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This month I am going to take a different approach to my newsletter article. I want to start off with a quiz. Within 100 mile radius, where can you dine on Greek, Italian, French, Mexican, Chinese, and American cuisine all within walking distance of one another? What city is adding parking spaces for visitors? Where are the 11 new luxury apartments being built located? CME Engineering and Bennett, Brewer and Associates have moved thier offices to what location? Name the city that will have 4 public performance spaces by the end of the year? If you are riding the Great Allegheny Passage what municipality has tunnels above and below it?
The answer to all of the questions is the City of Frostburg. In July, John Kirby, Frostburg City Administrator, spoke to our Economic Development Committee about current economic development initiatives and the challenges that face a small rural community. John spoke of the private sector assistance or what he likes to refer to as the "angels" that have worked toward building Frostburg Main Street into a more vibrant and economically stable community. There are many people that have invested their money and time to renovate and bring business to Frostburg's downtown. I don't have enough room to mention everyone that is playing a part in making a positive difference. There are a few "angels" that were discussed. Andrew Vick, Executive Director, Allegany Arts Council is working with the City of Frostburg and Jerilyn Jackson, Frostburg Main Street Manager, to develop an Arts District and obtain the Arts District designation from the State of Maryland. Michael Joy, Western Maryland Builders LLC, who purchased the former Lyric Building and is renovating it for a main floor presence for Frostburg State University. Mr. Joy is also building 11 luxury apartments on the upper floors. Barbara Armstrong, Armstrong Insurance Agency, continues to be a catalyst in positive change by helping the city find more parking to make it easier for people to shop. The challenge continues to be limited resources, both financially and personnel. That is why it is so important for our community to work together and continue to improve our region. Speaking of "Angels", the Chamber has some of its own miracle workers. Mike McKay, AMS Inc/Dryclean and Shirt Salon, chair of our Crab Feast Committee has succeeded once again in making the Crab Feast our premier event. What I find amazing is the fact that the committee consists of just three people - Mike as the Chair, Frank Welsh, Ali Ghan Shrine Club and Peg McKenzie. This proves that sometimes quality is much better than quantity. Of course we could never do it without the army of volunteers that work the night of the Crab Feast. Thank you to the members of the Ali Ghan Shrine Motor Corps who each year deliver the crabs to our guests. My thanks also go to Amy Jacobs and Peg McKenzie who stand for hours checking ID's and taking tickets in hopes that when they finally get to sit down we may have some food left. Who can forget Steve Nelson and his volunteer "Crabby Parking Staff" in their bright yellow shirts directing parking? Two more acknowledgements for those that provide the extra goodies; Susie Miller whose homemade crab soup is always a hit and the Michels family from Queen City Creamery who have given of their time every year to provide us with their award winning frozen custard. It was perfect weather with good friends and great food. Thank you to everyone that supported us this year. - Barb |
