The Deep Creek Blog

New Lake Photos

Here are some photos taken recently of the frozen lake and some fishermen around Turkey Neck. 

Garrett County Excursion in "Urbanite" Magazine

Greg Hanscom writes about a recent family adventure to Garrett County in "West Side Story". 

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Discovery Center Schedule Updated

The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center schedule is now updated through February.  Join the staff in 2009 as they celebrate their 10th year open to the public and the 50th year as a State Park.  __________________________________________________________________________________________

Public Safety Warning for Deep Creek Lake

The Maryland Park Service advises individuals recreating on Deep Creek Lake to be alert for safety hazards on the lake, particularly at night.

“Snowmobilers, ice fishermen, hikers and cross-country skiers traveling on the lake should exercise caution,” urged Mark Spurrier, Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area Assistant Manager. “Wearing a personal flotation device could prevent a tragedy. If you encounter people, pets or wildlife that have fallen through the ice, call either 911 or the Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-628-9944 for assistance.”

Road salt and abrasives plowed from highway bridges may affect the quality of the ice underneath and unseen snowdrifts can act as ramps and cause sleds and snowmobiles to become airborne leading to a loss of control and accidents. Recent weather patterns have also lead to inconsistent ice depths and cracking in some shallow coves.

Deep Creek Lake is a part of the designated ORV trail system permitting use by registered snowmobiles only. Permits are available by mail or at any of the local state park offices during normal business hours. Snowmobiles may operate at night if equipped with working head and taillights. Access to the lake may be made at Deep Creek Lake State Park or with permission from a private landowner adjacent to the lake.

For further information on ice conditions at Deep Creek Lake, individuals should contact 301-387-5563 during business days or the Discovery Center at 301-387-7067 on weekends.

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Johnny's Baithouse Memorabilia up for Auction

The world's largest fishing bobber and the World's Longest Rod, collectibles that used to hang in Johnny's Baithouse, are up for auction on February 7th at Gateway Gallery in Chambersburg.  It's a live auction, but online absentee bidding will also take place.   How cool would it be to have these hanging in your lake house?  Read more in Public Opinion Online.   Photo courtesy of Gateway Gallery. 

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A New Deep Creek Blog Contest

It's time for another contest on The Deep Creek Blog!

To participate, simply be a fan of The Deep Creek Blog page on Facebook or subscribe to The Deep Creek Blog's Feedblitz email notifications.  The Feedblitz subscribe box is found at the top of the left sidebar on The Deep Creek Blog (above "Subscribe me!).  Facebook members can sign up as "fans" directly on The Deep Creek Blog page.     All subscribers and fans as of 9pm EST on February 9th will be entered into the random drawing to win a signed 11"x14"  "Old McHenry" print by Robert Yonke.

Current Feedblitz subscribers and "Fans" are automatically enrolled in the contest as long as they remain in one of these applications by the deadline date.  Subscribe to both and get a double shot at winning.  There is no charge to enroll for either service. 

The winner will be contacted and asked to provide shipping information upon winning.  If you have any questions about how to sign up for either service, please contact info@deepcreekblog.com.

This contest is open to residents within the continental United States only due to shipping constraints. 

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Garrett Chamber Organizes Allegheny Power Presentation

To assist the local business community, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce organized a free presentation by a Business Account Specialist team from Allegheny Power on Wednesday, February 11 in the Garrett County Continuing Education Building in Room 207 at 5:30 pm.

This free seminar will provide local businesses with information on how to choose an electricity supplier, including how to shop for a supplier, consumer options, and Allegheny Power’s role in providing service. The Business Account Specialist team will also answer questions about the selection process.

As a result of electric deregulation for business accounts three years ago, the market for the supply of power has gotten very competitive.  Local businesses are now receiving solicitations from energy providers through telemarketing and the mail.  Trying to sort through the offers and make the best choice can be overwhelming and this presentation will help businesses learn more about their options. 

The presentation is open to any Maryland Business customer in the Allegheny Power service area.  To register, contact the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce at 301.387.4386 or email karen@garrettchamber.com by no later than February 6th.

If you are registered by Feb. 4th , a detailed analysis for your individual business can be prepared if the Allegheny Power account number is provided. This detailed analysis will help guide you through the details of choosing an electricity supplier or broker to work with in purchasing power. “Each business’s electric needs are different and at this meeting you will get the facts necessary for you to make the decision that is right for your business,” stated Karen Reckner, Chamber Director of Business Services.

 

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I Wondered Why She Didn't Get on the Plane

If you watched the Bush family departing D.C. on Special Air Mission 28000 last week, you might have noticed that Jenna Bush and her husband did not get on the plane with the rest of the family.  The thought actually did cross my mind...hmm I wonder where they are headed?  And now I know, thanks to Jodi Taylor Refosco over at Taylor Made Vacations. _________________________________________________________________________________________

Second Annual CBIZ Classic at Wisp

This Sunday, February 1, 2009 marks the Second Annual CBIZ Classic USSA Slalom Race presented by the Deep Creek Winter Sports Team.    Ski Racers from the Wisp Resort, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Blue Knob will compete on the Squirrel Cage Slope in two runs of slalom.  Most of the season’s races have been held at Seven Springs, so the hometown advantage will now be given to the members of the Deep Creek Winter Sports Team as they try to make it to the Derby’s or the finals.

 

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Wisp Trip Report from DCSki

Here's another great Firsthand Report on Wisp from DCSki columnist James Chen. 

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Accident Residents Compete in Area Dogsled Race

Two Accident residents will compete in area dogsled race and "dogsled drag races" on Saturday, Jan 31st.
 
Shaina (Custer) Saturday, 21, and Linda Herdering (51), both of Accident, have each been accepted to race dogsled teams in the fourth annual Pennsylvania Dogsled Races held at the Links Golf Course, Nemacolin Resort, at 11:00 am that Saturday.  Shaina will race a three-dog, purebred Siberian Husky team with "Jag" as her  leader with "Colt" and "Indy" as wheel dogs.  Linda will race in the four-dog class with Huskies "Gunny" and "Charger" at lead, along with "Oreo" and "Buzz" at wheel position.  They will both use a white ash six-foot dogsled made by Maine Made Sleds -- made in, where else, Maine. 
 
Shaina Saturday has five years experience mushing dogs at Husky Power Dogsledding tours in Accident.  She raced once before at Fairhill State Park where she won her six-dog purebred class.  She presently works at My Bank First United in McHenry and volunteers as an EMS Officer and firefighter for the Accident station.  Linda Herdering has been mushing for over 25 years and owns Husky Power Dogsledding with her husband Mike and 20 Huskies. 
 
The two-mile race course in directly on the golf course grass which will hopefully be covered in  lots of snow.  Most of the race can be seen from the Links Golf Course parking lot where over 20 teams will participate.  Following the regular dogsled race will be "Dogsled Drag Races" at 9:00 pm.  The drag races will feature three-dog teams running side-by-side on a short flat course.  The winners will continue to "drag" each other until a final champion is found.  Drag races will be held under the lights at the ski area.  An awards ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning.  All are welcome to watch both races and cheer them on!

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Backbone Mountain Review and Reception

A reading and reception for the “2009 Backbone Mountain Review” literary journal will be held at the Avilton Inn in Garrett County (just off I-68 at the New Germany State Park exit) on February 1 at 2:00 pm. Sponsored by the Allegany Arts Council, the Garrett County Arts Council and the Frostburg Center for Creative Writing, the “2009 Backbone Mountain Review” is an annual publication that features poetry and fiction by area writers. The reading and reception at the Avilton Inn is free and open to the public.

Copies of the “2009 Backbone Mountain Review” will available at no cost (while supplies last) from the Allegany Arts Council, located at 9 N. Centre Street in Downtown Cumberland's Arts & Entertainment District. This year’s sponsors are The Community Trust Foundation (Halmos Arts Fund), First United Bank & Trust, and an anonymous donor. For questions or driving directions, please call 301-777-ARTS (2787).

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Silver Linings

Earlier this week I posted a link to "Economy Not Affecting Local Ski Resorts".  With this article from MSNBC, it appears that the economy may be affecting local ski resorts in a positive way as people change the way they vacation. 

Taking this into consideration with a report putting Baltimore, D.C. and Pittsburgh in the category of "Top 10 Cities Where Employers are Hiring", it's hopeful that Garrett County could weather the economic turbulence better than some other areas of the country. 

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Cross Country Ski Day with High Mountain Sports and Ridgeview Valley

High Mountain Sports and Ridgeview Valley are teaming up for a Cross Country Ski Day this Saturday, January 24 from 11 am to 3 pm.  High Mountain Sports will be providing a limited supply of free cross country rentals and Ridgeview Valley will be providing miles of “groomed” trails for cross country skiing.   Bring your own cross country skis or use ours.  Ridgeview Valley is located at 912 Gravelly Run Road in McHenry.  For details check www.highmountainsports.com or blog.ridgeviewvalley.com.

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FSU Cultural Events Series Spring Season

The spring season of Frostburg State University’s Cultural Events Series brings Dr. Seuss, King Henry V and some of the finest jazz musicians to Western Maryland and the tri-state region.

The tri-state region will have the chance to enjoy a longtime Broadway favorite when the CES Main Stage Series presents “Bye Bye Birdie” The Musical Preview Friday, Jan. 23, and Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Drama Theatre in the FSU Performing Arts Center. The Friday and Saturday evening shows begin at 8 p.m. and the Saturday matinee starts at 3 p.m. “Bye Bye Birdie” brings the musical story of teen idol Conrad Birdie and the effects of his visit to a small town in Ohio to life. There’s plenty of nostalgia in this delightful musical set in the 1950s, when rock ‘n’ roll, angora sweaters and “The Ed Sullivan Show” reigned supreme. Winner of eight Tony Awards, “Bye Bye Birdie” offers lots of laughs and great songs, including “Put On a Happy Face,” “One Last Kiss” and “What’s the Matter With Kids Today?”

Bassist Esperanza Spalding, a 23-year old prodigy-turned-pro, has been touted as the hope for the future of jazz and instrumental music. Upon her return from a European tour, the bassist, vocalist and composer will bring her voice and her instrumental chops to the stage at Windsor Hall at Town Centre on Sunday, Feb. 8. Patrons have the option of a 5 p.m. Supper Club or 6:30 p.m. concert only.

Who doesn’t know and love the Cat in the Hat?  The Cat will be the host, emcee and all-around mischief maker in the TheatreworksUSA production of “Seussical” on Sunday, March 8, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. in FSU’s Pealer Recital Hall. Enjoy a wild musical romp through some of Dr. Seuss’ best-loved stories, with characters like Horton, the soft-hearted elephant; the unfuzzy Miss Gertrude McFuzz; the amazingly lazy Mayzie La Bird; and JoJo, the imaginative young Who. It’s a fast-paced, whimsical adaptation of the original Broadway version, perfect for ages 4 and up—and their parents and grandparents.

One of America’s pre-eminent pianists, George Winston, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at FSU’s Pealer Recital Hall. Winston’s styles of music are both New Orleans R&B and his own folk piano style. He is known for his tribute album of Vince Guaraldi’s composition for the “Peanuts™” animations. Winston performed to a sold-out audience in 2007 at Windsor Hall in Town Centre with the coordination of CES at FSU.

Wrapping up the season will be Shakespeare’s rousing story of courage and the price of glory, “Henry V.” This classic will be vividly brought to life by The Acting Company/Guthrie Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, in the Drama Theatre of FSU’s Performing Arts Center. Young, restless and ambitious, Henry V inherits a troubled crown and seeks to secure his position at home by turning the country’s attention abroad, launching a hasty invasion of France. This Shakespearean epic follows Henry and his men through the brutality of warfare as the ragtag band confronts heavy opposition and their own destinies. Don’t miss the artistry and passion of this production, directed by Davis McCallum.

Ticket packages and discounts are available, including the Build Your Own Series for those planning on attending several events throughout the spring season; Corporate Nights offering group pricing, priority seating and personalized service; and Group Sales, with special rates for purchases of 15 or more tickets for a single performance. Tickets may be ordered by calling 1-866-849-9237 or 301-687-3137 or by visiting http://ces.frostburg.edu                                                                                                          

The Cultural Events Series is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive, and in part by the Allegany Arts Council with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council.     

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