Back to school and back to reality.  Although summer is not officially over until September 21, the carefree days of summer vacation have ended.  Well, for me at least.  Hopefully, still plenty of good weather will remain until we welcome the colors of Autumn.

I do smell football in the air.  Loving that!

Rain, or the lack thereof, seems to be the presiding concern here recently.  The lake level has dropped below the lower rule band guidelines set the manage the lake levels, prompting the early end to some boating seasons in the shallower coves.  If we take into consideration other entities that rely on the water from the lake, it seems a balance is becoming increasingly more difficult to find.  The outfitters that guide rafting trips on the Yough rely on the water releases...  trout in the Yough also rely on regular releases...  Wisp and Thousand Acres Golf Club pump water out for irrigation and ASCI for the whitewater course.  Certainly very difficult to prioritize one activity over another.  The Deep Creek Lake POA did issue this letter to state their opinion.  I will just continue to pray for rain and future harmony. 

In case you missed it last month, be sure to read this letter from local realtor, Ed King in response to an article that appeared in the Baltimore Sun.  Also, want to pass along one of my favorite quotes from Roy Brewington:  "Despite the negativity found in the Baltimore Sun article, I feel confident that I will be returning to visit the same oasis of nature that I remember from previous years..."  Praying for some harmony there, too. 

You can still save 15% on your season ski pass at Wisp until Sept. 6.  Order now online at www.wispresort.com.  A 10% discount will be offered until the end of September. 

Speaking of winter, the prognosticators have spoken and much of what I've read calls for a normal winter for the mid-Atlantic.  Nothing like last winter, but we may get a early start in November. 

Volunteers are still need for the SavageMan Triathlon on Sept. 18 & 19.  Triathlete Magazine named this the #1 hardest triathlon in the world, so local support is needed now more than ever!  Visit here to sign up. 

The Wellness staff at Garrett County Memorial Hospital recently won the silver award for their 2010 Wellness Works calendar by Aster Awards. 

This year's winners of the Western Maryland Amateur Tournament held at Oakland Golf Club are: Jeremy Ensler of Uniontown, Pa.; Kyle Stough of Laurel and John Howsom of Sparks.  The top member finisher was Austin Doerr. 

The Dove Center received a huge boost last month when they received an $800,000 grant  from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.  The grant will be used to build a much-needed new facility for the organization's offices and a safe, secure shelter for victims of domestic violence and assault. 

Our condolences to the Lascaris family.  Celeste Lascaris, one of the original owners of the Silver Tree Restaurant passed away last  month. 

Congrats to Jen Sober, local running machine and fitness trainer.  She crushed a course record at the Strides for Health & Fitness 5K  in Cumberland with a finishing time of 19 minutes, 12 seconds -- a full 47 seconds off the record set in 2007. 

Half-price pizza night returns to Brenda's Pizzeria on Monday, September 13.  Also, I had misinformed in my Dining Guide that Trader's Coffee House only offered snacks.  So not true!  Great coffee and even better food for breakfast and lunch.  My apologies to Brenda and her staff. 

Congratulations to Sara King of Oakland on earning a silver medal in the 2010 United States Aerobic Gymnastics Competition.  Also, a BIG congratulations to Oakland's own Jessica Simson on being crowned America's National Teenager 2011.  Even more remarkably, she earned the title just a few short weeks after being in a head-on automobile collision that left her quite bruised. 

James "Beau" Gibson earned his U.S. Air Force pilot wings and was one of three to receive Distinguished Graduate Award.  Beau certainly has it in his blood, as his father Jimmy Gibson and grandfather Bob Railey are both pilots. 

I am happy to report that Charlie Mead has put California behind him and entered Oregon in late August on his Pacific Coast Trail hike.  His target finish date is October 7.  Walking on...

A  summer closeout sale is happening now at Bear Creek Trader's.  Up to 60% off summer items.  I am totally hooked on the WoodWick candles they sell there.  They smell so good and sound like a crackling fire.  Unfortunately, rarely on sale, but worth every penny!

Finally caught a show by local favorite, The Davisson Brothers, at Black Bear Tavern.  What a great time!  (I know, it is sad that it was the first time I've seen them.)

Mountain State Brewing is celebrating it 2-year anniversary at Deep Creek.  (Wow, already?)  Saturday, September 18 offers great entertainment all day as well as $1 drafts beginning at 3 pm.  

Also on September 18, Alpine Lake Resort will host their Oktoberfest celebration with a golf scramble, German food and drink, hayrides, games and much more! 

Of course, we have Labor Day, then the Art and Wine Festival on the weekend of September 11 and the above mentioned events on September 18.  All great excuses to keep on coming to the lake!

Until next month,

See you on the mountain!

Marta Schroyer
Editor