Friday December 29, Saturday December 30, Sunday December 31, Monday January 1

 

The weather for the long weekend will be:
Friday: A slight chance of morning snow showers then partly sunny, with a high near 16. Wind chill values as low as -7. Snow after 9pm could accumulate 1 to 2 inches.
Saturday: Snow showers with a high near 20. Wind chill values as low as zero. West wind 8 to 18 mph.
Sunday: A chance of snow showers, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 11.
New Year’s Day: Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 9.

The colder weather has created a thin “skin” of ice on the lake, so ice fishermen will likely be out there soon once the ice is thicker and is safe. Please be careful.

Deep Creek Frozen Lake - December 28, 2017

Thanks to reader Terin H. for pointing out a potential error in our interpretation of the smoke alarm law (see Wednesday’s Notes). As of January 1st, home owners with 9v battery operated smoke alarms are required to upgrade to sealed 10-year long life sealed battery smoke alarms with a hush button feature regardless of the age of the 9v battery Smoke Alarm. There’s more in the law and it is a bit confusing, so please read the Fire Marshall’s press release or call them at 1-800-525-3124 for clarity.

Wisp is reporting 17 trails and eight lifts open as of yesterday with a base of 28”. They also are working hard and making snow to open East Ridge today.

Check out the music on Maple Street in Friendsville at Fred Fox’s Ken’s Irish Pub in Friendsville, MD. Crawford Family Values is playing there Friday evening from 8:00pm – 11:00pm. Terah Crawford is a local real estate agent and all around great lady that leads this special performance.

Try to stop by HART’s Fur Ball Casino at Dutch’s New Year’s Eve, with food, a silent auction and casino games. Goes from 6:00pm – 11:30pm this Sunday in the banquet room on the lower level. Proceeds benefit HART!

Wisp is also hosting a New Year’s celebration: House DJ Jazzy Jan will be playing a variety of music in the Main Lodge to keep all members of the family dancing from 8:00pm – Midnight.

Don’t forget, MoonShadow is having Box Era and a NYE party from 8:00pm-12:30am a $5/cover @9:30pm includes a champagne toast at midnight.

We previously mentioned the Deep Creek Lake First-Day hike but there are a number of local and state-wide First-Day Hikes planned for January 1st 2018, including Herrington Manor and New Germany.

The northern snakehead is a non-native species that has “invaded” the eastern waters of the state. One containment challenge has been its ability to “walk” between bodies of water. While not in the waters of western Maryland, we thought you might be interested in this story about a Wake Forest researcher studying the fish’s walking abilities.

According to MRIS and Mike Kennedy at Railey Realty, there were 181 homes for sale at Deep Creek Lake as of December 1st. There were 224 homes sold year-to-date with an average sales price of $526,542.

Thank you to Friendsville resident Pat H. for this icy view of the Yough River:

Youghiogheny River Lake with ice in Friendsville, MD

Thursday December 28

 

Yesterday was pretty cold, with the weather in Swanton at 8:00pm down to 4 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather for today will remain cold; partly sunny with highs reaching 14 degrees.

There was a sanitary sewer overflow of approximately 3,200 gallons on Lake Shore Drive on Tuesday afternoon, apparently due to a sewer tap breakage. The Department of Public Works responded to the problem and contained the leak and the Department of Health was contacted and deemed no public health risk from the situation.

Hungry? Well the critters at the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center are! Today at 2:00pm you can watch the animals at the Discovery Center as they eat their lunch. There’s also a participatory session on birds in the Science Room at 11:00am.

Speaking of the Discovery Center, they are holding their annual First Day Hike on January 1st. Those interested can meet at the Discovery Center by 10:00am for the 2.5-mile-long hike on the moderate-grade Beckman’s Trail led by Naturalist Will Williams. Dress for the weather and have a complimentary hot chocolate after the hike.

Herrington Manor State Park issued a ski report for cross country skiers yesterday. They reported that four inches of “extremely light fluff” fell overnight and into early yesterday morning, on top of the one-inch base. Trails are not groomed. There are no ski rentals as of yesterday. For more information call them at 301-334-9180.

Two Garrett County organizations received $2,500 from the Tucker Community Foundation through its annual Fall Grant Program. The Garrett Community College Foundation fund for student assistance received $1,500 and Garrett County Community Action free tax prep and financial education program received $1,000.

The Maryland Economic Development Association’s yearly legislative economic outlook conference is scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2018 at the Governor Calvert House in Annapolis. Public and private sector leaders will share their thoughts on economic development related topics that will be considered during the upcoming 2018 legislative session.

The County Government has posted that Garrett County does not allow prepayments for property tax bills; however, they do allow overpayments. Any overpayment will sit as a credit on the customer’s account and be applied to any subsequent year’s tax bill. They do not pay interest on “overpayments. Please check with your financial advisor concerning the possible tax implications of making an overpayment.

Wednesday December 27

 

Partly sunny today with some snow showers. High of 14 degrees.

Ever wonder what a hawk or eagle eats? Well, you can find out at the Discovery Center today at 2:00pm. You’ll learn about their individual stories and also facts about their species. There’s also a session with the Center’s roving naturalists starting at 11:00am.

We watched the newest Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi, on Saturday. A little “long” but the second half was action-packed. Good family entertainment for anyone interested in an indoor activity this week.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources just completed trout stocking in Garrett County, with both the Yough and Deep Creek Lake stocked. The DNR has also called our attention to the ban on felt-soled waders in state waters. It appears that the felt provides a “medium” for the transfer of an algae known as “Rock Snot” (yes, you read that right). A serious issue.

Gov. Larry Hogan has announced a series of new initiatives to spur job creation and economic growth in Maryland and further establish the state’s leadership in key STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) industries.Hogan pledged to introduce new legislation in the upcoming session to expand on the More Jobs for Marylanders Act, which was passed in the 2017 session and went into effect June 1.

Netflix recently released a 6-part documentary hybrid series, aptly named Wormwood, on CIA biochemist Frank Olson’s mysterious and untimely death following his visit to Deep Creek Lake in the fall of 1953. Dubbed by the official CIA papers as the “Deep Creek Rendezvous,” this trip would turn out to be the central turning point in a major CIA scandal.

Smoke alarm law reminder: The law requires the replacement of any battery-only operated smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old with a unit powered by a 10-year sealed-in battery having a “Hush” button feature – ultimately affecting more than 800,000 Maryland homes with battery- only operated smoke alarms.  The effective date for this requirement to be completed by is January 1, 2018.

Notice of Sanitary Sewer Overflow

Due to activities associated with repairing a discharge line on Lake Shore Drive, Garrett County Department of Public Utilities (DPW-U) experienced a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) of approximately 3,200 gallons yesterday. At no time was service to DPW-U customers interrupted.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday December 26, 2017, the Garrett County Department of Public Works – Utilities Division – Maintenance Division experienced a sanitary sewer overflow at 392 Lake Shore Dr.  The SSO occurred during the repair of a broken discharge line from the grinder pump serving 392 Lake Shore Drive.  It was determined that the 1 ½-inch service tap broke at the main and could not be isolated with the valve.

Workers moved quickly to minimize the impact of the broken service tap and, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the DPW-U tanker arrived on site to contain the leak.  Subsequently, two other privately owned tankers were dispatched to assist with the containment and repair operation. At approximately 6:30 p.m., DPW-U personnel completed repairs to service lateral and tap serving 392 Lake Shore Drive and returned the system to service.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on December 26, 2017, DPW-U personnel contacted the Garrett County Health Department (GCHD).  Due to the weather conditions and ice cover on the lake in the area of the spill, water sampling could not be accomplished by DPW-U.  GCHD deemed no public health risk from this situation. Therefore, no signage or warnings were issued.

Out of an abundance of caution, DPW-U personnel applied hydrated lime to the affected ground.

 

Tuesday December 26

 

Partly cloudy, a low of 5 today and a high reaching 17. Chance of snow this afternoon and winds are 15-20mph and gusting to 40mph.

We Garrett Countians were fortunate to have a beautiful white Christmas yesterday. I drove down to Oakland to check on a friend’s chickens (long story) and just about everything but Sheetz and 7-Eleven were closed, with only a few cars on the road. We hope you were with friends and family and had a great holiday. We sure did.

This one’s for the birds! Actually, the Discovery Center is holding a session in the Science Room today showing how birds fly, see and hunt. This event is interactive and participatory throughout the entire hour. The event is free and starts at 11:00am. There’s also a session called First Impressions scheduled for 2:00pm.

Don’t forget to check out our local retailers for after-Christmas sales. I know Schoolhouse Earth has one, as does Bear Creek Traders.

The Ruth Enlow Library recently set new policies for the circulation of materials to patrons, to be effective as of January 2nd. Patrons may now check out up to 100 items at one time, with exceptions. All materials may now be checked out for three weeks, again with exceptions. They may not have updated their website yet, so ask at the library about the new policy.

We heard that the Garrett County/Deep Creek Lake episode of Lake House Hunters will air on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2018 at 6:00pm on HGTV. Be sure to check your local listings to confirm. We’ll share more when we can.

HART’s Fur Ball Casino is back at Dutch’s New Year’s Eve. Includes Hors D’oeuvres, silent auction and casino games. Goes from 6:00pm – 11:30pm this Sunday in the banquet room on the lower level. All proceeds benefit HART!

Just a suggestion for our readers: With all of the talk about the new tax law that goes into effect in 2018, it is easy to forget that there are things most of us can do to lower taxes this year. Perhaps talk to your tax advisor to discuss maximizing your 2017 deductions, before the rates go down.

 

Friday December 22, Saturday December 23, Sunday December 24, Monday December 25

 

Cloudy with a chance of rain today and tomorrow; highs in the high 40s to low 50s. Weather on Sunday and Monday will be cooler with a chance of snow showers both days. Sunday’s high will be 32 degrees with Monday’s high only reaching 22 degrees.

According to the American Automobile Association, over 100 million people will be traveling from Saturday through Monday. There will likely be a few storms present around the country, so check the weather. Garrett County appears right on the border, so we may be in for a mix or some snow.

The Ruth Enlow Library in Grantsville will be having a Christmas open house today at 3:30pm. Lynn Barnes-Dale will be performing Celtic music on her harp, crafts will be available and refreshments will be provided. Contact Kim at 301-895-5298 ext. 0141 or kim@relib.net.

MoonShadow has entertainment for a few days/nights this weekend.

Don’t forget that the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center is open every day from 10:00am – 4:00pm from the 22nd to the 31st (closed Christmas day). They have some nice programs for all ages.

‘Tis the season for giving. The latest World Giving Index shows that Americans are among the world’s most generous people, ranking No. 5 out of 140 countries. And, a recent study by WalletHub ranked Maryland second most charitable state. Way to go!

Looking to get a few last-minute gifts, or goodies for a holiday celebration? Please consider shopping local and please also support our advertisers. They are great locally-owned businesses with great, community-centered owners.

Here’s an interesting video and article from the Baltimore Sun on the debate going on around wind turbines in the Dan’s Mountain area (and elsewhere). It seems to me that energy, whether fossil or renewable, generates a lot of “discussion” these days. We are not taking a position at all, but we thought our readers would enjoy this article.

Bernard the Bear is a new symbol for drug and alcohol prevention in Garrett County. He is sponsored by the Garrett County Drug-Free Communities Coalition (DFCC) and can take messages to events throughout the county, making a fun interactive display including selfies and sometimes prizes. Learn more about Bernard the Bear on the Garrett County Health Department website.

We will back with a new Daily Notes on Tuesday, December 26th. We wish all of our readers and their families a safe, happy and joyous Christmas season.

Deborah Carpenter Graduates from Leadership Maryland

Garrett County director of Planning & Land Management and McHenry resident recognized at December 5 ceremony:

Leadership Maryland announced today that Deborah Carpenter, AICP, Director of the Garrett County Department of Planning and Land Management has completed the professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. Leadership Maryland honored Carpenter, a resident of McHenry, and the entire Class of 2017 at its 25th annual graduation ceremony held December 5 at the Lord Baltimore Hotel.

Carpenter was one of 52 applicants chosen by committee to complete Leadership Maryland’s eight-month hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I feel especially honored to congratulate Leadership Maryland’s silver anniversary graduating class on beginning their lifelong inclusion in a very special club,” said Leadership Maryland Board Chairman Eric Brotman ‘09, president and managing principal, Brotman Financial Group. “These graduates have had experiences and built relationships over the past eight months that will impact their career, life, and our state for many years to come. After 25 years, the influence Leadership Maryland’s program and alumni have had on the State of Maryland is immeasurable, and the Class of 2017 should be very proud to now be a part of this organization’s rich history.”

Leadership Maryland is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in either their careers and/or their communities. Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland’s most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state. For more information about Leadership Maryland, please visit www.LeadershipMD.org, call 410-841-2101 or email Info@LeadershipMD.org.

Deborah Carpenter Graduates from Leadership MD

About Leadership Maryland
Leadership Maryland is a professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. Each year, as many as 52 diverse and accomplished executives from Maryland’s public and private sectors are selected to come together as a class for an eight-month hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. The first Leadership Maryland class graduated in 1993, and the organization’s alumni network now consists of more than 1,100 leaders from all industries and regions of the state. To learn more, please call Leadership Maryland at 410-841-2101 or visit www.LeadershipMD.org.

Thursday December 21

 

Increasing clouds today; low temperature of 27 degrees and a high temperature of 37 degrees.

It’s Team Trivia Night at Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry this evening, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Prizes are awarded.

According to AccuWeather a white Christmas (defined as having an inch or more of snow on the ground on December 25th) is possible for the Deep Creek area, but not likely. Well, there’s a chance…

The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling announced yesterday that the 2018 Residential Refuse Permits are available now. The 2017 permits will expire on December 31, 2017. The Permits utilize a radio frequency identification system (RFID) that allows the permit to be scanned for validity at each collection site.

Julie Westendorff has been named Executive Director of the Allegany Arts Council, taking over that role in January 2018 from the retiring Chris Sloan. Best of luck to you both. The Allegany Arts Council does some great work, with lots of things to see and do this time of year.

Good news for small business owners: The Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation is streamlining the annual business filing process in Maryland by updating the paperwork all entities are required to file with the state.

Speaking of small businesses in Maryland, the “Open for Business’ strategy may be working based on some of the recent stats.

The Northern High School’s FFA members spent Saturday, December 16, 2017, laying Christmas wreaths on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery and touring the White House.

Northern Garrett High School in Deep Creek Lake

The members of AAUW-Garrett Branch are saddened by the recent loss of their long-time Treasurer and member of the Executive Officers, Linda May. Linda believed at the highest level in the power of education, especially STEM education and particularly for women. To honor her, AAUW-Garrett Branch has established a scholarship in her name. To make a contribution to the scholarship or for additional information, please contact Judy A. Carbone, President, AAUW-Garrett Branch, judy@corgi-cottage.com or 301-616-5036.

Don’t forget to check out our online marketplace – for more info a very nice desk was recently added.

Local Libraries Begin “Winter Reads” for Adults on January 2

The Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County will begin a Winter Reads program for adults at all branches in January 2018. “What better way to pass a Garrett County winter than to cozy up with one good book after another that you’ve borrowed from our library,” said Bonnie Winters, the library’s PR specialist. “Our success with the adult Summer Reading Program has prompted us to run a Winter Reads initiative system-wide, with incentives and informal book reviews at the conclusion.”

The Winter Reads program runs from January 2 to March 30, 2018. Participants should sign up beginning January 2 at their local branch, at which time they will receive a reading log to complete and turn in no later than March 31. Those who return their logs, read or listen to at least 5 books of their own choosing, and write two short reviews (less than 100 words) will receive a Bistro ceramic mug imprinted with the library logo and be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate at a local business. There is a limit of one mug per participant. Separate drawings will be held at each branch for a gift certificate.

At the conclusion of the program, each branch will hold an informal Winter Reads Book Review, at which time attendees can share their thoughts about a book read during the program. Those who participate in this event will receive a second chance in the gift certificate drawing. Dates planned for the book reviews are as follows: Oakland – April 2, 6 p.m.; Accident – April 4, 5:30 p.m.; Grantsville – April 2, 6 p.m.; Friendsville – April 2, 5 p.m.; Kitzmiller – to be determined.

Support for this program is provided by the Western Maryland Regional Library, the regional resource center for the public libraries of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties

A listing of events and services at the Ruth Enlow Library is available on the website at www.relib.net. Follow the library on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RuthEnlowLibrary

Miller awarded occupational scholarship at Garrett College

Cordale D. Miller, a 2017 graduate of Northern High School, recently received the Occupational Scholarship, as part of the Garrett County Scholarship Program. Miller is a resident of Grantsville and is currently enrolled in the Class A CDL truck driving program at Garrett College.

As of July 2015, graduates from Garrett County high schools are eligible to enroll in workforce development programs, such as welding, machining, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), truck driving, phlebotomy, and other allied health programs. Through the Garrett County Scholarship Program, he or she may be eligible for tuition assistance to complete any of the above programs.

For more information on workforce development training programs, or the occupational scholarship, contact Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 301-387-3069.

Wednesday December 20

 

Mostly cloudy today; high and low temperature in the low 30s.

The HART animal adoption wing open house is today from 1:00am – 7:00pm at HART for Animals in McHenry. Check out their adoptable pets and bring your own (on a leash).

Moonshadow in McHenry is holding their monthly Acoustic Rock Jam this evening from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. You can bring your instrument and join in on the open jam or just sit back and take it all in. Contact info@moonshadowcafe.com for more information:

Dinner out tonight? Check out the Wednesday specials from our advertisers, including locals’ night at Mountain State Brewing Company, Steak Night at Penn Alps and Crab Cake night at Black Bear to name a few. Tell them Deep Creek Times sent you.

FYI, early bird pricing for PACE in Annapolis ends on January 3rd. If you are going, it’s time to register and get a hotel reserved.

Railey Realty agent Michael Cumerlato shared this photos of black bears with us:

Railey Realty photo of Bears at Deep Creek Lake

FirstEnergy Foundation recently made a gift to the I Can Swim! program. Since 2011, the I Can Swim! program has successfully taught water safety and swimming to more than 2,300 children at the CARC. This is a great program and I highly recommend it if you are a parent or grandparent. Thanks for the gift FirstEnergy!

In Ready or Not? Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters and Bioterrorism, a report issued by the Trust for America’s Health yesterday, Maryland achieved six of 10 key indicators of public health preparedness. Give this interesting report a look.

Tuesday December 19

 

Partly cloudy today; warmer. Patchy fog and a chance of light rain this morning tapering off in the afternoon. Winds are gusty and could reach 35mph.

We heard that the Garrett County Arts Council had a very nice holiday party on Sunday. Hats off to this hardworking group that helps make our County the great place that it is.

HABco is holding a holiday open house today from 12 Noon until 5pm in the Farmhouse Fete building on Rt. 42. Hot chocolate and cookies for free! If you want to stay, get some work done and use the coworking space: high-speed internet, coffee, cookies, good company, and cute furniture. Just $10.

The Garrett County Commissioners are holding their December meeting at the Courthouse in Oakland this afternoon starting at 4:00pm.

Its Gameshow Night this evening at MoonShadow in McHenry from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. It is free to play and they are planning to make this a regular event.

Congratulations! Four FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams will advance to the Maryland State FLL Championship in February on the campus of UMBC. Teams were judged based on overall performance in three areas: Project, Robot Design, and Teamwork and the four teams advancing are NeXT GEN, iLEGO, Turbo Technology, and the Cre8tors.

Bill’s Marine just announced they will start taking reservations for boat rentals for the 2018 season beginning January 2nd. I believe you need to rent for two days to reserve in advance. Call them at 301.387,5536 for more information.

The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling announced holiday hours for landfill and collection sites yesterday. They will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

We are sad to report that the tree/light show in front of the old Armory in Oakland was damaged last week. High winds took the fixture down and it cannot be repaired this season.

Deep Creek Lake enjoyed an awesome sunrise over the weekend; thanks to Jared Feather for sharing his view at Wisp Resort:

Picturesque Sunrise over Wisp Resort at Deep Creek Lake

 

 

2nd Annual Police Providing Presents

On Saturday, December 16, 2017 Garrett County hosted the 2nd Annual Police Providing Presents event.  Volunteers from all five (05) Garrett County law enforcement agencies along with the Garrett County Department of Social Services, Garrett County Schools, Garrett County Health Department and Americorps partnered together to help make the event possible.

The nationwide event may be called different names, but the event meaning stays the same.  The event provided selected children through Garrett County Schools the opportunity to be paired with members from the Maryland State Police, Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland Natural Resource Police, Oakland City Police and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office who spent the day as partners.

The event started by the officers picking up their partner for the day, shopping for gifts at the Oakland WalMart, and attending a luncheon with activities at the Garrett County Fairgrounds.  The activities included vehicle (police, fire truck and ambulance) demonstrations, ornament building and cookie decorating.  The gifts were wrapped during the activities by volunteers for the children to take home to their families.

We would like to give a special thanks to Oakland Walmart, Garrett County Fair Board, Crossroads Church, Deep Creek Fire Department, Garrett County Emergency Services, Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), Bricingarde Excavating LLC, MSP Cumberland Explorers Post 52, Southern High Honor Society, event volunteers and all of the citizens, businesses and churches who made donations to the program.  Without the generosity of all involved the event would not have been possible.

The annual Police Providing Present event was again a great success.  Those wishing to donate for next year’s event scheduled for Saturday December 15, 2018 can make donations in the form of check or money orders to Garrett County Department of Social Services (GCDSS), 12578 Garrett Highway, Oakland, Maryland 21550 and specify “Police Providing Presents.” Although the preferred method is checks or money orders, cash donations are acceptable and can be dropped off in person at GCDSS.

A list of businesses and churches that donated to the event were:
AEI Builders Allegany Hearing and Balance Automotive Machine Back Nine Sportsman’s Grill Beachwood Club Bernard Realty BYCO Enterprises, Inc. Christ Lutheran Church Clear Mountain Bank Crossroads Church Custer Auctions Deep Creek Enterprises Deep Creek Vol. Fire Department Deer Park Sportsman’s Club Eagle Rock Construction Fairfax First Peoples Credit Union First United Bank and Trust Four Seasons Stitchery Inc. Fraternal Order of Police Townhill Lodge #77 Garrett County Orthopedics Garrett Orthopedics Physical Therapy and Rehab Germain HVAC Glamour Ray Apparel Glotfelty Tires GMS Mine Repair and Maintenance Grantsville Vol. Fire Department Green Acres Lawn and Garden Hair and Faces by Tina Heilig’s Electric Helbig’s Jewelers J. Gregory Law J.A. Cecil LLC Karen Miller, Inc. Lou & Sue Battistella and the Greenburg Bloodhound Team Lowes Martin’s Auto Body, Hutton Midway Discount Liquors Mountainside Technologies, Inc. MSP Lodge 40 Napa Auto Parts Oak Grove Church of the Brethren Oakland Elks OC Cluss Patriot Chrysler Dodge and Jeep Phenix Technologies, Inc. Planners Consulting Group, Inc. PMS Home Rentals Precision Painting Premium Collision Center Proctor Kildow American Legion Red White and Blue Innovations Reliable Property Maintenance and Consulting Ridgely Rafters, Inc. Rite Price Market Rush Services, Inc. Samantha’s Funding the Arts Schrocks (Tractors) Snazzi Stitches Total Biz Fullfillment Totally Teasin Town of Oakland Walmart WEPCO Federal Credit Union WGW Foundation Woodman of the World, Oakland Garrett County ABATE Chapter Garrett County FOB Lodge #99 Arrowhead Deli Ledo Pizza Little Caesar’s, Grantsville McDonald’s, Oakland Subway, Deep Creek Lake Funland Wisp Resort Brenda’s Pizzeria Property Management Services

Monday December 18

 

Temperatures in the 30s today; possible scattered snow showers in the morning and possible scattered rain showered in the afternoon. Winds could gust to 30mph.

There were actually a few ice fishermen on McHenry cove Saturday. Couldn’t believe it as the ice could not have been very thick. There were also a number of folks on the tubing hill at Wisp. The winter season is definitely upon us.

The Ruth Enlow Library will be holding its Board of Trustees meeting this evening at 5:00pm at the Oakland branch. The meeting is open to the public.

The Library has also rescheduled two Community Conversations that were cancelled due to weather conditions. Accident Library will hold its conversation on Wednesday, December 27 at 6:00pm; Kitzmiller Library will hold its conversation on Thursday, December 28 at 6:00pm.

Please think about your safety and that of your family during the holidays. Check out this video that shows a Christmas tree fire grow in under a minute. Please be careful and for the record, we are not endorsing any insurance company… just your safety!

The Chamber of Commerce has announced that the next Business Before Hours on January 16, 2018 will feature an Economic Forecast by Dr. J.D. Foster, senior vice president, Economic Policy Division and chief economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The event will be held from 8:00 am – 9:30am in the Crawford Room at Wisp Resort.

On a final note, I wanted to make sure you all knew that today is officially “Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day” … I am not making this one up! Have a great Monday…

Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area to offer Project Ideas & Information Webinar

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area will be offering a free webinar on Tuesday, December 19th to encourage heritage project development and access to grant funding.

“The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area is now 6 years old and we have seen amazing developments of our heritage and cultural resources in Garrett County since the inception of the Heritage Area,” said Jen Durben, Heritage Area & Groups Director. “We want to encourage that development to continue by showcasing past projects, nurturing the creation of new project ideas and sharing information on accessing the MHAA grant program to fund those projects.”

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) FY19 Project Grant program will be open for applications in late January and Garrett County organizations are encouraged to submit projects for funding. The webinar will provide a general overview of the grant program as well as an idea session to inspire creativity in local organizations for projects that may receive grant funds, including: eligibility information, past project examples, and the importance of utilizing our four heritage area themes of transportation, historic recreation, man & nature, and cultural uniqueness in the project submission.

The MHAA Project Grant program provides funding up to $50,000 for non-capital and $100,000 for capital heritage projects located within the 13 heritage areas. Grants can support projects involving historical, cultural or natural resources, sites, events or facilities. Eligible projects must have a heritage tourism component or contribute to research that will directly inform a heritage tourism product.

The webinar will be held Tuesday, December 19th at 2pm. To register for this grant webinar or for questions, contact Jen Durben, Heritage Area & Groups Director at jen@garrettchamber.com or call 301-387-5238. To learn more about this and other grant opportunities, visit www.garrettheritage.com.

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area is a program of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce which supports heritage tourism in Garrett County through technical assistance and grant opportunities with a focus on heritage related initiatives that preserve valuable heritage resources and enhance tourism in the County.  As a state certified heritage area, effort is made to create public and private partnerships to preserve historical, cultural and natural resources focusing on under-utilized resources fostering a greater sense of community pride.