Just in time for Labor Day weekend, getaways close to home were on everyone’s minds..
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Cumberland Times-News
It’s that time of year when summer is winding down and Maryland families are enjoying their last bit of time together.
This often means visiting Maryland’s picturesque Eastern Shore, heading up to Deep Creek Lake or spending time in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
I often think of these precious memories this time of year — the road trips we took when I was kid and the wonderful memories Annie and I have with our own children, who have mysteriously grown up too quickly.
For many Maryland families, unfortunately, summer has come to an abrupt end, with some school systems already back in session this week.
Summer is a time for kids to be kids and families to be families, which is why Maryland needs a statewide post-Labor Day start to the school year.
Beyond its obvious benefits to family time, starting school after Labor Day would increase critical revenues and serve as a welcome boost to Maryland’s economy.
Tourism is Maryland’s fourth largest industry, and the summer plays a critical role in the success of the family-owned businesses that depend on it.
A post-Labor Day start would also spare businesses from the stresses of losing their temporary staff — teachers and students who often depend on the supplemental income — who must report to work or team practices, sometimes as soon as early August.
Right now, Ohio is considering a post-Labor Day start to the school year, and it has already been implemented in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and San Diego, among others, as well as being the standard policy for all of Canada.
And in our neighboring Virginia, where this policy is currently in place, it’s been estimated that it would cost $369 million in lost revenue and wages and $21 million in tax revenue to revert back to a pre-Labor Day start to school.
This change wouldn’t affect the amount of instruction our kids receive or the school year’s end date. We’d still be bound to comply with the mandated 180 days of instruction per school year.
North Carolina, as an example, fits in 200 instructional days between Labor Day and the end of their school year, which is mandated by state law to be no later than June 14.
Thinking about the financial health of our state and examining how current policies affect financial matters throughout Maryland is something I do on a daily basis.
And when I see an opportunity for Maryland families and businesses to simultaneously benefit from a new way of thinking, I’m happy to promote the cause.
Let’s pass a Maryland law that sees the school year start after our kids have been able to squeeze the last bit of fun out of their summer. They grow up way too quickly to let these precious chances slip by.
Peter Franchot
Comptroller of Maryland
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Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — The Deep Creek Lake Watershed Board of Zoning Appeals voted three to one on Aug. 16 to uphold its June decision to issue a boat rental permit to Bill Meagher, owner of Lakeside Creamery, according to Garrett County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt.
Despite opposition from multiple marinas, the county commissioners voted on June 5 to approve an amendment to the Deep Creek Zoning Ordinance to add a new category for boat rentals as a separate service that would not offer any of the other services associated with a marina.
Commissioners Gregan Crawford and Robert Gatto voted in favor of the amendment, with chairman Jim Raley opposing it. During a May 31 public hearing, Raley said he had concerns about Meagher’s decision not to offer services on-site.
On Aug. 18, the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake voted unanimously, with president Troy Ellington recusing himself because of a conflict of interest, to request the commissioners to take three separate actions in regard to the amendment of the ordinance regarding boat rentals, according to Pagenhardt. Ellington is chairman of the county’s planning commission.
Pagenhardt, Commissioner Robert Gatto and John Nelson, director of the Department of Planning and Land Development, were in attendance at the POA meeting.
The Property Owners’ Association requested the commissioners initiate and complete within six months a comprehensive study of the amendment in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources and other interested organization to determine whether the amendment should be retained, modified or deleted, according to an email sent to the commissioners from POA senior vice president Roger Titus.
The group is also requesting that the commissioners impose a six-month moratorium on the issuance of any permits for any additional uses based on the recent amendment to the Deep Creek Lake Watershed Zoning Ordinance and the pending the outcome of the study; and adopt as a matter of county policy that no amendment to the text of the ordinance that may have an effect on the lake shall be approved until there has been notice of at least 90 days. The notice should be given to the DNR, the state Department of the Environment, the POA, the Friends of Deep Creek Lake and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, allowing them an an opportunity to respond, according to the email.
“The board of the POA believes that approval of theses actions will go a long way toward addressing the concerns that the POA and others have raised about the adoption of the ammendment,” wrote Titus.
Pagenhardt noted that the commissioners have received the email, are currently “taking it under advisement,” and are discussing with Nelson and County Attorney Norman Getty how to proceed. Pagenhardt also said the commissioners plan to answer the email but it hinges on upcoming legal action.
St. Moritz Properties, LLC; Bill’s Marine Service Inc., Silver Tree Marine, LLC, Aquatic Center Inc. and Deep Creek Boat Rentals Inc. have filed an appeal in Garrett County Circuit Court to determine whe-ther the commissioners acted properly under the zoning ordinance and Maryland law in approving the amendment in June. The case is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 9:30 a.m.
The businesses filed the appeal in circuit court because they felt like they have been “specially and adversely affected” by the commissioners’ decision, according to the appeal.
St. Moritz Properties, LLC; Bill’s Marine Service Inc., Silver Tree Marine, LLC, have also filed a interpretive appeal in opposition of the Board of Zoning Appeals’s decision in June to grant Meagher’s request for a boat rental permit.
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.
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— 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!
Commission hears both sides on code for sprinklers
Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — On Tuesday, following a public hearing on the re-adoption of a building code ordinance, Garrett County commissioners decided to keep the public record open for an additional 10 days with a final decision to be made at the Sept. 4 meeting.
Commissioners decided to leave the public record open because some county builders just learned of an amendment regarding stairway geometry and they wanted to assure compliance with Maryland Building Performance Standards.
“We are concerned that some people have just now heard of the stair geometry,” said Chairman Jim Raley, who said public comments will be taken until 4:30 p.m. Aug. 31.
The building code ordinance would adopt 2012 editions of the International Building, International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation codes, according to Jim Torrington, chief of the Garrett County Permits and Inspections Division.
“In 1997, the county adopted the first building code and amendment from the state that allowed for a steeper set of stair geometry,” said Torrington.
Torrington said the county carried the state amendment through until 2000, 2003 and 2006 Building Code Ordinances.
“In 2009, the state dropped that amendment and went with a less steep set of stairs. The county went forward with that provision in our building code in 2009.”
Seven local builders have signed a petition requesting that the commissioners consider steeper stair geometry in new homes in the county, according to Torrington.
“The reasoning is that, in terms of a narrow-width home, they are having trouble getting a less steep set of stairs into the home,” said Torrington.
The commission also discussed the International Residential Code regarding residential sprinklers.
The Department of Permits and Inspections Divisions was notified by the Maryland Codes of Administration of the modification to the residential sprinkler law, which will allow the county to opt out of the mandate if they decide to do so before Oct. 1.
“We can maintain the sprinkler requirement for homes until 2015,” said Torrington.
Torrington has received written comments from the Garrett County Board of Builders and Bob Browning asking the commissioners to maintain the opt-out provision for residential sprinklers.
Deputy State Fire Marshal Jamie Rodeheaver urged the commissioner not to opt out of the sprinkler mandate.
“The requirement for residential sprinklers for newly constructed one- and two-family dwellings are considered a minimum requirement of the code,” said Rodeheaver.
“Fire sprinkler requirements for newly constructed homes are a significant component of the occupant protective package. Fire sprinklers save lives.”
The sprinkler mandate could cost new builders anywhere from about $6,000 to $20,000, depending on what is needed to install the sprinklers, according to Raley.
“I hope we do something to encourage this in the future,” said Raley. “I would like to see the commission do something similar to an incentive, as has happened in other places. I do recognize what is being said here about the cost factor. At the worst time in building we are throwing all those things in there.”
Several local builders continued in their request to preserve the commissioners’ opt-out provision of the residential sprinkler code, even in light of the fire marshal’s statments.
“I understand and appreciate everything that Mr. Rodeheaver said. We are all about safety, but we are about survival as well in terms of economically,” said Karen Myers of Mountaineer Log and Siding Company.
“We recognize that sprinklers are coming — this is simply a delay.”
Nicole Christian, president and CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce also said that the chamber voted to recommend that the county opt out of sprinkler code until 2015.
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.
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— 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!
Asking prices rise 2.6 percent nationwide
By Inman News
Editor’s note: These numbers come from Realtor.com’s July 2012 Real Estate Trend Data Report. The report covers 146 U.S. metros and includes single-family homes, condos, townhomes and co-ops.
The number of for-sale real estate listings continued to drop on an annual basis in July, falling 19.3 percent from July 2011 to a total of 1.87 million listings nationwide, according to Realtor.com data through July 2012. This trend, along with a 2.6 percent year-over-year median list price increase last month to $194,900, points to some stability in the nascent housing recovery that’s slowly settled in this year….
…
Metros with greatest year-over-year list price increases (July 2011 to July 2012)
Percent change
Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc, Calif. 31.5%
Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz. 27.7%
Boise City, Idaho 16.8%
San Francisco 15%
San Jose, Calif. 13.8%
Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, Wash. 13.5%
Reno, Nev. 13.1%
West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla. 12.6%
Washington, D.C.-Md.-Va.-W.Va.(D.C.) 12.2%
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— 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!
Written by Jeff Davis
Tuesday, 21 August 2012 22:48
Governor O’Malley’s Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative Meets For The Tenth Time
Last night at Garrett Community College, about 300 Maryland citizens attended a public meeting of the Commission that was formed under the auspices of Governor O’Malley and whose purpose is “to assist State policymakers and regulators in determining whether and how gas production from the Marcellus shale in Maryland can be accomplished without unacceptable risks of adverse impacts to public health, safety, the environment, and natural resources.”
This was the tenth time for the Commission to meet, but the first time that a meeting was held in the evening in Garrett County, thus accounting for the large turnout. (For complete information on all of the activities of the Commission, you can go to www.mde.state.md.us.)
After the members of the Commission introduced themselves, an overview was presented which discussed the geology of the Marcellus shale and the process that goes into drilling the shale. An explanation was presented to the audience on the technology of the actual drilling, with slides providing a primer on vertical and horizontal drilling, as well as installment of casing for the vertical portion of the pipes, and the fracturing process in the horizontal pipes. For more detail of this, please refer to a recent appindie article entitled, “Friends of Deep Creek Lake are no Friends of Fracking.”
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— 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!
Angie Brant Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — Earlier this year, the Wellness Department at Garrett County Memorial Hospital launched a new program that — some might say — is “making waves.”
Called Aquatrend, this program is a combination of water aerobics and walking, designed to benefit people of any age or fitness level.
“The ideal goal for anyone, of any age or fitness level, is to exercise 30 minutes a day. With this class, participants have 60 minutes of exercise that is cardio, muscle and low-impact on joints,” said registered nurse Jeannie Miller.
“It’s awesome for patients with arthritis because it has very little impact on joints, while improving muscle tone and strength.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimming is the second most popular sports activity in the United States and is an excellent aerobic activity.
The CDC has reported that two hours of physical activity, such as swimming, can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses, while offering dramatic improvements to overall health and fitness.
Miller said water exercise can help improve the use of the arthritic joints without worsening symptoms and can, in some cases, reduce pain for patients.
Water-based exercise im-proves or maintains bone health in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis and also for post-menopausal women.
Miller said participants are often able to exercise longer in water than on land because it does to place added strain on already stiff or sore joints and or muscles.
“Water exercise offers bouyancy that supports the spine and for patients with injuries or who are recovering from surgery, this is perfect. It is exercise that is not weight-bearing, making it more comfortable and some even say helps people with pain issues,” Miller said.
Additionally, Miller said swimming can also help improve the mindset and mood of participants, adding that any kind of exercise is proven to help feelings of depression and anxiety.
Jenna Wilt, one of the hospital’s wellness coordinators, said the response of participants has been positive, as many attest that this class is both a great workout and simply put: fun.
“Everyone loves it and with classes offered at different times, it is convenient for most schedules,” Wilt said.
“You do not have to be able to swim to take these classes. We do have some people that have never been able to swim that stay in the shallow end and really enjoy the workout,” she added. “It is a really great workout for people of any age.”
Both Miller and Wilt said the list of benefits of water exercise are impressive and urge everyone to consider adding this class to their exercise regime.
During each Aquatrend class, participants are lead through a series of water exercises that include shallow-water walking.
Through these classes, participants can expect to experience improved muscle tone, strength, cardiovascular function, circulation, endurance, flexibility, balance and range of motion. Shallow-water walking helps build endurance and strength, while boosting one’s metabolism, said Miller.
“These classes require no special athletic skills and are fun. People really enjoy getting together to do a workout that is low-impact but effective,” Wilt said.
Aquatrend classes are held Monday through Friday in the heated pools at the Community Aquatic Recreation Center at Garrett College, and at Garrett Rehab Services.
Classes are held on Thursdays from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Garrett Rehab Services pool.
Classes at the CARC are held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Membership is not required, and participants can attend individual classes or enroll for eight sessions or an entire year.
Interested parties may call Miller at 301-533-4295 or Wilt at 301-533-4313 for more information.
Contact Angie Brant at abrant@times-news.com.
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— 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!
Medical help provided to those in need
For the Cumberland Times-News Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — Officials at Garrett County Memorial Hospital are reminding members of the community that a Caring Program exists at the hospital for individuals with difficulty affording their hospital care.
“The Caring Program at Garrett County Memorial Hospital is designed to assist the members of our community who need medical care but do not have the financial resources to pay for their services,” said Kathy Rhoden, director of patient financial services at the hospital.
While the hospital had a long-standing history of helping uninsured patients obtain the health care services they needed, a revised program called the Caring Program was implemented in 2006. The program offers financial assistance to un-derprivileged, underemployed and/or underinsured patients who are having difficulty providing themselves with life’s necessities, in-cluding food, clothing, shelter and health care.
A report prepared by the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that 12.5 percent of Garrett County households are living below the poverty level, making health care unaffordable to them. Through the Caring Program, eligible patients meeting 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines can qualify for 100 percent financial assistance.
For example, a family size of one can make up to $21,660 per year to qualify for 100 percent financial assistance. A sliding fee allows for partial assistance to qualified patients who are at 201 to 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
“Each application for the Caring Program is individually and thoughtfully evaluated for eligibility. We take into consideration special or unusual financial circumstances in our final eligibility determination,” said Rhoden. “Our Caring Program allows us to assure access to care by those in need and demonstrate that we are a health care facility that cares for patients in need, regardless of their ability to pay.”
For more information, call 301-533-4209 or visit the website www.gcmh.com.
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Aug. 9, 2012
The Republican News
The Deep Creek Open and U.S. National Canoe & Kayak Championships will be held the weekend of Sept. 8 and 9, at the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI). It is expected to once again draw the world’s best paddlers to western Maryland to compete at the unique mountain-top course in the ultimate event of slalom whitewater competition.
“A challenging course will be set on the world’s only mountaintop, self-contained, artificial whitewater channel that draws the senior international teams, including many of the competitors from the London Olympics, as well as the entire U.S. Olympic Team and the current U.S. national and junior teams,” said a spokesperson.
Competitors for both competitions will traverse the same course set-up but will be separated for judging. U.S. paddlers will have the opportunity to place in both the Deep Creek Open and Nationals.
“Combining both these events is sure to create an exceptional pool of talent for the competition,” said Joe Jacobi, CEO of USA Canoe Kayak and Olympic gold medalist in the sport. “ASCI’s facilities will provide both a challenging race environment for competitors, as well as a great experience for spectators. It is a critical opportunity for our athletes to compete on the channel that will be used for the ICF World Championships in 2014.”
The competition will welcome all spectators to the riverside, pedestrian pathways, and/or bridge overlooking the top of the course to watch whitewater racing with family and friends.
“I am really looking forward to returning to ASCI,” said Casey Eichfeld, a 2008 and 2012 Olympian and former ASCI guide and instructor. “It is going to be a good race and great to see everyone again. Plus it will be nice to have the home court advantage in competing against the international paddlers who will be here.”
Canoe slalom is a competitive sport in which either individuals or teams of two navigate a decked canoe or kayak through a course of hanging gates in the fastest time possible. Canoers kneel in their boats and use a single blade paddle, while kayakers sit and use a double bladed paddle. It is one of the two kayaking and canoeing disciplines at the Summer Olympics, with the other being canoe sprint (which is held on flatwater). The color of the gates indicates which direction they must be navigated, upstream or downstream. Time penalties are added for touching gates or failing to navigate gates correctly.
ASCI has successfully hosted many notable whitewater races, from the U.S. Rafting Nationals in 2009 to the ACA’s Open Canoe Slalom Nationals and the North American Canoe Kayak Championships in 2010. ASCI will also have the honor of hosting the esteemed International Canoe Federation’s (ICF) Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2014.
“ASCI is honored to have been selected to host Worlds in 2014,” said Suzanne Nicolas, the Deep Creek 2014 events coordinator. “Hosting such a large scale event will give ASCI the opportunity to show the world all that [the facility] and Garrett County have to offer.”
This is only the second time in history that the Worlds have been held in the United States. The first time was in 1989, also in Garrett County on the Savage River.
ASCI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that operates both a 15-acre site on top of Marsh Mountain, home to ASCI’s headquarters and the whitewater course, and a 550-acre nature preserve called Fork Run, home to many climbing routes on natural faces and over 10 miles of mountain bike trails. ASCI’s core programs include guided rafting adventures down the whitewater course, guided climbing trips at Fork Run rocks, and instructional courses in kayaking, river boarding, and climbing. ASCI also offers winter programming that includes cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
To learn more about the competitions, persons may contact Nicolas at 301-387-3250 or via e-mail at snicolas@deepcreek2014.com.
Those interested in serving a crucial role as a volunteer for the event can visit www.adventuresportscenter.com to complete a volunteer form.
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— 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!
For the Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — The 2012 Garrett County’s Most Beautiful Person contest is accepting nominations until Aug.24.
The Most Beautiful Person contest is for those who have enriched the lives of county citizens by their acts of kindness and concern.
Each year, county leaders conduct a search for unsung heroes who selflessly assist those around them. They are volunteers of any age whose acts of goodwill have previously gone unnoticed. These “Beautiful People” make a difference in Garrett County by donating their time and talent to help those in need.
This is the 26th year of program, which hosted each year by the Board of Garrett County Commissioners.
Those who know of someone who continuously contributes their time and talent to enhance the quality of life and community spirit in Garrett County can send in a nomination form so they can be honored at the annual Garrett County’s Most Beautiful Person awards presentation.
Nomination forms are available on the web at www.garrettcounty.org or by calling Carol A. Riley-Alexander at 301-334-8970. Those nominating a candidate are reminded the award is based on volunteer service only.
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— 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!
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