First United Bank & Trust are proud sponsors of the 2018 Christmas Charity Tour of Homes.  The proceeds from this tour will be donated to the local charity – The “I Can Swim!” Program –this organization provides free American Red Cross basic swimming and water safety instruction for all kindergarten children in Garrett County.   “By partnering with Garrett County schools and incorporating the “I Can Swim!” program into the school day, all kindergarteners have access to this lifesaving instruction, and of equal importance, it may be their first introduction to an institution of higher education.”

The tour will take place in four different locations in Garrett County and will be held on Friday, December 7th and Saturday, December 8th.  Tour hours on Friday will be from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, the hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The price of the tour will be $10 in advance and $12 on the tour days.  Tickets are available at the Oakland, Deep Creek Lake, Grantsville and Friendsville Community Offices of First United Bank & Trust; Arrowhead Market & Deli, Oakland, MD; and Gregg’s Pharmacy, Oakland, MD.

“We are so privileged to live in such a wonderful and giving community.  Again, our thanks to these amazing homeowners for contributing to such a worthwhile cause,” remarked

Julie Peterson, Director of Credit Administration & Lending Risk, First United Bank & Trust and Chairperson for the Tour of Homes.

The first property for this year’s tour is Richard and Dena Crouse’s home located at 2141 Frank Brenneman Road, Grantsville, MD.  This stunning French Country style house was constructed in 2004 and was previously owned by Ruth and the “Late” Olen Beitzel.  This property touts an approximate 7,600 sq. ft. floor plan with five bedrooms, 7 full and 3 ½ baths and other beautiful amenities situated on over 25 acres of rolling countryside.   Mr. and Mrs. Crouse elected to make the transition from city life to tranquil Garrett County to be closer to their family.    The Crouse’s have decorated their home with a mixed décor from traditional to contemporary combining glowing whites to bright colors.

Our second property for the 2018 tour is Jamie & Cindy Hauser’s gorgeous home located at 620 Sanders Lane, Oakland, MD.  This rustic home was constructed and designed by Jamie in 2012.  This 5,000 sq. ft. property touts 4 bedrooms with a four-car attached garage.  The house is comprised of all hard woods and was saw planed, corrugated tin ceilings with a standing seam metal roof.  The home is situated on by 60 acres of farmland that was Cindy’s original home place.  The two-story barn was constructed by Cindy’s father, Kenneth Sanders, and grandfather, Forrest Sanders, and serves are the residence of their three beloved donkeys and beef cattle.

The third property for the 2018 tour is Scott and Audrey Lohr’s beautiful house located at 400 N Second Street, Oakland, MD.  This gorgeous 3,715 sq. ft. cape cod style home was constructed in 1941 and has 6 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.  This home was originally owned by Dr. Mance whose father actually milled their own lumber to build this house.  It features a mix of oak, cherry, cedar and wormy chestnut.    This home will be decorated in primarily a traditional Christmas style.

The fourth awesome property on this year’s 2018 Christmas Charity is Thomas and Elaine McDonald’s home located at 672 White Oak Drive, Swanton, MD.  This stunning lakefront home was constructed in 1984 and boosts a 2,608 sq. ft. floor plan.  This home features 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.  Come and view this property which will be decorated in a traditional Christmas style.