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Snowless Ski Resorts Offer Hiking, Mini Golf — Or Pleas For Donations

The holidays are usually a busy time on the slopes, but unseasonably warm weather this month is wreaking havoc on ski resorts — and skiers’ plans — in the Midwest and Northeast.

Ski resorts in New York and Pennsylvania are assuring would-be visitors that they’re ready to make snow “in a moment’s notice” as soon as cold weather returns, reports AccuWeather. But there’s no getting around that at the moment, there’s simply no snow to be had.

The winter-that-just-wouldn’t-start could have a dire economic impact on such resorts. The director of one tells AccuWeather that Christmas visitors usually account for 20 percent of the season’s total business.

Resorts are having to think beyond the slopes. At least one has actually brought back its summer activities — normally unavailable at this time of year — for the Christmas season, The Toronto Star reported last week. The Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario, Canada, made the call after it was wholly snowless just a week before Christmas.

Read More Here:  http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/12/23/460865274/snowless-ski-resorts-offer-hiking-mini-golf-or-pleas-for-donations

SANTA!

Santa Claus will be @ the Taylor-Made Office tomorrow from 10 am – 12 Noon! Please join us for Christmas stories, hot cocoa, cookies & of course, pictures with Santa!

Wandering Sandhill Crane Becomes Maryland Zoo’s Newest Addition

BALTIMORE (WJZ)–In Japanese culture, cranes are good luck.

Here in Baltimore, the Maryland Zoo just got some good luck in a new addition.

Gigi Barnett explains why his name is Garrett.

You could say the new Sandhill Crane at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is a little out of his element.

Taylor Zoghby,  animal keeper at the zoo says, “they’re typically around Tennessee, West Virginia and west of there, through North America.”

But based on his appetite, he seems right at home.

Garrett is the zoo’s newest addition.

Read More Here: http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/12/18/wandering-sandhill-crane-becomes-maryland-zoos-newest-addition/

Larry Walsh: Temperatures this weekend will allow for snowmaking

By Larry Walsh / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Local and regional resorts are offering a variety of off-snow activities while they wait for below-freezing temperatures to make snow.

Depending on their locations, those temperatures might have arrived Friday night and they might return again tonight.

“The forecast for this weekend [Dec. 18-19] is absolutely gorgeous” said Shawn Cassell, spokesman for Snowshoe Mountain Resort in east-central West Virginia. “Those lows in the teens will make for some spectacular snowmaking conditions.”

Read More Here:  http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/ski/2015/12/19/Temperatures-this-weekend-will-allow-for-snowmaking/stories/201512190052

Garrett County takes ownership of Overlook Pass Road

Posted: Monday, December 14, 2015 6:37 pm

Garrett County takes ownership of Overlook Pass RoadElaine Blaisdell eblaisdell@times-news.comThe Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The Garrett County Commission voted unanimously following a public hearing Monday afternoon to accept a petition for Overlook Pass Road to become part of the public roads system.

“The bankruptcy court abandoned this road, which put it in a unique position because it is a road that links two existing county roads and there was, at that point in time, no vehicle for the maintenance of the road; nor was there a way to establish what parties would be responsible for the road,” said Gorman Getty III, county attorney. “The road itself is now owned by the county.”

In 2013, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland approved a plan of liquidation for DC Development. The developer notified the homeowners association, which had been a part of the Wisp Development, as well as the county, that DCD wouldn’t continue to be involved in the maintenance of Overlook Pass. At the conclusion of the bankruptcy, the bankruptcy court abandoned Overlook Pass and conveyed it to the county, according to Getty.

No one commented either for or against the petition during the public comment portion of the hearing. One letter was received from a concerned citizen regarding the petition and residents have voiced concerns about traffic congestion on Marsh Hill Road, said Paul Edwards, commission chairman. The letter will be incorporated into the public record.

“We are working with the Wisp to try to mitigate those issues with traffic. I think we have some really good plans and we are seeking some finances to help with traffic flow there,” said Edwards.

The county is also in an agreement with EPT and the former DCD homeowners association to assist with costs associated with Overlook Pass, according to Getty.

A formal written decision to include the road in the county road system will be made by the commissioners.

In November 2013, the county agreed to provide snow removal service on Overlook Pass, where about 40 people live, for one winter season only.

More Information Here:  http://www.times-news.com/news/local_news/garrett-county-takes-ownership-of-overlook-pass-road/article_6a607f02-a124-5a24-b286-73c924b5af3b.html

 

12 Places In Maryland That Will Drop Your Frozen Jaw This Winter

Maryland has been oddly warm so far this winter but the cold is on it’s way. And although the icy roads and closings aren’t ideal, you can’t deny how awe-inspiring the Old Line State is in freezing temperatures. Icicles majestically hang off of branches and snow blankets the ground. Sometimes we need to take a closer look to really appreciate the intricate details of winter in Maryland. These photos prove that just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful.

 

See more here:  http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/maryland/frozen-places-in-maryland/

These 20 Jaw Dropping Places in Maryland Will Blow You Away

Maryland isn’t the biggest of states but it has everything including mountains, beaches, cliffs, historic battlefields, and more. The scenery is endless. There are always places to explore and views that will make you gasp. These 20 jaw dropping places in Maryland will have you wanting to hop in the car for a scenic road trip ASAP.

 

See the list here:  http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/maryland/amazing-places-in-md/