December 2009 Real Estate Sales Update - Deep Creek Lake & Garrett County, Maryland
There were a total of 29 residential sales in the month of December in Garrett County and at Deep Creek Lake. This pace is slightly ahead of last year (27 sales – Dec 2008).
This is certainly debatable, but 12 of these sales appear to vacation homes or 2nd homes, while the majority are primary residential. This certainly makes a difference in pricing strategies, specifically demand-based pricing.
The average list vs. ORIGINAL sales price is 84.49% (up slightly from November), though the ADJUSTED list vs. sales price is 90.96% of asking price (almost identical to November).
The current number of active/for sale residential listings is 602. 23 of these homes are under contract.
Here are the statistical breakdowns:
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
>Recognized For Raising Environmental Awareness
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Ranger Caroline Blizzard, Maryland Park Service, received the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s 2011 Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award last Thursday for her contributions to environmental education in western Maryland. For her efforts, she received a check for $1,500 to support the work of local volunteers. Blizzard is director of the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center and shares her knowledge as a monarch butterfly “ambassador” with local students. See story for details. Left to right are UMCES president Dr. Donald Boesch, Blizzard, and Appalachian Laboratory director Dr. Robert Gardner.
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If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Deep Creek Lake Woman Gives "The Gift Of Life" To Her Oakland Friend
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by Renée Shreve
April is National Donate Life Month, a campaign to encourage people to give the gift of life by becoming organ and tissue donors. While most Marylanders know they can simply check a box on a driver’s license application and donate organs upon their deaths, they probably don’t realize they can present that gift while they are still alive.
Deep Creek Lake resident Silvia Lahay has had that honor. On Jan. 12, she donated a kidney to her friend and fellow Deep Creek Lake Baptist Church member Patty Croston of Oakland. Silvia’s husband, Dr. Ben Lahay, is the church’s pastor.
“I feel humble, blessed that I got to be a part of this,” Silvia says.
When Patty was 12, an untreated case of strep throat damaged her kidneys, which caused them to age at a faster rate than the average person’s would. She always knew her kidneys would fail someday, but in the ensuing decades never experienced any major problems with them.
“They were fine up until the beginning of last year,” says Patty, a retired Verizon engineering assistant. “The indicators in my blood work showed that my kidneys were slowly getting worse. And about April, my nephrologist in Morgantown (W.Va.) said, ‘It’s time to put you on the transplant list.'”
His plan was to get Patty a transplant before her kidneys deteriorated to the point where she needed dialysis. Studies suggest the odds of good results are better with “pre-emptive” transplants than those done after dialysis is needed. In addition, transplant patients fair better with kidneys from living rather than deceased donors.
Patty’s doctor put her on a transplant list and made all the necessary arrangements with the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore for the procedure to begin. She had her first evaluation on June 14, 2010.
Patty originally wanted to go to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center because it’s close to home and she knows people in Pittsburgh, Pa., that she could have stayed with after the operation.
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If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Venture Fund Plan Approved
>Legislation to fill a state-run venture capital fund with at least $70 million for investments in small, high-tech companies was one of the final bills approved by the Maryland General Assembly last month.
Governor Martin O’Malley said the venture fund plan, his signature economic proposal known as Invest Maryland, “would be a real shot in the arm” for the state’s economy. The bill is a trimmed-down version of what O’Malley first proposed last summer and made his top economic initiative when the legislature convened in January. Invest Maryland is designed to capitalize on the research done at and around the colleges, universities and government facilities in the state. The bill is not without its critics, including Delegate Wendell Beitzel of Garrett County…
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Garrett jail escapee nabbed in Virginia
>From Staff Reports
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Tue May 03, 2011, 02:26 PM EDT
— OAKLAND — Garrett County Jail escapee Deandre Kelly, who fled from the lockup in January, was arrested Monday night in Bedford, Va., by U.S. marshals, according to local law enforcement sources.
Further details of the arrest were not immediately available.
Kelly, 29, of Washington, D.C., allegedly displayed a handgun and forced correctional officers to unlock a door that allowed him to escape Jan. 23.
The search for Kelly since the escape has included the participation of the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resources Police and Oakland Police.
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Two guards fired over January incident
>Jeffrey Alderton
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Tue May 03, 2011, 11:10 PM EDT
OAKLAND — The investigation into the escape of 29-year-old Deandre Kelly from the Garrett County Detention Center in January has not yet been completed but Sheriff Rob Corley has already taken action in the case.
“Through the investigation, administrative actions were taken against two officers who were relieved of their employment at the detention center and have since been replaced,” said Corley.
The identity of the officers who were relieved of their duties has not been disclosed.
The sheriff also said that he is working with the county commissioners to improve conditions at the detention center to “create a safer working environment.” He said equipment has been upgraded and new personnel have been hired as part of the ongoing process.
The investigation into the Jan. 23 escape is being conducted by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The agency was requested to investigate the matter at the request of the sheriff.
“This case is by no means closed,” said Corley on Tuesday after announcing Kelly’s arrest.
Contact Jeffrey Alderton at jlalderton@times-news.com
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Maryland jail escapee nabbed in Bedford apartment complex
>By Jorge Valencia | The Roanoke Times
A man wanted for escaping from a Maryland jail after threatening two correctional officers was arrested in a Bedford apartment complex on Monday, police said.
The man, Deandre Kelly, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshal Service with help from the Bedford Police Department, said police Sgt. Mike Heller. He is 29 and from Washington, D.C., court records show.
He was found in an apartment complex in the 700 block of Blue Ridge Avenue, Heller said. He did not specify a time or whether Kelly resisted arrest.
Kelly forced his way out of the Garrett County Jail in western Maryland in January when he produced what seemed to be a gun just hours after being arrested on drug charges, the Cumberland Times-News reported, citing the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office.
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Local police ‘vigilant’ after chain of events
>Jeffrey Alderton
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Mon May 02, 2011, 11:51 PM EDT
— CUMBERLAND — Local law enforcement remained “vigilant” Monday following word that 9/11 terrorism mastermind Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in a firefight Sunday at his hideout in Pakistan.
“In the wake of Osama bin Laden being killed in the raid on yesterday’s date, the Maryland State Police have directed all troopers to remain vigilant in their patrol activities related to national security,” said Lt. Todd May, Maryland State Police commander of the Cumberland barrack.
“Although no specific threats or warnings have been released at this time, troopers have been instructed to step up patrol checks of government facilities and critical infrastructure sites in their area of responsibility,” said May.
In Cumberland, police were also remaining vigilant.
“With the announcement of the death of Osama Bin Laden, Cumberland Police Department officers continue to closely monitor all national intelligence reports while remaining vigilant for any suspicious activity,” said Cumberland Police Chief Charles Hinnant.
“The amount of time taken to locate and positively identify Bin Laden is a testimony to our military and intelligence officials on the national level, remaining steadfast in their objective,” said Hinnant.
Allegany County Bureau of Chief Police J. Robert Dick said late Monday afternoon that he was not aware of any threats and that lines of communication between local, state and federal agencies remain open to share information for the the “benefit of all of our citizens.”
“I think every American can be very proud of our military and the job they did, and special compliments to the CIA and SEAL Team 6.”
Dick urged residents to not delay in contacting police in the case of unusual or suspicious activity. “Don’t hesitate to call police. You are never a bother. If you see anything out of the ordinary or of a suspicious nature, call your nearest police agency right away. It is never a bother.”
In Garrett County, Maryland State Police Lt. Mischael Frey, commander of the McHenry barrack, said, “Personnel will be extra alert regarding activities which could be a threat to national security. I have directed McHenry barrack personnel to be extra vigilant during the patrols for any suspicious activities. There will be additional checking of government/critical infrastructures within our areas of responsibilities beyond the norm.”
Gov. Martin O’Malley reminded state and local officials Monday to be “extra vigilant” in case of reprisals following bin Laden’s death.
The governor spoke with numerous officials in a conference call “to make sure they are in constant communication and cooperating with federal agencies,” said O’Malley spokesman Rick Abbruzzese.
Edward McDonough, spokesman for the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, said about a dozen state agencies were on the conference call, including transportation and health departments and the Maryland State Police.
Although there were no known threats Monday afternoon, law enforcement in Maryland and other states were reportedly on a heightened state of awareness in the aftermath of bin Laden’s death.
Efforts by the Times-News to obtain from others heads of law enforcement agencies throughout the region were unsuccessful.
Contact Jeffrey Alderton at jlalderton@times-news.com
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>ASCI Opening Weekend Set
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The weekend of May 14-15 will be the opening of whitewater fun at the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) atop Marsh Mountain in McHenry. To kick off the summer, ASCI is offering guided rafting for $25 per person, which includes a two-hour whitewater experience in a six-person raft with a professional guide, safety equipment, and instruction. Participants will also learn about other adventure opportunities at ASCI, including climbing and rappelling, geocaching, and mountain biking.
The opening weekend will provide an opportunity for local residents and visitors to experience the course that will be used for the 2014 Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2014. Several athletes from the U.S. National and Junior teams, including Olympian Scott Parsons, will be practicing on the course on Saturday, May 14. Another Community Day with the reduced rate for whitewater rafting will be May 27, when a 4 p.m. sunset rafting event and bonfire will kick off the second annual All-American Whitewater Festival. Then beginning Wednesday, June 22, every Wednesday during the summer will be a Community Day. Reservations are required and can be made online at www.adventuresportscenter.com or by calling 301-387-3250. Guiding the raft in the above photo that features big smiles from rafting participants is local guide Bob Stephens.
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If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
>Ranger Blizzard Honored For Her Education Efforts
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Apr. 28, 2011
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Appalachian Laboratory has selected Maryland Park Service’s Caroline Blizzard as its 2011 Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award recipient for helping “elevate environmental stewardship and understanding throughout her western Maryland community.”
The award, presented last Thursday evening by Appalachian Laboratory director Dr. Robert H. Gardner, recognizes local citizens for their contributions to environmental education. It was awarded to Ranger Blizzard for her work engaging visitors at the Deep Creek State Park Discovery Center and her personal contributions to local schools and civic organizations.
“Caroline has set a new high water mark when it comes to engaging others about the need to conserve and protect our natural resources,” said Gardner. “Her passion and leadership have helped bring the natural world into the lives of thousands of local residents and park visitors every year.”
Blizzard has spent a lifetime helping western Maryland residents and visitors better understand and appreciate nature. Whether through her work as a certified interpretive guide, directing the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center, or developing the Maryland Department of Natural Resources “Become an Outdoors Woman” program, Blizzard has long been a regional leader in the environmental education field.
Since 2004, she has directed the Discovery Center and its interpretive programming and education programs.
“Caroline and her team have worked hard to make the center a frequent destination spot and hub for people to enjoy and learn about nature around Deep Creek Lake,” notes Chris Conner, Appalachian Lab spokesman
If you or someone you know is considering 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! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
