July 1 "CATCH THE READING BUG" and "READ TO ME" Summer Reading Clubs continue thru July at all Allegany County Libraries. Come share the fun! Info: 301-777-1200.

July 1, 10AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the South Cumberland Library. Info: 301-724-1607.

July 1, 10:30AM Babies & Books, a half-hour program for infants 0-18 months, will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Call 301-463-2629 for details.

July 1, 11AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Info: 301-463-2629.

July 1, 11AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Info: 301-687-0790.

July 1, 2PM Catch the Reading Bug Summer Reading Program for kids up to 4th grade will host Extension Agent Derrick Bender for his "Bugs and More" program at the Frostburg Community Library. Info: 301-687-0790.

July 2, 10AM Babies & Books, a half-hour program for infants 0-18 months, will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Call 301-687-0790 for details.

July 2, 10AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the South Cumberland Library. Info: 301-724-1607.

July 2, 10AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the LaVale Library. Info: 301-729-0855.

July 2, 11AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Info: 301-687-0790.

July 2, 2:30PM Washington Street Library's Catch the Reading Bug Summer Reading Program for kids up to 4th grade will host Extension Agent Derrick Bender for his "Bugs and More" program. Info: 301-777-1200.

July 2, 6:30PM Everyone is invited to the George's Creek Regional Library's annual Old Fashion Campfire. The whole town of Lonaconing is celebrating George's Creek Days. Come see the Boy Scouts performing skits. Hot dogs, chips, & drinks will be provided! Info: 301-463-2629.

July 3, 10AM Babies & Books, a half-hour program for infants 0-18 months, will be held at the Washington Street Library. Call 301-777-1200 for details.

July 3, 11AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the Washington Street Library. Info: 301-777-1200.

July 3, 11AM-1PM Ed Dawson performs as part of Summer in the City's Farmer's Market music series on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 3, 2PM LaVale Library's Catch the Reading Bug Summer Reading Program for kids up to 4th grade will host Extension Agent Derrick Bender for his "Bugs and More" program. Info: 301-729-0855.

July 3, 6:30PM Evening Story Time for children of all ages will be held at the LaVale Library. Info: 301-729-0855.

July 3, 6:30PM Scrapbooking for kids ages 10 and up will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Come learn new ways to save your special summer memories. Info: 301-463-2629.

July 4, 7-10PM The Chinese Bandits will perform on Washington Street in Cumberland as part of a special Summer in the City Friday After Five music presentation. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 4, 7:30PM The Potomac Concert Band performs prior to the annual fireworks celebration at Constitution Park in Cumberland. As always, the concert will include many of America's most beloved patriotic songs and Sousa marches. For a complete listing of the summer schedule visit the band's web site at www.potomacconcertband.com. Information: 301-777-ARTS (2787).

July 5, 11AM Knit Lit, a program of knitting, reading & discussing books for children ages 10 and up will be held at the LaVale Library. Call 301-729-0855 for details.

July 5, 11AM-1PM Johnny Moore & Tom Skidmore perform as part of Summer in the City's Farmer's Market music series on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 5, 5-8PM Hayden Ort-Ulm will perform popular folk, bluegrass, and original tunes as part of the Saturdays Live at Canal Place music series. For more information call 301-777-ARTS (2787).

July 5, 7:30PM Music at Penn Alps presents Ensemble Gaudior (baroque period instruments) in the Great Hall at Penn Alps in Grantsville. Tickets for individual concerts are $12 (18 and under free). Books of ten tickets may be purchased in advance for $100 and used at any concert. For more information contact Julyen Norman, Public Relations, at 301-895-4250.

July 5, 10PM Musical guests Jon Felton and His Soulmobile and The Brothels will perform at Dante's, located at 16 W. Main Street in Frostburg. For more information, please call 301-689-9777.

July 5-October 25 Award winning photographer, Jeannette Z. Hunt, will be offering 'Of the Water, On the Water' photography workshops every weekend from July through October in Ohiopyle, PA. $235 per person. This day workshop includes a river trip and lunch. We will paddle down the Lower Youghiogheny where photo opportunities include; breath taking mountain scenery, waterfalls, kayakers, random rafters and the occasional glimpse of wildlife. For more information download the brochure from www.jzhunt.com or contact Jeannette directly at jeannettehunt@hotmail.com (subject 'workshop').

July 6, 1-3PM Straight Ahead performs as part of Summer in the City's Sunday at Town Centre music series on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 6, 7:30-9PM Allegany Arts Council presents acoustic guitar tunes by Rick Krauss as part of the "Sunday in the Park" concert series at the Constitution Park Amphitheatre in Cumberland. Free entertainment for the whole family! Information: 301-777-ARTS (2787).

July 6-12 The workshop "Two-Dimensional Design" will be held as part of Frostburg State University's Savage Mountain Summer Arts Academy. This week-long workshop will introduce the basic elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Participants will learn and use problem solving strategies to create artwork that explores line, shape, color, space, and more to develop the skills needed for more advanced work. Each day will be dedicated to demonstrations, studio time and critiques. The workshop will culminate in a portfolio presentation of art created during the week. For more information call 301-687-3209 or e-mail dfilippone@frostburg.edu.

July 6-12 The Wind Chamber Music Institute will be held as part of Frostburg State University's Savage Mountain Summer Arts Academy. The Wind Chamber Music Institute provides a creative and intense course of study open to high school music students (grades 9-12) who play flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon. This one-week camp will consist of chamber ensemble rehearsals, private instruction, a daily instrument masterclass, camp chorus, and an end of camp concert where all students will perform. For more information contact Mark Gallagher at mgallagher@frostburg.edu 301-687-4381.

July 6-26 The Gilchrist Gallery hosts an exhibition of paintings by Paul Chojnowski and wood turnings by Gene Gillespie. The Gilchrist Gallery is located at 104 Washington Street. Gallery hours are Fri.-Sun., 1-4PM. Special tours may be arranged by calling 301-724-5800.

July 7, 11AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the Washington Street Library. Info: 301-777-1200.

July 7, 11AM Computer Class: "Fun Things to Do Online" at the Frostburg Community Library, will allow you to check out some fun and interesting websites. Pre-registration required; call 301-689-0790.

July 7-11 The FSU Children's Literature Center, FrostburgFirst, and the WMSR host a day of pirate tales, trains and treats during the "Frostburg Pirate Express." Train tickets are $10 each and are available at Main Street Books in Frostburg, The Book Center in Cumberland and the Children's Literature Centre in 206 Framptom Hall on the FSU campus. (For those needing financial help, a limited number of complimentary tickets are available, courtesy of SECU Credit Union.) For more information call 301-687-3133.

July 7-August 9 Linda Herdering, artist, and musher at Husky Power Dogsledding at Deep Creek Lake, is the next artist in featured artist exhibitions at Arts at Canal Place. The show, "Brazen Huskies," will showcase portraits of working sled dogs in mixed media format-watercolor paint with photography. An artist's reception will be held July 19 from 5-8PM during the Saturday Arts Walk. Arts at Canal Place is a cooperative gallery located at 16 Howard Street in The Shops at Canal Place. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and during summer months until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. To learn more about Arts at Canal Place-or for information about becoming a member artist-visit www.artsatcanalplace.com or call 301-777-8199.

July 8, 10AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the South Cumberland Library. Info: 301-724-1607.

July 8, 10:30AM Babies & Books, a half-hour program for infants 0-18 months, will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Call 301-463-2629 for details.

July 8, 11AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Info: 301-687-0790.

July 8, 11AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Info: 301-463-2629.

July 8, 2PM South Cumberland Library's Catch the Reading Bug Summer Reading Program for kids up to 4th grade will host Extension Agent Derrick Bender for his "Bugs and More" program. Are bugs bad? Are bugs good? Are they really understood? If you would like to know more about bugs, along with other insects, visit your local library. You will learn about the interesting life of lady beetles, lacewings, and more. Come learn about the exciting world of insects. Info: 301-724-1607.

July 9, 10AM Babies & Books, a half-hour program for infants 0-18 months, will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Call 301-687-0790 for details.

July 9, 10AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the South Cumberland Library. Info: 301-724-1607.

July 9, 10AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the LaVale Library. Info: 301-729-0855.

July 9, 11AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Info: 301-687-0790.

July 9, 11:30AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the LaVale Library. Info: 301-729-0855. July 9, 6:30PM Evening Story Time for children of all ages will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Info: 301-463-2629.

July 9-27 The Cumberland Theatre presents "Jekyll & Hyde." (Conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn. Books and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. Music by Frank Wildhorn.) Convinced the cure for his father's mental illness lies in the separation of Man's evil nature from his good, Dr. Henry Jekyll unwittingly unleashes his own dark side, wreaking havoc in the streets of late 19th century London as the savage, maniacal Edward Hyde. Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's gothic tale of terror and suspense. Performances, held at 101-103 N. Johnson St., are Wed.-Sat. at 8PM and Wed. & Sun. at 3PM. Individual tickets $20. Group and Season Pass discounts available. Reservations: 301-759-4990.

July 10, 10AM Babies & Books, a half-hour program for infants 0-18 months, will be held at the Washington Street Library. Call 301-777-1200 for details.

July 10, 11AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the Washington Street Library. Info: 301-777-1200.

July 10, 11AM-1PM 3rd Degree performs as part of Summer in the City's Farmer's Market music series on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 10, 6PM Evening Story Time for children of all ages will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Info: 301-687-0790.

July 10, 6:30PM GC CrickCats, a program which explores reading and making crafts together, will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Info: 301-463-2629.

July 11, 1:30PM Join the Metamorphosis Teen Reading Club for Cupcake Decorating at the George's Creek Regional Library (For 5th thru 12th grades) Info: 301-463-2629.

July 11 Barry Gurley (5-7PM), Frostburg Arion Band (6:30-7:30PM), The Lake Effect (7-10PM), and Burning House (7-10PM) will perform as part of Summer in the City's Friday After Five music series on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 11, 10PM Musical guests Herb and Hanson, and Theodore Band will perform at Dante's, located at 16 W. Main Street in Frostburg. For more information, please call 301-689-9777.

July 11-13 Front and Centre Stage's children's acting group, Innocent Creators, will perform Disney's "The Aristocats" at Windsor Hall on Friday & Saturday at 7PM and Sunday at 2PM. Tickets can be reserved by calling 301-338-2432.

July 11-27 The New Embassy Theatre presents "Shanty Town Follies," which is Part I of the Shanty Town Trilogy. Performances, held at 49 Baltimore Street in Cumberland, are Fri. & Sat. at 7:30PM, with Sun. matinees at 2:30PM. Tickets are $17 adults/$15 seniors 60+ & students to 18 years. Info: 301-722-4692.

July 12 CanalFest/RailFest will be held at Canal Place in Cumberland. Highlights includes the annual train pull, nostalgic train rides, dedication of a Celtic Cross monument honoring the Irish laborers who built the canal, a model railroad exhibit, a vintage car show, tours on the canal boat replica, exhibit tent featuring local artisans and craftspeople, canal history seminars and book signing hosted by the National Park Services, the NPS mule, and local food vendors. The sounds of music liven up the late afternoon and evening at the Canal Place amphitheatre beginning at 3:10PM and headlining with the 257th Army Band. As the 257th ends with the 1812 Overture, fireworks and concussion mortars will light up the skies. For a complete schedule or more information, visit www.canalplace.org or call 301-724-3655.

July 12 Music for CanalFest/RailFest includes performances by Gilmore Light Ensemble (1PM), U.S. Army Band (2PM) Garrett Highlands Pipes & Drums (3PM), Jeff Thomas & Friends (4PM), Shanty Irish (5PM), and the U.S. 257th Army Band "The Band of the Nation's Capital" (7PM). Info: 301-724-3655.

July 12, 11AM-1PM Country Grass Trio performs as part of Summer in the City's Farmer's Market music series on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 12, 7-10PM Join the Metamorphosis Reading Club for Teen Night!-Games, Computers, etc., at the South Cumberland Library. Call 301-724-1607 for details.

July 12, 7:30PM Music at Penn Alps presents a trombone & piano performance by Brian Plitnik & Timothy Hoft in the Great Hall at Penn Alps in Grantsville. Tickets for individual concerts are $12 (18 and under free). Books of ten tickets may be purchased in advance for $100 and used at any concert. For more information contact Julyen Norman, Public Relations, at 301-895-4250. www.musicatpennalps.org . July 12-13 Come by car, boat, bike or foot to the 9th annual Art in the Park at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park. This year there will be more the 30 vendors at this lakeside arts festival. There will be music, food, arts demonstrations and naturalist programs for children. The even will be held rain or shine and is free to the public and is sponsored by the Western Garrett County State Parks Volunteers, Inc. in collaboration with the Arts Council. Hours are Saturday, 10AM-5PM and Sunday, 10AM-4PM. For more information call the Garrett County Arts Council at 301-334-6580.

July 13, 1-3PM 33 1/3 performs as part of Summer in the City's Sunday at Town Centre music series on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 13, 7:30-9PM Allegany Arts Council presents blues by the Fighting Hellfish Blues Band as part of the "Sunday in the Park" concert series at the Constitution Park Amphitheatre in Cumberland. Free entertainment for the whole family! Information: 301-777-ARTS (2787).

July 13-19 A Choir Camp will be held as part of Frostburg State University's Savage Mountain Summer Arts Academy. The FSU Summer Choir Camp provides high school vocal musicians with the opportunity to have a weeklong creative and intensive musical experience. Students will work with dedicated professionals that will challenge the student, at their personal level, and with performance opportunities in large and small ensembles. Enjoy the safe and beautiful surroundings of Western Maryland as you immerse yourself in music making! The camp culminates with the Honor Chorus, Women's and Men's Choir Concert. For more information contact Karen Soderberg-Sarnaker at ksoderberg@frostburg.edu or 301-687-4110.

July 14, 11AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the Washington Street Library. Info: 301-777-1200.

July 14, 12-6PM Join the Metamorphosis Teen Reading Club's Gaming Day at the South Cumberland Library. All kids 5th-12th grades are invited to come play Wii, PlayStation, etc. Call 301-724-1607 for details.

July 15, 10AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the South Cumberland Library. Info: 301-724-1607.

July 15, 10:30AM Babies & Books, a half-hour program for infants 0-18 months, will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Call 301-463-2629 for details.

July 15, 11AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Info: 301-463-2629.

July 15, 11AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Info: 301-687-0790.

July 16, 10AM Babies & Books, a half-hour program for infants 0-18 months, will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Call 301-687-0790 for details.

July 16, 10AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the South Cumberland Library. Info: 301-724-1607.

July 16, 10AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the LaVale Library. Info: 301-729-0855.

July 16, 11AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Info: 301-687-0790.

July 16, 12-2PM As part of Downtown Oakland's summer program, Jim McNeil will demonstrate watercolor painting at The Gallery, located at 206 E. Alder Street in Oakland. For more information call the Garrett County Arts Council at 301-334-6580.

July 16, 6-8PM Washington Street Library's Metamorphosis Reading Club will have a Teen Movie Night for 5th-12th grades. Refreshments will be served. Info: 301-777-1200.

July 16, 6:30PM Evening Story Time for children of all ages will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Info: 301-463-2629.

July 16, 7PM The Maryland Humanities Council, the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, and the Western Maryland American History Teacher Initiative invite you to participate in an exciting dialogue between legendary civil rights figures Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X on Wednesday, July 16, 7:00 PM, at Windsor Hall, 37-45 Baltimore Street in Cumberland, MD. "Martin and Malcolm: One Vision - Two Voices" commemorates the enduring legacy Dr. King on the 40th anniversary of his assassination. This free event is part of the Maryland Humanities Council's statewide initiative, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Remembrance and Reconciliation, which engages Marylanders in an examination of Dr. King's legacy and race relations in their communities. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X had radical, and often clashing, visions. Now is your chance to observe and join in on what is sure to be a contentious and thought-provoking conversation about race in America. Moderated by veteran talk show host Marc Steiner, the program features performers Bill Grimmette as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Charles Everett Pace as Malcolm X. The event is free, but reservations are required. Call Windsor Hall (Kauffman Music) at 301-724-6800 or go to info@kauffmanmusic.com to reserve a ticket.

July 17, 10AM Babies & Books, a half-hour program for infants 0-18 months, will be held at the Washington Street Library. Call 301-777-1200 for details.

July 17, 11AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the Washington Street Library. Info: 301-777-1200.

July 17, 11AM-1PM Time Travelers performs as part of Summer in the City's Farmer's Market music series on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 17, 2PM Frostburg Community Library's Adult Book Club will discuss Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko. The club invites Metamorphosis Reading Club members to join in on the discussion. Info: 301-687-0790.

July 17, 6:30PM Scrapbooking for Kids for ages 10 and up will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Come learn new ways to preserve your summer memories. Info: 301-463-2629.

July 17, 7PM South Cumberland Library will host Jeff Korman, Manager of the MD Department at Enoch Pratt Library, for the program "The Life and Mysterious Death of John Wilkes Booth". The fascination with Lincoln's assassin has gripped America since the Civil War. Historians and authors continue to generate new books and theories about Booth and his motives. What drove him to this mad act? Did he actually escape the grip of the Union soldiers and live until the 20th Century? Learn about Booth's family, his life before April 15, 1865, and the mysteries and conspiracies surrounding his death. A program for all ages, this lecture includes photographs and other sources related to Booth alive and dead! Info: 301-724-1607.

July 17-August 17 Debra Lynn Gold (Jewelry) and Alan Vaughn (Floor Cloths) Exhibition presented in the Saville Gallery, 9 N. Centre Street. Opening Reception: July 19, 5-8PM (Saturday Arts Walk). Gallery Hours are Monday through Friday, 9AM-5PM, and Saturday & Sunday, 11AM-4PM. Info: 301-777-ARTS (2787).

July 17-August 31 The Arteco Gallery hosts the exhibitions "Reflections" featuring new work in woven copper by Suzanne Donazetti in Gallery I, and a display of new work by Bob Corrigan in Gallery II. Opening Reception: July 19. The gallery is located at 60 Pershing Street in Downtown Cumberland, across from the District Court Building, and next to Merchants Alley. The gallery's hours are Thurs. & Fri. from 2-5PM, Sat. from 10AM-5PM, and Sun. & Mon. from 10AM-3PM. For more information, please contact Jerri Dell at 301-777-8888, or visit www.artecogallery.com .

July 18 National Road (5-7PM), Don Robinson (6-9PM) , Nancy Lepley Dancers (7-7:30PM), Midnight Rodeo (7-10PM), and American Pie (7-10PM) will perform as part of Summer in the City's Friday After Five music series on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 18, 10PM Musical guests Backwards, and Beazley Phillips Band will perform at Dante's, located at 16 W. Main Street in Frostburg. For more information, please call 301-689-9777.

July 18-19 The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will return to Garrett County July 18 and 19, 2008. Principal Pops Conductor Marvin Hamlisch will preside over the Friday, July 18 concert. Associate Conductor Lawrence Loh will lead the orchestra in a program of classical repertoire Saturday, July 19. The Friday concert features Broadway singers Debbie Gravitte and Gay Mauer. The Saturday performance is under the direction of conductor Lawrence Loh and features soloist Louis Lev. Both performances will take place at the Lodge at Wisp Resort at 7:30PM. Tickets to each concert are $30 adults, $7 Students and FREE for children 5 years and younger (but need a ticket). Call Garrett Lakes Arts Festival at 301-387-3082 or order tickets online at http://www.artsandentertainment.org/pittsburgh.html.

July 19, 11AM-3:30PM Four on the Floor and Art Spataro perform as part of Summer in the City's Farmer's Market music series on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 19 The Queen City Transportation Museum will host "Meet The Presidents," a free program for children ages 7-10. Held the third Saturday of every month through November, children will learn about past Presidents and their lives. Reservations are required by the Wednesday before the program. The museum is located at 210 S. Centre Street in the Downtown Cumberland Armory. For reservations call 301-777-1776.

July 19, 5-8PM Enjoy a self-guided stroll through Cumberland's Arts & Entertainment District during the Saturday Arts Walk. Information: 301-777-ARTS (2787).

July 19, 5-8PM National Road will perform bluegrass, old country, blues & originals as part of the Saturdays Live at Canal Place music series. For more information call 301-777-ARTS (2787).

July 20, 1-3PM Johnny Moore & Tom Skidmore perform as part of Summer in the City's Sunday at Town Centre music series on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. Info: 301-722-5500.

July 20, 7:30-9PM Allegany Arts Council presents 90s rock & roll by The Lake Effect as part of the "Sunday in the Park" concert series at the Constitution Park Amphitheatre in Cumberland. Free entertainment for the whole family! Information: 301-777-ARTS (2787).

July 21, 11AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the Washington Street Library. Info: 301-777-1200.

July 21, 11AM Computer Class: "Online Photo Sharing with Picasa" will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. We will explore this free software download from Google that makes it easy and fun to view, organize, edit and share the digital photos on your PC. Pre-registration is required; call 301-687-0790.

July 21-25 Under the direction of Mr. Jeff Avey, the Tri State Summer Youth Orchestras will meet at the Cumberland Music Academy. The younger orchestra meeting from 10AM-Noon is for students entering grades 5-7 for the upcoming school year. The students entering grades 8-12 would participate in the afternoon orchestra from 1-3PM. For more information contact Kauffman Music at 301-724-6800 or email info@kauffmanmusic.com.

July 22, 10AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the South Cumberland Library. Info: 301-724-1607.

July 22, 10:30AM Babies & Books, a half-hour program for infants 0-18 months, will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Call 301-463-2629 for details.

July 22, 11AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Info: 301-463-2629.

July 22, 11AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Info: 301-687-0790.

July 22, 7:30PM Shakespeare at the Gap, a FREE public performance of William Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" performed by the Maryland Shakespeare Festival actors from Frederick will be held outdoors at the Rocky Gap Amphitheatre. (Sponsored by Columbia Gas of Maryland.) Info: 301-777-ARTS (2787).

July 23, 10AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the South Cumberland Library. Info: 301-724-1607.

July 23, 10AM Babies & Books, a half-hour program for infants 0-18 months, will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Call 301-687-0790 for details.

July 23, 10AM Story Hour for ages 3-6 will be held at the LaVale Library. Info: 301-729-0855.

July 23, 11AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the Frostburg Community Library. Info: 301-687-0790.

July 23, 11:30AM Toddler Time for children 18-36 months (accompanied by a parent or caregiver) will be held at the LaVale Library. Info: 301-729-0855.

July 23, 12-2PM As part of Downtown Oakland's summer program, Nancy Folmsbee will demonstrate jewelry making at The Gallery, located at 206 E. Alder Street in Oakland. For more information call the Garrett County Arts Council at 301-334-6580.

July 23, 6:30PM Evening Story Time for children of all ages will be held at the George's Creek Regional Library. Info: 301-463-2629.

July 23, 6:30PM Evening Story Time for children of all ages will be held at the Washington Street Library. Info: 301-729-0855.

July 23, 7PM LaVale Library's Adult Book Discussion Group will meet to discuss a book. Call 301-729-0855 for more details.

Friends Aware Donations
Friends Aware, Inc. is a non-profit organization, which provides services for adults with developmental disabilities residing in Allegany County. Talented artists receiving services from Friends Aware have participated in creating and expressing themselves through the Arts. Any art supplies or monetary donations for art supplies are being accepted and are greatly appreciated. (Please write, “for the art supplies fund” in the memo line of your check.) Donations may be mailed to: Friends Aware, Inc., P.O. Box 60, Cumberland, MD 21501. Anyone interested in making a donation can also call 301-722-7268 extension 209, or e-mail Kim Plummer at kplummer@allconet.org.

Salvation Army Seeking Arts Volunteers
The Salvation Army community center in south Cumberland is seeking volunteers to come two or three times a year to do art projects with small groups. The group would like to bring the arts to low-income and at-risk youth in Allegany County. Salvation Army outreach programs reach between 40 and 60 young people every day and projects would be done in a large building with lots of space. To volunteer, please contact Major Sue Dewan, Corps Officer, at 301-777-7600.

Western Maryland Photographers Association
The Western Maryland Photographers Association (WMPA) is a group of local photographers that generally meet on the last Thursday of each month from 6-8PM to discuss all things photography-related. Meeting locations vary and group shoots often occur throughout the year. To become a member and stay in the loop, please send an email to Bill Merlavage at merlavage@atlanticbb.net to sign-up for the group Email and Messageboard. New members are always welcome and membership is free. The WMPA is open to anyone who owns a camera and wants to learn more about how to use it - the only requirement is a love of photography and a willingness to share information and ideas!

Doll Artists Monthly Meeting
The Tri-State Doll Artists group will meet at the Allegany County Library on Washington Street from 7-9PM on the second Thursday of each month. The purpose of this meeting is to share our common interest and ideas to find a way to promote handmade dolls. Anyone interested in joining the group, regardless of skill level, is welcomed. If there are any questions, please call Shirley Carnahan at 304 492-5891.

Art Groups Meet
The “Portrait Study Group” meets from 10AM-12PM on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month (no fee), and a “Painting Study Group” from 10AM-3PM on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month (no fee). Both groups will meet at the Methodist Church in LaVale at the corner of National Highway and Cash Valley Road. The Painting Study Group, which is coordinated by Allen & Shirley Carnahan, may do still life or go to a location and do landscapes. For more information on the painting group, call Allen or Shirley at 304-492-5891.

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 2nd Monday of each month, from 5:30-9pm. The following projects are now part of the “Yarn Angel Action”: Chemo caps for Western Maryland Health Systems Cancer Center, Sacred Heart Campus (contact: Shelby Calhoun, 301-777-3199); Lap robes, shawls and neck warmers for nursing homes (contact: Vicki Cubbage, 301-724-1712); Baby and children’s items for Family Crisis Resource Center (contact: Ruby Thompson, 301-463-2546); Twin or mid-sized afghans for Salem Children’s Trust (contact: Amy Shuman, 301-777-3719); Baby and children’s items for Women’s and Infant’s Supplemental Feeding Program, Allegany County Health Department (contact: Amy Shuman, 301-777-3719). Washable yarn in good condition is always welcome.

Peaceful Knitting Workshops
At the Shuman Life Center in Cumberland (normally 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month). (Class is also available every Monday from 3:30-6PM.) Choose a knitting project or two and have fun learning and sharing with a great group of people! Please call $12.50/class or $42 for a series of 4. Please call Amy Shuman at 301-777-3719 to chat about your goals. Beginners and seasoned knitters welcome!

The Allegany County Library System always has a full schedule of events for patrons of all ages. For a complete list, go to www.alleganycountylibrary.info.

Links to Local Libraries:

-Allegany Co. Main Website Page
-Washington Street, Cumberland
-Frostburg
-George's Creek
-Lavale
-South Cumberland
-Westernport
-Allegany Co. Library Bookmobile
-Keyser/Mineral County Library
-Fort Ashby
-Burlington
-Romney
-Capon Bridge
-Garrett Co. Main Website Page
-Oakland
-Friendsville
-Accident
-Grantsville
-Kitzmiller
-Bedford
-Everett
-Hyndman
-Saxton
-Moorefield
-Moomau/Grant Co. Library, Petersburg
-Mount Storm
-Somerset Co. Library Main Page
-Somerset
-Mary S. Biesecker Public Library, Somerset
-Meyersdale Public Library
-Conemaugh Township/Hollsopple
-Windber
-Washington Co. Free Library, Hagerstown
-Hancock
-Handley Regional Library/Winchester

Library Teen Lair
The Allegany County Library System's MySpace page, “Teen Lair” is asking area teens to complete a “Teen Interest Survey” to help make the libraries a place teens want to visit, both in person and online. Teens can click on “Teen’s Page” in the library banner on the library’s website at alleganycountylibrary.info or go directly to it at MySpace. Info on the page will include new teen books, bulletins of upcoming events, photos, videos and music. For more information call 301-777-1200 or visit alleganycountylibrary.info.

Talking Books
If you have difficulty seeing words on a page, that's no reason to stop reading. Talking Books is a free program of the Library of Congress. When you join, a special cassette player and the Talking Books you request will be sent to you free. As soon as you finish a book, simply mail it back. The program and postage are free. Call toll free: 888-657-READ (7323). A public service of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

What if the Allegany Arts Council earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? GoodSearch.com is a new search engine that donates ad revenue, about a penny per search, to the charity its users designate. Use it just like any search engine, and it’s powered by Yahoo!, so you get the same great results. Just go to www.goodsearch.com and enter Allegany Arts Council as the organization you want to support. Just 500 people searching four times a day will raise about $7,300 in a year without anyone spending a dime! Spread the word!

Support the Arts in Allegany County, visit the Allegany Arts Council!