Updated 8/25

U.S. Whitewater Slalom National Championships Return to Deep Creek Lake

On Saturday, August 30^th, whitewater enthusiasts from across the US will descend on the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) for the U.S. Whitewater Slalom National Championships. This is the nation’s largest whitewater competition, which will feature 80-100 athletes, including Olympians and National U.S. Slalom paddlers vying for the title of National Champion. This will be the first whitewater competition held after the 2008 summer Olympics and several US Olympians, two of whom are former ACSI employees, are expected to compete. “It will be a great opportunity to meet the Olympic Whitewater Team, fresh off their appearance in Beijing,” said Jesse Shimrock, marketing director for the complex.

The race is a one-day event that involves two race runs for each competitor, the results of which will determine the 2008 National Champion in 4 different categories. In a slalom race, hanging gates are placed in challenging sections of the whitewater course, both upstream and downstream. Racers must make their way through the gates using a series of acrobatic looking maneuvers.

Admission for spectators is free and there will be variety of vendors set up at the facility along with food and beverages available for sale. There will also be activities for children and families. After the event, the festival-like atmosphere continues with live music.

The Adventure Sports Center International offers world-class adventures in whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing, rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, trail running, orienteering and more. Programs are designed for groups and individuals of all skill levels and backgrounds. For more information about ASCI programs and reservations, please contact 877-300-ASCI (2724), or visit www.adventuresportscenter.com.

Updated 8/1

DNR Begins Accepting Bear Hunting Applications

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced it will begin accepting applications on August 1 to participate in this year black bear hunting permit lottery.  Maryland's black bear hunting season will be from Oct. 20 - Oct. 25.  For more information persons may visit http://blackbear.dnr.state.md.us/

Ride for Cash Results

The first Annual Adventure Games High Mountain Sports Ride for Cash Wakeboard Contest is in the books.  This high level contest took place on Broadford Lake in Oakland, Maryland Sunday, July 27, 2008.  Pro riders came from all over the mid-atlantic to take place in this contest.  $2,000 was up for grabs on Sunday.  Wakeboarders took a run in the morning and another ride in the afternoon with their worst score thrown out.  The Wakeskate division took their shot at the podium with one run at noon.  Local rider Josh Zerkel from Morgantown, WV cranked up his A Game in the afternoon to bring home third place.  All of the pros were stoked with venue at Broadford Park and are planning on returning next year.  The Adventure Games were organized by the Adventure Sports Center International.  The Annual High Mountain Sports Bust Largness Wakeboard Contest will be August 17^th at Traders Landing.

Man Drowns at Swallow Falls SP

A 72-year-old man drowned while he was swimming near Muddy Creek Falls in Swallow Falls State Park.  The man was pulled under by the hydraulics from the falls and was unable to be rescued by witnesses.  His body was found downstream from the falls about 2 hours after the incident. 

Garrett County Test Score Rise

The Maryland School Assessment (MSA) test scores for reading and math in Garrett County have risen over the past five years.  Scores from the third to the eighth grade exceeded the state averages with the exception of fifth grade math which is less than one percentage point behind the state average.  Data on state schools is available at www.mdreportcard.org

Wild Women of Whitewater - A Paddling Demonstration by Women for Women

Women and men approach whitewater sports in very different ways.  Come learn more about whitewater sports from women who have been involved in the sport for many years.  Paige Teegarden, 2007 Women’s Amateur Freestyle Champion and Nancy Beakes, former National Whitewater Slalom team member will lead a discussion and demonstration about women’s approach to whitewater sports at Adventure Sports Center International on Sat. Aug. 2 at 10am. Find out how to get started or how to improve your skills in rafting, duckies, or in several different styles of kayaks. The presentation will conclude with demonstrations of these various crafts. Watch Paige, Nancy and other ASCI women maneuver through the whitewater course at the world’s only mountaintop whitewater course. This is a great opportunity to meet other women who share your interest.

Nancy Beakes, is a former National Whitewater Slalom team member and serves as the Event and Facilities Coordinator at ASCI.  She has been paddling for 14 years of which she paddled all over the world including Spain, Australia, Costa Rica and most of Europe.   Nancy moved to Garrett County two years ago but is no stranger to the area – she has been paddling the Yough and other area rivers for many years.  These days Nancy spends most of her free time teaching her two young children how to paddle and other students that come to ASCI to learn to kayak!

Paige Teegarden is the 2007 Women’s Amateur Freestyle Champion and currently holds the title of “Queen of the River” after winning the 2007 Friday Night Fun Series held at ASCI last summer.  She is the Secretary for the Yough Paddling Club and has been boating for 15 years. In the career side of her life, Paige is an Organization Development Consultant and Outdoor Facilitator.     

Their demonstration is open to the public and free of charge. 

2008 Autumn Glory Royalty Court Announced

The 2008 Autumn Glory Royalty Court has been announced. Local students Kim Stephens, Joanna Guy, Kara Savage, Grace Herpel, Aaron Newman & Jeffrey Rush have all been selected for this year’s court.

With so many terrific candidates applying for the 2008 Autumn Glory Royalty Court, this year’s court is among the best ever assembled. Besides having the honor of representing their home county during the Autumn Glory Festival and at other events, all members of the Royal Court will receive scholarship funds.

Kimberly Stephens is the daughter of Robert and Linda Stephens of Mountain Lake Park. She is a Southern High School Student Council Representative, and she is active in Outdoor Track and Field, Indoor Track, Varsity Cross Country, the Garrett County Swim Team, Yearbook and Newspaper. Kimberly is also the founder of the J.C. Bible Study Group and has accumulated over 1,200 community service hours.

Joanna Guy is the daughter of Liz and Jon Guy of Swanton. She is involved in Southern High School Soccer, Newspaper, the Show Choir and Chorus, and she has held lead roles in two Southern High theatre productions. Joanna is also a Student Council Representative, a Maryland Distinguished Scholar, and she was recently named Miss Maryland’s Outstanding Teen 2008.

Kara Savage is the daughter of L. Deane & Nancy Savage of Accident.  She is involved in Northern High School Girls Soccer, Basketball and Softball, FFA, the Girls Varsity Club and is a Teacher Assistant. Kara is also a member of the North Star 4-H Club, Garrett County Holstein Club, Northern Rescue Squad Auxiliary, and has accumulated over 450 community service hours.

Grace Herpel is the daughter of Betsy & Gerard Herpel of Accident. She is involved in Northern High School Girl’s Soccer, Girls Track, Girls Varsity Club and the Chamber Choir. Grace is also active in the Zion Lutheran Youth Group & Youth Choir and is a member of Brenda’s Body Shop Senior Dance Team.

Aaron Newman is the son of Lynn and Carol Newman of Grantsville.  He is active in the Northern High School Golf Team and the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Youth Group and he is employed at Grantsville’s Merkle Response Services. Aaron also participated in a mission trip to Biloxi, Mississippi to help rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina.

Jeffrey Rush is the son of Scott and Rebecca Rush of Oakland. He is active in the Southern High School March Band, Concert Band and he is a Student Council Representative. Jeffrey is also an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, a member of Brookeside Church of the Brethren, DCOB Youth Group member, Children’s Church leader, Assistant Sunday School Teacher and a BCOB Men’s Group member.

The Royalty Court has appeared in the July 4^th Accident Homecoming Parade, Grantsville Days and will be appearing in next weekend’s Friendsville Days.

The King and Queen of this year’s court will be announced at the 41^st Annual Autumn Glory Kick-off Dinner held at the Wisp Resort on October 8^th.

 

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 31^st and for the Canoe/Kayak World Series – American Open, September 30 through October 5^th.  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 7/1

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 4^th 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.”

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

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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.