Tuesday February 6

Feb 6, 2018

A chance of snow showers mostly this morning; up to an inch of accumulation possible. High of 30 degrees, low of 23 degrees. Late tonight and early tomorrow morning we can see new snow of 1-3 inches and maybe some sleet and freezing rain.

Oakland Jazzercise is partnering with GRMC’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center to build healthier hearts this month during American Heart Month. Community members can join the Oakland Jazzercise challenge for $50 and receive unlimited classes in February. A portion of fees go towards a new rowing machine for the Rehab Center.

The Chamber is currently seeking sponsors for their Business Before Hours for March 20th (Maryland Elections Preview) and November 20th (Tourism Update). The fee for sponsorship is $500. Contact Jenny Kahler at 301-387-5237 for more information.

Financial website SmartAsset.com just released an analysis of state property taxes and concluded Garrett County ranks fifth in the state for “bang for the buck” based on their methodology.  FYI, they are not an advertiser and I did not scrutinize their data or methodology.

Get a buzz: Garrett College in coordination with the University of Maryland Extension is sponsoring a course on Beekeeping at the College’s Southern Outreach Center. Sessions will be held Tuesdays, February 20th to April 10th, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Call Continuing Education at 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.

Here’s something different: Ranger Lewis will lead a night hike to explore New Germany’s Ice House Loop Trail under the winter night sky. Candle luminaries will light the path and set the tone for this easy-to-moderate, 1-mile hike starting at 7:00pm on February 17th.

Parents and grandparents: Each year about 486,000 individuals are seen for a burn-related injury. Almost a quarter of these injuries happened to children under the age of 15. A new campaign to raise awareness and avoidance is being promoted by the Office of the State Fire Marshall.

Monday February 5

Feb 5, 2018

After a snowy and slushy Sunday, today will be snowy until about noon with accumulations of about an inch. Temps will be a high of 20 but feel like -6 with wind chill; low of 15 degrees.

For all you Cross Country ski enthusiasts, Herrington manor reported yesterday morning that they had a base of 2 – 4 inches on the trails and were renting skis. I would call them at 301.334.9180 for current conditions.

Many of our readers tuned into the Super Bowl. Here’s a few fun facts from the Wall Street Journal: Well over 100 million folks viewed the game, driving the cost of a 30 second commercial to about $5 million, with the largest sector of advertisers being auto companies.

Oakland is holding their monthly Town Council meeting this evening starting at 5:00pm in the Town Hall.

Smiley’s Bar and Grill is offering a free Nutella stuffed cookie dessert today in honor of World Nutella Day! No purchase required.

The Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake is requesting property owners to support the State Lakes Protection Fund by supporting Senate Bill 501 and House Bill 801.  Please check out their information. The lake a key economic engine for our County and we need it to remain healthy.

Plan now for next Monday evening’s Family Game Night at the Grantsville Branch of the Ruth Enlow Library. It is free and runs from 4:00pm – 7:30pm.

Want to know the complete legislative package proposed by the Governor?  Here it is for your reading pleasure. There will be a test!

Finally, State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci would like to remind Marylanders that possessing and using FLAMETHROWERS is illegal. So, if you have been carrying around a flamethrower in your car trunk, or purse, stop it. Now!

There is a newly listed hot tub for sale in our online marketplace – check it out!

Reader Melanie West sent us this awesome video of Tolliver Falls in Swallow Falls State Park from over the weekend:

Friday February 2, Saturday February 3, Sunday February 4

Feb 2, 2018

Cold. Some snow accumulation through the morning today with highs of 13 feeling like -9. And, we are currently under the Snow Emergency Plan so be careful out there today. Saturday’s weather will be partly sunny and with wind chills remaining negative. Sunday will bring more snow and some rain. Highs near 36 degrees with little expected accumulation.

Don’t forget to check out our events listing.  We mentioned some of the events this weekend in yesterday’s Notes, but there’s other events going on as well.  

Just heard the Rural Maryland Council (RMC) has joined forces with the Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Program, an incentive program that raises awareness about registered apprenticeships and encourages job seekers and businesses to engage in apprenticeship opportunities. The RMC, the only agency in Maryland dedicated solely to rural development, will help spread the word about the power of apprenticeship to Maryland’s workers and job creators.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you may want to check-out the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania starting this weekend and running through February 11th.

MoonShadow in McHenry has some good music planned for this weekend. Friday at 8:00pm, its Union Sound Treaty, followed by Matt Borror & Mudcracker on Saturday, also at 8:00pm, and Jill Marie at Noon on Sunday.

Thanks go out to the Warriors of Wisp (W.O.W.). They were formed in the Spring of 2017 to foster a healthy lifestyle and to help community organizations and they just gave a check for $1,660 to help Blind Skiers through the Deep Creek Lake Lion’s Club.  Thanks folks.  Great job!

The 2018 State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund bill has been introduced into the General Assembly and a Senate hearing is scheduled for February 13th.  Friends of Deep Creek Lake is seeking to spread the word to gain support for this important bill that can help sustain our lake.

The next Chamber Business After Hours will be held next Thursday evening from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at Western Maryland Dermatology on Deep Creek Drive.

WARRIORS OF WISP TEAM DONATE FUND TO BLIND SKIER PROGRAM

Feb 2, 2018

In spring of 2017, the Warriors of Wisp (W.O.W.) Team was conceived from a group of Wisp employees and friends with several goals; to foster and maintain a healthy lifestyle and fundraise for local community organizations.  The W.O.W. Team chose the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club as the benefactor for the RUN FOR IT 5K presented by the Tucker Community Foundation.  After five months of fundraising projects, including selling pepperoni rolls and movie tickets, the W.O.W. Team raised a total of $1,660 and in October 2017, they put months of training to the test at the RUN FOR IT 5K held in Davis, WV.  A check for $1,660 was presented to the Deep Creek Lake Lion’s Club on December 12, 2017 by members of the W.O.W. Team.  

“We’ve had a lot of fun so far all while dedicating ourselves to healthier lifestyles, challenged ourselves, and raised money for a great cause. We’re just getting started,” said W.O.W. Team Captain Lisa Ratliff.  The W.O.W. team formed in May 2017 with the goal of participating in 5K races and debuted at the Tucker Community Foundation’s RUN FOR IT event held in Davis, WV in October and participated in a second event later that month.  The team is currently recruiting new members and making plans for 2018 with goals of participating in a 5k race every quarter, returning to RUN FOR IT, and holding another charity fundraiser. The W.O.W. Team plans to continue fundraising and participating in 5K races throughout 2018.

ABOUT DEEP CREEK LAKE LION’S CLUB Since 1925, Lions Clubs everywhere have been ‘knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness’ and for over three decades, the Deep Creek Lake Lions have done just that by bringing visually impaired children to the Deep Creek Lake area to enjoy recreation and activities throughout the seasons. During the winter, the students ski at Wisp Resort with the assistance of special equipment and local high school and adult volunteers. They also enjoy hearty breakfasts prepared by the Lions Club and pizza dinners where they trade stories from the slopes with the club members and each other. During the summer, the club sets up tents for the students at Deep Creek Lake State Park, where they spend the days tubing on the lake and the nights roasting marshmallows by the fire. Local attractions also donate their services to allow the students to experience the fun of the mountain coaster, bumper cars and go-carts. In addition to these programs, the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club also assists local vision-impaired citizens with eyeglasses and doctor bills and manages the community park on Bumble Bee Road. 

Pictured from left to right: Wendy Friend, Nancy Geisler, Ken Bush (Deep Creek Lion’s Club President), Lisa Ratliff (Warriors of Wisp Team Captain), Angela Thomason, and Debbie Fickes.
*WOW members not present: Patty Manown Mash, Shirin K. Kavyani, Deb Kenney, Lori Zaloga, Carol Hauser, Wanda Mayle, Heather Bosley, Brianna Bosley, and Amanda Tout.

Thursday February 1

Feb 1, 2018

The weather is expected to be a little iffy today: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 10am, then rain showers likely between 10am and 2pm, then rain and snow showers after 2pm. High near 40. Southwest wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected during the day but 1-3 inches expected overnight.

Don’t forget to check out our movie listings for Garrett 8, as some of them change after today.

Its Team Trivia Night at Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry this evening.  This is a free, fun game where prizes are awarded.  Team Trivia goes from 6:00pm – 8:30pm

There is a lot going on this weekend: Saturday is a Superhero and Princess Dance Party at 10:45am and the Winter Farmer’s Market at 11:00am. On Sunday, there is an opportunity for the famous Bittinger Fire Department wings (carry out only) for your Super Bowl Party! Check out the Deep Creek Times events page for more.

Also, here’s your chance to have that dream you’ve been wondering about interpreted. Yes, that one, or any other one for that matter. Smoke-N-Mirrors gallery in Oakland is hosting a Free Dream Workshop this Saturday starting at 2:00pm. It is hosted by Garrett County’s own Rose Gordy.

This sunrise was captured by Diane Lee yesterday morning. WOW!

Photo by Diane Lee

Terry Helbig and his team at the Oakland B&O Train Museum in Oakland are looking for ideas for speakers for their summer lecture series. It’s a great series covering railroading and Garrett County history.  Drop Terry a line if you have a suggestion or idea.  He can be reached at terryhelbig@yahoo.com

Join the Allegany Arts Council for a unique exhibition from artists who’ve taught and studied at Touchstone Center for Crafts, an artistic development center one hour southeast of Pittsburgh. Come learn more about metalworking, ceramics, wood-fired pottery and support this growing group of craftsmen. The exhibition runs from February 3rd through the 17th. 

Local Lakeside Creamery owner Bill Meagher was featured in this University of Wisconsin-Madison article for the ice cream workshop he taught recently.