Lavern Rasmussen and Sarah Lefler,
Lavern Rasmussen will serve as director of development. He was the second camp director in the 1990s and is familiar with Mar-Lu-Ridge's history and vision. A Frederick resident, he has been pastor of a number of area Evangelical Lutheran congregations.

Sarah Lefler, the new director of operations, is a lifelong camper, counselor, volunteer and friend of the camp. She lives in Sharpsburg with her husband and two daughters, both of whom are campers-turned-counselors.

Andrew Rickel, Associate Director
Andrew Rickel has been Associate Director at
Mar-Lu-Ridge since May 2007, but was already an avid member of the Mar-Lu-Ridge community for many years before that.

Andrew first came to Mar-Lu-Ridge as a mini-camper in 1992 when his parents moved to Maryland; since then he has missed only one summer at the Ridge. As soon as he was old enough, Andrew applied to be a counselor and fell in love with Outdoor Ministry. This love led him to obtain a double degree in the two great loves of his life, Outdoor Ministries and music. Andrew graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College, Hickory, North Carolina, just before coming to
Mar-Lu-Ridge. He is very excited to be a part of this ministry!


Cynthia Cannon, Office Manager
The mainstay of camp business operations, Cindy began working for Mar-Lu-Ridge in February 1999, For 19 years before that, she worked in microelectronics as an assembly and test supervisor and production coordinator in both the private and government sectors. Cindy has also run her own business as a contractor for Home Interiors and Design, and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, church school director, and teacher. Since coming to Mar-Lu-Ridge, Cindy has earned three certificate degrees in Office Management and Technology programs from Frederick Community College. Her hobbies include sewing, crafts, and reading.


Chef Tim Waskiewicz,
Food Service Manager
Tim has fed thousands of happy campers and retreat-goers at Mar-Lu-Ridge since October 2004. He has more than 30 years' experience in food service science, working his way up through the ranks from dishwasher to general manager of a fine dining restaurant. Chef Tim has also apprenticed under German, Swiss, French, and American chefs, and has worked in privately owned, made-from-scratch kitchens and hotels in the DC/Baltimore area.

Chef Tim has been rated both U.S. and Maryland Food-safety Certified, Whether your group wants an informal barbeque picnic or a formal candlelight dinner in the newly refurbished Potomac Room overlooking the Potomac River Valley, Chef Tim is devoted to making each meal "not the same old camp food." He also makes every effort to accommodate dietary needs and requests, and is proud to customize menus for each group he serves.


Basil Lewis, Facilities
Basil has been with Mar-Lu-Ridge since March 2003, when he immediately went to work on construction-from-scratch cabinets for a kitchenette addition in Cabin #3. Basil is a carpenter, cabinetmaker, and handyman by trade.

Basil has worked so hard in improving Mar-Lu-Ridge facilities that many visitors now take notice of his positive changes! These improvements have included building upgrades, painting, carpentry projects, plumbing, heating, lighting, installation of heating fans, electrical troubleshooting, roofing, and facility remodeling. And in the midst of all this, Basil also assists with all everyday maintenance - breaks and repairs, landscaping, mowing, tree removal and "too many individual jobs to remember."

Basil is also one of three Certified Pool Operators at Mar-Lu-Ridge. He says his goal is to maintain and upgrade Mar-Lu-Ridge so future generations may enjoy these beautiful surroundings.


Bill Garza, Facilities
Bill Garza joined Mar-Lu-Ridge in December 2006. He has previous property management experience for the Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia YMCAs, and various condominium associations in Northern Virginia. Original from the Chicago area, Bill has been an amateur boxer and now enjoys golfing.