Autumn Glory, Oktobertferst and Upcoming Fall Events

Oct 10 - Oct 14 45th Annual Autumn Glory Festival
The 45th annual Autumn Glory Festival includes parades, music, craft shows, kick-off reception, musical competitions, farmers market, scenic driving tour and more. View our detailed Autumn Glory Festival brochure!

Date: October 10, 2012
Location: throughout Garrett County
Contact: 301.387.4386


Oct 10 - Oct 13 Glorious Harvest Farmers Market & Craft Show
Join us for an old-fashioned famers market and craft show including wonderful handmade crafts, homemade baked goods, pumpkins & fall decorations, home-grown fresh vegetables and fruits, jams & jellies and more!

Date: October 10, 2012
Website: http://www.MountainFresh.org
Location: Oakland Mt. Fresh Pavilion
Date/Time Details: Wednesday: 10 am - 1 pm, Thursday: 11 am - 5 pm, Friday: 9 am - 5 pm & Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
Fees/Admission: Free Admission


Oct 10 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: October 10, 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


Oct 10 Charity Cut-A-Thon
Join Nolas Salon for our first annual cut-a-thon. Proceeds from the day will be donated to Garrett Mentors.

Walk in no appointment needed. Just walk in to get your haircut or shampoo and style or a blowout!!!

We will also have baskets from many of our local non profit organizations to raffle off.

Just stop in and see.

*minimum donation for cut or style just $10.00
Date: October 10, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Nolas Salon 212 E. Alder St. Oakland, MD
Contact: Donna Thall 301-533-0533
EMail: nolasalon@gmail.com
Date/Time Details: October 10 10:00am-5:00pm


Oct 10 Free 30 minute Pilates Reformer Classes
FREE 30 Minute PILATES REFORMER CLASS !
Have you wondered why pilates is one of the fastest growing forms of exercise? Experience the pilates reformer, and learn how the pilates method will transform you inside, and out! For new students only. Call for times/days. Offer ends 12/01/12
Date: October 10, 2012
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Website: http://www.balancedbodystudio.com
Location: 1550 Deep Creek Drive, McHenry, MD 21541 Suite E/F
( The Fort )
Contact: Jennifer Christophel - 301-387-7585
EMail: jennifer@balancedbodystudio.com
Date/Time Details: Sessions available every Wednesday Between 12 and 2pm
Fees/Admission: FREE


Oct 10 Autumn Glory Festival Kick-Off Dinner 2012
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce invites you to kick off the 45th Annual Autumn Glory Festival at Wisp Resort. The dinner is sponsored by Clear Mountain Bank. Music will be provided by The Remedy and is sponsored by Wisp Resort.
Date: October 10, 2012
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location:

The Lodge at Wisp Resort
290 Marsh Hill Road
McHenry, MD 21541
Contact: Charlotte Sebold 301-387-6171
EMail: charlotte@garrettchamber.com
Date/Time Details: 6:00 pm Social Hour
7:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm Program
8:30 pm Music
Fees/Admission: Tickets ($195 per couple)
Tickets ($100 per individual)
Corporate Table Seating 8 ($750)


Oct 11 Oktoberfest Dinner & Celebration
4 pm - 7 pm dinner will be served at the Oakland Fire Hall. Featuring German-style food, drink and live "Oom-pah" band. Lots of good family fun. The band begins after parade. Oktoberfest is sponsored by the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department.
Date: October 11, 2012
Location: Oakland Fire Hall
Contact: 301.334.3535
Fees/Admission: Free Admission, Dinner Charge
Oct 11 Fireman's Parade
Gigantic fireman's parade with fire and rescue units traveling over 200 miles from throughout the tri-state area.
Date: October 11, 2012
Contact: 301.334.3535
Fees/Admission: Free Admission.
Oct 12 - Oct 13 The Haunted Shack
Open Friday, Saturday night.
Date: October 12, 2012
Website: http://www.wispresort.com
EMail: info@wispresort.com


Oct 12 - Oct 14 High Mountain Sports Annual Autumn Glory Ski & Snowboard Swap
Stop in during Autumn Glory Weekend to find that perfect pair of used skis or a kickin' snowboard to state junior snowboarding. Drop off used equipment Fri 9 - 7 and Sat. morning. Antique wooden skis & snowshoes welcome. This is a perfect time to outfit the entire family at a bargain price!
Date: October 12, 2012
Location: Trader's Landing .5 miles south of the 219 Bridge.
Contact: 301.387.4199
Date/Time Details:

9 am - 6 pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
Fees/Admission: Free Admission.


Oct 12 - Oct 14 10th Annual Quilt Show & Sale
See beautiful hand-made quilts from area artisans. Vendors, raffle quilts, quilts for sale and vote for your favorite. Presented by Heritage Quilters.
Date: October 12, 2012
Location: St. Peter's Catholic Parish Hall, corner of Oak & 4th Streets in Oakland
Contact: 301.387.4959
Date/Time Details: Friday & Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm & Sunday: 10 am - 3 pm
Fees/Admission: Admission: $2


Oct 12 Fort Association Octoberfest
Join Smiley's, Black Bear Tavern and Pine Lodge Steakhouse for a fun-filled evening of great food and drink specials, games and live entertainment. A portion of the proceeds for this event will be donated to the Garrett County Community School Support Fund, benefiting the teachers and students of Garrett County.
Date: October 12, 2012
Website: http://www.dclfun.com
Location:

Smiley's, Black Bear Tavern and Pine Lodge Steakhouse, located at The Fort in McHenry.
Contact: 301.387.0059
Date/Time Details: 4 pm - 10 pm
Fees/Admission: $5 admission per person.
Oct 12 Free Wine & Cheese Tasting

Free Wine & Cheese Tasting at McHenry Beverage Shoppe
Date: October 12, 2012
Time: 4:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Website: http://www.shopdeepcreek.com
Location: McHenry Beverage Shoppe, McHenry Plaza, 24465 Garrett Hwy., McHenry, Maryland 21541
Contact: 301-387-5518
EMail: mchenrybeverage@yahoo.com
Date/Time Details: October 12, 2012 from 4 PM to 7 PM
Fees/Admission: No Admission Fee


Oct 12 - Oct 13 Maryland State Banjo, Fiddle, and Mandolin Championships
Banjo/Mandolin Contest October 12, 2012-7:00PM
Fiddle Contest October 13, 2012- 7:00 PM
Doors Open at 6:00PM
Southern High School Gymnasium
Oakland, Maryland
$12 in Advance
$15 at the Door
Date: October 12, 2012
Time: 6:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Website: http://www.mdbanjoandfiddle.com
Location: Southern High School Gymnasium
Contact: mdbanjoandfiddle.com or call ASCI 301-387-3250
Date/Time Details: Both Days: Doors open at 6
Both Days: Contest begins at 7 pm
Fees/Admission: Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.


Oct 12 J.S. Bach Organ Recital by Rev. Dr. C. Ahlman, PhD Organ Performance

Come and join us for a full-length organ recital by the Rev. Dr. Christopher Ahlman. Dr. Ahlman has recently been sent by the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod to be a missionary to Leipzig, Germany, "The City of Music." Dr. Ahlman will be performing a selection of J.S. Bach's works composed during his time as the Kantor (professional Lutheran church musician) of the St Thomas and St. Nicholas churches in Leipzig. Dr. Ahlman holds an MDiv from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, an MA from Notre Dame, and a PhD from the University of Texas in Austin. A free will donation will be collected for Rev. Dr. Ahlman's work in former East-Germany and Eurasia.
Date: October 12, 2012
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Website: http://www.zionaccident.com
Location: Zion Lutheran Church, Accident, MD
Contact: 301-746-8170
EMail: office@zionaccident.com
Date/Time Details: October 12, 7:00 PM
Fees/Admission: Free (free will donation for this mission will be collected)


Oct 13 Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade

Sponsored by My Bank First United Bank & Trust
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce's Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade features bands, marching units, clowns, drum and bugle corps, and many unique floats by local clubs and organizations. The Grand Feature Parade is sponsored by My Bank! First United Bank & Trust.
Date: October 13, 2012
Location: Downtown Oakland
Contact: 301.387.4386
Date/Time Details: 1 pm
Fees/Admission: Free Admission


Oct 13 - Oct 14 Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale 2012
This years Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale, presented by Susquehanna Bank, will be held again at the New Exhibit Hall at the Garrett County Fairgrounds on Route 219 (Garrett Highway) in McHenry, MD. This year's Craft and Gift Sale will be October 13-14, 2012. This location allows more space for crafters, all exhibitors will be in the centralized location and with the new parking area off of Mosser Road we will have plenty of easy accessible parking spaces for our shoppers. We will have an even wider variety of crafts and gifts than last year including woodworking, candles, painted decor, jewelry, specialty foods and much more. Hours are 10 AM - 6 PM on Saturday and 10 AM - 4 PM on Sunday. You will love our new show and our new location. Refreshments will be available.
Date: October 13, 2012
Location: New Exhibit Hall
Garrett County Fairgrounds
Route 219, Garrett Highway
McHenry, MD 21541
Contact: Charlotte Sebold
EMail: charlotte@garrettchamber.com
Date/Time Details: Saturday, October 13, 2012 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday, October 14, 2012 10 AM - 4 PM
Fees/Admission: Free Admission


Oct 13 35th Annual Western Maryland Tournament of Bands
Marching bands from the tri-state region come together for a judged field show competition at Southern High School. This is great entertainment for the entire family! Concessions available.
Date: October 13, 2012
Location: Southern High School Field on Dennett Road
Contact: 301.616.0104
Date/Time Details:

6 pm
Fees/Admission:

$6 for adults, $3 for students, K-12, free for those 4 and younger


Oct 13 Garrett College Alumni Homecoming
Garrett College Alumni are invited to participate in a fun day of activities with fellow alumni. Start the day with participation in the Autumn Glory Parade at 1:00 as you join the Garrett College Float and represent your class year. Head to Hookers Seafood and Grill for a turkey dinner with all of the trimmings starting at 1:00 pm. Meet and catch up with fellow alumni during the Alumni Reception from 6 - 7:30 pm at the GC CARC. End the day with a laugh as you watch the Court Jesters from New Jersey take on the Garrett County Dream Team for a night of comedy basketball starting at 8:00 pm. Go to www.garrettcollege.edu to register online to participate. For more information call 301-387-3045.
Date: October 13, 2012
Website: http://www.garrettcollege.edu
Location: Garrett College
Contact: Ann Wellham
EMail: ann.wellham@garrettcollege.edu
Date/Time Details: Saturday, October 13, 2012 - Full Day events
Fees/Admission: Parade participation free, Alumni Reception Free, Turkey dinners $11.95 per person, Court Jester game tickets at the door $12 per person (5 and under free) Advance ticket specials available


Oct 13 Free Wine & Cheese Tasting
Wine & Cheese Tasting At McHenry Beverage Shoppe
Date: October 13, 2012
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.shopdeepcreek.com
Location: McHenry Beverage Shoppe, McHenry Plaza, 24465 Garrett Hwy., McHenry, Maryland 21541
Contact: 301-387-5518
EMail: mchenrybeverage@yahoo.com
Date/Time Details: October 13, 2012 from 1PM to 5PM
Fees/Admission: No Fee For Admission


Oct 13 - Oct 14 The Lake Effect
Benefit Dance for the late Cody Ferigson scholarship fund... we will be having Cody's Wednesday hot wings, ice tea special. 50/50 drawing. The band plays rock and southern rock and also former class mates of cody. Hot wing will start at 8 p.m. and the band starts at 9 p.m.
Date: October 13, 2012
Time: 8:00 PM - 1:30 AM
Website: http://www.lbsaloon.com
Location: Long Branch Saloon
Contact: Autumn Williams
EMail: lbsaloon@cebridge.net
Date/Time Details: Saturday 10-13
Fees/Admission: $5.00 per person


Oct 13 Court Jesters vs the Garrett County Dream Team Comedy Baseketball Game
Enjoy the comedy antics of the nationally-known Court Jesters as they take on the Garrett County Dream Team in a basektball game on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 8:00 pm in the brand new CARC Gymnasium. Advance ticket purchase specials include individual ticket price for game only of $10 per person (5 and under free). Add a day of swimming to your ticket for an additional $5 per person. Take advantage of the Fun 4-Pack-includes a day of swimming and tickets for the game for a family of 4 at the low price of $40.00. Ticket purchase at the door is $12.00 per person. Game-only tickets at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased on line at www.garrettcollege.edu/courtjesters , CARC Front Desk, Garrett College CEWD Office, Liberty Gas Station, Accident, MD, SHop N Save, McHenry, MD, and Traders Coffee House, Garrett Highway.
Date: October 13, 2012
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Website: http://www.garrettcollege.edu
Location: Garrett College CARC Gymnasium
Contact: Shawn Noel
EMail: shawn.noel@garrettcollege.edu
Date/Time Details: Saturday, October 13, 2012 8:00 p.m.
Fees/Admission: Information on advance ticket specials available at www.garrettcollege.edu. Ticket price at the door is $12 per person (5 and under free)


Oct 14 Autumn Glory Festival Car Show 2012
Antique, Street Rod, Classic Car, Truck and Tractor Show. Non-judged show, first 150 registered will receive wall plaques. Step back into time and see lots of beautiful vehicles. Food, raffles, door prizes, games and Chinese Auction. Free admission to spectators. Oakland-area businesses will be open.
Date: October 14, 2012
Location: Downtown Oakland
Contact: 301.334.8130
Date/Time Details: 9 am - 4 pm
Fees/Admission: Registration: 9 am - 1 pm, registration fee: $10


Oct 14 Great Pumpkin Festival

Sixth year of pumpkin mania on the mountain. Registration opens at 10 am for pre-carved pumpkin contest, followed by the greased pumpkin relay, the Great Pumpkin Regatta, where numbered pumpkins are released to ride the rapids for prizes and the "anything that floats" Hooligan race. More than $500 in prizes. Proceeds benefit the Dove Center (domestic violence shelter).
Date: October 14, 2012
Website: http://www.adventuresportscenter.com
Location: Adventure Sports Center International
Contact: 301.387.3250
Date/Time Details: 10 am - 1:30 pm
Fees/Admission: Free Admission; Races: $25 per team.


Oct 14 No Hands Sundae Eating Contest
Kids and Kids at heart will bury their faces in 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, gooey chocolate syrup, sprinkles and whipped cream at this annual contest. 15-25 contestants compete at a time by age group. Advance registration is suggested by calling 301.387.2580.
Date: October 14, 2012
Website: http://www.lakesidecreamery.com
Location: Lakeside Creamery
Date/Time Details: Registration at 1:15 pm, Contest Begins at 2 pm.
Fees/Admission: $5 admission fee; event benefits Garrett Mentors.


Oct 14 Meet & Greet with Miss Maryland Joanna Guy
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Meet & Greet with the Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade Grand Marshal, Miss Maryland Joanna Guy. The Meet & Greet will be held at 11 am during the Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale at the Exhibit Hall at the Garrett County Fairgrounds on Sunday, October 14th. GCC Technologies is the sponsor of the Grand Marshal position. The Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale is sponsored by Susquehanna Bank.

Guy was named Miss Maryland during her first appearance in the state pageant and she will represent Maryland in the 2013 Miss America pageant in January. She is only the second woman from Garrett County to be named Miss Maryland.

Joanna Guy graduated from Southern Garrett High School in 2009 and currently attends Cornell University, where she is majoring in government with a minor in music. A member of the Cornell University chorus, Guy is also a soloist with the After Eight a capella group. Guy is a Congressional Award for Youth Gold Medal recipient, a Maryland Distinguished Scholar, a National History Day state winner, an Intel International Science Fair award winner and she has previously held the titles of Miss Queen State and Miss Maryland Outstanding Teen. In preparation for law school, Guy interned for Senator Ben Cardin in 2011 and most recently, she was a research assistant at Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann LLP in Baltimore during the summer of 2012.

As Grand Marshal, Joanna will be featured in the annual Autumn Glory Grand Feature parade which begins at 1 pm in Oakland on Saturday, October 13th.

Date: October 14, 2012Location: During the Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale at the Exhibit Hall at the Garrett County Fairgrounds
Date/Time Details: 11 am. Sunday, October 14, 2012
Fees/Admission: Free


Oct 15 The Great Pumpkin Festival
10am - 1:20pm, Competitions begin at 11:30am, Adventure Sports Center International. Sixth year of pumpkin mania on the mountain. Registration opens at 10am for pre-carved pumpkin contest, followed by the greased pumpkin relay, the Great Pumpkin Regatta, where numbered pumpkins are released to ride the rapids of prizes and the "anything that floats" Hooligan race. More that $500 in prizes. Free admision; Races: $25 per team. Proceeds benefit the Dove Center (domestice vioence shelter).
Date: October 15, 2012
Website: http://www.adventuresortscenter.com
Location: Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI)
Contact: 301.387.3250
Date/Time Details: October 15, 2012 10AM
Fees/Admission: $25 per team

Oct 17 Mountain Fresh Farmers MarketVisit 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: October 17, 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


Oct 19 - Oct 20 The Haunted Shack
Open Friday & Saturday night.
Date: October 19, 2012
Website: http://www.wispresort.com
EMail: info@wispresort.com


Oct 20 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: October 20, 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


Oct 20 Fall Bazaar
Genuine country church bazaar with famous homemade apple dumplings, sauerkraut, soups, arts and crafts, comforters, holiday items, backed goods, woven rugs, and more. Come early to take home some of our famous sauerkraut, and then stay for lunch!
Date: October 20, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Website: http://www.zionaccident.com
Location: Zion Lutheran Church
Contact: 301-746-8170
EMail: office@zionaccident.com
Date/Time Details: October 20, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Fees/Admission: Free.
Oct 20 Free Wine & Cheese Tasting
Wine & Cheese Tasting at McHenry Beverage Shoppe
Date: October 20, 2012
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.shopdeepcreek.com
Location: McHenry Beverage Shoppe, McHenry Plaza, 24465 Garrett Hwy., McHenry, Maryland 21541
Contact: 301-387-5518
EMail: mchenrybeverage@yahoo.com
Date/Time Details: October 20, 2012 1 PM to 5 PM
Fees/Admission: No Admission Fee

Oct 20 I Can Swim-athon
Everyone can participate!
-Take a dip in the Warm Water Pool
-Triathletes take the challenge of either 30 or 70 mile triathalon swim
-Collect pledges from family and friends for the I Can Swim Program

100% of the money raised from the I Can Swim-athon will go directly to funding the Joan & Bill Crawford I Can Swim Program.

For more information and to register visit http://www.icanswimprogram.org/!
Date: October 20, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Website: http://www.icanswimprogram.org
Location: Garrett College Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex
Contact: Garrett College Foundation
EMail: gcfevent@garrettcollege.edu
Date/Time Details: Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Fees/Admission: Minimum donation of $25 to participate

Oct 26 - Oct 27 The Haunted Shack
Open Friday & Saturday night.
Date: October 26, 2012
Website: http://www.wispresort.com
EMail: info@wispresort.com


Oct 27 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: October 27, 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


Oct 27 Free Wine & Cheese Tasting
Wine & Cheese Tasting at McHenry Beverage Shoppe
Date: October 27, 2012
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.shopdeepcreek.com
Location: McHenry Beverage Shoppe, McHenry Plaza, 24465 Garrett Hwy., McHenry, Maryland 21541
Contact: 301-387-5518
EMail: mchenrybeverage@yahoo.com
Date/Time Details: October 27, 2012 from 1 PM to 5 PM
Fees/Admission: No Admission Fee


Oct 27 Honi Halloween Costume Party!
Join us for our annual Halloween Costume Party at the Honi Honi Bar. Featuring live band entertainment, drink specials, and prizes for the best costumes!
Date: October 27, 2012
Time: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Website: http://www.honi-honi.com
Location: Honi Honi Bar
EMail: sholler@arrowheadmarket.com
Date/Time Details: Saturday, October 27th from 8-11 pm
Oct 27 - Oct 28 Johnny Freak
Halloween costume party dress to impress.... Johnny Freak plays southern rock, rock, 80's
Date: October 27, 2012
Time: 10:00 PM - 1:30 AM
Website: http://www.lbsaloon.com
Location: Long Branch Saloon
Contact: Autumn Williams
EMail: lbsaloon@cebridge.net


Oct 31 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: October 31, 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

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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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Businesses taking action following Deep Creek Lake zoning decision

Lakeside Creamery to rent boats, provide tours

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — St. Moritz Properties, LLC; Bill’s Marine Service Inc. and Silver Tree Marine, LLC, are filing a petition for judicial review in regard to the Garrett County Commission’s decision in June to amend the Deep Creek Watershed zoning ordinance, according to circuit court documents.

The request from Bill Meagher, owner of Lakeside Creamery, was to add a new category for boat rentals as a separate service that would not offer any other services associated with a marina.

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

“The above-captioned petitioners have and will continue to suffer additional damages to a higher degree than other property owners in the general area as a result of the use of Meagher’s property ... and the additional boat traffic, safety issues and parking problems generated thereby,” states the document.

During a June 5 meeting, chairman Jim Raley opposed the amendment, citing concerns over Meagher’s desire not to to offer services on-site. Meagher plans to rent out 12 personal water crafts and four pontoon boats as well as offer guided tours.

The three businesses also appealed the county’s board of zoning appeals approval of permit for Meagher to conduct a commercial-business service at the Lakeside Creamery. Both the petition and the appeal were filed through the law office of Skidmore Alderson & Duncan.

Brian C. O’Brien of Silver Tree Marine, declined to comment on the petition or the appeal but noted they were public record and stated, “the appeal and the petition are what they are. They are pretty self explanatory.”

The board of zoning appeals is required to make a Findings of Facts before the zoning amendment may be enacted, according to the appeal. The Findings of Facts indicated that the boat rental would require a minimum land area of 10,000 square feet but he property does not meet the required square footage, according to the appeal. In addition, Lakeside Creamery was not required to show that it met handicapped-parking requirements or that it was in compliance with any other applicable handicapped requirements, the appeal said.

During a May 31 public hearing on boat rentals, Meagher indicated that Lakeside Creamery had 56 parking spaces that will fit all uses of the facility. 

The appeal also states that the boat rental permit is improper because it’s “detrimental to public welfare,” effects spot zoning, denies equal protection to property owners in the neighborhood and will damage the fair market value of those properties.

“This (zoning ordinance amendment) means that several new boat rental operations can now be added to Deep Creek Lake without adequate parking, space, fuel and launching and service facilities, which will decrease public safety,” said Carol Jacobs, president of Aquatic Center Inc.

The zoning ordinance amendment also means in essence that anyone with a dock slip can open a boat rental business, according to O’Brien.

“The decision, in effect, has created a new class of marinas (mini-marina) that is not subject to certain zoning requirements and restrictions,” said O’Brien in a interview with the Times-News. “By catering to one person they are opening Pandora's box — virtually anyone can open a marina.”

O’Brien further noted that his issue with the zoning ordinance ammendment was based on the principal of the matter rather than the competition aspect of the matter. 

“I’m not in competition with Lakeside Creamery,” said O’Brien, who noted that Silver Tree Marine does not rent personal water crafts.

During a June 26 commission meeting, residents noted their opposition of the commissioners’ approval of Meagher’s request.

“You are allowing an ice cream place to become a boat rental place. I think that was totally unfair to the existing boat people,” said Steve Friend. “You are cutting their throats by just allowing someone to come in and rent boats.”

Friend questioned what the amendment would do for Bill’s Marine Service and if there would be problems if the marinas decide to open up ice cream stands.

“Should there be no zoning at the lake?” asked Commissioner Gregan Crawford in response to Friend’s question. “Is a zoning document not a living document that is open to new interpretation? Mr. Meagher had a better mouse trap. What was created was a new classification because it had never come up before.”

The creation of ice cream stands would likely fall under the health department’s regulations, according to Crawford.

Resident Linda Bowerbaugh noted that she felt like the amendment change was kept a secret from the public.

“It feels like to the public that the communication was not wide enough,” said Bowerbaugh.

Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board Chairman Dave Myerberg indicated at a recent board meeting that he wasn’t aware of the May public hearing either, according to Raley.

“That’s unfortunate,” said Raley. “We have tried desperately to improve that, and the truth of the matter is, it does rely on people using computers these days,” said Raley in response to Bowerbaugh.

Raley noted that he is open to suggestions on how to let the public know about matters that would affect property owners, especially those who may be absentee.

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!

877-563-5350 - toll free --- 

 

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Zoning amendment angers Deep Creek Lake marina owners

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — Despite opposition from multiple marinas at Deep Creek Lake, the Garrett County commissioners ap-proved 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.

Upon suggestion of the planning commission and after receiving a request from Bill Meagher, owner of the Lakeside Creamery, to amend the ordinance, commissioners approved the amendment at their June 5 public meeting. 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 noted that he had concerns about Meagher’s decision not to offer services on-site.

Meagher plans to offer 12 personal water crafts and four pontoon boats as rentals as well as offer guided tours. He would use local marinas for services. After approaching the planning commission, he learned he would need a special exception to do so.

“We didn’t want to do sales, we didn’t want to do repairs, we didn’t want to do a lot of the things that the marina does. The only thing we wanted to do was a boat rental business,” Meagher said at the public hearing.

Ed Schofield, general manager of Deep Creek Lake Boat Rentals, noted during the hearing that Meagher’s decision to rely on the competition for services was perplexing.

“No way you can be part of this business and not have sales. You are kidding yourselves,” said Schofield.

Phil St. Moritz, owner and president of Bill’s Marine Service, indicated during the hearing that his business would not service Meagher’s boats.

“He (Meagher) said, ‘We are going to work with marinas.’ We are not going to service them,” said Moritz. “We are not going to launch them.”

St. Moritz noted that there are already too many boats in the water in that area with boat rentals from both Bill’s Marine Service and Deep Creek Marina, which provides rental operations to Will O’ the Wisp.

Meagher indicated that he could get services from Deep Creek Lake State Park and could hire a mechanic in-house. However, Meagher would have to go to a marina on the lake to purchase fuel or would have to fuel on-site.

“I want to work with the people here, but I get it if they are saying they don’t want to work with me,” said Meagher.

Silver Tree Marine, LLC and Patterson Boat Co. also opposed the amendment change, according to Carol Jacobs, president of Aquatic Center Inc., who also opposes the ordinance amendment.

“The marinas brought experts with decades of experience in the field of rentals and service, which were ignored by two of the three commissioners,” said Jacobs in an email to the Times-News. “Additionally, instead of obtaining a special exemption for his one property from the Zoning Appeals Board, he took a different route and requested a zoning ordinance amendment for all properties through the county commissioners. This means that several new boat rental operations can now be added to Deep Creek Lake without adequate parking, space, fuel and launching and service facilities, which will decrease public safety.”

During the hearing, Meagher indicated that Lakeside Creamery had 56 parking spaces that will fit all uses. Meagher said he heard all the concerns about safety and would take it under advisement.

“Our goal is that our customers and our guests would stay all on our property,” said Meagher. “We aren’t looking at them crossing the street. ... Our goal was to provide another service to the community that our guests are looking to have. Our space is very similar to other spaces in size and parking. We do have the ability to accommodate our guests.”

Bob Nickle, general manager of Bill’s Marine Service, asked, “How can you say no to one and yes to another? It (zoning ordinance) is to govern growth in the Deep Creek watershed. If you keep making small amendments to it, it’s not worth the paper it’s written on. I don’t think it’s fair that someone is requesting to change the rules mid-stream.”

The commissioners also received four letters of opposition to the amendment in the ordinance, according to Raley.

“To grant this individual an exception would do little to benefit anyone other than the individual at the cost of unfairly penalizing those of us who are willing to comply with regulations,” wrote Brian C. O’Brien of Silver Tree Marine in an email to the commissioners.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com

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Garrett County leaders agree on formula for wind turbine location

Alternative energy production units reportedly are getting taller

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

— OAKLAND — On Tuesday, the Board of Garrett County Commissioners came to the consensus of a formula for the setbacks of industrial wind turbines to use in the draft Land Use Management Ordinance.

The setbacks for wind turbines from a occupied dwelling would be five times the height measuring from base to the hub of the wind turbine and from a property line it would be three times the height. The same formula was proposed for domestic wind turbines.

“What we are trying to do (with this draft ordinance) is determine what footprint we want here in the county and what we want this county to look like for our kids, their kids and the future generations beyond that,” said Chairman Jim Raley. “That is what we are really after here.”

Commissioner Robert Gat-to indicated that he wanted discussion on the draft document to continue. Once the changes are made in the draft document, it will be made public and residents will have until June 15 to comment on it. Raley suggested that the public’s comments be published along with the document.

“Most of you in this room have said you believe there should be some regulatory framework in regard to setbacks and those things,” said Raley during Tuesday’s meeting. “The question comes down to how do you do it without some form of zoning or some form of regulatory framework? I think that is the discussion that will be more far-reaching.”

The current formula in the draft ordinance rids the document of the 375-foot height restriction that was previously proposed, according to John Nelson, director of the Department of Planning and Land Development. During the meeting, Kevin Brokish, a project manager for the Fair Wind project, said industrial wind turbines were getting higher and that the Criterion Wind Project wouldn’t have been viable with the height restrictions that were previously proposed.

“My company and I are for reasonable wind setbacks. We think it’s inappropriate for a turbine to be a mere 500 feet from a home that is not signed with the project,” said Brokish, who noted that Clipper Windpower Development, LLC voluntarily places units 1,000 feet from residences. “More recently we have increased that distance to 1,200 feet.”

Commissioner Gregan Crawford questioned why wind turbines are getting taller. He also asked if it had an effect on noise reduction and if wind industries test for sound.

Brokish said there are tests and that in Maryland there is a 55-decibel limit, which translates into a 50-foot setback for wind turbines.

“There are two ways turbines get bigger. One way is with taller towers. I think that would help sound a little bit,” said Brokish. “As you get higher up wind speeds increase.”

After the public comment period, the ordinance will go through additional readings and a public hearing, should the commissioners decide to move forward with the document.

“It also give us time to continue to do research,” said Raley. “I can tell you the people who are worried about living in their homes would like the number to be as high as it possibly could be. Because they want to be guaranteed some type of protection. As I continue to say, I am concerned about roads and infrastructure, as the face of Garrett County is changing.”

Some research was done as to what setbacks other counties have, all of which vary. In neighboring Allegany County, the setbacks are 2,000 feet from a residence, 1,000 feet from any other structure and 5,000 feet from schools or National Register of Historic Places sites, according to data sheet provided by the commissioners. In Somerset and Cambria counties in Pennsylvania the setbacks are five times the height to the hub and is subject to a non-disturbance easement.

At a March meeting to discuss the draft ordinance, the commissioners also discussed the underground disposal of hydraulic fracturing water associated with Marcellus shale drilling. However, during the meeting on Tuesday the discussion centered more on the industrial wind setbacks.

“Everything has centered around a discussion pretty much about the wind industry. There has been little to no discussion about the gas industry,” said Raley. He said the gas industry “will bring something different. It will bring intensity of use to roadways, to trucks meeting legal re-quirements of weight restrictions. What happens when you have roads that weren’t designed for large intensity of use?”

It was stressed Tuesday that nothing in the draft ordinance is set in stone and it still has to go through the public hearing process before the commissioners can vote on it.

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

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It’s time for the commissioners to address education and jobs

To the Editor: Cumberland Times-News

— To the Honorable Commissioners:

You are to be commended for your efforts in dealing with issues affecting our county such as ASCI, CARC and zoning, to name a few. Now it’s time to address what really matters, educating our children and employing our citizens.

It’s become painfully obvious that elected officials such as Gov. Martin O’Malley and Sen. Michael Miller are more concerned with bipartisan politics and pet projects (i.e. off shore wind farms and Prince Georges county casinos), than with our needs.

In our time of crisis, they adjourned, with no consideration for Garrett County. Isn’t it curious that our county generates substantial tax revenues, much of which comes from nonresident sources, yet those funds are inequitably allocated elsewhere in the state? How is it justified that the teachers and administrators in our county are paid substantially less than those in other counties?

How is it justified that it’s Garrett County that must close its schools?

The children of Garrett County are just as important, and the teachers of Garrett County are just as talented and committed as those in other counties.

Until the elected officials down state rectify this crime, in a fair and objective manner, this is the only issue the commissioners need to address. We need our county leaders to lead, and elected officials to act.

Because of the fiscal responsibility of current and prior commissioners, the county has virtually no debt and enjoys a surplus of funds. It is important to be in this position for a “rainy day.”

Commissioners ... it’s raining!

Don’t let the closing of schools and destruction of communities happen on your watch. Don’t let loss of jobs, hopes, and dreams be your legacy.

Prove that you genuinely have concern for the people of Garrett County that those in Annapolis clearly don’t.

You have the power and means to get this county through this crisis until times improve. Short-term inaction will surely result in long-term harm to our children and teachers.

Time is running out.

Katelyn O’Brien

Swanton

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To frack or not to frack?

Both sides step up claims at hearing on releasing natural gas
by Margie Hyslop, Staff Writer, ANNAPOLIS —

Around the State House, both sides raised the ante this week on what is at stake in deciding whether

In testimony, opponents said new research shows the controversial practice of hydrofracturing, or fracking — which injects water and toxic chemicals thousands of feet underground to fracture rock — does not reap the clean-energy benefits claimed by the industry.

The testimony was on a proposal to charge companies that have leased gas rights a fee to fund research to help state officials decide whether to allow fracking, which requires drilling 3,500 to 7,000 feet, then setting a horizontal channel to blast through the rock.

Without studies, Maryland will have more questions than answers, Mike Tidwell, executive director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, told the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee on Tuesday.

Tidwell said he thinks the proposal to charge companies a $10-per-acre fee is “fair.”

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Red In Morning, Sailors Take Warning

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If that ancient adage were completely accurate ("Red at night, sailors delight; red in morning, sailors take warning"), Tuesday's weather would've been much more severe, as this was the scene early that day, captured on a digital camera by Deb Swiger. But Tuesday's weather was actually quite fair on the Mountaintop, with perhaps one little shower of rain. The weather is going against most adages these days, continuing on with unusually warm temperatures and bringing next to no snow. While that makes for more ease in traveling and keeping warm, it is still an odd state of affairs for a population that is used to far more wintry conditions. The groundhog apparently did see his shadow this morning, predicting six more weeks of winter. So perhaps February will bring weather more characteristic of Garrett County at this time of the year.

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By 2013, Western Md. could have more wind turbines

Company pursues study for tower on St. John’s Rock

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — Western Maryland may see more wind turbines pop up along the ridges.

The Garrett County Permits and Inspections Division issued a meteorological tower permit last month to Synergics for a tower on St. John’s Rock at Four Mile Ridge between Avilton and Frostburg, according to Jim Torrington, chief of the division.

Synergics is doing an environmental wind study on Four Mile Ridge and is proposing 20 to 24 wind turbines, according to Frank Maisano, a wind industry spokesman.

Maisano estimated that at the earliest the project could be completed in 2013, but more likely it would be later.

The Roth Rock project on Backbone Mountain was started by Synergics, but is now owned by Gestamp Wind North America of Houston. Maisano described it as well-done and said there has been minimum invasiveness to the land.

“It’s certainly not obtrusive-looking,” said Maisano. “Once people see the wind projects and get used to them, they will see there wasn’t anything to be afraid of.”

Roth Rock was cited for erosion control violations by the Maryland Department of the Environment during its construction and a resident opposition group, Save Western Maryland, filed letters of intent to sue Synergics unless the developers created a plan to deal with the possibility that endangered wildlife could be harmed by the project.

In October, the county also issued a met tower permit to EDP Renewables North America (Horizon Wind Energy) for the Winding Ridge project near Friendsville.

Met towers measure the amount of wind at a proposed wind turbine site for at least a year, according to a Wind Power: Resource Assessment fact sheet. The towers have different siting requirements than the turbines, and occasionally the met tower is not put in the same place as the proposed wind turbine site.

Before wind turbines can be fully operational, the permits division has to issue a variety of additional permits, such as a grading permit, which can take up to a year, a building permit and certificate of use for each wind turbine, according to Torrington.

The permits division also has to issue a final certification, which requires copies of certification of the man lifts within each tower; all reports concerning concrete testing, grouting, torquing, mechanical and electrical testing and completion; and any Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports that are completed, said Torrington. A man lift is used to take equipment and personnel up to the wind turbine for repair and maintenance.

The county is awaiting final inspection on Roth Rock and the Criterion project, owned by Constellation Energy and also operational on Backbone Mountain, before releasing the stormwater bonds, said Torrington in an email with the Times-News.

Certificates of use were approved with the condition that all stormwater requirements be completed like as-built drawings and final inspections be completed, according to Torrington.

“The county still holds a stormwater bond on both projects,” said Torrington.

In December, County Commissioner Gregan Crawford encouraged his colleagues to support the development of zoning laws that would regulate future wind projects in the county. “We need to start the dialogue on how we can control noise and flicker,” he said in response to an update by the county’s planning director on proposed wind turbine projects.

At that time, the county also had a request from Clipper Windpower Development for a met tower to be installed just north of U.S. Route 50 for the Fair Winds project proposed on Backbone Mountain.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com

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Advocacy Group Seeks Legislation To Expand Energy-Leasing Protection

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Dec. 15, 2011

A local organization that has advocated for making more information available to land-owners who wish to lease their property for energy development announced this week it would ask western Maryland's Annapolis delegation to sponsor a "Fair Energy-Leasing Act" in the upcoming session of the Maryland General Assembly.

CitizenShale acting director Natalie Atherton said the organization would present its suggested legislation this Saturday to Sen. George Edwards and Del. Wendell Beitzel at the delegation's annual pre-legislative public meeting, which is slated to begin at 10 a.m. in Garrett College's Room 205. The legislators traditionally use the opportunity to discuss proposals for new legislation, and the public is always encouraged to attend.

"Leases are both individual landowners' and our county's first line of protection against poor industrial practices that might harm our land, our water, or our economy," said Atherton.

CitizenShale's proposed legislation would require licenses for leasing agents and "land men" who represent the many out-of-state energy corporations that have, since 2006, negotiated leases in Garrett and Allegany counties. The bulk of the leasing activity has been for shale gas extraction, which has not yet occurred in Maryland, but Atherton noted that other forms of industrial energy development, such as wind-power, raise many of the same land-use and consumer protection issues.

All such leases, as well as the outright purchase of mineral rights, are the foundation of energy development in Maryland – including shale gas extraction, should it occur.

Edwards and Beitzel have in the past sponsored bills dealing with gas leasing. The issue has also caught the attention in the last year of Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler, whose office has issued two "public information notices" to assist lessors, most recently in October.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The organization's proposal follows a public meeting it sponsored last Thursday at which a Garrett County Board of Realtors initiative for a state gas lease registry was introduced. Roughly 60 people attended the event at Garrett College, where a PowerPoint presentation prepared by the board was shown.

In November, the realtor board petitioned a governor-appointed commission studying shale gas development for a lease registry that would require all holders of leases to register them with the state. The lease registry would provide a way for buyers and sellers of real estate to easily learn details on mineral leases held on land adjacent to or near properties offered for sale.

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Lobbyist decision could come this week from county

Two more names in running to represent western counties in Annapolis

Matthew Bieniek Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — A Western Maryland lobbyist could be named by the end of this week and at least two names are in the mix for the job: Bruce Bereano and William Miles, said Allegany County Commissioner Michael McKay.

“I expect an announcement Thursday,” McKay said.

It’s possible both men will be hired, said Frederick County Commission President Blaine R. Young. That’s because the budget for the lobbyist would cover a joint hiring, Young said. Each of four Western Maryland counties, Carroll, Frederick, Washington and Allegany, is contributing $5,000 to pay the lobbyist. Garrett County has opted out of joining the plan.

McKay said he suggested Miles after being introduced to him by Delegate Wendell Beitzel.

Bereano, a powerful lobbyist for many years, is still fighting to overturn a mid-1990s conviction for mail fraud, a conviction that cost him his law license but had little impact on his successful lobbying career.

Miles boasts a long career working in the Maryland General Assembly, including time as the legislative assistant to the speaker from 1993-95. Miles has lobbied since 1995 and has represented various clients including the horse racing industry. His current clients include FirstEnergy and the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation.

Hiring a lobbyist is an act of political realism, said Young.

“The fact is, do I like going this route? No. But I am a realist; we’re under a bombardment not only in terms of the votes and number of delegates ... but the amount the big seven (counties) spend on lobbying,” Young said.

“Doing it the way we’ve been doing it ... is not working,” he said. Young pointed out that the seven largest counties have full-time county executives who often spend a lot of time lobbying during the legislative session in addition to paid lobbyists. Rural county commissioners serve part time and most have jobs or businesses.

With a hearing on PlanMaryland coming up next week, “the sooner we can get going, the better,” Young said. The lobbyist, or lobbyists, will focus on three areas of mutual concern: PlanMaryland, laws relating to septic systems and watershed implementation plans for the Clean Water Act. These issues are where “all the counties agreed we had a community of interest,” Young said. The lobbyists will report back to each board of commissioners each week, Young said. They will be “eyes and ears” for the Western Maryland counties.

“We’re fighting to make sure we get fair and equal representation for our citizens,” Young said.

Young said the lobbyists will only speak for the counties in relation to these issues.

“Each county maintains its own voice,” he said, but “we have to band together to have a stronger voice,” Young said. McKay said he is planning to attend a rally to be led by Sen. E.J. Pipkin on Monday which is dubbed a PlanMaryland briefing and rally. “ While the panel of both sides will be limited to the number of speakers, a presence of local officials will signify to the committee that there are real concerns regarding the plan. The presence of county officials, farmers and landowners will show strength in our numbers,” Pipkin wrote in an email to Allegany County commissioners.

“Before the briefing there will be a rally on Lawyer’s Mall here in Annapolis to protest PlanMaryland. Because not everyone will be able to speak at the briefing, this will provide a forum for speakers to express their concerns publicly. Press will be in attendance, so a strong showing will impress,” Pipkin wrote.

In the past, Allegany County has at times hired a lobbyist, the most recent being former House Speaker Casper Taylor Jr., although the contract was with the firm Taylor works for, Alexander and Cleaver.

The firm was paid $17,000 a year and expenses, according to past Times-News reports. That contract began in 2008 and has subsequently expired.

Contact Matthew Bieniek at mbieniek@times-news.com.

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Deep Creek Lake, Md.: A spot outside the resort grid

Saturday, November 12, 2011 Last updated: Sunday November 13, 2011, 11:07 AM
BY SHANNON ROXBOROUGH
SPECIAL TO THE RECORD
The Record

Fair Lawn residents Andrew and Sandy Lewinski began their search for a vacation home with one condition: That they agree to consider only places with an atmosphere of separateness, allowing them to feel sheltered from their ordinarily fast-moving lives.....

Slower pace a must

What the Lewinskis, both technology professionals closing in on their 50s, decided to do was hunt for a second home where they could leave the rapid-pace world behind and "actually breathe."

After an exhausting, unfruitful three-year search that took the them to popular second-home spots in several Northeast states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire, a friend in Washington, D.C., suggested they try Deep Creek Lake in Maryland.

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Now, These Are Pumpkins!

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Several "whopper" pumpkins were grown this year by Ed Friend on the DeBerry Farm north of Oakland (Friend's in-laws). According to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the only official record for pumpkins is kept by the Maryland State Fair, and the current record is 713.5 pounds. Friend took his largest pumpkin to Southern States in Oakland to be weighed on that scale, where it topped out at 773 pounds. Official or not, it's a mighty big pumpkin! Pictured above sitting on some of this year's crop are Friend's children Nicholas (left), age 10, and Tailynn, age 6. The "smaller" pumpkin on the left weighs about 722 pounds. Friend noted that the pumpkins were grown from Atlantic Giant seeds, and took "a lot of fertilizer and a lot of water." They have "matured" just in time for Halloween, of course, which will be celebrated across the county.

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Md. redistricting plan adds insult to injury

Sen. E.J. Pipkin Cumberland Times-News


The congressional redistricting map for which Gov. O’Malley is seeking legislative approval ignores standards of continuity and compactness and puts together far-flung communities that do not share common interests or anything else in common.

And adding insult to injury, the governor has either forgotten or brazenly ignored Maryland’s ethnic and racial diversity in the process of redistricting.

The map is nothing but a political instrument which seeks to gain the ruling democrats a Republican congressional seat in Western Maryland and keep the seats of incumbent Democrats safe and sound. Redistricting continues to make a mockery of “one-man-one-vote.”

Redistricting has become and continues to be a vehicle for building partisan power in Congress.

On the plus side, the map keeps the Eastern Shore in the First Congressional District. However, the new map of the First District drops Anne Arundel County and goes west to include a large part of Carroll County, Baltimore and Harford County.

Certainly, the Eastern Shore has more in common with Anne Arundel County than Carroll County which is located in Western Maryland.

The heavy Republican Sixth District used to stretch across the northern border of the state.

The new map keeps rural Western Maryland in the district, but dumps one-third of Montgomery County residents (330,000 people) into the Sixth District, threatening Republican Congressman Roscoe Bartlett’s seat and making it possible for a Democrat to win the seat and difficult for a Republican to keep it.

Montgomery County is heavily Democratic, liberal, rich, college educated and racially and ethnically diverse. By contrast, Garrett County residents are overwhelmingly Republican, conservative, modestly educated and white. Montgomery and Garrett County could not be further apart.

If there is a community of interest between Garrett and Montgomery County I wish someone would tell me what it is.

Those who drew the map wanted to dilute both the First and Sixth District with Democrat populations to capture the two congressional seats.

Although the map drawers possessed awesome agility, they found that task beyond their talents. So, they contented themselves with destroying only the conservative Sixth District.

The map has several weird configurations where lines become loops to allow Congressman Steny Hoyer to have the University of Maryland, College Park in his district and to assure that Congressman Dutch Ruppersburger’s home is in the Second District, as are Fort Meade and Aberdeen, which he requested.

The Second District is made up of parts of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County and Harford County. Baltimore city Congressman John Sarbanes, who represents the Third Congressional District wanted the city of Annapolis in his district, and the new map gives it to him.

When the special session convenes, I will submit a redistricted map that that is geographically, racially and culturally compact and cohesive.

This map will have rural Maryland represented by three districts:

The First District includes the Eastern Shore, Harford County and portions of Baltimore County.

The Sixth District includes the five Western Maryland counties of Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick and Carroll, plus portions of Northern Baltimore County.

The Third District will be composed mainly of the historically tobacco producing rural counties of Anne Arundel, Calvert and St. Mary’s.

This map’s three Majority-Minority districts: Districts 4, 5 and 7 contains African-American populations of 52 percent, 56 percent and 57 percent, respectively. Their total minority population represents 74 percent, 68 percent and 64 percent, respectively.

The Fourth District is a DC Beltway District. The Fifth District is a Suburban Washington, DC/I-95 District. The Seventh District is the Baltimore City District. The remaining Districts, the Second and Eighth, are both geographically suburban.

If the goal of redistricting is to be fair and accurate representation, the governor’s plan misses by a country mile. My plan meets these goals and fully represents the citizens of Maryland.

Sen. E.J. Pipkin

District 36

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More wind farms eyed in Western Md.

(AP) Garrett County officials said Clipper Windpower is considering a wind power project called Fair Wind on Backbone Mountain south of Oakland. It would be just south of a 28-turbine wind farm Carpenteria, Calif.-based Clipper built that is owned by Constellation Energy Group. Also, Annapolis-based Synergics is doing environmental and wind studies on Four Mile Ridge, southwest of Frostburg near the Little Savage River. The company said the project would be 60 megawatts, which is 10 megawatts more than a 20-turbine project on Backbone Mountain that Synergics built and sold last year to Gestamp Corp. of Madrid.

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2 more wind farms eyed in Garrett County, Md., home to state's first such projects

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: September 20, 2011 - 12:15 am

McHENRY, Md. — Wind-power developers are considering two new projects in western Maryland.

The Garrett County Commissioners are set to hear an update Tuesday.

County officials say Clipper Windpower is considering a project called Fair Wind on Backbone Mountain south of Oakland. It would be just south of a 28-turbine wind farm Clipper built that is now owned by Constellation Energy Group. The company, based in Carpenteria, Calif., didn't respond to inquiries from The Associated Press.

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Upcoming events in Garrett County

Sep 17 - Sep 18 Savageman Triathlon
The world's most savage triathlon! Bike, swim and run for a great cause: fighting skin cancer.

Deep Creek Lake and the pristine, rugged Allegheny Mountains of western Maryland, provide a venue of unmatched beauty and stunning scenery, and feature two courses that will certainly bring out the true "Savage" in all who come to conquer, from the competitive Ironman racer to the leisurely back-of-the-pack or novice participant. Whether swimming in the crystal clear Deep Creek Lake, riding the smooth, remote, and challenging roads of Garrett County, or running on Deep Creek State Park trails and the surrounding lakeside roads, the SavageMan Triathlon Festival races will challenge and awe participant. every part and an
Date: September 17, 2011
Website: http://www.savagemantri.org/
Location: Deep Creek Lake State Park, MD
Fees/Admission: Registration is sold out. Free for spectators


Sep 17 Event at Oakland Nursing and Rehab Center?Family Fun Day
Oakland Nursing and Rehab would like to invite you to their Annual Family Fun Day, Saturday, Sept. 17th, 11 am - 2 pm, where there is something for everyone to enjoy! The event will feature a classic car show, free food, enterainment including the Muddy Creek Mission singers and lots of games. We also will have our famous cake walk. Tours of the facility are available. So come join the fun Saturday, Sept. 17th at Oakland Nursing & Rehab's Family Fun Day!
Date: September 17, 2011
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Oakland Nursing & Rehab
EMail: tlewis@mid-atlanticltc.com
Date/Time Details: Sept. 17th, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Fees/Admission: Free to the public


Sep 17 3rd Annual Garrett Mentors Barn Dance
BBQ Chicken Dinner with all the fixins', music by Johnny Rock, Silent Auction and Raffle. Enjoy a fun evening in the barn at Ridgeview Valley and support the kids of Garrett County.
Date: September 17, 2011
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Website: http://www.ridgeviewvalley.com
Location: Ridgeview Valley - 912 Gravelly Run Road, McHenry, MD 21541
EMail: info@ridgeviewvalley.com
Date/Time Details: Saturday, September 17, 2011 5pm-9pm
Fees/Admission: Tickets $25 in advance & $30 at the door



Sep 21 66th Annual glidden Tour
Folks: take a look at the 268 vintage automobiles that will be in Oakland for the 66th Annual Glidden Tour. The 268 vintage automobiles will be parked all over the streets of Oakland, centering on the B&O Museum and The Transportation Museum.


Date: September 21, 2011
Website: http://www.mlptc.org
Location: Oakland
EMail: conoakland@aol.com
Date/Time Details: 9/21/2011


Sep 22 2011 Garrett County Volunteer Fair
Looking to volunteer? Want to get involved in the community? Head to the 2011 Garrett County Volunteer Fair to meet with representatives of local non-profit organizations to learn more about their mission and services to the community. Plus, you can sign-up on the spot for upcoming projects & activities. There's no cost to attend.

Organizations that will be present at the Volunteer Fair include Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI), Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival - American Red Cross, Diakon Adult Day Services at Mountain Glade, the Dove Center, Garrett County Arts Council, Garrett County Habitat for Humanity, Garrett County Memorial Hospital, Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF), Garrett Mentors, Inc., Girl Scouts Black Diamond Council, HART for Animals, Hospice of Garrett County, Inc. and the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers, Inc. An updated list of organizations can be found at www.garrettcollege.edu/volunteer.
Date: September 22, 2011
Website: http://www.garrettcollege.edu/volunteer
Location: Gymnasium of Garrett College
Contact: Judy Carbone, Volunteer Fair Planning Committee Chair, at 301.387.3046 or judy.carbone@garrettcollege.edu
Date/Time Details: 3 pm - 5 pm
Fees/Admission: Free to attend


Sep 23 - Sep 25 North American Open Rafting Championships

Date: September 23, 2011
Website: http://www.adventuresportscenter.com
Location: Adventure Sports Center International


Sep 23 - Sep 25 Strut Your Stuff
Demo-Derby Friday, Live Music Saturday and Sunday, Car Show, Flea Market, Mud Bog Saturday Night.
Date: September 23, 2011
Website: http://www.strutyourstuffpromotions.com
Location: Garrett County Fairgrounds


Sep 24 The Haunted Shack

Date: September 24, 2011
Website: http://www.wispresort.com
EMail: info@wispresort.com


Sep 24 1st Annual "Mountain Man Pig Out"
82 people have tried and only two have defeated The Mountain Man Food Challenge. Come on Garrett County, don't let Chicago & Buffalo hold Garrett County bragging rights!! Food & fun for all! Archie's will offer a BBQ buffet dinner (includes tea or fountain drink), for all non-participants at $15 per person.

Jonny Rock will provide music & a surprise guest will MC the festivities!

Registration forms can be downloaded from cindysfund.org, archiesbbq.com or pick up at any First United Bank Office or at Archie's.
Date: September 24, 2011
Website: http://www.archiesbbq.com
Location: Archie's Barbeque at 25259 Garrett Highway in McHenry.

Date/Time Details: September 24 from 4 pm - 8 pm, rain or shine
Fees/Admission: $15 per person.


Sep 24 - Sep 25 Train Show at Oakland B&O Railroad Station Museum
We are opening the Station for a Train Show. Come see an excellent running layout operated by the Baltimore Area N Trak (BANTRAK) Display layout in the baggage room of station.

The station will be open for the show the follwing hours:
Saturday, 24 September - 10:00 am to 5 PM
Sunday, 25 September - 10:00 am to 2 PM

Please join us!
Date: September 24, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Website: http://www.mlptc.org
Location: Oakland Train Station on Liberty Street
Contact: Bruce Tharp 443-691-6085
EMail: conoakland@aol.com
Date/Time Details: 9/24/2011 10:00am to 5:00pm and 9/25/2011 10:00am to 2:00pm
Fees/Admission: Free Admission


Sep 29 Meet Mystery Writer Lauren Carr
Join us for a visit with mystery writer Lauren Carr on Thursday, September 29, sponsored by the Friends of the Ruth Enlow Library. The author of the Joshua Thornton Mysteries and two recent books set at Deep Creek Lake—It’s Murder My Son and Old Loves Die Hard—Carr is a popular speaker who presented a program last year for the library.

Carr will visit Accident, Grantsville, and Oakland Libraries according to the following schedule on September 29:
•Noon – reading, Q&A, and book signing at the Grantsville Library. Attendees may bring a brown bag lunch.
•3 p.m. – reading, Q&A, and book signing at the Accident Library
•6 p.m. – a presentation about the importance of research in writing mysteries, reading, Q&A, and book signing at the Oakland Library

Carr lives with her husband, son, and two dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV, and often vacations at Deep Creek Lake. More information about the author and her work is available at http://laurencarr.webs.com.

This event is open to the public and light refreshments will be served at the Oakland presentation. Registration is not required but a courtesy call to the library is appreciated at 301-334-3996, ext. 117, or email bonnie@relib.net.

Date: September 29, 2011
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Website: http://www.relib.net
Location: Grantsville Library
Contact: Bonnie Winters, 301-334-3996, ext. 117, or call the Grantsville Library
EMail: bonnie@relib.net
Date/Time Details: Thursday, Sept. 29, Noon - 2 p.m.
Fees/Admission: Free



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