'Shades of Murder': Mac Faraday Meets Joshua Thornton in Complicated Cold Case Mystery Tale
Thursday, May 31, 2012 – 17:08 Reviewed by David M. Kinchen
BOOK REVIEW: ‘Shades of Murder’: Mac Faraday Meets Joshua Thornton in Complicated Cold Case Mystery Tale
Lauren Carr has created two series of mystery tales, one involving former DC Homicide Detective Mac Faraday, living in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland; the other involving Hancock County, West Virginia Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Thornton.
Mac and Joshua meet for the first time in Carr’s latest Mac Faraday mystery, “Shades of Murder” (CreateSpace, 230 pages, $14.99 print, $2.99 Kindle, available from Amazon.com). They’re brought together by two almost decade-long cold cases — one involving the murder of a woman near Pittsburgh, the other the murder of celebrity artist Ilysa Ramsay, the trophy wife of high-tech tycoon Neal Hathaway in Deep Creek Lake, where Mac Faraday lives.
Mac inherited the fortune of “Queen of Mystery” Robin Spencer, his birth mother, enabling him to leave his underpaid life in Washington, DC and live large in Deep Creek Lake. He has a palatial mansion, a German Shepherd with attitude named Gnarly and a girlfriend named Archie Monday, who was the personal assistant to Spencer and who conveniently lives in Mac’s guesthouse.
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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! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Search Homes/Lots for SaleSavage River Recreational Whitewater Releases
In coordination with the Upper Potomac River Commission (UPRC), the US Army Corp of Engineers (Baltimore District), NewPage, G&S Coal, Precision Rafting, the Savage River State Forest, and Garrett College, the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) will again coordinate efforts for another series of Savage River Recreational Whitewater Releases. ASCI has been able to foster a productive working relationship among all involved parties through the organization of paddler parking, shuttle service, put-in and take-out access, release of liability for the stake-holders, and river risk management through the removal of dangerous river debris.
The UPRC has scheduled three recreational whitewater releases from Savage River Reservoir for the 2012 season. Those releases, based ultimately on water availability, are for Sundays June 3 and July 1, and for Saturday, September 29th. The river is scheduled to be ready for activity from 9 AM until 3 PM on each of these three dates.
According to Scott Shoemaker, UPRC Superintendent, “If it were not for the efforts of ASCI to coordinate all the entities involved with this event, it just wouldn’t happen.” Mike Logsdon, ASCI Acting Executive Director indicated, “This is a perfect example of a win-win-win-. . . . . .-win situation. Boaters are happy, private vendors, like River Riders from Harpers Ferry, Cheat River Outfitters from Albright, WV, Wilderness Voyagers from Ohiopyle, PA, and Precision Rafting from nearby Friendsville are able to offer an extremely rare product to their guests. In addition, the Army Corp of Engineers, NewPage, G&S Coal, Savage River State Forest, Garrett College, and the UPRC, along with ASCI, are able to provide a public service to the taxpayers who ultimately support their services.” All direct expenses related to the shuttle service, registration of private boaters, and the removal of dangerous river debris is paid for from donations received from the boaters.
Private boaters who are able to to navigate difficult whitewater (American Whitewater Class III+/IV) are welcome to participate in this infrequent event. Others who are seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience are encouraged to contact a professional whitewater outfitter, such as Precision Rafting, Upper Yough Expeditions, or Wilderness Voyagers all located in Friendsville, Maryland.
For more information, please contact ASCI at 301.387.3250 or any of our local professional whitewater outfitters.
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! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Three Savage whitewater releases planned
For the Cumberland Times-News Cumberland Times-News
— BLOOMINGTON — The Upper Potomac River Commission has scheduled three recreational whitewater releases from Savage River Reservoir for the summer season, according to Adventure Sports Center International.
The releases, based on water availability, will take place June 3, July 1 and Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ASCI has been working with the UPRC, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NewPage, G&S Coal, Precision Rafting, Savage River State Forest and Garrett College to arrange paddler parking, shuttle service, put-in and take-out access, release of liability for the stake-holders and removal of dangerous river debris.
“If it were not for the efforts of ASCI to coordinate all the entities involved with this event, it just wouldn’t happen,” said Scott Shoemaker, UPRC superintendent.
All direct expenses related to the shuttle service, registration of private boaters and the removal of dangerous river debris is paid for from donations received from the boaters.
The releases are open to private boaters who are able to to navigate difficult whitewater (American Whitewater Class III+/IV). Others who are seeking the experience should contact a professional whitewater outfitter, such as Precision Rafting, Upper Yough Expeditions or Wilderness Voyagers located in Friendsville.
For more information, contact ASCI at 301-387-3250
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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! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
25th McHenry Highland Festival To Celebrate Scots, Irish, Welsh
May. 24, 2012
The 25th annual McHenry Highland Festival will be held June 1-3, celebrating the local Scottish, Irish and Welsh peoples and heritage. A significant migration of Celtics to this region took place in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the Highlander pioneers working on the railroads, and as farmers, miners, and loggers.
For this landmark year, Gregan Crawford, a Garrett County commissioner, will to serve as the 2012 Honorary Clan Chieftain.
“Of Scottish descent, Crawford’s love of Garrett County began early at the age of 11 when his family purchased a 150-acre farm in the Pleasant Valley area south of Oakland in 1974,” a spokesperson said. “He moved permanently to the county in 1989 and has worked as a carpenter and a real estate agent, along with his elected position.
The McHenry Highland Festival will kick off with a Celtic concert at the Wisp Resort on Friday evening, June 1, featuring Prydein, a rock Celtic-roots band that was part of last year’s festival.
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The festival at the Garrett County Fairgrounds will begin in the morning of Saturday, June 2, offering concerts, Celtic food, and a wide array of vendors. The group Clandestine, known for a “hard-driving, toe-tapping” Texas Celtic sound, will perform, as well as Allegany County’s Shanty Irish, and a special guest appearance by Scottish fiddler Bonnie Rideout.
There will be five traditional marching bagpipe bands, as well as the Highland athletics and Irish and Scottish dance demonstrations. Trained border collies will give sheep- and goose-herding demonstrations, and there will be a Celtic dog parade, as well as an exhibit of Highland cattle.
The traditional Sunday Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Deer Park, with music by the Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drums. This event will conclude the weekend of activities.
The festival is supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Garrett County Arts Council, and other area supporters.
More here.
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! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Officials Raise Landfill Tipping Fee, Annual Residential Refuse Permit
May. 24, 2012
The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling announced yesterday new rates for tipping and residential refuse permits.
Effective July 1, the landfill tipping fee will be $45 per ton for municipal and commercial waste, as well as construction, demolition, and yard debris.
The Garrett County commissioners approved the increase from the current rates of $35 (household)/ $40 (construction) per ton to cover the costs for continued operation of the landfill and the collection sites.
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Residential users will also see an increase when they purchase their 2013 refuse permit. Currently, the annual permit costs $25. Beginning in 2013 the permit cost will be $50, which equates to less than $1 per week.
Permit holders are able to dispose of all their household trash and an occasional bulky item at any of the six collection sites located throughout the county.
Individuals must maintain a household in Garrett County in order to be eligible for the annual permit, and the refuse to be disposed of must have been generated in Garrett County.
For more information about the annual permit, persons may call the Garrett County Landfill at 301-387-0322.
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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! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Garrett Trails To Offer A "Taste Of Garrett County"
May. 31, 2012
Garrett Trails has planned to host its 10th annual Taste of Garrett County fundraiser on Monday, June 18. The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wisp Resort.
“Join us for the best Taste of Garrett ever,” stated Theresa Mac-
Lennan, executive director of Garrett Trails. “Come support trails in Garrett County and have a great time doing it.”
The fundraiser’s 20 participating restaurants plan to provide samples of their new dishes and classic favorites which are prepared, produced, and served locally.
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The year’s event will feature a “Fender Blender” competition and food prep demonstrations, including a cake decorating and a pineapple cheese ball carving lesson.
There will also be number of items auctioned, including a Kindle Fire. Entertainment will be provided by Jonny Rock.
“There is no easier way to support local business, as well as the construction and maintenance of the outstanding network of quality hiking and biking trails in Garrett County,” a Garrett Trails press release stated.
“If nothing else, come support and cheer your friends on the Fender Blender team. The red and blue teams are squaring off against each other to see which can pedal the fastest, blend the most fruit smoothies to sell, and collect the most cash.”
The red team will consist of Titus Beitzel, Bob Gatto, Mike Getty, Peggy Jamison, Judi Prather, and Dorothy Andreas Tuel. Blue team members will be David Cotton, Tom Johnson, Rick MacLennan, Rob Michael, Andie Meyers, and Laura Stamm.
Starting at 5 p.m., entry wristbands will be sold at the door. Entry for adults will be $30 each, while the price for children (12 and under) is set at $15 each.
In addition to the Taste of Garrett County, Garrett Trails is also organizing the third annual Race Up the Face. This competition pits its contestants in a foot race up the black diamond ski trail at the Wisp Resort. In its press release, Garrett Trails dubbed the race “the world’s hardest 400 meter run” and states that “participants may also walk the distance.”
More here.
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! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Celtic Concert To Kick Off Highland Fest
The 25th annual McHenry Highland Festival will get under way tomorrow, June 1, with a cabaret-style Celtic concert at the Wisp Resort. The Celtic rock duo Prydein will be featured in the event, having performed in 2011 to rave reviews, a spokesperson said. The players, who are from northern Vermont, mix traditional Celtic repertoire with a rock-music sensibility, performing on Highland bagpipes, guitar, drums, flutes, tin whistles, bouzouki, and mandolin, along with vocals. The concert will also include a special guest appearance by Scottish fiddler Bonnie Rideout, plus a performance by two of the premier dancers of Duffy’s School of Irish Dance.
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The festival will continue on Saturday, June 2, at the Garrett County Fairgrounds in McHenry, with the doors opening at 10 a.m. The daylong celebration will include Scottish and Irish dance, massed marching bagpipe bands, Highland athletic competitions, a Celtic dog “pat and chat,” clan tents and historical re-enactors, Highland cattle, border collies herding sheep and geese, and Celtic vendors. There will also be a climbing wall, horse-drawn cart rides, face painting, and more activities all day. The featured music groups this year are festival newcomer Clandestine, offering a “hard-driving, toe-tapping, Texas Celtic” sound; Cumberland’s Shanty Irish band; and again Scottish fiddler Rideout. For a complete schedule of events, including Sunday’s Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans, persons may go to www.highlandfest.info. Tickets to the concert on Friday are $40 per person, which includes a light buffet, a raffle ticket, and whiskey tasting. Tickets should be purchased in advance online at the site noted above, at the Garrett County Visitors Center in McHenry, or Gregg’s Pharmacy in Oakland.
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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! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Three River Reservoir Releases Set
May. 31, 2012
Taming the Savage (river, not beast) is a challenge that has been enjoyed by whitewater paddlers of all levels and from all over the world, and three opportunities to take that challenge will be available this summer and fall, with Savage River reservoir releases scheduled for June 3, July 1, and Sept. 29.
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The releases are once again being coordinated by the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI). Above, professional whitewater outfitter Precision Rafting of Friendsville rewards guests with a rare rafting trip on the Savage during one of last year’s scheduled recreational releases.
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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! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Deep Creek's Got Talent! Fundraiser Set For June 16
May. 31, 2012
The Honi Honi Bar will present the fifth annual Deep Creek’s Got Talent! fundraiser, which will be held on Saturday, June 16, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Over the last four years, according to a spokesperson, the event has raised more than $55,000 for local charities and organizations. The talent show organizers, who have described the show as “a cross between ‘American Idol’ and ‘America’s Got Talent,'” are looking for singers, musicians, dancers, jugglers, and actors to perform in the show.
Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 15 available spots. To participate, performers must collect a minimum of $50 in donations to be turned in the night of the event.
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“Because this event is a fundraiser,” said a spokesperson, “more judging points will be awarded to those who collect the most money before and during the competition.”
The event’s opening round, which is an elimination round, will begin at 6 p.m. Participants will then be judged on: donations collected prior to registration at the event, which will count for 50 percent of their score; the judges’ feedback and , which will be worth 30 percent of an overall score; and audience votes (as donations) collected at the event, which will make up the final 20 percent of a participant’s score.
The top five performers will then be asked to perform a second routine immediately after opening round judging is completed. Following those performances a winner will be crowned. Prizes will be awarded to the top three performers, the top fundraiser, and the “most talented” contestant.
The “most talented” contestant will receive the Judges’ Choice Award. This year’s judges will be Rob Michael, Pam Trickett, and Jana Brown.
“The event will be great fun for audience members as well,” stated a spokesperson.
“Besides showcasing outstanding area talent, the evening will feature great prizes and giveaways donated by area businesses, as well as a live auction for donated items. To help commemorate our fifth year in helping charities in Garrett County, special programming and entertainment, along with prizes, will be included in this year’s event.
“For an entertaining evening benefiting a great cause in the community, make sure you attend Deep Creek’s Got Talent! on Saturday, June 16, at the Honi Honi Bar.”
All contestants must pre-register to be eligible to compete. Registration forms and additional information are available online at http://www.deepcreektalent.com. Those interested in more information may contact Stacy Holler at 301-387-4020.
The Honi Honi is presenting this event in conjunction with the following 2012 sponsors: Sticks and Stones Landscape Construction, Rob W. Michael, Allegany Hearing and Balance Center, Judy and Jan Finkel, BJ’s Custom Creations, Bill’s Marine Service, Karaoke Services by Jimmy B, WKHJ 104.5 and 92.3 The Train, High Mountain Sports, First United Bank and Trust, Rush Services, Lohr Distributors, and Railey Realty.
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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! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Search Homes/Lots for SaleMd. Mortgage Program Unveils Special Home Buying Incentives For Garrett Co.
May. 31, 2012
Maryland Mortgage Program officials announced this morning that they are offering a reduced interest rate of 2.875% (APR 3.675%) in a few “targeted” areas around the state, including all of Garrett and Allegany counties.
The promotion, which commemorates June’s National Homeownership Month, was announced by Maryland Housing Secretary Raymond A. Skinner at a home for sale in the Barclay-Old Goucher community of Baltimore City, which is also considered a targeted area.
Other eligible areas include Dorchester, Kent, and Somerset counties.
“Homeownership is an important goal for many families and young professionals and we want to help them achieve this dream,” said Skinner. “We recognize that Maryland has a top notch workforce and we are offering this attractive low interest rate as a strong incentive to these talented individuals and families to buy homes and invest within Baltimore City and other targeted areas around the state.”
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The reduced rate will be offered to all qualified buyers in the target areas for approximately three months, or until the entire $30 million earmarked for this incentive is committed.
In addition to this reduced rate, buyers may qualify for other Maryland Mortgage Program benefits, including help with down payments and closing costs.
Program officials stressed that Garrett County residents do not have to be first-time homebuyers in order to take advantage of the low rate, as purchasers in targeted areas are eligible for a one-time exemption to the program’s first-time homebuyer requirement.
This special promotion also includes incentives for eligible buyers of any foreclosed or short sale property (collectively referred to as the Save-a-Home Loan Progam) in a non-targeted area. The interest rate for this program will be ¾% below the regular Maryland Mortgage Program, with a floor of 3.25% (APR 4.082%) and will only be available for the month of June.
For more information about the Maryland Mortgage Program – especially details on income eligibility, purchase price limits, and the low rate – persons may call the DHCD hot line at 800-638-7781 or visit mmprogram.org, which lists private lending institutions and financial counseling agencies in their areas that can help them become homebuyers.
For a map and more information on targeted areas, one may visit www.mmprogram.org/TargetedAreas.aspx.
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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! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
