Fun Fact: The Oldest Winery in Maryland

Bonded in 1945, Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore County is Maryland's oldest winery. Courtesy Boordy Vineyards Boordy Vineyard was originally owned and operated by Philip and Jocelyn Wagner of Baltimore. The first legal vintage of Boordy wine was bottled by Jocelyn in 1945, and it was the first vineyard to import Vidal Blank grapes into the U.S. Their Landmark Series wines are made in limited quantities and are sourced from 100% Maryland grown grapes, principally from…

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Public Safety Funds for Mental Health

Join the National Association of Counties (NACo) for a webinar discussing the use of "Public Safety Funds to Support Community Members' Behavioral Health" on Wednesday, October 12, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST. Law enforcement officers are often the first responders when a person is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, but some public safety leaders are trying to change that. From mental health clinicians to peer navigators, sheriffs and police chiefs across the country are…

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Fun Fact: A Beacon of Hope

The new Harriet Tubman sculpture "Beacon of Hope" was dedicated in Dorchester County this month. Image courtesy I Love Dorchester County Harriet Tubman was known as the Moses of her people. As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, she led nearly 70 slaves to freedom, making 13 separate trips to Maryland. Tubman also served as a scout, spy, guerrilla soldier, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. Artist Wesley Wofford wanted to…

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Fun Fact: What’s the Story Autumn Glory?

Celebrate autumn at the 55th annual Autumn Glory Festival in Oakland, Garrett County. The five-day Autumn Glory Festival celebrates the beauty of local fall foliage and will take place October 12-16, 2022. The festival was listed as one of the top fall festivals in the world, and the Town of Oakland is one of the best small towns in the U.S. to see fall foliage. The festival has transformed over 55 years, with its beginnings…

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Broadband Mapping Update from NACo

Join the National Association of Counties (NACo) for an update on the Federal Communications Commission's broadband mapping effort on September 23, 2–3 PM EST. NACo staff and the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Broadband Data Task Force (BDTF) will give an overview of the ongoing Broadband Data Collection process, which will be used to create an updated national broadband availability map. The forthcoming broadband availability maps will be instrumental in determining the flow of funds for…

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Fun Fact for Beer Lovers: Tap and Pour Tour

In case you missed it, National Beer Lovers Day was Thursday, September 7. But do not fret, Allegany County has a Tap and Pour Tour good for any day of the week. Named the “Best Beer/Wine/Spirits Trail” by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s 2021 “Best of” awards, the Tap and Pour Tour features stops at six breweries, distilleries, and wineries in Mountain Maryland. Stops include Allegany County’s first farm brewery (1812 Brewery), first winery and distillery…

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Top Trends Counties Need to Know – GIS

Join the National Association of Counties (NACo) for a webinar on “Top Trends Counties Need to Know About GIS,” on September 14, 2–3 PM EST. Geographic information system (GIS) technology found its way into our living rooms through county briefings and dashboards during the COVID-19 pandemic. This spotlight resulted in a massive expansion of GIS use for economic recovery, increased transparency, vaccine distribution, addressing equity, broadband development, safer streets, parks and recreation management, civic engagement,…

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Fun Fact: Find the World’s Oldest Crab Company Here

Founded in 1890, The J.M. Clayton Company in Dorchester County is the oldest working crab processing plant in the world. Image courtesy J.M. Clayton website The J.M. Clayton Company began as a small oyster shucking and packing operation in Hoopersville, Maryland, packing seafood and fresh vegetables for delivery by steamboat to Baltimore. In search of better access to supplies, telephone service, and transportation, Captain John Morgan Clayton “Captain Johnnie” moved the operation and his labor…

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Fun Fact: In Which Counties Will You Find the Highest and Lowest Points in Maryland?

This week, a fun fact from the archives! Bloody Point Bar Light At 3,360 feet above sea level, Hoye-Crest in Garrett County is the highest point in Maryland. The peak is located 12 miles south of Oakland on Backbone Mountain and was named after Capt. Charles E. Hoye, a World War I veteran whose passion for history and genealogy led to his founding of the Garrett County Historical Society. The lowest point in Maryland is…

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Fun Fact for Chocolate Lovers: The Baltimore Bergers

It’s world chocolate day and possibly one of the tastiest chocolate treats traces its origins to Baltimore City. Berger cookies are soft, cake-like cookies covered with hand-dipped fudge icing. Courtesy Berger Cookies German immigrant and baker Henry Berger arrived in the United States in 1835, with dreams of opening a bakery. He was successful, opening a bakery in East Baltimore which he owned and operated with his sons George, Henry, and Otto. Open air markets…

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