Jul 11, 2018
The weather yesterday was very nice. I saw a couple sitting lakeside drinking a few Summer Shandy’s… they said it was perfect! Today’s weather will be mostly sunny (after some fog burns off) with a high near 76 and a low around 57.
Good turnout at yesterday’s State of the County Business Before Hours Chamber meeting. The commissioners gave a nice update, stressing accomplishments centered around relationship building, infrastructure development, education and services. They also stressed the 2019 budget of $80 million was developed without an increase in taxes
The Summer Reading Club for Children at the Ruth Enlow Library’s Accident branch takes place today from 11:00am – Noon. All ages are welcome as you learn to make your own instruments.
Ouch! The Baltimore Sun reports that due to the rainy weather in late Spring and early Summer, mosquitos are at three times the “average” number in the state of Maryland.
Hay there esteemed readers! There will be free hayrides available at Sang Run State Park today from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
Here’s something different. Haley’s Farm has a Line and Wine session at the farm today starting at 6:00pm. The dancing will be led by a seasoned line dancer and it is BYOB. If I know Haley and her mom, this will be fun, informative and healthy!
The Stage Wisp Concert Series continues this evening on the Wisp lawn from 6:30pm -9:00pm with the Jakobs Ferry Stragglers.
Did you know that today is All American Pet Photo Day? Well, it is, and in honor of our pets, send us a photo of your pet – dog, cat, turtle, fish whatever – and we will run them all by our esteemed panel of Nobel Laureates, choose a winning photo, and print the winning photo in a future column of Daily Notes. Doesn’t your pet deserve to be famous?
Check out Team Trivia at the McHenry Greene Turtle this evening from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. I didn’t see this week’s Trivia on the site, so give them a call to confirm.
Cheyenne Biser, 2018 graduate of Southern Garrett High School, just took home the gold medal for First Aid/CPR at the SkillsUSA National Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. Congrats Cheyenne!
Readers please note: On July 23rd, the CSX Railroad tracks in Loch Lynn will be closed until July 28th.
Jul 10, 2018
We wanted to share this July 4th photo submitted by Ed Blum — note the lightning strike in the background. Nicely done Ed!
Yesterday was a wonderful day at the lake. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 1pm with a low around 60.
Spent a long weekend in Kentucky with high humidity and the temperature in the mid-90’s and the “cooler” air at the lake was really appreciated when we got home. It is warm and sunny but we are not “baking” here. I love this place!
Wow, this is the ultimate, man! Frisbee that is. The good people at the Discovery Center are holding a non-competitive, pick-up game of Ultimate Frisbee this morning at 9:30am. All ages invited and it is free.
Shepherd of the Hills is holding their monthly Life After Forty-Five (LAFF) dinner at Ace’s Run this evening at 6:00pm. It is Dutch treat and all are invited.
Grantsville Opioid Town Hall meeting is this evening from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the volunteer fire department. The meeting is a collaboration between the Garrett County Health Department and Community Action to bring the community together for an open conversation about how drugs are affecting the community and what can be done to help this issue. Important work from two great organizations that do so much to help our community.
I am going to the Chamber’s Business Before Hours event this morning (Commissioners’ Annual State of the County) and will report back on any key findings in tomorrow’s Daily Notes. Also: there is a Business After Hours this Thursday starting at 5:30pm at The White Barn at Lucas Farm.
The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club is looking for high school students to volunteer for the Blind Camper Program, July 16th – 19th at the State Park. Volunteers will have a great time and receive service hours as a sighted guide to campers while tubing, going to Funland, etc.
Jul 9, 2018
The weather for today will be sunny! A high near 78 and a low around 61. West wind 3 to 5 mph.
The Discovery Center has two nice aquatic events today: at 10:00am they have “Fishing with a Naturalist” and at 2:00pm they have “Aquatic Adventures” where participants get to observe underwater life at the dock.
There’s a Super Street Fighter Turbo Tournament (And no, did not make that name up) at the Ruth Enlow Library today from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
A Grand Opening was held over the weekend for Flipside Sounds; a new record store in downtown Oakland. We saw several folks enjoying pretty awesome vinyl finds!
Don’t forget to register for the Chamber’s Business Before Hours State of the County 2018 session with the County Commissioners at 8:00am tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. It’s at the Wisp from 8:00am – 9:30am.
The United Way of Garrett County as arranged to have photographs taken for local advertising at 10am on Wednesday, July 11. Anyone (of any age) who participates will receive a free United Way t-shirt — which they will be asked to wear for the photos. Email us if you are interested in participating!
There is a new “In Search of” or ISO post in our Online Marketplace. A woman is looking for a long-term rental; preferably waterfront in the Deep Creek Lake area. Click through for more details.
Please welcome our newest advertiser, Haley Farm Inn and Retreat Center! A quaint inn where you can reconnect with nature…. There will be a Line & Wine dancing event coming up at Haley Farm this Wednesday.
What a great weekend! This little puppers, Andi, sure was enjoying it! (special thanks to Shane G. for sharing)
Jul 6, 2018
Today – showers early then partly sunny. A high near 74 and a low around 53. The weekend will be sunny, with a high near 70 and a low around 53 on Saturday and a high near 74 and a low around 57 on Sunday.
Bring the family to Sang Run State Park Friday at 11:00am to walk the scenic grounds and learn about the wildflowers that paint the landscape every color in the rainbow.
Where can you have a burger and listen to a Burger at the same time? Friday night from 6:00pm – 10:00pm. That’s when Paul Burger will be performing at the Black Bear Tavern in McHenry.
The 2018 Chautauqua living history presentation “Seeking Justice,” continues Friday and Saturday at 7:00pm at Garrett College. This event, hosted by Garrett Lakes Arts Festival and produced by Maryland Humanities, will feature three important historical figures, one each day through July 7th. Friday’s “speaker” will be Eleanor Roosevelt and Saturday’s speaker will be Thurgood Marshall.
Giddy-up. If you and the family like rodeos or just want to experience something different, take note that the rodeo is in town Friday and Saturday this weekend at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. Did I say Giddy-up?
Don’t forget to visit the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market on Saturday from 10:00am – 1:00pm at the Downtown Oakland Pavilion. Everything is locally produced and includes fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs and meats, baked goods, jams and jellies, and crafts and gifts.
Observation: The new lower-level pizza take-out at Brenda’s Pizzeria is a winner, as are the sandwiches and wholesome foods at the Harvest Moon Market at the Fort in McHenry. Try Harvest Moon’s “Rachel” turkey sandwich. Yummy!
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen announced $110,543 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to Garrett College. This investment will provide $60,543 for the College to purchase state-of-the-art STEM equipment and $50,000 to improve internet access and IT infrastructure.
You can get a sign to mark your roadside Milkweed (for a donation) at the Deep Creek Discovery Center! In partnership with the County Roads Dept, these signs help identify Milkweed patches and will prevent mowing. The funds raised through this program go to providing Monarch tags to all of our local schools.
A Touch of Class Limousine is offering a wine and beer tour and tasting event Saturday. Their van departs and returns to Deep Creek Beverage, 12:00pm – 4:00pm. Includes visits and tastings at the following venues: Mountain State Brewing Company, Fireside Wine & Deli, Black Bear Wine and Words, Deep Creek Beverage.
And, if you just want a one-stop wine tasting experience, McHenry Beverage Shoppe has wine tastings from 1:00pm – 5:00pm on Saturday.
The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club Boat Parade will be starting from the McHenry Cove on Saturday at 7:00pm and will proceed past a number of judging points on the lake until 10:00pm. Always a great event and for a great cause.
Lots of other events continuing this holiday weekend. Check out our Events page for more ideas and have a great weekend!
Jul 5, 2018
We hope you had a great 4th of July! We sure did. The weather for today will be increasing clouds; showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm. A high near 80 and a low around 68. South winds about 5 to 7 mph and the chance of precipitation is about 60%.
You may have had a few too many hamburgers or hot dogs yesterday. But that’s OK, because you can hike one of Garrett County’s many trails to work off the calories. And, depending on which trail, you can then walk or drive over to the Deep Creek Lake State Park beach and take a dip in the lake to refresh. Deep Creek Lake has you covered!
If you want a hike guided by a naturalist, you can take the hike to the historic Brant Mine at 10:00am. It’s reported as a “moderate” hike and lasts approximately 1 ¾ hours. You’ll end up right near the Deep Creek Lake State Park beach for that dip in the lake.
Whoever thought this one up is a genius – Story Tails: Kids Reading to Dogs – is at the Ruth Enlow Library Accident Branch at 3:30pm. Children get to practice reading to dogs! Each child gets to read to a therapy dog for about 15 minutes to practice. Less stress for the child.
The 2018 Chautauqua living history presentation “Seeking Justice,” starts today at 7:00pm at the Garrett College auditorium. This event, hosted by Garrett Lakes Arts Festival and produced by Maryland Humanities, will feature three important historical figures, one each day through July 7th. Today’s “speaker” will be Frederick Douglass.
After a busy day you may want to take the kids to the free Pocket Park Movie Night which runs from 8:00pm – 11:00pm at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion in downtown Oakland. Always a fun family event. Tonight’s show is Smurfs: The Last Village and it is sponsored by Dairy Queen.
Here is Allison reporting for wDCT.live: We were watching the fireworks from the Lodges at Sunset Village where parking was a $5 donation to benefit our local GaCo Robotics Team 1629.
Anyone can report for our wDCT.live program….. Who here wants to show us how you spend your time at Deep Creek Lake? 🙂
Lastly for today check out this fun little time-lapse video (taken with my cell phone) of the Deep Creek Lake, MD fireworks finale:
Jul 4, 2018
The weather for today will be partly sunny, a high near 82, and a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly cloudy tonight with a low around 68.
There’s a bunch of things to do today, from traditional fireworks shows to music performances and it is even a free fishing day at the lake! Find it all on the Deep Creek Times Events Calendar.
FYI – our lake temperature reading was 80 degrees at the surface yesterday mid afternoon. Enjoy!
Have fun and be safe! And, it is even ok to…
Jul 3, 2018
Yesterday was another in a string of really nice days, with some cooling later in the afternoon along with some scattered thunder storms. Today’s weather will be partly sunny with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. A high near 84 and a low around 69.
There’s a Hound Hike at the Discovery Center this morning starting at 9:30am. Hurry-up and bring Fido and have a nice walk with some other humans and canine friends.
Both Railey Realty and Taylor Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales have issued their Summer season Real Estate Guides, showing homes, lots and land for sale. If you are like me and like to keep track of sales prices and offerings these are a fun read. And, if you are considering a purchase these are a great place to start in addition to our Deep Creek Times links (above) for each company.
Cindy’s Fund is hosting their Cancer Support Group this evening from 6:30pm – 7:30pm in the hospital boardroom in Oakland. These are open to all.
We just found out that the May unemployment rate in Garrett County is 4.5%, unchanged from a year ago. That compares to a state unemployment rate of 3.9% and a U.S. unemployment rate of 3.8%. Howard County had the lowest in the state at 3.0% and Worcester County had the highest at 6.8%. These numbers were communicated by the Chamber with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, I believe, as the source.
Garrett County is updating its Comprehensive Plan, which lays out a long-term vision for the future of the county. There is a related “sustainable environment” open house being held at Garrett College on July 16th from 3:00pm – 6:00pm.
That little body of water downstate called the Chesapeake Bay just received an “improved” report card showing increased bay health in a number of areas, including fisheries. The 2017 Chesapeake Bay Report Card issued by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is good news for all of us in the state.
I have been hearing a lot of firecrackers going off around the lake already, so thought I would include this chart and information as provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I know fireworks have been a part of 4th of July celebrations for years, but safety is a must, especially with children in the vicinity. And, don’t forget the professionally produced fireworks displays in the area as a safe and recommended alternative…
The Commission suggests these safety tips when using fireworks:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them
We’re also adding the fact that a lot of dogs will get anxious around fireworks; be considerate not to spook someone’s pet.
Jul 2, 2018
Well, I think it is safe to say this past weekend’s weather was just about perfect. Lots of folks in and around the lake and our local establishments had plenty of activity.
Today’s weather will be partly sunny, with a high near 84 (HOT for Deep Creek Lake) with a “summer’s chance” (Sarah’s words) of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Welcome to the month of July. This month is named after Roman leader Julius Caesar, whose government named it upon his death to commemorate his month of birth. On this day in 1937 Amelia Earhart went missing and the Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Johnson in 1964.
We want to take a moment to thank you, our faithful readers, for sticking with us as Sarah and I are celebrating one year of working for you!
Congrats to Jackie F. for winning our “Where Am I?” contest for June. Be sure to enter your guess for July’s contest today!
Children’s author Maggie Kemp will be at the Accident Library today from 1:00pm – 2:00pm and at the Grantsville library from 4:30 – 5:30. Her book “Sam, Fisherwoman: The Reel Story” about the adventures of a young girl, was inspired by Maggie’s own experiences at Deep Creek Lake.
The Maryland Geological Survey just installed a new seismometer on the Garrett College campus in McHenry. The state-of-the-art sensor detects vibrations in the Earth and feeds that signal into a nationwide monitoring system. While quakes are rare in our region, there have been four centered in Maryland in the last decade.
Wisp just sent a release outlining their schedule of events for the fourth. We will have more comprehensive coverage of all lake-area activities for the fourth in the next couple of Daily Notes.
The Town of Accident’s 4th of July Homecoming is Wednesday, July 4 beginning at 9am.
Two local fireworks shows are planned for this week:
Broadford Lake Fireworks – Tuesday, July 3 at dusk (rain date July 5)
-admission is $3 per person, children 8 and under $1; the Community Concert Band and an octet of singers from the Choral Society will be on hand the evening of July 3 performing at Pavilion #1. Kona Ice and Lakeside Creamery will have items for purchase.
Deep Creek Lake “Fire on the Mountain” Fireworks – Wednesday July 4 at dusk (rain date July 5)
-check out the view from Garrett County Fairgrounds or The Lodges at Sunset Village with parking for $5 to benefit Team 1629 Robotics
Sorry, folks. We are having a technical issue with our webcam and it is currently down; we are working hard to get it back ASAP.
Way to go Ruth Enlow Library! They just became an official affiliate of the Choose Civility program that was started in Howard County a decade or so ago. They kicked it off Friday with a movie and have another event planned as well.
Is this perfection or what? This is a simple wDCT.live at the Deep Creek Lake State Park over the weekend….
Jul 2, 2018
from http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2018/06/28/seismometer-installed-in-garrett-county/
Sensor Will Provide Better Data on Earthquake Activity
The Maryland Geological Survey installed a new seismometer on the Garrett College campus in McHenry. The state-of-the-art sensor uses a suspended weight to detect vibrations in the Earth and feeds that signal into a nationwide monitoring system.
Since 2002, the Maryland Geological Survey has maintained a single seismometer at the Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area in Owings Mills. The additional sensor in Garrett County will help reveal more about formations and faults beneath the eastern United States.
“This remote location, far from heavy vehicular traffic, will provide our team of geologists and seismologists with baseline earthquake activity and events,” Maryland State Geologist Richard Ortt said. “Data from this site will be fed into our state system as well as a nationwide network giving better insight into seismic activity and events in Maryland and the region.”
The seismic station will be part of the Lamont-Doherty Cooperative Seismographic Network, an array of monitors that gather measurements from permanent sites throughout the northeastern United States. A network of sensors is important because multiple points are needed to pinpoint epicenters and intensity.
While damaging earthquakes are relatively rare in the ancient rock of the Appalachians, Maryland was impacted in 2011 when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake occurred near Mineral, Virginia. Four quakes have been centered in Maryland over the past decade.
Installation of the new sensor was completed with the help of Garrett College Facilities and scientists from the Lamont-Doherty Cooperative Seismic Network.
Jul 2, 2018
A Sustainable Environment Open House will be held on Monday, July 16, 2018 at the Garrett College Continuing Education Building Room 111, 687 Mosser Rd, McHenry MD, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. The Continuing Education Building is building 100 on the campus map which can be located at https://www.garrettcollege.edu/campus-map.php.
The Sustainable Environment open house will focus on matters relating to land use, water resources, sensitive areas, and energy and give the public an opportunity to share in the planning process and the way you see the county growing. The information that is gathered through this meeting will be influential in the development of the Comprehensive Plan.
The public is also encouraged to visit the county’s Comprehensive Plan website at https://www.garrettcounty.org/planning-land-development/comprehensive-plan. At that site access is given to the 2008 Comprehensive Plan as well as other useful information. There is also a public comment form that can be used to submit comments. In addition, the public is invited to follow and comment on the Facebook page created and managed by the consultants, AECOM. It can be found by searching for Garrett County Comprehensive Plan in your Facebook search bar.
Any questions can be directed to Chet Parsons, AECOM, at chet.parsons@aecom.com or 304-381-9261 or Deborah Carpenter, Director, Garrett County Planning & Land Management at dcarpenter@garrettcounty.org or 301-334-1924.
Jul 2, 2018
A first of its kind, semi-formal event, The Belle Soirée, was held May 30, 2018 from 7pm-10pm at Chanteclaire Farm. At this social event of the season, Garrett County Wedding Professionals and TheDeepCreekWedding.com shared the details of Garrett County wedding industry with over 175 attendees.
“This event was a successful opportunity to network with the Garrett County community and share how the local collective wedding industry is a driver of economic development,” co-host Sarah Myers explained.
The event was an evening of activities including custom champagne cocktails, plein air painters, hors d’oeuvres, jazz pianist and chanteuse, photo vignette opportunities, dancing and dessert. Several local salons also offered complimentary hair and makeup accents to guests and members of the GEMS middle school mentoring organization.
Leigh Clarke, owner of The Fete Companies (Chanteclaire Farm, Farmhouse Fete and Sounds Fun DJs), explained, “Garrett County is becoming a major wedding destination. One of the best things about this industry is that educated, creative people in their 20s and 30s can move to this beautiful place and create their own jobs.”
It is estimated that the Garrett County wedding industry has an economic impact of over $6 million and 20,000 visitors to Garrett County annually.
A portion of proceeds from The Belle Soirée event ticket sales will be donated to the GEMS middle school mentoring organization.
The Garrett County Wedding Professionals (GCWP) planning committee pictured from left to right at The Belle Soiree: Leigh Clarke, Marcia Warnick, Sarah Myers, Elizabeth Williams, and Jessica Fike.
