Today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 45 and breezy, with a west wind 15 to 21 mph. Winds will continue into the evening with a low of 30 forecast.
The annual National Remembrance Day Roll Call for veterans killed in our wars will be held at the Garrett College auditorium on November 9th. Kathy Fauber, Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Counselor is coordinating the event and is looking for readers. Give her a call if you are interested in donating a little time to honor our veterans. Kathy can be reached at 301.376.3057. Thank you.
Today’s weather will be cloudy, with a chance of meatballs. Actually, I always wanted to say that, but Sarah usually does the weather, so I couldn’t slip it in until now! Today will be partly sunny with a high of 49 and a low of 38. Please note that the National Weather Service has now lowered their forecast for Wednesday to show a low of 30 that evening. Bring in your plants and maybe the meatballs too!
Here’s a great photo of the lake taken this past Saturday by Eduardo Santillan Monsibais.
Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh yesterday announced that the State of Maryland has sought judicial review, in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, of the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to deny Maryland’s petition for relief under Section 126 of the Clean Air Act. The petition had asked EPA to impose additional controls on upwind emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) a precursor to Ozone. Here’s the link to the press release from the AG.
The Garrett County Planning Commission is issuing a call for volunteers to serve on the Deep Creek Watershed Signage Committee. Per Maryland state guidelines, the Committee would be tasked with advising the Planning Commission on recommended changes to the sign chapter of the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning Ordinance. Letters of interest, as well as any questions, can be directed to Deborah Carpenter, Director, Garrett County Planning & Land Management at dcarpenter@garrettcounty.org or 301.334.1924.
With November 1st being World Vegan Day and research showing that skipping meat can save the average person at least $750 per year, the personal-finance website WalletHub yesterday released its report on 2018’s Best Cities for Vegans & Vegetarians as well as accompanying videos. Washington D.C. came in a very respectable 11th best nationally.
The weather for today will be wet and cool, with showers likely, especially in the morning, and with a high of 61 and a low of 35. Early forecasts show below freezing temperatures Wednesday evening. I’ll keep checking and provide an update as the week progresses.
One of the benefits of my life and career here in Garrett County are the “positive collisions” I have with all sorts of neat and talented people. Saturday morning I had the benefit of co-hosting a brainstorming session at the college with a group of women CEOs and executives from downstate and Virginia. Brought to the lake as guests by second home owner Renee Lewis, we had some great brainstorming and opportunity discussions. With smart, dedicated people like that interested in collaboration, the future is bright for the Lake and Garrett County.
I had numerous other “positive collisions” at the Civic Club’s Antique and Maker Fair on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. One such collision was a nice conversation, as we were packing-up, with Deep Creek Times readers Jerry and Gary from Lochandean Pottery Studio at the lake. Nice guys with some beautiful pottery. My congratulations to the ladies of the Civic Club for another great fundraising event.
Since bears may travel many miles in search of food, motorists traveling in Maryland’s western counties, especially Allegany and Garrett, are reminded to watch for them crossing roads, especially during October and November. Bears will begin entering dens in mid-November with most inside dens by mid-December. More information about living with black bears can be found online or by calling 410-260-8540 or 301-777-2136.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has named Steve Green as the 2018 Honorary Golden Ambassador of the 51st Annual Autumn Glory Festival. The announcement was made at the Annual Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception & Dinner on October 10, 2018, sponsored by Patriot Chrysler Dodge Ram Jeep. Garrett Regional Medical Center, a proud affiliate of WVU Medicine, is the title sponsor of the 51st Annual Autumn Glory Festival.
The Golden Ambassador is awarded by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to a person who has contributed to and supported tourism in Garrett County. The Golden Ambassador is selected by a committee of former Golden Ambassador winners.
“On behalf of the Chamber and the tourism community, I offer sincere congratulations to Steve on being named the 2018 Honorary Golden Ambassador,” said Nicole Christian, Chamber President and CEO. “Steve is so deserving of this recognition. His passion for outdoor recreation in Garrett County and his commitment to creating a thriving tourism industry are without parallel. He is a humble servant of this community and I am pleased that we are able to show appreciation for his tireless efforts.”
Steve has been an owner of High Mountain Sports, a full services outdoor sports and recreation business in Garrett County, for 25 years. Steve oversees High Mountain Sports’ two locations: one on Garrett Highway with a retail store, water sport rentals and pontoon boat tours, where Steve has been known to give tours personally, and a second satellite location on Sang Run Rd offering winter sport rentals each winter.
Steve is also one of the original founders of Garrett Trails, Inc., a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the development of a network of high-quality, sustainable trails in Garrett County. Steve is on the Board of Directors and serves as the Treasurer of Garrett Trails, as they work to create and maintain quality trails that provide access to the area’s historic, municipal, and environmental sights, thus attracting visitors and promoting fitness and outdoor enjoyment for county residents.
Steve has also been a driving force of the Garrett County Gran Fondo, a mass-participation cycling event hosted annually by Garrett Trails, that draws between 800 – 1,000 participants per year and contributes more than $1 million in economic impact to the community. Steve also helps organize Garrett Trail’s annual Taste of Garrett County event and its Race up the Face competition. Steve has also supported the annual Savage Man triathlon and, each year, he mans a timing station for Race Across America, the national cycling event, when it passes through Garrett County.
Steve was appointed to the Governor’s Commission for Outdoor Recreation and he serves on the Maryland Bike Coalition and the Board of Directors of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, where he currently chairs the Chamber’s Legislative Affairs committee and serves on their Finance Committee.
Patriot Chrysler Dodge Ram Jeep was the sponsor of the 51st Annual Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception and Premier Power and Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales were the reception entertainment sponsors. For more information about the 51st Annual Autumn Glory Festival, please log onto visitdeepcreek.com or call 301.387.4386.
The weather for Friday will be partly sunny, with a high near 47 and a low of 37 with a good chance of showers. West wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Saturday, showers are likely, mainly before 8:00 am, gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 44 and a low of 35. Sunday will be partly sunny, with a high near 54 and a low of 47. Get ready to bring your house plants inside folks.
Congratulations to the Town of Friendsville on their new “Way Finding” signs around town. They look great and are the result of a lot of efforts and patience. Great job folks!
If music competitions aren’t your thing, but you still want to experience some nice sounds and great food Friday evening or the rest of the weekend, check out the offerings at Black Bear tavern and Moonshadow. Those events and others are easy to find on our events pages.
Don’t forget the Town of Oakland is offering a shuttle on Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. With the parade and other activities, consider the shuttle as an easy means of transport to the various events.
Don’t forget to visit the Civic Club’s Antique and Maker Fair in Oakland at the old Armory building from Friday through Sunday. It’s always a hit, with great vendors and great food that is provided by the ladies of the Civic Club. I’ll be there Saturday afternoon selling raffle tickets for them and helping as cashier in the cafeteria. If you stop by, say “hi.” And, remember, the $3 admission fee is donated back to the community!
It looks like things are cooling off and getting a bit rainy before Autumn Glory. Today will have a high of 67 and a low of 38, with showers likely throughout the day. I think the cooler weather may help move the color change along, which seems to be lagging prior years a bit.
I had a nice lunch yesterday at Ledo’s Pizza in McHenry. I usually get their pizza/pasta/salad buffet which is a nice value and fast. They are our newest advertiser, so please check them out and be sure to check out their daily specials.
The Department of Natural Resources latest Fishing Report says that cooler water temperatures at the lake are keeping fish active and will likely cause less boat traffic on the water. Anglers should be able to find quiet fishing spots on the lake and good fishing for a variety of fish, including Pike and Bass.
This is the Garrett County Board of Education’s October 9th meeting live stream — they discussed capital improvements, enrollment and plans moving forward:
Speaking of our local public schools, students will be dismissed three hours early today for staff development activities in the afternoon and schools will be closed Friday, October 12, 2018, for the Autumn Glory celebration.
Today will be partly sunny with a high near 74 and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3:00 pm. Tonight has a 80 percent chance for thunderstorms with a low of 63 forecast.
I had the pleasure of participating in two regional college fairs yesterday, one at Garrett College in the morning and one in Cumberland in the evening. I was thrilled to see so many interested students and parents. There truly is a college or vocational program available for everyone.
Today kicks off the five-day celebration of autumn known as Autumn Glory that celebrates the beauty of the local fall foliage. There’s a wide variety of things to do indoors or outdoors. The Festival includes two large parades, concerts, band competitions, art exhibits, antique & craft shows and much more!
Yesterday was another really nice day. Today will be mostly sunny with a high of 74 and a low of 62. I am enjoying it while I can and I hope you are too.
The 2018 Garrett County College Expo will be held at Garrett College this morning from 9:30 – Noon. Local high school juniors and seniors will be bused in and all in the county are welcome to join-in to meet the over 50 colleges, trade schools and military exhibitors and hear from others, including motivational speaker Rick Rando.
Fire Prevention Week began yesterday, coinciding with the beginning of the fall wildfire season in Maryland. Even with a rainy summer fall conditions of drying brush and wind can make for excellent wildfire conditions. Homeowners can learn more about how to prevent wildfires at the department’s Firewise Maryland page.
Here’s a link to Rural Matters Fall 2018 issue which I thought our readers might be interested in reading. It is a fairly new publication with a sustainability theme.
Dr. Jane Wildesen and, Deep Creek Times co-owner, Sarah Myers have been named co-chairs of the 2018 United Way of Garrett County campaign. United Way of Garrett County raises funds and supports initiatives that improve education, income and/or health in our local community.
Well, here’s some good news on taxes! Some counties deliver a greater return on residents’ property taxes than others. According to a recent study by financial technology company SmartAsset comparing US counties, measuring local crime rates and school quality relative to effective property tax rates, Garrett County ranked among the best in Maryland for value compared to taxes paid. For a look at how top counties compared, check out the table below:
Construction is complete at the newest Believe in Tomorrow respite property at Deep Creek Lake! Once the house is fully stocked the Believe In Tomorrow families can visit and benefit from a respite stay during their child’s critical illness. Be a part of the opening of our new house, please visit the Amazon wish list at http://a.co/dwt5Ru7 to see how you can help.
Summer came back to the lake this weekend with lots of sun and warm temperatures! The weather for today will be mostly sunny with a high of 76 degrees and a chance for localized thunder showers in the afternoon. Low temperature of 62.
Happy Columbus Day! Please note that some federal offices and also local institutions (e.g., Ruth Enlow Library) are closed today. I should also note that this day also coincides with Indigenous Peoples Day which is celebrated in some areas of the country.
I had an opportunity to hear a very informative presentation on Saturday from Dr. David Myerberg, of the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation. The presentation, titled “To Preserve and Protect for Prosperity” brought to life the importance of the whole DCL watershed as a feeder to the lake. Please check out their website link on our home page and consider supporting them in any way possible.
Speaking of technology: The Hogan administration on Thursday announced that Maryland is ranked second among all fifty states in emerging technologies and innovation by the Center for Digital Government. Additionally, Maryland’s overall grade in the Digital States Survey has improved from a B in 2016 to a B+ in 2018 and Western Maryland was impacted via recent wireless efforts with Declaration Networks.
Happy belated birthday shoutout to Matt Matlick! 🎉
Sarah and I had a really nice lunch on Friday with some great guys that have been coming together to fish at the lake for 36 years. Drew, Dave, Drew and friend Johnny are featured below. Deep Creek Lake truly does make for great and lasting memories, and apparently some good fishing over the years!
(Pictured from L-R, Drew, Dave, Johnny and Drew)
The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling announces that the 2019 Residential Refuse Permits are now available. Residents can renew/purchase permits now and it will be valid from the date of purchase through the end of 2019. Your current 2018 permit will expire on December 31, 2018.
The Permits utilize a radio frequency identification system (RFID) that allows the permit to be scanned for validity at each collection site. Customers may renew the same permit for as long as they own the vehicle that it is originally placed on provided they pay the annual fee. DO NOT REMOVE YOUR CURRENT PERMIT DECAL FROM YOUR WINDSHIELD. The RFID system makes replacing a permit much simpler.
Purchase of 2019 Residential Refuse Permit:
The fee is $50.00 per year and payments can be made using cash, check, or money order.
Complete the renewal form and make payment before December 31, 2018.
To order your permit online sign into payments at www.garrettcounty.org. There is no additional charge for using your credit card.
To purchase your permit by mail or in person, please visit the Landfill on Oakland Sang Run Road or the Garrett County Tax Collection Office.
You will not receive a receipt when you renew unless you request one.
Replacement of RFID Permit:
If a customer requires a replacement permit due to trading a vehicle, loss of a windshield, or an accident, they can order a replacement with a phone call or e-mail to the Landfill office. The RFID will allow a permit to be switched off electronically, customers no longer need to return the old permit for a replacement.
Important notes:
Do not remove your current permit decal from your windshield, it will be reactivated upon renewal.
You will be required to pay by the bag if you have not renewed
Applications are not mailed out but will be available at all collection sites, online, the Garrett County Tax Office, and the Landfill office.
Purchasing early will help customers avoid lines and delays at the end of the year.
The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling announces Saturday winter hours for the Garrett County Landfill. Effective Saturday, October 13, 2018 the Landfill will be closed on Saturdays to commercial haulers and large residential loads. Saturday full service hours will begin again on April 20, 2019.
Residential users may continue to use the Landfill from 8:00 AM until Noon on Saturdays provided that they either have a residential permit or pay the required fees.
Landfill users are also reminded that they can now renew their Residential Refuse Permit for 2019. Renewals will be valid from the date of purchase through December 31, 2019. Purchasing online is the fastest and easiest way to renew your permit. Sign in to payments at www.garrettcounty.org.
The weather for today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 69 and a low around 60. Saturday will be partly sunny with isolated showers (thunderstorms also possible) with a high near 75 and a low around 62. Sunday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 77 and a low around 61.
There’s a very important and interesting series of art events unfolding this weekend through the rest of October in Cumberland. Titled “Resilience, Healing What Ails Us,” this series focuses on substance abuse and mental health recovery via a number of media.
There’s a lot of events at or near the lake this weekend, including at various music venues. You can check it all out at the Deep Creek Times Events Guide.
Got Rain? There’s an introductory session on water runoff to be presented by University of Maryland Extension on October 19th and November 9th at Garrett College. This session will give information about what storm water is and how to manage it on your property. Contact Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 301-387-3069 or email cewd@garrettcollege.edu for more information or register online at https://tinyurl.com/y7kczrcr.
A local writer and illustrator, Deborah Wagner-Brenneman and Melinda Bishoff, have finished their new book: “The Perfect Tree for Mrs. B”; a Christmas book that celebrates the ‘perfect’ imperfections of every child. It’s available on westbowpress.com, amazon.com, barnes&noble.com, and booksamillion.com
Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission released Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Appalachia, a suite of new research reports and resources to support entrepreneurial development in Appalachia. The research includes three reports which outline core elements necessary for a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, analyze community case studies to provide insight into the unique challenges faced by communities in Appalachia, and offer recommendations to support future economic development across the Region. A companion website documents and compares entrepreneurial activity in each of Appalachia’s 420 counties, and includes a working inventory of support services available to entrepreneurs across the Region.
“Entrepreneurs diversify local economies and help make communities more resilient and dynamic. This is why fostering entrepreneurial growth is one of ARC’s priorities,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Tim Thomas. “There is no good reason why the next world-changing entrepreneur can’t come from Appalachia. These resources can help make that happen.”
Using both quantitative and qualitative analysis at macro and micro levels, the first report in the research series identifies seven core elements necessary for a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. These elements include:
Market Access
Capital
Talent
Business Assistance
Specialized Infrastructure and Facilities
Community Culture
Regulatory/Government Support
The second report compares national, regional, and community level data about startups, high growth companies, and stage two companies (10–99 employees) to measure entrepreneurial dynamism. The research notes that 26.6 percent of companies in Appalachia are start-ups, compared to 30.7 percent in the rest of the country. In addition, while there are marginally more high-growth companies in Appalachia in comparison to the rest of the country (1.7 percent in Appalachia in comparison to 1.5 percent in the country), there are slightly fewer Stage 2 companies in the region in comparison to the rest of the country (15.3 percent in Appalachian compared to 15.6 percent in the country). The report also compares similar measures to offer in depth case studies of entrepreneurial dynamism in eight Appalachian communities, including:
Asheville, North Carolina
Athens, Ohio
Cattaraugus County, New York
Chattanooga, Tennessee
New River Gorge/Greenbrier Valley, West Virginia
The Shoals, Alabama
Garrett County, Maryland
Southwest Virginia
The third research report offers concrete recommendations for how states and communities can foster entrepreneurial ecosystem development across the Region, including integrating entrepreneurial development with other federal, local, and regional activities.
The companion website, www.arc.gov/ecosystems, includes comparative county, state, region, and national data on startups, high growth companies, and stage 2 companies to measure entrepreneurial dynamism in each of the Region’s 420 counties. The website also features a searchable inventory of over 1,000 technical support providers and community based resources available to Appalachian entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Appalachia was conducted in partnership with EntreWorks Consulting, the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness, and the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship. Today’s announcement was made at the Olean Business Development Corp in New York’s Cattaraugus County, one of the community case studies profiled in the research.
Investing in entrepreneurial and business development strategies that strengthen Appalachia’s economy is one of ARC’s five investment goals as outlined in the Commission’s current Strategic Plan. In FY 2017, ARC invested over $37 million in entrepreneurial-related activities which helped create or retain over 4,500 jobs and created or improved more than 3,000 businesses across the Region.
DIY: Solutions for Managing Water Runoff – Friday October 19 2-3 pm or Friday Nov 9 from 6-7 pm
Got Rain? This introductory session on water runoff will give information about what stormwater is and how to manage it on your property for your benefit and the well-being of the entire community and watershed. Guidance, handouts, and discussion points will address the following questions: Why water runoff can be a problem for property owners, how (much) runoff is generated on your property, how water flows across and leaves your property, and how you can reduce the amount of stormwater leaving your property through Best Management Practices (BMP). No cost to attend, but registration is required. For questions or to register, contact Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 301-387-3069, email cewd@garrettcollege.edu or register online at https://tinyurl.com/y7kczrcr. This session will be held at Garrett College STEM Building, Room 201 and is being sponsored by Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development, University of Maryland Extension, Garrett County Government, and the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation.
The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. Anyone with a disability that requires special assistance for participation in the program should contact the extension office at 301-334-6960.
The weather for today will be increasing clouds with a slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3pm. A high near 73 and a low around 55. West wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
You can bring your own needlework – whether it’s knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, or lap quilting – and join others for two hours of relaxation and fun at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library this afternoon from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
There’s a Gallery Night fundraising event for It’s in the Bag (children’s food program) put on by the Satellite Club of Rotary of Oakland this evening from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Does anyone have any old comforters or blankets? Pineview Veterinary hospital is asking folks to drop any donations off at the front desk.
The Garrett County Board of Education is still accepting community input on the proposed three grade band alignment options through noon this Friday. This is an important development in the county and worthy of your review, understanding and comment.
Garrett Trails is an important and well-run non-profit in Garrett County. Here’s their October newsletter including a photo of their Platinum Award from the Deep Creek Times People’s Choice Challenge. Nice job and well deserved!
Congrats to several local baseball players being inducted to the National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame. Terry Helbig, John Helmick, Lawrence Nesselrodt & Phil Caruso are to be inducted at the 2018 National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Banquet on Nov 12th in Evansville, Indiana. For the full list of semi-pros, visit the Cumberland Times-News.
Good to see that our Autumn Glory Festival “made” the state’s official tourism site.
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 4:00pm at Southern Garrett High School. The agenda for the Public Session can be found here.
The Maryland Department of Planning would like to invite you to the second round of outreach for the new state development plan, A Better Maryland. Feedback by county can be found on the “What We’ve Heard” page here: https://bit.ly/2IB5FIY and the next event will be Tuesday, October 9 @ 6:00 pm at the Lyric Theater (20 E. Main Street) in Frostburg. For more information, call (410) 767-4500.
October 7th – 13th is Fire Prevention Week. Fire can start anywhere so please Look, Listen and Learn!
If you are one of the 179 million Americans that celebrate Halloween, you may be interested to know what the top three candies in Maryland and other states are. You may be surprised on the results based on 11 years of data analyzed by CandyStore.com.
