The following are samples of letters to the editor published in recent issues of Allegany Magazine.

Happy to have found a place to be published I just went to the bookstore and picked up a copy of ³One Day Spent in the Life of Allegany² magazine. I was pleasantly surprised to find one of my photos selected for the issue, and to find it bringing an end to the ³day² with a full page spread to boot. I am very happy. I hope that in the future I may have more photo opportunities with Allegany Magazine. Maybe Iıll submit an article, or just some more photos that you can use somewhere. Either way. I will definitely look at Allegany Magazine in a new light and enjoy it even more.

Glenn C. Riffey
Cumberland, Maryland

Ghost with the Most We just wanted to write and say we have read the article you wrote about us in the October/November 2008 edition. Thank you very much for the wonderful words and emotion used in its creation. The pictures were wonderful, as was the digital editing. We were truly impressed. Once again thank you from all of us at WMPS and you are always welcome to join us!

Sid Evans

Scott Shreve

Amanda Sherman
Western Maryland Paranormal Society

Surely a pleasure Your Allegany Magazine portrays in great detail the diversity of our area. It surely is a pleasure to read of someone oor something that I had no idea existed; for instance, the clock man in Mount Savage. You article about Michael Phelps was quite interesting. My sons who live in Ohio and my daughter in Des Moines, Iowa had no idea he had Allegany County ties. I thoroughly enjoy your magazine.

Nancy Martens
Frostburg, Maryland

Everything Came Alive Thank you for your wonderful portrayal of Selma and myself and our artistic endeavors (June/July 2008). We never expected to be the subject of such an article. You did such an expert job. You made everything come alive. You are truly an artist with words as well as visually. Again, thanks much for an excellent and exciting article.

Alan Glasser
Cumberland, Maryland

By far, the best I receive many magazines. However, yours is by far, the best -- articles, photos, quality of reporting for a range of interest. The design is superior and even the quality of the paper is impressive. From me, you get As in all areas. Tell me where I can enter this in any contest and I will.

Virginia Hand
Panama City Beach, Florida

Special Edition thanks I want to thank you for such a beautiful article about Charlotte Brill -- my Mom -- in the Special Edition of Allegany Magazine. We had so many inquiries and comments. Many people came to the art show and we sold 21 paintings. Thanks to you for all your help to make this possible.

Nancy VanFleet
Cumberland, Maryland

Thrilled with Silk Mill Story We now live on the coast of North Carolina after growing up in the Lonaconing area, many years ago. We stay at the Hampton Inn in Frostburg during our visits back home and picked up an issue of Allegany a couple of years back. We have been faithful subscribers ever since. I was thrilled with your article about the Lonaconing Silk Mill. I was excited reading about the hat of the last superintendent still hanging from a nail in his office. That last superintendent was probably my grandfather, Wesley Duckworth. He was superintendent when the mill was closed and then stayed on for many years after as caretaker of the property. It has been years since I was in the mill. Iıd love to tour the building some day. Thank you for the tremendous story and reviving the history of the Mill.

Marsha Duckworth Blair
Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Sophisticated addition I attended Bishop Walsh High School and have recently returned to the area and I have to tell you that Allegany Magazine is a very sophisticated and welcomed addition to our local newsstands. I have also been pleased to see the positive changes made in Allegany County, especially the rejuvenated dedication to the arts.

Shannon M. Seaders
Cumberland, Maryland

Comforted by Memories I thoroughly enjoyed the ³From the Editorıs Desk² article: Model Tıs and a Model Grandparent. (August/September 2008) Just like your grandfather, my family has always measured events according to the vehicles we owned at the time. When I was a child, my mother owned a red and white 1955 Ford Country Sedan Station Wagon that she named ³Whoa Nellie.² Whenever I think of this car, I am comforted by memories of my childhood.

David Earl Athey
Cresaptown, Maryland

You continue to hit home runs with Allegany. It is one of the most interesting magazines that I have ever read.

Della Cook
Cumberland, Maryland

I just want you to know that I am very impressed with the magazine. Keep up the great work!

Renee Whittington
Cumberland, Maryland

I just wanted to write you and tell you it was my pleasure to be interviewed by Shane Riggs, your managing editor. I wish the magazine good luck and wish Shane continued success in his writing. If you ever need anything else, please feel free to email me at my personal email address any time. Best wishes.

Eddie Deezen
Los Angeles, California

Just a short note to check in from Cairo, Egypt. Back in the fall, I was given this nine month project management assignment working on the new international airport in Cairo. It's been an interesting experience so far ... very, very different from back home. Anyway, my daughter Jenny, my son Justin and his wife Rachel came over for a visit the week before the holidays. They brought me my mail, and I was glad to find the December/January issue of Allegany Magazine. As always I enjoy reading about Western Maryland. It is a very good publication. Then I had an idea for a new feature for your magazine: "Where in the world is Allegany Magazine?" So I had my son snap some pictures of me reading the mag while we visited the ancient pyramids of Egypt. We also visited Luxor when the kids were here. I've attached a couple of pictures for you to see that your magazine is reaching the far ends of the earth ... in this case the 4,500 year old pyramids where the pharaohs, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and now me have spent time reading the great publications of all times. Hope all is well in Cumberland.

Steve Andrews
Cairo, Egypt

Editor's Note: Allegany Magazine is more than happy to print one of the photos Steve sent to us, showing Allegany Magazine's "flight to Egypt." We have subscriptions in 40 of the 50 states but does this mean we can claim we are international now? Steve also gives us a great idea. Feel free to send photos of you reading Allegany Magazine on your exotic vacations or road trips. If your picture makes us smile as much as Steveıs did, you may find it on this page in a future issue.

I just finished reading the May 2007 issue cover to cover and it is perhaps one of the most close to perfect issues you have ever put out. Every single story caught my attention ... It was classy, sophisticated and made the magazine appear very expensive. The May issue was everything that is good and right not just about Allegany Magazine but of Allegany County. Congratulations to everyone who continues to make Allegany Magazine something we can all be proud of!

Dolores Jones
Cumberland, Maryland

I have been watching the magazine very closely from the first issue...wondering if perhaps the first year was an experiment and seeing if the quality would hold up. But looking back on my collection, each issue is better than the last. With the May issue, however, you outdid yourself. I am now officially hooked.

Betty Porter Jenkins
Stephens City, Virginia

Just took a first look through the new May issue of Allegany Magazine, and I wanted to thank you for all the wonderful coverage of our local arts scene! Allegany Magazine is truly a great partner in helping us to build "a community alive with the arts!" Thanks so much!

Andy Vick
Executive Director, Allegany Arts Council
Cumberland, Maryland

We always try to pick up a copy of your wonderful magazine. Thank for another consummate issue of your magazine.

John and Dana Edwards
Washington, D.C.

We have enjoyed your magazines and after completing your quiz, we have read each one about ten times! We thank you for all your dedication to promote our beautiful county and appreciate all the history and notable people who have made it all possible. We are lifelong residents and are always glad to come back to "our mountains" no matter where we travel.

Russell and Margaret Bucy
LaVale, Maryland

I have thoroughly enjoyed the articles that have refreshed my memory. All I can say is "keep up the good work." You've undertaken a tremendous task and you have produced one of the few "clean" magazines on the market.

Eleanor Albright
Ellerslie, Maryland

Congrats to all at Allegany Magazine. It has been a great year and I have enjoyed every issue. I make it a point to get comfortable and read it from front to back. I actually don't mind the advertising for always looking for places for services and what not. I commend you on such diversity, covering all wonderful areas that make Allegany County and surrounding areas great. I have been a lifelong resident and don't want to be anywhere else. Looking forward to the coming year and don't stop what you are doing. Allegany Magazine is a fine testimony to a hard working, dedicated staff and of course, the interesting people and places it is written about.

Donnie Painter
Cumberland, Maryland

To say I was impressed with the premier edition of Allegany Magazine would be an understatement. It displayed quality from cover to cover. I couldn't wait to see it and I was not disappointed. I am proud to see a top notch publication that will highlight the area for natives and the all important newcomers.

Tim Walbert
Director/Producer WWE Television
LaVale, Maryland

The day your magazine premiered, we were all amazed at what treasures our small community held. You put a spotlight on the people and places that make our community special and shed light upon a great city and its suburbs.

Stephanie Turner
Ellerslie, Maryland

I just saw the first issue of the magazine - congratulations! It looks good - I especially like the cover with William H. Macy! It gives the magazine a sense of sophistication and looks very posh.

Kelly L. Moran
Cumberland, Maryland

At last, here is a magazine that promises to showcase the many remarkable attractions of this beautiful county. Allegany County is brimming with exciting tales to be told.

Jay and Linda Kohut
LaVale, Maryland

Congratulations on an absolutely beautiful magazine. It is a top quality piece and you should be very proud. I can't wait to see what the future issues bring.

Rebecca L. Hadra
Coordinator, Professional & Cultural Development
Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, Maryland

Congratulations on a truly remarkable publication. My friends, coworkers, and I all have rave reviews for the premiere issue of Allegany Magazine. I love the insight, color, and perspective that you have captured in our area.

Abby Burk
Cumberland, Maryland

I am really enjoying the new magazine. Having lived in Allegany County my whole life, I moved away about six years ago and this magazine gives me a chance to reconnect with my hometown.

Chanda Veno
Frankfort, Kentucky

Someday we will be need to get multiple coffee tables for the "fanning out" of years of issues. Several of my friends and family members have read the articles and have questions...which of course,I can answer. I think of it as a way to expand my personal journals. With these first articles, I can think back to a time, place or event and realize the influence each has had on my life. Thank you for that gift.

Carole Zullo
Formerly of Cumberland now living in
Grafton, Ohio

I have been a subscriber to the Frederick magazine and the Washingtonian almost since their inception. I feel that your magazine ranks right up there with them and they have been doing it for years. Keep up the good work.

Linda Gordon
Monrovia, Maryland

I am originally from Cumberland and spent my first 23 years there. I would like to start out by stating the magazine is wonderful. The glossy pages and outstanding photography are second to none. The articles were interesting and appealing to a wide variety of people. Even the advertisements were appealing. The price is very reasonable for such a high quality magazine. I can only hope that every issue will be this entertaining and enlightening.

Forrest Easton
Hagerstown, Maryland

I currently live in Lawrence, Kansas, but will soon relocate to the Cumberland area. My husband brought me a copy of Allegany Magazine when he returned from a successful job interview at Frostburg State University. I was immediately intrigued. Here was a new magazine that did a good job of highlighting the unique and charming qualities of a place that would soon become my new home. I look forward to reading upcoming issues of Allegany Magazine as I explore my new home in Western Maryland.

Becca Ramspott
Lawrence, Kansas

What a great magazine. I received it in the mail yesterday and just loved it. It was so great to see news and events from my old hometown. I read it cover to cover. Looking forward to the next issue.

Lillian Gellner
Linden, North Carolina

I read the last two issues of your new magazine this weekend, while visiting. Let me say how impressive it is. The layout is classy, the stories are extremely interesting with the right blend of content and pictures and you just don't feel overwhelmed by ads because of the way they are presented. I feel your magazine far surpasses our Frederick Magazine. I am sending in a subscription for myself and a friend who fell in love with the charm and revitalization of Cumberland this weekend.

Susan Klecan
Ijamsville, Maryland

Your mag is a blast and I am very much looking forward to the next installment. The quality of the paper, layout, writing, photos...all very cool. Upward and onward, and here's to your continued success.

Rick Hill
St. Petersburg, Florida

My sister has been writing for your magazine and is very excited about it. She gave me one to read and I am very impressed with the outcome. The graphics are very appealing and the layout is very well done. It is very thrilling to see a magazine about our own county. This way we can see how much is really out there for us to see in our own community.

Joni Smith
Cumberland, Maryland

I am 85 years old and lived all those years in Ellerslie, Cumberland and LaVale. Y'all are putting out a winner in the magazine and I hope it stays that way forever. I have learned things about my area that I did not know. I think back about people I knew and places I went to and it is nice. The heat from the furnaces at the Pottery Works, shooting pool at the only bar in town, sled riding down the hill, skinny dipping in Will's Creek, the airplane ride I won by catching a guinea hen, the fond memories of eight years in the three room school and all the wonderful people I went to school with. I am sorry for rambling on like this but Y'all caused it. Continued success with a wonderful magazine.

Paul Diehl
The Villages, Florida

I love your magazine. The articles, pictures, ads and presentation are outstanding. I like it so well I am getting a subscription for each of my daughters. Keep up the good work.

Mary Ann Houser
Piedmont, West Virginia

Congratulations on a magnificent first issue. Many more issues to come. And thank you for the great article. Very very flattering.

William H. Macy
Los Angeles, California

To send your own letter, comment or question for consideration, please email sriggs@alleganymagazine.com.
Please be sure to include your full name, address and phone number for verification.