Five nominations were submitted for the 2017 award. The Boals were nominated by Liz Gilbert on behalf of the Our Town Theatre board of directors.

 

“Brian and Crystal are two of Garrett County’s most beautiful people because they show their kindness and compassion in all they do for our community,” Gilbert wrote in her nomination letter. “They share their valuable volunteer work for local nonprofits, gifts of books and programs from their own Landon’s Library, and pro-bono financial service provided by Boal & Associates, just to name a few.”

 

Gilbert noted they volunteer their time and talents to local schools and their church, and that Brian is a member of numerous boards, foundations, and such organizations as Christian Crossing and the Oakland/Mtn. Lake Park Lions Club. Landon’s Library was established in memory of their son.

 

“Landon’s Library, now in its 11th year, invests 100 percent of its donations to monthly books through the Imagination Library, play dates, Kindermusik classes, a youth basketball league, and the Learning Beyond the Classroom bus, all benefiting Garrett County children and families,” Gilbert wrote.

 

In 2009, she noted, the Boals partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, whereby a book is mailed to a child every month from birth through age 5. The program is funded 100 percent by Landon’s Library and, to date, has distributed more than 100,000 children’s books.

 

“Crystal and Brian invest their warmth and goodwill, resourcefulness, and generosity for the benefit of all of us,” Gilbert wrote.

 

The commissioners presented the Boals with a certificate, a commemorative piece of Simon Pearce glassware, and a container of Steyer Brothers maple syrup.

 

Sen. Edwards and Del. Beitzel also presented them with resolutions from the state Senate and House of Representatives in recognition of their many contributions.

 

“We’re absolutely honored,” Brian said about receiving the award. “And everyone who was nominated deserves this just as much as we do. We really appreciate this, and wouldn’t change living in Garrett County for the world.”

 

Edwards expressed his appreciation to all of the nominees.

 

“Without you, we wouldn’t get a lot of things accomplished,” he said.

 

Beitzel also commended those who submitted the nominations so the volunteers could be recognized for their contributions to the county.

 

“It’s an honor for me to represent such wonderful people in Garrett County as their delegate,” he said.

Also nominated for Garrett County’s Most Beautiful Person were Hilda Maust, Bill Lohr, the Oakland/Mtn. Lake Park Lions Club, and Daniel Clark.

 

Maust, who turned 84 on Monday, was nominated by Debbie Workman/Hospice of Garrett County. Maust became a patient care volunteer for Hospice in 2000 and has contributed more than 2,500 hours of caring, according to Workman.