Oct 31, 2018
The weather for today will be partly sunny, with a high near 63. and a low of 55. Southwest wind 11 to 16 mph. And a 30% chance of precipitation after 5pm.
Happy Halloween to all. We wish you all a safe and fun holiday!
Today’s Mountain Fresh Farmers Market is the final outdoor market of the season. It runs from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the downtown pavilion in Oakland. There will be indoor markets on select dates over the winter starting November 17th.
Five new members were inducted into the Garrett College Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday evening, including: Darryl Dupert, baseball (1987-89); Marcia DeBerry Knepp, women’s basketball (1989-91); Lawrence Nesselrodt, baseball (1979-81) and coach (1985-93); Ernie Shotwell, baseball (1973-75); and Erica McBride Stewart, women’s basketball and volleyball (1997-99). Congratulations to all of these exceptional individuals.
There’s a number of children’s activities today at the Oakland, Friendsville and Accident branches of the Ruth Enlow Library.
The Maryland Historical Trust is hosting workshops around the state for prospective applicants for the fiscal year 2019 Capital Grant Program for historic preservation projects. This grant is a competitive funding program for construction projects on buildings or structures on or eligible for the Maryland Register. I am guessing we definitely have some structures in the area that qualify.
There is a new listing in our online marketplace: a 2013 Buick Enclave. Take a look!
There’s a Women’s Networking Lunch this Thursday at Noon at Ace’s Run Restaurant and Pub. I bet you can still RSVP and attend. I have heard nothing but good comments about these monthly events. Contact Terah Crawford at 301.487.4914 for more information.
On a more ominous note, did you hear that famous Boston mobster James “Whitey” Bulger died yesterday in the prison in nearby Bruceton Mills, West Virginia (off of I 68, on the way towards Morgantown). It was apparently his first (and last) day at the prison where it looks like he may have been murdered. He was made famous as the subject of the Oscar-winning film “The Departed” and was also played by Johnny Depp in the film “Black Mass.” Fortunately, we don’t have any prisons in Garrett County and I like it that way.
Here’s a reprint of today’s Halloween activities again for our readers:
🍁🎃WEDNESDAY, OCT 31🎃🍁
Trick or Treat
Southern Garrett Rescue Squad @5pm-6:30pm
🍁🎃WEDNESDAY, OCT 31🎃🍁
Arrowhead Market Trick or Treat
Arrowhead Market @5pm -7pm
Candy Giveaway
Oakland Lowe’s @5pm-7pm
✭Town of Friendsville Trick or Treat
Friendsville Town Limits @5:30pm-7:30pm
✭Town of Grantsville Trick or Treat
Grantsville Town Limits @5:30pm-7pm
✭Town of Mountain Lake Park Trick or Treat
Mountain Lake Park Town Limits @5:30pm-6:30pm
✭Town of Oakland Trick or Treat
Oakland Town Limits @5:30pm-7pm
Divine Hope Church Trunk-or-Treat
110 Weber Road Oakland, MD 21550 @5:30 – 7pm
Also giving away Bibles and food; for more information: 240.321.4673
✭Town of Accident Trick or Treat
Accident Town Limits @6pm
Trunk or Treat
Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire Dept @6pm-8pm
Fall Festival
Accident Fire Hall @7pm-9pm
Glow in the dark room, hay ride (weather permitting), photo booth and refreshments available. Sponsored by Accident Community Planning Group and Ruth Enlow Library (Accident Branch).
Mad Hatter Halloween Party
MoonShadow @8pm-11pm
A SPOOKY TEA PARTY with DJ/HOST: KRISS LOORE. Vintage halloween clips on the big screen, games, costume contest, spooky stories, & more! $5 cover
Here is a sunset photo I captured last evening:
Oct 30, 2018
Weather for today will be patchy fog before 10am; otherwise, mostly sunny with a high near 52 and a low around 44.
The Ruth Enlow Library is holding their children’s STEM Festival at the Kitzmiller branch from 10:30 am – 11:00 am this morning.
Don’t forget that early voting is open until November 1st at various sites around the county. You can check out the ballot online to get the “lay of the land” before you vote.
Here’s the link to the Garrett County Board of Elections home page for additional insight on voting locations, etc. for election day on November 6th.
A special thanks to Kellie Zbignewich for this cute photo!
The library also has a Lap Sit activity for children scheduled for today from 10:30 am – 11:00 am at the Oakland branch location.
The Greater Oakland Business Association is looking for member events for Christmas to put in their communications by this Friday. They are also looking for donations for children’s gift bags and the sleigh ride. Contact Michelle Ross at GOBA (phone – 301.334.2691 or email – mainstreetgoba@gmail.com) for more information. Note your organization must be a member of GOBA to donate.
Did you know that according to a survey conducted by Lend Edu, the average American intends to spend $185.50 on Halloween this year? This number is up from their report last year, which found that the average American intended to spend $169.81 on Halloween in 2017.
Oct 29, 2018
Showers likely today, mainly before 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 41 and a low of 35 degrees. West wind around 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
On Friday, Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general and four major cities in filing written comments demanding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) withdraw their proposal to eliminate the national Clean Car Standards.
David Levesque, Employment Specialist and Workshop Facilitator with the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning at the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, will be at the Garrett College Southern Outreach Center/Oakland Armory Building today beginning at 8:00 am, for in-person job seeker assistance. Appointments encouraged (call 301.777.1221, ext. 317 to schedule), but walk-ins are welcome.
Congratulations to Mike Koch and Firefly Farms for being named 2018 Champions of Maryland Manufacturing by the Regional Manufacturing Institute (RMI). Firefly and other honorees will be celebrated at a November 29th gala in Baltimore.
Here’s a “Watershed Wisdom Update” just issued by Friends of Deep Creek Lake. An “nteresting” photo of Arrowhead Cove is included.
What does your dream cabin look like? Take this simple and quick “quiz” from Zillow to gain some insight into your personal “cabin style.” Based on my answers, looks like I prefer simple and traditional, which doesn’t surprise me.
The 2018 Wild Turkey Observation Survey Summary shows turkey reproduction in Western Maryland was below average, but populations remain healthy and sustainable and should provide ample opportunity for hunters seeking to catch a bird for dinner.
Here’s the Halloween event listing that Sarah put together for you and as first published late last week. Please watch out for Ghouls and Goblins as you have some fun!
🍁🎃MONDAY, OCT 29🎃🍁
Trick or Treat
Hill Top Fruit Market (Grantsville) @5pm-7pm
First Peoples Annual Trick or Treat
Grantsville Shopping Plaza @5:30pm-7pm
Children dressed in costumes can stop by each of the participating businesses starting at the Shop N Save end.
🍁🎃WEDNESDAY, OCT 31🎃🍁
Trick or Treat
Southern Garrett Rescue Squad @5pm-6:30pm
🍁🎃WEDNESDAY, OCT 31🎃🍁
Arrowhead Market Trick or Treat
Arrowhead Market @5pm -7pm
✭Town of Friendsville Trick or Treat
Friendsville Town Limits @5:30pm-7:30pm
✭Town of Grantsville Trick or Treat
Grantsville Town Limits @5:30pm-7pm
✭Town of Mountain Lake Park Trick or Treat
Mountain Lake Park Town Limits @5:30pm-6:30pm
✭Town of Oakland Trick or Treat
Oakland Town Limits @5:30pm
Divine Hope Church Trunk-or-Treat
110 Weber Road Oakland, MD 21550 @5:30 – 7pm
Also giving away Bibles and food; for more information: 240.321.4673
✭Town of Accident Trick or Treat
Accident Town Limits @6pm
Trunk or Treat
Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire Dept @6pm-8pm
Fall Festival
Accident Fire Hall @7pm-9pm
Glow in the dark room, hay ride (weather permitting), photo booth and refreshments available. Sponsored by Accident Community Planning Group and Ruth Enlow Library (Accident Branch).
Mad Hatter Halloween Party
MoonShadow @8pm-11pm
A SPOOKY TEA PARTY with DJ/HOST: KRISS LOORE. Vintage halloween clips on the big screen, games, costume contest, spooky stories, & more! $5 cover
Oct 26, 2018
We have compiled a list of upcoming Garrett County Halloween Events — there’s something going on for everyone!
🍁🎃FRIDAY, OCT 26🎃🍁
Yough Glades Annual Fall Fest
Yough Glades Elementary School @6pm
For Yough Glades students and their families; Kidz Bop DJ, food, cake walk, games, dress up and more.
✭Town of Kitzmiller Trick or Treat
Kitzmiller Town Limits @6pm-8pm
Judy Center and Partners Family Event *NEW LOCATION*
Old Gym at Garrett College @5pm-7pm
Costumes and fall festivities! The gym will be set up as a mad scientist lab where the kids will visit all the decorated tables and receive all kinds of goodies. There will be face painting and other activities.
House of Illusions Haunted House
Kitzmiller Elementary School @8pm
Cost $ 5.00 per person; Questions? Call Heather Berg 301-334-7730. Event sponsored by the Kitzmiller Empowerment Group
🍁🎃SATURDAY, OCT 27🎃🍁
Trick or Treat Open House
WoodmenLife (103A Drane Drive, Accident) @11am-3pm
Come out in your best costume and check out the area WoodmenLife office. Enjoy refreshments and sign up for prizes.
GCC Technologies Annual Trunk or Treat
GCC Technologies (across from 84 Lumber) @12-3pm
Trick or Treating for kids 12 and under; haunted house, Halloween games, contests, bake sale… and more!
Please donate a canned good per person for admission. All proceeds to benefit Garrett Mentors and Cindy’s Fund.
Trunk or Treat
Oakland Tractor Supply @1pm-4pm
FOR THE THRILL OF IT *NEW LOCATION*
White Barn at Lucas Farm @5pm
Presented by Brenda’s Body Shop and Samantha Funding the Arts: fun, games and dancing activities. Working to break the record of 147 zombies so recruit your friends!
No Tricks, All Treats Family Glow Night
Sunny Daze Salon (115 Arnold Lane, Mt Lake Park) 5pm-8pm
Candy, games, bob apples, face painting, prizes – kids and adults! The brightest glowing costume wins!
Kitzmiller Fall Social
288 W. Main St, Kitzmiller @5pm
Costume judging @5:30pm; raffle, food, games and activities for all ages.
✭Swanton Community Halloween Social
Swanton Community Center @5pm
Parade at 5:30 through part of downtown Swanton. Trunk or Treat to follow. Food, drinks, and raffles too!
House of Illusions Haunted House
Kitzmiller Elementary School @6:30pm
Cost $ 5.00 per person; Questions? Call Heather Berg 301-334-7730. Event sponsored by the Kitzmiller Empowerment Group
Halloween Party
Mountain State Brewing Company @5pm-10pm
Costume Contest, DJ Shawn and more!
🍁🎃SUNDAY, OCT 28🎃🍁
Trunk or Treat
Crellin United Brethren (Church past Gibson’s gas station on left) @2pm-4pm
The community of Crellin is joining together to make Trunk or Treat bigger and better than before; If you are interested in decorating your vehicle and handing out candy, please be in a parking spot between 1-1:30 so we can be set up and ready by 2! Any questions contact Amber Martin 240-442-7619
🍁🎃MONDAY, OCT 29🎃🍁
First Peoples Annual Trick or Treat
Grantsville Shopping Plaza @5:30pm-7pm
Children dressed in costumes can stop by each of the participating businesses starting at the Shop N Save end.
🍁🎃WEDNESDAY, OCT 31🎃🍁
Arrowhead Market Trick or Treat
Arrowhead Market @5pm -7pm
✭Town of Friendsville Trick or Treat
Friendsville Town Limits @5:30pm-7:30pm
✭Town of Grantsville Trick or Treat
Grantsville Town Limits @5:30pm-7pm
✭Town of Mountain Lake Park Trick or Treat
Mountain Lake Park Town Limits @5:30pm-6:30pm
✭Town of Oakland Trick or Treat
Oakland Town Limits @5:30pm
Divine Hope Church Trunk-or-Treat
110 Weber Road Oakland, MD 21550 @5:30 – 7pm
Also giving away Bibles and food; for more information: 240.321.4673
✭Town of Accident Trick or Treat
Accident Town Limits @6pm
Trunk or Treat
Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire Dept @6pm-8pm
Fall Festival
Accident Fire Hall @7pm-9pm
Glow in the dark room, hay ride (weather permitting), photo booth and refreshments available. Sponsored by Accident Community Planning Group and Ruth Enlow Library (Accident Branch).
Mad Hatter Halloween Party
MoonShadow @8pm-11pm
A SPOOKY TEA PARTY with DJ/HOST: KRISS LOORE. Vintage halloween clips on the big screen, games, costume contest, spooky stories, & more! $5 cover
Scott Alexander is at Moonshadow in McHenry on Friday evening from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Moonshadow will also be hosting 18 Strings on Saturday evening from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
There’s more than ghosts and goblins around this time of year and National Cybersecurity Awareness Month brings to mind the need of small businesses in Garrett County and elsewhere to protect themselves. In fact, an estimated 25 percent of businesses don’t open again after a major disaster, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety. Protect your small business by identifying the risks relevant to your location, both natural and man-made, and developing a plan of action.
Some animals are actually born with a bad reputation! Check-out this interactive program, First Impressions, at the Discovery Center on Sunday to learn if their reputations are truly deserved.
Oct 25, 2018
Continuing Education & Workforce Development recently hosted a Workforce Development Employer Summit at Garrett College. Over 20 local and state partner agencies and organizations were represented at the event, sharing the same goal: to educate and provide employers with the resources available to attract, train and retain employees. More than 50 employers attended the event.
Identifying and recognizing the barriers to employment proved to be the underlying theme among key presenters.
Kelly Schulz, Maryland secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, advocates for the state of Maryland to simply be the best in serving its people.
“We want Maryland to be the best state, not so we can pat ourselves on the back,” Schulz emphasized, “but because we know if we are the best, then we are helping individuals all across the state accomplish what their professional goals are.”
Duane Yoder, president of Garrett County Community Action, identified housing, childcare, and transportation as three of many roadblocks residents in Garrett County face. These roadblocks are most often directly related to employment success.
“Housing is one of the biggest issues in Garrett County. We also do a lot of work centered on early childhood education and transportation,” stated Yoder. “If you want to get to work in the county, you need transportation to help you get there.”
Yoder noted that more than 20-percent of transportation services provided by Community Action are utilized by residents getting to and from work.
“As an employer, if an employee is experiencing any of the three or parallel issues, we (Garrett County Community Action) will work directly with you to remove these barriers, Yoder said. “In many circumstances and situations, we collaborate with other agencies and partners in the community.”
The summit also shined a light on how successful collaboration can be used to benefit the individuals served in the community.
Rick Dewitt, director of Garrett County Department of Social Services, shared how the department began integrating their own system, referred to as the ‘common customer’, to address current and potential barriers customers may experience.
“There is a need to share data to better serve our customers and track the outcomes,” DeWitt stated. “By doing so, this will increase effectiveness and efficiencies and most importantly, reduce duplication of efforts. This will also allow us to address any present concerns and hopefully avoid crises in the future.”
Another potential key area for development involves the creation of stronger business linkages between partners, all while increasing the awareness of available resources on a state-wide level.
“Maryland has a vast array of workforce resources accessible to employers throughout the state,” said Sharon Markley, director of education and innovation at the Maryland Department of Commerce. “Our goal is to connect workforce and education to business outcomes.”
For the past year and a half, Markley was part of an instrumental taskforce that strategically designed and implemented the Maryland Workforce Expressway (www.maryland.gov/workforce) website. This valuable tool serves as the primary destination connecting employers with local and state resource partners and businesses.
“Businesses continue to come to western Maryland; as a result, they are expanding the ecosystem in Garrett County,” Markley said. “The Maryland Workforce Expressway serves as portal providing employers with key resources and worthwhile information that can be utilized in addressing needs and meeting desired goals.”
The online portal also includes customized training solutions in an effort to assist employers across the state with finding and providing training opportunities.
“All sixteen community colleges in the state of Maryland, have made a pledge to Maryland employers to be the premier resource for training solutions,” stated Markley. “Additionally, community colleges aim to bridge the gap between students and employers.”
Garrett College participated in a similar event this past May, which served as a value-added exchange among members of the local workforce system.
“In order for us to more effectively refer our clients to the best source(s) for assistance and services, knowing what each agency/organization does, including the sharing of such information, was crucial,” noted Julie Yoder, dean of continuing education and workforce development at GC.
Yoder gave credit to the overall commitment of the group in support of workforce development, demonstrated by the programs and services shared at the summit.
“We’ve heard the pain points that employers are currently facing as they attempt to attract, hire, train, and retain employees in the workforce,” she said. “The summit is about our commitment to the workforce system, and our desire to work with employers to solve as many of those issues as we can together. We want to be part of the solution.”
Oct 25, 2018
The weather for today will be increasing clouds with a high near 47 and a low around 35.
You may have heard about a big Nor’easter supposedly headed our way… currently it is looking like it will be a rain-filled weekend. Keeping an eye out, though, anything is possible.
There was a Maryland House of Delegate candidate forum held at Allegany College earlier this week. Some interesting and opposite perspectives and opinions related to the fracking issue (yes, “that” again) came out in the discussion. I think it’s worth a read whatever your position.
Garrett College announced that it is the recipient of a $2 million gift from a trust set up by the late Daniel E. Offutt III, an Oakland native who was an artist, metal sculptor and philanthropist. This gift will go towards supporting the college’s new STEM building, programs and scholarships. Congratulations!
Speaking of grants and Garrett College, their Continuing Education division is offering an “Introduction to Grant Writing” workshop on November 5th and 12th, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm at the G.C. Northern Outreach Center in Grantsville. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register. This introductory workshop is for those who are unsure of how to write a grant, approach funding sources, or make grant dollars work for their needs.
You can choose an old favorite or a new tune and sing your heart out with Music Express at Black Bear Karaoke tonight from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm at the Black Bear Tavern!
The Maryland Environmental Trust, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation, and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is accepting applications through November 15th for “Keep Maryland Beautiful” grants. This program will help volunteer-based, nonprofit groups, communities and land trusts in Maryland to support environmental education projects, litter removal, citizen stewardship and to protect natural resources in urban and rural areas.
The Greater Oakland Business Association (GOBA) has a few events coming up:
- Trick or Treating in Oakland is Wednesday, October 31st, from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm.
- The Veterans Day Parade is Sunday, November 11th, at 11:00 am.
- A Great Small Town Christmas will be December 7th & 8th.
Oct 25, 2018
Garrett College announced Tuesday it is the recipient of a $2 million gift from a trust set up by the late Daniel E. Offutt III, an Oakland native who was an artist, metal sculptor and philanthropist.
The gift is dedicated entirely to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiatives. Income generated from the endowed gift will be split between STEM scholarships and technology renewal for the college’s recently opened STEM Building.
“This is a transformational gift,” said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president. “The scholarship funds will increase student access to STEM education, and the technology renewal fund will ensure our state-of-the-art facility remains that way.”
Richard Orenstein, trustee for the Offutt Trust, recently visited Garrett College to tour the STEM Building and discuss the estate gift. The Garrett College Foundation officially received the gift, to be administered as intended by the late Mr. Offutt, who passed away in 2016.
“I am delighted to be the intermediary for this gift from Dan’s trust,” said Orenstein. “He had contributed to Garrett College over prior years, and this is a fitting tribute to the college’s growth and future prosperity.”
Midcap also announced that the Garrett College Board of Trustees has approved recognizing the gift by naming the recently opened STEM facility the Daniel E. Offutt III STEM Center.
“The board strongly believes that it is only fitting for this facility, which is where the students benefiting from this gift will spend most of their classroom time, to be named in Mr. Offutt’s honor,” said Don Morin, chair of the Garrett College Board of Trustees, who added the college will conduct a naming ceremony for the STEM Building next spring, with Orenstein representing Offutt.
The college only recently launched a campaign to raise $500,000 for STEM scholarships and technology renewal, with First United Bank & Trust President Carissa Rodeheaver and Dr. Rosie Versteegen as campaign co-chairs. More than half of that amount was raised or pledged before August’s official campaign launch, with the fund now over $2.4 million.
“Thanks to Mr. Offutt’s extraordinary generosity, we’ve exceeded even our most optimistic goals for the STEM campaign,” said Cherie Krug, executive director of the Garrett College Foundation.
“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Offutt for his most generous and sustaining gift,” said Susie Crawford, chair of the Garrett College Foundation Board of Directors. “His generosity will allow Garrett College to make significant investments in our STEM students and technologies for the foreseeable future.”
Midcap credited Krug, Grants and Special Funds Coordinator Kearstin Hinebaugh, former GC President Richard MacLennan, and Executive Assistant to the President Marcia Knepp for working with Mr. Offutt regarding a potential estate gift.
“Dr. MacLennan, Cherie, Kearstin and Marcia were all involved in the initial conversations with Mr. Offutt and played critical roles in developing a strong relationship between Mr. Offutt and the college,” said Midcap, noting Mr. Offutt had previously established an endowment that is already awarding STEM scholarships to GC students and has grown to nearly $100,000.
The STEM Building is a renovation and expansion project that includes classrooms, student spaces, faculty offices and laboratories for physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and robotics. A well-attended STEM Building Grand Opening took place in early September.
In addition to ensuring a stunningly successful conclusion to the STEM campaign, Midcap said the Offutt gift will allow the college to begin planning a capital campaign to support the Community Education and Performing Arts Center (CEPAC), which is currently in the design stage.
Oct 24, 2018
The weather for today will be partly sunny, with a high near 42 and a low of 27. Still a bit windy with Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph.
The Market Fresh Farmers Market is winding down for the season over the next two weeks, with one market today from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. They are also planning on holding their Winter Market again this year.
Congratulations to two Garrett College golfers: Sophomore Zack Harvey won the WPCC championship held at the Links of Spring Church in Apollo, Pennsylvania this weekend. Also, teammate Brady Merrick, a freshman, was selected to the five player WPCC all-conference team. Way to go gentlemen.
Check out the bedroom set and an antique motorcycle for sale on the Deep Creek Times online marketplace.
Kam Gillespie of Haley farm is giving a lecture this evening from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Indira Gandi, the first female prime minister of India.
The Garrett County Commission for Women is hosting a program around the short documentary Heroin(e) this Saturday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Garrett College Career Technology Training Center (CTTC) in Accident. The cost is $10.
Oh Deer! Garrett College is offering a Home Deer Processing workshop to provide hunters with basic skills to process their own deer. Topics include field dressing, knives, skinning the deer, meat cutting and packing. The course is November 5th, 7th and 12th, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at the Career Technology Training Center in Accident. Contact Continuing Education at 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.
We just found this in the Baltimore Business Journal online edition. A massive home situated on the lake will go to auction later this month after being previously listed for $2.69 million. The six-bedroom home on Shingle Camp Road spans 13,215 square feet of indoor and outdoor space that includes a private dock. The estate will sell without reserve, and bidding will take place via an online marketplace beginning Oct. 25th through Oct. 29th.
The annual Art Beckman Breakfast to benefit Cindy’s Fund will be held at Southern Rescue Squad on Saturday, November 10th from 7:00 am – Noon. There’s all you can eat pancakes, French toast and plenty of other breakfast goodies available, all for a donation.
Oct 23, 2018
The weather for today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 52 and a low around 32. Breezy, with a west wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.
As reported by Allegheny Mountains Weather, we are to keep an eye out for potentially a significant winter event this upcoming weekend. As always, models do vary but the Euro model shows potential Noreaster heading our way this weekend.
Author Melanie Burgess will share her award winning book, Stinky Owl, at the Kitzmiller branch of the Ruth Enlow Library from 10:30 am to 11:30 am this morning. The story is inspired by the birds at Rocky Gap State Park Aviary. The program is free and open to the public and copies of the book will be available for sale, so fly on over!
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting orders for shrub and tree seedlings from the John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery for the spring 2019 planting season. The nursery offers more than 50 species of shrubs and trees for large-scale plantings on private land. Orders can be made by emailing seedlingsales.dnr@maryland.gov.
This week is School Bus Safety Week and governor Hogan has asked all drivers to please obey school bus signs and be aware of our children leaving or boarding the bus. According to a Maryland State Department of Education study of of school bus “stop arm” violations in Maryland, a total of 3,812 violations were recorded on a single day last spring, compared to 3,384 observed violations in 2017.
Congratulations go out to Judy Carbone, president of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Garrett Branch, who was named the 2019 AAUW-Maryland Woman of Distinction at the 2018 Fall Conference of AAUW-Maryland this past weekend.
Saturday, October 27th, is National Drug Take Back Day, when the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is providing the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. There are three permanent collection points in Garrett County. Americans turned in 450 tons of prescription drugs at almost 10,000 sites during this event last April!
Just heard that St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Oakland is having their next Senior Moments 50+ Gang lunch get-together at Tomanetti’s on November 7th. Everyone can gather for the 12 noon Mass in the Daily Mass Chapel and then meet for lunch. They will also have a little discussion regarding what to do for Christmas donations to various charities in the community.
Oct 22, 2018
At the 2018 Fall Conference of AAUW-Maryland this past weekend, Judy A. Carbone, President of AAUW-Garrett Branch, was named the 2019 AAUW-Maryland Woman of Distinction. She was nominated by the 2018 Woman of Distinction honoree and AAUW-Maryland Co-President Kate Campbell Stevenson, in addition to the members of AAUW-Garrett Branch, and selected by the Maryland AAUW (American Association of University Women) Board of Directors. Carbone will join four other women nominees from the national stage at the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) presented by AAUW from May 29 – June 1, 2019, at the University of Maryland, College Park.
The Women of Distinction program pays tribute to women leaders who have made extraordinary accomplishments in their professions or their communities. According to sources, “The women highlighted are leaders in their fields, innovators of unique programs and services, and prime examples of lifelong commitments to promoting equity for women and girls everywhere. The Women of Distinction program not only honors excellence, but also ingenuity and the ability to overcome barriers that still exist for women.”
The national program, which has honored women including business leaders and CEOs, writers and poets, activists, scientists, military women of distinguished rank, and even an astronaut, has been in existence for thirty-four years, and AAUW Maryland has been the platinum sponsor for the past nine. The criteria for nomination ask that the woman nominated will inspire the young women attending the conference, inspire others to contribute to the Women of Distinction Fund as well as AAUW membership and activities.
When asked why she nominated Carbone as the 2019 Maryland Woman of Distinction, Campell said, “I met Judy in April of this year and was extremely impressed. After getting to know more of her personal, and professional history along with her dedicated public service, I knew she was most deserving of this award and I’m glad the committee unanimously agreed. We need leadership role models who actively demonstrate compassion, encouragement and creatively working together to solve problems. I was proud to nominate Judy Carbone for she possesses all these positive leadership characteristics and we Marylanders are the better for it.”
Says Carbone, “I am honored beyond words to have received this recognition and am still trying to figure out how I am qualified. I am so grateful to my AAUW colleagues for working to persuade me that I am and for this amazing honor.”
Carbone is running for County Commissioner in District 1. She hopes to become the first woman commission to be elected in Garrett County in 25 years. She and her husband Ken moved to Swanton 20 years ago. Carbone worked at Garrett College from 2004 – 2015 as an administrator in career counseling, academic advising, global education and other student services. For the past three years, she has been the volunteer coordinator at HART for Animals.
She has also held various community service roles in the community including the now defunct Business and Professional Women. In 2002, she joined the Garrett Branch of AAUW, serving as president in 2004 – 2005 and again in 2016 until the present. She was appointed by the Garrett County commissioners to the Garrett County Commission for Women in 2010, for which she was chair from 2016 – 2018.
Born just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, Carbone holds a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University and a master’s in education in general counseling from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. She has a life coaching certificate from the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara, and was administrator of the nonprofit career/life coaching firm Working From the Heart in Northern Virginia. She has worked as a career counselor and program director at the University of Maryland, George Mason University and Maryville University. Last year, Carbone trained as a moderator with Better Angels, an organization facilitating workshops that seek to “bridge the political divide.”
She has served on several local boards including Engage Mountain Maryland, Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, Mountain Laurel Medical Center and the House of Hope.
To make a donation to help support the AAUW-Maryland Women of Distinction Program, please go to aauw-md.aauw.net/donate-wod/. You can make the donation to Women of Distinction Fund #4355. To learn more about AAUW-Garrett Branch, please visit the group’s Facebook page.
Oct 22, 2018
We had our first snowfall of the year yesterday. Just a dusting of less than an inch, but it was still beautiful. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny with a high of 51 and a low of 39. Here’s a photo from our back yard yesterday morning.
The monthly Lego Club, designed for children ages four and up and featuring free building time with lots of building bricks, is on from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm this evening at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library. Children are encouraged to build a creation based on a new theme each month.
We are happy to welcome two new physicians to Garrett County: Mariana Bollinger, MD, and Jason Van Antwerp, MD, are both on staff at Garrett Regional Medical Center. Both are serving general patients and both will also be serving OB patients, which Dr. Bollinger has already begun. Welcome to our community!
Deep Creek Winter Sports Team (DCWST) registration for the 2018-19 Winter Season is now open for children, grandchildren, relatives or friends ages 7-18 who are avid/aspiring skiers or snowboarders. Joining DCWST provides for a great experience and skill-building, along with opportunities to compete regionally and locally in sanctioned ski races and snowboard competitions.
For those of you really into state-level public works details, I wanted to make you aware that the next Maryland Public Works meeting will be held in Annapolis on October 31st.
The Civic Club of Oakland is sponsoring its first-ever bus trip to the Pennsylvania Christmas Show in Harrisburg, PA on Thursday, November 29th. This Christmas Show is one of the largest in the country according to the event web site www.pachristmasshow.com. Tickets are available through www.eventbrite.com (search PA Christmas – Civic Club of Oakland) and are $53 (including fees).
While the warm-weather months are traditionally seen as the best time to buy a home, there is something to be said for purchasing in the fall season according to a recent article in Zillow.com. Now all of you out-of-town readers have no excuse not to act and buy a second, or first, home in our great community.
Oct 22, 2018
Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) and Wellspring Family Medicine have welcomed two new family practitioners to the cadre of physicians practicing in the area. Mariana Bollinger, MD, and Jason Van Antwerp, MD, are both on staff and currently serving patients.
Dr. Bollinger comes to Garrett County from Via Christi Family Medicine, where she served a three-year residency and was Chief Resident. She attained her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, and is a member in good standing of both the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Bollinger earned her Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina State University with a major in biological sciences concentrating in human biology. While in college, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Emergency Department at Morehead Memorial Hospital and as a private home care CNA in Raleigh, NC.
Dr. Van Antwerp also recently completed his three-year residency at Marquette Family Medicine Resident Program in Marquette, Michigan. A graduate of the St. George’s University School of Medicine, he is a member in good standing of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Michigan State Medical Society. Dr. Van Antwerp received a Diploma in Higher Education in Medical Sciences from Northumbria University in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, with a minor in religion, from Grove City College in Grove City, PA. He is fluent in both written and spoken Spanish.
“We are very pleased to have Dr. Bollinger and Dr. Van Antwerp join the excellent physicians we have practicing in Garrett Regional Medical Center’s service area,” says Kendra Thayer, GRMC’s Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “It is important that we continue to grow the medical professionals available locally in order to meet the needs of our community.”
Dr. Bollinger is accepting general practice as well as OB patients, and Dr. Van Antwerp is accepting general practice patients and will be expanding to OB in the near future. To schedule an appointment with either, call Wellspring Family Medicine at 301-334-7855.
Oct 22, 2018
If you have children, grandchildren, relatives or friends ages 7 to 18 who are avid/aspiring skiers or snowboarders, this is an excellent winter activity to take them to the next level of proficiency in their chosen sport. Joining DCWST also affords opportunities to compete regionally and locally in sanctioned ski races and snowboard competitions. This year the team is also offering a “New Members” reduced dues rate for first time members.
DCWST has been a mainstay at Wisp Resort for the past 15 years as a result of its focus on athlete-skills development in a structured and supportive environment. Information about the team is available on its website, http://www.dcwst.org/. Registration is completed online at http://dcwst.org.leag1.com/.
Also, new this year is a DCWST Master’s Membership for ski-racers age 19 and older who can’t give up their passion for the sport and wish to practice running gates in a challenging environment on Tuesday and Friday evenings!
Oct 19, 2018
Weather-wise, Friday will be sunny during the day, with showers likely in the evening, with a high of 56 and a low of 44. Saturday is forecast to be rainy as well, with a high of 49 and chance of rain/snow mix in the evening, with a low of 31. Sunday has a 30% chance of snow showers during the day and a partly cloudy evening, with a high of 37 and a low of 28. Get the winter wear ready folks!
I am sorry to report a house fire in Friendsville overnight on Wednesday. The investigation notice from the State Fire Marshall indicated it likely started in the laundry room, in the dryer. I share this because I have heard of a number of dryer fires or “near-fires” in the past. We all need to check the lint filters in our respective dryers.
Taylor Made is holding their 10th anniversary celebration and grand opening Friday evening from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Congratulations to them and to all they add to the community.
Matt Tichon is appearing at Black Bear Tavern Friday evening from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. No cover charge. And, Jason McDonald is playing at Moonshadow at 8:00 pm Friday.
If you are in the Halloween Spirit (or should I say Spirits) you may want to visit Broadford Park Friday or Saturday evening for a haunted hayride to see the “reaper.” The hayrides start at dark and cost $5. Watch out for that reaper fellow…
One of the last Mountain Fresh Farmers Markets of the season is Saturday in Oakland from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Always good “stuff” and good people there.
There Pumpkin Paining at Smiley’s on Saturday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. All supplies and pumpkins are supplied along with prizes, for a cost of $10.
Don’t worry, I won’t be able to make it, so you still have a chance to win. Yes, you have a chance to win at the 5th annual Oakland Volunteer Fire Department Arm Wrestling Contest on Saturday. $10 to enter goes to a good cause.
There’s lots of other events going on around town this weekend, from a zombie run, to the opening of a new park in Kitzmiller, plus… Check out our Events Guide for more.
A cute family photo from A.J. B.: Roasting marshmallows with the family.
Oct 18, 2018
The weather for today will be mostly sunny during the day and clear in the evening with a high of 42 and a low of 32. Winter is coming!
Just heard that Friends of Deep Creek Lake will receive the Leadership for Service Volunteer Award from the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS). Congratulations for all you do!
Speaking of Friends of Deep Creek lake, they are asking all interested in the lake to rally and ask Governor Hogan to set-aside $25 million for lake restoration and sediment dredging. Read their latest newsletter for all the details.
And, speaking of the lake and awards, The Deep Creek Lake Property Owners Association just won the NALMS 2018 Lake Management Success Stories Award for their article discussing the effectiveness of public/private partnerships. The article may be seen here. We are fortunate to have such active, effective organizations supporting the lake, watershed and our community . Congratulations!
While it pertains to September’s designation, we just received this video of Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford showing some important “signs” for us in Maryland. I thought my readers would be interested and I certainly learned something from the video. Enjoy.
Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development has scheduled a Commercial Driver’s License Learner’s Permit Prep Course on October 27th and 28th, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the College’s Mountaintop Truck Driving Institute in Grantsville. If you know someone looking for a job, truck driving can provide a nice living. For additional information contact Terry Beachy at 301.895.4700 or terry.beachy@garrettcollege.edu.
The League of Women Voters of Maryland (LWVMD) has published printable files of their nonpartisan Voter’s Guide for every Maryland county and Baltimore City on its website at https://www.lwvmd.org/2018_voters_guides. The LWVMD asked candidates to respond to questions relating to the duties of the office they are seeking, and also to list their websites and social media pages to provide voters with access to even more information. The Voter’s Guides also include information about state and local ballot questions.
So, you want to improve your mussel mass you say? Read this newsletter from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources that documents how the Patapsco River is doing just that!