Jan 31, 2019
The weather for today will be sunny and cold, with a high near 7. Wind chill values as low as -29. West wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tonight, snow likely (mainly after 4am). Increasing clouds, with a low around 5. Wind chill values as low as -10. West wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Due to the frigid weather, the Oakland library’s “Choose Civility” event I included in yesterday’s Notes was cancelled and will now take place on Wednesday, February 6th at 6:00 pm. The College is closed today and mass at St. Peters is also cancelled for today, since Garrett County Schools are closed. Garrett County Administrator Kevin Null has also announced all county government offices will delay opening until 10:30 a.m. today. If you are coming into town, please check to make sure your intended destination is open as we face this very cold weather.
They knead more dough! Garrett Mentors is a local non–profit organization providing children in the Garrett County area with positive, adult role models serving as lunchtime mentors at school. They are holding a “Dough Raiser” fund raiser at Uno’s today from 9:00 am – 10:00 pm including take-outs I have had the pleasure of knowing a number of their dedicated mentors and meeting some of their student mentees and I give this organization a hearty “thumbs -up.” Check here to print the coupon to be able to have your meal help and also to learn more. Thanks!
Oakland Jazzercise is holding its annual February Heart Health Challenge again this year. New/returning customers can sign up for just $50 and get unlimited classes now through February 28th and also have a chance to earn a limited edition Heart Challenge tank. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Garrett Regional Medical Center’s CT Scanner Campaign.
The Lodges at Sunset Village (across from the Fort and below Wisp) has announced a special deal for this weekend only: $398 for a two-night stay with free skiing, This weekend only – Friday February 1st – Sunday February 3rd. This one is not available online, you must call to make a reservation – 301.387.2227. Tell them Deep Creek Times sent you!
Here’s the Winter Edition of Maryland Natural Resource Magazine from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It includes an interesting article on the Bloede Dam removal project.
I know, I know. It is really cold outside, so you have been wondering how birds keep warm in this weather. Well, here’s the answer. Hint: They do NOT go and buy an extra jacket on Amazon or take a shot of whiskey every hour.. but they DO have some natural protections and behaviors they have developed. Check it out dear readers. And, stay warm!
Jan 30, 2019
Yesterday, after flurries all day, the snow got very intense on the mountain late afternoon and with the temperature dropping, the roads were quite slick, even with the limited accumulations.
WIND CHILL WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EST THURSDAY
Today’s weather will be cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny and cold, with a temperature falling to around -3 by 5pm. Snow likely, mainly before 2pm. Wind chill values as low as -25. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around -9. Wind chill values as low as -30. West wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.
What is the Caldecott award and how does an illustrator win one? Which books might win this year? Ruth Enlow Library staff and attendees will answer these questions, vote for your favorite books, create your own illustrator-inspired art and more in this hands-on book club designed especially for homeschooled kids. This sounds like an interesting program. Please register and confirm any weather postponement by calling 301.895.5298 or emailing hannah@relib.net before the event.
WW (formally Weight Watchers) is hosting an Open House on Thursday at 5:00 pm at the Mary Browning Community Center. This is a chance to try a workshop (meeting) for free, sample some snacks, get coupons and learn WW tips & hacks. Location details are at the WW site under “Find a Meeting”
As part of the Ruth Enlow Library’s “Choose Civility” program, there is a themed session this evening from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Oakland branch. The premise of this program is to “demonstrate” how we can show respect even when we don’t agree with someone’s views. Come to this year’s first “Choose Civility” discussion, where the theme will be “Talking Politics: How and Why.”
It’s Team Trivia Night at the Greene Turtle this evening from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It is free and open to all and you can win prizes. Good luck.
The Red Cross will be holding a Blood Drive on February 12th at the CARC at Garrett College from 11:30 am – 4:00 pm. Please call 1.800.RED.Cross or go to www.redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment. Do it!
This event is not in Garrett County, but it can help our Garrett County businesses and their owners. If you are a small, minority-owned, woman-owned or veteran-owned business you might be interested in this “Ready, Set, Grow Procurement Program Connections Workshop” to be held in Baltimore County on February 21st. Here’s some more information, including a registration form, for this free workshop.
Jan 30, 2019
Weather forecasts warn of extreme cold weather continuing over the next several days with single digit and below zero temperatures expected. Wind chills as much as 20 below zero may occur!
Extreme cold increases the concern for seniors, children, and homeless persons. Anyone engaging in outdoor activities (especially children) should be carefully monitored for frostbite and hypothermia.
This may NOT be the time for outdoor activities…persons should have full protection of winter clothing, hats, gloves and boots if possible.
Neighbors should check on elderly neighbors and others who live alone.
All pets/animals should have warm shelter or be brought indoors even in the daytime.
Community members should be aware of the following resources:
- For cold weather emergencies, call 911.
- Persons needing emergency fuel assistance can call Community Action at 301-334-9431 (after hours, call 301-334-1926).
- Persons needing emergency shelter, call Department of Social Services at 301-533-3000.
- For assistance with pets or stray animals, call Garrett County Animal Shelter at 301-334-3553.
- Not sure who to call? Citizens may call the Garrett County Public Safety/Emergency Management non-emergency line at 301-334-1929 for assistance.
Jan 29, 2019
Yesterday was clear, with clouds moving in as I write these Notes. Today’s weather will be cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 18 by 5pm. West wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Tonight: isolated snow showers before 8pm, then a slight chance of snow after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -6. West wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.
Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is holding a (healthcare) Uniform and Shoe Sale today from 7:00 am – 3:00 pm. The sale will be in their dining area on the lower level. If you or someone you know is in the healthcare field, this is an opportunity to stock-up on some good fashions.
Bambi asked me to include this one: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the state’s management of white-tailed deer. The input will be used to help revise the state’s 15 year deer management plan. Here’s the link to the DNR information. Note that there is a related public briefing in Frostburg on February 6th.
It’s Team Trivia at Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry this evening from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. There are prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Not to be outdone, Moonshadow in McHenry is hosting their Trivia Night from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm this evening, with discounts on drinks and other goodies for you.
This is an interesting article from the American Bird Conservancy that reports the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is leading an effort to consider birds in their planning of wind energy development off the shores of California. Efforts under the plan will include using site-specific research and predictive mapping, among other approaches. While California and the Pacific is far away, I thought our readers might find it interesting due to Garrett County’s own wind projects. Enjoy.
This photo of Deep Creek Lake is shared from Christian Mullin! Chris’ company does prints; can you imagine this printed on metal?
We just heard from Carol Riley-Alexander that the Board of Garrett County Commissioners will not conduct a Public Meeting on Monday, February 4th as previously announced. On that date the Board will meet in Administrative Session to review administrative matters. The next scheduled Public Meeting will now be held on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019.
We are very fortunate to have a strong, engaged, active health department in Garrett County. We just received this press release from the Garrett County Health Department’s Public Information officer Diane Lee. I thought I would include in its entirety for our readers as it is important.
Weather forecasts warn of extreme cold weather continuing over the next several days with single digit and below zero temperatures expected. Wind chills as much as 20 below zero may occur! Extreme cold increases the concern for seniors, children, and homeless persons. Anyone engaging in outdoor activities (especially children) should be carefully monitored for frostbite and hypothermia. This may NOT be the time for outdoor activities…persons should have full protection of winter clothing, hats, gloves and boots if possible.
–Neighbors should check on elderly neighbors and others who live alone.
–All pets/animals should have warm shelter or be brought indoors even in the daytime.
–Community members should be aware of the following resources:
*For cold weather emergencies, call 911.
*Persons needing emergency fuel assistance can call Community Action at 301-334-9431 (after hours, call 301-334-1926).
*Persons needing emergency shelter, call Department of Social Services at 301-533-3000.
*For assistance with pets or stray animals, call Garrett County Animal Shelter at 301-334-3553.
*Not sure who to call? Citizens may call the Garrett County Public Safety/Emergency Management non-emergency line at 301-334-1929 for assistance.
Jan 28, 2019
The weather yesterday was nice, with intermittent flurries. Lots of folks at Wisp and I also saw a few groups sliding across the lake ice. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny with a high near 35 and a low around 33. Southeast wind 6 to 11 mph. Rain and snow likely overnight; new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Where (and when) do LEGOs and Needlework come “together” in Garrett County you ask? Why, at the Ruth Enlow Library, today I say. There’s two LEGO Club sessions for kids and two (separate) Needlework sessions for adults. You can find information on the individual classes in our Events section.
It’s cold on the mountain and it looks like it will be getting even colder this week, so I thought I would include this interesting article from Zillow comparing the pros and cons of furnaces, boilers and heat pumps for you. Note that at the bottom of the linked page there is a “quiz” to help you determine what your dream cabin looks like.
Speaking of the cold weather, here’s a tip-sheet from Erie Insurance on winter driving. I know all my readers are expert winter drivers, but perhaps share this common sense, simple piece with a friend or family member.
Calling all start-up entrepreneurs around the lake. Maryland TEDCO has opened up applications for their second (business) builder fund and it looks like a fairly simple process. TEDCO does some great work for the state and county, so check out the application at this link if you are looking for funding.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has announced that Mountain State Brewing Company will be hosting their next Business After Hours on Thursday, February 14th from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at their 6690 Sang Run Rd location in McHenry. Mountain State is known for their great homemade brews and their wonderful wood-fired flatbread pizzas. I will likely be there, so all readers should feel free to bring me my (hopefully high value) Valentines Day present that evening. I am all about my readers and convenience!
Last night’s sunset was a good one:
Jan 25, 2019
The weather for today is scattered snow showers before 1pm, then scattered flurries between 1pm and 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 20 (wind chills as low as -1). Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 9 (wind chill as low as -5) . Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers: a high near 24 (wind chill as low as -3) a low around 20. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers: High near 32; low around 17.
The Southern High School Boys Basketball team is home versus Allegany High School Friday evening starting at 6:00.
Kelly Lynott is playing at Black Bear Tavern Friday evening from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Also on Friday evening, Jason McDonald and Jimmy Nash will be playing together for the first time at Moonshadow from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Here’s the Maryland Department of Tourism’s Newsletter that came out yesterday. It includes some nice winter activities in Western Maryland including at Wisp.
Thank you to Paul Heller for sharing this photo from the other night — he says it is through a window with his Google Pixel phone on “Night Mode”; he didn’t even realize the deer was there until looking at the photo! You can even see stars in this one if you look closely…
Thinking of becoming a lifeguard? Need to get your recertification? Check out the upcoming lifeguard classes at the CARC, including one on the 26th starting at 9:00 am. Register over the phone at 301.387.3786 or online. Got questions? Ask their Aquatics Coordinator at rebekah.stuckey@garrettcollege.edu or 301.387.3788.
As usual, there’s a lot of other events this weekend, including bingo, more live music, disc jockeys, and more. Check it all out on our Events pages here.
The Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park is open on weekends during the winter months. Here’s a listing of their activities this weekend:
Friday January 25
All Day – Hands on Science Room Open and Scavenger Hunts Available
Saturday January 26
11:00 a.m. Backyard Birding – Learn the birding basics from, overwintering birds, feeder types and basic ID. Approx 1 hour
1:00 p.m. Snowshoeing for Beginners – Learn the basics of snowshoeing and join the Naturalist for a trek around the Discovery Center. Snowshoes are provided. Free—please call for reservations. Will be a hike if no snow.
Sunday January 27
11:00 a.m. Snowflake Discovery – Join the Naturalist to learn about snowflakes! Make a snowflake craft and try to capture “snowflake prints” if weather permits.
2:00 p.m. Aviary Feeding – Join the team to learn some interesting facts, hear each bird’s story, and watch these amazing raptors eat.
Jan 24, 2019
Yesterday was warmer with a bit of rain in the afternoon and evening hours.
Today’s weather will be rain and snow showers likely between 9am and 10am, then snow showers likely after 10am. Temperature falling to around 24 by 5pm. Breezy, with a west wind 11 to 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Tonight is a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. West wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Speaking of the weather, or more specifically the night sky, I saw the Super (Blood) Moon clearly for the first time this season when the clouds “broke” the other evening. It was huge and looked like it was “just” over the tree tops. It wasn’t red when I saw it, but if you want to learn more and see it in its “red phase” and learn why it turned red, check out this link. Very Impressive.
Congratulations are in order for Mike, Pablo and their team at FireFly Farms in Accident. We just heard that one of their soft-ripened goat’s milk cheeses, MountainTop, is a 2019 Good Foods Awards winner. The 2019 awards were announced at a ceremony held recently in San Francisco, California. My wife and I love their cheese products and they are good guys and a great success story for artisan foods produced in Garrett County.
Sailing? On the Lake? In January? Yep. According to this piece by Maryland Public Television, Deep Creek Lake has the fastest growing ice boat fleet in the world! I am not sure when exactly this was “shot” but it first aired in November of last year. The section on our local “ice fleet” starts at 17:20 into the video. This looks like a lot of fun. Ships ahoy!
If fishing is more your thing, there is still good fishing in the lake and surrounding streams. Check out this Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fishing Report for the latest. Please note that as I write this most of the lake is open water, as the temperatures have risen from the extreme cold of a few days ago. Where there is ice, I am guessing it is NOT safe to ice fish on.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2020 work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake Forest/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett and Savage River. The comment period concludes February 22nd.
Good luck to all that have traveled to Annapolis for the annual PACE conference. PACE stands for Positive Attitudes Change Everything and it is intended to allow all Garrett citizens to travel to meet, chat and ask questions of our elected officials and administrators at the state level. In addition to the numerous meetings with legislators and others, there is a reception and breakfast with speakers. It helps all get involved and keep Western Maryland issues and opportunities in front of those in Annapolis.
Jan 23, 2019
Yesterday was a bit warmer and less breezy. The snow emergency has been lifted but there are still icy spots on roads, so be careful. Today’s weather will be rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 46 and a low around 33. South wind 13 to 16 mph. Tonight will be rain; amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Our congratulations go out to Northern Garrett High School senior Sam Beeman, who recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Garrett College. Sam not only played baseball at Northern but also football and wrestling. Way to go Sam.
Hey, it’s cold out and the (little) kids/grand kids need something to do indoors. The library has programs for the little and not so little ones today at three of their branches. Check out the Ruth Enlow Library calendar here for ideas and more information.
Just heard from Eric Robison at the Oakland – Mt. Lake Park Lions Club about their involvement in the Health Department’s Play Hard, Live Clean initiative for our local students. Most Garrett County youth don’t smoke, don’t drink, and don’t misuse drugs. But some do. And Garrett County cares about all our kids, so the Play Hard, Live Clean campaign is designed to give every Garrett County youth the opportunity to be rewarded for making good choices. Check out this link for more information and please spread the word to parents and students over 13 years of age.
Here’s the latest newsletter from Generation West Virginia. There’s a piece on jobs and also a job opportunity for a Network Engagement Director. As you may recall, this organization is working to help engage and keep young adults in nearby West Virginia.
Here’s a video clip I got yesterday of the shimmering ice on the trees in McHenry:
Hey there baseball fans: The Baltimore Sun reports that Mike Mussina, the right-handed pitcher who anchored the Orioles rotation in the 1990s, will join Mariano Rivera, Roy Halladay and Edgar Martínez in the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019. Mussina is from Williamsport, PA, just a few hours from Garrett County. We have a number of readers from Baltimore and central Pennsylvania and a bunch are Orioles fans, so this one is for you.
A new report, released yesterday by the Maryland State Board of Education, found that 47 percent of the State’s kindergarteners had demonstrated readiness for kindergarten. “Readiness” means that the students were fully prepared to participate in the kindergarten curriculum. This compares to 45 percent in 2017-18 and 43 percent in 2016-17. As I expected, Garrett County schools performed well compared to peer districts. Here’s the summary numbers for you:
Overall Results for the 2018-19 Kindergarten Readiness Assessment for Maryland
| · District_ID |
· District_Name |
· Demonstrating |
· Approaching |
· Emerging |
| · All |
· Maryland |
· 47% |
· 33% |
· 20% |
| · 1 |
· Allegany |
· 41% |
· 33% |
· 26% |
| · 2 |
· Anne Arundel |
· 48% |
· 33% |
· 18% |
| · 3 |
· Baltimore County |
· 49% |
· 32% |
· 19% |
| · 4 |
· Calvert |
· 45% |
· 40% |
· 15% |
| · 5 |
· Caroline |
· 45% |
· 39% |
· 16% |
| · 6 |
· Carroll |
· 61% |
· 30% |
· 9% |
| · 7 |
· Cecil |
· 32% |
· 42% |
· 26% |
| · 8 |
· Charles |
· 40% |
· 40% |
· 20% |
| · 9 |
· Dorchester |
· 40% |
· 39% |
· 20% |
| · 10 |
· Frederick |
· 59% |
· 29% |
· 12% |
| · 11 |
· Garrett |
· 55% |
· 32% |
· 13% |
| · 12 |
· Harford |
· 43% |
· 38% |
· 19% |
| · 13 |
· Howard |
· 56% |
· 31% |
· 13% |
| · 14 |
· Kent |
· 53% |
· 29% |
· 18% |
| · 15 |
· Montgomery |
· 54% |
· 28% |
· 18% |
| · 16 |
· Prince George’s |
· 39% |
· 32% |
· 29% |
| · 17 |
· Queen Anne’s |
· 57% |
· 31% |
· 11% |
| · 18 |
· St. Mary’s |
· 42% |
· 38% |
· 20% |
| · 19 |
· Somerset |
· 60% |
· 25% |
· 15% |
| · 20 |
· Talbot |
· 42% |
· 41% |
· 17% |
| · 21 |
· Washington |
· 43% |
· 33% |
· 25% |
| · 22 |
· Wicomico |
· 41% |
· 36% |
· 23% |
| · 23 |
· Worcester |
· 66% |
· 26% |
· 8% |
| · 30 |
· Baltimore City |
· 39% |
· 36% |
· 26% |
Jan 22, 2019
Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 27 but wind chill values as low as -2. Tonight, a chance of freezing rain, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to near 24 by 8pm, then rising to around 35 during the remainder of the night.
Congratulations to Garrett County Commissioner Jim Hinebaugh, who has been named to the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Board of Directors. MACo is a non-profit and non-partisan organization that serves Maryland’s counties by articulating the needs of local government to the Maryland General Assembly. I am sure Jim will do a great job representing us here “on the mountain.”
Congratulations are also in order for eight school-based therapists and social workers in Garrett County. They all recently completed a nine-class Advanced Trauma Treatment certification program through The Ferentz Institute in Pikesville. The program focused on a strengths-based approach to the assessment and treatment of adolescent and adult survivors of trauma, abuse, and neglect.
Thank you to Vicki Schwinabart for sharing her Blood Moon Photo with us. Look closely and you can see the ice sparkling on the trees:
If you are looking for some fun, engaging, low-cost entertainment with a local flavor, check out the Northern High School Girls Basketball game this evening. You can root for our local team in a family-friendly atmosphere as they take on Bishop Walsh at 6:00 pm. Go ladies!
Garrett College is offering a Certified Apartment/Building Maintenance Technician (CAMT) course in March, which is designed to provide an overview of the apartment and building maintenance profession and prepare students for an entry level position in the industry. The course may also be of interest to homeowners looking for information on DIY repairs that include: basic maintenance and repair of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems; maintenance, repair and installation of appliances, and proper home maintenance activities. Contact Kaitlyn Fike at 301.387.3087 or kaitlyn.fike@garrettcollege.edu for more information.
How educated are Maryland citizens you ask? Well, check out this link for a full report from WalletHub on the Most Educated States, including state educational attainment and rankings. Hint: Maryland was ranked very high! I know the Garrett County school system ranks quite high in the state, so this study is further good news for us and our community. Here’s some state-level “tid-bits” for you:
How educated is Maryland? (Rankings – 1 = Most, 25 = Average):
- 25th – % of High-School Diploma Holders
- 11th – % of Associate’s Degree Holders or College-Experienced Adults
- 3rd– % of Bachelor’s Degree Holders
- 2nd– % of Graduate- or Professional-Degree Holders
- 20th – Avg. University Quality
- 25th – Racial Gap in Educational Attainment
- 1st – Gender Gap in Educational Attainment
Landon’s Library Youth Basketball (LLYB) is asking for help — this week two players in their youth league, Carter Goff (Bearcats) and Brecklin Marsh (Hoyas) each tragically lost their father. The LLYB has established a College Savings Fund for the benefit of Carter and Brecklin and, alongside the WGW Community Youth Cup organization, will be matching donations raised. There will be a donation jar at the scorer’s table at the gymnasiums during league games and donations can also be mailed to: Landon’s Library (c/o: College Fund), 317 E Oak Street, Oakland, MD 21550 — read more here about how you can help these little boys.
Jan 21, 2019
Well, the story this weekend was certainly the “interesting” and ever-changing winter weather around the lake. As I write these Daily Notes late Sunday afternoon it looks like a winter wonderland outside but is quite cold and windy. The weather for today will be partly sunny and cold, with a high near 8. Wind chill values as low as -26. Blustery, with a northwest wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Tonight, will be partly cloudy, with a low around -1. Wind chill values as low as -12.
We hope everyone had a nice, fun weekend whether your pursuits took you inside or outside. It certainly looks like our friend Joseph Coddington and his pup did:
Just a thought on the photo above: I really wish all of our local and visiting drivers would focus on driving like Joseph’s pup. He is definitely focused!
Happy Martin Luther King Junior Day today. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. Note that today is a federal holiday and that many local organizations (banks, libraries, schools) are also closed in observance.
Who was able to see the blood moon last night? If you snagged a picture, will you share with us at info@deepcreektimes.com?
While the Ruth Enlow library may be closed today, I thought I would mention one of their newer and cooler services: They now have experts available during special hours at the Oakland branch to assist patrons doing research into local history and genealogy. Learn where to find historical maps, family histories, archived issues of The Garrett County Republican and special online resources too.
The Garrett County Health Department tells us that influenza is increasing its geographic “footprint” across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just released a report saying an estimated 6 million Americans have been sickened by flu so far this season. The health department still has a good supply of flu vaccine for all ages (and including Flu Mist®, the nasal spray flu vaccine for healthy persons aged 2 to 49 years). For more information please call the Health Department at 301 337-7770.
I know from speaking to our readers that many are passionate and quite engaged in historic preservation in a variety of areas. The Maryland Department of Planning has announced this year’s Maryland Preservation Awards program which is free and open to the public and will be held on January 31st.
Here’s a photo my wife jean took Sunday afternoon from our porch. All the trees are coated in ice:
Jan 18, 2019
The weather for today is snow showers mainly before noon. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 32 and a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Saturday will be snow and freezing rain before 4pm, then freezing rain and sleet. High near 32 and a low of 19. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible during the day. Saturday night will be freezing rain and sleet before 2am, then rain and snow between 2am and 3am, then snow after 3am. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday will be snow showers likely before 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 21 and a low around 0. Northwest wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. A chance of snow showers in the evening, mainly before 10pm.
Just heard the keynote speaker for the 43rd annual Western Maryland PACE in Annapolis on January 24th and 25th will be Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford. There will be other dignitaries present at both the Thursday evening reception and the Friday morning breakfast. PACE is always a great event to meet and greet other locals and second home-owners as well as state government officials.
Wisp Resort is opening many new trails this weekend! Happy skiing and boarding! Thanks to Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales for this photo taken last night:
Don’t forget to share this if you know a family in need with a dog: Come to the HART Animal Center between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Friday to get free dog food from a donated supply HART just received.
The Northern High School Boys Basketball team hosts rival Southern High School Friday evening in a county rivalry game starting at 6:00 pm. Should be some good, passionate action and fun at this one.
There may still be room at Haley Farm’s Wellness Retreat running from Friday evening into Sunday. The retreat includes all-inclusive healthful meals and cooking demos, plus personal and group fitness training, wellness coaching, nutrition education, and a take-home exercise and wellness plan.
Black Bear Tavern has some nice music on tap (along with some good beer) this weekend, with Matt Tichon on Friday evening, then Paul Burger Saturday evening and also Trial by Fire later that evening.
MoonShadow Cafe has multi-instrument artist Mateo Monk appearing on Saturday “whose music is a synthesis of multiple genres of world roots music, heavily informed by the spontaneous freedom of psychedelic jam culture.” He has performed with a number of well know artists yet is a “new age” one-man-band with virtuosity in a number of instruments.
Mountain State Brewing Company hosts Bingo on Sunday at 1:00 pm, with valuable prices to say nothing of their great brews, pizza and other goodies.
There’s a worthwhile, free training effort scheduled for February 12th at Uno’s. TIPS training (for those that serve alcohol at events) will be put on by the Garrett County Health Department and is supported by both HART for Animals and Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF), who sponsor the annual Art, Wine and Beer Festival fundraiser. If you are a volunteer pourer, please consider attending. Here’s more specifics:
Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS)
Tuesday, February 12th, 2019
Uno’s Restaurant (downstairs) 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Contact: Brenda Sisler at 301-334-7730, ext. 6534 for more information
Everything will be 1/2 price at Dairy Queen and Orange Julius on Oakland on Saturday, January 19th! (No $5 or $6 lunch and no snack melts or pretzels this day).
As I write these Daily Notes Thursday evening, I hear we may be in for some “tricky” weather this weekend. Please stay safe and warm and keep up with the local weather on our Deep Creek Times Local Weather section! Lots of our readers use this every day, as we meld multiple forecasts into one, easy report. We’ve got ya covered!
Jan 17, 2019
Yesterday was cold with some mixed precipitation throughout the day and into the evening. Today’s weather will be snow showers likely, mainly after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 29 and a low of 28. Total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch possible and 1 to 3 inches possible overnight.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 AM EST FRIDAY (per National Weather Service)
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 this afternoon! This Needlework meet-up goes from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Oakland library in downtown Oakland.
Do you know what the oldest hiking club in Maryland is? Neither did I, but you find out and learn about their interesting and fun “work” on the Appalachian Trail and elsewhere by following this link. Hint: they started way back in 1934! Cool stuff.
Our Town Theatre in Oakland opens their stage to anyone who has something to share this evening from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Music, short stories, poetry, dance, skits, etc., are all welcomed, so go on out and show off your creative side and meet others too at this monthly Open Mic Night event!
Here’s a link to the latest issue of Maryland Tourism, Film and the Arts Newsletter. This issue covers a lot of “stuff” including Maryland Arts Day, Maryland Tourism Day, Destination Maryland and Maryland Mondays, to name a few topics.
This is a fantastic art piece of the Oakland B&O Train Station by Joe McNemar Photography:
The Greater Oakland Business Association (GOBA) has begun offering a new service to its members. GOBA will now advertise job openings on their website. The ads will run for 30 days and then will be automatically removed. Please contact Michelle Ross at mainstreetgoba@gmail.com for more information.
The Maryland State Board of Education just issued their January Maryland Education Bulletin which includes information on new Blue Ribbon schools, State Board of Education actions and the Maryland After school Program for students in “food insecure” homes. It also includes a link to the 2018 Maryland School Report Card, which is interesting reading.
Several local organizations partnered to conduct a survey of Western Maryland organizations to determine their views of a proposed $15 per hour minimum wage in Maryland. Here’s a summary of findings: “With 282 Western Maryland organizations, including for-profit and non-profit employers, participating in the survey, 69% felt that it would not improve the standard of living in Western Maryland. 69% agreed that minimum wage is the standard for no/low skill jobs. 64% agreed that minimum wage is not intended to be a living wage.” I am pretty sure this will be a discussion topic around the county, as it is nationally, so I thought I would share a little. As always, no politics or position intended! Read the summary report and see the entire summary here.
Jan 17, 2019
Now in its 43rd year, PACE is a signature event in the state capital. PACE Co-Chairs, Allegany’s Jeremy Irons and Garrett’s Shawn Bender, are pleased to announce that Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming PACE Breakfast. All guests will also have the opportunity to hear remarks by Maryland Comptroller Peter V. R. Franchot, United States Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, and David J. Trone, newly elected US Representative from the Sixth Congressional District of Maryland. THE PACE Committee sincerely appreciates the assistance of the Office of State Senator George C. Edwards in extending invitations to the speakers.
Courtney A. Thomas-Winterberg, Director, Allegany County Department of Social Services, will be the mistress of ceremonies and emcee the PACE Breakfast. The Daily Record named Thomas-Winterberg one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2011 and 2017. The Daily Record also recognized Thomas-Winterberg as one of the Very Important Professionals Successful by 40 in 2012. She was honored as Allegany County, Maryland’s Young Professional under 40 by the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce and Western Maryland Jaycees in 2014.
Thomas -Winterberg holds Master’s degrees in Communication Studies and Community Economic Development and is also a 2014 graduate of Leadership Maryland. In 2018 she completed the prestigious National Institute of Standards and Technology Malcom Baldridge Executive Fellowship Program through the United States Department of Commerce and Maryland Department of Human Services Leadership Development Initiative.
YOU CAN STILL REGISTER AND ATTEND PACE
The mission of telling the story of the rural counties of Allegany and Garrett to the legislators, officials and other decision makers in the state capital remains the focus of PACE. Sponsored by the Cumberland and Allegany County Industrial Foundation (CACIF)and the Garrett County Development Corporation, PACE offers an extraordinary networking opportunity for Allegany and Garrett County citizens, stakeholders, and entities.
Register today to attend PACE Reception on Thursday, January 24, 2019, and the PACE Breakfast on Friday, January 25, 2019. Both events will be at The Annapolis Hotel, 126 West Street, Annapolis. The general public is warmly invited to register for PACE. An affiliation is not required.
The registration fee is all-inclusive and provides entry to both events for one individual. The fee is $150.00. Advance registration is required and on-line registration is available on the website,https://www.mtmarylandpace.com. Your confirmation e-mail will be your proof of registration. Registration is not available at the door.
Jan 17, 2019
The Allegany and Garrett County Chambers of Commerce along with the Garrett County Development Corporation, and the Cumberland Allegany County Industrial Foundation, Inc. (CACIF) partnered to contract with Frostburg State University (FSU) to conduct a survey of Western Maryland organizations to determine their views of a proposed $15 per hour minimum wage in Maryland.
“Serving a multi-county, multi-state region, FSU has a responsibility to deploy its intellectual capital and expertise to help inform, educate and support the people and institutions of the region on a broad spectrum of issues,” said Al Delia, Vice President for Regional Development and Engagement for FSU. “When businesses and organizations in Allegany and Garrett County had the need for accurate and reliable information about the potential impact to employers of a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour, FSU was pleased to gather and report reliable data.”
Created and conducted in November 2018 by Dr. Amit Shah, Dr. Michael Monahan and Dr. Eyad Youssef of the FSU College of Business, the survey showed a resounding opposition to increasing the Maryland minimum wage to $15 per hour. An overwhelming majority of Western Maryland organizations is opposed to this increase and 77% believed raising the minimum wage would have more negative consequences on rural counties than urban counties in Maryland.
“I am not surprised by the results of the survey,” said Nicole Christian, president & CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “We know that our local employers are extremely concerned about a potential $15 per hour minimum wage and how it could impact Western Maryland, and now we have the survey results to share with lawmakers in Annapolis.”
“The survey results from an independent third party confirm what a majority of our members have been saying for some time,” said Stu Czapski, Executive Director of the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce. “It also illustrates the vast differences among Maryland counties and the competitive environment with surrounding states. One size does not fit all.”
With 282 Western Maryland organizations, including for-profit and non-profit employers, participating in the survey, 69%, felt that it would not improve the standard of living in Western Maryland.
- 69% agreed that minimum wage is the standard for no/low skill jobs
- 64% agreed that minimum wage is not intended to be a living wage
Garrett and Allegany Counties have a large percentage of their workforce categorized as unskilled labor. With local organizations relying more on unskilled labor, an increase in the minimum wage would create a financial burden that in the long run could hurt the local and regional economy. It is important to note that, according to the FSU survey, 91% of the respondents pay some of the unskilled workers more than minimum wage already. Their wages are determined by skill level, labor availability, and the local cost of living instead of a mandated increased minimum wage.
Overall, 77% of respondents of the FSU minimum wage survey believed that raising the minimum wage would have more negative consequences on rural counties than urban counties and 78% said it would do more harm than good in Western Maryland. Eighty-three percent (83%) believe it will lead to increased worker lay-offs and 81% say it would lead to a reduction in the start of new businesses.
While 43% or the organizations surveyed said they can survive the minimum wage increase to $15/hour, 44% were unsure and 13% indicated that they could not survive. When prompted to select the type of cost-saving measures the organizations would implement to manage a minimum wage increase, the top five responses were:
- Reduce the number of employees
- Reduce or eliminate bonuses
- Delay employee promotions and raises
- Cut weekly work hours for employees
- Discourage overtime work
“The survey results are indicative of the apprehension in Western Maryland with respect to the impact of a potential minimum wage increase on the business community,” said Elizabeth Georg, Chair of the Board of the Garrett County Development Corporation. “It is important for these results to be considered by the lawmakers in Annapolis as the process moves forward.”
Maryland’s minimum wage is currently 39% higher than the federal minimum wage rate and at least 15% higher than our neighboring states of Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania that all are at $8.75 or below. Only D.C has a higher minimum wage at $13.20/hour increasing to $15 by 2020.
The survey was distributed electronically from November 5, 2018 to November 19, 2018 to organizations within Allegany and Garrett Counties.
The survey instrument contained 40 questions and was administered online or via hard copy. The questions for this anonymous and confidential survey instrument were initially generated from a review of previous minimum wage studies and refined by the researchers to fit the needs of the Western Maryland community. A draft of the questionnaire was then reviewed by two independent entities to ensure the readability of the questions and the ease of survey completion. In general, the questions assessed the respondents’ opinions regarding the current Maryland minimum wage as well as the potential of increasing minimum wage to $15 per hour. Survey recipients were given the opportunity to answer open-ended as well as closed-ended questions and express their opinions and beliefs about the impact of increasing the Maryland Minimum Wage.
The Allegany and Garrett County Chambers, Tri-County Council of Western Maryland and other organizations communicated with their members introducing the purpose of the study, along with a web link directing recipients to the survey instrument. While the respondents remained anonymous, the method allowed for only one completed survey per person.
Of the respondents, 26% were LLCs, 24% S-corporations, 16% corporations, 11% sole proprietorships, 10% nonprofits and 13% other. Approximately 40% of the sample comprised of organizations that exceeded $1 million in annual revenues while the other 60% varied evenly amongst the remaining categories. The size of the organizations surveyed ranged from one where the owner was the only employee to a large organization with over 2,200 employees. Sixty-eight percent (68%) had 1-50 employees. The sample included a diverse collection of industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to hospitality and professional services. The mix included government, healthcare and nonprofits. A significant majority of the respondents (80%) had been in operation over 10 years.
There were no statistically significant differences in the responses based on the annual revenues, number of employees, type of organization, type of structure, or length of time in operation.
“CACIF is committed to fostering economic development in Allegany County and we believed that it was necessary to gather some hard data on a potential minimum wage increase,” said Jeff McKenzie, President of CACIF. “With the help of Frostburg State University and our partners, this in-depth study is providing critical information about the consequences and how economic activity in our community may be effected if minimum wage is increased to $15 per hour. The study is shedding some light and putting hard numbers to what may happen to Western Maryland if the increase passes.”
Frostburg State University, part of the University System of Maryland, is the only public, four-year institution west of the Baltimore-Washington corridor. It serves as the premier educational and cultural center for Western Maryland and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Frostburg’s College of Business, with a mission to “prepare students to successfully meet professional opportunities through a dynamic, student-centered educational environment that emphasizes leadership, notable and timely research, application of knowledge, and global experiential learning,” is accredited by AACSB International.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the largest professional business association in the region with 600 members representing every industry in the community. The mission of the Chamber is to organize, support and represent Garrett County’s business community in advancing common interests and additionally to promote Garrett County’s hospitality and recreation industry by attracting visitors to the county through comprehensive marketing. The Garrett County Chamber also serves as the Destination Marketing Organization and Heritage Area Management entity for the County.
The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce is a business association of nearly 400 members. Through a full calendar of programs and events, the Chamber supports business and community growth, providing advocacy, educational and marketing opportunities to its members.
The Cumberland/Allegany County Industrial Foundation is a public/private organization that was established to help promote Allegany County economic development. We are comprised of private business, nonprofit, city, and county officials. Our mission is to help/assist the public sector in any area that needs our help in dealing with Economic development.
The Garrett County Development Corporation is a private 501(c)(6), non-profit corporation established in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland. Comprised of unpaid volunteers from a wide array of backgrounds and affiliations, including members of the local business community and lead county organizations, its mission is to assist in the development and enhancement of the business prosperity and economic well-being of Garrett County.
Minimum Wage Study by FSU FINAL REPORT Nov 2018
Jan 16, 2019
The weather for today will be patchy freezing drizzle before noon, then scattered flurries. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28 and low around 21. West wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
I attended the Chamber’s Business Before Hours yesterday afternoon that included an economic briefing from an analyst at the Federal Reserve. It was well-done and well attended. My summary interpretation: The national picture is not as bad as some might think, Maryland has, surprisingly, been lagging the rest of the US on some measures and Garrett County has been turning around slowly.
Wow, this one from HART for Animals is great: HART will be holding their Food For Fido dog food giveaway today from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at their offices on Bumble Bee Road. This is for dog owners in need and is on all week until supplies run out.
We just heard that the Town of Oakland is now able to accept water/sewer/trash payments online using major credit cards. You will need your 10-digit account number. Here’s the link to their site that explains more.
Don’t forget that the popular women’s networking lunch has now expanded into a Women’s Networking Happy Hour. The first Happy Hour will be this Thursday, January 17th at Black Bear Tavern from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. The speaker will be Laura Clapsaddle. Laura is a local entrepreneur that owns Black Bear Tavern and other local enterprises.
Just a heads-up that Oakland’s Downtown Winter Fest will be back again this year on President’s Weekend, February 16th and 17th. Here’s a link with some additional information including how to make a donation and how to reserve an ice sculpture.
Planning is underway for the annual (and free) Financial Aid Completion event to be held at Garrett College on Sunday, January 27th, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm in Room 309 (300 building, across from the new STEM building). This effort is designed to assist students and parents in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Also note that the Spring Semester at the college starts next week and that there is still room for new full or part-time students. Contact Admissions ASAP at 301.387.3044 for more information on getting admitted and registered for spring.