John Macy

March 21, 2009

The 7^th annual Cardboard Box Derby sponsored by The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club and part of the Beachin Weekend festivities at the Wisp Resort.

32 entries and approximately 100 children of all ages participated in this colorful event. The weather was excellent and The Bear Claw Tubing Park had plenty of snow thanks to the abundance already made to help extend the season. Thanks to our sponsors, The Wisp Resort, State Farm Insurance (Rob Michaels) and The Aqua Water Park (Smiley Kessler).

There were cash awards in 7 categories.

Ages 11 and under:

Design: 1^st place - The Davis Family in "The Yellow Submarine"

2^nd place - Craig Holly in "The Duncan Express Train"

3^rd place - The Five Dogs in "The Red Dogsled with Flames"

Speed: 1^st place - Rick Macklin in "Toboggan" / Time: 16.19 seconds

2^nd place - Bobbitt's in "Army H-1" / Time: 21.91 seconds

3^rd place - The Fire Dogs in "The Red Dogsled with Flames" / Time: 22.59 seconds

Ages 12 and over:

Design: 1^st place - Patric Dowling in "The Red Barron"

2^nd place - Monica Schmidt in "Stolen Batmobile"

3^rd place - Brack/ Yant in "Mystery Machine"

Speed: 1^st place - Trevor Green in "Blue Lagoon" / Time: 15.66 seconds

2^nd place - Cool Runners in "Bob Sled" / Time: 17.75 seconds

3^rd place - Brack/Yant in "Mystery Machine" / Time: 20.06 seconds

Business Entries:

Design: 1^st place -Wisp Ski School & Rentals in "F-14 Tomcat Fighter"

2^nd place - Northern Rescue Squad in "Ambulance"

3^rd place - Total Biz in "Race Car"

Speed: 1^st place - Wisp Ski School & Rentals in "F-14 Tomcat Fighter" / Time: 15.28 seconds

2^nd place - Northern Rescue Squad in "Ambulance" / Time: 16.12 seconds

3^rd place - Total Biz in "Race Car' / Time: 17.06 seconds

Judges Choice:

1^st place - Leo Rollins in "Let go of my leg shark"

2^nd place - Tim Horsey in "Train"

3^rd place - Bobbitt's in "Army H-1"

The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club wishes to thank everyone that helped with this event, all of those who participated, as well as all the spectators! The proceeds of our fundraisers go toward our efforts to serve the community, particularly the sight related programs.

On Saturday, March 21st, The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club held their annual Cardboard Box Derby and the Wisp Resort Bear Claw Tubing Park. The event was a great success with 32 entries in 3 classes. It's amazing what the entrants can do with cardboard, tape, string, paint and alot of imagination.

Funds generated from this annual event are used to support the long running Lions Club Blind Skiier Program.

Here are some photo's of the event. I will be posting the complete results from this years Deep Creek Lake Lions Cardboard Box Derby Shortly.

Looking to have a great evening while your at Deep Creek Lake on Saturday, March 14, 2009 ? The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club will be sponsoring Las Vegas Casino Night at the Sante Fe Grill in McHenry from 7:00 to 11:00 PM.

Please come by and try your luck at Black Jack, Poker or on a spin of the wheel. Proceeds from this event to benefit the Loins Clubs many project including the long running blind skier program that take place each winter at the Wisp Resort.

Plan an evening starting with a delicious dinner at the Sante Fe Grill then join us for all the fun at Las Vegas Night. The Sante Fe Grill is located just of Rt 219 in McHenry, MD behind the Garrett County Chamber Visitor Center.

In the course of conducting real estate business at Deep Creek Lake, I'm regularly asked questions about buying and owning vacation property as an income producing investment. Here is a short intro into what you need to know to make a good buying decision.

Investment in vacation rentals at Deep Creek Lake is rarely a positive cash flow situation. Most vacation home buyers are able to supplement expenses, have it available for some personnel use and take advantage of the historical long term appreciation on these properties. How much you plan to personally use the property may dictate whether a vacation rental is right for you. Owners who realize that prime rental times should be left for renters use will realize better rental results. If your object is strictly cash flow and return on investment, I would recommend considering residential or commercial real estate investments.

It is recommended that you discuss this type of investment with a tax professional, lender and insurance agent. Tax treatment varies based upon the amount of time you intend spend at your property for personal use. Many investors use tax deferred exchanges (1031) to defer capitol gains on this type of investment. Financing for vacation rentals is typically considered a commercial use and subject to higher interest rates. Property insurance costs should also be considered as a part of your buying decision.

Homes in the Deep Creek Lake Watershed Zoning District need to be approved and licensed by the Garrett County authorities prior to renting under our TVRU (Transient Vacation Rental Unit) regulations. You can get more info on these regulations here. http://www.garrettcounty.org/PlanningLand/PlanningZoning/tvruordinance.pdf .

Expenses related to vacation rentals including management fees will typically run between 35 and 40% of the gross rents before debt service, taxes and insurance. These expenses typically include a property management fee, cleaning, linens, repairs and maintenance costs. Condo and HOA fees are not included in these expenses.

Newer construction lakefront and lake access homes near the McHenry area tend to have the best rental histories due to their proximity to the Wisp Resort. Properties that have access to a boat dock have proven to be desirable to vacation renters. Ski access properties at Wisp Resort also rent well in season. Other important amenities including fireplaces, indoor swimming pools, hot tubs, air conditioning, electronics, computers with Wi-Fi access and scenic views will help to maximize income potential. Décor can also be very important factor to increase the bottom line.

Deep Creek Lake is becoming truly a four season resort but the busiest rental market occurs during our peak summer season and ski season in the winter. Summer rentals are typically offered as full week's vacation rentals. However it is possible to rent for shorter stays when booking on short notice. Summer peak season runs from mid June until Labor Day. Winter rental are busiest during the holidays including Christmas to New Years week, Martin Luther King and presidents weekends.

If you're considering buying vacation property at Deep Creek Lake or at the Wisp Resort, it's important to due your homework, know what to expect and find a qualified REALTOR to help with your search. Every buying situation is unique.

If you have any questions regarding owning vacation rentals at Deep Creek Lake, please feel free to contact me at 301-501-0763 or email me at house4u@lnf.com.

If you're looking for a great way to spend your Saturday afternoon at Deep Creek Lake you really should try the Fireside Deli and Wine Shoppe on Glendale Rd. Every Saturday from 12-4 PM you can taste some fine wine from small vintners around the world. Browse the shops extensive selection of fine wines, beers, gourmet food, gifts and more. You can also enjoy great pannini sandwiches, wraps, cheese plates, Fireside Stew. If you interested in private wine pairings, Maryellen Miller, the owner of the Fireside will prepare an evening you won't soon forget. This is a great place for the whole family. See you on Saturday. http://www.firesidedeli.com