Deep Creek Times announced today that voting is complete for the 2018 People’s Choice Challenge. After two weeks of open nominations in 40 categories and six weeks of voting, the contest closed to new votes on September 8th. Votes in each of the categories have been tabulated, with winners to be announced at the Challenge Reception scheduled for September 25th from 4:30pm – 6:00pm at the Transportation Museum in Oakland.
“We were absolutely thrilled with the level of support and involvement of the community and nominated companies. We received over 2,500 nominees and 100,000 votes during this inaugural challenge” stated co-owner Sarah Myers. “We really had no idea what type of response we would receive when we launched the Challenge.”
The 2018 People’s Choice Challenge had 40 individual nominating categories in four major groupings: experiences, services, products and professionals, with wide-ranging categories including best cheese pizza, best locally made product, best area medical professional and best lake view. According to co-owner Mike Tumbarello, “our goal has always been to make this a fun celebration of all the things that make the Deep Creek Lake area such a great place to live, work and visit. We really got some passionate involvement and some friendly competition going among the nominees. Category winners get some nice online exposure, a sense of pride and a year’s worth of bragging rights.”
Winners will also be recognized at the Challenge Celebration on September 25th, with top category (Diamond) winners, and second place (Platinum) winners receiving frameable certificates as well as window decals and the top overall (across categories) receiving a trophy. The top finalists in every category will be contacted and encouraged to send a representative to the event. All winners will be announced and receive their awards and have a photo taken at the event, which will be held in the Deep Creek Lake Room on the second floor of the Transportation Museum.
All nominees are invited to attend the celebration and light refreshments will be served as winners are announced. A winners list will also be published on the deepcreektimes.com site, with those winners that advertise and that are listed on the site’s Business Directory and Guides also receiving a notation next to their names. Invitees should RSVP to info@deepcreektimes.com or click “going” on the Facebook event by September 22nd, as space is limited at the Transportation Museum.
For more information about the Challenge or deepcreektimes.com please contact Sarah Myers (sarah@deepcreektimes.com or via phone at 240.321.9925) or Mike Tumbarello ( mike@deepcreektimes.com or via phone at 410.707.7725).
Well, we had some misty days this weekend and the remnants of Florence have not reached us yet. Today’s weather will be rain with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. High near 71 and low around 65. East wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph …FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING…
Consider having Coffee with a Cop this morning at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library from 11:00am – Noon. This is an opportunity to have a casual chat and ask questions with two police officers. Nice idea.
The 45th annual Antiques, Maker and Collectible Show and Civic Club Café and Bake Sale is a “go” for Autumn Glory Weekend at the old Oakland Armory. Due to a SNAFU with the printed Autumn Glory program this event was left off. Hours for the event are Autumn Glory Friday and Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday 10:00am to 3:00pm. Always a fun event and the food and baked goods are homemade.
There were approximately 400 people in attendance at the Baldwin Dedication Ceremony in Oakland this past Saturday in Oakland.
Wisp Resort announces new Wedding Sales Manager, Bobbi Opar. We are delighted to have Bobbi join our team!
Bobbi comes to Wisp with extensive wedding and social experience from Nemacolin Woodlands Resort where she provided 5 star service in both departments. Bobbi’s experience over the past 14 years as a Professional Wedding Planner, Certified Wedding Designer, and Director of Social Events makes her the ideal figure to help move Wisp to the next level in Garrett County’s ever-growing wedding industry. Welcome Bobbi!
The weather for the weekend will be: Friday: cloudy, with a high near 70 and a low around 63. A chance of showers, mainly after noon and East wind around 10 mph. Saturday: cloudy with a high near 71 and a low around 61. A chance of showers, mainly before 2pm and East wind around 11 mph. Sunday: mostly sunny with a high near 68 and a low around 62. East wind around 11 mph. 70% chance of showers mainly after midnight.
We are hoping Florence does not do too much damage, but it is a scary situation along the coast and we will likely be impacted by significant rain early in the week.
Lots of other events, both indoor and outdoor, going on throughout the weekend. Check out our Upcoming Events listings and don’t forget to check out our Guides and Dining Specials as well.
Last night’s Chamber Business After Hours event was a lot of fun! Here’s Sarah on the ropes course:
The weather for today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 72 and a low around 64. A 30% chance of scattered showers, with thunderstorms possible after 3pm.
Garrett College in coordination with AARP Maryland is sponsoring a class, A Day with AARP Maryland, at the Grantsville Senior Center on Friday, September 21st, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The free session includes lunch and discussions on fraud prevention, home adaption to aging and tax reform. Contact the college’s CEWD office at 301.387.3069 for more information and to register.
The 10th annual Garrett Mentors Barn Dance is scheduled for September 22nd at the Barn at Sang Hill Farms. While online tickets are sold out there are still likely released sponsor tickets available and room. Always a very nice event.
Yesterday had some early mist but turned into a relatively good day. Today’s forecast is cloudy with a high near 69 and a low around 63. Showers likely, mainly after 5pm and before midnight.
All eyes are on Florence. The hurricane remains a dangerous category four storm as of this writing, with rain in some areas expected to exceed 30 inches.
Saint Peter’s Church in Oakland is hosting a free Oldies Night of Rock and Roll this Saturday, September 15th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. A casual evening of good music and conversation.
Just for the fun of it! Kathy Barach shared this photo of a 6-person waterski at Deep Creek Lake to celebrate Labor Day!
Rainy and dreary yesterday. Today’s weather will be cloudy, with a high near 65 and a low around 60. Slight 30% chance of showers after 10am. Light northwest wind.
It’s unclear just which path the upcoming hurricane will take but some weather sites are warning of flooding after a record-breaking summer of rain. The Weather Channel recently shared this map:
Please take a moment today to remember the nearly 3,000 individuals that lost their lives in the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on our country.
Plans are already underway for the annual Police Providing Presents event this holiday season. The program is funded entirely by donations – would you please assist in making Christmas special for underprivileged Garrett County children? More information can be found here.
It’s coming up on homeowner’s association “season” at the lake, with many local subdivisions meeting to discuss small and big issues that impact their respective developments, homes and homeowners. I urge all readers to attend theirs and to be represented.
After a rather rainy, cooler weekend, the weather for today will be more rain with a high near 65 and a low around 57. A flood watch is in effect until 12:15pm today.
Garrett County Public Schools are on a two-hour delay this morning due to the widespread flooding.
Thank you to everyone for a successful People’s Choice Challenge — the voting has now been closed and we will be tabulating the winners of each category! Winners will be announced at our People’s Choice Challenge reception on September 25 and, of course, here in the Daily Notes on September 26!
The grand opening of the college’s new STEM building drew quite a crowd Saturday, with both of our US senators as well as regional and local dignitaries and many from the community present. This building is a really nice addition to our county. Here’s a photo of the new digital, 3-D dissection table being demonstrated. The only one in the state!
There was also quite a crowd at the Art, Beer & Wine Festival Saturday. I saw lots of engaged, happy faces as I served as Guest Pourer for one of the wineries.
On Friday, State Troopers responded to Meyersdale Road for a destruction of property complaint and found a 2013 Ford F150 truck that was severely damaged while the owner went four wheeling. The police ask anyone with information to contact the Maryland State Police McHenry Barracks at 301.387.1101.
Garrett County Department of Planning is hosting an open house this evening at the College from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. The session, “Thriving Population” will cover issues such as housing, population and the county’s services.
Are you related to “the missing link”? If you want to be sure, you can attend the “Find Your Ancestors” class at the Ruth Enlow Library Oakland branch this evening from 5:30pm -7:30pm? It’s free and will cover research methods, strategies and a Q&A with genealogical research experts.
Nearby, on the GAP Trail near mile marker 58, a large boulder and debris have fallen on to the trail; the trail is still passable. Somerset County crews are aware of the debris and are preparing tactics for removing the boulders this week.
We have posted a new Cover Story for September. The story was prepared by Brian Boal, CPA of Boal & Associates and covers some interesting, important tax law changes that will impact 2018 tax filings. I know it’s only September but he says not to wait until 2019 to understand and account for the changes.
Did you know that Washington College in Chestertown was the first college in Maryland? Founded in 1782 under the patronage of George Washington, it was also the first college chartered in the new nation. That little “tid-bit” of information comes to us from Governor Hogan, who wishes all students a successful year.
On a more restrained note, please take a moment today and tomorrow to remember all of those that perished in the attacks on 9/11. Doesn’t seem like 17 years ago. While time heals, we should never forget.
For many years, law enforcement officers throughout the United States have participated in a volunteer program during the Christmas season where police officers take underprivileged children shopping for gifts.
Many of our officers had the privilege of participating in our 2016 inaugural “Police Providing Presents” event and saw the excitement generated in children and wanted to make this an annual event in Garrett County. On the day of the event, uniformed officers from various local and state offices volunteer their time to be with children.
The purpose of the event is to foster positive relationships between youth and officers. Garrett County children will shop with an assigned officer at Walmart in Oakland to purchase gifts for members of their immediate family and for themselves. Each child is given an amount of money to spend, normally between seventy five (75) and one hundred fifty (150) dollars. Approximately one (1) or two (2) children are assigned to each police officer. The officers will then escort their “partner for the day” around the store and assist in selecting appropriate gifts for each family member and the child. After shopping, the children will continue to get to know the police officers in a fun environment, attend a luncheon party, and have their gifts wrapped and ready to take home.
This unique December shopping experience assists children and deters them from choosing a life of crime or violence. As police officers, we know firsthand the look in a child’s eyes when we have to take their parents or other loved ones out of the home. We want to help change that view of police officers, for them to know we are the ‘good guys’ and we care about them.
We are graciously asking for donations in support of this program to provide each child with the opportunity to make their holidays a little brighter. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Businesses will be recognized. Because the program is funded entirely by donations, the generosity of our donors is essential to the program’s success.
Would you please assist in making Christmas special for underprivileged Garrett County children? All donations can be mailed to Department of Social Services, Attn: Finance Office, 12578 Garrett Highway, Oakland, Maryland 21550. All checks and money orders need made out to GCDSS and note in the comments, “Police Providing Presents.”
Any questions can be directed to F/Sgt. B Williams, Maryland State Police – McHenry Barrack at 301-387-1101. Thank you again for your interest and helping to make this program a success and placing a smile on a child’s face! Respectfully, Police Providing Presents Committee.
Be on the look-out for Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Friends, on the Festival of Trees Autumn Glory Float, as it ushers in the holiday season with ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ theme!
The float will serve as an invitation to join us for Garrett County’s holiday kick-off event, the Festival of Trees! Over the past 10 years, this cheerful, affordable family event has become a tradition for thousands of locals and visitors to the County.
Adults and children are in awe as they stroll through the forest of decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces donated by local designers. Hours of Christmas entertainment are available through Frosty’s Funland, where children create keepsake crafts (this year’s theme is Frosty), sand art, and have their faces painted in holiday themes. Santa’s Bakery is open both days, where children decorate Christmas cookies with the guidance of Mrs. Claus herself! They are then on their way to the Crazy Christmas Hair booth, where they emerge with colorful styles from The Grinch’s Whoville! Several characters will make appearances throughout the day, including Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, Snoopy, and Gingerbread man, as well as Elf and Elsa. Free entertainment includes SuGO interactive Lego robotics demonstrations Friday and Saturday.
Adults and children can get a jump on Christmas shopping, as well. Children can shop and wrap for just $1 per gift in the Elfenheim Mall. Adults can browse for hours through nearly 50 craft and artisan vendors, or purchase from the newly expanded “Buy It Now” area, which includes hundreds of quality items at great prices. They are sure to find the perfect, unique gift for that special someone.
A variety of concessions is available throughout the day in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, and the Kona Ice truck will be on-site, offering delicious shaved ice treats! A “Make Your Own Sundae” bar will also be available. For a truly memorable day, families can begin with Breakfast with Santa, to be served Friday and Saturday morning at 9 am or 10 am.
The grand finale of the event is Saturday evening at 6 pm, when the live auction begins. At 5 pm, registered bidders can relax and enjoy light refreshments and a cash bar by Dutch’s at Silver Tree, and bid at 6pm on a favorite tree, wreath or centerpiece (free Garrett County delivery sponsored by Taylor Made Vacations within a 30 mile radius). No buyer premium!
Federal, state and local officials all laud GC’s state-of-the-art facility
Garrett College officially opened its $8.526 million STEM Building –which drew rave reviews from federal, state and local officials – before a packed house on Saturday morning.
“Today is an exciting moment for Garrett College. The facility is an incredible asset to not only the state of Maryland, but the entire region as well,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) of the new facility. “Maryland understands the importance of STEM and Garrett College’s facility plays a critical role in preparing students for careers and jobs in STEM-related fields.”
Both senators lauded the nature of the project and cooperation among federal, state and local government leadership.
“Providing Garrett College students and the Garrett County community with the tools and resources to pursue aspirations and dreams was a top-notch priority,” stated U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). “Garrett College has maintained a strong reputation for being a ‘pioneer throughout the state’, and this state-of-the-art facility equipped with modern technology is no exception.”
The project, which featured equal state and county funding, is a renovation and expansion project that includes classrooms, student spaces, faculty offices and laboratories for physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and robotics. The first classes took place last Wednesday as the new academic year opened.
The official grand opening ceremonies started in one of the facility’s main classrooms. An overflow crowd was also able to view the ceremonies via streaming video in other STEM classrooms, and the ceremony was streamed over the internet.
A building ribbon-cutting was following by a ribbon-cutting ceremony acknowledging the more than a dozen donors whose contributions resulted in named spaces throughout the building.
Those donors were part of the pre-launch phase of a STEM Fundraising Campaign with a goal of raising $500,000 for STEM scholarships and a STEM equipment fund. Nearly $300,000 has been raised for the campaign, which was only officially launched late last month.
Chairman Paul Edwards, speaking on behalf of the Garrett County Board of Commissioners, emphasized the need for focusing and investing in a STEM education, not only at the college level, but the pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade as well.
“Days like today do not happen without total team effort,” observed Edwards. “It’s amazing that this facility at Garrett College, the smallest college in the state, can provide incredible opportunities for our students, community, and our state to receive a top-notch STEM education.”
Both State Senator George Edwards and State Delegate Wendell Beitzel – who provided critical support in securing state funding – also spoke.
“This is a prime example of all levels of government working together to bring this project to fruition,” said Senator Edwards. “It’s a great day for Garrett College, and we have outstanding faculty and staff to make this work.”
Delegate Beitzel recapped the impressive growth and progression of the College and commended those for their dedication and involvement to the STEM facility.
Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president, stressed the cooperative nature of the project.
“This facility was made possible due to the strong commitment of both the state and the county to STEM education,” said Midcap. “Meanwhile, the generosity of our donors is helping to make STEM education accessible through scholarships while maintaining cutting-edge technology.
“Having a facility of this type will be transformative for STEM education in Western Maryland,” added Midcap.
Kelly Schulz, Maryland secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, emphasized the economic development potential the new facility makes possible.
“STEM is our number one leading industry across the board” said Schulz. “There is nothing greater than our human resources, which represent a critical component in the development of future careers. Rural areas have to be dedicated to those needs to move forward with the future.”
After the official ceremonies, those present were able to take self-guided tours and attend presentations by STEM faculty members. Among the highlights were demonstrations of the Anatomage 3-D virtual dissection table, in which Garrett College is the sole-proprietor in the state of Maryland, made possible in part by a matching grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Rocket launches and robotics activities were also a crowd favorite.
The college also hosted a free showing of Apollo 13, which featured STEM-related ingenuity that allowed the astronauts to return home safely after an on-board explosion.
The STEM Building also hosted local robotics teams for the First Tech Challenge (FTC) 2019 worldwide robotics game release.
Garrett College will be hosting a state FTC qualifier in January 2019.
The 2018 tax year is quickly coming to an end and we would encourage all taxpayers to use the next few months to reach out to their tax preparer to review your situation to ensure that you are taking advantage of all of the opportunities that exist for 2018 and to further ensure that your withholding and estimated tax payments have been properly adjusted to account for the new 2018 tax reform. The most recent tax reform act has been one of the largest in history, so it is important to be sure that your tax posture is in proper order going in to the end of the year.
On of the first items to address is that there is a lot of fraud going on right now with phone calls and emails from folks acting as if they are the IRS. Please be aware that the IRS will NOT call or email you, they will contact you by way of mail, but they will never contact you by phone or email.
We have summarized below a few of the major highlights of the new reform:
New Tax Rates and Brackets
There are seven new tax rate brackets for individuals 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%, all of which have been expanded to include more income at lower rates. Most everyone will see a reduction in their overall income tax rate. The favorable capital gain rates remain unchanged – 15% AND 20%. The 3.8% Medicare Surtax on net investment income continues to exist.
Standard Deduction Increase
The standard deduction has been increased to $24,000 for Married Filing Joint, $18,000 for Head of Household and $12,000 for Single taxpayers. Many folks that have been traditionally itemizing their deductions will be able to utilize this enhanced standard deduction.
Qualified Residential Mortgage Interest
Interest is now deductible on new acquisition debt on a primary or second residence on mortgages up to $750,000, down from $1,000,000. The new limit generally applies to mortgage debt incurred after December 14, 2017. There is no longer a write-off for interest on home equity indebtedness after 2017 with certain exceptions. Also, margin interest remains deductible as investment interest expense.
State and Local Income Taxes and Property Taxes
The deduction for state and local income taxes and property taxes is now capped at an aggregate amount of $10,000. This will affect a lot of people in high income tax states and those with higher property taxes.
Sale of Principal Residence
The rule still applies that in order to exclude a gain on the sale of your principal residence you must have lived in the home at least 2 of the last 5 years.
Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions
The following deductions have been eliminated: Moving expenses (except military), employee business expenses, brokerage and IRA fees, hobby expenses, tax preparation costs, theft losses, alimony for post-2018 divorce decrees, and personal casualty losses (unless in a presidentially declared disaster area).
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses remain deductible and are now subject to a 7.5% threshold instead of 10% for 2018.
Child Tax Credit Increased
The child tax credit is increased to $2,000 and the income phase-out limits have been increased to $400,000 for a married filing joint couple and $200,000 for all other taxpayers. More folks will now be able to utilize the favorable child tax credit.
Health Insurance Mandate
The mandate for paying a fine if you don’t have qualified health insurance is repealed for years after 2018. The mandate continues to apply for 2018.
BUSINESS TAX REFORM
Corporate Income Tax Rates
Regular (“C Corporations”) will now pay a flat tax rate of 21%, much lower than the previous highest rate of 35%. There is no longer a corporate AMT.
Pass-through Deduction
Sole proprietors, S Corporation shareholders and LLC members will now receive a 20% qualified business income deduction. The break does phase-out for folks in professional service fields such as law, consulting, accounting and healthcare on income in excess of $315,000 for joint returns and $157,500 for single returns. – realtors/brokers may be considered part of the professional service field -service is based on reputation.
Bonus Depreciation and Section 179 Expense
Bonus depreciation has been increased to 100% of the cost of the asset (in place of the previous 50%). The final bill increases the amount of qualified property eligible for immediate expensing from $500K to $1 million per year under Section 179. The bill also added the following items as eligible for this election: Roofs, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning property and security systems. This will allow for many assets to be written off immediately – keep in mind that Maryland has decoupled with this law.
Business Deductions Eliminated
The bill eliminated or reduced deductions for business entertainment, country club dues, the domestic production deduction and personal property like-kind exchanges.
This is just a broad-brush of the recent changes, we again encourage you to reach out sooner rather than later to your tax preparer to understand your tax posture for 2018. Remember, January is usually too late to make changes. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to us at (301) 334-4007 – we are glad to assist you.
When I stepped out at lunch yesterday it was hot, when I left work it was much cooler. Welcome to Garrett County weather I guess. This weekend’s weather will be mostly rain and much cooler. I hear we may be getting the remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon and could receive heavy rainfall and with the potential for localized flooding.
Friday — Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76 and a low around 60. A chance of showers and thunderstorms between this afternoon and then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday — Cloudy, with a high near 64 and a low around 53. Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm; rain could be heavy at times; chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday — Showers. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 61 and a low around 57. East wind 14 to 16 mph.
I am always impressed by the talented folks we have living here in Garrett County. One such person is Ellen Ann Callahan, author of Plowed Over. My wife just finished reading it and said it was great. Plus, it’s set in Garrett County. Give it a try if you like good fiction.
If Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) are more your thing, consider attending the free and open to the public showing of the great movie Apollo 13 at the Garrett College auditorium at 1:00pm Saturday afternoon. This event is part of the festivities surrounding the grand opening of the college’s new STEM building. Houston, we have liftoff…
Is Deep Creek Lake kid-friendly? A reader Andrew sent us this video review:
And, last but not least, the People’s Choice Challenge voting ends tomorrow at 11:59pm! Get your last minute votes in for your favorite Deep Creek Lake area professionals, services, products and experiences!
It was a nice day yesterday. Unseasonably warm with some localized showers in the evening. Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 79 and showers and thunderstorms likely, after 5pm — chance of precipitation is 50%. Tonight, a low around 64.
The Garrett County Health Department Early Care/Health Families Advisory Board meets today at the health department in Oakland today from 4:00pm – 5:00pm and the community is invited to participate. Call Theresa Cavalier or Maria Friend at 301.334.7720 or 301.895.3111 for more information.
Greater Oakland Business Association (GOBA) just completed another successful Little Yough Music Festival season downtown. The eight shows hosted about 2,000 people over the course 8 concerts this summer.
HART for Animals just posted their year-to-date numbers through August – HART does great work and deserves our appreciation, support and thanks:
Spays & Neuters: 516
Rescue & Transports: 209
Adoptions: 269
Note in the schedule that the Garrett County Arts Council is not holding the Heritage Craft Festival at Southern Middle School or Broadford Elementary this year. Rather, an art experience called SEYMOUR will be held in the Simon Pierce building.
Well, my cats Cashflow and Lucy let me have it! They told me that I forgot to tell our readers that September is Happy Cat Month. I promised I would include it in today’s Daily Notes so here it is. I have also included a photo of my two girls below to make amends for my omission.
Yesterday was hot! My thermometer registered 88 degrees in the afternoon. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 83 and a low around 67. Isolated showers or thunderstorms before 11pm; chance of precipitation is 20%.
Never give up hope Toto! A pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz and that were stolen 13 years ago have been recovered by the FBI. I am hoping for a beautiful Fall at the lake and then a wonderful winter for all.
On Monday, September 10th from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Oakland Library, learn strategies for researching family history and finding that missing branch on the family tree at the genealogy course.
From the new to the old: Here’s a recent photo of the Baldwin 1920 Steam Engine in place at the Oakland B&O Museum sent in by Terry Helbig from the museum. They have made great progress on restoration and don’t forget that there will be a ribbon cutting and dedication at 11:00am on September 18th.
