Meshach Browning Trail System opens in McHenry
From The Garrett County Republican
McHENRY — Along with the new year came the “soft opening” of a new trail system in the McHenry area.
The Meshach Browning Trail System, which covers more than six miles, is a public, non-motorized, multi-use recreational and cultural resource at the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club Park located at 1249 Bumble Bee Road.
“For almost 30 years, the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club has operated the county-owned, 30-acre community park on Bumble Bee Road,” said Chris Nichols, project coordinator for the trail system for the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club. “Over the past few years, the club has made a commitment to improve the facilities at the park to provide more recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors.”
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BPW awards $685K for GC Performing Arts Center
From The Garrett County Republican
ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Board of Public Works recently awarded capital grants totaling more than $18.1 million to seven community colleges, including Garrett.
Garrett College received $685,000 to renovate and expand the old gymnasium into the Community Education and Performing Arts Center. The grant requires a local match.
The anticipated cost of the project is $15.47 million, which includes renovating the 11,000-square-foot gym. A 15,800-square-foot addition will also be built.
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County art teachers attend GCAC-hosted workshop with DC Pottery artist
From The Garrett County Republican
MCHENRY — Visual art teachers with the Garrett County Public Schools were able to be students for a day recently in a pottery and ceramics workshop led by Lorie Skidmore of Deep Creek Pottery. The day-long event was hosted by the Garrett County Arts Council earlier this month as part of its mission to help support local artists and art education, and to provide professional development events.
Nine teachers gathered at Deep Creek Pottery and were led by Skidmore through several pottery projects. Those taking part were Kristen Winebrenner, Melinda Bishoff, Ronni Digioia, Kelly Lasher, Bonnie Frederick, instructor Skidmore, Jay Paxton Alyssa Rodeheaver, Jennifer Wampler, and Melissa Pyle.
“The ceramics workshop was awesome!” said Rodeheaver. “We were all so thankful for the arts council sponsoring the workshop. I thought it was nice to have professional development that I could actually use in my art classes. This was the first time since college that I was able to practice art-making techniques I could take back to my classroom.”
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Popular New Year’s Day tradition returns across Maryland
From The Garrett County Republican
ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to kick off the New Year with one of Maryland’s newest, popular traditions — a First Day Hike.
On Jan. 1, 2019, the Maryland Park Service will offer more than three dozen hikes on more than 30 state lands and parks, as part of a nationwide event sponsored by America’s State Parks.
These hikes will provide a wide array of outdoor adventures and experiences for every level of hiker and walker, providing access to Maryland’s cultural, historical and natural resources and treasures, along with opportunities for education and stewardship. Many hikes are even pet-friendly.
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State parks list events
From The Garrett County Republican
Friday, Dec. 21
Science Room open. Scavenger hunts available all day.
Saturday, Dec. 22
11 a.m., What’s That Reptile? — Come to the Discovery Center to learn about the reptiles and amphibians in the center, and you may have a chance to touch these amazing cold-blooded creatures.
1 p.m., Roving Naturalist — Meet some of the folks that care for the animal ambassadors in the Discovery Center. During this time, live animals will be out for a close-up, hands-on experience.
Sunday, Dec. 23
11 a.m., Snowflake Discovery — Join the naturalist to learn about snowflakes. Make a snowflake craft and try to capture “snowflake prints” if weather permits.
2 p.m., Aviary Feeding — Join us to learn some interesting facts, hear each bird’s story, and watch these amazing raptors eat.
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Winter season opens at Wisp Resort
From The Garrett County Republican
DEEP CREEK LAKE — Maryland’s Wisp Resort opened for the 2018-19 winter season on Friday, Dec. 14.
Regular operating hours have commenced.
The Mountain Park opened Dec. 15 with snow tubing and mountain coaster. The Mountain Park will be open from 4-8 p.m. through today, and continue with regular season hours over the weekend.
“We anticipate opening with nearly 60 acres of terrain on a base depth of 18 inches to 36 inches, and more terrain will open as snowmaking progresses,” Mountain Operations Director Artie Speicher last week.
Wisp Resort began snowmaking Nov. 21, and as of Dec. 13, a total of 56 million gallons of water had been pumped, equating to approximately 367 acre feet of snow while running the system for 319 total hours.
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