Public Hearing To Be Held On New Garrett County Comprehensive Plan

courtesy Republican News


Jul. 31, 2008

The Garrett County Planning Commission and the county commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed Garrett County Comprehensive Plan on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Garrett College Auditorium. All interested citizens are invited.
"The current county comprehensive plan is over 10 years old, and this new plan has been completely revised to reflect the changing trends in our society, as well as to incorporate the required elements of recent state and federal legislation into county policy," said Planning Commission spokesperson. "The plan is both an end and a beginning."

He noted that the plan is the end product of two years of intensive work by commission members and their consultant in studying the county, listening to ideas, and thinking about the future of Garrett County.

"It attempts to make use of the thoughts expressed by citizens throughout the county for improving Garrett and making it an even more desirable place in which to live and work," said the spokesperson.

The results of the commission's efforts are contained in a set of maps of the county and a draft of the complete plan text. This text proposes goals, objectives, principles, and standards, and establishes county policy with respect to land use, transportation, community facilities, water resources, housing, mineral resources, sensitive areas, and economic development, and includes recommendations for implementing the plan. The document also includes a component for the Deep Creek Lake influence area.

The draft plan is available for review in the county's Planning and Land Development office at the courthouse and online at garrettcounty.org by clicking on "Comprehensive Plan" under "News."

"With the increasing state and federal involvement in land-use planning, it is especially important to have a new county plan prepared, adopted, and supported by Garrett Countians, rather than wait to have a plan imposed on the county by other agencies," said the commission spokesperson.

He urged citizens to read the draft plan and provide comment.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Recent Boating Crashes Reported On Deep Creek

courtesy Republican News


Jul. 24, 2008

The Maryland Natural Resources Police investigated two recent boating accidents on Deep Creek Lake, one of which resulted in injuries.
Susan M. Muscleman, 41, Orrtanna, Pa., was admitted to Garrett Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and Nichole S. Reed, 23, Gettysburg, Pa., was treated and released following a boating accident Tuesday evening.

Aaron G. Mummert, 32, Hanover, Pa., was operating an 18-foot outboard motor boat with three passengers around 11:30 p.m. in McHenry Cove when he struck a 24-foot pontoon boat in the stern. Police said Mummert's vessel became airborne and landed in front of the pontoon boat.

Mummert was charged with negligent operation of a vessel, failure to maintain a proper lookout, failure to operate at a safe speed, and failure to obtain a certificate of boating safety education. A court date of Oct. 30 has been scheduled for Mummert in Garrett County District Court.

The Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company, Northern Garrett County Rescue Squad, and Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad assisted NRP with the incident.

A second, unrelated accident was reported on Saturday, when Che F. Moore, 38, Verona, Pa., struck the stern of a pontoon boat while operating a rented personal watercraft on the main body of Deep Creek Lake. The pontoon was being driven by Kevin Beattie, Pittsburgh, Pa. According to reports, no one was injured in the 4:30 p.m. collision.

NRP charged Moore with negligent operation of a vessel and operating a personal watercraft at greater than 6 knots within 100 feet of another vessel.

NRP reminds boaters of the Maryland law that requires anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a certificate of boating safety education in order to operate any motorized vessel. This certificate is non-renewable and must be carried by the person at all times while operating a vessel. Officers may ask to see the certificate during a vessel check, and, if not provided, a person can be charged with a minimum of $25 for the first offense and up to $500 for each offense thereafter.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Harvest Moon over Deep Creek Lake

After leaving the Wisp from the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops concert Friday night, I turned from Sang Run Road on to Garrett Highway and saw a HUGE orange moon, surrounded by clouds, staring right back at me. If anyone else saw it or got photos, I would love to see them! I had to try and find a spot to pull over to get some photos. I pulled over in front of Mountainside, at the scenic overlook and snapped a few shots. I have never claimed to be a professional photographer, but I was very pleased with a few of these shots. I tried every setting on my camera with mixed results, but I think you can make out the water and a few boats that were taking in the sight, as well. No photo could ever do it justice - it was incredibly huge in the sky and orangish-red in color. WOW!

Pittsburgh Symphony 'Pops' Review - Wisp Resort

I had the pleasure (and luck) of grabbing a last-minute ticket to the Friday night show of the Pittsburgh Symphony at Wisp Resort. Marvin Hamlisch, who is incredibly well acclaimed, had the audience rolling with laughter from the first moment of the show. The music was incredible, and the sun setting over Marsh Mountain provided a beautiful twilight as the Symphony played. Congrats to GLAF and thanks to all of the sponsors who made it possible to have them here again!

Team USA Training Session at ASCI 7-18-08

I spent some time this morning watching the US Olympic team training at ASCI on the whitwater course. WOW! They're fast and incredibly skilled. Long & Foster Real Estate Inc is a proud sponsor of ASCI, and on behalf of everyone at L&F, we are pulling for these guys to have a strong showing in China at the Olympics next month. I have some video via YouTube below and a photo gallery of the session. My good friend Brian Homberg is deeply involved and had this to say in an e-mail to me earlier this week:

"Come and see them paddle, for they are true masters of whitewater sport. They will be demonstrating a dicey game of inches in an obscure and very physically demanding sport which takes years to master and about which they are very passionate. Their significance is that they are Olympic medal contenders visiting the whitewater haven of Garrett County on their way to Beijing, China.

Scott Parsons in particular has an excellent chance to finish for a medal and accomplish what no other male American kayaker has ever done, to be the first to win a medal at an Olympic Games. Dana Chladek of Bethesda, MD did it twice. She claimed the silver medal in both ?92 and ?96.

Scott has a chance to propel whitewater sport to a whole new level of public awareness with a medal finish. He placed 5th in the previous Athens Games. It has taken decades of the ratcheting up of all previous U.S. Teams to be able to compete in a European dominated sport, where whitewater kayaking and racing is popular and skiers, rock climbers and kayakers are national sports heroes and household names.

I will be rooting for him. Scotty (and his parents) trusted me to lead him down his first class 3 rapids at Nantahala Falls in NC when he was 9 years old many years ago.

Back in my younger days I competed with some of these athletes as a member of the U.S. Team in the 1990?s as I came close at the Olympic Trials on the Savage River in ?92 and even closer in ?96 to go to the Olympics in men?s singles kayak. My fantastic consolation prize is my two kids, Garrett County, and it?s beautiful whitewater treasures.

I know these team members personally and know how much of a shoe string you live on to be at a world-class level in whitewater slalom racing. Meet them and give them your support this Thursday at the Santa Fe Grill in McHenry from 12:30-2:00 pm! Wish them well in the coming weeks ahead!

They are very familiar with Garrett County's spectacular rivers as one of the premier whitewater sport destination areas in the country, where residents warmly and skillfully hosted the 1989 World Championships on the Savage River. They are true ambassadors of a more amateur side of the Olympic Spirit.

But the real showcase is the public awareness side of preserving and conserving our free flowing rivers and streams as recreation areas. Get involved. Join our newly formed local paddling club www.youghpaddlingclub.org or be a volunteer for upcoming national and international events. There just might be a future Olympic Champion among the ranks of Garrett County school students. Scott Parsons didn?t have the Youghiogheny River or a whitewater training course in his town when he was younger. We both originate from Ohio and had to drive hours to get to whitewater rivers and races. There is a fantastic opportunity right here for learning and enjoying a fun and physical sport. Plug in at www.adventuresportscenter.com!"

Happy Paddling!

Brian Homberg
Whitewater Programs Manager
301-501-0131 cell
bhomberg@adventuresportscenter.com
_________________

Garrett County Reading, Math Test Scores Continue To Rise

Jul. 17, 2008


Significant improvement in reading and mathematics scores was recorded on the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) for 2008, building on the consistent progress made over the past five years, according to data released this week by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Garrett County schools showed improvement in both reading and math across the board - from the third through the eighth grade - with the single exception of fifth grade math.

The 2008 scores for Garrett County when compared to those of 2007 were as follows:

Third grade: reading, 80% proficiency in 2007, 84.5% in 2008; math, 79.4% in 2007, 85.1% in 2008.

Fourth grade: reading, 87.6% to 93.7%; math, 89.7% to 93.1%.

Fifth grade: reading, 82.8% to 89.5%; math, 82.5% to 79.9%.

Sixth grade: reading, 78.6% to 87%; math, 72.6% to 84.9%.

Seventh grade: reading, 75.7% to 91.1%; math, 76.4% to 77.3%.

Eighth grade: reading, 72.6% to 76.4%; math, 70.8% to 76.1%.

All of Garrett County’s scores, with the exception of fifth grade math, also exceeded the averages for the entire state. The state score average for fifth grade math is 80.5%, with Garrett County’s score (79.9%) less than one percentage point behind.

Garrett County’s eighth grade math average score (76.1%) is nearly 15 points above the state average (61.8%).

The complete list for the state is as follows: third grade, reading, 83.0, math, 82.6; fourth grade, reading, 88.4, math, 88.5; fifth grade, reading, 86.7, math, 80.5; sixth grade, reading, 81.7, math, 75.8; seventh grade, reading, 81.1, math, 68.2; and eighth grade, reading, 72.8, math, 61.8.

Assessment scores across the state show marked improvement in the performance of students across racial categories and for students receiving special services. Scores are being expressed as the percentage of students in each system who scored at or above the proficiency levels set when the exams launched in 2003.

Composite MSA reading proficiency at the elementary grades has risen more than 24 percentage points in Maryland since 2003, while composite elementary mathematics proficiency has increased by nearly 24 points as well. Composite middle school reading proficiency has increased 18.6 percentage points since 2003, while composite middle school math proficiency has risen nearly 29 points.

State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick praised the continued dedication to educational excellence.

“Hard work in the classroom and strong grade-by-grade standards are really paying off for Maryland students, thanks to their efforts, as well as those of principals and teachers,” said Grasmick. “Our vibrant Voluntary State Curriculum has given birth to creative and consistent instructional programs. These scores tell us that schools are improving in every corner of the state.”

In addition to developing the highly regarded Voluntary State Curriculum, MSDE has bolstered school improvement through the Principals Academy leadership initiative, strong professional development, and a variety of teacher support programs for local school systems, according to a release from the department.

The percentage of students statewide scoring at the proficient or advanced levels for reading in grade three, for example, rose from 58.1 percent in 2003 to 83 percent this year. The percentage of students scoring in the proficient range for grade five mathematics rose from 55 percent five years ago in 2003 to 80.5 percent this year.

Results from recent assessments also prove that progress made in the early grades is being sustained as students progress through school. Reading and mathematics scores for third grade students have increased every year since the assessments were introduced. Middle school reading and mathematics scores have mirrored those improvements. Data show each class cohort scoring better than those in the previous years.

The results, according to a department spokesperson, also point to the importance of Maryland’s strong, centralized system of early childhood development, which has given many students “a leg up” on their studies.

“An increasing number of students are entering schools ready to learn, which has contributed to the consistently positive results in the early grades,” the spokesperson said.

Under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements, all students must score at proficient levels by 2014.

NCLB charts the progress of the overall student population in the grades tested, as well as that of students receiving any of three categories of special services: Free and/or Reduced-Price Meals (FARMs), Special Education, and Limited English Proficient. It also follows the success of students in five racial subgroups: American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, African American, White, and Hispanic.

“These test results show conclusively that our efforts have paid off for all Maryland students and their families,” Dr. Grasmick said. “Our goals remain in sight, and the data prove that great principals and teachers - providing focused, compelling instruction - are the best recipe for reaching them.”

There has been strong, consistent improvement among students receiving special services. For example:

•The proportion of Maryland students receiving Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMs) scoring in the proficient range in elementary school reading jumped from 40.9 percent in 2003 to 76.6 percent in 2008.

•The proportion of students receiving special education services scoring in the proficient range in elementary school mathematics increased from 30.5 percent in 2003 to 66.7 percent in 2008.

The test results are open to appeals from schools and school systems. Whether schools and systems made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the federal guidelines, as well as final MSA scores, will be released later this summer.

Also scheduled for release at a later date are the 2008 High School Assessment scores, graduation rates, and attendance figures.

Statewide, system, and local school MSA data is available on the Maryland State Department of Education’s improved report card Web site: www.mdreport-card.org.

Friendsville Sewer System To Benefit From $750K Grant

Jul. 17, 2008
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved a $750,000 grant for the Garrett County commissioners to rehabilitate the Friendsville sewer system.
"This $750,000 grant is excellent news for Friendsville residents and businesses," said Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, who announced the grant award last Friday. "Clean water is vital to health and safety. This grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help ensure the health and safety of the residents of Friendsville."
ARC funding will be used to install three miles of sewer line, and clean and replace 238 lateral joints. The project will enable the town to extend public sewer service to 19 households that currently rely on failing on-site systems, and improve service to 185 existing customers, according to Bartlett.
The Friendsville sewer system currently experiences severe inflow and infiltration (I/I), particularly during times of high groundwater and storm events. The I/I rates have exceeded the permitted capacity of the county's wastewater treatment plant, which has limited the system's available sewer capacity and hindered commercial and residential expansion within the town, Bartlett noted

THE LAKE HILL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Jul. 17, 2008
THE LAKE HILL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT project is being planned by Garrett County Community Action Committee to help low- and middle-income workers buy homes. Located near the proposed McHenry Business and Technology Park and the county airport, the development will feature a variety of housing types and prices on about 50 acres. Adjacent ball fields, trails, and picnic sites will preserved as "green spaces" for Lake Hill and other residents. The Garrett County commissioners recently transferred 50 acres of county-owned property known as the White Face Farm for the development project. This week, Community Action president Duane Yoder provided the architectural renderings pictured and discussed some of the details about the project.

Affordable workforce housing for low and moderate income people may soon be available at a proposed development called Lake Hill. Spearheaded by the Garrett County Community Action Committee, the community will be located near the proposed McHenry Business and Technology Park and the airport.
Community Action president Duane Yoder recently reviewed the Lake Hill development for the Garrett County commissioners, who approved the transfer of about 50 acres of the White Face Farm property for the project.
This week, Yoder provided more details about the project for the media, along with two architectural renderings of the proposed community.
Yoder called the commissioners' support for Lake Hill "a great demonstration of how teamwork can be used to create affordable workforce housing in the McHenry area, close to where jobs are located."
The president also noted that despite unemployment dropping in the county, the cost of housing has made it very difficult for young working families and even middle income persons to acquire a home in a market where the median home sales exceed affordability ratios of median household incomes by 10, when generally accepted rates are between two and three.
Yoder also pointed to the fact that existing employers seeking to expand or recruit workers for new businesses are increasingly expressing concern over housing affordability.
"Housing is a critical economic development issue" stated Jim Hinebaugh, director of the Garrett County Department of Economic Development.
He also noted that because of the importance of housing to employers, the Garrett County Development Corporation and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce have both made housing a priority.
Community Action's proposal will utilize 40-50 acres and yield over 200 homes, according to Yoder. Approximately 170 additional acres will be placed in a permanent development ban as either a conservancy or a buffer around the airport. Additionally, softball and soccer fields adjacent to the development will be improved, and trail and picnic sites will be preserved as "green spaces."
Yoder describes the appearance of the Lake Hill development as "an attractive and pleasing small town."
"The uniqueness of this initiative is that it builds an attractive, sustainable community in an area rich with amenities," Yoder said. "At the same time it builds a trust fund that will enable sustained work throughout the county."
He added that the commissioners' land transfer action was a state model for "Smart Growth."
The Lake Hill plan calls for a mix of house types and prices, with the primary market being persons earning less than 150 percent of the area's household median income, which is currently $60,000.
Only persons earning less than 150 percent of the median income will be eligible for reduced home prices. Higher income buyers will pay the full appraised market value, Yoder said.
The county's land transfer, as agreed upon by the commissioners, will be made into a nonprofit land trust that will hold title to the property and provide land lease agreements to buyers.
"The cost of the land is removed from the price of the house, making the home more affordable to buyers," Yoder said.
Additionally, development income will go to the land trust to rehabilitate or develop housing in other parts of the county.
The Lake Hill project grew out of local efforts to find solutions to the problem of affordable workforce housing. The Development Corporation and Community Action led a three-year effort through a task force of more than 30 people to devise such a plan, Yoder said.
According to Development Corporation chair Criss Kepple, the core of that plan describes strategies on how the community can work together to build and maintain housing that is affordable to people who work in the county and for young residents getting careers started in the community.
"The plan specifically recommends that the county look for ways it can provide land and infrastructure to achieve that goal," Kepple said. "I believe Lake Hill provides an almost perfect site for a workforce housing community and clearly is consistent with the plan recommendation."
She pointed out that the McHenry area is a major employment center, where workers living in the new housing development will not have to travel far to work.
"There is access to public utilities, and the area is designated as a growth zone," Kepple added. "It also provides our workers who help make Deep Creek Lake a very attractive place to also enjoy its amenities while saving on energy and transportation."
Yoder said he expects it will take several years to obtain the necessary funding and approvals for the Lake Hill project. He added that he anticipates a number of realtors and builders will participate in the build out and marketing of the development.
"The McHenry Business and Technology Park is expected to eventually attract businesses with higher wages," Yoder add. "The Lake Hill housing development will not only support the county's efforts to build the employment center by creating attractive housing for these future jobs, but will also create housing for those already working in McHenry and at Garrett College as well."

Crystal Spring Trail Project To Get POS Funds

Jul. 17, 2008
Governor Martin O’Malley announced yesterday that the Board of Public Works has approved more than $1.5 million in local Program Open Space (POS) funding for recreation projects at parks in Baltimore City and seven counties.
Among the projects that will receive funding is the Crystal Spring boardwalk trail that will be constructed in Mountain Lake Park. The $188,072 allocated will allow for expansion and handicapped accessibility of the trail.
Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW have preserved more than 2,556 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for the preservation of more than 323,320 acres across the state. The money comes from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax and is used for local and state parks throughout Maryland.
Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded through Program Open Space.
The three-member Board of Public Works, chaired by Governor O’Malley, comprises state treasurer Nancy Kopp and state comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions, and other procurement actions.

Community Action Details Plans For McHenry Workforce Housing Project

courtesy the Republican News

Jul. 17, 2008

Affordable workforce housing for low and moderate income people may soon be available at a proposed development called Lake Hill. Spearheaded by the Garrett County Community Action Committee, the community will be located near the proposed McHenry Business and Technology Park and the airport.

Community Action president Duane Yoder recently reviewed the Lake Hill development for the Garrett County commissioners, who approved the transfer of about 50 acres of the White Face Farm property for the project.

This week, Yoder provided more details about the project for the media, along with two architectural renderings of the proposed community.

Yoder called the commissioners' support for Lake Hill "a great demonstration of how teamwork can be used to create affordable workforce housing in the McHenry area, close to where jobs are located."

The president also noted that despite unemployment dropping in the county, the cost of housing has made it very difficult for young working families and even middle income persons to acquire a home in a market where the median home sales exceed affordability ratios of median household incomes by 10, when generally accepted rates are between two and three.

Yoder also pointed to the fact that existing employers seeking to expand or recruit workers for new businesses are increasingly expressing concern over housing affordability.

"Housing is a critical economic development issue" stated Jim Hinebaugh, director of the Garrett County Department of Economic Development.

He also noted that because of the importance of housing to employers, the Garrett County Development Corporation and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce have both made housing a priority.

Community Action's proposal will utilize 40-50 acres and yield over 200 homes, according to Yoder. Approximately 170 additional acres will be placed in a permanent development ban as either a conservancy or a buffer around the airport. Additionally, softball and soccer fields adjacent to the development will be improved, and trail and picnic sites will be preserved as "green spaces."

Yoder describes the appearance of the Lake Hill development as "an attractive and pleasing small town."

"The uniqueness of this initiative is that it builds an attractive, sustainable community in an area rich with amenities," Yoder said. "At the same time it builds a trust fund that will enable sustained work throughout the county."

He added that the commissioners' land transfer action was a state model for "Smart Growth."

The Lake Hill plan calls for a mix of house types and prices, with the primary market being persons earning less than 150 percent of the area's household median income, which is currently $60,000.

Only persons earning less than 150 percent of the median income will be eligible for reduced home prices. Higher income buyers will pay the full appraised market value, Yoder said.

The county's land transfer, as agreed upon by the commissioners, will be made into a nonprofit land trust that will hold title to the property and provide land lease agreements to buyers.

"The cost of the land is removed from the price of the house, making the home more affordable to buyers," Yoder said.

Additionally, development income will go to the land trust to rehabilitate or develop housing in other parts of the county.

The Lake Hill project grew out of local efforts to find solutions to the problem of affordable workforce housing. The Development Corporation and Community Action led a three-year effort through a task force of more than 30 people to devise such a plan, Yoder said.

According to Development Corporation chair Criss Kepple, the core of that plan describes strategies on how the community can work together to build and maintain housing that is affordable to people who work in the county and for young residents getting careers started in the community.

"The plan specifically recommends that the county look for ways it can provide land and infrastructure to achieve that goal," Kepple said. "I believe Lake Hill provides an almost perfect site for a workforce housing community and clearly is consistent with the plan recommendation."

She pointed out that the McHenry area is a major employment center, where workers living in the new housing development will not have to travel far to work.

"There is access to public utilities, and the area is designated as a growth zone," Kepple added. "It also provides our workers who help make Deep Creek Lake a very attractive place to also enjoy its amenities while saving on energy and transportation."

Yoder said he expects it will take several years to obtain the necessary funding and approvals for the Lake Hill project. He added that he anticipates a number of realtors and builders will participate in the build out and marketing of the development.

"The McHenry Business and Technology Park is expected to eventually attract businesses with higher wages," Yoder add. "The Lake Hill housing development will not only support the county's efforts to build the employment center by creating attractive housing for these future jobs, but will also create housing for those already working in McHenry and at Garrett College as well."


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Wisp Resort July 19

I got an email from friends at GLAF (Garrett Lakes Arts Festival), asking to help get the word out regarding Saturday's concert at Wisp Resort. Friday night is sold out but tickets are still available for Saturday's performance. Call GLAF at 301-387-3082 or visit their website.

Some more info about the performance Saturday, from the GLAF website:

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has been a vital part of the city of Pittsburgh's heritage for more than 100 years. The PSO prides itself in artistic excellence, a rich history of the world's finest conductors and musicians, and a strong commitment to the Pittsburgh region. Garrett Lakes Arts Festival and the Deep Creek Lake community embraced the world-class orchestra with grateful enthusiasm, at its local debut at the Wisp Resort in 2007. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will return to Garrett County July 18 and 19, 2008. Principal Pops Conductor Marvin Hamlisch will preside over the Friday, July 18 concert. Associate Conductor Lawrence Loh will lead the orchestra in a program of classical repertoire Saturday, July 19. Both performances will take place at the Lodge at Wisp Resort, which has so generously stepped up and offered the rooms we needed as a part of their season sponsorship. Without Wisps' support, these concerts just would not be happening. Thank you Wisp!

Helicopter fly-over near Hazelhurst

I was on the boat today taking pictures for a real estate client near Hazelhurst, and I heard a helicopter buzzing directly over the tree tops. Not an uncommon sight, though it was flying really low. I went on my way and a few minutes later I heard the loudest buzzing, I didn't know what it was. I started to turn around and I saw the chopper flying about 5- 10 feet above the water! I flipped the switch to video and caught what I could:

I have never seen a helicopter this low to the water before, but I have to admit it was pretty neat. The boat you see in the first part of the video followed the chopper until it lifted off and flew away...

US Olympic Team coming to ASCI at Wisp

I received a press release from ASCI today (more from their website):

The U.S. Olympic Team-Canoe/Kayak will be training at ASCI July 14-18, and you're invited to come see the action! The public is welcome to view the team training on ASCI's whitewater course for FREE! The U.S. Olympic Team-Canoe/Kayak for 2008 is:Scott Parsons (K1), Benn Fraker (C1), Heather Corrie (K1W), Casey Eichfeld and Rick Powell (C2). The team’s two coaches are Silvan Poberaj and Cathy Hearn. Casey and Ricky are part-time ASCI employees, and Ricky is enrolled at the Adventure Sports Institute beginning this fall. Scott Parsons is a resident of Bethesda, MD.

Click the photo for a larger, more detailed version:

Labor Of Love Completed By Art Rooney Jr.; Signing Slated

Jul. 10, 2008

by Don Sincell

“Legendary” seems like an inadequate description of the late Art Rooney, the founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. His legacy began when he and a twin sister were born in 1901 to Welsh parents in a room above their saloon in Mc-Keesport, Pa.; evolved throughout the 87 years of his fascinating life; and continues to this day through the work of his five sons, his siblings, grandchildren, and various other relatives and associates.

Ruanaidh -which is Gaelic for “Rooney” - is the name of new book, a 12-year labor of love by one of those five sons, Deep Creek Lake resident Art Rooney Jr.

And much of the labor that went into the book took place at Rooney’s home along Lake Shore Drive.

“Soon after we moved in, I was showing the now late Judge Fred Thayer around the house,” Rooney said. “When we went into our loft, which has a window that overlooks the lake, Fred said, ‘It looks like a lot of work could be done in this space.’ And believe me, he was right.”

It was there that Rooney filled many of the pages of 41 journals that, with the editing assistance of good friend and long-time sports columnist for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette Roy McHugh, would ultimately become the 485-page Ruanaidh, The Story of Art Rooney and His Clan.

“For many years, Mort Sharnik, former associate editor for Sports Illustrated, kept after me to write down the events and stories of my dad’s life so that they would not be forgotten,” Rooney said. “I was about 60 when I finally started writing. I’m terrible with a typewriter, so I filled journal after journal with handwritten accounts. Unfortunately for Roy [Mc-Hugh], by handwriting is not much better than my typing!

“But he did a masterful job of editing and rewriting where necessary,” he said.

Rooney said that it was very important to him that the writing style in the final version would be such that the reader could “hear” the author’s voice.

“My biggest worry was that readers who knew me would say that it was not my ‘voice’ in the book,” Rooney said. “So I gave ex-cerpts to my friends, including Garrett County’s Judge Thayer and Troy Gnegy, to get their opinions. They really liked what they read, and said that reading it was like sitting down and talking with me, so I was very pleased about that.”

Art Jr., the second eldest of the five Rooney brothers, played football for St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., graduated with a degree in history, studied drama at Carnegie Tech and in New York City, served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, and then joined the Steelers organization as personnel director. He supervised the scouting and drafting of the Steelers’ first four Super Bowl championship teams in the 1970s.

Ruanaidh consists of 74 chapters, each divided into memoirs or anecdotal segments, some shorter than one page.

“I do ‘jump around’ a little bit in the book, and it can be read in pieces,” Rooney said, “but it is written in chronological order.”

Rooney will be signing copies of his book at the Book Mark’et in Oakland on Saturday, July 19, which are from a second printing.

“The first printing sold out quickly. I was shocked, but delighted, that there would be so much interest,” said Rooney. “So we arranged for a second printing of 3,000 copies.”

Interestingly, the cover of the book, designed by Rooney’s cousin Kathy Rooney, features a photo of Art Rooney Sr. and his brother Dan Rooney in baseball uniforms. The pho-to was taken in 1924 when they played for the Wheeling Stogies of the Mid-Atlantic League.

The book includes an account of when the Roon-ey brothers were “banned” from Frostburg after getting into a fistfight with the Frostburg players, who evidently were taunting the Rooneys with “anti-Cath-olic” jibes.

In that 1924 season, Art Rooney had a .369 batting average for the Stogies, second best on the team, and brother Dan hit .359. Dan, incidentally, would go on to become a Franciscan priest.

Rooney was a member of the varsity teams in football, basketball, baseball, and track at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (then Indiana Normal School), and was also an outstanding boxer.

“Dad loved all sports and was very good at playing them, but baseball was real-ly his passion,” Art Jr. said. “So that’s why I chose to use that photo on the cover of the book.”

Ruanaidh has drawn lots of praise from sports writers and editors from around the country, including:

“A terrific read! Funny stories, sad ones … a unique look back at the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers and their beloved patriarch.” Tom Danyluk, Pro Football Weekly.

“Art Rooney Jr. has produced an encyclopedic memoir that is informative and entertaining and populated by more real-life characters, including the Chief of the Steelers tribe, than Damon Runyon ever managed to fictionalize.” John Troan, retired editor of The Pittsburgh Press.

“I’ve found over the years that Steeler fans are among the most intense readers and collectors of good stories about their beloved team, and this book is overflowing with those stories.” Peter King, Sports Illustrated.

“A thoughtful and interestingly detailed history of the Pittsburgh Steelers by Art Rooney Jr., the team’s vice president, who was the mastermind of arguably the greatest player draft in NFL history.” William Buchan-an, retired Boston Globe reporter.

“A warm and witty accounting of the life and times of Art Rooney, NFL pioneer and perhaps America’s greatest sportsman and artisan.” Mort Sharnik, former associate editor, Sports Illustrated.

The July 19 book signing at the Book Mark’et will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Rooney has been married to married Kathleen (Kay) Kumer for over 46 years. They are the parents of four children and have six grandchildren. When they are not at their Deep Creek Lake house, they reside in Mt. Lebanon, Pa., near Pittsburgh.

Two ASCI Staff Members Earn Spots On 2008 Olympic Team

Jul. 10, 2008
Two part-time Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) staff members, Rick Powell and Casey Eichfield, secured spots on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team – Canoe/Kayak at the Augsburg, Germany, World Cup this past weekend, and will compete in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, in August along with three other team members.
Rounding out the rest of the team are Scott Parsons of Bethesda, Benn Fraker and Heather Corrie, and Olympic coaches Silvan Poberaj and Cathy Hearn.
The five-person Olympic team has just confirmed it will travel to ASCI for training next week from Monday through Friday. According to Matt Taylor, executive director at ASCI, the team will have exclusive use of the recirculating whitewater course daily in the morning and again late in the afternoon.
ASCI has invited the public to watch the U.S. representatives prepare themselves for the Olympic competition in Beijing.
Persons may visit the ASCI web site at www.-adventuresportscenter.com or call 301-387-3250 for information on the Olympic Team's schedule while in Garrett County.

Commissioners Approve Funding For POS Projects

Jul. 10, 2008
The Garrett County commissioners recently approved the allocation of $234,638 in Program Open Space (POS) funding for several local projects. Nine groups had requested more than $524,000 for fiscal year 2009.
Mtn. Lake Park, Loch Lynn, Oakland, Avilton, Crellin, and Accident received all or part of their requests, while the Garrett County Board of Education, Casselman Valley Soccer Association, and Grantsville did not receive any allocations this year.
Mountain Lake Park was allocated $72,829.50 to construct the Crystal Springs Walking Trail. That same amount was awarded to the town in FY 2007 for its B&O Walking Trail Project. But the town has abandoned that initiative and requested that the '07 funding be transferred to the Crystal Springs project.
Mtn. Lake Park is forgoing the B&O project for various reasons, but primarily because of the cost. The trail would have been constructed in a flood plain, making it too expensive, according to zoning administrator Bill DeVore, Garrett County Department of Planning and Land Development.
Loch Lynn Heights was allocated $64,800 for an athletic complex/parking area. The money will be used for preliminary planning and design, excavation and tree removal, stormwater management, and an underground conduit.
Pending state approval, Oakland will receive $63,010 to construct rest rooms and a concession stand at the Little League fields at Broadford Park.
The Avilton Community Association was allocated $20,200 to purchase and install playground equipment at the new Avilton Community Center. If the state approves the allocation, this will be the first POS funding that the Avilton community has received.
The association plans to contribute $16,000 toward for the project, according to DeVore.
The Crellin softball field was allocated $7,800 for improvements, including new fencing, a home plate, benches, and bleachers.
Accident received its requested $5,998.50 for aluminum bleachers and six trash cans for Town Park East.
The groups/projects that did not receive POS allocations this year and their requested amounts are as follows: Garrett County Board of Education, $36,900, Northern High School softball field improvements; Grantsville, $13,500, new town park parking area; and the Casselman Valley Soccer Association, $10,000, installation of sidewalks and a patio, gravel and topsoil replacement, and field top dressing.
The county's list of projects and the money appropriated to them by the commissioners will now be submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which oversees the program, and ultimately to the Board of Public Works for final approval. The actual money for the projects, however, will not be awarded for several months.
Program Open Space is funded by the state and is allotted to counties each year, with the monies appropriated by their fiscal authorities. The funds are to be used to renovate existing Open Space facilities or to buy properties for new Open Space use.
All projects must be for public use. Additionally, development initiatives require a 10 percent local match, but those involving land acquisition do not.

Two ASCI Staff Members Earn Spots On 2008 Olympic Team

Jul. 10, 2008
Two part-time Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) staff members, Rick Powell and Casey Eichfield, secured spots on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team – Canoe/Kayak at the Augsburg, Germany, World Cup this past weekend, and will compete in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, in August along with three other team members.
Rounding out the rest of the team are Scott Parsons of Bethesda, Benn Fraker and Heather Corrie, and Olympic coaches Silvan Poberaj and Cathy Hearn.
The five-person Olympic team has just confirmed it will travel to ASCI for training next week from Monday through Friday. According to Matt Taylor, executive director at ASCI, the team will have exclusive use of the recirculating whitewater course daily in the morning and again late in the afternoon.
ASCI has invited the public to watch the U.S. representatives prepare themselves for the Olympic competition in Beijing.
Persons may visit the ASCI web site at www.adventuresportscenter.com or call 301-387-3250 for information on the Olympic Team's schedule while in Garrett County.

Alpine Village Motel - Real Estate for Sale - GA6778344

I had the pleasure of touring the Alpine Village Motel recently at an open house held by Suzanne Roszell, the listing agent. Talk about a unique piece of Garrett County history! The hotel is one of the few remaining commercial establishments on the waters of Deep Creek Lake. There are 29 lakefront rooms, dock slips available for guests, a beach area, outdoor swimming area and several native stone woodburning fireplaces throughout the property. Rooms styles vary, but all offer unique living quarters and a rustic flavor of the mountains. Better yet, you can walk to Garrett 8 Cinemas, the Honi-Honi bar, Arrowhead, Uno's and more! Plenty of parking area, and right in the heart of Deep Creek Lake's commercial activities! Roughly 45,000 sq ft!

If you have dreamed of owning and perating a business at Deep Creek Lake, this is an opportunity that you will want to look in to. The property is listed for sale through Long & Foster Real Estate at a price tag of $5.75 million. I have a photo gallery below, as well as a video of a stream that borders the property and flows into Deep Creek Lake beside Alpine Shores.

Video of Fireworks Finale

Here is an early attempt at video editing :) This is the finale of the fireworks the other night, shot from Ski Harbor. The most impressive fireworks display I can remember at Deep Creek Lake! Make sure to turn up your sound - the explosions would echo through the mountains and 2-3 seconds later you would hear the sound reverberation...

Ledo's Pizza Grand Opening Today McHenry Plaza

Ledo's Pizza @ McHenry Plaza

24465 Garrett Hwy

McHenry, MD 21541

301-387-6300
http://www.ledospizza.com/

I stopped by to check out the grand opening of Ledo's pizza today. I had a few short minutes to wait for my sub, so I started to check the place out. There is plenty of seating, a nice bar area in the back of the restaurant and there were a TON of people working. Probably working out the details of their first day open. I was invited to sit and sample some of the pizza with Debra & Lydell Savage of Railey Realty, and it was really good. The sausage was spicy and the pepperoni was really thick. I didn't have too long to chat, though, as the sub was ready in less than 5 minutes.

Overall, nice experience and extremely FAST. I definitely recommend trying it out!

Deep Creek Lake Fireworks - July 5th 2008

For those of you who couldn't be here, as requested, here is a photo gallery of the fireworks. After getting rained out on a miserable July 4th, the fireworks at Wisp were re-scheduled for the 5th. We had been invited to watch with some friends at Ski Harbor, where I owned a place a few years back. There is really no better seat in the house than sitting in your boat by the shore in McHenry cove. After teaching my daughter how to cast her fishing pole without hitting anyone else on the boat (3 tries and a few close calls later...), darkness had set in and it was time for the show.


As you can see from the photos, they were really quite impressive. I believe that this was by far the best local fireworks display in recent memory. The lake water was really calm, not nearly as choppy as you might think with all of the boats gathered to watch. I have a cool video of the grand finale that I will post later on, but it gave me chills to see it and then hear EVERYONE in the McHenry area on land and water cheering and sounding horns, etc. Quite an experience! My 10 month old, Noah, was trying to reach out and grab the lights as the fireworks exploded - he had a great time on his first 4th (5th, really) of July!

LAURA STUTZMAN: THE ARTIST BEHIND THE STAMP

Jul. 3, 2008
The United States Postal Service released a new rate stamp on April 18, and local residents may be surprised to learn that the artist who painted the four U.S. flag scenes lives in Mountain Lake Park. Laura Stutzman, a career illustrator, shown at right, was selected to paint the scenes, showing the flag at four times of day: sunrise, noon, sunset, and at night. Stutzman was chosen to do the work by USPS after the selection committee viewed her paintings on her company web site, Eloqui.com, which she hosts with her husband, Mark Stutzman, also an illustrator. She has been established as a prolific painter of American flags, and was therefore hired for the job. The process of selection to product lasted about two years, she said, and involved a number of experiments with varying scenes. She painted the "24/7 theme" with several backgrounds, such as a flag on the porch of a Victorian house and a flag with the Garrett County Courthouse dome and eagle, but the four simplistic sky backgrounds passed the test. Garrett Countians can be proud to note that the skies in the scenes are those of the local area, and the flags were modeled after photos taken of at least one flag from Oakland City Hall. "I really wanted to use the flag at Team One," Stutzman said, "And I studied it for a long time. But it blows perpetually to the north, and it just never was in the right place to allow for good photos for me to use." She also found that the colors at sunrise and sunset are different in different parts of the world, and the final product reflects how the skies look in this neck of the woods. "I surveyed my family to choose the right colors for the right times," she said. "Around here, yellows and purples are sunrise colors, and aqua is sunset. That's not necessarily the case elsewhere." USPS stamp illustration is surprisingly not a new endeavor for the Stutzmans, as Mark was the creator of the famed Elvis stamp in 1993.

Beitzel Assigned To New Gypsy Moth Task Force

Jul. 3, 2008
Del. Wendell R. Beitzel was recently appointed by Speaker Michael E. Busch as the designated Maryland House of Delegates member to serve on the newly created Task Force to Study Statewide Gypsy Moth Infestation.

"I am excited that the speaker chose me to represent the Maryland House of Delegates on the task force," Beitzel said. "We need to find a solution to prevent or control the devastation caused to our hardwood forests by the gypsy moths. I am very optimistic that something good will come from the work that we will do on this task force."

The 11-member panel was created by Senate Bill 920, which was introduced in the 2008 session of the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley.

"Del. Beitzel is aware of his appointment," Busch said, "and looks forward to participating as a member of the task force. I am confident that his leadership and contributions will benefit the Maryland House of Delegates and the citizens of our state."

Gypsy moth infestation has been very prevalent throughout Maryland in the past two years, Beitzel noted. Western Maryland – and especially Garrett County, which has the largest acreage of forest in the state – has experienced severe defoliation because of gypsy moth infestation.

In addition to Beitzel, other task force members include representatives from the Senate, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Maryland Forest Association, Pesticide Network, and departments of Agriculture, Budget and Management, and Natural Resources.

The group is required to study the gypsy moth infestation and to make recommendations regarding the most effective, practical, regulatory, and legislative means of combating the problem. A reporting requirement is required in SB 920, which was sponsored by 17 senators, including George C. Edwards.

Beitzel has been working with the Garrett County commissioners, state and local agricultural and forest agencies, organizations, and individuals to seek additional funding for gypsy moth control and eradication.

"I am pleased that our collective efforts resulted in a much larger infusion of funds in 2008 to spray for gypsy moths in western Maryland and the state," Beitzel said. "Hopefully the spraying of nearly 50,000 acres in Garrett County will help to prevent the massive forest defoliation we witnessed here last year

GC Community Action Requests Land For Workforce Housing Development

Jul. 3, 2008
Community Action Committee president Duane Yoder asked the county commissioners last week to transfer county-owned land to his agency for a workforce/affordable housing project.

The initiative is being planned in conjunction with the proposed McHenry Business and Technology Park, slated for the county's White Face Farm property near the airport. Yoder noted that the housing site would be a prime location for business park employees to live.

"We are asking for a contribution of approximately 50 acres," he said. "This is based on discussions with Economic Development (Garrett County) in terms of how much land they will need for the business park."

The original housing project has been scaled back because of the needs of the park and Federal Aviation Administration, Yoder said.

Community Action's vice president for development, Cherie Ross, presented the commissioners with a preliminary rendering of the site plan created by architect Doug Devlin.

Between 250 and 300 units would be constructed for people of various income levels. The actual number of units, however, would depend on the county's planned residential development stipulations (PRD) and the amount of "green spaces" that can be incorporated into the project.

"We're looking at and exploring various housing types," Devlin said. "We think modular is going to be a major player in terms of being able to provide affordable housing."

The units would be a mix of single-family and multi-family homes, duplexes, and, perhaps, "miniature" cottages, ranging from 450 to 1,000 square feet. Some of the residents would own their homes, while others would be renters.

The idea is to create a place with a traditional, neighborhood or village-type of feel. Devlin said, however, that a market study was needed to calibrate the best mix of housing types for the project.

Yoder also noted that the study was needed to see where the business park employees would fit into the housing arrangement.

The president added that one of the main features of the housing project is a parcel on the west side of the proposed site. That area is too steep to be developed, he said.

"We would ask that [parcel] also be added to the contribution by the county for the purpose of allowing us to use it to meet the PRD formula and requirements," Yoder said.

But ultimately, he said, the parcel would be put into some type of conservation district and never developed.

"Although, we would use it for recreational purposes, trails, and so on," Yoder said.

Other nearby green spaces that could be used in conjunction with the housing project are two ball fields that were established through Program Open Space. The POS sites, undeveloped parcel, business park, and other places in McHenry could all be connected with public walking trails, Devlin noted.

Yoder said the primarily targets for the homes would be the workforce and for-sale housing markets. Some of those dwellings would be sold/rented through a subsidy program, while others would be available at the market rate.

"Without those subsides, I don't think we can do it," he said about providing affordable housing for local workers. "With them, I think we can."

Under the subsidy program, homeowners and renters would have to meet certain income guidelines.

"I think we all agree that we want to promote home ownership, and, ideally, we'd like to do that through the market," said Director Jim Hinebaugh, Economic Development.

But, he noted, while local wages have increased somewhat in recent years, they have not kept up with inflation and increased housing costs. As a result, many cannot afford a home at market prices.

"I think Duane's proposal is one way to get there," Hinebaugh said about helping workers obtain affordable housing.

Yoder presented the commissioners with a workforce housing proposal, outlining ways to assure that the subsides go to the target population and that they are not misused. The proposal includes creating a land trust to provide sustainable affordable housing for the future and provisions for home sales.

If a home is sold under an appraised market, Yoder explained, a certain percentage of the appreciated value would go toward the land trust, based on the number of years of ownership.

He also told the commissioners that Community Action wants to encourage developers to be a part of the housing project. Yoder indicated that his agency did not have the time that is necessary to finish the initiative in short period of time. To speed up the project, developers could buy three or four lots and construct the homes following Community Action guidelines.

Yoder noted that Economic Development needed to know the basic boundary lines of the housing project so that it could move forward with the business park.

The commissioners discussed the issue further this week and approved the transfer of about 50 acres to Community Action for its project.

"The county is also considering transferring an additional 50-70 acres of property that has less/little development potential into a conservation easement," Hinebaugh said yesterday. "This would potentially increase the density and number of residential units in the Community Action residential development."

County administrator Monty Pagenhardt noted yesterday that the county will now benefit from real property tax revenue on the developed land that it most likely would not have received had the transfer not been approved.

Changes Planned For Grantsville's ClosetMaid Plant

Jul. 3, 2008
The ClosetMaid plant in Grantsville is converting its manufacturing line from vinyl-coated wire shelving units to laminate wood storage products. As a result, production volume is expected to increase and new employees hired.

New equipment for the changeover has started to arrive at the plant and will be installed during the next several months.

Located in the Northern Garrett County Industrial Park, the 154,000 square-foot facility opened last year. ClosetMaid officials said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in August that they plan to hire more than 200 employees over a five-year period.

According to county officials, the Florida-based company currently employs 65 at the Grantsville plant, but that number may grow to more than 100 with the planned changes.

Reportedly, ClosetMaid is changing its product line in an effort to adapt to a decrease in home sales and a slowing market.

Persons interested in working at ClosetMaid may fill out an application at the Maryland Job Center in Oakland or at the plant.