The weather for today will be sunny with a high near 56 degrees and a low near 42 degrees.
As we enter the warm weather selling season for lake properties, I thought I would mention this analysis of home listing features conducted by Zillow Research. Their scientific study of over three million home sales over the last few years identified some features that helped price or time-on-market.
Today is the last day to get your guesses in for our “Where Am I Contest“. Send us your guess — correct answers are entered to win a $25 Dutch’s At Silver Tree Gift Card!
Former long-time (and well-known) Allegany College of Maryland basketball coach Bob Kirk has passed away. His name is on the college’s basketball arena and physical education center.
The All Things Home Expo, presented by the Home Builders Association of Western Maryland will be at the Garrett County Fairgrounds on May 5th and 6th.
The Taste of Garrett fundraising event is coming again on Sunday, May 6th. From 4:00pm – 7:00pm. This is always a great event that benefits Garrett Trails.
Don’t forget the Race Up the Face before the “Taste” celebration begins: A 400 meter length with a 124 meter (407 ft) ascent UP The Face (a black diamond ski trail).
How big a deal was it to create the Sideling Hill “cut” on I-68 that many of us drive through so often? It is a welcome sign that I’m on my way “home”! Here’s an image taken during construction in 1984 that puts the effort into perspective.
Showers likely today with a high temperature of 57 and a low temperature of 44. Saturday, showers in the morning then turning partly sunny but then back to showers through the night; low of 29. A slight chance of snow on Sunday with high temp of 44 and low temp of 32.
We will be updating the site to our May edition next Tuesday and we are looking for an awesome cover photo! Will you send us what you have? Also, don’t forget we are always collecting photos for our cover, our gallery and our featured photo of the month pages — email is best: info@deepcreektimes.com or tag us on instagram!
Here’s something different: Members and guests will gather to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the Youghiogheny Glades Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Friday afternoon from 2:00pm – 3:30pm at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library.
There’s too much to list going on around the lake this weekend. Go to our events page to learn more about concerts, book signings, wine tastings and tours, brunches, and disc golf competitions and more.
The Ruth Enlow Library announced Thursday that it received a donation to its Early Literacy program from the Community Trust Foundation (CTF) through the Crimson Shamrock Literacy Fund. This will help the library add early literacy backpacks to its circulating collection as part of the library’s family engagement initiative. Way to go!
The Little Yough Summer Music Festival Committee is currently in the planning stage for its 22nd year! There are eight dates scheduled for this year’s lineup and it takes approximately $15,000 to break-even so they are looking for sponsors/donations. Contact Michelle Ross at mainstreetgoba@gmail.com for more information.
Technology meets the great outdoors: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is launching new mobile-friendly volunteer angler surveys, making it easy to turn a fishing trip into scientific research by submitting catch data right from a phone.
The Garrett County Board of Education (BOE) is in the process of developing a strategic plan for the school system and they is seeking feedback on the preliminary report of strategic issues from community members, including parents, staff, students and Garrett County residents.
So, what do Mah-Jongg, windmills, mazes, Gettysburg and churches have in common? They are all topics in May’s Garrett Institute of Lifelong Learning programming. Get more details at www.garrettcollege.edu/GILL.
For all you Sci-Fi buffs out there: The premier of The Avengers: Infiniti War at the Garrett 8 Cinemas takes place at a special time (7:00pm – 11:00pm) this evening. Be sure to check out other movies in our movie page as well.
If you are a painter, woodworker, photographer, musician, writer or just have a passion for the arts, you should consider attending The Garrett County Arts Council’s Art’s Connection at Smoke N Mirrors Gallery in Oakland this evening from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Contact GCAC at 301.334.6589 for more information.
This just in for all you creative folks! Maryland Citizens for the Arts will present “Mind Your Business,” a legal and financial education workshop for artists on May 5th at Frostburg State University from 1:00pm – 4:30pm. This traveling event is a symposium to help the state’s creative class better navigate budgets, contracts, copyright laws, insurance, and more.
The Garrett County Workforce Development Partners Summit will be held May 16 from 9:00am – 12:30pm is an opportunity for to share the mission of your organization and learn more about other local workforce resources available.
Yesterday I gave a few facts about the Kentucky Derby. Today I present the full report from WalletHub on the Nation’s most addicted states, along with some related facts. The study estimates that American gamblers experience about $100 billion in gambling losses a year! Want to know where Maryland ranks? Click here. I bet you can’t resist!
Today Samantha Funding The Arts sponsored The Save A Life Tour at Northern High School (yesterday was Southern High School). Students watch a very powerful video about drinking & driving and texting while driving and then get to use the simulators to experience reaction times while drinking & driving and texting while driving.
A Flying Scot sailboat has been recently listed in our Online Marketplace under “Boats”.
The weather for today will be mostly cloudy with a high of 55 and a low of 36 with a light wind; rain expected between 4pm – 10pm.
Give Blood! The Red Cross will be in McHenry today from 10:00am – 4:00pm collecting blood donations. Go to www.redcrossblood.org and type in Garrett College or call 1.800.Red.Cross to schedule an appointment.
Story time this morning starting at 11:00am at the Ruth Enlow Library Grantsville branch. There’s also a Homeschooler Series event at Granstville in the afternoon.
There’s a neat photography course being taught by Jessica Fike this evening from 6:00pm – 8:30pm (plus a second session May 2nd) at the College. Registration is officially closed but I think you can still probably get in. Jessica is a very talented photographer and a great lady. Call the Continuing Education line @ 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.
While Maryland has a strong history in horse racing, nothing beats the Kentucky Derby for pure spectacle. Here’s a few facts I found on the upcoming Kentucky Derby, courtesy of WalletHub.
$209.2 Million – Total amount wagered on the 2017 Kentucky Derby.
$500 to $1,000 – Price of a high-end Kentucky Derby hat (90% of female spectators wear hats).
120K – Number of Mint Juleps served over Kentucky Derby weekend, requiring 1K pounds of fresh mint and 60K pounds of ice.
522,000 – Number of cans of beer that will be consumed. 163,000 hot dogs will be eaten.
$997.19 Million – Worldwide sales of thoroughbred horses in 2017.
I was going to get a new hat, but no-way at those prices!
On Tuesday, Declaration Networks Group Inc. (DNG) and Microsoft Corp. announced a new agreement to deliver broadband internet access to approximately 65,000 people on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including Accomack and Northampton Counties, and Garrett County, Maryland, over the next three years. This partnership is part of Microsoft’s Rural Airband Initiative.
There are 19.4 million people living in rural America without broadband access, including nearly 30 percent of the people in rural Virginia and 6 percent of the people in rural Maryland. Under its NeuBeam™ brand, DNG delivers high-speed internet and voice services using a combination of advanced wireless technologies, including TV White Spaces. Microsoft and DNG aim to address the rural broadband gap for residents and businesses, allowing unserved regions to fully participate in the digital economy through access to technology and services that will enable farmers, healthcare professionals, educators, business leaders and others in the community.
“This partnership with Declaration Networks will help close the rural broadband gap for 65,000 people living on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and in Garrett County, Maryland,” said Shelley McKinley, Microsoft’s head of Technology and Corporate Responsibility. “Broadband is essential for agriculture, education, business and healthcare. Microsoft’s Airband initiative is focused on bringing this necessity to 2 million people in rural America by 2022 and accelerating the national priority of closing the broadband gap.”
“DNG and Microsoft share a commitment to establishing quality broadband solutions for rural America,” said Bob Nichols, CEO of DNG. “Our partnership reflects a shared vision that focuses on an effective plan to align stakeholders, technology and resources for a sustainable path to address the digital divide.”
Closing the rural broadband gap is strongly supported by Virginia and Maryland leaders:
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said, “As a native of the Eastern Shore, I am thrilled that Microsoft is taking action to bring new broadband connectivity to communities that need it. This new effort, in addition to ongoing efforts in state government, will help bridge the digital divide. Connecting rural communities will help create jobs, grow our economy and improve our quality of life. I am happy to celebrate this positive step forward as we work to make our commonwealth work better for all Virginians, no matter who you are or where you live.”
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said, “Reliable access to high-speed internet is critical for Maryland’s small businesses, families and students to thrive in our 21st century economy. We are working diligently to eliminate the rural broadband gap and ensure that all Marylanders have the opportunity to access trusted, cost-effective broadband solutions.”
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner said, “Millions of Americans, particularly in rural America, lack broadband access — a precondition to meaningful participation in the digital economy. That’s millions of people unable to participate in e-commerce, enroll in online courses, receive tele-health services, and get on-demand services. It also means millions of people unable to hone programming skills, engage in telework, or modernize rural industries with broadband. Broadband access doesn’t guarantee a community success, but not having it guarantees that companies aren’t going to even consider you. I applaud efforts like these that seek to close the digital divide, including through innovative last-mile services.”
U.S. Rep. John K. Delaney said, “As the only former CEO of a publicly traded company currently serving in Congress, I know how critical it is to position our businesses, workers and families to best compete in a global digital market. Closing the broadband gap is a critical piece of successful education, entrepreneurship and innovation, and I applaud DNG and Microsoft’s investment in the communities of Garrett County.”
U.S. Rep. Scott Taylor said, “We live in a digital age, where the internet is no longer considered a luxury but a necessary part of everyday life. The widespread lack of internet on the Eastern Shore and across rural Virginia makes these populations especially vulnerable by limiting their access to education, medicine and information services. Thanks to DNG and Microsoft, we can finally begin the process of expanding broadband networks throughout rural Virginia to equip residents, businesses and professionals with the tools needed to succeed in a 21st century economy.”
In addition to commercial partnerships with local companies like Declaration, Microsoft’s Rural Airband Initiativeincludes digital skills training for people in newly connected communities and access to royalty-free patents. Proceeds from Airband connectivity projects will be reinvested into the program to expand broadband to more rural areas.
About Declaration Networks Group
DNG successfully deploys and operates broadband local access solutions in underserved markets with a combination of advanced fiber and wireless to deliver high speed Internet and voice services to residential and business customers. DNG is a recognized leader in developing sustainable broadband eco-systems through cooperative local partnerships that leverage combined resources towards shared goals, to increase access to affordable, quality broadband service and allowing customers to “connect to what matters.” For more information, please visit www.declarationnetworks.com and www.neubeam.com.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve mo
The weather for today will be periods of rain showers all day and most of the evening. A high of 50 and a low of 46 degrees and could get windy.
Tonight is the Spirit Night at Oakland McDonald’s where a portion of sales go to support Garrett County FIRST LEGO League robotics team at the FLL Razorback Invitational at the University of Arkansas in May. From 5:00-8:00pm.
Don’t forget that starting at 9:00am today, CSX will be conducting maintenance at the railroad crossing on Fricks Road, with the expected closure being for three days, dependent on weather and train traffic.
Heard the Reptile Wonders workshops at the Ruth Enlow Library went very well. I have included a photo they sent us. That’s looks like a really big garden snake to me…
Just in case you want to get away for a day or two in May during the royal wedding, the Royal Lancaster hotel in London is offering a taste of royal life. The stately package includes an overnight stay in the hotel’s Royal Suite, with panoramic views over Hyde Park and the London skyline. All for about $5,000/night, not including airfare! I think I’ll be staying at the lake enjoying the mountain air….
The weather for today will be partly sunny, increasing clouds and a high of 60 degrees. Tonight could have rain showers with a high of 48; winds could gust up to 29mph.
Heard the K-12 Arts Fair at the CARC was a huge success Saturday. I had to be at another event on campus, but the art crowd was significant and came away impressed with all the exhibits and performances. Congratulations to all our talented students! By the way, the CARC pool reopens today after a week of cleaning and maintenance.
The Ruth Enlow Library is holding S.T.E.A.M. Kids and also LEGO Club sessions in Oakland, Kitzmiller and Grantsville today. Check our event calendar for details, times and locations.
Hope you all had a great Earth day yesterday. Did you know that Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and that it is now celebrated each year on April 22nd and in 193 countries? This year’s theme was plastic pollution. Here’s a short video by Dr. Jane Goodall, which certainly resonates here in Garrett County as it does globally.
Hey, Have a HART! HART for Animals is holding four fun fundraisers with guest bartenders at a number of local establishments in May. It was a fun time last year and it should be this time around as well.
Attention boaters: Boating accidents have claimed the lives of four people in Maryland so far this year (NOT at DCL). Last year, none of the nine boating victims were wearing life jackets. It only takes 60 seconds for an adult to drown and 20 seconds for a child. Yet, in many cases, life jackets are stowed out of reach or are still in their original wrapping.
CONGRATULATIONS to Jennifer Virts for being named Garrett County Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Virts is an English and theater arts teacher at Northern High School.
The weekend weather will be sunnier! Today will be sunny with a high of 48 and a low of 28, tomorrow will be sunny with a high of 52 and a low of 34 and Sunday will be sunny with a high of 56 and low of 39.
The Muttminster Dog Show is back and will be held Saturday at the Garrett College Special Events Auditorium, from Noon – 5:00pm. This show is a great way to showcase your dog’s beauty, intelligence and friendliness and also demonstrate the joys of adoption. Proceeds benefit HART for Animals.
Say hey to a new advertiser! Smiley’s Fun Zone has just recently announced their Local’s Season Pass. For $50, you can have up to 5 attractions per day from June 1-August 31.
Here’s a blast from the recent past! Traci and Kylie Royce’s famous Get’N Go café and bakery sign hasn’t been up for a while but I thought it still pertinent. Many miss these two great folks and their store (and their chicken salad) but the Royces are doing great! Tell them you saw this…
Rain and snow today; accumulation of less than one inch. High temperature to be 38 degrees and low temperature to be 26. Gusty winds of up to 37mph.
Bring your own needlework – whether it’s knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, or lap quilting and join in for two hours of relaxation and fun from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at the Oakland library.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports that the Walleye season has opened at the lake. They even tell us the best bait and locations and also have some words of caution, along with insight into other fishing opportunities in the state.
If you want to see some impressive local talent check out the 2018 Student Arts Fair this Saturday at the CARC at Garrett College. Student performances and artworks from elementary through high school are scheduled. A number of activities also available. From 9:00am – 2:00pm. Refreshments will be available from the SHS Marching Band.
Garrett College recently made a donation to two charities in support of female empowerment and success, as a result of the production of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play The Vagina Monologues, hosted by the college.
Garrett College students presented a check in the amount of $2,098.31 to the Dove Center, a domestic violence crisis center in Garrett County, while $233.12 was donated to the International One Billion Rising Foundation, an organization that aims to end violence against women. Proceeds included the sale of tickets and merchandise at the event.
Pictured from left to right are: Brandon Jackson, Student Activities Manager at Garrett College; Jordhen Kelsick and Mariah Long, both GC students who participated in the production; Jessica Cooper, representative of the Dove Center; Miyah Myers, GC student who also participated in the production.
Students at Garrett College proudly display their artwork that will be available for the general public to view this coming Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. until 12 noon at the McHenry campus of Garrett College. Pictured, from left to right are: Samantha Michaels, of Accident, with her oil painting and Cassidy Mark, of Oakland, displaying her watercolor painting. Jordyn Thomas, of Oakland, is shown creating a piece of pottery with the wheel.
Artwork will be on display in two locations – the Garrett College Library & Learning Commons, as well as the Art Gallery and art rooms. Light refreshments will be served.
A variety of artwork will be featured, including: paintings, drawings, ceramic sculptures and pottery, woodcut prints, and a linear sculpture installation from students in Professor Ron Skidmore’s Basic Design I, Drawing I, and Ceramics I and II classes.
For more information on the upcoming art show, persons may contact 301-387-3022 or 301-387-3024 or reference@garrettcollege.edu.
Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) held a ribbon cutting April 17th marking the opening of its Health Information Management Department (HIM) at its newly renovated facility in downtown Oakland. The need to move the department from the hospital’s campus on Fourth Street reflects the ongoing growth of the 55-bed acute care hospital, which has seen a nearly 18% increase in Full Time Equivalent positions since 2014.
Approximately 14 people will occupy the new office on Oak Street. The move downtown was made necessary by the planned expansion of the hospital’s Cancer Center, construction of which is scheduled to begin later this spring. With an overall staff of approximately 450 employees, GRMC is one of Garrett County’s largest employers.
“Our hospital continues to grow in terms of the services we provide our community, and the need to shift some personnel offsite reflects the fact that GRMC has had a significant impact on our area’s economy in terms of job creation,” said Mark Boucot, President and CEO of GRMC. “While we’ve seen an 18% increase in full time equivalent positions from 2014 to 2017, that increase is projected to grow to nearly 23% by the end of the 2018 fiscal year on June 30th. That’s about 72 new positions created over four years. We expect that growth to continue as we strive to meet patient needs.”
The hospital’s Health Information Management (HIM) team works with physicians to ensure medical records meet Joint Commission and Health Services Cost Review Commission guidelines and requirements. The staff provides transcription services for the compiling of physician reports, ensuring the reports are available for patient care. Coding staff use the physician reports along with documentation provided by care providers to create appropriate medical codes that allow for reimbursement for services by insurance companies.
“Our HIM team works closely with physicians as well as numerous clinical departments at Garrett Regional Medical Center to ensure the accurate, timely recording of patient information,” noted Mr. Boucot. “HIM plays a key role in striving to ensure that all medical information is coded properly for reimbursement purposes. It’s a very detailed, data-driven process, and our staff does a great job in providing our patients with the information they need, when they need it.”
Approximately 30 people attended the ribbon cutting event, including County Commissioners Larry Tichnell and Jim Hinebaugh, Oakland Mayor Peggy Jamison, Senator George Edwards, Delegate Wendell Beitzel and Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Board Member Phil Rodeheaver.
Another snowy and cool day yesterday. We can’t wait for Spring to arrive…. The weather for today will be mostly sunny with a high of 55 degrees and a low of 39 degrees. We may have some rain showers overnight.
Just a note that Wet and Wild Wednesday at the CARC will NOT be held this evening. The CARC is doing their annual pool maintenance and cleaning this week.
We collect photos of Garrett County and the Mountainside of Maryland is collecting photos of Allegany County — a new photo contest runs through this summer until October 31 and a top prize is $250! Categories are Arts and Entertainment, History and Heritage, Active Outdoor Recreation, & Nature and Scenic Landscapes.
Think Summer! Garrett College is offering a Maryland Boater Safety course at the College’s McHenry campus April 28th from 8:30am to 5:00pm. The Maryland Basic Boating Course is packed full of the basic information one will need to boat safely and enjoy your time on the water. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.
After a cool and snowy Monday, the weather for today will be more of the same. Snow showers throughout the day and into the evening with high temperature of 33 and low of 28. Less than one inch of snow accumulation expected.
There’s a GOBA meeting this evening starting at 6:00pm at Oakland City Hall. They will be hearing updates from various volunteer teams and discussing details for the upcoming annual dinner in June. Open to all and I believe they are looking for additional volunteer members for their teams.
The folks at Cindy’s Fund are hosting a cancer support group this evening starting at 6:30pm in the hospital boardroom. It is open to everyone: patients, caregivers, kids, relatives, friends, anyone. They sit and vent and laugh and eat, etc. It’s very informal and comforting. Tonight Dr. Rick Perry will be discussing medical marijuana and use for those with cancer.
Know a student looking to explore a low cost, caring, supportive college education? Garrett College is hosting an “Explore Garrett” open house this coming Saturday morning, April 21st. Meet faculty, learn about programs and financial aid and get a campus tour. Call Admissions at 301.387.3044 to register.
Nice weather this weekend, especially Saturday! The temperature got well into the 80s! Rain showers changing to snow today; highs near 40 and a low of 26. Little to no accumulation expected. There is a flood warning until 10:30am today.
Took advantage of the wonderful Saturday weather to hike Swallow Falls with my wife. While most people photograph the larger Muddy Creek Falls, I took this photo looking towards the lower Swallow Falls and wanted to share it with our readers. And, yes, there were people swimming and even wading under the falls!
There’s an information session this evening from 5:30pm – 6:30pm on “Improving Our Worker Pool” at the Oakland Armory. The session will explain the new high school program being launched this Spring that is designed to develop more “work-ready” graduates.
Our Town Theatre in Oakland is holding auditions for The Dining Room this evening from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the basement of the theatre. This is a play that’s perfect for anyone who has wanted to be in a show but doesn’t want a big part.
In honor of Earth Day, volunteer naturalist, Jack Slocomb, will be leading a guided nature walk at New Germany State Park from 3:00pm-4:00pm April 21st. The hike will begin at the Lake House and will be suited for ages 8 and older.
