Labor Day Weekend 2012

This weekend's (and slightly beyond) list of fun things to do:

Aug 31 - Sep 3 Wisp Outdoors Used Equipment Sale
Wisp Resort will be selling rental and demo kayaks,
canoes, stand up paddleboards and mountain bikes.
Arrive early for the best selection and savings.
Date: August 31, 2012
Website: http://www.wispresort.com
Location: Wisp Outdoors Adventure Park Building
Contact: 301.387.4000
EMail: info@wispresort.com
Date/Time Details: 8/31/12 - 9/3/12 - 9am - 5pm
Fees/Admission: Prices Vary
Aug 31 - Sep 3 Rudy's Labor Day Weekend Sale
Celebrate the official kickoff to the 2012 ski and board season at the 42nd annual Rudy’s Labor Day Sale! The area’s largest snowsports sale offering an extensive selection of ski & snowboard equipment, apparel, & accessories at discount warehouse prices.

Date: August 31, 2012
Website: http://www.wispresort.com
Location: Wisp Resort Main Lodge
Contact: 301.387-4640
EMail: info@wispresort.com
 Date/Time Details: 8/31/12 - 9/3/12

Aug 31 Little Yough Summer Music Festival

Little Yough Summer Music Festival
2012 Program Schedule
August 31st The Remedy
Date: August 31, 2012
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Website: http://www.oaklandmd.com
Location: Town Parking Lot
EMail: townofoak@gmail.com
Fees/Admission: Free Admission. Concessions will be available beginning at 6pm until after intermission.

Aug 31 - Sep 3 Rudy's Labor Day Weekend Sale
Celebrate the official kickoff to the 2012 ski and board season at the 42nd annual Rudy’s Labor Day Sale! The area’s largest snowsports sale offering an extensive selection of ski & snowboard equipment, apparel, & accessories at discount warehouse prices.

Date: August 31, 2012
Website: http://www.wispresort.com
Location: Wisp Resort Main Lodge
Contact: 301.387-4640
EMail: info@wispresort.com
Date/Time Details: 8/31/12 - 9/3/12

Sep 1 Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department Chicken/Rib BBQ
Date: September 1, 2012
Location: Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department - Springs Rd., Grantsville, MD

Sep 1 Springs Historical Society Farmers Market
The Springs Historical Society sponsors the two story Springs Museum, collection of life of settlers of the Casselman Valley and the Springs Farmers' Market with Amish produce, antiques and flea market items, adjacent to the Museum. Market open Saturdays May 26-Sept 15. The Society hosts monthly programs free and open to the public and publishes historical journals of the area. Also on the same premises is the Alta Schrock Nature Trail, a self-guided 4/10 mile easy walk and the Springs Folk Festival to be held Oct. 5 & 6, 2012. **Out-of-County Regional Event**
Date: September 1, 2012
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Website: http://www.springspa.org
Location: 1711 Springs Rd., Springs, PA 15562
Contact: 814-442-4594
EMail: daheberg2@aol.com
Date/Time Details: Springs Museum - May 26 - Oct. 6, Wed-Fri 1:00-5:00, Sat. 9:00-2:00
Springs Farmers' Market -Saturdays May 26-Sept 15, 8:00 - 1:00
Alta Schrock Nature Trail open year round
Fees/Admission: No admission fee
Museum on donation basis

Sep 1 Mountain Fresh Farmers Market
Visit the Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets to find locally produced fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, home-baked goods, jams & jellies, plants, personal care items, and crafts.
Date: September 1, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Website: http://www.MountainFresh.org
Location: Mt. Fresh Pavilion
2nd Street & Town Park Lane
Oakland, MD 21550
Contact: 301-334-6960 or info@mountainfresh.org
EMail: info@MountainFresh.org
Date/Time Details: Wednesdays & Saturdays
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Fees/Admission: Free

Sep 2 LEGO Robotics: SuGO Sunday.
Come and build Sumo Wrestling Robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS.

SuGO teams form at 1:00pm, and build until 3:30pm. Teams can be families or friends and No experience is necessary. All equipment is provided, and help is available for rookie teams. At 3:30, teams move to the arena and the SuGO bots battle it out tournament style.

This is a great activity for LEGO lovers of all ages.
Experience the latest LEGO Robotics hardware and push your creativity to the limit..

Light refreshments are available for purchase.
Date: September 2, 2012
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.SuGObot.com
Location: GEARS Center: 116 Industrial Dr, Accident MD, 21520
Look for the yellow pickup.
Contact: Contact Phil Malone: 301 387-2331
EMail: sugomaster@gearsinc.org
Date/Time Details: First Sunday of every month: Team registration at 1:00pm
Fees/Admission: Free for GEARS Members, otherwise $10 per team.

Sep 5 Mountain Fresh Farmers Market
Visit the Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets to find locally produced fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, home-baked goods, jams & jellies, plants, personal care items, and crafts.
Date: September 5, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Website: http://www.MountainFresh.org
Location: Mt. Fresh Pavilion
2nd Street & Town Park Lane
Oakland, MD 21550
Contact: 301-334-6960 or info@mountainfresh.org
EMail: info@MountainFresh.org
Date/Time Details: Wednesdays & Saturdays
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Fees/Admission: Free

Sep 7 - Sep 9 Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival

Benefiting the American Red Cross, the festival includes wine, regional artists, children’s area, silent auction, live music and lots more!

Friday, September 7: Wine Pairing Dinners at Participating Restaurants

Saturday, September 8: Art & Wine Festival Noon - 6 pm. Rain or Shine. Garrett County Fairgrounds McHenry, MD

Sunday, September 9: Sunday brunch at area restaurants
Date: September 7, 2012
Website: http://www.deepcreekwinefest.com
Location: Garrett County Fairgrounds
Date/Time Details: September 7 - 9, 2012

Sep 8 - Sep 9 Deep Creek Open and US Nationals in Canoe Slalom
The Deep Creek Open is a dual Canoe Slalom event. It will be an Open race for competitors from around the world, including those from the London Olympics and also serve as the U.S. National Championships.

Canoe Slalom is the sport of racing closed deck boats through a gated course in a whitewater venue. It will feature both canoeing where the athlete kneels in the boat and uses a single bladed paddle and kayaking where the athlete sits in the boat and uses a doubled bladed paddle. There will be men's and women's categories.
Date: September 8, 2012
Website: http://www.adventuresportscenter.com
Location: ASCI - Adventure Sports Center International
Contact: Suzanne Nicolas
EMail: snicolas@adventuresportscenter.com
Date/Time Details: September 8-9, 2012 Competition begins at 9:00 a.m on Saturday
Fees/Admission: No Charge

Sep 8 Town Wide Yard Sale
Clean out your garages, basements, and attics and join us for the Fall Town Wide Yard Sale. All town residents are invited to participate in selling their treasures. The Grantsville Lions Club will be selling BBQ Chicken at the Grantsville Community Park.
Date: September 8, 2012
Location: Town of Grantsville
EMail: rjones1968@verizon.net
Sep 8 Springs Historical Society Farmers Market
The Springs Historical Society sponsors the two story Springs Museum, collection of life of settlers of the Casselman Valley and the Springs Farmers' Market with Amish produce, antiques and flea market items, adjacent to the Museum. Market open Saturdays May 26-Sept 15. The Society hosts monthly programs free and open to the public and publishes historical journals of the area. Also on the same premises is the Alta Schrock Nature Trail, a self-guided 4/10 mile easy walk and the Springs Folk Festival to be held Oct. 5 & 6, 2012. **Out-of-County Regional Event**
Date: September 8, 2012
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Website: http://www.springspa.org
Location: 1711 Springs Rd., Springs, PA 15562
Contact: 814-442-4594
EMail: daheberg2@aol.com
Date/Time Details: Springs Museum - May 26 - Oct. 6, Wed-Fri 1:00-5:00, Sat. 9:00-2:00
Springs Farmers' Market -Saturdays May 26-Sept 15, 8:00 - 1:00
Alta Schrock Nature Trail open year round
Fees/Admission: No admission fee
Museum on donation basis

Sep 8 Mountain Fresh Farmers Market
Visit the Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets to find locally produced fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, home-baked goods, jams & jellies, plants, personal care items, and crafts.
Date: September 8, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Website: http://www.MountainFresh.org
Location: Mt. Fresh Pavilion
2nd Street & Town Park Lane
Oakland, MD 21550
Contact: 301-334-6960 or info@mountainfresh.org
EMail: info@MountainFresh.org
Date/Time Details: Wednesdays & Saturdays
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Fees/Admission: Free

Sep 9 Dogsledding Presentation and Kennel Visit

Enjoy an educational and entertaining dogsledding presentation. Grill mushers; see equipment; hug gorgeous and friendly HUSKIES; watch an exciting film of them working/pulling (or see a real team run if it's cold enough) and learn a lot! No reservations required this day. It is a two hour program starting at 10 am. Price: $20 each.

Note: We offer this same tour (but by reservation only and with a minimum price) almost every day. Please see our website for more info: "Tours" page.
Date: September 9, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Website: http://www.HuskyPowerDogsledding.com
Location: Husky Power Dogsledding at Mountain MD Kennels, LLC
Address: 2008 Bumble Bee Road, Accident, MD 21520 -- Three Miles from Wisp – near the Airport in McHenry
Contact: 301-746-7200
Date/Time Details: 10 am - noon
Fees/Admission: $20

Sep 12 Mountain Fresh Farmers Market
Visit the Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets to find locally produced fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, home-baked goods, jams & jellies, plants, personal care items, and crafts.
Date: September 12, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Website: http://www.MountainFresh.org
Location: Mt. Fresh Pavilion
2nd Street & Town Park Lane
Oakland, MD 21550
Contact: 301-334-6960 or info@mountainfresh.org
EMail: info@MountainFresh.org
Date/Time Details: Wednesdays & Saturdays
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Fees/Admission: Free

Sep 13 - Sep 28 Red Cross Blood Drive
Red Cross Blood Drive at Wisp Resort
Date: September 13, 2012
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Website: http://www.wispresort.com
Location: Timbers Room located on the Lower Level of the Main Lodge
Contact: Lori Epp Wisp Resort Director of Marketing; lepp@wispresort.com 301.387.4000 ext. 2160
EMail: lepp@wispresort.com
Date/Time Details: Thursday, September 13, 2012
Time: 12:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Sep 15 Ridgeview Valley Barn Dance & Silent Auction
Benefitting k-5th grade students (Study Buddies) in Garrett County
Date: September 15, 2012
Website: http://www.garrettmentors.org
Location: Ridgeview Valley
Contact: 301.334.1783
Date/Time Details: Saturday, September 15, 2012

Sep 15 Springs Historical Society Farmers Market
The Springs Historical Society sponsors the two story Springs Museum, collection of life of settlers of the Casselman Valley and the Springs Farmers' Market with Amish produce, antiques and flea market items, adjacent to the Museum. Market open Saturdays May 26-Sept 15. The Society hosts monthly programs free and open to the public and publishes historical journals of the area. Also on the same premises is the Alta Schrock Nature Trail, a self-guided 4/10 mile easy walk and the Springs Folk Festival to be held Oct. 5 & 6, 2012. **Out-of-County Regional Event**
Date: September 15, 2012
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Website: http://www.springspa.org
Location: 1711 Springs Rd., Springs, PA 15562
Contact: 814-442-4594
EMail: daheberg2@aol.com
Date/Time Details: Springs Museum - May 26 - Oct. 6, Wed-Fri 1:00-5:00, Sat. 9:00-2:00
Springs Farmers' Market -Saturdays May 26-Sept 15, 8:00 - 1:00
Alta Schrock Nature Trail open year round
Fees/Admission: No admission fee
Museum on donation basis

Sep 15 Mountain Fresh Farmers Market
Visit the Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets to find locally produced fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, home-baked goods, jams & jellies, plants, personal care items, and crafts.
Date: September 15, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Website: http://www.MountainFresh.org
Location: Mt. Fresh Pavilion
2nd Street & Town Park Lane
Oakland, MD 21550
Contact: 301-334-6960 or info@mountainfresh.org
EMail: info@MountainFresh.org
Date/Time Details: Wednesdays & Saturdays
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Fees/Admission: Free

More here.

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Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

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Trooper 5 relocating to Garrett airport during peak demand periods

43 percent of helicopter’s July missions were in county

From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — Maryland State Police medevac helicopter Trooper 5, based at the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport, will temporarily relocate to the Garrett County Airport “during hours of peak mission demand,” according to Maj. Mark Gibbons, commander of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command.

The state police helicopter will temporarily relocate to the Garrett County Airport near McHenry beginning today during specified times when there is a larger potential for service due to increased activities within the county. The “dynamic deployment” will continue throughout the fall season, according to Gibbons.

State police helicopter crews in Cumberland have already conducted coordinated training with Western Maryland EMS providers in anticipation of the temporary relocation to Garrett County.

In the month of July, 43 percent of the missions handled by Trooper 5 were from Garrett County.

Seasonal changes in population and trends for requests for service indicate that a temporary relocation of specific aircraft may provide a more efficient service.

Historically, the hours between noon and 9 p.m. have been the periods the helicopter has been dispatched to emergency calls in the Garrett County region. The dynamic deployment program has been used in other locations where information indicates a surge in activity when state police aviation service may benefit first-responders and citizens in that area.

“Since opening the Cumberland section in 1978, we have had great relationships with and cooperation from all fire, EMS and law enforcement personnel, as well as elected officials in Western Maryland in supporting our service,” said Gibbons.

“The Garrett County Airport provides a location and airport support that will greatly increase the effectiveness of our helicopter crews as they perform their lifesaving missions in that region during peak periods of service. Trooper 5 will continue to have prompt response to calls for service for the entire Western Maryland and Appalachian Highlands region.”

Lt. Walter Kerr, state police aviation command helicopter operations, said Trooper 5 will be situated in the Garrett County Airport’s flight line rather than a hangar at the airport.

“The airport is providing temporary office space and we will be utilizing thier computers and weather instruments just like other pilots that come into the airport. We will also have our own computers,” said Kerr.

The temporary relocation from Cumberland to Garrett County was about two weeks in the planning. “Sgt. (Donald) Lehman in the aviation section at Cumberland did an excellent job putting this together and allowing us to launch it in time for the Labor Day weekend,” said Kerr.

Capt. James Pyles, Western Troop commander, said, “The process of this dynamic deployment is data-driven to better serve the citizens of our great state and the surrounding area. The crews of Trooper 5 are to be commended for their proactive approach to increase access to life-saving resources and to provide their invaluable resource on our fight on crime.

“The Aviation Command consists of an excellent group of men and women with whom I am honored to work beside daily. They are committed to upholding the high standards of the department. Whether you live in Maryland, are visiting here, or are just traveling through, every member of the Aviation Command and the Maryland State Police are committed to serving and protecting you.”

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command is an essential component of the Statewide Trauma and Emergency Medical Services System. The MSPAC works closely with the members of all Maryland first-response organizations as part of the state’s world-renowned, integrated emergency medical services system.

More here.

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Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

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Gurus suggest Annapolis, Deep Creek, other fun spots for Labor Day escapes

Just in time for Labor Day weekend, getaways close to home were on everyone’s minds..

More here.

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Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

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Think about starting school after Labor Day

Cumberland Times-News

It’s that time of year when summer is winding down and Maryland families are enjoying their last bit of time together.

This often means visiting Maryland’s picturesque Eastern Shore, heading up to Deep Creek Lake or spending time in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

I often think of these precious memories this time of year — the road trips we took when I was kid and the wonderful memories Annie and I have with our own children, who have mysteriously grown up too quickly.

For many Maryland families, unfortunately, summer has come to an abrupt end, with some school systems already back in session this week.

Summer is a time for kids to be kids and families to be families, which is why Maryland needs a statewide post-Labor Day start to the school year.

Beyond its obvious benefits to family time, starting school after Labor Day would increase critical revenues and serve as a welcome boost to Maryland’s economy.

Tourism is Maryland’s fourth largest industry, and the summer plays a critical role in the success of the family-owned businesses that depend on it.

A post-Labor Day start would also spare businesses from the stresses of losing their temporary staff — teachers and students who often depend on the supplemental income — who must report to work or team practices, sometimes as soon as early August.

Right now, Ohio is considering a post-Labor Day start to the school year, and it has already been implemented in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and San Diego, among others, as well as being the standard policy for all of Canada.

And in our neighboring Virginia, where this policy is currently in place, it’s been estimated that it would cost $369 million in lost revenue and wages and $21 million in tax revenue to revert back to a pre-Labor Day start to school.

This change wouldn’t affect the amount of instruction our kids receive or the school year’s end date. We’d still be bound to comply with the mandated 180 days of instruction per school year.

North Carolina, as an example, fits in 200 instructional days between Labor Day and the end of their school year, which is mandated by state law to be no later than June 14.

Thinking about the financial health of our state and examining how current policies affect financial matters throughout Maryland is something I do on a daily basis.

And when I see an opportunity for Maryland families and businesses to simultaneously benefit from a new way of thinking, I’m happy to promote the cause.

Let’s pass a Maryland law that sees the school year start after our kids have been able to squeeze the last bit of fun out of their summer. They grow up way too quickly to let these precious chances slip by.

Peter Franchot

Comptroller of Maryland

More here.

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Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

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Zoning appeals board upholds Deep Creek boat rental permit

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The Deep Creek Lake Watershed Board of Zoning Appeals voted three to one on Aug. 16 to uphold its June decision to issue a boat rental permit to Bill Meagher, owner of Lakeside Creamery, according to Garrett County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt.

Despite opposition from multiple marinas, the county commissioners voted on June 5 to approve an amendment to the Deep Creek Zoning Ordinance to add a new category for boat rentals as a separate service that would not offer any of the other services associated with a marina.

Commissioners Gregan Crawford and Robert Gatto voted in favor of the amendment, with chairman Jim Raley opposing it. During a May 31 public hearing, Raley said he had concerns about Meagher’s decision not to offer services on-site.

On Aug. 18, the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake voted unanimously, with  president Troy Ellington recusing himself because of a conflict of interest, to request the commissioners to take three separate actions in regard to the amendment of the ordinance regarding boat rentals, according to Pagenhardt. Ellington is chairman of the county’s planning commission.

Pagenhardt, Commissioner Robert Gatto and John Nelson, director of the Department of Planning and Land Development, were in attendance at the POA meeting.

The Property Owners’ Association requested the commissioners initiate and complete within six months a comprehensive study of the amendment in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources and other interested organization to determine whether the amendment should be retained, modified or deleted, according to an email sent to the commissioners from POA senior vice president Roger Titus.

The group is also requesting that the commissioners impose a six-month moratorium on the issuance of any permits for any additional uses based on the recent amendment to the Deep Creek Lake Watershed Zoning Ordinance and the pending the outcome of the study; and adopt as a matter of county policy that no amendment to the text of the ordinance that may have an effect on the lake shall be approved until there has been notice of at least 90 days. The notice should be given to the DNR, the state Department of the Environment, the POA, the Friends of Deep Creek Lake and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, allowing them an an opportunity to respond, according to the email.

“The board of the POA believes that approval of theses actions will go a long way toward addressing the concerns that the POA and others have raised about the adoption of the ammendment,” wrote Titus.

Pagenhardt noted that the commissioners have received the email, are currently “taking it under advisement,” and are discussing with Nelson and County Attorney Norman Getty how to proceed. Pagenhardt also said the commissioners plan to answer the email but it hinges on upcoming legal action.

St. Moritz Properties, LLC; Bill’s Marine Service Inc., Silver Tree Marine, LLC, Aquatic Center Inc. and Deep Creek Boat Rentals Inc. have filed an appeal in Garrett County Circuit Court to determine whe-ther the commissioners acted properly under the zoning ordinance and Maryland law in approving the amendment in June. The case is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 9:30 a.m.

The businesses filed the appeal in circuit court because they felt like they have been “specially and adversely affected” by the commissioners’ decision, according to the appeal.

St. Moritz Properties, LLC; Bill’s Marine Service Inc., Silver Tree Marine, LLC, have also filed a interpretive appeal in opposition of the Board of Zoning Appeals’s decision in June to grant Meagher’s request for a boat rental permit.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

More here.

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Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

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A house divided: Garrett, builders differ on stairs

Commission hears both sides on code for sprinklers

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — On Tuesday, following a public hearing on the re-adoption of a building code ordinance, Garrett County commissioners decided to keep the public record open for an additional 10 days with a final decision to be made at the Sept. 4 meeting.

Commissioners decided to leave the public record open because some county builders just learned of an amendment regarding stairway geometry and they wanted to assure compliance with Maryland Building Performance Standards.

“We are concerned that some people have just now heard of the stair geometry,” said Chairman Jim Raley, who said public comments will be taken until 4:30 p.m. Aug. 31.

The building code ordinance would adopt 2012 editions of the International Building, International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation codes, according to Jim Torrington, chief of the Garrett County Permits and Inspections Division.

“In 1997, the county adopted the first building code and amendment from the state that allowed for a steeper set of stair geometry,” said Torrington.

Torrington said the county carried the state amendment through until 2000, 2003 and 2006 Building Code Ordinances.

“In 2009, the state dropped that amendment and went with a less steep set of stairs. The county went forward with that provision in our building code in 2009.”

Seven local builders have signed a petition requesting that the commissioners consider steeper stair geometry in new homes in the county, according to Torrington.

“The reasoning is that, in terms of a narrow-width home, they are having trouble getting a less steep set of stairs into the home,” said Torrington.

The commission also discussed the International Residential Code regarding residential sprinklers.

The Department of Permits and Inspections Divisions was notified by the Maryland Codes of Administration of the modification to the residential sprinkler law, which will allow the county to opt out of the mandate if they decide to do so before Oct. 1.

“We can maintain the sprinkler requirement for homes until 2015,” said Torrington.

Torrington has received written comments from the Garrett County Board of Builders and Bob Browning asking the commissioners to maintain the opt-out provision for residential sprinklers.

Deputy State Fire Marshal Jamie Rodeheaver urged the commissioner not to opt out of the sprinkler mandate.

“The requirement for residential sprinklers for newly constructed one- and two-family dwellings are considered a minimum requirement of the code,” said Rodeheaver.

“Fire sprinkler requirements for newly constructed homes are a significant component of the occupant protective package. Fire sprinklers save lives.”

The sprinkler mandate could cost new builders anywhere from about $6,000 to $20,000, depending on what is needed to install the sprinklers, according to Raley.

“I hope we do something to encourage this in the future,” said Raley. “I would like to see the commission do something similar to an incentive, as has happened in other places. I do recognize what is being said here about the cost factor. At the worst time in building we are throwing all those things in there.”

Several local builders continued in their request to preserve the commissioners’ opt-out provision of the residential sprinkler code, even in light of the fire marshal’s statments.

“I understand and appreciate everything that Mr. Rodeheaver said. We are all about safety, but we are about survival as well in terms of economically,” said Karen Myers of Mountaineer Log and Siding Company.

“We recognize that sprinklers are coming — this is simply a delay.”

Nicole Christian, president and CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce also said that the chamber voted to recommend that the county opt out of sprinkler code until 2015.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

More here.

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Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

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Top 10 metros with largest drop in for-sale inventory in July

Asking prices rise 2.6 percent nationwide

By Inman News

Editor's note: These numbers come from Realtor.com's July 2012 Real Estate Trend Data Report. The report covers 146 U.S. metros and includes single-family homes, condos, townhomes and co-ops.

The number of for-sale real estate listings continued to drop on an annual basis in July, falling 19.3 percent from July 2011 to a total of 1.87 million listings nationwide, according to Realtor.com data through July 2012. This trend, along with a 2.6 percent year-over-year median list price increase last month to $194,900, points to some stability in the nascent housing recovery that's slowly settled in this year....

...

Metros with greatest year-over-year list price increases (July 2011 to July 2012)

Percent change
Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc, Calif. 31.5%
Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz. 27.7%
Boise City, Idaho 16.8%
San Francisco 15%
San Jose, Calif. 13.8%
Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, Wash. 13.5%
Reno, Nev. 13.1%
West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla. 12.6%
Washington, D.C.-Md.-Va.-W.Va.(D.C.) 12.2%

More here.

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Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

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Governor O’Malley’s Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative Meets For The Tenth Time

Written by Jeff Davis
Tuesday, 21 August 2012 22:48

Governor O’Malley’s Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative Meets For The Tenth Time

Last night at Garrett Community College, about 300 Maryland citizens attended a public meeting of the Commission that was formed under the auspices of Governor O’Malley and whose purpose is “to assist State policymakers and regulators in determining whether and how gas production from the Marcellus shale in Maryland can be accomplished without unacceptable risks of adverse impacts to public health, safety, the environment, and natural resources.”

This was the tenth time for the Commission to meet, but the first time that a meeting was held in the evening in Garrett County, thus accounting for the large turnout. (For complete information on all of the activities of the Commission, you can go to www.mde.state.md.us.)

After the members of the Commission introduced themselves, an overview was presented which discussed the geology of the Marcellus shale and the process that goes into drilling the shale. An explanation was presented to the audience on the technology of the actual drilling, with slides providing a primer on vertical and horizontal drilling, as well as installment of casing for the vertical portion of the pipes, and the fracturing process in the horizontal pipes. For more detail of this, please refer to a recent appindie article entitled, “Friends of Deep Creek Lake are no Friends of Fracking.”

More here.

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Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

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Swimming program Aquatrend ‘making waves’ in area hospital

Angie Brant Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — Earlier this year, the Wellness Department at Garrett County Memorial Hospital launched a new program that — some might say — is “making waves.”

Called Aquatrend, this program is a combination of water aerobics and walking, designed to benefit people of any age or fitness level.

“The ideal goal for anyone, of any age or fitness level, is to exercise 30 minutes a day. With this class, participants have 60 minutes of exercise that is cardio, muscle and low-impact on joints,” said registered nurse Jeannie Miller.

“It’s awesome for patients with arthritis because it has very little impact on joints, while improving muscle tone and strength.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimming is the second most popular sports activity in the United States and is an excellent aerobic activity.

The CDC has reported that two hours of physical activity, such as swimming, can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses, while offering dramatic improvements to overall health and fitness.

Miller said water exercise can help improve the use of the arthritic joints without worsening symptoms and can, in some cases, reduce pain for patients.

Water-based exercise im-proves or maintains bone health in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis and also for post-menopausal women.

Miller said participants are often able to exercise longer in water than on land because it does to place added strain on already stiff or sore joints and or muscles.

“Water exercise offers bouyancy that supports the spine and for patients with injuries or who are recovering from surgery, this is perfect. It is exercise that is not weight-bearing, making it more comfortable and some even say helps people with pain issues,” Miller said.

Additionally, Miller said swimming can also help improve the mindset and mood of participants, adding that any kind of exercise is proven to help feelings of depression and anxiety.

Jenna Wilt, one of the hospital’s wellness coordinators, said the response of participants has been positive, as many attest that this class is both a great workout and simply put: fun.

“Everyone loves it and with classes offered at different times, it is convenient for most schedules,” Wilt said.

“You do not have to be able to swim to take these classes. We do have some people that have never been able to swim that stay in the shallow end and really enjoy the workout,” she added. “It is a really great workout for people of any age.”

Both Miller and Wilt said the list of benefits of water exercise are impressive and urge everyone to consider adding this class to their exercise regime.

During each Aquatrend class, participants are lead through a series of water exercises that include shallow-water walking.

Through these classes, participants can expect to experience improved muscle tone, strength, cardiovascular function, circulation, endurance, flexibility, balance and range of motion. Shallow-water walking helps build endurance and strength, while boosting one’s metabolism, said Miller.

“These classes require no special athletic skills and are fun. People really enjoy getting together to do a workout that is low-impact but effective,” Wilt said.

Aquatrend classes are held Monday through Friday in the heated pools at the Community Aquatic Recreation Center at Garrett College, and at Garrett Rehab Services.

Classes are held on Thursdays from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Garrett Rehab Services pool.

Classes at the CARC are held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Membership is not required, and participants can attend individual classes or enroll for eight sessions or an entire year.

Interested parties may call Miller at 301-533-4295 or Wilt at 301-533-4313 for more information.

Contact Angie Brant at abrant@times-news.com.

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Garrett Memorial operates Caring Program

Medical help provided to those in need

For the Cumberland Times-News Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — Officials at Garrett County Memorial Hospital are reminding members of the community that a Caring Program exists at the hospital for individuals with difficulty affording their hospital care.

“The Caring Program at Garrett County Memorial Hospital is designed to assist the members of our community who need medical care but do not have the financial resources to pay for their services,” said Kathy Rhoden, director of patient financial services at the hospital.

While the hospital had a long-standing history of helping uninsured patients obtain the health care services they needed, a revised program called the Caring Program was implemented in 2006. The program offers financial assistance to un-derprivileged, underemployed and/or underinsured patients who are having difficulty providing themselves with life’s necessities, in-cluding food, clothing, shelter and health care.

A report prepared by the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that 12.5 percent of Garrett County households are living below the poverty level, making health care unaffordable to them. Through the Caring Program, eligible patients meeting 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines can qualify for 100 percent financial assistance.

For example, a family size of one can make up to $21,660 per year to qualify for 100 percent financial assistance. A sliding fee allows for partial assistance to qualified patients who are at 201 to 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

“Each application for the Caring Program is individually and thoughtfully evaluated for eligibility. We take into consideration special or unusual financial circumstances in our final eligibility determination,” said Rhoden. “Our Caring Program allows us to assure access to care by those in need and demonstrate that we are a health care facility that cares for patients in need, regardless of their ability to pay.”

For more information, call 301-533-4209 or visit the website www.gcmh.com.

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ASCI To Host U.S. National Canoe & Kayak Championships Sept. 8 and 9

Aug. 9, 2012
The Republican News

The Deep Creek Open and U.S. National Canoe & Kayak Championships will be held the weekend of Sept. 8 and 9, at the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI). It is expected to once again draw the world's best paddlers to western Maryland to compete at the unique mountain-top course in the ultimate event of slalom whitewater competition.

"A challenging course will be set on the world's only mountaintop, self-contained, artificial whitewater channel that draws the senior international teams, including many of the competitors from the London Olympics, as well as the entire U.S. Olympic Team and the current U.S. national and junior teams," said a spokesperson.

Competitors for both competitions will traverse the same course set-up but will be separated for judging. U.S. paddlers will have the opportunity to place in both the Deep Creek Open and Nationals.

"Combining both these events is sure to create an exceptional pool of talent for the competition," said Joe Jacobi, CEO of USA Canoe Kayak and Olympic gold medalist in the sport. "ASCI's facilities will provide both a challenging race environment for competitors, as well as a great experience for spectators. It is a critical opportunity for our athletes to compete on the channel that will be used for the ICF World Championships in 2014."

The competition will welcome all spectators to the riverside, pedestrian pathways, and/or bridge overlooking the top of the course to watch whitewater racing with family and friends.

"I am really looking forward to returning to ASCI," said Casey Eichfeld, a 2008 and 2012 Olympian and former ASCI guide and instructor. "It is going to be a good race and great to see everyone again. Plus it will be nice to have the home court advantage in competing against the international paddlers who will be here."

Canoe slalom is a competitive sport in which either individuals or teams of two navigate a decked canoe or kayak through a course of hanging gates in the fastest time possible. Canoers kneel in their boats and use a single blade paddle, while kayakers sit and use a double bladed paddle. It is one of the two kayaking and canoeing disciplines at the Summer Olympics, with the other being canoe sprint (which is held on flatwater). The color of the gates indicates which direction they must be navigated, upstream or downstream. Time penalties are added for touching gates or failing to navigate gates correctly.

ASCI has successfully hosted many notable whitewater races, from the U.S. Rafting Nationals in 2009 to the ACA's Open Canoe Slalom Nationals and the North American Canoe Kayak Championships in 2010. ASCI will also have the honor of hosting the esteemed International Canoe Federation’s (ICF) Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2014.

"ASCI is honored to have been selected to host Worlds in 2014," said Suzanne Nicolas, the Deep Creek 2014 events coordinator. "Hosting such a large scale event will give ASCI the opportunity to show the world all that [the facility] and Garrett County have to offer."

This is only the second time in history that the Worlds have been held in the United States. The first time was in 1989, also in Garrett County on the Savage River.

ASCI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that operates both a 15-acre site on top of Marsh Mountain, home to ASCI’s headquarters and the whitewater course, and a 550-acre nature preserve called Fork Run, home to many climbing routes on natural faces and over 10 miles of mountain bike trails. ASCI’s core programs include guided rafting adventures down the whitewater course, guided climbing trips at Fork Run rocks, and instructional courses in kayaking, river boarding, and climbing. ASCI also offers winter programming that includes cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

To learn more about the competitions, persons may contact Nicolas at 301-387-3250 or via e-mail at snicolas@deepcreek2014.com.

Those interested in serving a crucial role as a volunteer for the event can visit www.adventuresportscenter.com to complete a volunteer form.

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Garrett seeks ‘Most Beautiful Person’

For the Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The 2012 Garrett County’s Most Beautiful Person contest is accepting nominations until Aug.24.

The Most Beautiful Person contest is for those who have enriched the lives of county citizens by their acts of kindness and concern.

Each year, county leaders conduct a search for unsung heroes who selflessly assist those around them. They are volunteers of any age whose acts of goodwill have previously gone unnoticed. These “Beautiful People” make a difference in Garrett County by donating their time and talent to help those in need.

This is the 26th year of program, which hosted each year by the Board of Garrett County Commissioners.

Those who know of someone who continuously contributes their time and talent to enhance the quality of life and community spirit in Garrett County can send in a nomination form so they can be honored at the annual Garrett County’s Most Beautiful Person awards presentation.

Nomination forms are available on the web at www.garrettcounty.org or by calling Carol A. Riley-Alexander at 301-334-8970. Those nominating a candidate are reminded the award is based on volunteer service only.

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July 2012 Real Estate Market Update - Residential

22 properties sold in July 2012, down slightly from last July's 24 sales. Properties sold for over 90% of asking price again this month. There are even reports nationally of the average asking price increasing in some areas - that's a good sign for sellers.


Let's take a look at the rest of the stats:

There are 61 homes under contract right now (62 last month).

The average list vs. ORIGINAL sales price was 85.16% - (last month 86.69%).

The ADJUSTED list vs sale price was 90.13 (last month 92.58%).

The current # of active/for sale listings in MRIS (minus timeshares) is 622, down from last months 685. We have a 28.27 month supply of homes available (minus timeshares) based solely on the July sales numbers.

Random observations:

•5 'newer' homes sold in July (5 years old or less)

•It appears that 14 or so of these sales were vacation homes

•16 homes sold at/under $300,000 (last month was 18)

•17 homes sold under $400,000 (last month 21)

•0 homes sold over $ 1 million (1 last month - 1931 Lake Shore Dr sold for $1.849)

•1  home(s) sold for higher than full price or at full price (last month was 4)

•One house sold for 54.49% of asking price - 5 Dewey Roy Ln

•The oldest home that sold was 137 (!) yrs old (2899 Pocahontas Ave)

•The average age of the homes that sold was 37 years (27 last month)

•3 condo/townhouse/fractional properties sold (4 last month)

Here are the statistical breakdowns:

Average Sale Price: $265,771 (last month $364,821)

Average Days on Market: 235/277 (last month 252/283) (days on market with current broker/total days on market)

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Garrett school board rethinking building transfer

Debt remains for construction at former Dennett Road facility

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — A decision whether to rescind a portion of a vote taken April 24 to transfer Dennett Road School to Garrett County government is on the Board of Education’s Tuesday meeting agenda. The transfer is being reconsidered because of a $140,214 construction debt that has eight years remaining, said Janet Wilson, superintendent of Garrett County schools.

“The board is looking at holding on to the building in light of debt. We are looking at ways in which the building could be used to enhance educational opportunities for all students,” said Wilson.

The business portion of the meeting, in the board’s central office, will be held at 6 p.m. Public comment is accepted at both 4 and 7 p.m.

After the board filed the necessary paperwork to transfer the school with the Maryland Public School Construction program and upon receipt of that paperwork, Robert Crocetti, director of finance, informed the board of the debt, according to Wilson.

“Crocetti notified us that there were two construction projects with remaining debt relative to the facility. The debt represented a 15-year Maryland state bond maturing in FY 2019,” said Wilson.

The debt was for two capital improvement projects — one in 2000 for wiring, with about $16,000 in debt remaining, and one in 2001 for a boiler, with about $106,804 in debt remaining. Interest applies in both projects.

“It was a good catch by Dr. Wilson not to transfer the building to the county,” said County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt.

The former Dennett Road school building could potentially be used for a maintenance building, for a shared (board and county) information technology department, a satellite food service or as a Head Start for Garrett Community Action, Pagenhardt said.

“The county didn’t have plans for the building but it was always in the back of our minds to use it as a maintenance facility,” said Pagenhardt.

The potential uses for the building will be presented during Tuesday’s meeting, Wilson said.

“The school will remain closed to student attendance,” she said.

Dennett Road and Kitzmiller elementary schools closed May 30, following the board’s April vote to do so in a cost-cutting measure. The county voted Tuesday to allow Garrett County Community Action Committee to continue to use the former Kitzmiller school for Head Start.

“The library is still currently utilizing the school (Kitzmiller) building. I know there is a request out by a group to use the building for an after-school program,” said commission chairman Jim Raley. “We have no certainty as to when the building is going to be transferred to us. We do have money in the budget to sustain the school for this particular school year because we anticipated that it would be turned over to us in a period of time.”

Also during Tuesday’s board meeting, Rodney Reckart, who was appointed to Rodney Durst’s District 3 seat on the board, will be administered the oath of office. Durst recently resigned his post.

Other agenda items include the awarding of school bus contracts; application for a public charter school; a food and nutrition services bid; an update on Yough Glades elementary school; a State Highway Administration archeological investigation and the Bethel School deed.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

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Maryland Home Sales Fall in June

August 13, 2012 (Chris Moore)

Monthly sales of existing single-family homes and condominiums fell in Maryland during June as a shrinking housing inventory left buyers with fewer choices according to the latest housing data from the Maryland Association of Realtors® (MAR).

An estimated total of 5,122 existing single-family homes and condos were sold in the Old Line State in June. That was 3.9 percent lower than the 5,328 homes sold in May but was still 3.5 percent higher than the 4,949 homes sold in June 2011.

The median sales price for an existing home in Maryland increased by 1.0 percent in June to $261,772, up from $259,207 in May and was 7.8 percent higher than the median price of $242,796 in June of last year.

Of the 24 counties and cities that provide data for the monthly report, thirteen reported gains in home sales or were unchanged over the previous year with Talbot County (+68.2 percent) reporting the largest increase of counties with over 20 sales while Garrett County (-20.0 percent) posted the largest monthly decline in sales.

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Wisp Gets One-Month Reprieve, Not Two

August 10, 2012 11:04 am
By First Tracks!! Online Media

Deep Creek Lake, MD - A bankruptcy court has given the owners of Maryland’s only ski and snowboard resort a one-month extension on its deadline to submit a financial reorganization plan.

D.C. Development LLC, the owners of Wisp Resort near McHenry, had asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Greenbelt, Md., for a two-month extension to today’s deadline to submit its reorganization plan, arguing that it needed more time to negotiate with two unidentified potential buyers of the resort. The court on Thursday agreed instead to extend the deadline to September 10.

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Debt refinancing saving Garrett County $1.8M

Commissioners approve Energy Conservation Plan

For the Cumberland Times-News Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The Garrett County commissioners have taken action to save the county $1.8 million in interest costs for water and sewer projects over 20 years, according to a news release.

The commissioners unanimously approved the issuance of a debt refinancing package of $35 million at 3.5 percent interest through Susquehanna Bank.

The refinancing consolidates 12 bonds totaling $25.85 million as well as other debts the Garrett County Sanitary District had incurred to finance three water and sewer projects.

The projects include $8.22 million for the Thayerville water system, $55,000 for the Jennings sewer pump station and $875,000 for Mountain Lake Park/Loch Lynn Heights water system, according to Linda Lindsey, director of the department of public utilities.

Lindsey credited Public Utilities Assistant Director Jeff Broadwater for spearheading the debt restructuring and said, “We haven’t consolidated all our debt like this before, but this is more advantageous to the county.”

The board also unanimously ap-proved an Energy Conservation Plan, which replaces a 1993 plan, designed to curb county facilities’ energy consumption by 5 percent this fiscal year and up to 15 percent by 2015.

The plan targets electricity, fuel oil, natural gas, propane and water/sewerage.

An Energy Conservation Team, with representatives from nine county departments, includes Commissioner Robert Gatto. The team and the county’s Facilities and Maintenance Department will work with the commissioners and county administrator in establishing energy guidelines and communicating them throughout county government facilities.

“This is a great initiative and very timely,” said board chairman James Raley. “By approving this plan, it becomes our plan, which ties in nicely with our LEAN management.” Spearheaded by Commissioner Gregan Crawford, LEAN management was established to create more value while using fewer resources and also has a county committee,

The new Energy Conservation Plan outlines immediate, short- and long-term measures for energy conservation and recognizes that third-party energy audits and/or energy accounting software programs may be needed to effectively measure consumption.

County Purchasing Agent Brian Bowers said the county has “modeled its goals after the state’s,” referring to the Empower Maryland initiative of reducing energy consumption by 15 percent statewide by 2015.

Some of the plan’s energy-saving ideas include:

• Turning off lights to save up to 20 percent of lighting expenses.

• Removing one or more lamps from multiple lamp fixtures.

• Turning off computers when not in use.

• Raising or lowering thermostats one degree.

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Anti-Obama mood even hits cardboard regatta

August 7, 2012 | 4:55 pm

Paul Bedard
Washington Secrets
The Washington Examiner

They didn't win, but the "shipbuilders" of the Nobama made their point at the Deep Creek Cup in western Maryland.

Like other silly boats entered in the first ever Deep Creek Cup staged a week ago in the western Maryland resort area of Deep Creek Lake, the "Nobama" wasn't expected to win the race. But, to much applause, it easily made the point its builder was striving for: sinking support for the S.S. Obama.

"The country can't afford another four years of Barack Obama," said "shipbuilder" Dave Niesslein, a prominent dentist from nearby Farmington, Pa. "He's an idiot."

Niesslein's "Nobama" was entered in the July 28 races along with other cardboard and funny looking vessels made from junk. He used a 16-foot ladder, rusted bike and whatever he could get his hands on to build it. The four-man boat moved with the help of two oars, one named "Hope," the other "Change."

On Tuesday, he told Secrets, "it was all show and no go, just like Obama. We used all sorts of stuff that was supposed to work but didn't."

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Road work will force U.S. 40 Alternate closure

Drainage pipe replacement part of two-week, $2.2M Garrett project

From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News

GRANTSVILLE — U.S. Route 40 Alternate will be closed between U.S. Route 40 at Keysers Ridge and the western limits of Grantsville near Springs Road beginning Monday, the Maryland State Highway Administration announced.

The road will reopen before Aug. 27, the first day of school in Garrett County.

The closure is part of a $2.2 million safety and resurfacing project that will allow crews to replace a drainage pipe that crosses the road about 50 feet east of Spring Valley Farm Lane. The pipe replacement and patching will be completed during the closure, but paving work will continue this fall. If necessary, the final surface of asphalt will be placed next spring.

During the approximately two-week closure, traffic will be detoured onto Interstate 68.

Accommodations will be made for residents within the closure area as well as for bicycles and buggy traffic to continue through the work zone, as they cannot travel on the interstate. Those using this route should proceed with caution and expect possible delays.

Anyone with questions about the project may contact SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400.

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