Duane Yoder, President

Phone: (301) 334-9431
Fax: (301) 334-8555
dyoder@garrettcac.org www.garrettcac.org

Incorporated: 1966

^{Printer-Friendly Format}

When Wesley Massey was diagnosed with cancer he had some serious decisions to make. His future as an auto mechanic was in jeopardy because of the days when either the pain from the disease or the reactions from the treatment would be too severe for him to work. Not only did this threaten his means of supporting his family, it threatened his pride.

After thinking long and hard, Massey approached Garrett Community Action Microworks, explaining a long-time dream that would allow him to continue working.

Massey had always been an avid outdoorsman, growing up hunting and fishing in the Ohio Valley. Like many of his neighbors in the mountains of Western Maryland, he had a great appreciation for the beauty and wonders of nature. He thought he could channel this lifetime of love for the outdoors into a career as a taxidermist.

The people at Garrett County Action Microworks agreed. In 1998, Massey got a loan to attend the Missoula Valley School of Taxidermy in Thompson Falls, Montana. Today, Massey's "Ice's Taxidermy" is helping to pay not only the bills, but also for a mortgage on his family's new home. He is known as one of the most talented taxidermists in the Appalachian region.