Jay Fergusonjay@deepcreekvacations.com301-501-0420
Menu

Author: Jay Ferguson

Who I Am My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service! Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well. I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’. Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you. Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about! Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Private party seeks to expand ATV trails on state land in western Md.

CUMBERLAND, Maryland — An Allegany County official says a private developer wants to expand the number of off-road vehicle trails on state land in western Maryland.

County Commissioner William Valentine told the Cumberland Times-News (http://bit.ly/12O7AkC ) Monday that the unidentified developer wants to work with the state to bring more such trails to Allegany and Garrett County.

State officials closed three off-road vehicle trails in 2011 to curb environmental damage. They included an 18-mile trail through the Green Ridge State Forest.

Trails were also closed trails in the Savage River State Forest in Garrett County and the Pocomoke State Forest on the Eastern Shore.

Western Maryland still has more than 14 miles of off-road vehicles trails and more than 28 miles of snowmobiles trails on state land.

More here.

 

Garrett County recycling plan focus of March 5 public hearing

State requires program needed for schools, fluorescent light bulbs

From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The Garrett County commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the county’s 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan on March 5, according to a news release.

Amendments for recycling electronics, fluorescent light bulbs and recycling in public schools will be discussed. Although a program for recycling the items is already in place, it has never been adopted formally into the plan, according to Dave Baker, manager of the Garrett County Department of Solid Waste And Recycling. State law requires counties to have a plan that has been formally adopted, according to the news release.

The Maryland Department of the Environment requires that a recycling program be provided for schools and fluorescent light bulbs; the county is adding the recycling of electronics into the plan, said Baker.

In accordance with MDE regulations, counties are required to conduct a public hearing prior to amending their Solid Waste Management plans.

“There is a growing concern regarding the disposal of computers, electronics, covered electronic devices and video display devices in landfills,” said the news release. “These devices can contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium in circuit boards, batteries and cathode ray tubes.”

A program for the separate collection of electronics from residents, municipalities and businesses is needed to reduce the quantity of the electronics being sent to the landfill. A program may include computers and monitors, laptops, TVs, PDAs, peripherals, telephones, printers, fax machines, copiers, VCRs, camcorders, DVD players, CD players, calculators, typewriters and cell phones, according to the news release.

The county plans to use funding from grants or the solid waste and recycling enterprise fund budget to operate a permanent collection program for electronics.

“A permanent program should be initiated at one refuse and recycling collection site in Garrett County,” states the news release.

If funding is not available for a permanent program, annual one-day events to collect electronics for recycling will be planned if its economically feasible.

The county has a fluorescent, compact fluorescent and non-PCB ballast recycling program and plan in place, which has been approved by MDE. The department plans to use enterprise funds also to operate a collection program for residents for those items. The recycling program is free to county residents, however this may or may not change based on market conditions, according to the news release.

Immediately upon collection, all fluorescent bulbs, tubes and non-PCB ballasts will be placed directly into prepaid mailing containers provided by an independent recycling contractor; this method of storage will eliminate breakage, according to the news release. When the containers are full, they will be sent to the recycling contractor for processing.

All county public schools and Garrett College have recycling plans in place and are participating in a recycling program.

The board of education is responsible for scheduling the pickup of all recycling materials from each school in the public school system.

Copies of the language contained in the amendment and the proposed resolution are available for public review at the Ruth Enlow Library, county commissioners office, and the landfill. The information is also available at www.co.garrett.md.us.

More here.

 

Local sheriffs support state association’s stance

For the Cumberland Times-News Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — The Maryland Sheriffs’ Association has announced that it is ready to work to create a safer community for all Marylanders through a comprehensive approach.

Gun control alone will not solve the problem of extreme violence. Society needs a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to this worsening problem, including addressing media violence, drugs, gangs and the breakdown of the family,” the association said in a resolution.

Garrett County Sheriff Rob Corley and Allegany County Sheriff Craig Robertson support the state association in its efforts to create safe communities.

“As the sheriff of Garrett County, I join the entire national community in mourning the senseless tragedy and loss of innocent lives in places like Newtown, Connecticut,” Corley said. “However, I, like many other jurisdictions, do not believe that the loss of constitutional rights, privileges and protection are something that should be lost or traded in the name of public safety in order to secure a false sense of security. I stand with the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association as well as the National Sheriffs’ Association in supporting and endorse legislation, which would strengthen public safety by restricting gun ownership from individuals who suffer from certain mental illnesses and with that same enthusiasm support tougher penalties for those who engage in criminal acts committed with fire-arms.”

Robertson also provided a statement: “I join my fellow Garrett County Sheriff Rob Corley and the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association in supporting legislation aimed at strengthening public safety for our citizens. In doing so we should aim our sights on keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and individuals not capable of comprehending their actions, due to mental illnesses. To do so, we must allow law enforcement access to this information in order to successfully complete accurate background investigations. Taking away a citizen’s constitutional right is not the answer. Unfortunately, acts of violence and gun violence have and will continue to victimize our community and our country. We all have an obligation to our families, our community, our citizens and our country to be engaged in securing our weapons from falling into the wrong control.”

More here.

Fun things to do this weekend at Deep Creek

deep-creek-dunk-7 Goosebumps & Grapes

Date: February 22, 2013
Event Description:
An evening of Fire & Wine. Presented by the Honi-Honi, Uno & Arrowhead Market. Co-Hosted by Long & Foster Deep Creek Lake Vacation Rentals.

6 pm – 9 pm. Pre-register for the Dunk and enjoy an evening under the stars at the 3rd Goosebumps & Grapes Wine Tasting all to benefit SOMD. Get toasty around the roaring bonfire and sample a variety of wonderful wines from Republic National Distributing Co., inside our heated tent. All wines will be available for sale at Arrowhead Market on Friday & Saturday, and $3 from every bottle purchased will be donated to SOMD. Admission: $20 donation to SOMD.

——

MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk

Name: MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk
Date: February 23, 2013
Event Description:
Join fellow dunkers by taking a quick dip in the Lake – all to support Special Olympics Maryland!

deep-creek-dunk-success

—–

THE HILLBILLY GYPSIES free show at Mountain State Brewing Co

Date: February 23, 2013 – February 24, 2013
Event Description:
Get ready for a foot-stompin’ good time when our friends THE HILLBILLY GYPSIES come back to Mountain State Brewing in Deep Creek on Feb 23rd! Show starts at 10pm and, as always, is free. See you there! www.thehillbillygypsies.com The Hillbilly Gypsies are a West Virginia native string band who specialize in playing their own homegrown style of Appalachian old time music, mixed with a hard drivin’ bluegrass sound. In addition to their original material, The Hillbilly Gypsies play an eclectic mix of traditional and quite often, not-so-traditional bluegrass standards and catchy old fiddle tunes

Developer says wind project deemed aviation navigation hazard, hopes to resolve issue

Synergics anticipates issue to blow over

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

FROSTBURG — A Federal Aviation Administration in-terim determination does not authorize the construction of any of the 24 proposed wind turbines in the Fourmile Ridge wind project in eastern Garrett County because the turbines are presumed to be a hazard to air navigation, according to a letter from the FAA to Synergics, the owner of the project.

The FAA doesn’t approve the construction of the turbines, even at a reduced height.

“There is a potential conflict with an existing but scheduled to be deactivated radar antenna,” said Frank Maisano, a spokesman for the Synergics project. “It is being worked out with the FAA and we anticipate a solution that does not entail moving the turbines or any changes to the project as proposed.”

Synergics intends to enter into commercial operations by Dec. 31.

The Fourmile project development schedule is not expected to be impacted by the FAA interim determination, according to Maisano.

The internal study by the FAA revealed that all 24 wind turbines are within 3 1/2 nautical miles of a Very High Frequency Omni Directional Radio Range and Tactical Air Navigation Aid, known as the Grantsville VOR, located in Avilton.

Interference may occur from large structures or power lines up to 2 nautical miles from the antenna, according to the FAA letter.

However, wind turbines are a special case in that they may cause interference up to 8 nautical miles from the antenna.

The VOR is used as a primary approach for the Garrett County Airport and is used as feeder fix navigation aid for the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport, according to Robert Armstrong, who currently flies for Allegheny Wood Products in Petersburg, W.Va.

Armstrong said that, although VORs are still in use, they are not being used as much as a primary navigation aid due to budget constraints and the existence of GPS.

If more than 60 days elapses since Feb. 5 without a resolution, Synergics will have to reactivate the study by filing a new FAA form, according to the letter.

FAA approval is needed before the county can issue a building permit.

Synergics has submitted both a concept plan and site development plan to the county, which are currently under review.

There is no time frame for the county to complete the review. Both plans are part of the county’s stormwater management ordinance requirements.

In January, Annapolis-based Synergics sought fast-track approval of the project from the Maryland Public Service Commission.

In that filing, Synergics Wind Energy LLC and Fourmile Wind Energy LLC included a request for a waiver of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity requirements for a tap line to serve the project.

On Feb. 6, Synergics and Fourmile Wind Energy filed a revised request for a loop line to serve the project, according to PSC filings.

The revised request is still asking that the waiver be granted by April 1.

The loop line will include two steel, dead-end structures and poles located on a right of way already owned by the Potomac Edison Co.

The revised request also includes a construction cost increase from an estimate between $230,000 and $260,000 to $340,000 and $360,000.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

More here

Garrett dissolves fracking advisory group

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — Garrett County commissioners have decided to discontinue meetings of the Garrett County Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Advisory Committee until the state completes its work.

The advisory committee will meet on an as-needed basis, which will be determined by Bob Gatto, county commission chairman, the commissioners announced during Tuesday’s public meeting.

Commissioner Jim Raley, who serves as an ex-officio, or nonvoting, member on the advisory committee and is on Gov. Martin O’Malley’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, indicated that the committee should continue to meet to discuss the issues surrounding shale drilling. The best practices management report from the state will be out soon, according to Raley.

“I would love for the local committee to make sure they look at it (the report) and see if they view anything that has been missed,” said Raley. “There are things I think the committee can do. I don’t believe in meeting just to meet. The jury is still out on whether (shale drilling) is an economic boom or economic bust.”

A survey that was sent to the 22 advisory committee members indicated that 62 percent wished to discontinue the meetings while the state and others try to develop best practices and 38 percent wanted to continue as is, according to Gatto.

No one favored the option of disbanding the advisory committee.

Raley stressed that there shouldn’t be gaps in the regulation of Marcellus shale.

“In the wind industr,y there are gaps and we are facing the consequences of those gaps because the state put nothing regulatory in place. Now we are backpeddling, trying to fill that gap,” said Raley. “I don’t want to see that happen with shale gas development.”

Rodney Glotfelty, advisory committee chairman, asked that the commissioners communicate the mission of the advisory committee again.

“The majority of the public comments (during the meetings) have been very useful, making sound recommendations,” said Glotfelty. “I think there is an expectation on some of the public’s part that the committee should recommend to you to ban hydrofracking in Garrett County. That is really not our purpose. The committee was established to look at the process of permitting hydrofracking in Maryland and in Garrett County specifically.”

If fracking were to come to the county, the committee would look at what could be done locally to mitigate any environmental impacts and what could be done to maximize the economic benefits.

“As long as that is the mission of the committee, I think we won’t get bogged down in some of these inflammatory arguments that go on,” said Glotfelty.

Raley agreed with Glotfelty and said the commissioners would give the advisory committee direction at times.

“Obviously, it’s a sensitive issue. When you try and put the committee together it’s virtually impossible to find someone who is totally neutral,” said Raley. “The public has not been as kind and considerate some nights.”

Raley stressed that he hopes information would continue to be provided via the advisory commission website.

Eric Robison, president of the nonprofit group CitizenShale, said the advisory committee should be looking at local issues such as emergency management, road bonding, gas pipelines and tourism.

“With us not having the ability with comprehensive zoning, we have got to be looking at how permitting is going to be able to address those types of things,” said Robison.

The committee has made recommendations to commissioners on emergency management and pipelines, according to Glotfelty.

Robison suggested setting standards or guidelines that are specific to the gas industry.

“This is the industry that may impact us more prominently than the wind turbines,” said Robison. “I am really bothered that we are going to shelve this temporarily until we find items that need to be addressed. There are items that need to be addressed right now.”

The committee has been meeting for more than two years and was formed around the same time the governor’s commission was formed, according to Gatto.

“I’m very proud of the work the committee has done in the last two years,” said Glotfelty.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

More here.

HART to take bids for site

Garrett rescue shelter phase I expected to cost $2.2M

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

MCHENRY — A Garrett County animal rescue shelter, HART for Animals, is accepting bids for phase I of construction for a state-of-the-art, 12,000-square-foot facility to be located on Bumble Bee Road.

Phase I of the Homeless Animal Rescue and Transport for Animals facility will consist of a veterinary clinic,  a boarding spa, a reception area and a small store.

The total cost of construction for phase I is an estimated $2.2 million with construction to be completed in midsummer, according to Michael Pellet, president of HART.

Phase II will consist of an adoption center and will begin once phase I is completed. The entire project is expected to be completed sometime this year, according to Pellet.

“It (the adoption center) is very important to the county. It will relieve pressure on the Garrett County Animal Shelter, which currently receives 1,200 to 1,500 (animals) a year but only has enough space for 40 animals,” said Pellet, who added that the project will create 35 jobs for the county. “HART provides education to the general public about the humane treatment of animals. Our goal is to improve the lives of domestic animals in the county.”

In 2011, HART held its groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of construction. The site has been cleared and the foundation for the veterinary clinic, reception area and boarding spa has been completed.

The veterinary clinic will provide a low-cost spay and neuter clinic for low-income individuals, and the boarding spa will contain a grooming area, according to Pellet.

The project is being done through fundraisers and grants. So far, close to $600,000 has been raised and a $1.6 million U.S. Department of Agriculture loan has been received for overall construction of the project, according to Pellet. HART also received a $10,600 USDA grant and a $3,300 Economic Impact Initiative grant, according to a HART newsletter.

“One hundred percent of funds raised will go toward the building,” said Pellet.

Fundraising events include the Deep Creek Arts and Wine festival, which is the biggest fundraiser, and monthly poker tournaments and other activities, according to Pellet.

Money garnered from the operations at the facility, as well as money from continuing fundraisers, will go toward funding the adoption center. The adoption center will have the capacity to house 60 dogs, 30 puppies, 40 cats, plus multiple kittens, according to Pellet.

HART works with the Garrett County Animal Shelter to save the lives of homeless pets that would otherwise be euthanized.

To prevent the spread of disease, HART vaccinates all puppies and kittens received at the county shelter, according to the HART website.

Since its founding, HART has been transporting adoptable animals to animal shelters throughout the mid-Atlantic and on average has saved 600 animals per year from being euthanized, according to Pellet.

In November 2007, Garrett County commissioners agreed to donate the land on Bumble Bee Road, according to the HART website.

HART for Animals, which is nonprofit, was founded in 2003 by Caroline Robison and Candy DeGiovanni and in August of that year the IRS granted the organization its tax-exempt status.

Sealed bids for Phase I construction will be received by Pellet at the HART office located on 610 Foy Road until noon on March 5. Copies of contract documents for the project may be obtained at the office of Stoiber & Associates located on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, D.C.

For more information on HART, visit www.hartforanimals.org.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

More here.

Garrett schools due extra security

For the Cumberland Times-News Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — In response to concerns expressed by students, staff, parents and community members in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., shooting, the Garrett County Board of Education has reprioritized some of its fiscal 2012 carryover funds to provide for extra security, according to a news release.

Every public school building will have door entry access control systems and video intercom systems, bus camera surveillance and archive GPS systems.

“Bus cameras have been proven to reduce acting out behaviors on buses, allowing students to experience a safer, more enjoyable ride to and from school,” stated board president Cynthia Downton.

The estimated cost of the door security and bus camera systems is $260,000, according to Superintendent of Schools Janet Wilson.

“I am thankful for the board’s support,” said Wilson. “The time to do this is now and the board is doing the right thing for our school communities. Installation of the door entry systems will be the first priority and will begin as soon as contracts are completed.”

The board appreciates the county commissioners’ support to provide two school resource officers through Sheriff Rob Corley’s office but believes that on-site door access control systems must be put into place immediately.

“When it comes to the safety of our children, waiting for someone else to make a decision is not a viable option,” said board member Rodney Reckart.

Board member Tom Carr echoed Reckart’s sentiments.

“We need to have technology work for us — when we can neither afford nor depend on human security always to be in the right place at the right time when some unfortunate event is about to happen,” said Carr.

Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed fiscal 2014 budget includes money for school security, but detailed information regarding the timing or intent of those funds is not readily known at this time, according to the news release.

“We place student safety and staff security topmost on our list of how to best serve our students and  community,” said Downton. “We have learned hard lessons from other schools, such as, a matter of 10 to 12 seconds can make a huge difference in the number of survivors of a random act of violence.  Our students need to know that while they are in our schools, their main focus should be on learning, and not worrying about whether or not they are safe.”

Having originally earmarked a majority of the carryover funds for instructional materials, the board now plans to place that request in its fiscal 2014 budget.

More here.

ICF to bring more money to Garrett than once thought

From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News

MCHENRY — It is estimated that the September Deep Creek 2014: International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships will provide a $20 million economic impact on Garrett County, according to a county commission news release.

Previously, Nicole Christian, president and CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, estimated that the event would bring $10 million to $15 million to the county.

“The ICF World Championships represent much more than a simple competition. It is a gathering of nations from around the globe joining together in sport and camaraderie while establishing the legacy of this Olympic-style event,” states the news release.

At an annual prelegislative meeting in December, Christian requested legislation for a $1 million state bond bill to be used in connection with the event.

Sen. George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel are requesting  Senate Bill 423 and House Bill 611, which would authorize the creation of state debt not to exceed $450,000 and are requesting the state bond bill. The proceeds would be used as a grant to the county commissioners for the planning, design, construction, repair, renovation, reconstruction and capital equipping of Adventure Sports Center International. The project will also include upgrading telecommunications and building new and upgrading existing infrastructure and facilities.

These improvements are necessary to fulfill the requirements and obligations necessary to host the 2014 ICF Championship, states the bond bill fact sheet.

Estimated capital costs of the project are about $2 million.

In addition to the project being funded with state bond money, $906,000 will come from an Appalachian Regional Commission grant, $250,000 from an ARC Area Development grant and $500,000 from an ARC Local Access Road Grant.

The ARC and AD grant will require a county match of $94,000 and $350,000, respectively, according to the bond bill fact sheet. The project construction is expected to be complete by May 2014.

It’s estimated that the event will bring more than 1,500 athletes and team support staff from about 50 countries. With 40,000 spectators expected, an additional 150,000 are estimated to attend related events. The ICF World Championships will tie in with the Star Spangled 200 celebrations, which will include a flag relay on water and land from Fort McHenry to the town of McHenry, according to the ASCI website. The relay will include a canoe paddle on the Potomac River and C&O Canal bringing the ICF flag and other historic flags to the opening ceremony in Garrett County on Sept. 16, 2014.

The ICF championships will mark the 25th anniversary of the 1989 Canoe Slalom World Championships held on Savage River in Garrett County, according to the ASCI website. The total economic impact of the 1989 World Championships was $10 million as reported by the Maryland Department of Economic and Employment Development.

In spring 2011, ASCI won the bid for the ICF Championships over Vienna, Austria, and Krakow, Poland. In March 2012, the county commission took ownership of ASCI.

More here.

 

Jay Ferguson
jay@deepcreekvacations.com
301-501-0420
My Location
35 Towne Centre Way
McHenry, MD 21541
Click Here to Email Me
Monday - Sunday
Office: 9am - 5pm
Phones: 9am - 9pm
Deep Creek Media
Stay Connected
Realtors

© Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations 2016. All Rights Reserved. Rules & Regulations

Website Design by InterCoastal Net Designs