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Updated 7/23
Adventure Sports Center International Seeks Homestay Hosts for
Visiting Athletes
Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) seeks hosts for the
Homestay Program for visiting athletes. This program provides
athletes an opportunity to stay, at no charge, in a friendly home
with a local family while training or competing in ASCI sponsored
events. Housing is needed for the 2008 Whitewater Slalom National
Championships August 26 through August 31st and for the
Canoe/Kayak World Series – American Open, September 30 through
October 5th. These dates include practice and event days
and not all athletes may need all dates.
Hosts are asked to provide a private or shared bedroom and bathroom,
linens and towels, and if possible, kitchen privileges for food
storage and preparation. Host families are not expected to provide
transportation or meals. “Meal time can however, be a wonderful
time for conversation and sharing between athletes and hosts, and is
encouraged when convenient for both parties,” reports Homestay
Director, Darlene Miller. She explains that “hosts and athletes
complete applications to give us some basic personal
characteristics, schedule requirements and preferences. We use that
information to match athletes with an available host home.”
Homestay housing is
a very different experience than staying in a hotel and requires a
different set of expectations. Because this is someone's private
home, athletes are expected to abide by the same reasonable rules of
behavior that family members follow. Quiet hours, television use,
computer use, and family meal times will vary and should be
discussed when hosts and athletes meet.
Hosts are welcomed
to be involved in the race events during your athlete’s stay as much
or little as you prefer. At both Nationals and the World Series
events there will be a welcome reception for the athletes and their
hosts early in the week, and a party after the conclusion of the
competition. Free tickets will be available to hosts for events to
complete the relationship that most certainly will develop between
the home providers and guests. Host families are also encouraged to
join the ASCI volunteer crew during this and other ASCI events
Homestay hosting is a great opportunity to meet and interact with
interesting people from many states and foreign countries. If you
know anyone else who would be interested in volunteering their home
for a few days for this program, please have them get in touch with
Darlene Miller, Homestay Director at
ibdarmiller@yahoo.com or 301 387 -0007 or Sue Fowler, ASCI
Community Programs Coordinator at
sfowler@adventuresportscenter.com or 301 387-3250
Updated 7/10
U.S OLYMPIC TEAM – CANOE/KAYAK TO TRAIN AT ASCI, JULY 14 TO 18
The 2008 US Olympic Team – Canoe/Kayak will be conducting a
training camp at the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI)
during the week of July 14– 18.
The 2008 US Olympic
Team – Canoe/Kayak will include five athletes: Scott Parsons (K1),
Benn Fraker (C1), Heather Corrie (K1W), Casey Eichfield and Ricky
Powell (C2). The team’s two coaches are Silvan Poberaj and Cathy
Hearn. Casey and Ricky are part-time ASCI employees, and Ricky is
enrolled at the Adventure Sports Institute beginning this fall.
Scott Parsons is a resident of Bethesda, MD.
ASCI invites the
public to join the excitement and come to ASCI to watch America’s
best prepare themselves for Olympic competition in Beijing. The
team will take advantage of exclusive time on ASCI’s whitewater
course to practice for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The tentative
training schedule is:
-
Monday, July
14, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
-
Tuesday, July
15, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
-
Wednesday, July
16, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
-
Thursday, July
17, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
-
Friday, July
17, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
This year’s team was selected last weekend in Augsburg Germany, at
the World Cup #3.
The
World Cup was the final Olympic selection race being used for USA
Canoe/Kayak (USACK) to select the five athletes that would go on to
the Beijing Olympic Games.
In
addition to team training during their week at ASCI, press visits
and autograph signings will also be conducted. Visit the ASCI
website at
www.adventuresportscenter.com or call 301-387-3250 for
information on the Olympic Team’s schedule while in Garrett County.
Updated 7/1
Chamber Thanks 2008 Fire on the Mountain Firework Display
Sponsors
The
Garrett County Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize and
thank all of this year’s sponsors for the July 4th
Fire on the Mountain Firework Display Sponsored by Wisp Resort.
Along with major sponsor,
Wisp Resort, additional sponsors of this year’s Fire on the
Mountain Display include the
Deep Creek Lake
Property Owners Association,
Bill’s Marine
Service, Devlin, Inc., Garrett Container Systems, My Bank
First United Bank & Trust,
Railey Mountain Lake Vacations, Accident Garage, Lake Pointe
Inn, Rush Services, Double GG RV Park, and Garrett Automotive.
“With the generous donations of local businesses, we are able
to provide a spectacular fireworks show each year,” said Charlie
Ross, President/CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.
“The Chamber would like to thank each of these local sponsors
for their generosity in supporting the 2008 Independence Day
celebration.”
Updated 6/25
RESCUE DEMONSTRATIONS OFFERED AT ADVENTURE SPORTS CENTER
INTERNATIONAL
Where: Adventure Sports Center International
When: Saturday, July 5
Who: presented by Walter Augustine
10:30am Swift Water Rescue Demonstration:
Come see how the professionals train for rescue situations around
swift moving water. Learn proper rescue techniques and procedures
if you are first at the scene of a water emergency. You will have a
chance to learn the basic use of whitewater rescue equipment
including throw ropes, as well as, witness a live rescue simulation
conducted by professionals in the whitewater course at Adventure
Sports Center International.
1:00 Wilderness Rescue Scenario
Being in the wilderness and facing an emergency situation requires
skills when 911 is not an immediate option. Witness a demonstration
of how professional rescuers react and handle injuries in the
aftermath of a wilderness accident. Learn what you can do for self
rescue or to help others. Spectators are welcome to join in as a
rescuer or as a ‘victim.’ Caution: for those faint of heart, please
be aware that theatrical makeup will be used to create a realistic
look on our victims.
Both demonstrations are open to the public and free of charge.
Walter Augustine is the Rescue School Coordinator for Adventure
Sports Center International. He is an ACA Swift Water Trainer, CPR
Instructor, Wilderness Medicine Instructor, Basic Life Support (BLS)
Instructor and an instructor of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
Walter served in the Marines in Operation Desert Storm. He has
participated in many search and rescue operations and serves as an
EMT with Northern Rescue Squad. He has a deep passion for rivers
and has been rafting for 25 years.
Updated 6/19
2009 FY Budget Approved
The Garrett County Commissioners have approved the fiscal year 2009
operating/capital budget at $85,298,803 which is over $13 million
less than the 2008 FY budget. Revenues are expected to increase $3
million with $1 million allocated to increases in operational
expenses. The other $2 million will be go toward education.
Capital projects have been deferred because of budget constraints.
These projects include the new detention center, the animal
control/adoption center, the Wisp Adventure Road and some other
roads projects. The real property tax rate will remain at $1 per
$100 of assessable base. The new budget is available
online.
Updated 6/9
Mountain Maryland License Plate
Applications Available at the
Chamber of Commerce
Applications for Mountain
Maryland license plates are now
available at the Garrett County
Chamber of Commerce. After
several attempts to get
legislative support, the PACE
committee was finally able to
get the Mountain Maryland plates
passed with the Motor Vehicle
Administration.
The application cost is $25, on
top of regular licensing fees.
Mountain Maryland license plate
applications can be picked up at
the Garrett County Chamber of
Commerce located at 15 Visitors
Center Drive in McHenry. For
more information, please
Mt. Fresh McHenry Farmers Market
The Mt. Fresh McHenry
Farmers Market will be
opening in a new location
for the 2008 season on June
19. The Garrett County
Chamber of Commerce
Visitor’s Center parking lot
will host the market this
year.
“We’re excited that the
Garrett County Chamber of
Commerce is allowing the
market to be held in their
parking lot,” said Cheryl
DeBerry, Agriculture
Marketing Specialist for
Garrett County Economic
Development. “The location
on Visitor’s Center Drive is
very visible from Route 219
and should be a prime
location for a successful
farmers market.”
The 2008 market will also be
held on different days and
times. “Having the market
on Monday and Thursday
evenings will allow people
leaving work to stop by the
market on their way home,”
said Lori Schmuck, vendor at
the McHenry Farmers Market.
“They can have the freshest
vegetables and baked goods
in the county on their
dinner table that evening.”
Mountain Fresh McHenry
Farmers Markets will be held
June 19 through August 28 on
Mondays and Thursdays from
4:00 to 6:30 pm at the
Garrett County Visitor’s
Center parking lot off Rt.
219 in McHenry. Mountain
Fresh Oakland Farmers
Markets will be held June 7
through October 29 on
Wednesdays and Saturdays
from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at
the Mt. Fresh pavilion by
the Oakland town parking lot
off Second Street.
The Mountain Fresh Producers
Association hosts
producer-only farmers
markets featuring fresh
produce, herbs, honey, jams
and jellies, baked goods,
plants, crafts, and fall
decorations from the
mountaintop area. For more
information, visit
www.MountainFresh.org or
call 301-334-6960.
Record Number of Guests Attend Chamber’s Annual Dinner
The
annual Garrett County Chamber of Commerce dinner, held Thursday,
June 5th, enjoyed a record number of attendees this
year at the Lodge at Wisp Resort. With entertainment by the
ten-piece local band known as “The Remedy,” the 244 attendees
enjoyed dinner and saw the presentation of the Heise
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, the President’s Award and five
“Favorite Sons and Daughters” Awards.
Brenda McDonnell won the Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.
McDonnell owns and operates
Brenda’s Pizzeria & Traders Coffeehouse. Winners of the
Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award must have originated and
developed a business from inception, shown a willingness to take
risks, shown community involvement, held high ethical standards
and demonstrated leadership by overcoming a formidable problem
that threatened business’ existence or shown business acumen
through embarking on a creative, insightful or overlooked
opportunity that will make an important contribution to Garrett
County’s business environment through substantive community
impact.
The
Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Committee, comprised of
previous winners, selects three nominees to be voted on by the
general Chamber membership. The winner is announced at the
Annual Membership Dinner and Meeting. Past honorees include
Jonathan “Smiley” Kessler, Bill Sisler, Olen Beitzel, Johnny
Marple, Barry Rush. Last year’s recipient, Dave Demaree of
Demaree Inflatables, presented the award to Brenda McDonnell.
Larry Roby from Rent-A-Chef,
Haley Farm Bed & Breakfast and the Garrett County Chamber of
Commerce will be jointly hosting a private dinner for the
present and previous Heise Award Winners on Monday, June 9 at
Haley Farm Bed & Breakfast.
Garrett County Commissioner Denny Glotfelty received the
President’s Award from Charlie Ross, President/CEO of the
Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. The President’s Award
recognizes achievement in building the business community in
promoting Garrett County beyond its borders and in creating a
dramatic shift that improves the quality of life for Garrett
County citizens.
The
five recipients of the annual “Favorite Sons and Daughters”
Awards were “those who achieve awards, honors and
accomplishments from outside of the County that impact us all
and let the world know just how good Garrett County is.” The
five recipients were:
Crellin
Elementary School,
who has received three prestigious awards this year under the
direction of Principal Dana McCauley. They were awarded the
Ernest L. Boyer 2008 Best Practices National Award for Character
Education and the National Civic Star Award in recognition of
their community partnerships that enrich student knowledge and
achievement. The parents of Crellin were also awarded the
Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Award for their work in
support of Maryland public education.
Garrett
College Lady Lakers Basketball Team,
who were the 2008 NJCAA Region XX Champions, earning
them a shot at the National Junior College
Athletic Association Division II National Championship in
Illinois.
First
Team 1629 (the Garrett Coalition) and their robot Meshach 2.0,
who were awarded the Engineering Inspiration Award, which
celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and
appreciation within a teams school and community. Team 1629
also won the Delphi "Driving Tomorrow's Technology" Award, this
award celebrates an elegant and advantageous machine feature.
Emily
Rosser,
ranked 1st in the senior class at Northern High
School. Rosser is also a member of the Girl Scouts Trillium
council, received the Girl Scout Leadership and Gold Award,
which included giving presentations and demonstrations to local
schools. Emily was also Student of the Month, inducted into the
NHS Math Hall of Fame and also participated in various sport s
where she received 3 varsity letters.
Maria
Duff,
Swan
Meadow student who won the state of Maryland’s sixth grade
poetry content in the Young Authors Contest. With this honor,
Maria and her family traveled to Baltimore for a reception and
were able to sightsee through the city.
Board of Directors’ Chairman Jimmy Flanigan presided over the
annual meeting portion of the evening extending congratulations
to the Board’s outgoing member, George Jones and welcoming new
Board Member, Shane Grady.
Door
Prizes for the annual dinner were graciously provided by Chamber
members. Deep Creek Sweets provided a basket of chocolates,
Husky Power
Dogsledding provided a 2-3 hour kennel tour experience and
presentation, Radio FX provided 300 hours worth of air time
Canaan Valley provided a one day & one night golf package for
two, DeBerry Farm provided a jar of salsa and pepper jelly,
Simon Pearce provided glassware, the Winner’s Circle provided a
$20 gift certificate, and
Alpine Lake Resort provided a dinner gift certificate.
Updated 5/13
Adventure Sports
Center Community Days
Adventure Sports
Center announces special pricing for local residents through the 2008 Community
Days program. Throughout the season, Garrett County residents are
invited to raft or kayak at deep discounts on these special days.
“ASCI sees it’s role as central to
introducing Garrett County residents and visitors to the lifelong
benefits of outdoor adventure recreation. We invite anyone in
Garrett County to take advantage of these days.” says ASCI
Executive Director, Matt Taylor.
Reservations are encouraged as
these high demand days sell out quickly. Walk-ins will be taken
based on capacity, and non-residents are welcome during Community
Days at the regular price.
2008 Community days are:
Friday, May 16th
Wednesday, June 18th
Wednesday, July 16th
Wednesday, August 27th
Friday, September 19th
Sunday, October 12th
The cost is $15 for I hr raft trips
and you may book up to two trips back to back. Kayakers with
their own equipment can boat for $5. Rental comfort wear is
available and includes wetsuit, splash jacket, and river booties for
$12. Call 301 387-3250
for reservations.
DNR Kicks Off The 2008
Maryland Fishing Challenge
Diamond Jim Returns with the Promise of Big Prizes
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to
announce the kick-off of the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge
featuring Diamond Jim on Saturday, April 12.
“Maryland’s unparalleled fishing opportunities offer anglers and
families terrific outdoor experiences in every corner of our
state,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “We opened the
tournament early this year to include Maryland’s premiere trout
fishing opportunities.”
In the same manner as last year, any angler who catches a
citation award qualifying fish will be eligible to win one of
several grand prizes. Beginning in early June, anglers will also
have the opportunity to win up to $25,000 in cash for the
capture of Diamond Jim — a specially tagged striped bass
that will be released — along with a number of imposters — at
three major events this summer.
Returning for the fourth year as a sponsor is Boater’s World,
which is offering up to $25,000 in cash awards for the capture
of Diamond Jim and $500 gift certificates for the capture of
imposters. Coming back for a third year are Central Atlantic
Toyota and Bass Pro Shops, who are each donating the grand
prizes, a Toyota Tundra 4x4 pick-up truck and a Tracker boat,
motor and trailer, respectively.
Bill’s Outdoor
Center in Oakland, a sponsor since 2006, is providing $5,000
worth of various prizes and Smyth Jewelers is offering an extra
incentive to catch “Diamond Jim” — a diamond worth $5,000.
“We are inspired by the success of the annual tournament and the
excitement it generates across the board, from the most
experienced angler to youngsters learning to cast,” said
Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “Fishing in Maryland
is for everyone and we hope this contest inspires residents and
non-residents alike to get out and enjoy the experience.”
More than 60 species of fish are eligible for the grand prizes,
including large and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, musky and
panfish in the freshwaters of Maryland; rockfish (striped bass),
bluefish, drum, sea trout and perch in the Chesapeake Bay; and
tuna, marlin, flounder, kingfish and sea bass on the oceanside.
The contest runs through September 1. Grand prize winners will
be randomly selected at a closing ceremony in mid-September. For
the rules and tournament information visit
www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge.
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