Ridgeview Valley Gives Back To Community
Ridgeview Valley a planned residential community located in McHenry, Maryland has found a way to give back to the community even in the rough economic times.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Press Release) – Dec 23, 2010 – McHENRY, MD. – Ridgeview Valley, Deep Creek Lake’s newest lifestyle community has found a way to give back to their local community even in rough economic times. Ridgeview Valley is located at the end of Gravelly Run Road, just north of the Rt. 219 Bridge which crosses Deep Creek Lake in McHenry, Maryland. This historic property is graced with a beautiful big red barn that was built in the early 1800’s and has needed very little in terms of refurbishing, really only a coat of fresh paint. Adjacent to the barn is a lovely hillside which has been terraced to create an outdoor amphitheater. From dairy cows to the good times ahead this barn breathes the history of the land. The amphitheater is the perfect location to enjoy family and friends while gazing at the stars and listening to your favorite performer. Ridgeview Valley has become a preferred location for special cultural events, such as performances by Theatre on the Lake and The Annual Garrett Mentors Barn Dance, as well as private parties, weddings and family reunions.
All events held at the Barn at Ridgeview Valley are by or for a charity or non-profit, and proceeds from each event benefit the charity or non-profit entirely. In lieu of a facility charge, those holding private functions are asked to donate to a charity of their choice.
The summer of 2010 has been very active. Paul and Jennifer Allsup of North Carolina started the summer season with their wedding reception on May 1st and chose Landon’s Library and HART as their charities of choice. Maurice and Leah Izzard of Washington, D.C. were married and enjoyed their reception in the barn donating to Brain Cancer Research. The Graves family chose Ridgeview Valley as the destination for their family reunion, which is held every 3 years somewhere in the United States. Approximately 130 people attended leading to a donation to the Allied Defense Fund. Tim & Jordan Burke of Wisconsin celebrated their special day with a Celtic wedding donating tp Garrett County Humane Society. JC & Sarah Barker of West Virginia exchanged their vows on a magnificent fall day in October, donating to Terra Alta Volunteer Fire Department. Kyle and Rachel Graser of Virginia also were married on a beautiful fall day in October and chose Bully Paws, a pit bull rescue organization as their charity of choice.
For their second year at Ridgeview, Theatre on the Lake performed “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Children of Eden”. Garrett Mentors sold concessions at “Children of Eden” to promote their 2nd Annual Barn Dance, which was held in the barn on September 18, 2010. Plans are already in the works for the 3rd Annual Ridgeview Valley Barn Dance to benefit Garrett Mentors. Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty sponsored a free kid’s carnival day that had about 200 in attendance. They had fire trucks, games and free giveaways for the youngsters to enjoy. The final event of the season was a barn dance for members of the Jehovah Witness Hall of Oakland, MD.
With this clever way of giving back to the community Ridgeview Valley offers brides a unique venue that allows them to personalize their big day, while helping their favorite charity. This season Ridgeview has supported donations of over $2,500.00 to various charities.
The sense of tranquility that you will find in Ridgeview Valley will make you feel like you are already home. This planned village-style residential community. is situated on some of the most scenic acreage in Garrett County and offers a multitude of amenities such as hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails, and of course our beautiful old barn for community events, with its adjoining amphitheater. Future plans call for a community center with an indoor swimming pool and fitness center, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, a multipurpose field for soccer, football, and baseball, and various playgrounds. Ridgeview Valley covers approximately 300 acres in harmony with – not in competition with – the natural beauty of the area and neighboring Deep Creek Lake. Ridgeview Valley is the ideal second home location for the outdoor enthusiast; providing the perfect setting for pursuing one’s outdoor passions while getting to know the neighbors and enjoying family and friends. For more information about Ridgeview Valley call 301-387-4040 or visit www.ridgeviewvalley.com
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Ridgeview Valley is the planned village-style residential community with all the amenities spanning 308 acres that’s in harmony with – not in competition with – the natural beauty surrounding Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.
Video of Loch Lynn Fire
http://www.youtube.com/v/UJ7SofBUu2g?fs=1&hl=en_US
District Fishing Report: 12.24.10
Deep Creek Lake (Maryland): Anglers were icing keeper walleyes, perch, including some jumbos, and average-size pickerel and northern pike.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10358/1113064-447.stm#ixzz19Ved21Vi
Preston Sheriff 's department losing its dog
by The Associated Press
The Associated Press
The Associated Press
Advertiser
MCT REGIONAL NEWS
By Michelle Wolford
The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.
(MCT)
Dec. 23–KINGWOOD — The Preston County Sheriff ‘s Department’s top dog is leaving.
Renco, the department’s K9, is taking his handler, Deputy Brad Palmer, with him.
Sheriff Dallas Wolfe said Palmer has accepted a position with the Garrett County (Md.) Sheriff ‘s Department. Renco will go with him. Garrett County will pay Preston County $12,500 for Renco.
“That’s what I have in training the officer and the training of the dog,” Wolfe said. It also includes the price of the dog, he said.
“Our plan is to start over,” Wolfe said. “We do have another slot for another officer at Shallow Creek Kennels 1/8where Palmer and Renco trained3/8 in April. Shallow Creek said they can provide the same type of dog.”
Maryland wind project sued over endangered bats
Conservationists ask court to halt startup of Constellation project
By Timothy B. Wheeler, The Baltimore Sun
7:44 p.m. EST, December 22, 2010
Conservationists filed suit Wednesday to block the start of Maryland’s first industrial wind project, contending the turbines built atop the state’s highest mountain in Garrett County threaten to harm federally protected rare bats.
Making good on a threat issued months ago, two groups — Save Western Maryland and the Maryland Conservation Council — and two individuals brought suit against Constellation Energy in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, contending that its wind turbines will “almost certainly” injure or kill Indiana bats, which are so few in number that they are legally protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.
The lawsuit comes as Constellation prepares to start generating power in the next several days from its Criterion wind project — 28 turbines that stand 415 feet high when their blades are at maximum skyward extension.
Commissioners Present Legislative "Wish List" To Local Lawmakers
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Dec. 23, 2010
The Garrett County commissioners met with Sen. George Edwards and Del. Wendell Beitzel on Tuesday morning to discuss their “wish list” of legislative items for the upcoming General Assembly session, which begins on Jan. 12 in Annapolis.
County administrator Monty Pagenhardt noted that the county’s list this time was shorter than in past years.
“This year, we really don’t have a lot of issues, but there are a lot of important issues open for discussion,” he said.
The commissioners requested that Edwards and Beitzel introduce two “house cleaning” bills to amend codes pertaining to local issues. The first proposed piece of legislation would clarify language in the county’s delinquent property tax sale code and increase the tax sale auctioneers’ fee from $3 per property sold to $8 per property sold.
“This fee change for Garrett County would put us more inline with the fees of other counties and, at the same time, provide a benefit for the auctioneer, making his time more worthwhile,” explained Director Wendy Yoder, Department of Financial Services.
Currently, she noted, there are 13 counties that have fees higher than the standard rate of $3. Those fees range from $7.50 to $10.
The second proposed bill would enable the commissioners to amend the county’s Code of Ordinances regarding a vacancy on their board. Following the death or resignation of a commissioner, the Central Committee of that person’s political party would submit the name of replacement to the governor, who would then nominate/appoint that person to the board.
Pagenhardt noted that, currently, the county code states the replacement filling out the term must be from the same district. It does not mention party affiliation. The state code, however, requires that the replacement be from the same party.
“All we’re requesting is that the county code be amended to read as the same language as the state code,” he told Edwards and Beitzel.
Enter to Win a Family Getaway at Deep Creek Lake
Family Getaway in scenic Deep Creek Maryland includes:
A two-night stay in Gables by the Lake (472), a beautiful 6 bedroom 5 bath home located in the prestigious Waterfront Greens community. This home sleeps up to 12 guests, is tastefully decorated and will leave you feeling relaxed and fulfilled. No amenities have been overlooked, from the beautiful beds to the wonderful lake access. With a par 3 golf course, tennis court, hiking and biking trails, 4-acre bass pond and much more…there is always something to do at Gables by the Lake. Stay must fall within out of season time parameters (March 15 through May 26, 2011 or October 14 through December 15, 2011) and must be used in 2011.
Maryland Firefighters Battle Apartment Fire
Location:
West 1st Ave.
Loch Lynn, MD
United States
See map: Google Maps
On Dec. 18, Allegany County Communications dispatched Engine 361 and Engine 221 mutual aid to Garrett County for a working apartment building fire.
The three-story building was located on West 1st Ave in Loch Lynn near Oakland, MD.
The multiple-alarm fire brought units from several counties and two states. Garrett County 911 dispatched Company 40, Engine 23, Engine 122, Engine 161 (RIT), Air 3, Ambulance 9-1.
Dispatch received numerous calls reporting a working fire on the third floor.
Chief 40A quickly reported that all occupants were out of the apartment building.
Captain 40 requested an additional truck out of station 120.
Engine Rescue 43 and Truck 44 responded from Station 40. Engine 31 transferred to Station 40. Truck 44 took up a position on Side A.
Engine Rescue 43 hit a hydrant at Alderson St and W 1st Ave and supplied Truck 44. Engine 23 supplied Truck 124 on Side C. Chief 40 established the command with Command with Chief 40A assuming operations.
Due to a limited water supply from the hydrant system, command requested four tankers to be dispatched on the assignment.
Maryland Park Service Issues Public Safety Warning For Deep Creek Lake
McHenry, MD – The Maryland Park Service reminds anyone enjoying winter activities on Deep Creek Lake or any frozen body of water, to use caution, particularly at night.
“Snowmobilers, ice fishermen, hikers and cross-country skiers traveling on the frozen lake should exercise caution,” urged Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area Assistant Manager Mark Spurrier.
“Wearing a personal floatation device could prevent a tragedy. If you encounter people, pets or wildlife that have fallen through the ice, call either 911 or the Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-628-9944 for assistance.”
Road salt and abrasives plowed from highway bridges may affect the quality of the ice underneath and unseen snowdrifts can act as ramps and cause sleds and snowmobiles to become airborne leading to a loss of control and accidents.
Deep Creek Lake is a part of the designated Off-Road Vehicle trail system permitting use by registered snowmobiles only. Permits are available by mail or at any of the local state park offices during normal business hours. Snowmobiles may operate at night if equipped with working head and taillights. Snowmobilers may access the lake through Deep Creek Lake State Park or with permission from a private landowner.
For further information on ice conditions at Deep Creek Lake, individuals can contact a park ranger by calling 301-387-5563 during the week-day or the Discovery Center on weekends at 301-387-7067.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland’s forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state’s number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.DNR.Maryland.gov
"It's A New Day For GC Politics"; Commissioners Sworn In
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Dec. 16, 2010
Clerk of Garrett County Circuit Court Sondra Buckel swore in the new three-member county commissioners’ board at the courthouse on Tuesday morning. About 75 family members, friends, campaign supporters, and county personnel attended the ceremony and welcome reception that followed.
“It is a new day for Garrett County politics,” District 1 commissioner Gregan Crawford told the crowd. “It’s been a long time since three new commissioners have all been sworn it at the same time, and that’s an awesome amount of trust that you’ve placed in our hands. So I hope we live up to your expectations and exceed them.”
He said each of the commissioners recognizes his own strengths and weaknesses, and the board will have a good balance of those attributes.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be here,” said Bob Gatto, who won the District 2 commissioner’s seat as a write-in candidate. “I’m looking forward to the next four years of working with you and working for this county. Let’s make things happen in a positive way for everybody.”
He indicated the new commissioners will not always agree on issues, but they will work together for their constituents.
“We need to be open with our government; we need to be open with our decisions,” Gatto said. “We need to involve everyone who’s affected by those decisions, and work toward a common goal, and that is making Garrett County the pride of not only Maryland but also the nation.”
Prior to being sworn in, District 3 commissioner Jim Raley officially resigned from the Garrett County Board of Education. His term on the BOE would have expired in January 2012. Raley, a former middle school teacher, had served on that board since January 1997.
He noted his family was not able to attend the swearing-in because of the adverse weather.
“Each of you are now my family; you’re now my friends,” Raley told those attending the ceremony. “You’re the people that I’m going to be working for. I want you to make sure you let me know how I’m doing. I want you to let me know what I’m doing right. I want you to let me know what I’m doing wrong.”
He said the next four years will provide the commissioners with the true picture of what this new leadership team is about and able to accomplish.
“It won’t be easy; however, I think we’re up to the challenge,” Raley said. “We’ve spent a lot of time together; we’ve worked closely together. And I think, philosophically, we share many of the same attributes and goals.”
