Garrett after-school programs cut by half
County funding will help some stay open after loss of key grant
Megan Miller
Cumberland Times-News
— OAKLAND — The number of Partners After School programs offered in Garrett County will be cut in half for the 2010-11 school year, after the county was passed over for a crucial state grant.
Five of the county’s six Partners After School programs faced impending closure until Tuesday, when the county commission allocated $110,000 to help some remain open for 2010-11.
The money was available because of carryover funds from the Garrett County Health Department, according to a county news release.
But it’s not enough to save all the programs. The Friendsville and Kitzmiller programs will be lost unless additional funding is secured, according to Crystal Stewart, executive director of the Garrett County Partnership for Children and Families Inc.
For six years the programs were largely funded by 21st Century Community Learning Center grants from the Maryland Department of Education, but the county has not been awarded that grant for the past two years.
“That pot of money is targeted very much toward high-need schools, and schools that are in improvement status,” Stewart said. Garrett County’s academic success might be hurting the county’s chances of getting the grant, she explained.
It’s the second year running that the county commission has bailed out Partners After School. In 2009-10 the programs survived on a $125,000 Community Development Block Grant that was matched by the county.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that the commissioners have given us the money to do these sites again this year,” Stewart said. “It really will allow us to continue to serve, not all of the kids that we have been, but most of them.” Now Partners After School will likely move toward a consolidated model, with just three sites operating in the county.
Stewart hopes a $41,000 Community Partnership Agreement grant initially designated for the Southern Middle School program can be redirected toward the Grantsville program. That site will serve elementary and middle school students from northern areas of the county.
The county funds will support programs at Southern Garrett Middle School and Accident Elementary School. The Southern Garrett Middle School program will serve both elementary students and middle school students, and will include elementary students transported from Dennett Road, Yough Glades and Broad Ford elementary schools.
During the 2009-10 school year, 220 students countywide attended Partners After School programs, Stewart said.
Garrett County’s after-school programs have existed in some form for more than a decade, starting as small, community-based volunteer initiatives. But the 21st Century grants allowed the programs to enhance their offerings in the mid-2000s.
The main focus of Partners After School is homework assistance, but the programs grew to include certified teachers to tutor students, academic and cultural enrichment activities, alcohol and drug abuse prevention activities and cultural field trips.
Stewart said the county money is a temporary solution to the funding problem. She pointed out that there’s also no funding available for the version of Partners After School that would typically be offered next summer.
“We’re still very actively looking for other options. We have a lot of interagency people that are working on this and trying to figure out how to get the funding,” she said. “We know it’s a wonderful resource for the kids.”
The State of Deep Creek Lake
The State of Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake is a place I truly love. Every morning is a joy to awake, look out across the water, and see the beautiful mature oaks and hemlocks that frame our view. I enjoy the four seasons. In fact, my wife, Jean, coined the phrase that’s incorporated in some of our sales media: “Deep Creek Lake … a place for every season of your life.”
That place for every season phrase has really been true to my experience from 1933 when my parents camped along Cherry Creek, when they brought me in a baby buggy, up to the present day being the autumn of my life. A typical summer season finds me bicycling or kayaking each morning followed by a swim. Yes, a swim in Deep Creek Lake. Often after a day of work I pour a glass of wine and relax by the water and may take another dip before dinner.
Each season brings with it a variety of aspects of Garrett County and Deep Creek to be enjoyed. For example, you’ll regularly find me still water skiing and snow skiing. Or on a winter evening I may be reading a book next to a crackling fire in the living room. Regardless of one’s age or the time of year, there is always something wonderful about being here.
Deep Creek has matured in the past decade and in positive ways for the most part. We now have first-run films in an 8-plex theater, several miniature golf courses, the annual arts season including performances by the Pittsburgh Symphony, four major golf courses, a county Visitor Center, the recirculating whitewater course (one of only two in the U.S.A.), and great food services. In recognition of improvements at Wisp resort, there now is better snowmaking capability, more lifts and slopes, the renovated Wisp Resort Hotel, the mountain coaster and, the newest attraction, the Flying Squirrel zip line. Deep Creek offers so much more than the beauty of the natural resource itself. There is a strong infrastructure that has grown up around it.
While I cannot claim having anything to do with the creation of this lake and it’s attractions that I love so much, I have devoted the past thirty years to personally participating in the protection of the natural resource and also in the planning of county and state regulations as they relate to the lake. I refrain from enumerating the various boards, committees, memberships and associations with which I am and have been involved. I prefer to keep a low profile and speak out only when I feel it is necessary and then only in a positive frame of reference.
An article in the August 6, 2010, “Baltimore Sun” by Timothy B. Wheeler about Deep Creek Lake is the impetus for my speaking out now. That article is full of “cry wolf” scare statements to which I feel compelled to set a few things straight. First, yes, there are concerns and issues that need to be monitored and recorded to insure the long-term health of this resource. However, to cry wolf when there is no need to do so is not the way to approach those concerns and issues. The Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake, Inc., the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources Policy and Review Board, the Garrett County Board of Realtors, the Chamber of Commerce and other County and State agencies are very concerned about issues such as sewage spills, fish kills, low water levels, and vegetation growing in the lake.
All of the aforementioned associations, organizations, departments and offices are working to address the issues in a responsible and professional manner. Shame on you, “Baltimore Sun” and Mr. Wheeler, for writing such a one-sided, devastating, negative article that in fewer than two weeks has had a most detrimental impact on the Garrett County economy. In Mr. Wheeler’s article there is mention of a forum to be held the very next day, August 7, comprised of scientists and government officials, including Mr. John Wilson, Secretary of the D.N.R., to speak on the “State of the Lake.” To anyone’s knowledge, the “Sun” did not have a reporter attend that forum and write a follow-up article addressing all viewpoints on the issues. The “Sun” instead chose to publish its sensationalist, attention-grabbing article titled “Residents Concerned About Deep Creek Lake’s Future.”
We who live here are all concerned about the long-term health of Deep Creek Lake. Basically, however, the “Sun” article is one-sided, most of it negative, and representing only a few inquiries to consider opinions of others. There were several presentations at the August 7, 2010, Forum. No information by any presenter at that forum was indicative of an immediate problem or concern with a high level of e-coli or fishing or swimming in the lake. Secretary John Wilson answered the question “Is the lake healthy?” with a resounding ‘yes.’ He commented further that the DNR is keeping a watchful eye on several matters.
The “Sun” article mentioned canaries in the mine. The only gas in the mine at Deep Creek Lake is people breathing out unfounded, negative remarks. If the “Sun” quoted from the “Friends of Deep Creek Lake,” I challenge the statement that “only renters swim in the lake.” Not true. Do you wonder if those people are really friends of Deep Creek Lake? I personally swim once or twice a day and water ski every weekend in the southern lake coves along with numerous other residents.
There is no intention on my part to cover up or ignore any issues. I love this lake and will not tolerate negativity to drive a campaign to address the issues. In participation with responsible agencies, well-thought-out approaches are a far
better avenue to reach needed resolutions.
It was reported to me that on Sunday, August 8, a person in a canoe and thought to be Mrs. Beelar was advising renters on the shores of Hickory Ridge not to fish, eat the fish, or swim in the lake. That was the day after officials speaking at the Forum organized by “Friends of Deep Creek Lake” gave no indication of such alarming precautions. Are those people really friends of the lake? I cannot stand silently by while alarmists bad-mouth the lake.
Mrs. Beelar and “Friends of Deep Creek Lake” are all people who obviously care and have done good things for the lake. Their good deeds should not be negated by their cries-of-wolf tactics. Rather, we ask them to go forward and continue working on the issues in a positive manner. I, for one, shall always love Deep Creek Lake and wish for others to enjoy it as well for the long term.
Ed King
August 16, 2010
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Maryland Horse Rescue Farm Names 8 Rescued Horses with a Facebook Contest
Eight new horses was a challenge for us Mt Airy, MD (Vocus) August 21, 2010
When the call came in to HorseNet Horse Rescue (HNHR) that 8 abused and neglected horses from a large seizure in Garrett County needed help, there was only one option – make room.
For over 10 years, HNHR’s volunteers have been providing medical care, treatment, and a permanent home to horses that have been neglected, abused, or abandoned. The 100% volunteer run organization keeps two farms in Maryland, one in Mt. Airy and the other in New Windsor. Each farm serves about 45 horses.
“Eight new horses was a challenge for us” says Executive Director Michelle Sithithavorn. “ We have the space and commitment from our volunteers, but what we need is resources for shelter, food and medical care.”
HNHR turned to the power of social media, specifically Facebook and ran a horse naming contest. Participants, through the HNHR Facebook page saw photos of the horse and then pledged $10 per name to be added to a master list of possible selections or pledged $100 to name a horse outright.
“We had a tremendous response,” says Sithithavorn. We raised over three thousand dollars as well as awareness for these beautiful animals.”
The naming contest was a great success because it allowed HNHR to reach out to animal lovers and horse enthusiasts outside of the local Maryland area without costly mailings or time consuming and expensive outreach programs.
“We want to thank everyone who helped to name these horses and remind people that these animals need a lot of care and we are always seeking donations. We provide these animals with a permanent safety net to live full and happy lives. We encourage people to call and come by and volunteer, the experience is life changing,” says Sithithavorn.
HNHR welcomes its new horse family members: Sahara, Rey, Radiant, Harry’s Hero, Charlotte, Chiquita, Thomasina and Little Cimarron.
For more information or to make a donation visit Horse Net Horse Rescue online at: www.hnhr.org and friend them on Facebook.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350
Department of Public Utilities - Sewer Odor Factsheet
Fun In The Falls
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These four bathers were hoping to get a few good shots of their toes, apparently, while playing in the rapids at the base of Swallow Falls this week. The fun of summer in Garrett County hardly gets better than this, with a natural water park with all the thrills there for the taking. The weather has been quite favorable for all sorts of summer activities, although the grass and plants are beginning to want for water. The only hint of rain in the forecast is not mentioned until Saturday, and that is only a 20% chance so far. The younger set might want to get outside and take advantage of all the mountaintop has to offer, as schools are to open next Wednesday (sorry to mention it, kids). Photo by Sharon Baum of Turkey Neck.
Blue ribbon pumpkin from Garrett County Fair
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Aug. 19, 2010
A blue ribbon is happily displayed by Tailynn Friend, who earned the award at last week’s Garrett County Agriculture Fair for her impressive “squash-like fruit,” as the pumpkin is described on Wikipedia. The pumpkin weighed no fewer than 289 pounds.
Tailynn is one of hundreds of winning youngsters from last week’s event, the results of which will be reported in The Republican newspaper’s special Garrett County Fair supplement, to be published next week. The special pages will include the livestock sale report, multiple photographs, and lists of winners. Now if someone will simply carve out Tailynn’s pumpkin and attach it to a miniature pony, she will have transportation to her next ball. Photo by Danielle Friend.
Friendsville Days Parade Winners Are Announced
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Aug. 19, 2010
The following were winners or owners of winning entries in the recent 2010 Friendsville Days Parade, sponsored by the Friendsville Lions club and Friendsville Days Committee:
Amateur float – Preston FFA.
Commercial float – Garrett County Memorial Hospital.
Marching group – Marion County Rockettes.
Best appearing 4-wheeler – S&S Market.
Best appearing pickup truck – Mel’s Truck Service.
Best appearing motorcycle – Jimmy Ross.
Best appearing car – An old state trooper car.
Best appearing antique car – Model A, Ed Kelley.
Best appearing tandem truck – Devonian Industrial.
Best appearing semi-truck – Rosenberger Trucking.
Best appearing historic tractor – “Rob Corley for Sheriff.
Best looking farm tractor – 1954 Allis Chalmers, Doug Sines.
Best appearing horse – Gene Fike.
FIRE/RESCUE DIVISION
Best appearing ambulance – Northern Garrett County Rescue Squad.
Brush truck – Midland Volunteer Fire Department.
Pumper 1250 GPM or more – Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company.
Pumper 1000 GPM or less – Addison Volunteer Fire Department.
Tanker – Oakland Volunteer Fire Department.
Oldest operating motorized fire truck – Confluence (Pa.) Volunteer Fire Department.
Fire Department traveling the longest distance – Kitzmiller Volunteer Fire Department.
Best appearing specialized unit – Addison (Pa.) Volunteer Fire Department.
Overall best appearing fire department – Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire Department.
Town Of Oakland Receives Major Grant To Benefit The Dove Center
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Aug. 19, 2010
Oakland mayor Peggy Jamison announced to staff and board members of the Dove Center on Friday, Aug. 13, that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the town of Oakland a Community Development Block Grant.
The grant of $800,000 will help the Dove Center build a new facility, which is projected to be completed in less than 18 months. The facility will provide storage space, private offices for administrators and counselors, and safe, secure shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Criteria for the grant included demonstrated need and community support for a new facility. “Dem-onstrating need for the facility was relatively easy. The current shelter, with one bathroom, sometimes houses as many as 15 people,” stated a spokesperson for the Dove Center.
In addition to the grant, community support also helped to finance the plan for the new building. Two years ago the center, under the leadership of Edna Forsyth, organized Capital Campaign II, setting a goal of $200,000, which was a quarter of the amount applied for in the grant. Employees and volunteers set out to ask friends, family, neighbors, and businesses for donations. To date, according to the campaign’s chair, Pam Trickett, the total campaign effort has raised about $289,000, with donations still coming in.
Ceremony Marks Opening of New GC Career Center
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Aug. 19, 2010
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday marked the opening of the newest Garrett College facility, the Career Technology & Training Center (CTTC), located in the Central Garrett Industrial Park in Accident. The event was the culmination of a three-year collaborative effort of planning, designing, and building. The project involved input and funding at the county, state, and federal levels.
Julie Yoder, interim dean of Continuing Education & Workforce Development at Garrett College, welcomed guests to the inaugural event and introduced the speakers, who represented the officials, agencies, and businesses instrumental in the CTTC project.
Guest speakers included Garrett College president Dr. Richard MacLennan; director of Garrett County Economic Development Jim Hinebaugh; Garrett County commissioners Ernie Gregg, Dennis Glotfelty, and Fred Holliday; state Senator George Edwards; Robin Summerfield, field representative for U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin; Julianna Albowicz, field representative for U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski; Vickie Swink of the Maryland Department of Economic Development; executive director of the Garrett College Foundation Fred Learey; project manager, CRA Architects Adam Abraham; Willis Beitzel of Beitzel Corporation; assistant director of Garrett County Economic Development Frank Shapp; and Tom Vent, husband of the late JoAnn Vent, to whom Phase II of the CTTC project will be dedicated.
Dr. MacLennan thanked everyone who contributed to this endeavor. He underscored the importance of this new training facility to the long-term goals of the college. “Our mission is to make education accessible to everyone in the county. We will strive to match local training needs with local business demands,” he said.
Hinebaugh noted that the initiation of the second phase of the Garrett County Scholarship program targeting occupational studies directly coincides with the opening of the CTTC and further increasing opportunities for county residents. “We have expanded access to higher education which will better prepare our students for employment. We are growing our skill base in Garrett County,” he said.
43rd Annual Autumn Glory Festival Scheduled For Oct. 6 Through Oct. 10
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Aug. 19, 2010
by Sarah Duck, GC
Chamber of Commerce marketing director
Enjoy the beauty of the fall season in the mountains as Maryland celebrates the 43rd anniversary of Autumn Glory with two large parades, concerts, band competitions, art exhibits, antique and craft shows, and much more from Oct. 6 to 10.
Known for scenic Deep Creek Lake and Maryland’s only ski resort, the Wisp, Garrett County is also home to the annual Autumn Glory Festival, a five-day celebration of autumn that celebrates the beauty of the local fall foliage. From Wednesday through Sunday, the area offers a wide variety of things to do indoors or outdoors.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Autumn Glory Kickoff Dinner featuring live musical entertainment and recognition of the annual Autumn Glory Golden Ambassador will kick off the festival on Wednesday, Oct. 6.
Thursday features the Oktoberfest dinner and concert by the Oom-Pah Band and a firemen’s parade.
The week continues with historic area tours, antique and craft shows, fine arts exhibits, both swing and oldies dances, a farmers’ market, 5-K walk, storytelling and book festival, musical concerts, dogsled events, a quilt show, corn maze, art glass exhibits, outdoor adventures, shopping specials, and a wide variety of other activities.
The Official Maryland State Banjo Championship, Friday at 7 p.m., features banjo contestants of all ages competing for top honors.
Saturday, Oct. 9, offers musical entertainment in Oakland at the Front Page Stage, on Second Street near the post office, and on the Box Car Stage at the train station.
The Grand Feature Parade begins on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Oakland. Clowns, floats, bands, and plenty of sidewalk vendors increase the festival atmosphere. That day will also feature the Western Maryland Tournament of Bands at 6 p.m. with high school field show competition, as well as the State Fiddle Championship and Mandolin Contest at 7 p.m.
Antique and craft shows continue Sunday, joined by the Autumn Glory Festival Car Show in Oakland and a no-hands sundae eating contest at Lakeside Creamery.
Garrett County’s annual Autumn Glory Festival landed in the international spotlight last fall when the popular travel web site MSN.com listed it tops among fall festivals in the world. To the delight of locals and visitors alike, Autumn Glory in Oakland beat out Paris’ Festival d’Automne (#5) and Munich’s Oktoberfest (#7) – in addition to a bevy of domestic celebrations, including San Francisco’s Dias De los Muertos.
“Music, parades, and awesome colors are at the center of this festival,” noted the site, plugging in particular the Grand Feature Parade, the Maryland State Banjo and Fiddle championships, and the Tournament of Bands.
For the past two years, travelchannel.com has also listed the Autumn Glory Festival and Garrett County as one of America’s Three Best Autumn Road Trips, and in 2008, baltimoresun.com listed Garrett County as one of the top five locals for fall foliage.
For more details about Autumn Glory, visit www.autumngloryfestival.com or contact the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce at 301-387-4386.
