Yesterday was a bit overcast and cooler but was still a nice day. Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy, scattered showers with a high near 76. Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then scattered showers with a low around 66.
Just received a “lake-oriented residential” real estate update from Mike Kennedy at Railey Realty: 49 homes sold year-to-date through April, with an average 12-month sales price of $524,274, and with an average 159 days on the market. Source: MRIS
Need work? Actually Needlework! You can bring your own needlework – whether it’s knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, or lap quilting and join others for two hours of relaxation and fun from 2:00pm – 4:00pm this afternoon at the Oakland library.
I have been hearing about a new venture coming to downtown Oakland. Actually, it is two ventures in one. Flipside Sounds, with a planned opening in July, will be offering new and vintage vinyl records and related items. The Sipside Lounge, with a planned opening in October, will be offering craft beers, and fine wines and spirits. Sounds interesting.
Did you know that the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake state park is now open every day for the season? As always, they have great programs to amaze, amuse and educate all ages. Plus, admission to the discovery Center is free. Check out their June calendar of events for June, which will be posted with our new edition tomorrow.
Just heard that some local folks are trying to get Scottish Country Dancing going again at the end of the year and thought that having a Scottish Night, just after the Celtic Festival would introduce people to this fun activity. The event is June 6th and costs $60 for two. Call or email Victoria Buckel at 301 501-3990 or vbuckel@hotmail.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
On this last day of May, I thought I would share a few “tidbits” on the month: May is named for Maia, a Greek goddess. In any given year, no month ever begins or ends on the same day of the week as May does (no, I did not verify this). And, “across the pond” in the UK, the month of May is recognized as national smile month. Talk to you “next month!”
The weather for today will be mostly cloudy with isolated showers and scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. A high near 75 and a low around 66.
During a recent visit, David Brinkley, Maryland’s secretary of budget and management, said Garrett College’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Building will provide the tools necessary for “reeducating our workforce for the new economy.” The building is really taking shape and will be ready for the Fall semester.
The Belle Soirée, a Fancy Affair at Chanteclaire, will be held this evening at Chanteclaire Farm to celebrate the contribution the wedding industry makes in Garrett County. Open to all, there are about 10 last minute tickets left and I wanted to give a shout-out to the event and the industry, which is an integral part of our county’s economic vibrancy.
Make sure to enter your guess for the “Where Am I Contest” .. one random winner will be drawn from the correct answers to win a $25 Ace’s Run Gift Card!
The annual clean-up day for Accident will be June 4. Residents are asked to set their items at curbside by 8:00 am. Items taken will be white goods, furniture, tires and up to 100 pounds of construction debris per household. NOT allowed are appliances with refrigerant, paint and chemical cans and over 100 pounds of construction debris per household.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly! No, not the movie, a course on bugs. The class will be held on Thursday, June 14th, from 1:00pm -3:00pm at the Garrett College Southern Outreach Center in Oakland. Participants will learn about insects and how they can be a help in one’s gardening adventure or how to manage the pesky pests. The course is being instructed by Ashley Bodkins from the Extension Service. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.
“Dad, if you don’t watch it, I’m going to graduate before you.” These were the words of Tim Tice’s daughter, Mikaila, not too long ago. Twelve years ago, while simultaneously working full-time and raising two young kids at the time, Tice made the decision to enroll at Garrett College. Planning for one or two classes a semester, he was on track to finish a two-year degree in approximately six years.
A few years into starting classes, Tice began a new job, the kids were getting older, and life became busier. He found himself procrastinating on completing the credits. His daughter was going to be right.
He clearly remembers his response: “That won’t happen”.
Remarkably, it was Mikaila’s upcoming graduation looming on the horizon that pushed him to finish. The end result: a once-in-a-lifetime moment for both father and daughter – a shared college commencement. Yes, college.
“In some ways, it almost felt like I shouldn’t have been there at the same time as her. I didn’t want it to be about me,” Tice stated. “It was very special to share the moment, and I’m very proud of her and what she accomplished. While we are in different places in our lives, with different short-term goals, it was a neat experience to graduate together.”
Appreciating how rare of an opportunity it may be to graduate college with one of your parents, Mikaila was honored to share such a special day with her dad.
“It was actually pretty exciting!” she exclaimed. “Dad may have been worried about taking attention away from me, but in actuality, it felt like I got more attention since I was now not just a girl graduating, but the girl who was graduating with her dad!”
They also shared in another moment at commencement. Out of this year’s graduating class of 102 members, five graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors). Tim and Mikaila were both recognized with this achievement.
Mikaila was also honored for the highest grade-point average among graduates completing 60 or more credit hours at Garrett College at commencement.
With recently earning her associate of arts in teaching degree in elementary education/special education, she plans to attend Frostburg State University this fall to pursue her bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree, in elementary education.
“I’m following in my mother’s footsteps,” Tice said. She shared that her mother also attended GC and FSU on the way to obtaining a master’s degree in elementary education.
“Garrett was a no-brainer for me; I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the start and I would receive the Garrett County Scholarship,” noted Tice. “If you are graduating from high school and live in Garrett County, take advantage of the two tuition-free years at Garrett!
“Whether you know what career path you want to follow or not, Garrett is a great place to explore your strengths and passions,” she said.
Mikaila was able to do just that through the support and guidance of Tim Foster, GC’s professor of mathematics, as part of her elementary math class. She took part in instructing the mathematics portion of the “College and Me” program held at the college’s McHenry campus during her last two semesters.
Foster was very impressed with Mikaila in his teacher education classes, in which she had the highest grade-point average.
“When I had the opportunity to see Mikaila teach the fifth graders in the “College and Me” program it was sheer delight,” Foster said. “Her concern for student learning is a driving force that will make her an outstanding teacher. I hope she continues to teach in Garrett County.”
“The program gave me more experience teaching children and allowed me to gain a better grasp of what effective leadership and communication looks like,” Mikaila noted. “So many of the classes and professors gave me more of a passion for learning and a greater confidence in my ability to teach, lead, and succeed.”
In addition to Foster, she also credits Dr. John Taylor, GC’s assistant professor of education, for their guidance, support, and pushing her towards the future.
“Particularly, I want to thank them (Taylor and Foster) for always being such great resources, mentors, and supporters as I tackled each challenge at Garrett and looked ahead towards the future,” Mikaila said. “They believed in me even when I did not always believe in myself, and I cannot thank them enough for that.”
Dr. Taylor spoke highly of Mikaila and how she exemplifies all of the genuine attributes and characteristics one would expect out of a future educator.
“A true teacher is someone who is competent, caring, committed, and personable. All of these words describe Mikaila Tice,” noted Taylor. “The greatest recommendation I can give Mikaila is that I would have liked for my sons to have had her as a teacher. Her future students will be very lucky to have such a wonderful educator.”
Foster had the opportunity to instruct both Tim and Mikaila in math classes at GC.
“The family is hard-working and dedicated to their education,” he said. “I wish we had more students like them.”
For Tim, Garrett’s in-county tuition, online options, and a close proximity to home (Grantsville) enabled him to earn his associate of applied science degree in business and information technology/business management & entrepreneurship.
“My wife sacrificed the most in the early days so I could attend class and/or commit time to online classes,” he stated. “Being a student at GC has broadened my life and learning experiences. Everyone with whom I interacted at Garrett was very helpful and pleasant.
“Cissy VanSickle was very helpful in the Financial Aid office, sometimes getting grants for me that I didn’t know were available and I hadn’t requested.”
There are scholarships and grants available for those returning to school beyond the traditional 18 to 25 year old range.
“Many start a college career and something happens such as “life” and school has to take a back seat. It’s never too late to get back on track,” stated VanSickle, GC’s director of financial aid. “Contact your college or colleges, ask for a degree audit and determine what it would take for you to finish a degree even if it is not the same degree you started earlier in life.
“A lot of times as they say in competitive trail riding, “to finish is to win”, VanSickle noted.
As Tim was seeking a degree in a field related to his work, Dr. Qing Yuan, GC’s dean of academic affairs, was instrumental and facilitated a way for Tim to earn credits towards his degree, through GC’s life experience assessment program.
“I was able to present my work experience as qualification for the final three credits I needed to graduate,” he stated.
Realizing others may be walking in the same shoes as he was nearly 12 years ago, Tice encourages individuals to consider the opportunities that exist around them.
“Dream, but also be practical. That may include getting a degree, or it may mean focusing on learning a skilled trade in addition to or instead of a degree,” he said. “When it comes to your job or career, it’s great to do what you love doing, but it’s better to do something that, not only pays your bills, but also enables you to have financial independence and liberty.”
Spoken from the words of a future teacher, Mikaila says one will never regret the learning that is experienced, the friendships that are built, or the memories that are made.
“Sometimes it can be easy to focus on the areas in which we fail, but I have found that when we are willing to look beyond our shortcomings, work hard, and step out of our comfort zones, we tend to surprise ourselves and achieve more than we thought we could.”
We hope all our readers had a very nice, safe holiday weekend. The weather was mostly wonderful and it was certainly a magnet for tourists and locals alike to get out on the lake or outdoors at the numerous events and destinations around the area.
The weather for today will be partly sunny, with a high near 78 and a chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight; low around 64.
I want to acknowledge the severe weather, devastation and the heroic efforts by public safety personnel in Old Ellicott City over the weekend. I lived there for well over two decades and it is a wonderful place, but this second massive flood in two years will really test the community and its citizens. Our thoughts and prayers are with all, including our readers from that area.
There’s a children’s lap sit session this morning at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library from 10:30am – 11:00am for children and caregivers.
Congratulations goes out to Southern Garrett Ram athlete Alec Horner for winning the State Championship in pole vault!
As part of the outreach for A Better Maryland, the Maryland Department of Planning has posted an online survey for those who were not able to attend one of its recent listening sessions. The survey will be active through the end of May. If you have not already, visit the survey page and take the five-minute survey.
The Town of Grantsville shared that the park basketball courts were repaved over the weekend and ask that patrons do not use the courts until the cones are removed.
Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry has a dog friendly back patio. Bring Fido and have a beer and a flatbread pizza. Or, bring the kids to the Greene Turtle as it is “Kids Eat Free Tuesday.” Check our Specials List for more deals for today.
Just a few days left to check out the “Turns and Transitions” exhibit at the Saville Gallery on Centre Street in Cumberland. The Allegany Arts Council always puts on a great show.
Here is a sunset photo Sarah captured last evening:
The weather for this Memorial Day weekend looks like it will be beautiful (with just a chance of showers each day):
Today: Sunny, with a high near 77 with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10pm with a low around 62.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 76; mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 62. Chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62
Memorial Day: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78 and a low around 62.
Make a run for it! Or, just walk. The “Fourth Annual Kendall Trail 5K Run, 3K Walk” along the Upper Yough will take place in Friendsville starting at 8:00am on Saturday. Great way to see Appalachia in Spring, meet people and get a little exercise.
The new Oakland Dog Park opens on Saturday. Bring Fido and check out the grand opening from 10:30am – 12:30pm. The new park is located on Oakland Rosedale Road.
We received a flyer from Herrington Manor State Park and Swallow Falls State Park yesterday with a listing of their activities for this weekend. Deep Creek Lake State Park and New Germany State Park also have some nice activities planned.
To reduce the number of drunken and drugged drivers on Garrett County highways, Maryland State Police reports that a sobriety checkpoint will be conducted sometime within the next seven days.
Here’s a wDCT.live report from our correspondent Marcia:
Have a fun, relaxing and safe Memorial Day weekend and please honor all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military. While Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of Summer, they are the reason we celebrate the day. “Talk” to you again on Tuesday.
We had a nice day yesterday at the lake. Today’s weather will be sunny with a high near 73 and tonight will be clear with a low around 56.
It’s been nice to see some pleasure and fishing boats out on the lake the past few days in between the rainy periods. We expect a nice flotilla this weekend!
Garrett County Master Gardeners are presenting a “Getting Started with Herbs” session at the Grantsville library today from 2:00pm – 3:00pm. Registration is required by calling Kim at the library or kim@relib.net.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $12.5 million for 57 projects in Waterway Improvement Fund grants to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities and navigation. Garrett County will receive funding for two projects: dredging at Arrowhead Cove and for a new boat dock at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
Wallethub just put out a report on the “Best Places to Live in Maryland for Families.” Most all of us would say Garrett County is #1, but it seems they focused on larger cities within the state. See the report for their methodologies and rankings.
Save the Date! The Oakland Downtown Jubilee will be held Friday, July 6 from 1-7pm. Sarah is coordinating the festival and she wanted to share that Alder Street (between Second and Third Streets and Liberty Street (between Second and First Streets) will be closed from 11:30am-7:30pm that day. Also, the planning committee is still taking on business, vendors, artists and performer participants. Email us if you’re interested and we’ll get your info to Sarah!
Here’s a nice video on the Civic Club from one of our wDCT.live! field reporters. Since the reporter was my wife, Jean, I should disclose that and also say that the Civic Club does some really great things for the community and is a great way to meet with and “hang-out” with some neat ladies. I hope I get some brownie points for this.
Today’s weather will be partly sunny, with a high near 69 and a low around 51.
This may be too late for some readers, but we just heard that the Chamber has cancelled this morning’s planned session “What Can the Chamber Do for You? Come to Orientation and Find Out!” They say more information to follow about a reschedule.
The Ruth Enlow Library is holding their monthly Homeschooler Series this afternoon from 2:00pm – 3:00pm at the Accident branch. For students and their families.
Wednesday is “locals day” at Mountain State Brewing Co. with 30% off on all flatbreads. Check out our Specials Guide for a list of other specials at area eating establishments today, including pasta night at Ace’s to crab cake night at Black Bear.
Garrett College is offering a Maryland Boater Safety course at the College’s McHenry campus on Saturday, June 9th, from 8:30am to 5:00pm. The course provides the basic information one will need to boat safely and enjoy your time on the water. Contact the college at 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.
The late Kalie Hostutler Ashby was posthumously awarded the Garrett College Distinguished Alumni Award at the College’s 46th annual Commencement this past Saturday. Honoring former students who have excelled in their academic and professional pursuits, the Garrett College Distinguished Alumni Award is one of the most prestigious awards bestowed upon former students and alumni.
“Kalie exemplified how Garrett College can play a pivotal role in a student’s higher education experience,” Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president, told those attending commencement. “By including Garrett’s high school dual enrollment program in her educational planning, and with her motivation and determination, Ashby earned 30 college credits while still in high school, and was able to graduate from Garrett College just one short year after graduating from Southern Garrett High School.
“Remarkably,” added Midcap, “Kalie transitioned from a high school diploma to a master’s in business administration all in just four years’ time.”
Ashby became a member of the Garrett College staff in 2009, working part-time while pursuing her master’s degree, and eventually rose to the position of assistant director of institutional research and planning.
After receiving her MBA, Ashby completed another of her goals by adding adjunct instructor to her list of accomplishments. She made a lasting impact on her students and colleagues, according to GC staff, and had a promising future as a higher education administrator.
“Kalie believed in the possibilities that a higher education could bring today’s young people,” Midcap said. “She remained a vocal advocate for the College’s high school dual enrollment program and encouraged local students to make the most of the opportunities available to them.”
To honor Ashby and the value she placed on the high school dual enrollment program, the employees of Garrett College established the Kalie Hostutler Ashby Academic Achievement Fund. With the help of her family and friends, the fund recently reached endowment level, which means her legacy will continue to shine for years to come.
At the graduation rehearsal, Ms. Kim DeGiovanni, GC’s registrar, felt it was imperative for members of the 2018 graduating class to know of Kalie’s character, and more of who she was – to appreciate her legacy to the fullest.
“One of the extraordinary things about Kalie is that she was truly genuine. She loved growing up in Garrett County,” shared DeGiovanni, who nominated Ashby for the alumni award. “She was full of energy; interested and excited by just about everything.”
Ashby decorated cakes and loved to shop for bargains, according to DeGiovanni, and also enjoyed car shows and demolition derbies. She taught children’s church and volunteered at vacation bible school every summer.
“I think what Kalie loved most of all, was being a mom to Sawyer,” said DeGiovanni, referring to Ashby’s son, who was an infant when Ashby died as a result of a car accident.
“Kalie worked hard at everything she did, but no matter how busy she was, she would always jump at a chance to help others. She never judged others or discounted anyone’s beliefs or thoughts,” said DeGiovanni. “Kalie always chose to see the best in everything. She would help you focus on your potential and encourage you to succeed.”
Marcia Knepp, GC staff member and fund committee member, said Kalie will be remembered as someone with drive and determination, a big infectious smile, and a positive outlook.
“Kalie brought joy to so many lives and was always the first person to offer assistance, no matter what was needed,” Knepp stated. “Her positive attitude and smile is a constant reminder to all to keep moving forward, striving to achieve more, in all walks of life.”
At GC’s commencement, it was announced that later this month, the Kalie Hostulter Ashby Academic Achievement Fund will award its first scholarships to two dual enrollment students who will be coming to Garrett College this fall.
Additionally, in recognition of Ashby’s distinguished alumnus accomplishments, this year’s “Distinguished Alumni Award Scholarship” will be awarded to a Southern Garrett High School graduate in her name.
Brittney Hostutler, Kalie’s sister, accepted the award at commencement.
“Words cannot express the gratitude I have for Garrett College and the Alumni Association. Kalie was so hardworking, and accomplished so much in her short time here,” Hostutler stated. “I can only imagine what else she would be doing today. I was beyond blessed to have her as my sister, friend, and role model.”
Ashby is the second recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Photo by Bob Carney
The late Kalie Hostutler Ashby was posthumously awarded the Garrett College Distinguished Alumni Award at Garrett College’s 46th Commencement this past Saturday. Pictured is Brittney Hostutler, Kalie’s sister, accepting the award from Dr. Richard Midcap, GC’s president.
Liutauras Repsys, an international student from Lithuania and a recent May 2018 graduate of Garrett College, was awarded with the prestigious two-year transfer scholarship to attend Bucknell University. This extremely competitive transfer scholarship, valued in excess of $100,000, covers tuition for two years of full-time enrolment at Bucknell University, a private liberal arts institution in Lewisburg, Pa.
As part of the transfer scholarship requirements, Repsys participated in the rigorous Bucknell Community College Scholars Program in the summer of 2017. The program is designed for high-achieving, low- to moderate income community college students who aim to earn their associate’s degree and wish to take their education further. Garrett College is proud to be one of five community college partners of this program.
During the six-week academic program at Bucknell University, he left an outstanding impression on the faculty and staff at the university, was responsive to feedback from professors, all while maintaining an admirable pursuit of academic success.
Repsys excelled in two writing-intensive college courses, ‘The Biology of Stress’ and ‘The Psychology of Attraction and Close Relationships’, all while maintaining above average grades.
Ashley Ruby, director of GC’s advising and academic success center and coordinator of the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program at GC, explained that the program is designed for a dedicated student such as Repsys.
“I had no doubts that he would meet this challenge head-on with fervour and style. I am extremely delighted that he has accepted the opportunity to continue at Bucknell University this this fall. Liu is one of Garrett College’s brightest and most ambitious students.”
While at Garrett, he excelled in the classroom and was incredibly involved and engaged as a student, participating in many on-campus events, student activities, and taking on leadership responsibilities.
“He is a role model to his peers and an effervescent leader among the student body,” Ruby stated.
Repsys succeeded in multiple roles across campus, including president of the Garrett College Student Government Association, student ambassador, peer tutor, library work-study, and a student athlete. He was also a member of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the official honor society for all two-year colleges.
At a height of six feet nine inches, Repsys was an obvious choice for the Garrett Laker’s men’s basketball team, earning a starting position this past fall.
“I am really proud of Liu, his accomplishments, and the Garrett College community,” noted Dennis Gibson, GC’s athletic director and head men’s basketball coach. “Big things from a small start.”
At GC’s Commencement, Repsys was honored as the Male Scholar Athlete.
Repsys plans to continue his studies in biology and medicine at Bucknell University this fall in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. He earned his associate of arts degree in arts & sciences with a concentration in mathematics/science from GC. Upon meeting the academic and financial criteria, potential scholars for the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program must apply and attend the summer program immediately prior to community college graduation. Students will then return to the community college to complete the associate degree, and are eligible to apply for the two-year transfer scholarship.
For more information about the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program, in addition to other transfer opportunities available at Garrett College, persons may contact Ruby at Garrett College at 301-387-3733 or ashley.ruby@garrettcollege.edu.
Garrett College freshman Zack Harvey earned a berth in the NJCAA Division III national golf tournament, carding an 36-hole total of 157 last Monday and Tuesday to finish fifth at the Region XX championships at the Links at Spring Church.
Harvey’s impressive regional performance came on the heels of a seventh-place finish in the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference championships last month in Hagerstown. That earned Harvey a spot on the all-Maryland JuCo second team.
The Southern Garrett High graduate, coached this spring by first-year Lakers head coach Max Hill, will participate in the NJCAA Division III national championship tournament June 4-8 at the Chautauqua Golf Club in Jamestown, N.Y.
During the fall season, Harvey was named to the “high honors” academic team in the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference. The fall season is an informal lead-in to Garrett’s official spring golf campaign, in which the Lakers play as part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference.
“Zackary exemplifies our student athlete profile at Garrett,” said Dennis Gibson, GC’s athletics director. “He is an outstanding academic student and dedicated to improving his golf game as well.”
Harvey is no stranger to golf accolades, having twice made the Appalachian Mountain Athletic Conference all-conference golf team while at Southern Garrett. He played on the Southern Garrett golf squad his entire four years in high school, including participating on the Rams’ state tournament qualifying team as a senior. The Rams won the AMAC conference title each of his four seasons at Southern Garrett.
Yesterday turned out to be a nice, sunny day by the afternoon. Today is rainy now with showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm. A chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 70 and a low around 58.
Don’t forget that the Oakland Dog Park Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday, May 26th. There will be live music, special treats and a dog parade. The new park is located at 27 Oakland Rosedale Road. Arf!
The Habitat Home Store Community Fair (5411 Hutton Road in Oakland) will be held on June 9th, from 11:00am – 3:00pm. The Mountaintop Cruisers Car Club along with antique tractors will be set up in the parking lot. Music will be provided and there will be food for purchase. Proceeds go to local non-profits.
While there was some rain and thunderstorms this weekend, there was really nice weather in between. Today’s weather will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms – mostly cloudy with a high near 73 and a low around 59.
There was a rock slide on Rt. 135 near Luke on Saturday. The road was closed for a while as cleanup and hillside assessment continued. Last we heard one lane was now open with flaggers on-site.
We are sad to hear of the passing of local entrepreneur Rick Hartman. He owned the Liberty Service Station/Food Mart in Accident and Curt’s Corner off 495. Condolences to the family.
Garrett College celebrated its 41st commencement on Saturday. I had the pleasure of being part of the proceedings and it was really nice to see all those fresh grads ready to take on the next stages of their life. Here’s a photo of HR director Janis Bush, president Rich Midcap and dean JR Kerns as we were preparing for the big event. Check out the wDCT Live video (below) as well.
Ever wonder what the Civic Club does and why you should consider joining? The Civic Club of Oakland is holding an open house at the Mountainside Marina (near Lakeside Creamery) tomorrow, Tuesday, from 4:00pm – 6:30pm. Note that some local ads had the day as Wednesday, but it is Tuesday. Email gfwc.oakland@yahoo.com for more information.
This weekend’s weather will be showers and rain with a high near 64 and low near 55 degrees today. Warmer but chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday. A high in the lower 70s and a low of 60 degrees both days this weekend.
Lots of localized flooding in the region. A part of Shallmar Road near Kitzmiller in Garrett County was closed at 6:00pm yesterday due to an active landslide in the area. The closure affects approximately 34 houses and 60 people and residents are urged to evacuate. This photo of the Great Falls area of the Potomac is downstream from Garrett County but gives a sense of the rainfall volume in the region.
Speaking of Kitzmiller, the Ruth Enlow Library’s Kitzmiller branch will be holding an Adult Maker Time from 10:30am – 11:30am Friday. Call them at 301.334.8091 to confirm.
With the Wagon Train rolling through Northern Garrett County in Grantsville, we thought we’d share this clip about the National Road – West (Garrett County begins at 2:39):
MoonShadow has live music every day this weekend: Herb & Hanson at 8:00pm Friday evening, 18 Strings, Saturday at 8:00pm and Charles Wesley Godin on Sunday at Noon.
Saturday is Home Fire Sprinkler Day! According to the Maryland State Fire Marshall, a home fire can become deadly in as little as two minutes due to today’s construction and furnishing materials. Check your fire alarms and sprinklers and consider installing them if you don’t have them.
Here’s a little history. We missed the anniversary of VE Day on May 8th, but better late than never! When looking out from our calm and beautiful Garrett County at today’s world, I always feel very lucky. Well, it was even crazier “over there” in the ‘40s. Photo courtesy of Al Feldstein and of course, the Cumberland Evening News.
Was rainy on and off with thunder storms yesterday. The weather for today will be more of the same: showers, with a few thunderstorms possible. High near 66 and low around 56. New rainfall could be between a half and three quarters of an inch.
I had the pleasure of spending the past three days participating in the invitation-only Rural Rise Summit dedicated to creating ecosystem success in rural communities. Lots of actionable ideas and connections made and it is really clear to me that collaboration will be key for rural communities like ours to grow and succeed.
Feel like getting out this evening? Let’s see: The Greene Turtle has 50 cents Wing Night, Mountain State Brewing has Team Trivia starting at 6:30pm, and The Black Bear has Karaoke starting at 7:00pm. For more options for a good meal, drink or snack, check out our lake area dining guide!
Congratulations to Ginny Grove and the Civic Club of Oakland for being recognized by the Western District of the Maryland Federation of Womens Clubs for their great work with the international students at Garrett College.
Best of luck to the Phil Malone and all the Garrett County “robot kids” (and their parents) on the way to the Razorback Invitational First Lego League tournament in Arkansas. We are very fortunate to have such a vibrant multi-grade STEM-related program in our County.
A Community Visioning Workshop will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018 at the Garrett College Special Events Center from 7:00-9:00pm. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. This strategic visioning exercise is the first of a number of public engagement opportunities to gather input from citizens to create an image of a desired future for the county in 20 years.
The Belle Soiree (sponsored in part by The Deep Creek Wedding) is expected to be the social event of the season. Join us on May 30 from 7-10pm to learn more about the impact the wedding industry has on Garrett County and also share your input and perspectives with us. This is about our collective businesses being a driver of economic development! Buy your tickets by May 18.
Janelle H. had a hungry visitor in her yard over the weekend:
What’s New Around Town: Snazzi Stitches is changing their name to Custom Thredz and Honeysuckle Cottage furniture is going in near Fox’s Pizza Den.
New advertiser, Glen’s Home Inspections, offers home inspection services and environmental testing for all of Garrett and Allegany Counties in Maryland and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania. Welcome!
From the Garrett County Government: PHONE SCAM: The Garrett County Sheriff’s Department is warning local residents of a phone scam in which the caller claims to work for Potomac Edison. The caller then threatens to shut off the electricity to the person’s residence unless they purchase a money card and use it to pay the caller. The sheriff’s Department wants people to know the calls are not being made by Potomac Edison, and instead are part of a scam. Extreme caution should be used whenever callers request any funds, bank account information, credit card information or personal data, and none of it should be provided to callers, deputies warn.
