Jun 15, 2018
Yesterday’s weather was wonderful. The weather for this weekend will be mostly SUNNY the entire weekend! Today will have a high near 73 and a low around 49. Saturday will have a high near 77 and a low around 61. Sunday will have a high near 83 and a low around 67.
I went to what was likely the best Chamber Business After Hours event last evening at Trader’s Coffee House. Saw Brenda’s cool new take-out area, had some great conversations with folks and had some amazing food, including my favorite, Brenda’s meatballs!
The Masons appear Friday evening at 8:00pm at Black Bear Tavern in McHenry.
Check out Shakespeare in the Park at the Spruce Forest Artisan Village Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening at 7:00pm. The Cumberland Theater will be performing Twelfth Night.
There have been multiple counterfeit $100 bills used at local Oakland businesses recently. The $100 bills do say “For Motion Picture Purposes”, but they look very realistic. If you have any information on these counterfeit bills, please contact the Oakland Police Department at 301.334.2100.
Fish at the lake appear to be transitioning to their summer mode and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has the details and also recommends bait for everything from Bluegills to Walleye.
The Canaan Valley Mountain Bike Festival is being held this weekend. There are a number of components so check out our events listing and then go to their site for details. Garrett County Artist Annie Simcoe designed the festival poster and will have her work displayed at Blackwater Bikes during the festival.
Did you know that the Lodestone Golf Course at Wisp was ranked the “#2 course you can play in Maryland” by GolfWeek Magazine, 2018? They also have stay and play deals. Call 800-462-9477 for details.
The 23rd Annual Walk for Hospice of Garrett County will be held on Sunday at Glades Town Park in Oakland starting at 2:00pm. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Hospice.
Learn about our state’s transportation plan; Every five years, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) develops a 20-year vision for transportation in the state known as the Maryland Transportation Plan (MTP). Comments and questions can be emailed to 2019MTP@mdot.state.md.us and all comments received through June 29th will be addressed in the draft plan anticipated in Summer 2018.
Calling for makers! The Civic Club is looking for a few makers for their Antiques, Makers and Collectibles Fair during Autumn Glory – makers of rugs, pottery, re-purposed, cast iron, quilts, wood work and the like. They already have a basket maker and blacksmith joining them. Email gfwc.oakland@yahoo.com for more information.
Jun 14, 2018
Yesterday was a really nice day. Today’s weather will be sunny with a high near 72 and a low around 51.
Hurry up and get dressed! Why, you ask? So, you can take the guided hike at 10:00am this morning with a naturalist to the historic Brant Mine. The hike begins at the Discovery center and once at the mine site you will see the remnants of a coal mine that was operated in the 1920’s.
Heard that Paul and Naomi Yoder who own the farm next to Heidi’s Bakery & Café (Heidi is their daughter) named their newborn horse after my friend Millie Shilke. That is a nice honor for a wonderful lady. Thanks folks and I wish Millie the Philly a long and wonderful life just like my friend Millie.
As I write this Wednesday evening, my wife jean is out with some of her friends at their monthly needlework night. Well, you also can enjoy your hobby with some folks today at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.
New Germany State Park has some nice programs for kids and adults throughout the second half of June. And, most of them are free!
School’s out for summer! The Superintendent of Garrett County Schools, Ms. Barbara Baker, has announced Mr. James Maddy will be the new principal of Northern Garrett High School beginning July 1, 2018.
Don’t forget that the Chamber’s Business After Hours is this evening starting at 5:30pm at Trader’s Coffee House (under Brenda’s Pizza). You should be able to pay at the door as a walk-in. I hope they serve Brenda’s famous meatballs, as they are my favorite.
On a more serious subject, there is an Opioid Town Hall Meeting at the Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad from 6:00pm – 8:00pm this evening. My opinion: I have been very impressed with the response to the Opioid epidemic from our law enforcement professionals, health department and other local organizations. Thanks folks.
I bet you didn’t know this was sea turtle week! Well it is and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a nice site with some very interesting information and videos for you to visit.
Jun 13, 2018
Today’s weather will be scattered showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76 and a a low around 57. Some of the storms tonight could be severe.
The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market is today at the Pavilion in Oakland from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Here’s a listing of what you can expect to see.
Bear Creek Traders is celebrating the 93rd birthday of Deep Creek Lake with a number of specials throughout the month including souvenirs for $.93.
The Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park has two nice programs scheduled for today. They have “Buzz into Pollination” where attendees can learn about pollination and pollinators at 11:00am. They also have “Aviary Encounters” at 2:00pm where you can meet the center’s raptors, learn about them and even watch them eat.
There’s a “Poetry Corner” at the Ruth Enlow Library’s Accident branch this afternoon from 5:00pm – 6:30pm.
After you learn about bees at the Discovery Center this morning you may want to attend this event in Frostburg in the evening. The Draft Sports Bar and Grill will be hosting Sharon Ryan from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. This paint night is dedicated to raising awareness of several types of bees that have been put on the endangered species list. There is a fee for supplies and food is available for purchase.
Maryland Technology Development Corp. (TEDCO) does some really important work state-wide and has worked with entrepreneurs here in Garrett County over the past few years. They just announced a new “partner fund” to provide funding and technical support for entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds. If you are thinking about a tech start-up or know someone that is, check this out.
The Garrett County Health Department has schedules rabies clinics around the county from 5-6 p.m and the cost is $5 for each animal.
Garrett County Sheriff’s Office will be absorbing Animal Control duties. According to Sheriff Rob Corley, the new Animal Control officers will streamline the process because they are also deputized and will handle all of the animal bites, quarantines as well as attacks.
There is FREE Taco Bell nationwide today because the Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the NBA playoffs.
There is a boat in the Online Marketplace that has recently been reduced in price.
Jun 12, 2018
Yesterday was a drizzly and dreary day. Today’s weather will be cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 68 and a low around 60. A chance of showers and thunderstorms overnight.
You can stop by Sang Run State Park today or any day the Park is open through June 24th for traditional crafts and activities: wood craft, quilt squares, tin punching, corn hole, and more.
There will be a property lot auction today at 12pm; auction to be held at the intersection of Gallatin Drive & Tree Top Way in the Gallatin Woods subdivision.
I spoke to Big Bird and he told me to tell our readers to go see Little Bird. The band, that is. Little Bird is playing at MoonShadow in McHenry this evening at 8:00pm. Originally from Annapolis, this Indie band now hails from Charleston, SC. and plays a mix of modern R&B and ambient soul.
The Garrett County Arts Council Annual Membership Meeting and Reception will commence this evening beginning at 5:30pm. The evening will include a Friend of the Arts presentation, grant award announcements, and light refreshments. MoonShadow Cafe is hosting. Free for members, $20 fee for guests. Call 301.334.6580 for more information.
Sponsorships and ads for the Little Yough Music Festival are due in to GOBA this Wednesday. Contact Michelle Ross at 301.334.2691 to learn more or to secure a spot. Wednesday is also the deadline to vote and register for the annual GOBA dinner.
Unfortunately, the 2018 Downtown Jubilee, scheduled for July 6 in downtown Oakland, has been cancelled.
Neighboring Preston County, WV has started a summer school readiness bus; designed to allow children to think outside of the box and grow in knowledge through physical and scholastic activities.
The Dove Center was recently awarded $20,000 to expand and improve their facilities to shelter the pets of their clients on site.
We love Traders Coffee House across the street from TS47. But they can’t top a tasty and authentic espresso made at dawn by an Italian crew member on a RAAM team shared with a TS47 volunteer. Race Across America starts Tuesday and racers and crews from around the world w. We can’t guarantee Italian espresso for volunteers, but the odds are good you’ll have fun and walk away with a story to tell having had a front row seat to this majestic race. To help out – click the SIGN UP button on our FB page and check out available shifts or DM us and we’ll get back to you.
Race Across America (RAAM) is (up to) 12 day solos race and (up to) 9 day relay race across the country on bicycles. Time station 47 is right here in Garrett County (across from Trader’s Coffee House) and riders are expected to pass through from June 20-24. Come out and cheer the racers on and, please, be careful on the roads!
Here’s something a LOT different for you. This video is about the Bad Boys Club in Baltimore and how they are using coding to counter the Opioid crisis, which impacts lives all over the USA, even here in bucolic Garrett County.
Jun 11, 2018
Even with the threat of rain, there were lots of people at the lake and boats on the lake this weekend. The weather for today will be showers likely, cloudy, with a high near 61. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Here’s an “action” photo of Lucy our kitty enjoying the great weather Saturday and doing what she does best – hanging out and doing nothing at all.
Kids seven and older can join a naturalist on the shores of the Discovery Center for fishing basics. Poles, bait, and tackle are provided. $4/person, adults (16+ must have a license). Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Call this morning if interested to see if there is still room.
The Grantsville Library will host Daisy Beiler Townsend, former resident of Grantsville and author of Sarah’s Legacy, a work of historical Christian fiction set in Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania, on Monday 3:00pm – 7:30pm.
WoodmenLife Chapter 11 is sponsporing a food drive to support the food pantry through the Mountain Laurel Medical Center. A collection bin will be in place at the Oakland Shop N Save store (old Browning’s Foodland) from June 4th – 16th, and is open to public donations.
Tom and Sara Jane Kuhn from Funland Family Fun Center announced as the 2018 Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit award. Their business, Funland Family Fun Center, opened in 1971.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Monty Pagenhardt and wife Nancy as their home was destroyed by fire last week.
First United Bank has an interesting new checking account solution. For a small monthly or discounted annual membership fee, both of the “YouFirst powered by BaZing” subscription accounts will offer simplified banking solutions and have exclusive access to valuable coupons for local and national retail stores.
A 20,000-square-foot shell building will be constructed at the McHenry Business Park in partnership with the Maryland Economic Development Corp. and the Department of Commerce. “We’re contributing the land for the building,” Commissioner Jim Hinebaugh said. “So, it’s an attempt on our part to try to get some activity going in the McHenry Business Park.”
Garrett County/Deep Creek Lake have seen record increases in tourism during fiscal year 2018 with a 6.3% increase in county accommodations sales, a 12.2% increase in “heads on beds,” a 3.9% increase in admissions/amusement collections and a 5.5% increase in tourism sales tax revenues.
We have some really talented photographers among our readers, so here’s a reminder that the Department of Natural Resources photo contest is now open and accepting entries through August. And, keep your submissions to Deep Creek Times coming as well. We love to see and share your work!
Need a headshot for marketing material, or just want a nice one for your Facebook or LinkedIn account? HABco on Friendsville Road is hosting a headshot photo event on Tuesday evening for just $25.
The Ruth Enlow Library invites adults to participate in their system-wide Adult Summer Reading Club running from June 18th – August 31st. Designed to be easy for adults to participate, you can sign up at your local branch and also receive a copy of the reading log free.
Jun 11, 2018
Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County, Maryland have seen record increases in tourism during Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018) with a 6.3% increase in county accommodations sales, a 12.2% increase in heads on beds, a 3.9% increase in Admissions & Amusement collections, an 11.5% increase in visitors to the Chamber’s website, visitdeepcreek.com and an 18.8% increase in Visitor Guide requests. The Chamber attributes much of the continued growth in tourism to their aggressive marketing plan with concentrated efforts and new ad strategies.
According to the Maryland Office of Tourism, Garrett County’s increases even outpaced Maryland’s tourism growth. For the first nine months of Fiscal Year 2018, Maryland grew sales tax revenues specific to tourism 2.0%, while Garrett County grew tourism sales tax revenues 5.5% during the same time period. Maryland grew lodging sales tax code collections 1.6% and restaurant sales tax code collections 2.7% while Garrett County grew them 5.5% and 5.7%, respectively.
“Tourism is an economic engine for Garrett County and we are pleased to see that this engine continues to churn out additional revenues and business for our community,” said Nicole Christian, president & CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber, as the Destination Marketing Organization for the County, has confidence in our marketing strategies and these stats validate that our efforts are effective and yielding strong results for our community.”
Garrett County experienced similar tourism increases in fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017) with a 6.9% increase in county accommodations sales, a 8.6% increase in heads on beds, a 6.8% increase in tourism sales tax revenues, and a 6.7% increase in visitors to the Chamber’s website, visitdeepcreek.com. In fact, due to lodging growth in the county in FY17, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce secured a 6.6% increase in state tourism marketing match grant funds from the previous year.
“These ongoing increases in tourism growth in Garrett County have been recognized by the State by way of increased advertising dollars through our County Cooperative Marketing Match Grant,” said Christian. “We now receive the 7th highest grant amount in the State behind only Ocean City, Worchester County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County. That is impressive for such a small county.”
The western-most county in Maryland, Garrett County is home to Maryland’s largest freshwater lake, Deep Creek Lake, Wisp Resort, the state’s only ski resort, and Adventure Sports Center International, one of only two recirculating whitewater courses in the western hemisphere. Garrett County is less than a three-hour drive from the metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, two hours from Pittsburgh, PA, Winchester, VA and Hagerstown, MD and a 45-minute drive from Morgantown, WV and Cumberland, MD.
Jun 10, 2018
The winners of the 2018 Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award were announced at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner held Thursday, June 7 at the Herrington. Martin Heise made the presentation to this year’s winners, Tom and Sara Jane Kuhn, owners of Funland Family Fun Center in McHenry.
Tom and Sara Jane Kuhn opened Funland Arcade in 1971. Tom felt a mini golf family center would be a good attraction for the burgeoning lake area. Their first amusements were a Go-Kart track and an open air arcade building, with the miniature golf course opening the following year. For twenty years, the Kuhns operated Funland as a summer business, with no indoor restrooms or air conditioning. In 1992, with the expansion of the lake sewer system, the Kuhns tore down the old arcade and replaced it with a larger building that would include pizza sales, ice cream, indoor restrooms and air conditioning. In 1994, they added bumper cars, a climbing wall and the miniature golf course was updated to a more modern course with water falls, streams, lakes and a cave highlighting some of Garrett County’s history. Today, Funland Family Fun Center, the second longest continuously owned business on Rt. 219, is open daily in season and on weekends year round.
Tom, a Southern High School teacher (now retired), knew the importance of a first job and as a result, he and Sara Jane have hired many local high school and college students each summer at Funland. Some of their past employees now work as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, electrical engineers and there’s even a NASA scientist, all of whom remain part of the Kuhn’s extended family.
Tom and Sara Jane donate their time to the Lions Club and Sara Jane was a long-time member of the Business and Professional Women (BPW). Over the years, they have supported local organizations like Believe in Tomorrow, the Dove Center, Garrett Mentors, Garrett County after school programs, local Fire and Rescue Departments, local church Bible School programs and more. They sponsor the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s annual July 4th Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display in McHenry each year, they provide complimentary Funland passes to local students attending annual After-Proms and they have given contributions to the youth and families involved with the Overlook Judy Center.
“I am very excited to see Tom and Sara Jane Kuhn receive the 2018 Heise Award and be recognized for their business achievements and contributions to our community,” said Nicole Christian, Chamber President & CEO. “Their vision for business development and perseverance to grow and succeed exemplify entrepreneurship. Their passion for Garrett County and desire to give back make them amazing role models for our young people. Congratulations Tom and Sara Jane.”
The Heise award criteria states eligible nominees are “business owners including partners/families that originated, developed, and/or significantly expanded their business.”
Additional criteria for this award includes: having a willingness to take risks with the possibility of losing all, being involved in the community, having high ethical standards, being a member of the Chamber of Commerce and having demonstrated leadership (through one or more of the following):
- By overcoming a formidable problem that threatened the business’s existence
- By showing business acumen through embarking on a creative, insightful or overlooked opportunity that makes important contributions to Garrett County’s business environment
- Through substantive community impact
The Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Committee, comprised of previous winners, recommends finalists and a winner to the Chamber Board of Directors. The Board makes the final determination on the winner.
Past honorees include Jonathan “Smiley” Kessler; Bill Sisler; Olen Beitzel; Johnny Marple; Jim Flanigan, Sr.; Will and Sharon Roszell; Barry Rush; Rob Michael; Dave & Mimi Demaree; Brenda McDonnell; Bill Meagher; Michael Deligatti, Sr.; Jan Russell; Frank Vitéz; Judy Devlin; Skip and Linda Carr; Brian Branthoover; Rob Heilig and Nancy Railey.
Photo Caption (left to right): Martin Heise, Sara Jane Kuhn and Tom Kuhn 2018 Heise Entrepreneurial Spirt Award winners, and Jan Russell, Chair of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce at the annual Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting & Dinner
Jun 8, 2018
First United Bank & Trust announces the launch of an entirely new checking account lineup. These unique accounts are aimed at simplifying customers’ financial lives while also providing additional benefits, savings and protections. Beginning June 4th, two new membership accounts, YouFirst Checking and YouFirst Plus Checking, will be available to customers. The bank will continue to offer a basic, no minimum balance requirement account, as well as a simple interest-bearing checking account.
“We’re very excited for the launch of this, our most innovative checking account. This powerful solution enables us to stay relevant and up-to-date. YouFirst includes the financial services that customers expect from us, to help manage their daily banking needs, while also providing multiple ways to save money,” said Carissa Rodeheaver, CEO, President and Chairman of the Board.
For a small monthly or discounted annual membership fee, both of the “YouFirst powered by BaZing” subscription accounts will offer a number of time saving and simplified banking solutions such as: unlimited mobile deposits, person-to-person transfers, stop payments and one free overdraft per year. Additionally, members of either of these new accounts will have exclusive access to a mobile app with valuable coupons for shopping at local and national retail stores and dining, as well as discounts on health and wellness services like prescriptions and contact lenses. This membership service will even be capable of replacing or supplementing protection benefits that customers need: roadside assistance, cell phone protection and identity theft restoration aid.
As an added community benefit, local businesses have the opportunity for free advertising within the YouFirst mobile app. Participating merchants are able to create and update real-time discounted offers to generate awareness for their businesses and drive new customers and foot traffic to their stores. The new, location-aware app will assist YouFirst members with alerts to those nearby deals and offers from participating local and national businesses. Any local business interested in joining this service is encouraged to visit online to learn more about this opportunity.
Rodeheaver stated, “Helping business owners is one of our top priorities at First United. Offering a service, such as YouFirst, that gives our local business community more exposure and support is exactly the kind of thing that First United wants to do to help our community thrive.”
To learn more about this new product offering from First United, or to open an account online, visit MyBank.com/YouFirst, stop by any local community office or call the First United Customer Care Center at 1-888-692-2654 until 10 p.m. on weekdays.
First United Corporation operates one full-service commercial bank, First United Bank & Trust. The Bank has a network of community offices in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick Counties in Maryland, as well as Mineral, Berkeley, Harrison and Monongalia Counties in West Virginia. First United’s website can be located at MyBank.com. As of 3/31/2018, the Corporation posted assets of $1.3 billion.
Jun 8, 2018
The weather this weekend will be partly sunny, with a high near 76 and a low around 60. Isolated showers and potential for scattered thunderstorms after noon On Saturday, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. A high near 76 and a low around 59. The weather will be similar on Sunday: showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69 and a low around 56.
Settle in for a long one today 😎
The Chamber put on a great membership dinner last evening. Congratulations to Patty Manown Mash, the newly elected chairperson and to 2018 Heise award winners Tom and Sara Kuhn. Here’s a photo from my table that shows the great turnout.
There’s a free Celtic Harp Concert with Lynne Dale and Avalon Folmsbee at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library this afternoon from 3:30pm – 4:30pm.
MoonShadow has some good shows this weekend including Future Funk w/ DJ Nuce Friday evening, Kid Pro Quo Saturday evening and Jim Neville on Sunday.
This sounds interesting: The Discovery Center is conducting an “Edible Plants Stroll” led by Jerry Knutson right on their grounds Saturday morning starting at 10:00am.
The Habitat Home Store Community Fair will be held on Saturday, 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.
Unlike people, some animals are actually born with a bad reputation! The free “First Impressions” workshop at the Discovery Center on Saturday starting at 11:00am will show that even “creepy crawlies” have an important role is nature.
Lots of events in town this weekend, from farmers markets to music to fishing to… Check out our Events Page for the latest.
Railey Realty has announced that Railey Mountain Lake Vacations and Deep Creek Lodging have all partnered to create Railey Vacations. Thirty-six years ago, a novel idea was born: supplementing the income of second homeowners by opening up personal vacation homes to renting guests. The Railey family was the first to introduce this cutting-edge concept to Deep Creek Lake and it soon grew to be a stunningly successful concept that has exploded across the country and even the world.
OK, it’s the weekend so I know you are hanging around wondering which are the safest states in America and where Maryland ranks? Well, here you go!
So, now that you have “digested” the study on safest states, here’s an interesting piece on spicy candy and its popularity to “digest.”
Check out the special from Double Oak Farms! A new advertiser with Deep Creek Times, Double Oak Farms is located in Swanton, Maryland offering Angus cattle that are raised naturally on grass and finished with grain without added hormones, growth promotents & antibiotic residues. Open Monday-Friday 5:30-8PM, Saturday 9AM-7PM, and Sunday 1-7PM the current special is 10% OFF GROUND BEEF and 10% OFF PATTIES! Tell em Deep Creek Times sent ya!
A community yard sale will be held at the Swanton Community Center tomorrow starting at 9am! Anyone can set up and sell what you have for no charge. The Center will be open for bathroom facilities and there will be a community chicken BBQ at 12 noon
Garrett College (I am the Director of Enrollment Management) is now holding New Student Advising Days for Fall enrollment. There’s still room and scholarship money available for this great value in education. As the photo below shows, even the local duck population is trying to get in! Call 301.387.3044 for our Admissions team.
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Jun 7, 2018
Yesterday was cool and the rain held off for the day. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 70 and a low around 54; light west wind.
Join the Sang Run State Park naturalist at 11:00am this morning for a Square Foot Garden Area Demonstration and learn how you can grow and harvest veggies in a small confined space.
The Chamber’s annual membership meeting and dinner will be held tonight at the Herrington. I’ll be there, and so apparently will a lot of other local folks, as it is sold out. Great to see our business and other leaders get together and I always look forward to hearing Martin Heise speak.
I know Garrett County’s population is aging and has been basically “flat” the past few years, but the Leadership Garrett County program, which just finished its second year, is doing its part to develop future leaders. Congratulations to all this year’s graduates (pictured below with various college and school officials)!
There’s a meeting on the proposed Oakland Bypass at 6:00pm this evening at the Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad on Baltimore Avenue. If you miss the meeting you can watch the video of it after on YouTube starting at 9:00pm.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is recruiting young adults for the Maryland Conservation Corps, an award-winning AmeriCorps program. Members, ages 17-25, engage in extensive conservation, environmental and natural resources management projects across the state. Looks like a really nice program.
Registration is open through this Friday for the Chamber’s presentation on “The Value of Heritage Tourism” on Monday, June 11th from 9:00am to 11:30am at the GIEC, Room 111.
Finance Director Scott Weeks presented the proposed FY 2019 Budget on June 4th. The Budget is expected to be adopted by the Commissioners on June 19th during a public meeting at the Bloomington VFD. Click on the following link to view the proposed Budget: http://ow.ly/Pdpz30kmKjJ
Jun 6, 2018
Yesterday was very breezy. Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 59 and a low around 45.
The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market will be back today from 10:00am – 1:00pm in the Downtown Pavilion in Oakland.
The CARC at Garrett College is holding a free P90-X class at 5:15pm this evening and last I heard they had some spots available. P90-X is an all-body workout and the class will be led by Susie and Maney, who have received certification in P90-X instruction. Call 301.387.3786 for more information or to register.
HART for Animals is one of those great non-profit institutions that help make Garrett County THE place to live (and visit) for so many of our readers. Year-to-date through May, HART has conducted 111 adoptions, 93 rescues and transports and 308 spay & neuters. Wow!
Our Town Theatre in Oakland is re-presenting their first production from 20 years ago – The Dining Room – starting this evening at 8:00pm and running through Sunday, June 10th.
The Hogan Administration announced yesterday that the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention has made more than $2 million available to protect Maryland children as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children grants initiative. These funds are available to child advocacy and law enforcement organizations.
The Chamber is holding their June Business After Hours at Traders Coffee House on Thursday, June 14th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Brenda, Jean and colleagues have done a remodel and want to show it off!
Here’s a fun way to introduce your child into the upcoming school year — see the flyer for you child’s school below and sign up by calling 301-334-4211 (click to enlarge the photo).
Jun 5, 2018
Yesterday was a little cooler and a little windy but was a very nice day overall. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm today. High near 63 and low near 45. Breezy (a west wind 13 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph). Chance of precipitation is 80%.
The 2018 Autumn Glory Royalty Court has been selected for the 51st Annual Autumn Glory Festival. This year’s King is Hayden McLaughlin and the Queen is Maria Walch. Congratulations to both these talented students.
The Greater Oakland Business Association (GOBA) is in need of additional volunteers and sponsorships for the Little Yough Summer Music Festival. If you are interested in being a sponsor or having an ad in the program, please contact Michelle Ross at City Hall at 301.334.2691. The deadline is this Friday.
Wisp resort just announced some nice “Play and Meet” packages that include rooms, meals and use of a meeting room, plus other benefits that are tied to the number of guests on the team. Might be a nice way for some of us to combine work with pleasure. This deal is not up on their site yet, so call their reservations line at 800.462.9477 for more details.
Hit the Trail! Garrett Trails and the Friends of New Germany State Park will be hosting a trail work day from 9:00am to 1:00pm on June 16th at New Germany State Park. Work will involve the use of shovels and other hand tools to help improve drainage along the Dynamite Shack Loop and other areas. These are two great groups that deserve our support.
Garrett College, in collaboration with Widmyer Driving School, LLC, will be offering Maryland Driver Education, Monday through Friday, June 18th to 29th, 9:00am until 12 noon at the main campus in McHenry. To register for the course please call 301.791.7676 or go to www.widmyer.com.
In this photo taken by Darrell Van Hutten, Greg and Cheryl Shafer are sailing in a June Series sailing race sponsored by Deep Creek Yacht Racing Association.
Jun 5, 2018
The 2018 Autumn Glory Royalty Court has been selected for the 51st Annual Autumn Glory Festival. This year’s King is Hayden McLaughlin and the Queen is Maria Walch. Garrett Regional Medical Center, a proud affiliate of WVU Medicine, is the sponsor of the 51st Annual Autumn Glory Festival.
Hayden is a member of varsity baseball, basketball, and football at Southern. He is a member of Crossroads church and is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader. Hayden helps with youth sports camps and is recognized for making the honor roll.
Maria is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, and is an honor roll student. She spends her time volunteering at HART for Animals and is a leader at 4-H camp during the summer. Maria also is enrolled in Brenda’s Body Shop classes and her passions include music and dance.
The Autumn Glory King & Queen will be present at the Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception on Wednesday, October 10, and they will be featured in the Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, October 13. Besides having the honor of representing their home county during the Autumn Glory Festival and at other events, the Royalty Court will receive monetary donations towards their future educational attainments.
The 51st Annual Autumn Glory Royalty Court sponsors are Byco Enterprises, Inc; Hugh Umbel Companies (Bear Creek Traders, Deep Creek Shop’n Save Fresh, Huey’s Ice Cream, Legacy Home Corp., McHenry Beverage Shoppe and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery); and Potomac Edison.
The 51st Annual Autumn Glory Festival is October 10 – 14, 2018. Festivities include two large parades, concerts, band competitions, art exhibits, antique & craft shows and much more. The Festival is timed to coincide with the peak of Fall foliage in Garrett County and you can take in the breathtaking views of the spectacular foliage by driving the 2018 Autumn Glory Fall Foliage Tours. For more information about the 51st Annual Autumn Glory Festival, please go to www.visitdeepcreek.com/51st-annual-autumn-glory-festival.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the largest professional business association in the region with 600 members representing every industry in the community. The mission of the Chamber is to organize, support and represent Garrett County’s business community in advancing common interests and additionally to promote Garrett County’s hospitality and recreation industry by attracting visitors to the county through comprehensive marketing. The Garrett County Chamber also serves as the Destination Marketing Organization and Heritage Area Management entity for the County.
Jun 4, 2018
We had a rainy weekend, especially yesterday. Today’s weather will be partly sunny, with a high near 65 and a low around 51. A little windy with potential gusts as high as 29 mph.
My wife and I went to the movies Saturday afternoon and watched “Life of the Party” with Melissa McCarthy. Lighthearted and fun “with a message.” It won’t be up for any academy awards, but it was entertaining.
The Board of County Commissioners will present the draft Fiscal Year 2019 Garrett County Government Budget this evening at the Community Aquatic Recreation Complex (CARC) in Room 931 beginning at 5:00pm.
Please check out the June Cover Story I wrote. It is a piece on the “art and science” of tipping. We thought the topic was especially appropriate as the summer season gets under way.
I went in to check out the Gourmet and More shop (Schoolhouse Earth’s sister store at the Fort in McHenry) the other day and was really impressed with the atmosphere and merchandising – a really nice place.
Some new Oakland icons are popping up: Breathe Grace Medical Supply and The Manor Steakhouse are now both open for business.
Here’s a nice, though a bit fuzzy, wDCT report from the lake by Lions Club member Chris Nichols on the Deep Creek lions Boat Parade coming up in July. Go lions!
Also, here is a quick report from just over the Garrett County border in West Virginia on the Corridor H highway:
Jun 4, 2018
I am writing this month’s cover story on the art and science of “tipping.” As the tourist season heats-up at the lake, it seems like an opportune time to bring up tipping, its history and even its nuances. As many of us locals, second homeowners and visitors alike experience and enjoy our beautiful area, we may be too caught-up in the fun to think much about this facet of our stay. That’s where this article comes in. I certainly don’t claim to be an expert on tipping, if there is such a person, but again, it seems an appropriate topic as we enter the busy season at the lake. So, here goes.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines tipping as “the act of giving an amount of money to someone who has provided a service, especially in a hotel or restaurant.” Simple enough. But to me, tipping, at least in the United States, is the result of an implicit “contract” between customer and server. The server provides a service, hopefully well, and in return the customer is expected to provide a gratuity, or monetary tip, to reward that service.
Tipping started in 17th century England, where customers in taverns slipped some money to servers “to insure promptitude” (T.I.P.). Wealthy Americans brought the custom back to the Unites States in the 1800s, though there was a backlash against tipping in the late 18th century for a number of reasons. In present day America, tipping is an accepted and expected part of dining and other service experiences. Yet, to this day, in other parts of the world, tipping is not expected, and that is dependent on the service delivered. For example, both here and abroad, service providers from hair stylists, to massage therapists, to bar tenders, chamber maids, taxi drivers, delivery persons and luggage handlers often receive (and expect) a tip. This short cover story cannot cover all of these situations so I recommend you follow the links below, do some additional research and perhaps most effectively, observe and ask other patrons of establishments you patronize.
While it is important to note that many (most) service providers depend on tips to make a living, it is ultimately up to you, the customer to determine how much of a tip you wish to give. Note that I did not say if to tip, as I believe service or wait staff and bartenders deserve something for their efforts. I use a simple rule: I generally give 20 percent of the pretax bill at a restaurant, I will lower it to 15 percent for sub-par service, and very rarely lower the tip further if there is a real attitude-related problem. I am careful to make sure any problems are truly tied to a failure on the part of the server and not the “house” or kitchen. I have also given tips of 35% on occasion if I receive great, friendly service and I sense a special need on the part of the server.
For other service providers I try to meet or exceed standard practices, whether it be a few dollars for a bell-hop or valet, 15 percent for a taxi driver, or homemade cookies for the mail delivery person.
Financial adviser Dave Ramsay has some good, simple advice, including, “when in doubt, be generous.” His “How to Tip in all Situations” web page is an easy read and recommended to any reader. I also find TripAdvisor’s “Tipping and Etiquette” web page to be helpful, as it also contains links to some other notable sites, including AARP and Emily Post.
We have covered a little tipping history, my personal observations and insight from the “pros” here, hopefully enough to get you thinking about tipping in a variety of situations and for a variety of services. Ultimately, tipping is situational and a somewhat personal decision as to the level of monetary value given to servers. Knowing how hard many of our local service providers work, I do hope readers will as generous as possible. What may be an insignificant amount to some may help a deserving service provider “make the rent” or provide for themselves and their family in another way. Happy tipping and I hope you all receive the great service you deserve. Happy June!
Mike Tumbarello
June, 2018
