The Deep Creek Blog

Fishing License Increase

The DNR announced last week that the price of a fishing license is going up, effective July 1, 2007

Meyersdale Train Station

I found this article today in Somerset's Daily American.  The Meyersdale Train Station's new exhibit is set to open Memorial Day weekend. 

An easy day trip, this looks pretty interesting and worth checking out.

Go Fly A Kite

Celebrate National Kite Month by making your own kite and flying it at New Germany State Park on Sunday April 29th from 1-3. Kids of all ages are welcome to make a kite and try it out. Materials will be provided. A $3.00 donation is requested to help defray the cost of materials. Please call to register, 301-895-5453. There will be no service charge for park admission. 

Spring Flower Show

The Spring Flower Show starts at The Gallery of The Garrett County Arts Council on Monday. The exhibit, running April 30 through June 2, will consist of flower paintings and photography by various local artists. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. The Gallery is located in Oakland at 206 E. Alder Street. Additional information is available by calling 301-334-6580.

Celebrate with the Shoppe at Heritage Square

Mark your calendar for the 3^rd Anniversary of the Shoppe at Heritage Square on Saturday May 5th from 10 am until 4 pm. The Shoppe, located in the 1884 B&O Train Station in Oakland, will celebrate with music, food, crafts, games, re-enactors, vendors and a model railroad.

The Shoppe carries different products from local artists and vendors and some of these folks will be on hand with their products. I spoke with Dotty Waligorski, Shoppe Manager, last weekend and she is very excited at all the effort going into the event this year. Also, she is still accepting vendors that would like to participate. For more information, call 301-334-1243. 

 

The Crucible at Our Town Theatre

Don't forget, Our Town Theatre is presenting The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, this week.  This drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in Old Salem won the Tony Award in 1953 for Best Play.   Call 301-334-5640 or visit www.ourtowntheatre.org for more information

Ramp Cook Off Set at Park

 

The Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake will be hosting a Ramp Cook off in celebration of the rich folk life of Garrett County.  Ramp gathering, preserving and eating has long been an eagerly awaited sign of spring in Appalachia.  Join in on this rich tradition and experience ramps first hand at the annual Ramp Cook Off and Tasting.

Ramps, a long awaited sign of spring, are very much a part of the local folklore.  The late wild foods promoter, Euell Gibbons considered ramps “the sweetest and the best of the wild onions.”  They are high in Vitamins C and A, and are full of healthy minerals.  They have the cholesterol-reducing capacity of garlic. Folk medicine claims that ramps keep away colds and flu.  Many love the flavorful wild food, but it is distinguished by its strong garlic and onion odor – which is quite persistent.

The event will be held at The Discovery Center on Saturday April 28^th 2007 from 11-2pm.  Judging will take place at 11am and tasting by the public will begin by 12pm.  A panel of three judges will determine the winner based on creativity, ramp flavor and presentation. There will be interpretive events on site, tasting, live music and fun for the whole family.

Pre-registration for the event is required if you would like to enter the cook off.  Electricity will be available if needed. Registration must be received no later than April 28^th.   Space is limited so call the Discovery Center at 301-387-7067 for more information and your registration packet.   

Another Picture from Hickory Ridge

I think this one, also taken Thursday, would make a good painting.  I'll have to pass it along to Bob.

Horses on Hickory Ridge

I came across this scene of horses up along Hickory Ridge Lane late Thursday.  The picture was taken just as the nice weather was moving into the area.   It attests to the limitless beauty that one can find in Garrett County. 

Local Author Named As Finalist for 2007 Bronte Prize

Local author Roger Skipper's Tear Down the Mountain was recently named a 2007 Bronte Prize Finalist.   The Bronte Prize honors the English writer Charlotte Brontë. 

Published in 1847 by London’s Smith, Elder & Company, her novel Jane Eyre is not only one of the most famous English novels ever written but also largely regarded as the first viable work of “romantic fiction.”(Not to be confused with “romance novels,” “romantica,” or “erotic fiction.”)

I haven't the work yet, but as Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books, I am plan on picking up Skipper's book.

A New Piece of Art for Summer

Thinking ahead to warmer days, here's a new painting from Bob Yonke at Appalachian Studio, entitled Five O' Clock Somewhere...
Folks over on Turkey Neck might recognize this scene.   This print and others featuring wonderful Garrett County scenes can be purchased on line at Appalachian Studio's website.

Walk for Hospice Coming Up

The twelfth annual Walk for Hospice will be held Saturday April 28th, 2007 at the Garrett 8 Cinemas, Deep Creek Lake.   Registration will begin at 9:00 am.  The Walk will start at 10:00 am.   

 This year the Hospice will have prizes for the top three teams and the top three individuals. A team is two to four members. Prizes are awarded by those who bring in the most money the day of the Walk. Top team prizes are a trip to Nashville, including flight and room, a Las Vegas package, including flight and room and a limo trip (donated by 301-501-LIMO) to UNO’s for dinner (donated by UNO’s) for the team members. Individual prizes are awarded as the most money raised and turned in by the three top individual walkers the day of the Walk. Top team and individual walker gets first pick of prizes, second gets second choice, and third gets remaining prize. The prizes are a $1,000.00 gift certificate to Wal-Mart, Flat Screen TV and a Digital Camera. They will be giving out many door prizes for all participants who participate in the walk. The Mt. Top Cruisers Car Club will have a Cruise-In. Music by Sounds Fun Entertainment, Jonny Rock beginning at 9:00 am.  Everyone will receive a Hospice cooler beach bag, a Taco Bell coupon and a bottle  of water.   

“We are looking forward to a large turn out”, said Brenda Butscher, Hospice executive director. “We have appreciated the support we have received in the past. The monies raised will be used to buy medications for our terminally ill patients in Garrett County."

Mothers Day Crafts for the Kids

Don't tell mom, but the kids are making crafts on Saturday for Mother's Day over at The Shoppe at Heritage Square.

Archery in the Potomac Forest

Did you know that the Potomac State Forest offers a 3-D Archery Range that is open to the public?  The range opened April 1st and is open daily from sunrise to one hour before sunset until October 8th.  The Potomac Forest is located between the towns of Oakland and Westernport and partially borders the Potomac River.  It can be reached from Maryland Routes 135 and 560.

The range offers shoots at thirty McKenzie Targets.  3-D was described to me by Jason Savage from the park as a form of target shooting where the targets are life size representations of animals with scoring rings on them.  Archers shoot from different yardage on every target, based upon their skill level.  It is a good way for hunters to practice their skills.  Beginners can shoot from any distance they are comfortable with and work up to more difficult shots.  There are set distances for league shooters and tournaments depending on level and the type of equipment the archer is using.   

 Cost is $5.00 a round, but children 11 and under shoot for free and must be accompanied by an adult.  Participants need to bring their own bows and arrows, and binoculars are helpful to see the scoring rings.

Following is a list of upcoming events and dates at the range:

• League starts April 16 (Registration is free, registration form are available at the range, must shoot 8 times to qualify)

• League ends July 9 (league may run a week or two longer depending upon the weather)

• Summer Tournament  July 29

• Hunter Special Shoot  September 9

Questions can be directed to Jason Savage from the Park via email at jsavage@dnr.state.md.us or by phone at (301) 334-2038.

 

 

Garrett Community Band

The Garrett Community Concert Band will present Broadway Journey (Music from the Great White Way) on Friday May 4th at the Wisp Resort.   The Doors open at 7:00 and the concert starts at 8:00 pm.   Seating will be an informal cabaret style at tables of eight.  There will be light food served.   DC's Bar & Restaurant opens at 6:00 pm for heavier fare.   Tickets can be bought at the door.  There is no reserved seating.  Adults are $8.00, students are $2.00 and children under 6 are free.

The band, directed by Gerald McGee, is a volunteer group made up of folks from all walks of life.  These businessmen, teachers, homemakers and others share the love of playing music and enjoy providing the entertainment for the community.