The Deep Creek Blog

Evening of Celtic and Seafaring Music at New Germany State Park

Enjoy Celtic and Seafaring Music at New Germany State Park Lakehouse on October 17, 2009, at 7:00 PM. Fred and Julia Gosbee will entertain audiences with their unique blend of old and original Celtic music, showcasing Robert Burns' poetry and song in original dialect.  Julia on Celtic harp and Fred playing fiddle and other instruments inspire and amuse listeners with their
salty and melancholy seafaring songs and stories. The concert is free (donations of $10 suggested).  Bring lanterns as the parking lots are not lighted. ________________________________________________________________________________________

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Board Member

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Gary C. Harriger, J.D. as their newest board member. He fills the board position vacated by Joyce Bishoff, who is currently serving as interim President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.

Harriger is the owner of the Law Offices of Gary C. Harriger, LLC and he presently serves as President of the Greater Grantsville Business Association.

Harriger is a former partner with Funk & Bolton, P.A., in the firm’s Baltimore office. He was formerly Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel for The Baltimore Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary Life of Maryland, Inc.  He has also served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Director for Baltimore Financial Services Corporation and Baltimore Financial Brokerage Corporation.  He was formerly Chairman of the Board of the Maryland Life and Health Guaranty Corporation.

Harriger is a graduate of the University of Baltimore (B.S., 1975, Business Management) and the University of Baltimore School of Law (J.D., 1977).  He is admitted to the Maryland Bar and a member of the American Bar Association and Maryland State Bar Association.

Arts Council Announces Fall Workshops

The Garrett County Arts Council is now accepting applications for the continuing series of art workshops.  “The Art of Photography” will be offered October 17-18.  A watercolor workshop will be held November 9-11.

“The Art of Photography” is a workshop designed for anyone who enjoys taking photographs.  Award-winning photographer Penny Knobel-Besa will instruct the two-day weekend course open to new and experienced photographers.  The sessions are interactive and informal and were created to develop the artistic eye.  The group will meet on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18 at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park.  Saturday will offer a discussion and slide show with photographic examples of general rules for taking better photos.  Other topics covered include matting and framing hints, how to showcase and sell your work, using model releases and more.  Sunday includes a field trip to shoot areas scenes.  Each day includes review of the work completed that day.  Students should come to the class with their camera ready to shoot.  The cost of the class is $95 and hours are from 8:30 am through 4:00 pm each day.  Deadline to register for the photography class is October 3.

Local painter Robert Yonke will once again instruct a watercolor class.  This fall session will be also be held at the Discovery Center on Monday-Wednesday, November 9-11.  The hours are from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm each day.  The course is geared toward painters with some experience as well as beginners.  There will be a discussion of materials and tips on how to use them most effectively.  Students will learn how to loosen up through relaxation, how to gather sources for new painting ideas, and building a painting with solid design.  For the more experienced watercolor painter, developing an individual style and the opportunity to share ideas, points-of-view, and creative approaches to work will be covered.  Class size is limited.  The fee for the three-day session is $75.  A materials list will be provided.  Registration deadline for the watercolor workshop is October 23.

Perspective students may register by stopping by the Arts Council office at 206 E. Alder Street, Oakland or by calling 301-334-6580.  .

“The Garrett County Arts Council strives to make art opportunities available to the public through our on-going support of local art organizations, our gallery displays and other programs,” said Karen Reckner, Executive Director of GCAC.  GCAC is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Garrett County government.

Haunted Coaster Starts Tonight

Gallery Shop Featuring Work of Julia Hoffman

The Gallery Shop of the Garrett County Arts Council is pleased to announce the latest special exhibit in their backroom gallery.  “Rediscovering My Artistic Voice” is an exhibit by council artist Julia Hoffman.

The eclectic mix of art styles in this show illustrates the artist’s recent efforts to make time in her busy life for an exploration painting styles.  Hoffman stated that she finds different techniques interesting and rewarding.  The exhibit features oil and acrylic paintings and decorative painted trays.

“Art has always been a big part of my life” Julia said.  As a young person she would spend hours drawing.  After formal training at Bowling Green State University as an Art and Art Education major she spent over 30 years teaching.  After teaching in Ohio for 5 years, she decided to teach overseas and spent time in Lebanon, Syria and Iran.

She met her husband in Iran where he was stationed in the Air Force.  Together they lived in Germany and Greece before returning to the states and settling in the Washington, DC area.  Her last eight years of public school teaching were spent at the state of Virginia’s largest high school, Westfield High.  She has also taught at Virginia Commonwealth University and continues to teach art education courses and supervise student teachers for George Mason University.

An open house reception to honor the artist will be held Saturday, September 26 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at The Gallery Shop located at 206 E. Alder Street in downtown Oakland.  The public is invited to stop in, meet the artist and discuss her work.

“Rediscovering My Artistic Voice” will be on exhibit from September 21 through October 30.  The Gallery Shop is open everyday except Sunday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.  The Garrett County Arts Council is supported by funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and Garrett County government.  For more information call 301-334-6580.

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Sara Evans Comes to Frostburg State University

Country music singing-sensation Sara Evans will grace the Cultural Events Series stage at Frostburg State University in a special Family Weekend concert. The multiple Country Music Association award winner will hit the stage of the Main Arena in the Cordts Physical Education Center at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Strength, versatility and a spunky sense of adventure are qualities more often associated with literary heroines than successful country singers, but there’s nothing typical about Evans. Whether dominating country radio airwaves with one of her many hit singles or attracting a new legion of fans with her spirited turn on “Dancing with the Stars,” Evans’ drive, talent and determination have placed her in an elite class of artists who transcend musical genres to become a household name.

Evans has become one of the most successful female artists of her generation – a compelling, heart-in-the-throat heir to Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. She’s won numerous accolades, among them the Academy of Country Music’s Female Vocalist of the Year and the Country Music Association’s Video of the Year for “Born to Fly.” She was named 2006 Female Vocalist of the Year in the R&R Reader’s Poll and has been celebrated as one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People.”

Evans has earned numerous No. 1 hits, including “Born to Fly,” “No Place That Far,” “Suds in the Bucket” and “A Real Fine Place to Start,” which spent two weeks at the top of the country charts. Of the five albums she has released, her second set, “No Place That Far,” has been certified gold, 2001’s “Born to Fly” is double-platinum and 2003’s “Restless” and 2005’s “Real Fine Place” are both platinum.

Such accomplishments have been a real dream-come-true for the Booneville, Mo., native. One of seven children, Evans began singing country music with her family’s band when she was 5 years old. By the time she was 16, she landed a gig singing regularly at a club in Columbia, Mo. She made her way to Nashville determined to realize her dreams. She received her first break when legendary songwriter Harlan Howard heard her amazing voice and tapped her to sing his demos. A deal with RCA Records followed soon after.

Produced by Pete Anderson, her debut disc, “Three Chords and the Truth,” earned praise from critics, but it was her second disc, “No Place That Far,” that brought Evans the commercial success to match the critical acclaim. Her next album, “Born to Fly,” spawned four hit singles, which are included on “Greatest Hits” – “I Could Not Ask for More,” “Saints and Angels,” “I Keep Looking” and the title track.

Always looking to stretch herself artistically, Evans has continued to develop her gift as a songwriter. Her fourth album, “Restless,” spawned the hit “Perfect,” which she penned with Tom Shapiro and Tony Martin. The album also featured one of Evans’ signature hits, the high-spirited “Suds in the Bucket.” She followed “Restless” with “Real Fine Place,” which served up four hit singles – “Cheatin’,” “You’ll Always Be My Baby,” “Coalmine” and the title track, which spent two weeks at No. 1.

Tickets for Sara Evans are $38 for advance reserved floor seats and $25 for advance reserved bleachers seats. Tickets for all seating are an additional $10 at the door. Group rate tickets are also available. Tickets may be ordered by calling 301-687-3137 or 1-866-849-9237, or by visiting 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. An agency of the Department of Business and Economic Development, MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities. Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. This event is sponsored in part by the Allegany Arts Council with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council. Media for the concert is sponsored by WFRB Radio.

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DNR To Start Savage River Dam Repairs

Anglers Should Use Caution

Drawdown of the Savage Reservoir for flood gate repairs is expected to begin in early October. Disruption to normal operations will continue through early spring of next year.

Inspections in the fall of 2007 revealed an inoperable gate, prompting engineers to restrict normal water operations at the dam and forcing officials to seek funding for a permanent repair. Federal Economic Stimulus money made the $6 million repair possible.

DNR has been working closely with the Upper Potomac River Commission, the Maryland Department of Environment and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine the schedule and repair procedures to best protect the nationally acclaimed wild brook and brown trout fishery below the dam. DNR remains cautiously optimistic that wild trout populations will be preserved, though, some negative impacts to reproduction and adult abundance are anticipated.

Savage River discharge levels during drawdown will be approximately 100 cubic feet per second (cfs) plus inflow from the tributaries upstream. Anglers are reminded to use high water precautions while wading due to high river levels and fast currents.

Repairs will start in early November once lake elevation is reduced to 1,410 feet. River levels will greatly vary during this period from as low as 10 cfs when workers are in the tunnel to higher levels necessary to keep the lake at 1,410 feet during other times.

From mid-November through late December 2009, the discharge will be approximately 60 cfs plus upstream inflow while the lake is being completely drained for final repairs. Anglers may notice considerable turbidity during this time. Once reservoir drawdown is complete, the river will run at natural levels for most of the winter and will match flow entering the reservoir. All work should be complete by early spring 2010 and refilling the lake will begin at that time.

Unavoidably, the project will result in the loss of fish populations in the reservoir. It is likely that many of these fish will move downstream and be available to anglers in the North Branch Potomac River. A re-stocking plan has been developed to restore fish populations in the reservoir as quickly as possible.

DNR encourages anglers to take advantage of the fine fishing still available in the system through the early fall.

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Junior Hunter Field Day Event Planned for October 17 at 4-H Center

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has partnered with local conservation groups to present a Fall Junior Hunter Field Day Event on October 17, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Western Maryland 4-H Center in Swanton, Md. This is an opportunity for young people interested in wildlife activities to experience the fun of the great outdoors and learn how to become involved in the management of our natural resources.

“Under the guidance of wildlife professionals, this event will provide a safe, fun and hands-on opportunity for young people to learn about hunting and its important role in Maryland’s wildlife conservation,” said DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service Regional Wildlife Response Coordinator Clarissa Harris.

Youth with an interest in hunting, trapping and wildlife management will have an opportunity to interact with DNR personnel and local conservationists in a safe, mentored setting learning about shooting sports, such as archery and sporting clays, trapping, grouse hunting and aging deer. Professionals from DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service and Natural Resources Police will join representatives of sporting and conservation organizations to provide expertise in natural resources stewardship, wildlife biology, safety and ethical conduct in the field. All equipment will be provided. Certified instructors will oversee all shooting activities. A free lunch will be provided by Evergreen Electrical Company in Grantsville.

This event is open to young people, ages 8 to 16. Pre-registration is required and is limited to the first 100 applicants, so register early. Please contact the Wildlife and Heritage Service Cumberland Office at 301-777-2136 to request registration information. Only applications by mail will be accepted (no phone, faxed, or e-mailed applications pleas

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Governor Announces Push for Stronger Life Preserver Law

DNR to Submit Legislation to Raise Age Requirements for Children

Governor Martin O’Malley today announced he will direct the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to draft a bill for the 2010 General Assembly to increase the age at which children are required to wear life preservers. Under the new legislation, any child under the age of 13 would be required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD); the current age is 7.

“While we are truly blessed to be able to enjoy all that Maryland’s vast network of waterways offers, even one boating related death is one too many," said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Raising the age at which a child is required to wear a life vest is paramount to ensuring the safety of our children out on the water.”

Current law states any child under the age of seven must wear a PFD on a recreational boat 21 feet or smaller, unless the boat is moored or anchored or the child is below deck in an enclosed cabin.  If the General Assembly passes the new legislation, the age would be raised from 7 to 13 starting July 10, 2010.

“Despite increased outreach, education and enforcement, Maryland has had 15 boating related drownings since January – including an 11-year old girl,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin.  “This is beyond alarming; it is unacceptable, and we are committed to doing everything we can to keep our boaters – and our children – safe.”

The State averages 12 boating related fatalities a year.

“Eighty percent of all boating related deaths can be prevented with a life vest,” said NRP Superintendent Colonel George Johnson. “It is our hope that legislation will not only increase the number of Maryland children wearing PFDs but also help increase awareness about the importance of life vests.”

Raising the age requirement will put Maryland in line with federal regulations and 34 states, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington, DC. The federal regulations do not supersede the state, but the National Transportation Board strongly encourages states to update their PFD requirements.

“Life vests save lives,” said State Boat Act Advisory Committtee Chariman Dan Jarzynski.  “Our Committee unanimously supports this legislation and urges its passage this upcoming legislative session.” 

Maryland law also states that anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 must have a Certificate of Boating Safety Education in order to operate a mechanically propelled vessel on Maryland waters. NRP offers both in-person and on-line boating safety courses to receive that certificate. For more information go to http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/safety/basiccourse.html

DNR will draft the legislation, which will be endorsed by the Administration and presented to the 2010 General Assembly in when it reconvenes in January.

CARC Construction Date Slated for April

The Times-News reports on April as the start date for construction of the Community Athletic & Recreation Center. 

Congratulations to Garrett County's Most Beautiful "Couple"

The Times-News reports that Fredolen and Amelia Wolf of Deer Park have won Garrett County's "Most Beautiful Person" award this year. 

Maryland Fall Foliage Hotline Reactivated

Toll-free Recording Tracks Peak Foliage Color and Lists Fall Events

As autumn arrives and leaves begin to change color, travelers planning to tour Maryland’s scenic countryside can call the toll-free Maryland Fall Foliage Hotline to discover when and where the leaves will be at their peak and to learn about fall festivals happening throughout the state.

The foliage hotline is a joint project of the Maryland Office of Tourism (OTD) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “This hotline is an excellent example of State agencies working together to provide services to Maryland’s working families and visitors,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “OTD provides information on fairs and festivals from the Maryland Calendar of Events while DNR tracks the progression of color changes in foliage from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore and updates the hotline on a weekly basis.”

Callers can dial 1-800-LEAVES-1 (1-800-532-8371) to hear a five-minute recorded summary of where the brightest red, orange, scarlet and gold foliage will be in Maryland.

In addition to the 19 designated Maryland Scenic Byways meandering through Maryland’s five regions, “There is at least one State Park or Forest within an easy 30-minute drive of most Maryland residents,” said Nita Settina, superintendent of the Maryland Park Service. “Each park in our system provides an excellent opportunity for quality leaf-peeping.”

To receive a free Maryland travel kit (which includes Destination Maryland, 2009 Maryland Calendar of Events and a state highway map) by mail, call 800-719-5900. The Outdoors Maryland section of Destination Maryland lists all state parks, forest and natural resources management areas. Tourism information and order forms for a Maryland Scenic Byways Map may also be found at www.visitmaryland.org. Natural Resources information is available at www.dnr.maryland.gov.

Savageman Results

Savageman Results are now posted.  Also, a detailed report from Jay Prasuhn at Triathlon Competitor.    ___________________________________________________________________________________

Open House at Friend's Store

Deep Creek Lake State Park is hosting an Open House at the historic Friend’s Store on Sang Run Road, October 3rd from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.  Bring your friends and family to see what has been done to restore and preserve the history of Friend’s Store in the Sang Run area.  Park staff and Volunteer groups have been working hard to prepare for the re-opening of the store in the Spring of 2010. 

At 8:00 am Birding at Sang Run will be offered by Connie Skipper, one of Garrett County’s most avid birders.  Bring your binoculars and discover local breeding birds.   Learn how to bird by ear and listen for distinctive songs. Meet Connie at the Sang Run kayak put-in parking lot, just past the Store. 

All day long people can enjoy Monarch Butterfly tagging, hay rides, pumpkin carving, basket weaving demonstrations, Historical talks about the grounds and building and much more.   From 12:30 – 3:00 pm, there will be demonstrations of Apple cider pressing and tasting.  For more information on this event and others offered, please call the Discovery Center, open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, 301-387-7067.

Pictured above is "Friend's Store" by Robert Yonke. 

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Deadline for Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception Tickets is Thursday October 1st

The Garrett County Chamber of Commercehas tickets available for the 42nd Annual Autumn Glory Festival Kick-Off reception on Wednesday, October 7th at the Lodge at Wisp Resort. The deadline to purchase tickets for the reception is Thursday, October 1st.

Along with the annual announcement of this year’s Golden Ambassador, the evening includes the Autumn Glory King and Queen and recognizes the festival sponsors. This year’s entertainment will be presented by local music group, The Remedy. Clear Mountain Bank is the official sponsor of the Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception.

“This prestigious fund-raising event provides an elegant, yet lively atmosphere to kick-off the Autumn Glory festivities,” said Joyce Bishoff, Interim President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.

Each attendee to the kick-off reception receives a collectible Autumn Glory pin and Golden Ambassador pass. The pass entitles the holder to priority seating on the bleachers near the reviewing stand for the Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, October 10th.

The evening starts with a 6 p.m. cocktail hour. The sit-down dinner begins at 7 p.m. The reception ticket includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, sit-down dinner, and first-class entertainment. Admission to the event is $100 for a single ticket or $195 for a couple.

To purchase tickets, please RSVP by October 1, 2009 by calling 301.387.4386 ext. 16 or via email at jessica@garrettchamber.com.

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