Noon – 2 pm, The Loft in Lane Center
Jay Smar
Come early to the Symposium to grab some lunch and listen to this gifted Pennsylvania-based musician. Armed with two guitars, baritone vocals, claw-hammer banjo and fiddling, singing and flat-footin' (a form of clog-dancing), he serves his audience an "acoustic buffet" of traditional American and original folk, old-time mountain music, bluegrass and gospel tunes, as well as coal mining songs of Northeast Pennsylvania.

In the last five years, Smar has toured Scotland, performed at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, recorded music for the Welsh BBC movie, "The Welsh in America" and has been selected by the Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour to be on their professional touring roster.

Noon – 2 pm, Lane Center
Sustainability Displays
Learn about new innovations in household lighting, try out a pedal-a-watt bicycle, make a commitment to sustainability and discover green building techniques.

All Symposium session presentations will be held in the Leake Room of Harold J. Cordts Physical Education Center 
1 – 6 pm

1 pm
Working for a Wild and Wonderful Savage River Watershed
If you’re lucky enough to live near the Savage River or simply visit this area to fish, hike, hunt and enjoy the outdoors, you already know why so many people are fighting to keep this watershed wild and wonderful. Kevin Devine, the Savage River Watershed Association (SRWA) coordinator, will highlight the various ways that local landowners and advocates are working to preserve and enhance the rural nature and natural resources of the Savage River watershed in Garrett County, Maryland. During his PowerPoint presentation, Devine will describe how SRWA volunteers monitor water quality, promote conservation landscaping techniques, control exotic invasive species, protect stream buffers, and advocate on behalf of their watershed. By the end of his presentation you’ll be motivated to lend a hand with these important efforts.

1:30 pm
Discovering the Braddock Run Watershed
The Braddock Run watershed encompasses 17.1 square miles in Allegany County. Although this watershed is heavily forested, water quality issues exist that threaten the future of the native brook trout population—a fragile species that has managed to survive in Braddock Run despite acid mine drainage and stormwater run off pollution from past and present human activities. LaVale is the largest community of this small watershed and boasts the largest concentration of existing commercial land in Allegany County as well as land slated for future development. If not properly planned, this development could result in devastating consequences to the natural resources of the watershed itself.

2 pm
George’s Creek Watershed: Environmental Impairments and Potential Remedies
This presentation will introduce the central causes of environmental degradation in the George’s Creek watershed, including historical and current coal mining and development along stream-buffer areas. GCWA will outline the threats created by these practices and potential solutions. Examples of passive and active acid mine drainage systems currently in place in the watershed will be provided, highlighting not only the environmental gains offered, but also the role played by concerned citizens in order to ensure effective remediation efforts.

2:30 pm
Nature Conservancy
Everyone who lives, works, or plays in the Appalachians knows how beautiful the area is—but few recognize the global significance of the forests, streams and caves of the Central Appalachians. The Nature Conservancy provides this global perspective through its global and regional conservation planning, and is working alongside grassroots groups to protect and restore the region's natural heritage. Donnelle Keech, project director of the Allegany Forests Project Office of The Nature Conservancy, will share its work in the region.

3 pm
Going Native in Your Backyard
Liz McDowell, coordinator of the Western Maryland Chapter of the Maryland Native Plant Society (MNPS), will discuss why switching to native plants and using conservation landscaping techniques is crucial to the long-term health of the environment. She will explain how as habitat is lost and exotic species invade the most wild and rural areas of our region, gardeners can play a key role in maintaining regional biodiversity. McDowell will also highlight the many native alternatives to the exotic invasive plants commonly used for landscaping in Western Maryland. Discover the connection between native plants, wildlife and people and how you can preserve regional biodiversity by simply “going native.”

3:30 pm
FSU Wildlife of Appalachia
Student members of the Frostburg State University Wildlife Society will present information on rare, endangered and interesting species of wildlife unique to this region. The presentation will cover the natural history, status and conservation efforts of each species. Some preserved specimens, study skins, skulls, etc. will be on hand for viewing.

4 pm
Allegheny Highlands Conservancy – More Than a Land Trust
Kevin Dodge, Director of the Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology Program at Garrett College and president of the Allegheny Highlands Conservancy (AHC) will provide a progress report on the work of this local land trust. During his PowerPoint presentation, Dodge will discuss how the Allegheny Highlands Conservancy is working to protect and conserve the land, water, and natural resources of Western Maryland and surrounding areas. This grassroots group promotes the preservation, protection and stewardship of forest, scenic, natural, wildlife, recreational and agricultural land and water resources. AHC partners with the community to conserve working rural farms and forests, serves as a conservation information resource for landowners and land managers and provides a forum for community understanding and support of land and water conservation issues.

4:30 pm
Aquatic Biodiversity
Although many people are familiar with surface-level biodiversity that typifies Mountain Maryland and the surrounding region, few realize the depth of the region’s aquatic biodiversity. Paul Kazyak, director of the Highlands Action Program supported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, will lead this exploration of the area’s waterways.

5 pm
FSU Wildlife Society
This demonstration will be on method of wildlife capture. Techniques will be geared toward wildlife native to this area. Small mammal traps, larger mammal traps, mist nets, amphibian, fish and reptile trapping techniques will be shown. Some wildlife capture and monitoring techniques will depend on equipment availability.

5:30 pm
Rain Barrels
Rain Barrel Workshop
Join local watershed organizations to learn about and construct residential rain barrels. A rain barrel is an inexpensive water conservation device that collects and stores rainwater from homeowners’ rooftops to use later for lawn watering and car washing. People install rain barrels to lower water costs by saving an average 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months. Using stored rainwater on your rain gardens or lawn instead of directing rooftop runoff to the storm drain network helps recharge groundwater naturally. Using rain barrels also reduces storm water runoff, which can contain pollutants like sediment, oil, grease, pesticides and nutrients, helping to lessen water pollution.

During the workshop participants will learn some basics of water conservation and have the opportunity to construct and decorate residential rain barrels for use at their homes.

A $15 donation is requested to cover the cost of hardware. Participation is limited; please call 301-268-8133 to reserve a spot.

Frostburg’s Historic Palace Theatre, 31 E. Main St., Frostburg
Friday, September 19, 8 pm

Featuring a Discussion by Documentary Filmmaker Jacob Young

For more information visit http://www.frostburgpalace.org/schedule/september.htm

The singing society German Arion Gesangverein was founded in 1875. Nearly all of the German men in Frostburg who were musically inclined became members of the society. In autumn of 1877, the German Arion Band was originally organized in conjunction with members of the singing society to provide accompaniment for that group. The first rehearsals were held at the rear of the Gross and Nichol building. After a fire destroyed all of the band’s instruments uniforms and music in 1880, band members and other town residents purchased new instruments and rehearsals resumed in the Odd Fellows’ Opera House.

The Arion Band has been engaged in many interesting activities over the years. In 1889, the band became the Fourth Battalion Band at Camp Jackson, a component of the Maryland State Militia. The present band hall on Frostburg’s Uhl Street was constructed in 1900. Around the turn of the century, the band took an annual train trip to Luray, Va., for a performance in the caverns. Due to anti-German sentiments during World War I, the name of the band was changed from the German Arion Band to its present name, “Frostburg Arion Band.” To demonstrate its loyalty to America, the “Kaiser Frazier March” was rechristened “Americana” by the group.

After the “Great War,” many community bands faded into history, but the Arion Band flourished, despite a funding crisis in 1939. Many difficult transcriptions of orchestral works are in the repertoire, and the group has won numerous parade prizes and trophies over the years. Today, Arion Band members represent an intergenerational mix of male and female musicians, each member attracted to the band by their shared love of the music and their desire to perpetuate the longstanding tradition of the community band.

-The majority of this text was adapted from text by Jay Stephens on the occasion of the Frostburg Arion Band’s 125th Gala Anniversary Concert

10:40 am
Compton Stage
Hammers & Strings (mountain music)

The Hammers & Strings band was founded in 1988, and the present members (Betty Mattingly, Roy Peterman, Chet Roth and Scott Rush) have been together since 1993. This versatile group delights audiences with a variety of music, including traditional, gospel, Irish, blues and rags, playing on the guitar, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, autoharp and bass. Mostly appearing in the tri-state area, they entertain at festivals, churches, nursing homes, weddings, schools and other community events. Contact Betty Mattingly at 301-334-4468 for more info on the group.

11:20 am
Compton Stage
Allegheny Drifters (Bluegrass)

From the western foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, Pennsylvania's Allegheny Drifters are one of the strongest new vocal bands on the traditional bluegrass scene today. Their pure harmonies, accomplished instrumental work and deep knowledge of the roots and branches of the music give them a unique spot in the current world of bluegrass. Seasoned entertainers, they breathe new life and excitement into many songs and styles undiscovered by a large part of today's bluegrass audience.

Bob Artis and Bernie Cunningham, alumni of Mac Martin and the Dixie Travelers, have shared the bluegrass stage for the past three decades, including several years together in Pittsburgh's contemporary bluegrass band, the Dog Run Boys. Their recordings with that band include Artis’ song "Blue Ridge" (co-written with Rick Malis), a modern bluegrass classic recorded by the Seldom Scene, and many others. When joined by the high harmony of bassist Karen Artis, this band has a thrilling vocal sound seldom heard in traditional bands today. Add Artis’ soulful retro-Monroe mandolin and Keith Beaver's punchy banjo style, and you have an unbeatable bluegrass sound straight from the heart of the old Keystone State! To learn more call 412-731-7631 or e-mail info@alleghenydrifters.com.

Noon
Compton Stage
Short Mountain String Band (old-time/string band)

Originally from Hampshire County in West Virginia, the members of the Short Mountain String Band have played traditional music together for over five years. Anchored by the exceptional fiddling of 16-year-old Dakota Hobbie, this old-time group plays Appalachian style music that has been heard at square dances and on porches more than a century ago.

Dakota’s father, Pete, plays banjo in the claw hammer style on an instrument that he made himself. Christi Hicks plays tasteful leads on her mandolin. Guitarist Steve Ritz provides a steady rhythm. All members have been known to bring occasional singing to the mix, but instrumental tunes are the rule. They bring many other musical genres to the band’s sound: Dakota also plays classical violin music; Christi, bluegrass; Pete, blues guitar; and Steve plays a variety of musical styles, as well as traditional music.

Whether on stage or on someone’s porch, this string band enjoys being together and keeping the sounds of Appalachia alive. For more information, contact Pete at (304) 822-7534 or petehobbie@hotmail.com.

12:40 pm
Compton Stage
Jeff Thomas, John Neral and Nikki Mason (Irish traditional music & dance)
Jeff Thomas on concertina and John Neral on guitar bring the musical traditions of Ireland to Mountain Maryland. A new addition to their efforts, dancer Nikki Mason of Oldtown, demonstrates the strong connections between Irish traditional music and dance.

An aficionado and player of Irish music for nearly 20 years, Thomas has developed a strong reputation as a concertina player. Over the year’s he’s honed his craft by making trips to Ireland and taking master classes. That background has allowed him to form his own style, and today he divides his time between playing, teaching and constructing his own line of quality Thomas Concertinas. He has performed in numerous venues, sessions and festivals in throughout the United States.

Guitarist Neral developed an appreciation for Irish music while spending a semester teaching in Ireland. Since then, his non-teaching time has been dedicated to perfecting his technique. Neral has attended several week-long workshops over the past two years, learning from the finest Irish guitarists of today.

Seventeen-year-old Mason has been dancing since she was nine. A dedicated and gifted dancer, Mason currently dances with the Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance, traveling more than five hours round trip three times a week to attend class in Silver Spring, Md. Her diligence is paying off. Recently, against steep competition, she qualified for and competed in the North American Championships. In addition, Nikki attends master classes throughout the United States and competes in the Open Championship level, the highest level of competition. With her school, Mason has performed several times at the Kennedy Center and Wolftrap Theater. To learn more, contact Thomas at 828-337-2196 or jthomas@thomasconcertinas.com.

1:20 & 3:20 pm
Compton Stage
Highland Grass (bluegrass)

Highland Grass is a well known bluegrass band from the Tri-state area of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. The group has been playing bluegrass music in the Allegheny mountain region for three decades. Over the years, the band has featured quite a number of talented musicians; its present incarnation leaving nothing to be desired when it comes to talent. Current members include Joe Winebrenner on guitar and vocals, Donna Winebrenner on mandolin and vocals, Homer Beeman on fiddle and vocals, Janet Winebrenner on upright bass and Joe Winebrenner, Jr., on banjo. Recently, the band has returned from a tour ending on center stage at the West Virginia State Fair. To learn more contact Joe Winebrenner at 304-788-0855 or by e-mailing bluegrassjsw@hotmail.com.

2 pm & 5:20 pm
Compton Stage
South Mountain String Band (Old-Time)

Foot stompin' fun fills the air when South Mountain String Band takes the stage with high energy old-time fiddle and banjo tunes and spirited back porch singing. Founding member Rob Caruthers played the violin as a child, but it was the contagious, rhythmic bowing of old-time fiddling that captured his musical imagination. He has become a master of the style, while also including ragtime, waltz and Celtic tunes in his repertoire.

Paul Mackrell on banjo and vocals has been making music with Caruthers for over 25 years. Mackrell plays clawhammer style which is distinctive to southern mountain music, and his unbridled ability to belt out a song has earned him the title "Pavarotti of old time singing."

Mary Dailey is the newest member of the group, adding rhythm guitar, mountain dulcimer and a warm, vibrant Appalachian voice that was made for singing folk ballads.

South Mountain String Band won first place at the 2001 Deer Creek Fiddler's Convention. The group plays at festivals, concerts, coffeehouses, Civil War reenactments, contra dances, private affairs and other events. Delightful clog dancers sometimes accompany the band with exuberant dance routines. For more info, contact Dailey at mdinwv@hotmail.com.

2:40 pm
Compton Stage
Farmington Youth Experience Fairmont Community Choir (African-American choir)

The FYE Fairmont Community Choir is a nondenominational vocal ensemble that presents a variety of traditional and contemporary African-American gospel and spiritual music.

Black gospel music may not be the first style of music that comes to mind when you think of traditional Appalachian culture, but as African-Americans migrated into the region seeking economic opportunities such as working in the coal mines, they brought their music with them. Groups like FYE have helped these traditions to remain alive and continue to grow.

According to the Rev. John McKenney, pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Fairmont, W.Va., FYE began in 1973 as the Farmington Youth Experience. He had assembled a youth choir at New Salem Baptist Church in the Marion County (W.Va.) community of Farmington.

"They had a desire to sing, they had good voices, and nobody to really pay any attention to them," he said.

It wasn't long, however, before young people from other nearby churches became interested in joining the choir. The group soon evolved into a more broad-based community choir. Over more than two decades, FYE attracted members from the greater Fairmont area and developed a strong and faithful following within the African-American community throughout north-central West Virginia and beyond.

An important milestone in the choir's development occurred early on when Karen (Chandler) McDonald joined as director and accompanist. Upon his first encounter with McDonald, McKenney wondered what a young white girl knew about "playing our kind of music," as he put it. "It took her about 20 seconds to convince me that I didn't know what I was talkin' about," he said.

Music was an important element of McDonald’s primary and secondary education at the West Virginia School for the Blind in Romney, and she went on to earn degrees in piano performance from Potomac State College and Fairmont State College. Her lifelong passion for a variety of African-American musical styles began with the gospel and rhythm and blues she grew up with during the 1950s. Under her leadership, choir members developed a sense of professionalism and pride in their work.

The composition of FYE evolved over the years, with a focus on "youth" that broadened into a more all-inclusive membership. As its popularity also grew, the choir traveled to churches in several other states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and Alabama.

In 1996 the choir curtailed its activity when McDonald relocated to Keyser, W.Va. Nevertheless, the spirit of family and sense of community among the members has remained very much alive, and many members still get together from time to time for a reunion concert or other special occasions like the Appalachian Festival. To learn more about the choir, contact McDonald at Karen@eioproductions.com.

3:20 pm
Compton Stage
Highland Grass (bluegrass)

Highland Grass is a well known bluegrass band from the Tri-state area of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. The group has been playing bluegrass music in the Allegheny mountain region for three decades. Over the years, the band has featured quite a number of talented musicians; its present incarnation leaving nothing to be desired when it comes to talent. Current members include Joe Winebrenner on guitar and vocals, Donna Winebrenner on mandolin and vocals, Homer Beeman on fiddle and vocals, Janet Winebrenner on upright bass and Joe Winebrenner, Jr., on banjo. Recently, the band has returned from a tour ending on center stage at the West Virginia State Fair. To learn more contact Joe Winebrenner at 304-788-0855 or by e-mailing bluegrassjsw@hotmail.com.

4 pm
Upper Quad
Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drums/Oakland Volunteer Fire Department (Scottish)
The group was formed in August 1979 as the Garrett Highlanders, founded and organized by the Hon. Fred A. Thayer and Charles P. “Chip” Evans. A class of eight students began the course of instruction at Garrett Community College, Oakland Center. Officially adopted by the college in 1989, the ensemble continues to be an affiliate program of the institution. Formal instruction in piping is offered as part of the music curriculum at the college.
 
Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drums/Oakland Volunteer Fire Department performances include leading local and international dignitaries at the Whitewater World Championship opening ceremonies at FSU’s Bobcat Stadium in June 1989, playing at the opening of Interstate 68 in Cumberland, Md., and participating in the Scottish Christmas Walk in Alexandria, Va., in 1991 and 1992. On September 11, 2002, the band played a tribute for the dedication of the Flight #93 Memorial Chapel in Shanksville, Pa. Each year the group plays a major role in the Autumn Glory celebration held in Garrett County and Oakland, the county seat. It has also served as host band for the McHenry Highland Festival since its inception in 1988.
 
Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drums/Oakland Volunteer Fire Department is led by Pipe Maj. Gerald McGee, who was appointed in 2000 following Fred Thayer’s retirement. Both Pipe Maj. Emeritus Thayer and charter member Pipe Sergeant Emeritus John Grant remain active with the band in its yearly schedule of events. To honor its founder, the group has adopted the Colquhoun tartan as its official kilt pattern. Thayer’s mother was a descendant of the Colquhoun clan. The band is led in parade by Drum Maj. Kenny Noland. Rich Ford is the Clan Chieftain and Principal Business Agent. Paul Browning serves as Pipe Sergeant, Mary Alice Reesman and Ann Bristow as Pipe Corporals and Richard Kutchman as Drum Sergeant. Julia Aucremanne and Crystal McCann are the Guidons (flag bearers) and frequently announce at the band’s concerts.

The GHP&D invites both drumming and piping students to learn from them. For more information regarding the student program, please contact McGee at (301) 387-3093. Visitors are also welcome at the weekly practices, which are held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the St. John Episcopal Church in Deer Park, Md. Both GHP&D and its individual pipers are available for hire for private occasions. To learn more about the group, contact Jerry McGee at 301-387-3093.

4:40 pm
Compton Stage
Jim'nl (mountain music)

Jim McDonald and Goldie Pratt were brought together a few years ago by their mutual love for music. Today, they play the mountain dulcimer, harmonic and autoharp, each instrument representing a rich history in the chronicles of Appalachia’s traditional music scene.

A resident of Elkhorn, W.Va., McDonald has deep roots in Appalachia. Growing up surrounded by musicians from his childhood, mountain music has always been an important part of his life. Inspired by the beauty of the mountains, he has written a number of original bluegrass numbers.
A native of Maryland’s Allegany County, Pratt currently resides in McHenry. She has been a vocalist most of her life, but after listening to mountain music at festivals and jam sessions, she decided to pick up the autoharp and learn to play.

Together, McDonald and Pratt have performed at festivals, senior centers, churches, nursing homes and reunions throughout the tri-state mountain region. The two have also frequently performed at West Virginia’s state parks during the summer season. For more info about CDs or bookings, call (301) 387-9575 or e-mail JimnIBand@aol.com.

5:20 pm
Compton Stage
South Mountain String Band (Old-Time)

Foot stompin' fun fills the air when South Mountain String Band takes the stage with high energy old-time fiddle and banjo tunes and spirited back porch singing. Founding member Rob Caruthers played the violin as a child, but it was the contagious, rhythmic bowing of old-time fiddling that captured his musical imagination. He has become a master of the style, while also including ragtime, waltz and Celtic tunes in his repertoire.

Paul Mackrell on banjo and vocals has been making music with Caruthers for over 25 years. Mackrell plays clawhammer style which is distinctive to southern mountain music, and his unbridled ability to belt out a song has earned him the title "Pavarotti of old time singing."

 Mary Dailey is the newest member of the group, adding rhythm guitar, mountain dulcimer and a warm, vibrant Appalachian voice that was made for singing folk ballads.

South Mountain String Band won first place at the 2001 Deer Creek Fiddler's Convention. The group plays at festivals, concerts, coffeehouses, Civil War reenactments, contra dances, private affairs and other events. Delightful clog dancers sometimes accompany the band with exuberant dance routines. For more info, contact Dailey at mdinwv@hotmail.com.

10:30 am
Sowers Stage
Academic Probation (Old-time)

Academic Probation is a trio featuring FSU current and former faculty members Woody Getz, Fritz Kessler and Gerry Snelson. The three get together weekly to have fun playing string music featuring guitar, banjo, fiddle and mandolin. Each time they play, they bring new songs and tunes to share and listen to how each instrument adds a specific musical texture. This music ranges from “old-timey” (Appalachian Mountain and other historical and traditional music often written by “A. Nonymous”) to tunes and songs often called “roots” or “Americana” music, which is more recently composed and/or sung by Norman Blake, Jay Ungar, Tim O’Brien, Gillian Welch and others. The group members enjoy trying different instruments for different pieces. Each plays at least two instruments, and Kessler plays more than two.

Many know Getz from his time spent teaching in FSU’s Computer Science Department. He has been playing acoustical guitar music for over 40 years. Kessler, who has been playing banjo since he was in the eighth grade, is a member of the Geography Department and specializes in cartography. Snelson had a few fiddle lessons a few years back and is associate chair of the English Department and builds fiddles, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles and lap dulcimers.

11:10 am
Sowers Stage
Tom Hawk (Western yodeling)

Tom Hawk has been singing all of his life, but only since August 2007 has he been yodeling. Inspired in May 2007 by yodeler Taylor Ware of Nashville, Tenn., runner-up in the 2006 America's Got Talent Contest, he learned to yodel using Margot Smith's instructional tape and listening to numerous yodeling CDs by Taylor Ware, Margot Smith, Janet McBride, KG and Ranger, Slim Clark, Roy Rogers, Elton Britt and others. His repertoire of 16 western yodeling songs includes: “I Want to be a Cowgirl's Sweetheart,” “Yodeling Cowgirls,” “Chime Bells” and “Lone Prairie.” Hawk has been professor of management at Frostburg State University since 1972. For more info, e-mail him at thawk@frostburg.edu.

11:50 am
Sowers Stage, & appearing with South Mountain String Band
RockCandy Cloggers (dance)

The RockCandy Cloggers, Rock Howland and “Candy” Ranlet, have been teaching and performing Appalachian clog dancing for many years in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia areas. They appear regularly at local festivals, including the Washington Folk Festival, Shakerfest in Gaithersburg, Md., Sheep and Wool Festival in Howard Co., Md., First Night in Leesburg, Va., and the summer concert in the park series in Hagerstown, Md., and Martinsburg, W.Va. They have danced on the main stage at the Kennedy Center with the Navy Bluegrass Band as part of the Navy’s 200th anniversary celebration. Rock was director of the Calico Cloggers in Columbia, Md. For 10 years and in 1994his team won the National Clog and Hoedown Council (NCHC) East Coast line dance championship. Both Rock and Candy have own or placed in numerous clog contests, including Deer Creek Fiddler’s convention in Westminster, Md., Appalachian String Band competition in Clifftop, W.Va., and the NCHC East Coast Clog Championship. For information contact Rock Howland or Candy Ranlet at 301-829-1293 or Rhowland@aol.com.

12:30 pm
Sowers Stage
Greg Latta (acoustic folk)

Greg Latta has both the arts and the sciences covered—in addition to being a mesmerizing singer, songwriter and award-winning performer on the hammered dulcimer, banjo, guitar, Irish bouzouki, cittern, harmonica, recorder, Appalachian dulcimer and concertina, he is also a faculty member in FSU’s Department of Physics and Engineering. Greg performs an eclectic mix of Irish, traditional and contemporary folk, Broadway, bluegrass and original music, including original works, old coal mining songs, whaling songs, contemporary and traditional topical songs and children's songs, to name just a few. His diverse performances have included a private performance for the Hungarian Presidential Cabinet, performances at the U.S. Olympic Canoeing and Kayaking Trials, the Rocky Gap Country Bluegrass Festival, the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, numerous school performances and playing music for the prestigious modern dance company Dance Alloy of Pittsburgh during the celebration of Frostburg State University. In addition to his stage performances and recordings, Greg is also host and producer of the popular radio show "Just Plain Folks", which can be heard Saturday afternoons on WFWM - 91.9 FM, the FSU public radio station. For more information, contact Greg at glatta@frostburg.edu.

1:10 pm
Sowers Stage
Amy Fabbri & Amanda Barger (traditional ballads, fiddle and dance)

Amy Fabbri and Amanda Barger bring the standards of Appalachian musical and dance traditions to the Appalachian Festival Stage.

Spending her childhood and adolescence in Kentucky and Western North Carolina, Fabbri grew up surrounded by music, singing with her mother in a family band. Inspired further by the rich folk music tradition she discovered in North Carolina, as a teenager she began playing the mountain dulcimer, using it to accompany her ballads. Today, she counts her mom, Doc Watson, and Jean Ritchie as some of her greatest influences.

A native of West Virginia, Barger learned to play fiddle from old-time musicians of the West Virginia panhandle. In addition to her talents as a fiddler, she’s also known to dance a bit, and will demonstrate her flat-footing skills on the Festival stage. Listen to their music by visiting www.myspace.com/bluemountainsmusic.

1:50 pm
Sowers Stage 
“That’s It!” (Barbershop)

Performing barbershop, gospel, do-wop, jazz and show tunes, “That’s It!” represents the best of close in-part harmony singing. “That’s It!” includes tenor Kurt Lemmert of Frostburg, lead Kevin McKenzie of LaVale, baritone Dan Hastings of Wiley Ford and bass Roger Anderson of Augusta. Since their formation in June 2007, they have performed in Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, Virginia and New Jersey. They are members of the Barbershop Harmony Society and The Chorus of the Potomac. “That’s It!” sings for shows, parties, dinners, benefits, churches, etc. For more information, contact Kurt at 301-689-2099 or KLemmert@frostburg.edu.

2:30 pm
Sowers Stage
Rachel Eddy (old-time)
An old-time fiddle, banjo, and guitar player from Morgantown, W.Va., Rachel Eddy has recently migrated south to Nashville, Tenn. She’s performed in several configurations over the years playing both old-time and Irish music, including the Morgantown Rounders, The Woodticks, Stewed Mulligan and a trio w/Adam Hurt and Abe Folmsbee. Currently, she is performing solo and also with a contra dance band called the Rock Farmers.

Eddy recently released a new solo record that will be available at the Appalachian Festival. An amazing endeavor, she is joined on the CD by some of today’s most beloved traditional musicians including Brent Truitt, Mark Schatz, Russ Barenberg, Tim O'Brien, Jeff Taylor, Moriah Harris, Jason Jaros and Ben Townsend. Contact and listen at www.myspace.com/banjorachel.
3:10 pm
Sowers Stage
The Woodticks (old-time)

“Old-time,” the name given to music of the rural South during the golden early days of radio is the core of the Woodticks’ music. Tunes and songs before and from the early 20th century are alive in their hands and hearts, though they are filtered through the band’s own style of string band. They play old-time, along with an Irish or Scottish tune or two, some originals and a few other tunes—plus a whole lot of singing. Featuring Bob Shank on the whammer jammer (aka dulcimer) and uncategorizable banjo, Rachel Eddy on clawhammer banjo and fiddle and Karen Wade on guitar, the band’s energy and love of the music is catching. For more info, check out www.thewoodticks.com.

4:30 pm
Sowers Stage
Kathleen Myers, Ed Myers, and Andy Agnew (old-time)
This dynamic daughter-father duo from Keyser, W.Va., becomes a trio as Andy Agnew joins them on the Appalachian Festival stage. Having played together for nearly 25 years, Ed Myers and Agnew are pleased to step back a bit from the limelight to let 16-year-old Kathleen Myers capture the hearts of festival goers.
Playing since she was five-years-old, Kathleen has developed a strong regional reputation as a fiddler. For a number of years, she placed in the Junior Fiddle Contest at Friendsville, Md., and the Maryland State Championship, where she has captured third, second and first places.
Together, the trio plays old-time music featuring the claw hammer style banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar.

5:10 pm
Sowers Stage
Savage Family (bluegrass)

The Savage Family learned to play music about six years ago. It started with their youngest son, Jacob, who wanted to learn to play guitar. The rest of them soon followed suit and the music playing became a family project.

The Savage Family played in public for the first time five years ago at their church Oak Grove Church of the Brethren. Following their occasional performances at the church, others soon began calling for them to play at their places of worship. The Savage Family’s church and families have been there to support and encourage them along the way.

The members of the group are all family members: John, banjo and vocals; Colette, rhythm guitar and vocals; their teenage sons Scott, mandolin and vocals; and Jacob, bass, fiddle, guitar and banjo; and Collette’s cousin, Michael Saturday, lead guitar and vocals.

This year marks a turning point in the band’s history as Scott leaves for the military. Kenny Reams, a talented local mandolin player has recently joined the band to help fill Scott’s shoes while he’s away.

Groups from Mountain Maryland and Confluence, Pa., combine to create a participatory event that welcomes everyone from rank beginners to experienced Sacred Harp singers.

Sacred Harp singing is a tradition of social choral music that took root in the American South, part of a larger tradition of shape note music with origins in the singing schools of colonial New England. “Shape note” means that the notes are printed in shapes that help the reader fluently identify them on the musical scale. Each shape is connected to a syllable (“fa,” “sol,” “la” and “mi” in the four-shape system) and the syllables are employed in singing the notes. During the 19th century, a series of shape note hymnbooks appeared, many of which were widely distributed. Sacred Harp singing came into being following the 1844 publication of Benjamin Franklin White and Elisha J. King’s, “The Sacred Harp.” This text soon became the foundation of the most-used shape note tradition.

Sacred Harp songs are sung a cappella and written mostly in four parts. The singers sit around a square, with the seating on each side assigned to one of the four parts. Participants take turns leading songs by standing in the middle of the square, selecting a song and keeping time. A starting pitch is intoned by an experienced singer and the song is sung through once using the appropriate syllables for each pitch. After the shapes have been sung, the group then sings the verses of the song with their printed words.

Sacred Harp singing takes place almost entirely at gatherings for the purpose. Small singings are often held in homes, with perhaps only a dozen singers. Large singings have been known to have more than a thousand participants. These gatherings form the core of a living tradition, one that has been sustained for the unique aesthetic, emotional and spiritual experience it continues to offer.

 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Cook Chapel
Harmony Workshop with the Allegheny Drifters
Learn the fundamentals of three-part harmony singing in the bluegrass style. In this interactive workshop, experienced vocalists and musicians will demonstrate each step involved in creating close harmony duets, trios and quartets. The workshop invites lots of audience participation.

 12:20 pm
An Alternative News Source: Appindie.org arrives
The editorial core of the newly launched “Appalachian Independent—The Dialogue of Democracy,” appindie.org, will provide an overview of the community focused bi-weekly newspaper. The paper features citizen journalists giving voice to a diverse Appalachian community. The Web-based publication will feature stories on regional news-events, national and global issues, environmental themes, alternative health and wellness, community happenings, area art and music and a number of regular columns and opinion pieces. As a community-minded publication, the core group is working diligently to foster a strong force of citizen journalists.

1 pm
Herbal Medicine & Wild Edible Plants- Deep Creek Discovery Center
Come join Caroline Blizzard, director of the Deep Creek Discovery Center and her team as they give an overview of the region’s rich botanical diversity, herbal medicine and native edible plants.

1:40 pm
Joseph Stands With Many-The Trail of Tears and the Cherokee Removal
Joseph Stands With Many is a Baltimore-based Cherokee storyteller and educator. He follows traditional Cherokee ways that have been passed down through his family and clan. Storytelling runs in his family; his grandmother and great grandmother were both storytellers, passing on the traditions.

In this session, Stands With Many provides a historical account of the Cherokee Removal from their Native homeland in 1838 that started well before that time period. He weaves facts, figures, names and places into the story of tragedy that has become known as The Trail of Tears. He will also discuss the impact that The Removal still has on the Cherokee people today.

 2:40 pm
FSU Wildlife Society
The Frostburg State University Wildlife Society will provide a demonstration of the methods of wildlife capture. Techniques will be geared toward wildlife native to this area. Small mammal traps, larger mammal traps, mist nets, amphibian, fish and reptile trapping techniques will be shown. Some other wildlife capture and monitoring techniques (depending on equipment availability) may be shown as well. Techniques include chemical immobilization, radio telemetry, bird banding, etc.

 3:10 pm
Black Larch Press
Appalachian-based author Gary Winkler will share a sample of his writing and discuss valuable tricks of the trade, including knowledge of copyright issues and the complementary nature of photo-journalism in regional writing. Having been raised on the south branch of the Potomac in West Virginia and employed by the West Virginia Department of Culture and History in the 1970s, Winkler developed a strong appreciation for Appalachian heritage and culture that has greatly influenced his art. Over the years, he has developed a solid reputation as a writer and photographer. Weaving together a colorful visual and written tapestry, Winkler is making worthy contributions to Appalachian regional sense of place narratives today. For more information, visit blacklarchpress.com.

 3:40 pm
Wind Power Panel & Open Discussion
As plans for the development of commercial wind power push forward in Garrett and Allegany Counties in Maryland and become finalized across state lines in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, the debate over wind power in Appalachia continues. This panel and open discussion will examine the topic from multiple perspectives addressing the economic, energy, environmental, and aesthetic impact of commercial wind turbines. Presenters, representing pro-wind, neutral and anti-wind positions, will share an overview and explanation of their perspectives. Attendees are strongly encouraged to ask questions and participate in the discussion.

11 am
Basket Making
Lori Senese will teach traditional Cherokee basket weaving using the Japanese honeysuckle vine and a rattan from Indonesia for the base and will describe the types of plants the Cherokee traditionally used to construct these functional vessels. She will teach a simple weave pattern using an over-under pattern. Workshop limited to 10 students, material cost, $3. Students will be able to take their baskets home with them.

12:40 pm
Flat Footing Workshop
Bring your hard sole shoes and learn traditional Appalachian dance steps from the RockCandy Cloggers. Rock Howland and “Candy” Ranlet have been teaching and performing Appalachian clog dancing for many years in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia areas. Students will leave the workshop with the ability to dance to acts throughout the day.

1:30 pm
John Douglas—John Henry: A West Virginia Legend
West Virginia-based author and publisher John Douglas examines the lore and legend of John Henry. A steel driving man who tested the limits of man’s endurance in the Machine Age, Henry has been immortalized in song and narrative to become the quintessential American hero. Douglas’ work digs deep into Henry’s history to show how Henry’s legendary feat cuts across all genres of American music, from African-American blues to bluegrass and beyond.

2:15 – 3:30 pm
Tall Tales Story Swap
Storytelling for all ages
Long before the introduction of radio and television, storytelling was a primary form of entertainment in the Appalachian region. People of all ages would gather to hear skilled tellers spin their tales. The stories ranged from traditional tales brought to the United States by immigrants, indentured servants and slaves and passed down orally for several generations to new creations drawn from personal experience and crafted using traditional elements. Though the oral storytelling tradition is far less pervasive today than in the past, contemporary storytellers work hard to perpetuate the tradition and celebrate an important part of the region’s history and culture.

Katie Ross, currently of Ridgeley, W.Va., grew up in Southern California, where she discovered at an early age that she loved to perform. In 1988 she discovered storytelling and started telling stories under the mentorship of Gail Herman. Her husband, Otto Ross, spent the first 11 years of his life growing up in Austria. He then came to America with his family who settled in Wiley Ford, W.Va. In high school, Otto started playing the accordion and from there he went on to learn the guitar and the banjo.

In 1993 the couple formed a storytelling duo, “Stories by the Score.” Katie tells the stories and Otto plays music. The duo won first place at the Autumn Glory Tall Tales Contest in Oakland, Md., in 1997 and 1999. Later Katie went on to be the first runner-up in the 2004 National Storyteller of the Year Contest sponsored by the Creative Arts Institute in Blacklick, Ohio.

3:30 pm
Joseph Stands With Many-Cherokee Storytelling Music & Dance Program
Joseph Stands With Many is a Baltimore-based Cherokee storyteller and educator. He follows traditional Cherokee ways that have been passed down through his family and clan. Storytelling runs in his family; his grandmother and great grandmother were both storytellers, passing on the traditions.

Dressed in traditional Native-American clothing, Stands With Many presents a program of traditional and interactive Cherokee storytelling, drumming and singing. This program is interactive and attendees will be invited to participate in a Round Dance. Traditional stories such as "How Rabbit Tricked the Wolves," "The First Fire" and "How Wildcat Caught a Turkey" have been developed for child participation and dramatic play.

4:30 pm
Mountain Music 101
Long-time musician Betty Mattingly and friends will give an overview of mountain music and provide an introductory instrument lesson on the mountain dulcimer and hammered dulcimer.
A steadfast supporter of traditional music in Mountain Maryland and the surrounding region, Mattingly has been involved in a great number of music-related projects over the years, including the production of a local music festival, hosting regular gatherings of musicians at her home and providing instruction on the hammered dulcimer. Many residents of the area will recognize her from the decades she spent organizing and leading the Deer Park weekly jam.

Tri-State Doll Artists
Tri-State Doll Artists is a group of artists specializing in dolls made from cloth, wood or porcelain. The dolls may be original, folk art or reproduction (both modern & antique). The methodology varies by doll maker. The group meets the second Thursday of each month at 7p.m. at the Allegany County Library on Washington Street in Cumberland, Md. For more information call Shirley Carnahan at (304) 492-5891.

Tatting-Carolyn Groves
Carolyn Groves, of Frostburg, Md., brings an updated look to the traditional art form of tatting. Tatting or lace making is done by knotting and can be accomplished using a shuttle or needle. The two techniques render slightly different results, with needle tatting resulting in a slightly thicker lace. While traditional tatting pieces typically include doilies, collars and baby bonnets, Groves crafts intricate decorative pieces, including jewelry and pendants. To learn more, contact Western Maryland Gallery, 11425 Upper George’s Creek Road SW, Frostburg, MD, 21532.

Stained Glass-Tom and Judy Wilson
Tom and Judy Wilson of Washington, Pa., are retired mathematics teachers who have done stained glass for more than 15 years, winning numerous awards and honors. Their current emphasis is on fusing glass-making dichroic glass, which makes all the color in the glass “come alive.” After taking care to stack the small pieces on top of one another, they use a kiln to fuse pieces together. To create fusion, the temperature in the kiln must reach about 1,450 degrees. For more information, contact: www.patharts.org

Rug hooking
Susan Feller of Ruckman Mill Farm in Augusta, W.Va., and Maureen O'Connell from Green Springs, W.Va., are members of the Mountain State Fiber Artists. They will demonstrate rug-hooking techniques. The traditional method includes recycling wool fabric, cutting it into strips and pulling the loops with a hook through a loose weave backer. Durable rugs are created with a soft pile. Feller takes the colonial craft into contemporary creations, using other fibers and techniques; her work is art for the walls. O'Connell is steeped in the traditions, using wide cuts and textured woolens; her work reminds the viewer of the antique rugs found in log cabins in our mountains. The two will have small mats, decorative pins, and kits for beginners for sale. Come by to pull up a loop. They may even hook you into their fiber craft. Visit www.MountainStateFiberArtists.org to see more about the local group and www.RuckmanMillFarm.com for more about Feller’s traditional patterns and artwools.

Basket Making-Lori Senese
Garrett County resident and current director of the Spruce Forest Artisan Village, Lori Senese demonstrates basic weaving techniques and weaves a traditional Cherokee twill pattern basket. Senese has a long history as an artist and educator. Over the years, she has immersed herself in the Cherokee basket-weaving tradition. She shares her knowledge through workshops and presentations. To learn more, contact Spruce Forest Artisan Guild, 301.895.3332 or artisans@spruceforest.org.

Shawn’s Nutshell- Handcrafted Black Walnut Jewelry and Outdoor Photography
Shawn McConville, of Johnstown, Pa., harvests and collects acorns in fall. Once their husks have aged, she strips the nut of its thick coat with a hammer, then soaks and scrubs the remaining husk in warm water with a wire brush. The nuts are cured on screens to maximize airflow over several weeks. Proper drying ensures the hardness and integrity of each slice. Each black walnut is cut with precision into slices. Once cut, each piece is finished through a multi-step process that takes several days to complete, and turned into beautiful and unique jewelry.

In addition to making jewelry, McConville has a photographic eye. She scours Western and South Central Pennsylvania to find a perfect image that tells a story of life in the countryside of rural Pennsylvania. Her work has been featured in many exhibits and shows throughout the region. Custom-made barnwood frames by “Don’s Woodshed” make any Shawn’s Nutshell original photograph suitable for a special place in any home or office. To learn more, visit: www.shawnsnutshell.com.

Weaving – Ann Jones
Ann Jones' interest in fibers began at a young age. Simple hand-weaving at summer camp and encouragement of adult friends led her to art courses, workshops and craft schools, including Penland, Arrowmont, Seton Hill College and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Jones began working as a weaver at Penn Alps in 1975. Using her own handspun and dyed wools, she wove patterns from the American Colonial period. Soon she began experimenting with other types of yarns in more contemporary styles. An apprenticeship with a fiber artist gave her insight into developing her own style and building a weaving business.

Jones works on many different looms with a wide variety of fibers to create both contemporary and traditional forms. She enjoys combining colors and textures and using natural fibers such as cotton, silk, rayon and alpaca to create fabric for clothing, table coverings, and rugs. To learn more, visit: www.spruceforest.org

Fernwood Soaps
Makers of quality handcrafted soap and fine botanical products for skin and hair, Fernwood uses all natural products in its craft, including natural fruit wax (shea butter and virgin coconut oil). Both shea butter and virgin coconut oil duplicate your body's native protective wax (sebum oil). Fernwood Soaps’ natural ingredients help replace the oil we lose in bathing—the major cause of dry skin and hair. Visit www.fernwoodgallery.com

Pleasant Valley Woodcrafts

Pleasant Valley Woodcrafts is comprised of the husband-and-wife team of Mike and Judy Simpson. Mike began building custom furniture and cabinets in 1992. Judy came along in 1995 and began helping Mike in the shop as a gopher and second pair of hands. She was drawn to the scroll saw and after some lessons from Mike, she began to work on her own projects. Today the couple works together to make unique wooden baskets, which are cut on the scroll saw, beautiful laminated cutting boards, wooden puzzles, and unusual rolling pins. They continue to build furniture and cabinets as well as sell lumber of the highest quality.

Fly Tying-Bob Allen
Bob Allen, Romney, W.Va., resident and outdoorsman, will demonstrate the traditional art of fly tying. Fly tying is the art of producing an artificial fly capable of fooling a fish into taking the bait. It requires astute observation of the feeding habits of fish. Allen has done demonstrations at various festivals and Hampshire County Heritage Days. His flies are specifically designed for attracting trout and bass.

Native Plant Illustrations-Karen Sandorf
Karen Sandorf’s native plant illustrations are botanically correct and available as limited edition fine art prints, as well as note cards and other printed items. All plants in the series are native to the Appalachian Mountain range and most of the adjacent piedmont and into the prairie state to the West. After observing these plants in the wild, as well as gardening with them many years, she’s compiled habitat information that is printed on every item or comes on a separate sheet.

Years of enjoying Georgia O’Keefe’s flower paintings, backpacking, hiking and camping in beautiful places among native plants have played a part in how Sandorf has thought about her botanical art. She is grateful to Alta Schrock, Ph.D., biologist and mentor, who first took her into the woods when she was a teen and joyfully brought the beauty, rarity and environmental importance of wildflowers to her attention.

Church View Farm & Beekeeping
Church View farm is a diversified artisan farm located near Romney, W.Va. Its signature crops are bramble crops, which include blackberries and raspberries. The farm also grows other types of vegetables, market produce and cut flowers. In addition, it raises pastured poultry, grass-fed lamb and has an apiary for both pollination as well as honey and beeswax products. Church View Farm displays and sells its products at the weekly Romney Farmers Market. The farm meets local needs and also offers many unique and gourmet caliber crops and products.

The farm is managed by sustainable agricultural practices, which means that in general, organic production methods are practiced to preserve the long-term character and quality of the land. Some of the products are processed and packaged by Gourmet Central in Romney, W.Va. To learn more about the farm, visit: www.churchviewfarm.info. To learn more about ongoing buy local initiatives, visit: www.romneyfarmersmarket.com , www.buylocalwv.com  and www.wvlamb.com.

Allegheny Mountain Beekeepers Association
In addition to representing his own Church View Farm, Steve Martin is an active member of the Allegheny Mountain Beekeepers Association. Association members sell honey, wax, candles, beehives, bees, pollen and medications for bees. Its goal is to educate and assist its members in all aspects of beekeeping. The Association uses monthly maintenance of hives and innovative management techniques to help its bees stay healthy and disease-free.

Sam Beachy & Sons
Sam Beachy & Sons Cider Mill uses traditional methods and technology to produce more than 50,000 gallons of apple cider and 10,000 gallons of apple butter annually. A Somerset County institution, Willis Sommers is passing down his family’s traditions to future generations.

Tri State Yarn Angels
The Tri-State Yarn Angels is a group of caring people who knit and crochet warm gifts for local groups. Anyone wishing to knit or crochet is welcome. Some Yarn Angels knit and crochet at home; others enjoy the gatherings. The Tri-State Yarn Angels meet at the LaVale Library on the second Monday of each month, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Washable yarn in good condition is welcome—please deliver to the library between 5 and 7 p.m. the day Yarn Angels meet.

Pottery-Teddy Latta
Teddy Latta has been a potter for 15 years. Her main focus is functional pottery such as plates, cups, bowls and mugs. Latta works with stoneware and porcelain clay and her decorating techniques include carving designs directly into the clay, manipulation of the clay while still soft or using a combination of different color glazes to achieve a layered look.

Arts Bus
The Arts Bus program is an exciting new initiative of the Allegany Arts Council that brings traveling art experiences to children throughout Allegany County. With financial support from Aircon Engineering and assistance from the Center for Career and Technical Education, the Arts Bus has been transformed from an outdated county transit vehicle into a colorful and exciting “art-mobile” that travels throughout the community to provide fun and interactive art experiences for a variety of audiences.

Capering Kids 4-H Goat Club
Capering Kids 4-H Goat Club will host a “goat painting” area where children can exercise their creative flair painting goat-shaped silhouettes. The group will also bring goats and offer milking demonstrations throughout the day. In addition, soaps made from goat milk will be available for sale.
4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in the United States. Its mission combines fun with education. Through the community of 4-H, youth learn skills they will benefit from forever. No matter the topic, 4-H always centers around three focal points: leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is part of the Cooperative Extension System, a non-profit program operated through each state’s land grant university. The Extension System’s staff operates 4-H offices throughout the counties of each state.

Hands-On Arts
Frostburg State University students and Festival volunteers will assist festival attendees in making a number of traditional Appalachian toys and objects. Art forms offered throughout the day include corn husk dolls, tin lanterns, cardboard banjos, cardboard washboards, weaving, God’s Eyes, Whimmy Diddles, string figures and more!

Western Maryland Archeology Association
Members of The Western Maryland Chapter Archeological Society of Maryland will share Native-American and colonial era artifacts from this region. The group will share exciting new finds and describe the types of ongoing archeological research present in Mountain Maryland and the surrounding region. The Society’s exhibit will also feature such primitive technology as flintknapping and cordage making. To learn more visit www.geocities.com/wmdasm/.

Garrett County Living History Program
The Living History programs, supported by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, offer a chance to learn what life was like when George Washington passed through these mountains. It was a young Col. Washington who led Colonial militia across northern Garrett County in 1754 toward Fort Duquesne. Revisit that time and reconnect with the people who were forming the future of the nation.

This is a chance to come face to face with history. The man who was to become the first President of the United States followed the Nemacolin Indian Trail in 1753. Then in 1754, his troops cut a road along this trail. He was one of the few who survived these early battles of the French and Indian War. His skills as a leader of men were developed along this trail, as a surveyor, as a soldier and as a government representative.

Living history interpreters adopt the personas of well-known and not-so-well-known historical figures, making history accessible to everyone.
Barn Quilt Association of Garrett County

Members of the Barn Quilt Association of Garrett County will be on hand to discuss and promote the launch of an innovative new Barn Quilt Project, a Garrett County tourist activity celebrating artistic and agricultural heritage. The project incorporates a countywide self-guided driving tour to view quilt designs on barns. To learn more, visit www.garrettbarnquilts.org/.

Natural Gas Drilling
The debate of drilling rights for natural gas has captured the public’s attention and area residents are being approached with financial offers for drilling rights to their property. Be educated before you sign.  Garrett County resident and Farm Bureau representative Delmar Yoder has been working with  geologists, Ag. Extension agents, Land Trust representatives and local residents to become educated on the issue and assist area landholders in negotiating leases with natural gas companies. While he doesn’t claim to have all of the answers, Yoder is happy to share his knowledge with the public.

FSU Wildlife Society
Members of the FSU Wildlife Society will share educational materials and information on the great variety of wildlife inhabiting Mountain Maryland and the neighboring area. In addition, the Wildlife Society will demonstrate wildlife capture techniques.

Savage River Watershed Association
The Savage River Watershed Association consists of landowners and citizens concerned about Garrett County’s Savage River watershed. Though members come from diverse backgrounds, they are united by their appreciation for this region. They want to preserve all of its values, especially the quality and quantity of its ground and surface water resources. They have identified many threats to the watershed and are now working to identify specific impacts and generate a plan for remediation. Through their efforts they hope to preserve and enhance the rural nature and natural resources of the Savage River watershed.
 
The Savage River is a headwater tributary for the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay that includes both coldwater and highland streams. As Maryland’s premier brook trout fishery, the Savage River has been identified as a conservation priority because it is one of the few watersheds that still contain intact populations of native brook trout in Maryland. The Savage River Watershed Association was formed in March 2006. Members were inspired by efforts to restore water quality in Aaron Run, the only tributary within the watershed impacted by acid mine drainage. They selected the native brook trout for their logo because it is a keystone species. To protect it, area residents need to preserve all of the values of the Savage River watershed. Please stop by their display to learn more about SRWA and volunteer opportunities.

Spruce Forest Artisan Village
Spruce Forest Artisan Village volunteers will share news about the Village’s newest projects. Spruce Forest Artisan Village is an arts and heritage center located near Grantsville, Md., dedicated to preserving and showcasing Appalachian culture by educating and promoting local craftspeople. It is home to a thriving living craft tradition in the Allegheny region.

Frostburg Museum
Dedicated to preserving and documenting the history of Frostburg, the Frostburg Museum, located at 69 Hill St., provides visitors a glimpse into Frostburg’s storied past. At the FSU Appalachian Festival, the museum will be displaying "Tales of the National Road (Old Pike),” with drawings of important locations and events. The Museum itself has undergone many updates and expansions in programming in the past year. New volunteers are greatly appreciated. To learn more, contact: Garry Ritchie at 301-689-1195.

Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty (CROP) Walk
CROP Walk is a community initiative aimed at hunger relief. Hungry people in developing countries walk as much as six miles per day in order to get food, water and other resources just to survive. Twenty five percent of the money raised by a community during a CROP Hunger Walk goes to assist local food banks, pantries, gardens and other hunger relief agencies. The remainder goes towards other domestic and global projects. CROP Walks are a grassroots effort. This year the group is interested in starting a CROP Walk on the Frostburg State University campus. For more info, e-mail jrbergeron0@frostburg.edu.

Appalachian Independent
The Appalachian Independent is a new bi-weekly Web-based alternative newspaper covering Mountain Maryland and the Allegheny Highlands. This community-oriented newspaper depends on submissions from area residents. The project is funded by a grant from New Voices, a project of J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism. Visit www.appindie.org.

Sugar & Spice Bakery and Cheese
This Amish Bakery, located near Oakland, Md., brings a taste of home to the Festival’s grounds. Chocolate chip, peanut butter, snicker doodles and gobs are a few of the many varieties of cookies baked there daily. In addition, the Bakery’s booth carries a rich offering of pumpkin rolls, breads, apple butters and tasty fruit-filled pies.

The Fazen●bakery
The Fazen●bakery bakes everything fresh. They mix and roll out their own piecrust and knead the bread by hand—just the way their Grandma taught them. The Fazen●bakery recipes have been passed down through the generations. They now share those great tastes and traditions with the regional community. Their shop offers breakfast and lunch items in addition to their baked goods. They also offer catering services for large and small groups. Contact: The Fazen●bakery , 3473 Chestnut Ridge Road, Grantsville, MD 21536, phone: 301.895.4044, e-mail: thefazenbakery@yahoo.com.