courtesy Republican News
Sep. 4, 2008
Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Friday that the state has approved a $20,000 grant to help fund a strategic economic development study of the Garrett County Fairgrounds.
"Agriculture is an important part of the county's economy and a big influence with regard to our heritage and culture," said Denny Glotfelty, chairman of the Board of Garrett County Commissioners. "This grant will help sustain and promote interest in agriculture-related activities and businesses throughout the county."
Awarded through the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), the grant is being used in conjunction with matching funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and $8,600 from Garrett County government and the Fair Board.
The study will help determine if the fairgrounds and its buildings are being fully utilized, while maintaining its main function as an agricultural and community center.
"The board is pleased the study is being funded by DBED, ARC, and Garrett County," said Debra Friend, president of the board of directors of the Garrett County Agriculture Fair Inc. "We recognize that increasing the utilization of the fairground facilities will contribute to the continued viability of the fair itself, as well as make space available to county residents and businesses in which to hold a variety of events."
The five-month study is being conducted by HOK Smith Forkner, Knoxville, Tenn., which has been responsible for the planning and design of over 180 fairgrounds throughout the U.S., including the Maryland State Fair, Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, and the state fair of Virginia.
"This grant represents a continuing commitment to support rural Maryland's agricultural industry by maximizing the opportunities the Garrett County Fairgrounds can offer to residents and businesses," said O'Malley. "We are pleased to leverage state funding with ARC and our local partners for this important study."
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query garrett county fair. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query garrett county fair. Sort by date Show all posts
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Monday, April 11, 2011
Health Fair open to Garrett County residents
Event Saturday at Wisp Resort
Angie Brant
The Cumberland Times-News Sun Apr 10, 2011, 10:55 PM EDT
MCHENRY — The Garrett County Health Department will hold its annual Health Fair on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wisp Resort.
This will be the fifth year the health department has hosted this event and organizers hope to see every Garrett County resident take advantage of the many free screenings, drawings and activities that have been planned.
The annual health fair is organized by the STEPS to Better Health Committee and the goal is to offer county residents with the information to improve their health and lead more productive and fulfilling lives. The committee includes members of the public, business and civic leaders who share a desire to improve the overall wellness of the community.
“The key to better health is not better health care, but a better understanding of health and wellness. Persons who understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and have knowledge of risk factors are more likely to lead healthy and fulfilling lives,” said Bob Stephens, Garrett County Health Department director of behavioral and family health.
The fair will open at 9 a.m. with a welcome by master of ceremonies Jon Burnett of KDKA-TV. Opening speakers will also include Don Battista, president and CEO of Garrett County Memorial Hospital; Rodney Glotfelty, Garrett County health officer; and Gregan Crawford, Garrett County commissioner.
Anthony Zaloga, the head athletic trainer for Frostburg State University, will be the keynote speaker. Guest speakers will also include Dr. Margaret Kaiser, geriatric medicine and internal medicine; Dr. Donald Richter, family practice; Dr. Charles Walch, general surgeon; and Dr. Ronel Williams, chiropractor. Peggy Santamaria, a local yoga instructor, will demonstrate simple chair exercises during breaks in between speakers. Speakers will be presenting on the quarter hour starting at 9:15 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m. Zaloga will be the first speaker, followed by Williams, Walch, Kaiser and Richter.
About 70 businesses, health providers and organizations will have booths set up throughout the fair and 20 free health screenings will be offered. Free screenings will include glucose, bone density, cholesterol, foot scanning, blood pressure, iridology, vision, skin cancer, neuropathy, migraine and many more. A wide variety of door prizes, including a Wisp Health Club membership and an Xbox 360 bundle, will also be awarded to attendees.
The American Red Cross will also hold a blood drive during the health fair.
Each year the event grows and more activities and screenings are available for residents to enjoy. In 2010, more than 800 county residents participated in the many free drawings and screenings. Organizers said that attendees can be guaranteed of several results — an increase in health awareness; a better understating of how your body works; and increased knowledge of area resources, all while having a good time.
Additional information is available by calling 301-533-4178.
Contact Angie Brant at abrant@times-news.com
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
Angie Brant
The Cumberland Times-News Sun Apr 10, 2011, 10:55 PM EDT
MCHENRY — The Garrett County Health Department will hold its annual Health Fair on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wisp Resort.
This will be the fifth year the health department has hosted this event and organizers hope to see every Garrett County resident take advantage of the many free screenings, drawings and activities that have been planned.
The annual health fair is organized by the STEPS to Better Health Committee and the goal is to offer county residents with the information to improve their health and lead more productive and fulfilling lives. The committee includes members of the public, business and civic leaders who share a desire to improve the overall wellness of the community.
“The key to better health is not better health care, but a better understanding of health and wellness. Persons who understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and have knowledge of risk factors are more likely to lead healthy and fulfilling lives,” said Bob Stephens, Garrett County Health Department director of behavioral and family health.
The fair will open at 9 a.m. with a welcome by master of ceremonies Jon Burnett of KDKA-TV. Opening speakers will also include Don Battista, president and CEO of Garrett County Memorial Hospital; Rodney Glotfelty, Garrett County health officer; and Gregan Crawford, Garrett County commissioner.
Anthony Zaloga, the head athletic trainer for Frostburg State University, will be the keynote speaker. Guest speakers will also include Dr. Margaret Kaiser, geriatric medicine and internal medicine; Dr. Donald Richter, family practice; Dr. Charles Walch, general surgeon; and Dr. Ronel Williams, chiropractor. Peggy Santamaria, a local yoga instructor, will demonstrate simple chair exercises during breaks in between speakers. Speakers will be presenting on the quarter hour starting at 9:15 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m. Zaloga will be the first speaker, followed by Williams, Walch, Kaiser and Richter.
About 70 businesses, health providers and organizations will have booths set up throughout the fair and 20 free health screenings will be offered. Free screenings will include glucose, bone density, cholesterol, foot scanning, blood pressure, iridology, vision, skin cancer, neuropathy, migraine and many more. A wide variety of door prizes, including a Wisp Health Club membership and an Xbox 360 bundle, will also be awarded to attendees.
The American Red Cross will also hold a blood drive during the health fair.
Each year the event grows and more activities and screenings are available for residents to enjoy. In 2010, more than 800 county residents participated in the many free drawings and screenings. Organizers said that attendees can be guaranteed of several results — an increase in health awareness; a better understating of how your body works; and increased knowledge of area resources, all while having a good time.
Additional information is available by calling 301-533-4178.
Contact Angie Brant at abrant@times-news.com
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.Visit the 'I Love Deep Creek & Garrett County group' on Facebook! News, events, photos, real estate, community, info, more! 1,750+ members & growing!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Five Competing For Local Farm Queen Crown
Jul. 29, 2010
Five local young women have entered the contest for 2010 Garrett County Farm Queen. The crowning will take place on Sunday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m. at the show ring at the Garrett County fairgrounds.
Contestants are as follows: Annie Graham, Kasondra Rounds, Katelyn Gnegy, Catlin Carrico, and Kara Savage.
Annie Graham is the daughter of Chuck and Becky Graham, Oakland. She will be a senior at Southern High School this fall.
She and her family live on three acres of her grandfather’s 800 acre farm, where they raise Black Angus beef cattle.
Graham has been an exhibitor at the Garrett County Fair as a 4-H member for seven years. She has shown lambs, steers, and a pig. She has also entered baked goods, canned foods, clothing, and crafts, and has participated in lead line and fashion revue.
She plans to attend college to get a bachelor of science degree in agriculture business. She hopes to own her own farm and raise club calves and lambs for future 4-Her's.
Kasondra Rounds is the daughter of Rodney and Trina Rounds, Lonaconing. She attends Northern High School, where she serves as second vice president for the Northern Garrett FFA Chapter.
Her family has a 130-acre farm, where they raise 25 to 30 head of beef cattle.
Over the years at the Garrett County Fair, she has exhibited nine market steers, three market lambs, a market hog, and two market goats. She has also exhibited items such as hay, oats, rye, corn, crafts, and school projects.
Rounds currently works at the Goodwill Mennonite Home as a feeder, and plans to become a registered nurse.
Katelyn Gnegy is the daughter of Daniel and Mary Gnegy, Oakland. She will be a senior at Southern High School this fall.
She and her family operate a 209-acre farm, where they produce hay, livestock, and vegetables.
For the past nine years, she has shown market and breeding sheep at the fair. In addition, she has shown rabbits, chickens, goats, and market hogs. She has also entered indoor exhibits such as clothing, baked goods, canned goods, vegetables, and flowers.
Gnegy plans to attend college and become a veterinarian with her own large animal practice.
Catlin Carrico is the daughter of Greg and Camille Carrico, Swanton. She has completed one year of studies at Potomac State of WVU so far, where she majors in agricultural education.
Her family is involved in meat and dairy goat enterprises.
She has been actively involved in the fair for the past eight years. She exhibits meat and dairy goats as well as numerous indoor products.
Carrico plans to earn a master's degree in agriculture education so she can teach future generations of about the importance of agriculture.
Kara Savage is the daughter of L. Deane and Nancy Savage, Accident. She will be a sophomore at Garrett College this fall.
She and her family breed and raise dairy heifers and cows. They also raise replacement heifers for other farmers and grow field crops.
She has shown dairy animals at the fair since she was 7 years old. She has shown a market hog and market lamb for six years, and also exhibits crafts, vegetables, canned goods, flowers, baked goods, and photographs. She has also participated in the fashion revue and costume animal parade, as well as the showmanship competition with various animals.
Savage plans to earn a degree in education at Frostburg State University, then teach elementary education in the Garrett County school system.
Read the article here.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
______________
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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
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!
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
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
Friday, August 6, 2010
Community Calendar - weekend of August 6, 2010
The fair is coming to town! I saw the ferris wheel today - setup and ready to go. Funnel cakes, Lions Club chicken dinners and Rotary fries can't be far behind....stop by and visit me at the Railey Realty booth Wednesday night, I'll be there from 6-9pm!
Here are some happenings for this weekend:
__________
Friendsville Days
Town of Friendsville
08/06/2010 - 08/07/2010
Friendsville MD. Fri. 6:00pm-10:00 pm, Sat. 12:00 pm-10:00 pm. Friday: food, games and music. Saturday: noon parade, day long activities, food entertainment, car show, fireworks and crafts. Contact 301.746.5933.
__________
Glass, Glorious Glass… An Art Tour of Garrett County
Snowbird Creations Glass Studio
08/06/2010 - 08/08/2010
Garrett County, 10 am - 5 pm. 3 glass studios, Galleries: Snowbird Creations Glass Studio- Fused Glass, Simon Pearce- Blown Glass, Lou DiCarlo - Stained Glass. www.snowbirdcreations.com , 301.387.4624
__________
Open Canoe Slalom National Championships
Adventure Sports Center International
08/06/2010 - 08/08/2010
Adventure Sports Center International. www.adventuresportscenter.com , 301.3873250.
__________
Little Yough Summer Music Festival
Town of Oakland
06/18/2010
7 pm, Oakland Town Parking Lot/ Mountain Fresh Farmers Market. Bring a lawn chair and listen to the tunes!
August 6 Mateo Monk
__________
Annual Sidewalk Sale
Town of Oakland
08/06/2010 - 08/07/2010
Annual Sidewalk Sale - Downtown Oakland - Huge Discounts and Bargains!
__________
5th Annual Deep Creek Chili Splash
Wisp Resort
08/07/2010
Wisp Resort, Chili heads unite, live music, official games of chili, prizes and giveaways. This Year will be hotter than ever. 301.387.4911, www.wispresort.com .
__________
Garrett County Fair
Garrett County Agriculture Fair
08/07/2010 - 08/14/2010
Garrett County Fairgrounds, McHenry. Truly an agricultural fair! Nightly musical entertainment; tractor pull, mud bog, demo derbies, 4-wheel pickup pull. Carnival rides and games-something for everyone. $. www.garrettcountyfair.org .
__________
Mountain Fresh Farmers Market - Oakland
Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets
07/07/2010
Join us in downtown Oakland for a homegrown farmers market including fresh produce, baked goods, jams & jellies, crafts, personal care items, goat cheeses, and more!
Wednesdays & Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm
Aug 7th
Starts at 10:00 am , Lasts 3 Hours
__________
Here are some happenings for this weekend:
__________
Friendsville Days
Town of Friendsville
08/06/2010 - 08/07/2010
Friendsville MD. Fri. 6:00pm-10:00 pm, Sat. 12:00 pm-10:00 pm. Friday: food, games and music. Saturday: noon parade, day long activities, food entertainment, car show, fireworks and crafts. Contact 301.746.5933.
__________
Glass, Glorious Glass… An Art Tour of Garrett County
Snowbird Creations Glass Studio
08/06/2010 - 08/08/2010
Garrett County, 10 am - 5 pm. 3 glass studios, Galleries: Snowbird Creations Glass Studio- Fused Glass, Simon Pearce- Blown Glass, Lou DiCarlo - Stained Glass. www.snowbirdcreations.com , 301.387.4624
__________
Open Canoe Slalom National Championships
Adventure Sports Center International
08/06/2010 - 08/08/2010
Adventure Sports Center International. www.adventuresportscenter.com , 301.3873250.
__________
Little Yough Summer Music Festival
Town of Oakland
06/18/2010
7 pm, Oakland Town Parking Lot/ Mountain Fresh Farmers Market. Bring a lawn chair and listen to the tunes!
August 6 Mateo Monk
__________
Annual Sidewalk Sale
Town of Oakland
08/06/2010 - 08/07/2010
Annual Sidewalk Sale - Downtown Oakland - Huge Discounts and Bargains!
__________
5th Annual Deep Creek Chili Splash
Wisp Resort
08/07/2010
Wisp Resort, Chili heads unite, live music, official games of chili, prizes and giveaways. This Year will be hotter than ever. 301.387.4911, www.wispresort.com .
__________
Garrett County Fair
Garrett County Agriculture Fair
08/07/2010 - 08/14/2010
Garrett County Fairgrounds, McHenry. Truly an agricultural fair! Nightly musical entertainment; tractor pull, mud bog, demo derbies, 4-wheel pickup pull. Carnival rides and games-something for everyone. $. www.garrettcountyfair.org .
__________
Mountain Fresh Farmers Market - Oakland
Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets
07/07/2010
Join us in downtown Oakland for a homegrown farmers market including fresh produce, baked goods, jams & jellies, crafts, personal care items, goat cheeses, and more!
Wednesdays & Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm
Aug 7th
Starts at 10:00 am , Lasts 3 Hours
__________
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Garrett County Fair - Railey Realty display booth
If you were at the Garrett County Agricultural Fair yesterday, you know first-hand how hot & muggy it was! I volunteered to work the Railey Realty booth in one of the exhibit barns. Very little heat escapes those barns, but it was well worth being there. Our best handout seemed to be the frisbees :) I got to see a lot of friends & families exploring, though the attendance overall was low at the fair - I think the looming storm clouds made people think twice about coming. For the record, it didn't rain at all until I was on my way home at 9:02pm and even then, it sprinkled.It was 86 degrees at 6pm last night - which is much warmer than a typical night at the fair. I got to partake in my favorite fair cuisine - a Lions club chicken dinner. Once again, they delivered the goods with a perfectly moist and impeccably seasoned chicken. If the weather holds out, we'll be attending again this evening with the kids in tow. I still need to have some Rotary fries and a Farm Bureau milkshake :) If you weren't already aware, tickets at the gate are $10/each. BUT, Slopeside Exxon is selling books of 6 tickets for $30 - definitely a $$$ saver.
Something I really enjoy is looking at the photographs that are entered - there are great pics and I uploaded a video to Facebook (of course, the I Love Garrett County & Deep Creek Group page) of all the photos - quality stuff! I got to talk to Donnie Storch from Bills Marine Service and he almost had me talked into a dune buggy looking Razr (?) for off-roading, etc....that's all I need. Best part - it'll go 70 mph. I also spent a lot of time talking to my neighbors in the exhibit barn - Paula & Tim Thomas, who is running for county commissioner. Very friendly folks who seemed to know EVERYBODY.
We have several friends who entered goats & livestock - I'm personally looking forward to seeing Noah interact with all of the farm animals tonight :) He'll be 3 years old in a week and I think he'll get to ride some rides this year, too!
Go to the fair! Here is a link to the schedule.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Cancer Claims Life Of Comm. Denny Glotfelty
Support the Republican Newspaper! It's only $9.95/year for the online edition!Garrett County commissioner Denny Glotfetly died sometime last night or early this morning. County administrator Monty Pagenhardt said a rescue squad was called to Glotfelty's home in McHenry at 7:30 p.m. last night, Wednesday, Oct. 20, and he was transported to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center in Cumberland.
"We are extremely saddened and offer our condolences to his wife Sandy and their family," commission board chair Ernie Gregg said this morning.
Funeral arrangements are not yet known, and Glofelty's obituary will appear in next week's issue.
He had been receiving cancer treatments at the center for the last several months. He announced that he had the disease in early April during a public meeting at the commissioners' office and vowed that the "setback" would not deter him.
"I will battle cancer with the same attitude, effort, and dedication that I have provided to all Garrett County citizens," Glotfelty said in April. "My commitment to the residents of Garrett County has always been an effort undertaken with respect, determination, and to always have a positive outcome."
Glotfelty was a school bus driver, business owner, and member of many boards and organizations, including the Garrett County Fair Board, Chamber of Commerce, and Sanitary Commission.
This was his first and only term as commissioner. Glotfelty was elected to office in 2006, and had filed for re-election. He won the Republican primary election last month, and his name will appear on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.
"He's going to be extremely missed by everybody," Commissioner Fred Holliday said this morning. "He was a great commissioner. He made decisions from the heart and had the entire county's interests in mind."
Pagenhardt said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Commissioner Glotfelty.
"He was more than a county commissioner; he was a true friend," Pagenhardt said. "Also, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and relative to many. More importantly than what he accomplished during his term of office as county commissioner was the person he was to countless people. When he first told me he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, he was adamant that he was going to fight this disease with everything he had. He did just that."
Pagenhardt said in spite of his serious illness, Glotfelty remained committed to his responsibilities as an elected official.
"He never lost sight of the obligation," the administrator said. "He truly and sincerely cared about the employees with county government, and the residents of Garrett County, and placed what he believed was right above everything. For Denny, there was only one way and that was what he believed was the right way. His decisions, professionally and personally, were always based on sound judgment and a well thought out process. He certainly put up a strong fight for many months, and he was an example for all of us to follow in our lives. I will miss him more than I can say."
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Changes At Fair Result From New Hall Construction
Support the Republican Newspaper! It's only $9.95/year for the online edition!Aug. 5, 2010
Work continues to progress on the new 30,000-square foot trade and exhibit hall at the Garrett County fairgrounds, with completion anticipated later this fall. According to the Garrett County Fair Board, the construction work will require that a number of changes be made during the fair, which runs from Saturday, Aug. 7, through Saturday, Aug. 14.
"The board asks for everyone's understanding as we grow, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the 54th annual Garrett County Fair," a spokesperson said. "While the changes associated with the construction project will cause some inconveniences, the addition of the new building to the grounds is very positive, and should more than compensate for any temporary inconvenience that we all might experience."
Although the walk-in gate on U.S. Rt. 219 will remain open, all vehicle traffic must enter the grounds via the upper gate on Mosser Road.
Handicapped parking areas have been designated near the Rt. 219 walk-in gate, the walk-in gate at the track, and the walk-in gate off the Mosser Road exit.
Bleachers in front of the previous stage area have been removed as part of the construction project. The stage area itself will host small events and activities such as the pet show and senior citizens' day activities.
Read the rest here.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Garrett County Fair Experience
Thursday night was 'Fergy Family Fun Night' at the Garrett County fair :) The weather was threatening all evening, and it even rained for a few minutes. But, overall, it was mostly dry and the weather wouldn't ruin our fun! My daughter Kayleah brought her friend, Britney, and we started out walking through the exhibit buildings. There are many talented farmers and craft-makers out there - the crafts, crops & displays were great.
Next up, the animal barns. Noah particularly liked the goats; they were trying to eat his shirt. He 'mooed' at the cows and giggled when they 'mooed' right back. We met up with some friends & family and the girls went off to ride the big kid rides while Noah & his cousin Nate went for the kiddie rides. I have a larger gallery of photos here on Facebook, but I am sure you can tell that the kids had a blast on the rides. Something else I noticed - the carnival workers were incredibly friendly this year. They went out of their way to make sure the kids were smiling and that they were all safe on the rides.
We got milkshakes from the Farm Bureau booth (nothing like freshly made ice cream!) and watched the parade. There were lots of tractors, which the boys appreciated. It was starting to get dark and I had yet to try any rides out. So, I agreed to ride the 'Zero Gravity' ride (used to be the Round Up, I believe). Big mistake. It's been 10 years since I was on this, and I thought for sure I would get sick. Something about getting older, I guess....
I snuck a photo from my cell phone while being extremely careful not to drop it:
I'd had about as much fun as I could handle at this point, so we packed everyone up and headed home. We had a lot of fun at the Garrett County Fair! I hope you got to go!
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
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
More here.
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!
— 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
More here.
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
Friday, August 20, 2010
Blue ribbon pumpkin from Garrett County Fair
Support the Republican Newspaper! It's only $9.95/year for the online edition!Aug. 19, 2010
A blue ribbon is happily displayed by Tailynn Friend, who earned the award at last week's Garrett County Agriculture Fair for her impressive "squash-like fruit," as the pumpkin is described on Wikipedia. The pumpkin weighed no fewer than 289 pounds.
Tailynn is one of hundreds of winning youngsters from last week's event, the results of which will be reported in The Republican newspaper's special Garrett County Fair supplement, to be published next week. The special pages will include the livestock sale report, multiple photographs, and lists of winners. Now if someone will simply carve out Tailynn's pumpkin and attach it to a miniature pony, she will have transportation to her next ball. Photo by Danielle Friend.
Read the article here.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Live at the Garrett County Fair!
I'm sitting in the display barn at the Garrett County Fair on a beautiful Saturday evening at the lake! The sun is just starting to set and you can see the last flicker of light shining on the vehicles parked along Garrett Highway. I have been fortunate to have had many friendly faces stopping by to visit me at the Long & Foster booth. I am always amazed at just how many people are in town for one of Garrett County's greatest traditions. Jack from Mountaineer Log & Siding has been here for a while, as well, and he seems to know everyone that walks by! Even with the market in a downturn, I have had many people asking specific questions about properties in and around Deep Creek Lake, Accident and Oakland - they feel that there are some good deals out there, and they are right! It has been a long time since you could find decent primary homes in the county for under $100,000. In fact, I just checked and there are 32 homes on the market at $100k or less - that's good news. Housing is becoming affordable again for people who live and work in Garrett County - it's been a few years since you could say that.
I was also fortunate to enjoy a few staples of the agricultural fair this week: A BBQ chicken dinner at the Lion's Club Pavilion, Rotary french fries, taking my kids to the carnival rides and ferris wheel, the banging of the demolition derby, strolling through the barns to see the cows, sheep, pigs and horses, and seeing all of the vendors & crafts in the display barns.
Later on, I'll upload a gallery of photos that I took on the boat ride over today, and throughout my travels at the fairgrounds. Check back!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
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
More here.
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!
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
More here.
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
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Stanton says he’ll challenge Beitzel
Stanton says he’ll challenge Beitzel
Oakland resident will seek District 1A delegate seat
Kevin Spradlin
Cumberland Times-News
MCHENRY — It’s not yet official, but Democrat James “Smokey” Stanton said he’s committed to challenging incumbent Wendell Beitzel for the District 1A seat in the House of Delegates.
Stanton, 62, said he could bring “a unique blend” of skills to the position, which he believes has not effectively been used to represent district residents in Garrett County and along Georges Creek in Allegany County. Stanton said his experience in small business and large corporations, as well as existing contacts in state and local governments, would ensure “the learning curve is fairly flat.”
“Yes, it would be a new job for me,” said Stanton, a Garrett County native and a resident of Oakland, but “I’ve worked within the Maryland legislature for a total of 17 years. I understand how to write legislation. I understand how to work within the legislative process in order to effectively advocate (for) our area.”
Beitzel confirmed Wednesday he will seek a second term in office. He defended his ability to effectively represent District 1A.
“I think, for a first-term delegate ... that I have been a very effective legislator,” Beitzel said, “and I think if anyone looks at some of the bills that I’ve passed and issues I’ve defended ... I have absolutely no problem defending my record.”
Stanton said he intends to file with the Garrett County Board of Elections shortly after Jan. 1. He has spent the last few months distributing literature at events across the district, from the Garrett County Fair in August to the District 1 delegation meeting with the public this month at Garrett College.
Deadline for candidates to file for local and state offices is 9 p.m. July 6. The primary election is set for Sept. 14. The general election is slated for Nov. 2.
Many people seem to understand that people living in Garrett and Allegany counties share a different set of concerns than people living in most other parts of the state. But understanding that is not good enough, he said.
“I don’t believe it’s enough to simply understand the problems,” Stanton said. “We must have representation that can state the nature of our issues and the impact of those to people who have never been to our area. It demands that we have representation that can work with those other jurisdictions and to advocate for our corner of the world.
“I think there are a lot of areas where we need improvement in the effectiveness of our representation,” Stanton said.
Stanton said the person who holds the District 1A seat needs to better communicate to the rest of the General Assembly how adversely more rural counties, towns and communities are impacted by state budget cuts. The legislator needs to file amendments to bills with statewide ramifications instead of allowing the “cookie-cutter” bill to sail through the legislative process. Those amendments could make certain bills more palatable to Mountain Marylanders’ diets.
Second, Stanton said, new legislation is needed that “protects our culture, our way of life, our economic situation, in comparison to the rest of the state.”
Stanton said a third area of improvement required for District 1A is better constituent service.
Officials in both counties sometimes “encounter a situation with a state agency that sometimes the state agency is not as responsive as it could be,” he said. “Effective representation means working with those agencies in order to solve the problem ... and solve it appropriately.”
Stanton is a former three-term Oakland Town Council member and was elected by his fellow council members five times to the position of council president. In 2006, he was elected chairman of the Garrett County Democratic Central Committee.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Oakland resident will seek District 1A delegate seat
Kevin Spradlin
Cumberland Times-News
MCHENRY — It’s not yet official, but Democrat James “Smokey” Stanton said he’s committed to challenging incumbent Wendell Beitzel for the District 1A seat in the House of Delegates.
Stanton, 62, said he could bring “a unique blend” of skills to the position, which he believes has not effectively been used to represent district residents in Garrett County and along Georges Creek in Allegany County. Stanton said his experience in small business and large corporations, as well as existing contacts in state and local governments, would ensure “the learning curve is fairly flat.”
“Yes, it would be a new job for me,” said Stanton, a Garrett County native and a resident of Oakland, but “I’ve worked within the Maryland legislature for a total of 17 years. I understand how to write legislation. I understand how to work within the legislative process in order to effectively advocate (for) our area.”
Beitzel confirmed Wednesday he will seek a second term in office. He defended his ability to effectively represent District 1A.
“I think, for a first-term delegate ... that I have been a very effective legislator,” Beitzel said, “and I think if anyone looks at some of the bills that I’ve passed and issues I’ve defended ... I have absolutely no problem defending my record.”
Stanton said he intends to file with the Garrett County Board of Elections shortly after Jan. 1. He has spent the last few months distributing literature at events across the district, from the Garrett County Fair in August to the District 1 delegation meeting with the public this month at Garrett College.
Deadline for candidates to file for local and state offices is 9 p.m. July 6. The primary election is set for Sept. 14. The general election is slated for Nov. 2.
Many people seem to understand that people living in Garrett and Allegany counties share a different set of concerns than people living in most other parts of the state. But understanding that is not good enough, he said.
“I don’t believe it’s enough to simply understand the problems,” Stanton said. “We must have representation that can state the nature of our issues and the impact of those to people who have never been to our area. It demands that we have representation that can work with those other jurisdictions and to advocate for our corner of the world.
“I think there are a lot of areas where we need improvement in the effectiveness of our representation,” Stanton said.
Stanton said the person who holds the District 1A seat needs to better communicate to the rest of the General Assembly how adversely more rural counties, towns and communities are impacted by state budget cuts. The legislator needs to file amendments to bills with statewide ramifications instead of allowing the “cookie-cutter” bill to sail through the legislative process. Those amendments could make certain bills more palatable to Mountain Marylanders’ diets.
Second, Stanton said, new legislation is needed that “protects our culture, our way of life, our economic situation, in comparison to the rest of the state.”
Stanton said a third area of improvement required for District 1A is better constituent service.
Officials in both counties sometimes “encounter a situation with a state agency that sometimes the state agency is not as responsive as it could be,” he said. “Effective representation means working with those agencies in order to solve the problem ... and solve it appropriately.”
Stanton is a former three-term Oakland Town Council member and was elected by his fellow council members five times to the position of council president. In 2006, he was elected chairman of the Garrett County Democratic Central Committee.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Three seek Garrett Sheriff position
Corley wants to cooperate with state police with GBI
Jeffrey Alderton
Cumberland Times-News
— OAKLAND — Garrett County sheriff’s candidate Robert E. Corley, a Republican who is a lieutenant in the department, said he is seeking the office “to give to the public in a more official capacity, just as I have given throughout my career.
“The sheriff’s office belongs to the people, not the sheriff, and I just hope they entrust me to manage it for them. I believe in the people of this county, and I know I can bring good things,” said Corley, who has served in the sheriff’s office for the past 15 years.
A graduate of Fairmont State College, Corley is a Maryland state-certified accident reconstruction specialist and a state-certified polygraph operator. He is also a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development School.
Corley is assigned as the assistant jail administrator in the sheriff’s office and has served in the department in various capacities, including patrol supervisor, hostage negotiator, grant manager, community services administrator and as officer in charge of the county’s sex offender registry. He has also conducted the department's drug awarenesss and education program in Garrett County schools and in the public for the past 10 years.
If elected, Corley said he would monitor the office budget closely. “We have to really watch the finances to best benefit the sheriff’s office and, more importantly, the citizens of Garrett County.
“One thing I would eliminate that would save money is the use of off-duty vehicles for personal use. I don’t think it is effective spending to continue that policy, and it is not fair to the public.
“I would also keep intact the north and south end coverages and the town patrols, provided, of course, that the manpower is available.
“I would also like to see the Garrett Bureau of Investigation to come back into play, involving the Maryland State Police again and the state’s attorney’s office investigator. I personally believe having Maryland State Police involved combines our resources, networking and provides better service to the public.
“I also want to enhance the uniform patrol of the sheriff’s office by creating a more structured chain of command that will improve the patrol performance,” he said.
Concerning the sheriff’s office relationship with Maryland State Police, Corley said, “I can promise to make an effort to build a positive relationship with Maryland State Police. We will be more than willing to share our resources with them whenever they are needed. I’d like to see a good, positive relationship between the sheriff’s office and Maryland State Police.”
Corley also said he wants to have a “good working relationship” with the media.
“I have spent the last 10 years as the public education liaison for the sheriff’s office and have spent most of my career talking to the public. I will continue to do that. It’s a very useful tool in keeping the public informed and educated. I will also continue to serve on drug and alcohol awareness and education committees.”
Corley said he intends to attend town and county meetings at least once a month — “not only to hear the issues from the officials but to hear the citizens attending those meetings. I intend to work with the county commissioners to build a more positive working relationship.
“I’m not in it for one term. This is a commitment to the citizens as well as the sheriff’s office. I have 15 years invested in a 25-year career and if I don’t meet the expectation of the citizens in four years they will elect a new sheriff and I will have lost everything I've worked for. But if I am elected and do meet their expectations and do stand behind my commitments, they will re-elect me.”
As for his mentors, Corley said retired Sheriff Dick Sanders and current Sheriff Gary Berkebile are among them.
“I have never worked for a finer individual than Dick Sanders. The public loved him, and he was a very public person as sheriff. I was hired by him in 1995, and he recognized my ability to talk with people and put me in a position that allowed me to build positive relationships with the citizens of the county.
“Sheriff Berkebile promoted me to the rank of lieutenant and also continued to allow me to advance in my career. Sheriff Berkebile has also had a positive influence on me throughout my career, and he supports me in my bid to be elected sheriff.”
Corley and wife Sharon are the parents of two daughters, Madison, 13, and Sydney, 9. The family resides in Oakland.
Jeffrey Alderton
Cumberland Times-News
— OAKLAND — Garrett County sheriff’s candidate Robert E. Corley, a Republican who is a lieutenant in the department, said he is seeking the office “to give to the public in a more official capacity, just as I have given throughout my career.
“The sheriff’s office belongs to the people, not the sheriff, and I just hope they entrust me to manage it for them. I believe in the people of this county, and I know I can bring good things,” said Corley, who has served in the sheriff’s office for the past 15 years.
A graduate of Fairmont State College, Corley is a Maryland state-certified accident reconstruction specialist and a state-certified polygraph operator. He is also a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development School.
Corley is assigned as the assistant jail administrator in the sheriff’s office and has served in the department in various capacities, including patrol supervisor, hostage negotiator, grant manager, community services administrator and as officer in charge of the county’s sex offender registry. He has also conducted the department's drug awarenesss and education program in Garrett County schools and in the public for the past 10 years.
If elected, Corley said he would monitor the office budget closely. “We have to really watch the finances to best benefit the sheriff’s office and, more importantly, the citizens of Garrett County.
“One thing I would eliminate that would save money is the use of off-duty vehicles for personal use. I don’t think it is effective spending to continue that policy, and it is not fair to the public.
“I would also keep intact the north and south end coverages and the town patrols, provided, of course, that the manpower is available.
“I would also like to see the Garrett Bureau of Investigation to come back into play, involving the Maryland State Police again and the state’s attorney’s office investigator. I personally believe having Maryland State Police involved combines our resources, networking and provides better service to the public.
“I also want to enhance the uniform patrol of the sheriff’s office by creating a more structured chain of command that will improve the patrol performance,” he said.
Concerning the sheriff’s office relationship with Maryland State Police, Corley said, “I can promise to make an effort to build a positive relationship with Maryland State Police. We will be more than willing to share our resources with them whenever they are needed. I’d like to see a good, positive relationship between the sheriff’s office and Maryland State Police.”
Corley also said he wants to have a “good working relationship” with the media.
“I have spent the last 10 years as the public education liaison for the sheriff’s office and have spent most of my career talking to the public. I will continue to do that. It’s a very useful tool in keeping the public informed and educated. I will also continue to serve on drug and alcohol awareness and education committees.”
Corley said he intends to attend town and county meetings at least once a month — “not only to hear the issues from the officials but to hear the citizens attending those meetings. I intend to work with the county commissioners to build a more positive working relationship.
“I’m not in it for one term. This is a commitment to the citizens as well as the sheriff’s office. I have 15 years invested in a 25-year career and if I don’t meet the expectation of the citizens in four years they will elect a new sheriff and I will have lost everything I've worked for. But if I am elected and do meet their expectations and do stand behind my commitments, they will re-elect me.”
As for his mentors, Corley said retired Sheriff Dick Sanders and current Sheriff Gary Berkebile are among them.
“I have never worked for a finer individual than Dick Sanders. The public loved him, and he was a very public person as sheriff. I was hired by him in 1995, and he recognized my ability to talk with people and put me in a position that allowed me to build positive relationships with the citizens of the county.
“Sheriff Berkebile promoted me to the rank of lieutenant and also continued to allow me to advance in my career. Sheriff Berkebile has also had a positive influence on me throughout my career, and he supports me in my bid to be elected sheriff.”
Corley and wife Sharon are the parents of two daughters, Madison, 13, and Sydney, 9. The family resides in Oakland.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
Friday, August 12, 2011
66th Farm Queen To Be Crowned At Fair This Sunday
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Aug. 11, 2011
The 66th Garrett County Farm Queen will be crowned this Sunday, Aug. 14, at 8 p.m. in the new exhibit hall at the fairgrounds in McHenry. The event is part of the 55th annual Garrett County Agriculture Fair, set for Saturday Aug. 13, through Saturday, Aug. 20.
Those vying for the Farm Queen crown are Katelyn Gnegy and Annie Graham. Along with her parents, Daniel and Mary Gnegy, Katelyn lives on the 209-acre family farm in the Oakland area.
Katelyn is an active member of both 4-H and FFA, having taken a variety of projects and held a number of leadership roles throughout the years. She has been an active exhibitor at the Garrett County Fair during her 4-H and FFA years, exhibiting market livestock, produce, clothing, and crafts, and participating in engineering competitions.
Katelyn is also an active volunteer with several community organizations and has earned the Presidential Community Service Award for the past eight years. She also earned her Diamond Clover Award.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, horseback riding, and hanging out with friends.
Katelyn is a 2011 graduate of Southern High School and plans to begin her college studies at Garrett College this fall in hopes of fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a large animal veterinarian.
More here.
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
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Primary may determine Garrett commission race
School closures, wind power issues in District 2
Megan Miller
Cumberland Times-News
— OAKLAND — Garrett County residents probably won’t have to wait for November to find out the identity of one of their county commissioners for the next 4-year term.
The race for the District 2 seat on the commission could be decided in the Sept. 14 primary election, with just two Republican candidates vying for the spot.
Jim Raley, now in his fourth consecutive term on the county Board of Education, is running for the seat against incumbent 12-year veteran Fred Holliday.
Since there is no Democratic candidate, the Democratic Central Committee has the option to nominate one after the primary to put on the general election ballot. The committee would have to do so by Oct. 4.
Raley has campaigned for several months from his spot on the Board of Education, taking a strong position against the possibility of closing some county elementary schools. He has repeatedly questioned the school system’s spending priorities in its own budget, and also called on the county government to help the school system make up its budget shortfall.
“If the county is not willing to help make up some of that, the school system is going to be in dire straits and have to make drastic decisions,” he said.
Holliday argued that the county has been “very fair” with its funding of the school system, and said all agencies are dealing with tight budgets in the current economic climate.
“In the past 10 years we have more than doubled our appropriation to the school board, even though they had a declining student population,” he said. “We still have exceeded the maintenance of effort every year, and some years we went considerably overboard on it.”
On another major issue, the development of two wind power facilities atop Backbone Mountain, Holliday has been a supporter, while Raley is skeptical of claims that the wind industry will significantly benefit the county.
“I think that wind power is a quick fix to some budget concerns,” Raley said, acknowledging that the county receives some economic benefit in the form of short-term construction jobs, a small number of permanent jobs and tax income.
But he said there are also problems with the economics of wind energy. Projects, he said, are heavily subsidized by government dollars, and turbine components and other parts of wind power facilties are often manufactured and imported from outside the U.S.
“I’m not a big fan of these partnerships where public dollars are used to fund these types of projects,” he said. “While we have some short-term economic benefit, I don't think we'll see a longterm economic benefit.”
Holliday, who has been a commissioner throughout the early phases of both projects’ development, said he doesn’t want to see turbines on every ridge top. But he defended the wind facilities as a way to produce cleaner energy and supplement the county budget through taxes on the facilities.
He pointed out that the projects have already brought some peripheral benefit to county businesses, with employees patronizing restaurants, grocery stores and hotels, and the companies purchasing several trucks at local automobile dealerships.
Holliday said he was surprised that some people opposed the wind projects, because “green energy is what we need to look to.”
“When they’re completed there will be six to eight good-paying jobs,” he said. “And we’ll have energy.”
Megan Miller
Cumberland Times-News
— OAKLAND — Garrett County residents probably won’t have to wait for November to find out the identity of one of their county commissioners for the next 4-year term.
The race for the District 2 seat on the commission could be decided in the Sept. 14 primary election, with just two Republican candidates vying for the spot.
Jim Raley, now in his fourth consecutive term on the county Board of Education, is running for the seat against incumbent 12-year veteran Fred Holliday.
Since there is no Democratic candidate, the Democratic Central Committee has the option to nominate one after the primary to put on the general election ballot. The committee would have to do so by Oct. 4.
Raley has campaigned for several months from his spot on the Board of Education, taking a strong position against the possibility of closing some county elementary schools. He has repeatedly questioned the school system’s spending priorities in its own budget, and also called on the county government to help the school system make up its budget shortfall.
“If the county is not willing to help make up some of that, the school system is going to be in dire straits and have to make drastic decisions,” he said.
Holliday argued that the county has been “very fair” with its funding of the school system, and said all agencies are dealing with tight budgets in the current economic climate.
“In the past 10 years we have more than doubled our appropriation to the school board, even though they had a declining student population,” he said. “We still have exceeded the maintenance of effort every year, and some years we went considerably overboard on it.”
On another major issue, the development of two wind power facilities atop Backbone Mountain, Holliday has been a supporter, while Raley is skeptical of claims that the wind industry will significantly benefit the county.
“I think that wind power is a quick fix to some budget concerns,” Raley said, acknowledging that the county receives some economic benefit in the form of short-term construction jobs, a small number of permanent jobs and tax income.
But he said there are also problems with the economics of wind energy. Projects, he said, are heavily subsidized by government dollars, and turbine components and other parts of wind power facilties are often manufactured and imported from outside the U.S.
“I’m not a big fan of these partnerships where public dollars are used to fund these types of projects,” he said. “While we have some short-term economic benefit, I don't think we'll see a longterm economic benefit.”
Holliday, who has been a commissioner throughout the early phases of both projects’ development, said he doesn’t want to see turbines on every ridge top. But he defended the wind facilities as a way to produce cleaner energy and supplement the county budget through taxes on the facilities.
He pointed out that the projects have already brought some peripheral benefit to county businesses, with employees patronizing restaurants, grocery stores and hotels, and the companies purchasing several trucks at local automobile dealerships.
Holliday said he was surprised that some people opposed the wind projects, because “green energy is what we need to look to.”
“When they’re completed there will be six to eight good-paying jobs,” he said. “And we’ll have energy.”
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Residents Once Again To Weigh In, With Votes, On Sunday Sales
courtesy Republican News
Oct. 30, 2008
by Megan Lahman
With Sunday sales of alcohol being on the ballot in Garrett County for the first time since 1998, the issues of morals, personal rights, and business are at the forefront.
On November 4, voters throughout the county will decide whether or not to allow restaurants and bars in their voting districts to sell alcohol with a meal. Exceptions for this vote are the voting districts of Avilton and Elbow, which have had Sunday sales for the last 10 years.
"There is no law that says you can't drink on Sundays," said Charlie Neely, senior manager of the Black Bear Tavern in McHenry, who has been in the restaurant business for 10 years.
Originally from Annapolis, Neely was quite surprised at first by the absence of alcohol sales in restaurants on Sundays. From working at other restaurants in the area, he has his fair share of stories concerning the issue. "I’ve lost business because of no Sunday sales. People would just get up and leave, all because they couldn't have a glass of wine with dinner," he said.
Currently, the Black Bear isn't open on Sundays because it wouldn’t be profitable for them to just serve food. "I’m all for Sunday sales. I feel people would stay longer in the area if they could have a beer with their food while watching the big Sunday football game or NASCAR race," said Neely.
At Uno's in Deep Creek Lake, manager Jamie Durst said that the majority of negative feedback received about the lack of Sunday sales has come from tourists, especially those who are hoping to have a beer with pizza while watching a football game. While the restaurant is opened on Sundays, the revenues made can't compare to other days, he said.
"During the summer, the restaurant along with the Honi Honi Bar generates an average of $5,000 to $6,000 a day in alcohol sales. There have been times where we’ve been just as busy on Sundays as Saturdays in terms of food sales, but the numbers for Sundays will show that we made less than Saturdays," said Durst.
As for why there are sometimes higher food sales on Sundays, Joe Brag, another manager at Uno's, said that not having the sale of alcohol doesn't detract from business. "People are going to eat regardless," he said.
In terms of the county’s economy, Jim Hinebaugh, director of the county's Department of Economic Development, said that despite no actual economic studies conducted, there is merit and value to having Sunday sales.
President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Charlie Ross said that Sunday sales won't change the economy or society much.
"Most restaurants will admit that their sales come from alcohol more than food, they also know that the county already has a secure economy for tourism. At the same time, this is a matter of personal choice," said Ross, who believes that Garrett County will remain a safe, moral place for families regardless of voting results.
Bobbie Watson, a waitress at Uno’s, believes that the citizens' wishes should come before business. "I like the law, honestly. We do so much business without selling alcohol on Sundays. It's not worth selling on Sundays because it's what the local people want. Why make them upset?" she said.
Oakland native Thomas Doyle is opposed to the idea of Sunday sales. For the last few weeks in this newspaper, he has placed ads that feature claims about drunk driving and alcohol related deaths.
"This has nothing to do with religion, but with public safety and health. I want Garrett County to remain safe for families," said Doyle.
Garrett County Public Health Officer Rodney Glotfelty said that it doesn’t matter what day people drink, but how they do it.
"There are public health impacts with drinking. It may lessen the impact by having no Sunday sales in restaurants, but it won’t make a major difference. People can still drink at home. No matter what day it is, the key is not drinking to excess, and to not drive after having a drink," said Glotfelty.
Pastor Phillip Matthews of the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in McHenry was unaware of the ballot measure until Doyle contacted him a month ago. Matthews' objection to Sunday sales is faith-based.
"Out of respect for the Lord, the county should strive to keep the one dry day as a dry day," said Matthews.
Along with the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, which funded its own newspaper ad, other area churches have joined the cause against Sunday sales. Across the street from Uno's is the Deep Creek Baptist Church, which has a sign in the yard making its position known. The sign reads, "Keep Our Sundays Alcohol Free."
Black Bear Tavern patrons Pat Becker and Terri Hopler, both of Baltimore, questioned the religious influences behind the lack of Sunday sales.
"I get wine at church, so why can’t I get it when I go to Sunday brunch?" said Becker.
"We come up a couple of times a year, but we’d be here more if they would allow Sunday sales," added Hopler, whose husband is a pastor.
When asked about any resentment locals might have towards the successful tourism industry at Deep Creek Lake, Pastor Matthews said, "The most upsetting thing for locals that I’ve seen is the expectation that is placed upon them (from tourists) that they have to cater to the tourists' lifestyles."
Owner of the Long Branch Saloon and Steakhouse in Mountain Lake Park, Rebecca Williams agrees with Matthews about the feelings about Deep Creek Lake, but she disagrees with him on the issue.
"I've been in the bar and restaurant business for 30 years. There is a local resentment towards the lake, but it would be nice to see sales get approved," she said. Williams' restaurant and bar are also closed on Sundays because of not being allowed to serve alcohol.
Donna Beckman, a local patron at the saloon, said that the citizens against Sunday sales won’t buy alcohol no matter what the law is.
"I, too, am a Christian, but I believe in personal freedom," said Beckman. "If you don't like it, then don’t buy it."
Megan Lahman is a senior journalism major at the University of Maryland.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Oct. 30, 2008
by Megan Lahman
With Sunday sales of alcohol being on the ballot in Garrett County for the first time since 1998, the issues of morals, personal rights, and business are at the forefront.
On November 4, voters throughout the county will decide whether or not to allow restaurants and bars in their voting districts to sell alcohol with a meal. Exceptions for this vote are the voting districts of Avilton and Elbow, which have had Sunday sales for the last 10 years.
"There is no law that says you can't drink on Sundays," said Charlie Neely, senior manager of the Black Bear Tavern in McHenry, who has been in the restaurant business for 10 years.
Originally from Annapolis, Neely was quite surprised at first by the absence of alcohol sales in restaurants on Sundays. From working at other restaurants in the area, he has his fair share of stories concerning the issue. "I’ve lost business because of no Sunday sales. People would just get up and leave, all because they couldn't have a glass of wine with dinner," he said.
Currently, the Black Bear isn't open on Sundays because it wouldn’t be profitable for them to just serve food. "I’m all for Sunday sales. I feel people would stay longer in the area if they could have a beer with their food while watching the big Sunday football game or NASCAR race," said Neely.
At Uno's in Deep Creek Lake, manager Jamie Durst said that the majority of negative feedback received about the lack of Sunday sales has come from tourists, especially those who are hoping to have a beer with pizza while watching a football game. While the restaurant is opened on Sundays, the revenues made can't compare to other days, he said.
"During the summer, the restaurant along with the Honi Honi Bar generates an average of $5,000 to $6,000 a day in alcohol sales. There have been times where we’ve been just as busy on Sundays as Saturdays in terms of food sales, but the numbers for Sundays will show that we made less than Saturdays," said Durst.
As for why there are sometimes higher food sales on Sundays, Joe Brag, another manager at Uno's, said that not having the sale of alcohol doesn't detract from business. "People are going to eat regardless," he said.
In terms of the county’s economy, Jim Hinebaugh, director of the county's Department of Economic Development, said that despite no actual economic studies conducted, there is merit and value to having Sunday sales.
President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Charlie Ross said that Sunday sales won't change the economy or society much.
"Most restaurants will admit that their sales come from alcohol more than food, they also know that the county already has a secure economy for tourism. At the same time, this is a matter of personal choice," said Ross, who believes that Garrett County will remain a safe, moral place for families regardless of voting results.
Bobbie Watson, a waitress at Uno’s, believes that the citizens' wishes should come before business. "I like the law, honestly. We do so much business without selling alcohol on Sundays. It's not worth selling on Sundays because it's what the local people want. Why make them upset?" she said.
Oakland native Thomas Doyle is opposed to the idea of Sunday sales. For the last few weeks in this newspaper, he has placed ads that feature claims about drunk driving and alcohol related deaths.
"This has nothing to do with religion, but with public safety and health. I want Garrett County to remain safe for families," said Doyle.
Garrett County Public Health Officer Rodney Glotfelty said that it doesn’t matter what day people drink, but how they do it.
"There are public health impacts with drinking. It may lessen the impact by having no Sunday sales in restaurants, but it won’t make a major difference. People can still drink at home. No matter what day it is, the key is not drinking to excess, and to not drive after having a drink," said Glotfelty.
Pastor Phillip Matthews of the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in McHenry was unaware of the ballot measure until Doyle contacted him a month ago. Matthews' objection to Sunday sales is faith-based.
"Out of respect for the Lord, the county should strive to keep the one dry day as a dry day," said Matthews.
Along with the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, which funded its own newspaper ad, other area churches have joined the cause against Sunday sales. Across the street from Uno's is the Deep Creek Baptist Church, which has a sign in the yard making its position known. The sign reads, "Keep Our Sundays Alcohol Free."
Black Bear Tavern patrons Pat Becker and Terri Hopler, both of Baltimore, questioned the religious influences behind the lack of Sunday sales.
"I get wine at church, so why can’t I get it when I go to Sunday brunch?" said Becker.
"We come up a couple of times a year, but we’d be here more if they would allow Sunday sales," added Hopler, whose husband is a pastor.
When asked about any resentment locals might have towards the successful tourism industry at Deep Creek Lake, Pastor Matthews said, "The most upsetting thing for locals that I’ve seen is the expectation that is placed upon them (from tourists) that they have to cater to the tourists' lifestyles."
Owner of the Long Branch Saloon and Steakhouse in Mountain Lake Park, Rebecca Williams agrees with Matthews about the feelings about Deep Creek Lake, but she disagrees with him on the issue.
"I've been in the bar and restaurant business for 30 years. There is a local resentment towards the lake, but it would be nice to see sales get approved," she said. Williams' restaurant and bar are also closed on Sundays because of not being allowed to serve alcohol.
Donna Beckman, a local patron at the saloon, said that the citizens against Sunday sales won’t buy alcohol no matter what the law is.
"I, too, am a Christian, but I believe in personal freedom," said Beckman. "If you don't like it, then don’t buy it."
Megan Lahman is a senior journalism major at the University of Maryland.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Howard County Healthiest, Baltimore City Least Healthy, Garrett Near Middle
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Howard County Healthiest, Baltimore City Least Healthy, Garrett Near Middle
Feb. 18, 2010
Howard County has the healthiest residents in Maryland and Baltimore City has the least healthy in the state, according to a new report released Tuesday by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The project is the first of its kind to rank the overall health of the counties in all 50 states – more than 3,000 total – by using a standard formula to measure how healthy people are and how long they live.
Garrett County's residents fall near the middle of the list of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City, ranking 14th in health outcomes and 13th in health factors.
Maryland's 10 healthiest counties, starting with most healthy, are Howard, Montgomery, Frederick, Queen Anne’s, Carroll, Talbot, Calvert, St. Mary's, Harford, and Worcester. The 10 counties/city in the poorest health, starting with least healthy, are Baltimore City, Somerset, Dorchester, Allegany, Caroline, Wicomico, Cecil, Prince George's, Kent, and Baltimore.
The healthiest of Maryland's 24 counties are clustered in the north-central region of the state; the least healthy are sprinkled primarily in the southeast and northwest regions of the state.
"This report shows us that there are big differences in overall health across Maryland's counties, because of many factors, ranging from individual behavior to quality of health care, to education and jobs, to access to healthy foods, and to quality of the air," said Patrick Remington, M.D., associate dean for public health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. "For the first time, every person can compare the overall health of his or her county to the health of other counties in Maryland, and also see where the state needs to improve."
The online report, available at www.countyhealth-rankings.org, includes a snapshot of each county in Maryland, with a color-coded map comparing each county's overall health ranking. Researchers used five measures to assess the level of overall health or "health outcomes" for Maryland by county: the rate of people dying before age 75, the percent of people who report being in fair or poor health, the number of days people report being in poor physical and poor mental health, and the rate of low-birthweight infants.
The report then looks at factors that affect people's health within four categories: health behavior, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. Among the many health factors they looked at were: rates of adult smoking, adult obesity, binge drinking, teenage pregnancy, number of uninsured adults, availability of primary care providers, preventable hospital stays, rates of high school graduation, number of children in poverty, homicide rates, access to healthy foods, air pollution levels, and liquor store density.
Garrett County's best ranking – 6th – was in physical environment. The county ranked 8th in health behaviors, 14th in social and economic factors, and 19th in clinical care.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Saturday, May 29, 2010
GC Commissioners Review Short List Of Proposed Road Projects
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Garrett County Roads Department personnel met with the county commissioners on Tuesday and reviewed their bridge, roadwork, and paving projects scheduled for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2010 and upcoming FY 2011. Because of economic conditions, however, that "to-do" list is short.
Swallow Falls Road Bridge
General roads superintendent Jay Moyer said the bid advertisement for construction of a new Swallow Falls Road bridge has been delayed until next year. In the meantime, there is a weight restriction on the bridge, which is located near Swallow Falls State Park.
When construction does begin on the new bridge, a temporary one-lane structure with no weight restriction will be placed over the Youghiogheny River. Moyer said it was important to keep the roadway open because of the park and a nearby business that relies on tourism.
"The estimated cost of that bridge is going to be in the neighborhood of $3.5 million, of which 80 percent will be federally funded with the county share being 20 percent, or roughly $720,000," Moyer said.
Glendale Road Intersection
Moyer said the State Highway Administration (SHA) has approved the design contract for the Glendale Road Intersection Improvement Project.
"[But] SHA still has a problem with the estimated cost of that project," the superintendent said. "And we're going to be looking at ways to lessen the financial impact of that project on the county."
Moyer said the cost will be well over $1 million, with approximately $742,000 available in grants. The county's responsibility will be roughly $258,000.
He added that actual construction on the project will not begin until next year.
Exhibit Hall
If approved by the Garrett County Fair Board, improvements related to the exhibit hall will begin soon at the fairgrounds, Moyer indicated. County engineer Dwight Emory has proposed a schedule of what needs to happen, how it needs to happen, and how long it should take, the superintendent noted.
That work includes a new acceleration/decelera-tion lane, new entrance, a new roadway, two parking areas, and a stormwater system.
The estimate cost is $1 million. A $300,000 USDA grant is available, Moyer said, and the county is responsible for the remainder of the cost. He noted that as much "in house" work as possible will be done in order to get the cost down to the county's budgeted amount.
Bridge G-84
Moyer also reported that replacement of Bridge G-84, located over Mill Run on Chet Kelly Road, has been delayed. The superintendent explained that based on an inspector's report, the Roads Department was going to use a prefabricated bridge that it already has on hand to replace the current structure.
But when Moyer's staff measured the site in preparation for the replacement, they discovered that the inspector's numbers were off by two feet. As a result, a new bridge has to be purchased. The estimated project limit is $50,000 in county funds.
Savage River Road
Moyer said road repairs, including a tar and chip overlay, will be completed on Savage River Road during the 2010 construction season. Estimated at $30,000, the project will be funded by the county.
"That road is open; it's usable," Moyers said. "It just has a section that no longer has tar and chip; it's been washed out."
The superintendent noted, as temporary measures, a Grantsville garage crew has put crusher run gravel down and done work to prevent the river from coming onto the road.
ARRA Stimulus Project
Moyer said the resurfacing of Chestnut Ridge and New Germany roads is expected to proceed the first week of June.
The commissioners awarded the project to Keystone Lime, which submitted a bid of $1,068,236.60. Purchasing agent Brian Bowers noted that the bid was $248,958.75, or 18.9 percent, below the engineer's estimate.
Funding for this project is through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in the amount of $1,204,000. Driveway "tie-in" work and costs, however, will be the county's responsibility.
Keystone has 30 working days to complete the project.
In addition to the major projects list, Moyer presented the commissioners with his four-year improvement plan for various other county roadways.
"This is an ever-evolving document," Moyer stressed. "As of our staff meeting Monday morning, we've already made changes to it."
Moyer told the commissioners he would just have to update the commissioners on plan changes, based on funding availability and road conditions.
"We're going to have to be very conscientious of where we put asphalt," the superintendent said. "We're definitely going to try to do any road that we feel is likely to fail in the next year."
He asked the commissioners to once again consider "banking" half of the paving money for winter operations. Moyer said, hopefully, that money will "still be there" in the spring to use for paving projects.
The commissioners earmarked some of the county's paving money for this past winter's operations. This was very beneficial to the Roads Department, as the local area received a record amount of snow, more than 260 inches, this past season.
The commissioners' next scheduled public meeting is Tuesday, June 1, beginning at 11 a.m. at the courthouse in Oakland.
Read the article here.
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