In Brief - December 22, 2009

Maple syrup job to be on Discovery TV

SALISBURY, Pa. — Mike Rowe, star of the Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs,” came to Somerset County in March to get a first-hand look at the maple syrup production business.

He found out that producing maple syrup is a job that involves long hours and hard, dirty work, but the results are worth it. The TV program profiled Sue Jeffrey, owner of Wagner’s Sugar Camp, and her family, who have been doing the job for more than 150 years.

Wagner’s is located at 285 Tub Mill Run Road West, Salisbury, and can be found on the web at www.wagnersmaplesugar.com.

The Dirty Jobs episode will air on the Discovery Channel on Dec. 29 at 9 p.m.

Fort Hill gift pickup set today

CUMBERLAND — The Christmas committee at Fort Hill High School has rescheduled its gift pickup to today from 10 to 11 a.m.

More information is available by contacting Sydney Sibley at (301) 777-3732. The committee is helping 46 students and three babies of students this year.

Three eateries given zero-violation awards

CUMBERLAND — Three Allegany County licensed food service establishments have attained a zero-violation environmental inspection during the four-month period of May-August of this year, according to Michael A. Pfaff, registered sanitarian for the county health department.

Receiving recognition were Mister Softee Mobile Unit 1, Cumberland; Sarah’s Place, Cresaptown, and Bradley’s Concession, Westernport.

Paff said that earning the zero-violation status demonstrates that these facilities maintain knowledge and ability in operating a safe food environment.

Environmental inspections are unannounced and include the evaluation of critical food safety items that are most likely to contribute to a foodborne illness as well as the physical condition of the establishment. Each food facility receives two or three inspections annually, based upon their menu. A facility’s environmental inspection may be conducted during any one of the four-month periods.

Dr. Sue V. Raver, health officer for Allegany County, commended the three local businesses who earned the zero-violation distinction.

City trash, tree pickup announced

CUMBERLAND — There will be no trash collection in Cumberland on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Residents of areas affected by this change should put trash out on their next regularly scheduled collection day.

Because of the recent heavy snowfall, residents are asked to place trash as close to the curb as possible.

Christmas trees will be collected and recycled on Jan. 13. All decorations must be removed from the trees.

Questions may be directed to the Public Works Department at (301) 759-6620 or citypublicworks@allconet.org.

Westernport notes hours for holiday

WESTERNPORT — The Westernport City Building will be closed for the Christmas holiday Thursday and Friday. The office will reopen Monday. The office also will be closed on New Year’s Day.

Garbage pickup for the week of Dec. 21 will remain unchanged. The garbage pickup for the day will begin at 6 a.m.