The Deep Creek Blog

Garrett County Commissioners Proclaim Local Tourism Week

During the regularly scheduled Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, May 5th in Oakland, the Garrett County Commissioners will present the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce with a certificate proclaiming May 9 – 17th Tourism Week in Garrett County.

Charlie Ross, President & CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, members of the Chamber Board of Directors and Chamber staff will be on hand to attend the presentation on May 5th in Oakland.

“Tourism Week celebrates the economic benefit tourism brings into our cities, counties and state,” said Charlie Ross, President & CEO at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “Our community relies on travel for tax revenue and jobs and the benefits these bring to our economy. With today’s proclamation we hope to raise awareness and showcase why travel and tourism matters to Garrett County.”

The proclamation coincides with the 26th Annual National Tourism Week which runs May 9h – 17th. The 2009 theme is "Travel Matters". With business, meetings and event travel facing steep declines across America, nationwide events throughout National Travel and Tourism Week will emphasize the economic benefits travel and tourism brings to local workers and communities and demonstrate the importance of travel.  This event is part of a larger effort led by the U.S. Travel Association with rallies in dozens of cities nationwide.

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Garrett County Arts Council Names Karen Reckner Executive Director

The Garrett County Arts Council welcomed Karen Reckner as its new Executive Director this week.  Council president Tiddle Wheeler said Reckner  began working Monday in the council’s Gallery offices and met with its volunteer board of directors at a monthly meeting Tuesday. “I hope everyone will share in our delight in having Karen as our new Executive Director,” added Wheeler.
   
A lifetime resident of Garrett County, Reckner was formerly Director of Business Services and Training for the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, where she focused on member benefits and community outreach.   In fostering the arts in Garrett County, Reckner said she plans to work closely with the Garrett Chamber and other local organizations to create opportunities for networking and arts promotion. “I envision the Garrett County Arts Council continuing to serve as a strong active partner to cultural development on a local, regional and state level, she said of her new position.  She previously worked with the Maryland Department of Economic Development and was a small business owner in downtown Oakland.

Reckner attended Allegany College of Maryland and has and has expertise in small business management, event planning and customer service.  She is a member of the board of Maryland Life magazine, executive board of Garrett County United Way and is the founding member of the Barn Quilt Association of Garrett County.  

The Garrett County Arts Council provides more than $40,000 in annual local grants funding, with some 20 arts organizations as recipients. As a result, arts groups such as the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, Our Town Theatre, Garrett Community Concert Band and Spruce Forest Artisan Village are able to thrive and integrate art into the life of the community.

GCAC also oversees the Gallery in Oakland, a retail showcase of fine arts and handcrafted gifts, and overall coordinates a bevy of activities and events to promote the cultural arts throughout the county.  It receives funding from Garrett County government, the Maryland State Arts Council and support from GCAC members.  For more information, call the office at 301-334-6580 or visit  www.garrettarts.com.

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Ramp Festival Photos

Bubba Gump might have been surprised to know that there are about as many ways to cook ramps as there are to cook shrimp...you can deep fry them, grill them, and stew them...there's Ramp Chicken Alfredo, Potato Ramp Soup, Ramp Cornbread, Ramped Up Chip Dip, Ramp Pesto Pasta and "Rampage" Mashed Potatoes, all of which were tasted at the Ramp Festival, held on April 25th at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center.  If you didn't get to make it for the fare, at least you can enjoy some fine photos.  First up is Nate Peyman of Cranesville, Md.  Nate is an intern at Round Right Farm, where they grow and deliver organic vegetables.  Below he is pictured eating Deep Fried Ramps.

If you're around the Discover Center much, you'll recognize Caroline Blizzard, pictured below.


Deep Fried Ramps are pictured below.



Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers Fred Schaich and Roger Lueck prepare Deep Fried Ramps and Grilled Ramps.

Photos courtesy of Karlo Gesner.

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DNR Policy Review Board Meets Monday Night

The DNR Policy Review Board will hold its quarterly meeting on Monday, April 27 at 6:00 in the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center.  The PRB is appointed by the Governor to oversee the operations of Deep Creek Lake Management.  The Water Quality Working Group will be presenting results of their study of the lake.

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Ramping Up!

It's ramp time and the Ramp Cook-Off is this coming weekend at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center.  Look at the beautiful ramps photographed recently by Karlo Gesner.  The first picture here shows a batch of wild onions being held by Billy Stoner, a Southern High School graduate who now teaches in Westminster, Maryland.  

Shown below are local ramps being held by Freddie Stoner of Deer Park with Daisy the dog in the background. 

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Darkside Soaps

If you like soap, visit Darkside Soap, a new company started by Western Maryland photographer Bill Merlavage.  The "flavors" are fun and his blog devoted to the products is very creative. 

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New Post on Tax Updates

Mike Kennedy from Railey Realty posts on proposed increases to real estate taxes in Garrett County. 

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GLAF Opens With a Bang

I can vouch for this review of the recent GLAF performance by Dave Leonhardt and the Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers.  It was really entertaining and had something for all in attendance from my nine year old niece to my "strictly bluegrass" loving dad.  The musicians were superb and the tap dancing really was an exciting addition to the jazz.  While Dave Leonhardt and Shelley Oliver were the two "headlined" performers - each of the musicians and dancers were top notch - and really a master of their art. 

"Who's Who?" In Garrett County: Meet Skip Case!

This is the first in a series of "Who's Who?" posts, providing information about people active in the Garrett County community.   

Meet Skip Case, the Executive Director of Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF).  Skip has lived with his family in Garrett County for twenty one years.  He and his wife Sue have two children, Katherine and Charlie, and three grandchildren, Isabel, Ian, and Ella.  They owned a second home at the lake six years prior to making the area a permanent residence, drawn in by the rustic setting, bountiful lake activities and snow skiing. Skip particularly enjoys sailing, tennis and kayaking and is an active member of the Deep Creek Yacht Club.  In addition to his position with GLAF, Skip is a Certified General Appraiser and the owner of Deep Creek Appraisal Associates. He's also performed with the Oakland Oomp-Pah Band, the Garrett Community Concert Band and the Mountaintop Dixieland Band. 

Skip applied for the Executive Director position after learning of the job opening through a friend.  Although he had not been directly involved with the organization prior to applying, he knew it was a worthwhile mission.  As Executive Director he directs and supervises all aspects of administration, growth and development for GLAF.

When asked about his favorite thing in Garrett County - the friendly people and the scenic landscape.  Skip feels the best kept Garrett County secret may very well be the availability of music and the visual arts in Garrett County.  "We have many high quality arts performances here, not just with GLAF but with other fine arts organizations.  Collectively we offer something for everyone.  We need to do a better job marketing the arts and the benefits they provide for entertainment, education, and economic development."  

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Second Annual "Kayaks, Tunes and Brews"

HART for Animals will hold its second annual “Kayaks, Tunes and Brews” (KTB) at the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) on Saturday, May 23, from noon to 6 p.m. Last year, the event attracted close to 1,300 people with nearly 300 pets.

Billed as “Deep Creek Lake’s Kickoff to Summer”, KTB is, according to the organizers, “a fun day for the entire family, including the family dog!” Organized as a fund-raising event to benefit the HART Animal Adoption Center, this year’s KTB will include the following:

KAYAKS: Kayaking and rafting on the ASCI whitewater course (reservations must be made through ASCI)

TUNES: Three live bands - Boathouse, Brother Short, and Lake Effect

BREWS: Beer tasting, courtesy of various microbreweries, poured by celebrity hosts

A Children’s Area complete with a Moon Bounce, an inflatable slide, face painting, story-telling, and other amusements

A Dog Area with activities scheduled throughout the afternoon, including a fun dog show and dog agility and obedience demonstrations

Vendor Areas, including food and beverages, crafts, souvenirs, as well as a return of Wayne Dillsworth, the air tattoo artist

Access to the mountain coaster, Diggler scooters, and mountain buggies, among other amusements. 

Admission tickets are still $20. The price of admission includes a souvenir beer mug and 10 tickets to be used for any of the family-oriented activities, or food and beer sampling. Children and young adults under 18 accompanied by an adult are admitted free. Additional tickets can be purchased throughout the afternoon.

For full details, go to www.hartforanimals.org and click on http://www.hartforanimals.org/.   HART for Animals, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) organization, established in Oakland in 2003 to rescue homeless animals in Garrett County.

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In the Spotlight: Garrett Lakes Arts Festival

"In the Spotlight" is the first in a series of posts highlighting businesses and organizations in Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County.

This Friday night opens the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival's 2009 Season with Dave Leonhardt and the Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers at Garrett College.  Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, also known as GLAF, is the largest presenter of performing arts and arts education in Garrett County Maryland and has had a presence in the community going on twenty three years.  Performances run during the spring and summer with most taking place at the Garrett College Auditorium.  Other venues used include the Lodge at Wisp Resort and the college lawn. 

This year GLAF is pleased to be presenting a balanced season that includes jazz, the sound of the Beatles performed by "Beatlemania Now", pops and classical music.  For 2009, sales are going well as season subscriptions are well ahead of 2008.  Other season highlights includes the Pittsburgh Symphony returning for a two night series and the Garrett Choral Society and Garrett Community Concert Band teaming up for the annual free Independence Day Concert.   The Independence Day concert kicks off an annual three day free Chautauqua series of historical portrayals celebrating civil rights. 

As with many organizations in today's economy, GLAF is facings some challenges in raising enough money to pay for the planned programs.  Corporations and grantors are cutting back during the tough economic times, so GLAF is relying more on individual contributors and volunteers are currently in the process of searching for new sources of Grants. 

To learn how to contribute to GLAF or for the 2009 Schedule visit www.artsandentertainment.org.

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FSU Cultural Events Series Presents Shakespeare's "Henry V"

As the final event for the 2008-2009 season, the Cultural Events Series at Frostburg State University will present The Acting Company/Guthrie Theater Production of “Henry V” by William Shakespeare on Tuesday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Drama Theatre, FSU Performing Arts Center.

Combining the artistry of two of America's great theaters, Minneapolis' Guthrie Theater and The Acting Company, this grand production of the Shakespearean epic follows the charismatic warrior king's aggressive pursuit of the French crown, as he and his ragtag band of men confront the brutality of warfare and their own destinies. Directed by Davis McCallum, the play expertly balances the thrilling heroics of battle with the painful and complex reactions of men who are sometimes unsure of the justice of their cause. Shakespeare's meditation on the price of glory resonates through the ages.

The Acting Company was founded in 1972 by Margot Harley and legendary producer and actor, John Houseman, with stars like Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone and others in the first graduating class of Juilliard's Drama Division. Since then it has performed 131 plays to audiences in 48 states and 10 foreign countries. In addition to Kline and LuPone, its alumni include Frances Conroy, Jeffrey Wright, Harriet Harris, Jesse L. Martin, David Ogden Stiers, Richard Ooms, Richard Iglewski, Keith David and Rainn Wilson. The Acting Company was honored in 2003 with a Tony Award for Excellence in Theater.

The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. Led by Director Joe Dowling since 1995, the Guthrie is dedicated to producing the great works of dramatic literature, developing the work of contemporary playwrights and cultivating the next generation of theater artists.

Tickets for Henry V are $16 for adults and $11 for those under 17.  Group rate tickets are also available.  Tickets may be ordered by calling 1-866-849-9237 or 301-687-3137, or by visiting http://ces.frostburg.edu. 

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Pam Snyder Pottery at The Shoppe at Heritage Square

The Shoppe at Heritage Square has recently made the pottery of Garrett County resident Pam Snyder available for purchase.

“We are proud to welcome Pam Snyder, a Garrett County resident, and her wonderful assortment of pottery to the Shoppe at Heritage Square,” says Charlie Ross, President/CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “We hope that area residents and visitors stop by the Shoppe to peruse her collection and those of the other terrific local craftspeople and farmers who provide products for the Shoppe and perhaps pick up a few of these wonderful locally made items.”

Snyder’s display is currently featured at the Shoppe’s 117 E. Liberty Street location at the B&O Train Station in Oakland. Items available for purchase include mugs, vases, bowls, platters and pitchers, among other items.

Also available at the Shoppe are products from area craftspeople and farmers who offer locally made products including syrups, jams, buckwheat flour, photography, candles and more. Items can be purchased during the Shoppe’s normal operating hours of 9 am – 5 pm daily.

Pam Snyder has been making pottery for the past 32 years.  She is a graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s of Fine Art with emphasis in ceramics as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design.  Upon coming to Garrett County, MD, she was the resident potter at Penn Alps Artisan Village for 3 years. She previously owned and operated Jan’s Florist in Oakland, MD for 27 years.  After retiring, she now makes pottery full time.  Her work focuses on wheel thrown functional stoneware.

Operating as a partnership between The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Oakland, The Shoppe opened in May 2004 as a retail venture that features the work of quality craftspeople and the products of farmers from Mountain Maryland.

For additional information about the Shoppe at Heritage Square or the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.visitdeepcreek.com or call 301.387.4386. For additional information about the Town of Oakland, please call 301-334-2691 or visit www.oaklandmd.com.

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Garrett County Reports Increase in January Accommodations Tax Collections

Despite economic concerns, Garrett County is reporting a 6% increase in their January 2009 accommodations tax numbers over the previous year. Garrett County Economic Development receives half of the accommodations tax collections.

“The increase in January’s Accommodations Tax revenue points to a strong winter season for the area,” said Charlie Ross, President/CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “This follows a 3% overall increase in 2008 Garrett County accommodations tax revenue over 2007 which means more visitors are coming to the area which leads to additional economic revenue for Garrett County businesses.”

For additional information about the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.garrettchamber.com or call 301.387.4386.

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Garrett County Update

The Times-News reports on Garrett County capital improvements moving forward, including the exhibit hall at the Fairgrounds.  _____________________________________________________________________________________