Record Talk Listen

Kris Ritz Perry from Stepping Stone Animal Society joins us for todays show. This non-profit offers low-cost spay and neutering for cats and dogs. Stepping Stone Animal Society recognizes the important role that spay and neuter surgeries play in reducing the number of homeless and unwanted animals in our community. It is sadly a common theme that these surgeries are not a financial possibility for many people with animals. This too often leads to unwanted litters of puppies or kittens, increased stray animals and increased intake at local animal shelters and rescues. In addition to spay and neutering services provided by a full-time DVM they offer microchips, rabies vaccine events and education.

At Stepping Stone Animal Society everyone is welcome!

This is a non-profit so if you are able to donate your time or make a financial contribution check out their WEBSITE or FACEBOOK PAGE

Jennie Clark joins us to talk about the Frostburg Fiber Depot what is truly, a family love affair with fiber. Jennie started knitting at sixteen and is now a very accomplished expert in the field. Jennie is a well traveled knitter and she started her newest adventure by opening her own yarn store in August 2015. The Frostburg Fiber Depot specializes in lovely american made yarn and select international makers. Jennie always has a line-up of classes designed to nurture beginners and inspire the experienced artist. This area is full of wonderful knitters and this shop is a great space to encourage the growth of this community!

Be sure to check out the Mountainside of Maryland Yard Addicts to knit with others and share your projects.

The Frostburg Fiber Dept offers a wide variety of classes and private lessons, make sure to sign up early classes fill up quickly: SIGN-UP HERE

Enjoy!

We have made it to our 60th episode and we feature Tom Dodd who recently celebrated 60 times around the sun. This episode marks the first time we have hit the road to record our latest episode. Tom invited me to his beautiful recording studio in his converted barn on the south branch of the Potomac river in WV. If this environment does not inspire a hit record then nothing will. Tom a DC native moved here and immediately established deep roots in the area by investing in main street Frostburg MD. Tom has gone from playing in bands, owning music venues and bars to finally settling into recording albums at South Branch Studios. Tom hits the open road in his classic yellow VW camper van each summer and he always enjoys the adventure.

Enjoy!!

Contact Tom HERE

Shawn returns as promised to discuss some exciting new plans to improve our pedestrian mall in downtown Cumberland! He also discusses grants that are being offered to small business, and clear up some confusion about the Rolling Mill project. The beginning of the episode we review each plan outlined on their Website, If you are able to look at the plans during the discussion the better to make your decision when you cast your vote and make suggestions on their website.

Shawn specializes in working with investors and developers to retain existing business, and to grow new business in Cumberland and the surrounding areas.

Enjoy!

Links:

CEDC Website

City of Cumberland MD Website

Sandi Rowland joins us to discusses that wonderful resource that is ,The Community Trust Foundation. The Community Trust is relatively new to our area, but the concept has been around for nearly 100 years. The trust ensures that funds will be available for our community for many years to come.

The mission of The Community Trust Foundation, Inc. is to strengthen the region by working in partnership with donors and community groups.

The Community Trust Foundation has been working in our area for 10 years and manages over 40 funds and over 4 million dollars in assets.

If you would like to donate to the Community Trust visit their Website

If you are a local non-profit make sure you apply for your grants by Feb. 28, 2016 Here is a direct link: Grant Form

The Dubansky Family and Back Bone Food Farm have been an important part of our community for 20 years. Sustainable and organic methods are used to raise fresh, healthy safe-to-eat food.Max and Katharine join us today to talk about their CSA program, the pasture raised pork and the ever-expanding variety mushrooms that are available at the farm. This is a true family farm where everyone is involved and connected to the food that they raise and eat. It will hopefully spawn some second generation farmers.

Enjoy!

Shawn joins us on today's episode, originally from Cumberland, Shawn received a B.S. from Frostburg State University in Political Science, and Graduate Certificate in Community and Economic Development from Penn State University.

After starting his career with the City of Frostburg, Maryland Department of Community Development, Shawn then served as Executive Director of the Pendleton County Economic and Community Development Authority in Franklin, WV. He was also the Economic Development Coordinator for West Point, Virginia prior to returning to the Cumberland area in March 2012.

Shawn specializes in working with investors and developers to retain existing business, and to grow new business in Cumberland and the surrounding areas.

Shawn and I discuss the various topics including the Rolling Mill Development Project and Peak Harvest. Shawn will be a returning guest so be on the look out for a follow-up episode.

CEDC Website

CEDC Facebook Page

We were able to have a nice chat and get to know two young entrepreneurs in the area, Shannon Shine and Christopher Closson. They have come together to create multiple businesses and organizations that are aimed at creating a positive transformation for the area. They are connecting artists, musicians, writers, coaches, guides and teachers with an audience that is ready and to listen. Shannon and Chris, host their own podcast every Tuesday @8pm and they host various people that discuss a wide variety of topics.

The following links are for their various projects:

Phoenix Landing

Project Bring Me to Life

Chrystal Jewelry

Our favorite show regular Michael Thompson is back discussing the second annual Photographic Competition and Exhibition. The inaugural event was a huge success and the call is officially out to submit your photos (do that HERE) The submissions are due Feb 29, 2016 and the cash prizes over $5,000. The man who has the hard job of picking the winners will be Stephen Perloff from Photo Review. he Photo Review is a critical journal of national scope and international readership. Publishing since 1976, the Photo Review covers photography events throughout the country and serves as a central resource for the Mid-Atlantic region.

Enjoy!

Make sure to stay tuned for more fun events like the Photo Boot Camp and your chance to see wonderful art in your community!

Betsey joins us for episode 53, she is the definition of a trailblazer and the path that brought her to our area was paved with rich experiences that have only benefited our area. Her involvement with VISTA, Department of Social Service, and creating and developing the human resources department at The Schwab Company, have only strengthen her drive to help in the community. In this episode we discuss the importance of being an active participant in you community. Betsey tireless works to help others help themselves, an easy task when you find your passion project. The amount of time you dedicate is up to you, every little bit helps.

Giving back is an easy New Year's resolution you can keep!

Enjoy!

Here are some helpful links to some local non-profit sources.

United Way

VISTA