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Maryland maple farms offer syrup, pure and simple – Washington Post – Deep Creek Lake & Garrett County

Garrett County’s & Deep Creek Lake getting some love from the Washington Post today.
An excerpt from the story:
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In a few days to weeks, the trees in Western Maryland will start blooming . . . buckets.

As maple syrup season nears, producers in Garrett County are readying their tapping equipment for harvesting time, which runs from the end of this month through April. The sap starts to flow during the spring thaw, when the combination of mineral-rich soil and temperate weather yields exceptionally rich and sweet syrup. (Quick dendrology lesson: Sap is the sugary water that circulates in a tree after it wakes up from a cold winter.)

Roughly 30 syrup makers cluster in the mountains and valley around Deep Creek Lake, which is thick with indigenous groves of sugar and red maples. They farm the sap the old-fashioned way, by tapping holes into the sides of trees and arranging a system of rubber tubes or steel buckets to move and amass the sap. Many of them collect the liquid gold by hand, hauling heavy buckets to the evaporation room. To produce a gallon of syrup, they must boil down 40 gallons of sap. Consider that the next time you smother your pancakes in syrup.

Steyer Brothers Farm is the largest producer in Western Maryland as well as the oldest: Last year, it celebrated its 100th anniversary. In a good year, the family-run operation (Grandma still lends a hand) squeezes out about 1,000 gallons of syrup. They sell the sticky amber substance for $7 a pint or $30 a gallon. The price tag is higher than such mass-produced syrups as Aunt Jemima, but compare labels before you go cheap: Major brands may contain less than 2 percent maple syrup; the local liquid is 100 percent pure.

“The syrup here is special because of the soil and the weather,” said Randall Steyer, who runs the 100-acre farm with his wife, teenage daughters and other relatives. “You’d be surprised at how much of this stuff we sell to Vermont.”

— Ben Chapman

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350

Snowpacalypse 3 in Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake

Wow. What a blizzard out there. We have at least a foot and a half of new snow on the ground since yesterday, and another foot and a half supposedly falling over the next 18 hours. This is an incredible noreaster with 45-50 mph wind gusts. I waited for the Garrett County Roads plow truck to plow out my neighborhood and then hit the road for some supplies. Here is a gallery of photos of downtown Oakland on Facebook. Several businesses remained open, but its so bad that Walmart shut its doors due to weather for the first time that I ever rememeber since they have been in Oakland.

Facebook Photo Gallery

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350

Google and Garrett County, Deep Creek Lake

When Brian Oxford called to tell me that this project was taking shape, I was incredibly excited to help spread the movement. Let’s help put Garrett County on the map with the power of Google. Check out the main page and sign the petition!

Also, the Facebook group. Get your ideas out there!

From Google’s website:
“Google is planning to launch an experiment that we hope will make Internet access better and faster for everyone. We plan to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country. Our networks will deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today, over 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. We’ll offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.”

My Reasons why Garrett County should win:
1) There’s already fiber infrastructure in place here, saving time, resources and money.
2) Google can flex its muscle by putting a RURAL area on the MAP.
3) We are a resort area within a 5 hour driving radius of 10% of the US Population, more people can enjoy it via ‘smart’ vacation homes, as well as full time residents.
4) Garrett County is GREEN…(really, look out your window and I guarantee you see a tree)
5) Our schools are ranked amongst the highest in the state – imagine what equipping our children and teachers with the ability to learn/teach at the speed of Google would do for the future of Garrett County, Maryland, the United States of America and the World.
6)In the event of nuclear fallout, Garrett County is strategically safe – think about it.
7)That kind of speed would make Garrett County a hub for more businesses and workers to telecommute (DC, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Northern Virginia) reducing traffic, saving gas and other natural resources, and creating more jobs (without bailouts or stimulus money).

Spread the word. Google + Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake = Everybody Wins

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350

DNR Property Renamed Gary Yoder Fish Management Area

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Feb. 25, 2010

Gov. Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works (BPW) in Annapolis yesterday honored three Marylanders who devoted their lives to conservation and stewardship. One of those was the late Gary Allen Yoder, a longtime Department of Natural Resources employee and Garrett County resident.
At the request of the governor, the board acted to approve naming of DNR properties in honor Yoder, folk-singer and educator Tom Wisner, and Park Ranger Julie Schweikert.

“Today we honor three individuals who dedicated their lives to helping citizens and visitors better understand and appreciate the beauty and importance of our natural resources,” said O’Malley at a meeting attended by family members, friends and colleagues of the honorees. “Now their work will live on ? not only in the hearts and minds of all they touched ? but also through the land and education programs they loved.”

The Carrie Dixon property in Garrett County will be named the Gary A. Yoder Fish Management Area in honor of the 30-year DNR employee, who was instrumental in efforts to restore and promote fishing opportunities in the region.

Yoder, who passed away suddenly on Nov. 29, 2009, was DNR’s first manager of Deep Creek Lake and later worked extensively in land acquisition and planning. The Carrie Dixon parcel was DNR’s first acquisition for public boating and fishing access on the North Branch of the Potomac River.

“If I know my father as well as I think I do, I know he would be proud of this honor,” said Garrett Yoder, Gary’s 14-year old son. “He put everything into his work, and now I’m happy that there is a way for everybody to know the important work he’s done.”

Read the rest of the article here.

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350

Maryland State Board Of Ed. Willing To Waive Up To Five Days Of School

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Feb. 25, 2010

The Maryland State Board of Education yesterday set forth a limited waiver process for Maryland school system calendars affected by the historic snow storms of this winter.
School systems may request a waiver of up to five days from the required 180-day instructional calendar because of the inclement weather that affected the State during storms in December and February. The state board has authorized the state superintendent to approve individual requests from local system superintendents to make adjustments in the school calendar.

State law requires that schools be open for a minimum of 180 instructional days. The law also grants the state board authority to make adjustments to the school year if normal school attendance is prevented by severe weather. Under the waiver provision, systems must demonstrate that they have made sufficient effort in providing instruction through calendar planning and modifications.

“We believe that 180 instructional days is a bare minimum in a competitive world where some nations keep students in school for 220 days or more,” said state superintendent of schools Nancy S. Grasmick. “At the same time, we recognize that severe weather conditions this year have been unprecedented, and the state board believes that some flexibility must be granted.”

Read the rest of the article here.

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350

Dunkers Prepare For A Chill At 12th Annual Deep Creek Dunk

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Feb. 25, 2010

Plans have been finalized by the Maryland State Police and Natural Resources Police for Saturday’s 12th annual Deep Creek Dunk and Friday night’s DunkFest celebration.
The annual charity fundraiser for Special Olympics Maryland is set for Saturday, Feb. 27, and as many as 1,000 dunkers are expected to take part in the event. Participants come from all across the region, making Deep Creek Lake a popular weekend destination for several hundred people from Baltimore and the surrounding areas during the weekend’s festivities.

Last year’s 11th annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk raised $162,000 with the help of just under 800 dunkers, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Maryland and its year-round sports training and competition programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A significant portion of the funds raised support the 47 Garrett County athletes who train and compete throughout the year.

According to a spokesperson, the Dunk underwrites the entire annual budget for SOMD Garrett County, which includes transportation, uniforms, facilities fees, equipment, and meals.

“We are proud to partner with so many local businesses and with the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to put on the Deep Creek Dunk, and have tried to market and position the event as just one small part of a weekend destination for those traveling from out of town,” said Tom Schniedwind, executive vice president of sports marketing for Special Olympics Maryland. “Our hope is that getting involved with the Dunk isn’t just a feel-good proposition for local businesses – instead, we hope that it’s actually good for business for our partners here locally.”

The dunk activities begin on Friday night at the Honi Honi “DunkFest,” and features the Toast Your Buns Bonfire from 6 to 10 p.m.; live music beginning at 8 p.m.; an outdoor pizza party and carnival games for the whole family; and fun drink specials both inside and out. Those who are dunking on Saturday may pre-register anytime between 6 and 9 p.m. Friday evening, and skip the lines altogether on Saturday.

In order to join the event and take a dip into Deep Creek Lake, participants must raise a minimum of $50 in pledges. For that contribution they will receive a complimentary meal from Uno Chicago Bar & Grill, a commemorative event sweatshirt, and a group color photo.

Special prizes will also be awarded for the top three fundraisers, the top law enforcement fundraiser, the best costume, and the top fundraising team. Heated changing tents are available on the lawn for both men and women to change in before and after.

Day-of registration begins at noon on Saturday, and the Dunk will take place at 2 p.m. There is no fee for spectators, and dunkers of all ages are welcome – though participants under the age of 18 will need signed parental consent. To register, persons may visit the web site at www.dunk-md.com or call 800-541-7544, ext. 503 (Md. only), or 410-789-6677, ext. 503, and register through the 24-hour Dunk hotline.

“The MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk is not just an event – it’s an experience,” said Schniedwind. “There is just an amazing energy throughout the crowd before, during, and after the Dunk as people embrace the spirit of fun and craziness that defines the event. And the best part is that all that positive energy ultimately translates into a better tomorrow for Special Olympics Maryland athletes in all of our communities.”

Dunk-day activities include music by DJ Jonny Rock, food, a wacky costume contest, and a live remote by WKHJ 104.5. Following the main event, the Black Bear Tavern is hosting the official Post-Dunk Party from 6 p.m. to close, complete with live music. A suggested $5 donation to Special Olympics Maryland gets all the official Deep Creek Dunk oval sticker and the chance to win prizes all evening.

The MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk, presented by Uno Chicago Bar & Grill and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, is coordinated jointly by the Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police, Maryland Park Service and several other local law enforcement agencies.

The MSP/NRP Dunk is just the beginning of a full weekend of activities for Special Olympics Maryland, with the annual SOMD Winter Games beginning the following evening, Sunday, Feb. 28.

Winter Games feature competition in alpine skiing, modified alpine, cross-country skiing, and the newest addition, snowshoeing. Approximately 350 athletes from both Maryland and Delaware will travel to Garrett County for this
state-level event.

Read the rest of the article here.

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350

Railey Realty Welcomes Jay Ferguson, REALTOR – Railey Blog


Railey Realty Welcomes Jay Ferguson, REALTOR

By: Mike Kennedy
mkennedy@railey.com
301-616-6106
February 24th, 2010
Category: Garrett County News, News

Lifelong Garrett County Maryland resident Jay Ferguson has joined Railey Realty – Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County’s leading real estate company since 1995. Jay has spent the last 9 years in the real estate business with Long & Foster Real Estate. He was the office individual top producer for 6 consecutive years, and a Hall of Fame member of the Gold Team – a distinguished honor in the company based on annual sales of $5 million or more for 8 of the last 9 years. Jay has expanded on his Realtor education as a GRI (Graduate of the Realtor Institute), RRS (Resort Recreation Specialist) and an e-Pro (internet transaction & marketing specialist).

Jay has successfully blended his background in web design and internet marketing / consulting to propel his real estate sales career and grow his business. He has worked with hundreds of clients throughout the years and has assisted many first time home buyers and friends in the dream of home ownership. Ferguson says, “I was born and raised in Oakland & at the lake, and it’s incredibly exciting to introduce new residents to everything that Garrett County has to offer. I’m very proud of how much our area has grown throughout the years and the many new businesses & attractions that make our home even more special.”

Ferguson has specialized in Southern Garrett County homes/land & Deep Creek Lake vacation home/building lot sales, though he has vast experience in all other areas of the county, as well. Jay has sold and marketed everything from small recreational lots, to farms, single family homes and vacation homes at Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Resort. “I greatly appreciate the opportunities and the people that I have worked with through my years in the real estate business. I have learned a lot from some truly great friends, colleagues, and real estate professionals. I look forward to a new challenge in my life and adding my sales experience and web marketing to the area’s #1 real estate agency. I am always eager to learn more from some of the greatest Realtors the county has to offer, as well as working with a locally owned real estate company.”

Railey broker and owner Kevin Liller had this to say about Jay. “We are really excited to have Jay join the Railey Realty team. Jay is a quality person who brings a vast knowledge of real estate and internet marketing as well as a very loyal customer and client base.”

Jay and his family live in Mitchell Manor in Oakland. He and his wife Jessica have two young children, Kayleah, 10, and Noah, 2. Jay is the son of Jerry & Sherry Ferguson, both Garrett County natives.

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350

My new office at Railey Realty

My first day at the new office was great. I had been there countless times before for paperwork, files, and meetings, but this time was a lot different. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming. The office is huge and everyone was hard at work. I’ve got a good view of the ski slopes at Wisp from my desk, so I feel right at home. Thanks again to all of the agents and staff, especially Mike Kennedy and Nancy Trotta who made me feel right at home and gave me the ‘tour’!

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350

Honi Honi bar preparing for the Deep Creek Dunk

The Honi-Honi has been working around the clock to get the ice ready for the dunk this weekend. You can watch the progress from their live web cams here.

You can see the number of snowmobilers that have made their way to Uno’s & the Honi-Honi over the past 3 weeks or so. With the record snowfall that we experienced, there is a ton of ice and snow still covering the lake.


From the outdoor deck at Uno’s, you can see where the ice is cut off to the right, above the whale and beside the pine trees.

Zoomed in on the hole in the ice. Past years, I recall it being bigger, but I figure keeping everyone closer together may prevent hypothermia setting in so quickly…

Still time to get sponsors and do the dunk this weekend! It’s a lot of fun and for a great cause, the Maryland Special Olympics.

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Jay Ferguson
jay@deepcreekvacations.com
301-501-0420
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McHenry, MD 21541
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