Mortgage Rates at ALL TIME LOWS
Jerry Merrick sent an update on mortgage rates yesterday and pointed out that these are the lowest rates EVER offered. If you’re thinking of buying:
30 year conforming is 4.25%
15 year conforming is 3.750%
30 year jumbo is 4.875%
Also, visit the Lender/Mortgage section of my website to see other providers.
It's Pink Glove time
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Brenda Brosnihan, owner of Brenda’s Body Shop of Oakland, has a new mission, following the successful Thriller project last year. The Pink Glove Dance, a YouTube.com sensation first performed by the staff of the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Ore., has turned into a fundraising effort for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Medline Industries, manufacturer of the now famous pink gloves, is donating a portion of all glove sales to the organization. Brenda’s Body Shop is now the official sponsor of the Garrett County Pink Glove Dance Project, a community-wide campaign to educate, honor, and celebrate those affected by cancer. Her dancers debuted the performance at this week’s National Night Out in Oakland, where this photo was taken. Proceeds from this effort will benefit Cindy’s Fund, which provides assistance to Garrett County citizens who are ill with cancer.
“The Pink Glove Project and Cindy’s Fund represent the importance of early detection, which can result in cures or an extension of survival,” Brosnihan said. “Money is being raised by donations to purchase pairs of the pink gloves. All the dancers have gloves available and encourage you to take a pair to hang from your car mirror, keep in your purse, and wear them anytime you see the pink glove performance, or, more importantly, to use as a reminder to get your tests and screenings.” Brosnihan said she is excited about the effort. “We have more people at this time than we did last year for Thriller. I believe this is a cause that everyone can relate to and feel passionate about. It is so inspiring to see so many mothers, daughters, and grandmothers participating together. It opens the line of communication about breast cancer and all cancers. The money raised will help the people in Garrett County, which is very important to all of us participating.”
Other non-dance volunteers are encouraging area medical personnel who use gloves to purchase a box and wear the pink ones to heighten awareness among their patients and clients. The first organization pledging to purchase and use of the gloves is the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, Brosnihan said. She is offering Pink Glove Dance classes at Brenda’s Body Shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Persons may call for times and information. “Our goal is to get as many people as possible to learn the dance and distribute the pink gloves to family and friends,” she said. Performances will be held throughout the community through October. Any club, business, or persons interested in participating may contact Brosnihan at 301-334-1275 or visit http://www.brendasbodyshop.com/
Career Tech Ctr. Awarded $400K Grant From ARC
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Aug. 5, 2010
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded more than $434,000 in grant funding to support initiatives and infrastructure targeting technology-based education and job skills in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties, Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin announced on Monday.
Garrett County received $400,000 to provide career training and trades skills in such subjects as environmental/energy systems and telecommunications.
The funds will be used to design and construct a flexible trades laboratory at the Garrett College Career Technology Training Center in Accident, which is expected to serve more than 500 students over a three-year period.
“Our nation’s future depends on our ability to invest in high-tech education and training that is needed for jobs in the 21st century,” Cardin said. “I strongly support these grants because they will provide residents of Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties with opportunities that will help them succeed and find jobs in the future.”
Allegany County received a $12,150 ARC grant to construct a new telecommunications antenna at Mountain Ridge High School, and Washington County was awarded $21,999 to support the Alternative Energy Technology Program at Hagerstown Community College.
“Grants like these help us invest in workers who are ready for the future,” Mikulski said. “I’m so proud these funds will give more students the skills, training, and education they need to succeed and launch their careers. This will help build Maryland’s workforce and power its economy.”
The ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.
Grant Funding No Longer Available For GC Electronics Recycling Prog.
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Aug. 5, 2010
Garrett County government may need to explore alternative methods of operation to keep its popular electronics recycling program going next fiscal year, county recycling coordinator Kim Madigan told the county commissioners during a progress report on Tuesday. The county has conducted the program for three years.
To help defray costs, the Maryland Department of the Environment has provided the county’s Solid Waste and Recycling Division with two grants totaling $24,656.
Last fiscal year (July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010) the county received $16,074 to expand the program. The division collected 75 tons of electronics during that period.
“The program had become so successful, we wanted to add an additional site for collection of materials,” the coordinator said. “We were already collecting at the Weber and Bumble Bee sites and wanted to add the Grantsville site as well.”
The county used $4,250 of last year’s grant on safety equipment – hydraulic lifts, straps, and ramps – to help site attendants manage the electronics, and the remaining was spent on hauling, processing, and collecting materials (container rentals).
Because recycling electronics has become so popular locally, the grant funding ran out quickly, and it is now costing the county money to keep the program going.
“In January, we realized the program would not make it through June 30,” the coordinator said. “We weighed our options of either shutting down a site or two, or closing the program early. But in the end, we were fortunate to have an extremely generous offer made by our electronics processor, PC Renewal (Morgantown, W.Va.), to accept all of the materials free of charge for the duration of the grant period.”
This allowed the program to continue without limitations. What also helped this year, as in the previous years, was that Solid Waste and Recycling provided additional funds.
Investigation Of Deep Creek Fish Kill Continues
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Aug. 5, 2010
The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources continue to investigate a large fish kill that occurred two weeks ago in Deep Creek Lake, Garrett County. In consultation with the Garrett County Health Department, MDE and DNR are providing additional information regarding necessary public health precautions.
Visitors and residents are advised to avoid touching, eating, or otherwise coming into proximity to any dead fish or fish with outward signs of stress or disease. Extra precautions should be taken for those with open wounds. Dogs, and other pets should be restricted from coming in contact with dead or dying fish. The best method to dispose of the fish is by burying them.
Analysis of samples collected by the Garrett County Health Department at 21 different sampling points around the lake the week of July 18 indicated low levels of E.coli bacteria at all locations. Swimming in Deep Creek Lake does not pose any additional public health risk at this time, although dead fish floating in the water should be avoided if possible.
The bacteria thought to be responsible for the fish kill has been identified as Aeromonas species, which has been known to cause other fish kills in Maryland. State health officials note that while this organism can cause infections through skin wounds, it has not been commonly associated with outbreaks in swimming areas. Therefore, no specific advisories are being issued regarding recreational water contact at Deep Creek Lake, except those related to direct contact with fish as described above.
The investigation is still ongoing, according to the MDE. Preliminary results indicate that unprecedented high temperatures in July in the surface waters of the lake are causing fish to be stressed and set the stage for a parasite protozoan infestation. This leads to a lethal secondary bacterial infection, primarily affecting fish in the lower upstream section of the lake.
The bacteria causing this secondary infection, Aeromonas hydrophila, is commonly present in the intestinal tract of healthy fish, said a DNR spokesperson. The affected fish were initially cold-water species such as yellow perch, walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike that are adapted to temperatures less than 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit/23 degrees Celsius. Warm-water species such as largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill sunfish are now also being affected.
While a fish kill of this type is rarely seen in Deep Creek Lake because of its normally low water temperatures, it is not uncommon in other areas of the state, according to the DNR.
Changes At Fair Result From New Hall Construction
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Aug. 5, 2010
Work continues to progress on the new 30,000-square foot trade and exhibit hall at the Garrett County fairgrounds, with completion anticipated later this fall. According to the Garrett County Fair Board, the construction work will require that a number of changes be made during the fair, which runs from Saturday, Aug. 7, through Saturday, Aug. 14.
“The board asks for everyone’s understanding as we grow, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the 54th annual Garrett County Fair,” a spokesperson said. “While the changes associated with the construction project will cause some inconveniences, the addition of the new building to the grounds is very positive, and should more than compensate for any temporary inconvenience that we all might experience.”
Although the walk-in gate on U.S. Rt. 219 will remain open, all vehicle traffic must enter the grounds via the upper gate on Mosser Road.
Handicapped parking areas have been designated near the Rt. 219 walk-in gate, the walk-in gate at the track, and the walk-in gate off the Mosser Road exit.
Bleachers in front of the previous stage area have been removed as part of the construction project. The stage area itself will host small events and activities such as the pet show and senior citizens’ day activities.
Plans Finalized For This Weekend's Annual Friendsville Days Celebration
Aug. 5, 2010
Friendsville Days 2010 will be held this weekend, beginning on Friday, Aug. 6, and ending on Saturday, Aug. 7. Admission is free to the two-day event, which will be held rain or shine.
Friendsville Days will begin with a free picnic dinner sponsored by the Northern Garrett Rescue Squad Station 3 on Friday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. Donations are not expected, but any received will benefit the Friendsville Library in honor of the Friendsville Area Quilters.
The annual Cancer Walk, a Friendsville Community Watch sponsored event, will also be held on Friday. Ribbons can be purchased in memory or honor of a loved one stricken with cancer. The Friendsville Days 2010 Queen will be announced at 6:45 p.m., with Miss Maryland Lindsay Staniszewski, along with Miss Friendsville Days 2008 Hannah Sines.
A Christian puppet show will present a program for kids of all ages at the pavilion at the play area. Musical entertainment will be provided by Girlz in Black Hats beginning at 7 p.m., sponsored by Northern Garrett Rescue Squad.
Saturday’s activities will begin with a volleyball tournament at 9 a.m. in the sand volleyball court. The 30th annual Friendsville Days parade will begin at noon. The grand marshal for the parade will be the Friendsville Area Quilters, who yearly have been providing handmade quilts to be raffled to benefit the Friendsville Library. The quilters will be selling chances for the latest quilt at the door prize booth.
After the parade, activities will continue at the community park. Opening ceremonies with a flag raising, 21-gun salute by local veterans, and the national anthem sung by Miss Maryland will begin at 1:30 p.m. Miss Maryland is sponsored by Friendsville Pharmacy.
Black Diamond will be performing gospel and country music beginning at 2 p.m. Bingo will also begin at 2 p.m. at the senior citizen building. Kids’ games will be held in the pavilion at the softball field, as well as a dunking booth. Rides will be provided by Fun Factory.
6 Reasons to Buy a Vacation Home Now - Resort Life Blog
RISMEDIA, August 11, 2010—As the real estate market continues its bumpy road toward recovery, the vacation home market is heating up, causing homeowners around the country to seriously consider buying the vacation home they’ve been eyeing.
Margaret La Grange and Christine Van Tuyl, an award-winning mother-daughter team with Prudential California Realty in Coronado, CA, offer the top six reasons why now is the best time to buy a vacation home.
“Whether you’re looking for a charming beach bungalow or a high rise condo with spectacular views, a host of market conditions have come together to make buying a vacation home a smart move,” said Christine Van Tuyl. “The drop in home prices, incredibly low interest rates and the increase in demand for vacation rentals make it an optimal time to explore a second home purchase.”
1. Prices down 20-40%. In places like Coronado, CA and greater San Diego, you can pick up a beach cottage or high-rise condo at extremely low prices. That’s only the beginning. Lower prices and less competition are the tip of the iceberg-sized list of factors that make it a good time to consider a vacation home buy.
2. Interest rates. Rates, of course, are at historic lows. Lock in a good rate, buy a vacation home in a desirable location, and watch your asset appreciate over the long-term.
3. A relatively safe investment. Real estate has proven itself to be a safe place to park your money for the long-term. (Long-term is key). Stock market woes have always pushed people to look for alternate investments, and real estate is a consistent stronghold.
4. Make a profit. Or, better yet, make your vacation home pay for itself. Only planning on using your vacation home a few months out of the year? Rent it out short-term to vacationers looking for a great place to stay. Many homeowners make a killing listing their homes on VRBO.com. (Vacation Rental By Owner). When your monthly mortgage payment is less than or equal to one peak week rental, twelve weeks of rental will cover your mortgage payments for the entire year.
5. Vacation rental demand is heating up. Overall, vacation rentals are less expensive than hotel rooms, especially for longer visits and for families. Savvy travelers know this, and are heating up the demand for vacation rentals. In addition, the weaker dollar makes U.S. destinations attractive to travelers from countries with stronger currencies.
6. The pressure of bidding wars is off. Sure, you may not get bargain basement prices on a beachfront cottage—but you might if you’re willing to buy a few blocks away. Houses aren’t exactly flying off the shelves these days, but buyers now have less pressure to make a hasty decision. Buyers looking for deals on vacation homes can really do their homework.
Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission
Come out and see us
Michael A. Sawyers
Cumberland Times-News
— How many of you out there know what the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission is?
That’s what I thought.
Good for you over there in Finzel and you out there in Little Orleans. Not many others do, but that isn’t really all that surprising.
The Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission is a group of citizens appointed by the governor to advise the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service about things that have to do with coots and coyotes and deer and doves. They meet pretty much monthly in Annapolis.
It has been a while, but I attended a couple of their gatherings and those were only slightly more interesting than a Frostburg Mayor and Council meeting on a slow night. However, I’ve been reading the WAC minutes online and the banter, questions and appear to be more insightful in recent times.
There are nine seats on the commission.
Existing members whose service continues are Chairman V. Wilson Freeland, Vice Chairman Jeffrey D. Plummer, Gary E. Fratz, Edwin R. Fry, Timothy W. Lambert and E. Joseph Lamp, Ph.D.
Just recently, three new members have been appointed: Jacquelyn Bonomo, Charles Rodney and Lou Compton.
Fratz, a Garrett County resident, is our guy.
The WAC doesn’t have any power. The WAC vote doesn’t hold any official sway when it comes to deer seasons or trapping regulations or how far away from an occupied dwelling you can be when you shoot at a squirrel, but it certainly helps when the balloting comes down on the side of the good guys.
One example is the WAC vote in the 1990s to have a bear hunt in Maryland.
I would like to see the WAC become less obscure and more of a two-way street.
What am I saying?
I’m saying I’d like to see the WAC get out and meet with and talk to the people of Maryland. I’m thinking hunters when I say that, but everybody who has thoughts about the state’s wildlife would be invited.
Instead of meeting only in Annapolis, take the WAC on the road once or twice a year to place such as Rocky Gap State Park or some nice meeting place in Harford or Charles or Wicomico counties.
Give me some advance notice when the WAC is coming out this way and I’ll do my best to build the crowd.
Besides, Gary Fratz wouldn’t have to drive so far to every WAC meeting. I think he has done great, missing only five meetings since January of 2008 and attending one other via conference call.
I think WAC members should be conduits that can take the thoughts, desires and longings of the people who live in their parts of the state and relay them to the movers and shakers at the wildlife agency. Maybe the individual WAC members already meet with their neighbors to discuss these sorts of things. I don’t know for sure. I hope they do.
It is actually a bit difficult to contact individual members or even to find out where they live.
I mean, is Edwin Fry an Eastern Shore guy or from Hagerstown? Would a hunter talk to him about duck hunting in Talbot County or gobbler hunting on the Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area? I think it would help to know, in a public way, from the where each member hails.
Agency spokesman Bob Beyer has told me that phone numbers and towns of residence are private information that cannot be passed on.
There is a general e-mail address for the WAC at www.dnr.state.md.us that you can use to make contact and somebody will get back to you.
Great to see new commissioner Lou Compton on board. Some of you know that Lou has already been a force for hunters by way of the Maryland Bowhunters Society. And, of course, Tim Lambert has been a long-time stalwart for the hunters of Maryland, holding office in the former Maryland Sportsmen’s Association.
So, this is my request for the WAC to seek a higher profile among the license buying public and, by doing so, become a little more constituent friendly.
Come out and see us.
Deep Creek fish kill toll at 1,000 — and counting
Investigators hopeful death rate slowing down
Megan Miller
Cumberland Times-News
— DEEP CREEK LAKE — The death toll of the June fish kill in Deep Creek Lake has reached approximately 1,000 and counting, but environmental investigators are hopeful the rate of fish deaths is slowing.
Investigators are attributing the fish kill to unprecedented high water temperatures in the lake, combined with the speed at which the water temperature rose. The water heated up too quickly for the fish to become acclimated.
“The vast majority of fish kills are really natural, as this one apparently is as well,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Program Manager Charlie Poukish, who investigated the incident. “Our main interest, of course, is to get out quick enough to try to document if there is some sort of toxin — the old canary in the coal mine.”
But instead of a toxin, Poukish said the Deep Creek Lake fish appear to be victims of a combination of stresses. Those stresses, including the higher water temperature, made them more susceptible to parasites.
“We noticed a very heavy parasite load on the fish,” Poukish said, adding, “The ultimate cause of death was really septicemia, which was brought on by a common bacteria found in nature which really doesn’t affect fish until they’re stressed.”
Long term monitoring by the Department of Natural Resources showed that the lake’s surface water temperature in July was the hottest it’s been through the entire data collection period — the years 2000, 2002 to 2003, and 2008 to 2010.
Temperatures in the upper layer of lake water were between 76 and 80 degrees. Many of the dead fish were cold water species, such as yellow perch, walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike, that thrive in temperatures less than 73.4 degrees.
Insufficient oxygen levels in deeper layers of the lake might have prevented the fish from escaping to cooler water below, Poukish said.
The first dead fish began appearing on or around July 17. Escalating numbers of dead fish prompted an investigation by local environmental agencies, MDE and the Department of Natural Resources.
Testing is ongoing to determine the specific type of protozoan parasite found on the fish, Poukish said.
There appears to be no threat to human health, and the fish parasite cannot infect people, according to MDE officials. But touching, eating, swimming with, or coming into close proximity to any dead fish should still be avoided.
Fish kills and algae blooms may be reported by calling 1-866-MDE-GOTO or 877-224-RBAY.
