Apr 15, 2019
Yesterday was rainy and dreary. Today will be cloudy with snow showers likely before 3pm. A high near 39 and a low around 34. Windy, with a west wind 25 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
I attended the Garrett County Health Fair on Saturday and from all that I saw and heard it was a great success. Lots of folks of all ages and backgrounds attended and there were quite a variety of healthcare-related exhibitors including providers and information sources. Very well done.
Broadband provider NeuBeam™ has announced the opening of an Internet Connection Center (ICC) on Liberty Street in Oakland. The ICC stems from a joint program between NeuBeam and the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service to help bridge the nation’s Digital Divide and will operate in space provided by Garrett County Community Action Committee and will be open to the general public with two kiosk terminals.
As part of the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27th you can bring your unwanted/unneeded prescription pills for disposal to any one of three Garrett County Drug Take Back Site drop boxes: Oakland City Hall (8:30 am – 4:30 pm); Garrett County Sheriff’s Office (24/7); and McHenry State Police Barrack (24/7). These drop boxes are available nearly around the clock, but can only accept pills or patches, not liquids, needles, or sharps. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) is holding their first concert of the season on April 27th: Walt and Jackie’s “Legends” concert will be held at 7:30 pm in the Garrett College auditorium. Their thoughtfully chosen cover songs and selections of original compositions highlight both performers’ celebrated talents and versatility and will deliver a great experience.
The week of April 28th – May 3rd is Oakland’s annual “Spring Clean: Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up” where all residents are encouraged to put out mattresses, washers, dryers, sofas, chairs and up to 100 pounds of construction debris for pickup at no charge and to clean-up their homes and lots. Contact City Hall 301.334.2691 or the Oakland Street Department 301.334.3253 for more information.
Finally, while this brief piece by the state of Maryland does not uniquely apply to Garrett County, we are part of a truly great state and region. And, we more than hold our own as to a lot of the factors mentioned, especially quality of life and of course, natural beauty!
It was a great Saturday night for @hole_in_the_donut:
Apr 12, 2019
Yesterday was a nice day at the lake. Today will be showers and thunderstorms (mainly after 4pm). High near 66 and a low around 50. Winds gusting today up to 33mph. Saturday will be partly sunny, with a high near 67 and a low around 51. Chance of precipitation overnight is 30%. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. A high near 68 and a low around 45. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph.
I had the pleasure of receiving a briefing yesterday on the county’s Work Ethic Diploma program for high school students. The collaborative effort is designed to ensure a more workforce-ready high school graduate based on the achievement of certain levels of attendance and involvement, being drug-free and other factors. This will be the first graduating class, with up to 100 students from both high schools.
Where’s the stuffing? The spring turkey season kicks off this Saturday with Junior Turkey Hunt Day. The regular season is open from April 18th – May 23rd. There are restrictions and limits so check out this special Department of Natural Resources site page for more details. Good luck, to the turkeys that is. 🙂
Don’t forget the Garrett County Health Fair and Family Fun Festival is this Saturday, from 8:30 am -12:30 pm at the CARC on the Garrett College campus. Always informative and fun.
Please be advised that Kendall Drive, between the church and Crellin Elementary School area, will be temporarily closed during the hours of 12:30 p.m. through 3 p.m., on Sunday, April 14, 2019 for the Crellin Outreach Program Easter Egg Hunt. Any questions can be directed to the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730
Beardog Lodge shared this photo of their playful pup with us:
Garrett College is hosting a special Administrative Professionals Day Conference on April 24th. Chuck Olsson, head of Human Resources at First United Bank & Trust, will be leading the session titled ‘Leading Your Life With Purpose’ from 8:00 am – 1:30 pm. The fee of $79 includes lunch. Contact Jodi McClintock at 301.387.3142 or jodi.mcclintock@garrettcollege.edu.
As usual, there’s lots of musical entertainment going on around the lake this weekend. Consult our Entertainment Guide for cool acts at Sipside Lounge, Black Bear Tavern and MoonShadow. And of course, check out our Upcoming Events Guide for a variety of events including a number of cool experiences (think birds and salamanders) at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
There truly is a light at the end of the tunnel. The Big Savage Tunnel, located south of Meyersdale, Pa., and an iconic landmark along the Great Allegheny Passage between Pittsburgh and Cumberland, is now open for the season. So consider dusting off your bike, putting on your helmet and “hitting the passage” for a nice spring ride.
As the middle of the country gets pounded with another blizzard, remember it could get worse. Here’s a photo looking down Baltimore Street during the big flood in Cumberland in 1924 (courtesy of local author/historian Al Feldstein). Note the folks on balconies and looking out of upper floor windows at the water. Almost 100 years ago and I still feel bad for those poor folks.
Apr 11, 2019
The weather for today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 60 and a low around 49. Southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.
The Southern Garrett Marching Band headed down to Walt Disney World yesterday to march at the Magic Kingdom. We wish them a safe and fun trip. Please give our best to Minnie and Mickey.
Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students of the 6th District with entries due by April 19, 2019.
The new and improved Annual State Park and Trail Passport is now available with some additional features. At a cost of between $75 – $100 per year, and with a number of multi-use benefits, I wanted to make sure our readers were aware. Here’s the link.
It’s Team Trivia at Mountain State Brewing company this evening from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. This six round game is open to all and there are prizes. It’s Music Express Karaoke Night at Black Bear Tavern this evening from 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm. Stop by and “sing your heart out” to new or old favorites. Both these establishments have great food and beverages as well.
Our Town Theatre in Oakland will be hosting an Old Time Music Jam tonight from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Anyone interested in attending is welcome! Beginners to advanced musicians are encouraged to bring instruments and participate.
Last week over 36,000 trout were stocked in streams throughout Maryland and the fishing has been good. Garrett County received a bunch of rainbow and golden trout. Here’s more information for all you spring anglers.
Each year, the Maryland Forest Service responds to an average of 200 wildfires that burn 2,200 acres of forest, brush and grasses. Spring is the main “season” for wildfires due to an abundance of underbrush and other “fuel.” Here’s a short piece by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on wildfires and what we can do to prevent them.
Don’t forget that the Garrett County Health Fair and Family Fun Festival is this Saturday at the CARC (Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex) at Garrett College in McHenry from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm. It is free and a great, fun way to get health-related information to help you and your family.
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold a Special Business Session on Monday, April 15, 2019 to review, discuss and possibly approve the FY2020 Proposed Operating Budget. The meeting will be held at Central Office in the Board Room. Public comment will begin at 3:00 p.m. after which time the Board of Education will discuss the Proposed Operating Budget.
The County Commissioners are holding their next public meeting on Tuesday, April 16th at the Courthouse in Oakland. The meeting starts at 3:00 pm with the public session beginning at 4:00 pm. Here’s a link to the agenda and note all times are approximates.
Apr 10, 2019
Yesterday started out overcast and a little wet but developed into a nice day. Today’s weather will be sunny, with a high near 56 and a low around 38. Some gusting winds up to 21mph.
I returned home to Garrett County in the wee hours yesterday morning from a trip to California. When I left San Diego it was 84 degrees. When I landed in Baltimore it was 69 degrees. When I got to the lake it was 50 degrees! May be cooler now, but it will all be worth it when the great crisp, fresh mountain summer air and natural, green beauty come into full “bloom.”
Magician Tim Canter will perform two free Comedy magic Shows this morning at the Friendsville Library. There will be two showings, 9:20 am 10:30 am in the town hall next to library. It’s free and intended for all ages!
Here’s a link to a really well-done piece on the Great Allegany Passage Bike Trail on Wildfulness. It is their latest piece and will prove interesting to cyclists- and non-cyclists alike.
This year’s Power of Possibilities Entrepreneurship and Community Leadership Summit is being held on April 18th from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm at the Garrett College special events center. In addition to hearing from this year’s business plan competition participants, you can take-in the keynote by entrepreneur and author Jeff Tobe, whom Insider Magazine has dubbed “the guru of creativity.” The session costs $54, and only $10 for students. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.
The Chamber’s April Business After Hours is this Thursday, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. It will be hosted by the Garrett County Board of Realtors and will be held at Uno’s Pizzeria and Grill. Here’s the link for more information and registration.
Experienced choir producer and conductor Charles B. Logan is forming the new One Mountain Community Gospel Choir at the lake. All (over 18) are welcome to join in singing the “good news” from its new home at Wisp Resort. There’s an initial information session planned for Thursday, April 18th from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. You can text Charles at 301.501.3511 for more information. Good luck to all on this new effort!
Did you know that 54 million Americans say they don’t understand their car insurance? WalletHub just did a study of auto insurance costs, providers and consumers’ attitudes and I thought I would share it here. You can also find out where Maryland ranks cost-wise and some of the least expensive providers in the state. Interesting and actionable information.
Docks are going in and it’s looking a lot more like summer around here:
Apr 9, 2019
The weather today will be a slight chance of showers before 3pm. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 62 and a low around 37. West wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
One of our readers is in search of (ISO) an aluminum dock – do you have one for sale?
Auditions for next Our Town Theatre production, Gracefully Ending, will be held TONIGHT from 7-9 pm at the theatre. There are parts for 2 females, 30s and older, and 3 men, late 20s and older. Audition materials will be provided at the audition.
Also, Our Town Theatre will be hosting an Old Time Music Jam on April 11 at 7 pm. Anyone interested in attending is welcome! Beginners to advanced musicians are encouraged to bring instruments and participate.
On behalf of the Play Hard Live Clean Campaign and the Garrett County Drug-Free Communities Coalition, there is a new drinking prevention survey posted for Southern and Northern High School students. Please share with your teens! Students can win a variety of prizes (including a $500 scholarship each year).
Tomorrow is a Wine Tasting and Music Fundraiser benefitting the Flowery Vale Fitness Center in Accident. Event is from 5pm-7pm and is $25 per couple.
The Northern Garrett High School literary magazine has been published. I have to say I am impressed! If you are interested, we can put you in touch with the high school to get your own copy of this student-written and student-edited publication.
New Germany State Park will host a three-day Maryland Hunter Education Course on April 16, 18 and 20. The class is for first-time hunters obtaining their hunter education certification. Students must attend all three sessions to be eligible. Any student under the age of 13 must have an adult (21 years of age or older) accompany them during all three sessions. For more information, visit the MD DNR page.
A reminder to make your nomination(s) for the 2019 Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in this week. The deadline is close of business on Friday, April 12. The Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award was named in honor of Helmuth and Evelyn Heise, founders of Will O’ the Wisp and Wisp Resort and the award honors a business owner that has shown similar entrepreneurial qualities.
Apr 8, 2019
The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 64 and a low around 52. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
There will be three showings of the Comedy Magic Show at the Ruth Enlow Libraries today. One showing at 10:30am at the Kitzmiller branch and two tonight (at 4:00pm and again at 6:00pm) at the Oakland branch to celebrate National Library Week. Magician Tim Canter will perform free shows that are fun for all ages. Registration is not required.
The show will happen again tomorrow (4/9) at 4:00pm at the Accident branch, 9:20am and 10:30am on Wed 4/10 at the Friendsville branch and at 4:00pm at the Grantsville branch.
Governor Hogan reported a look at Opportunity Zones throughout the state to revitalize communities who need support the most. Read more.
The Maryland Department of Health has announced a case of the measles has been confirmed with possible exposures in Baltimore area. Anyone who visited 4000 Old Court Road in Pikesville, MD on Tuesday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. may have been exposed to measles.
Save the Date for two HART for Animals events: A Live Public Auction in Mary and the Fast and the Furriest Run / Walk in June.
Garrett County Transit Community Survey is open for public opinion until April 19, 2019 for the development of the Garrett County Transit Development Plan. This planning process provides the opportunity to review and assess the current Garrett Transit Service (GTS) system, to identify unmet transportation needs in Garrett County, and to develop an appropriate course of action for the near future. The completed TDP will then serve as a guide, providing a roadmap for implementing service changes, improvements, and/or potential expansion over the next five years.
What a pretty catch by JD Eddy from over the weekend:
Apr 5, 2019
The weather for this weekend is shaping up to be warmer (with just a chance of some scattered showers). Today will be rain; a high near 49 and a low around 43. Saturday will be a slight chance of rain before 10am but partly sunny, with a high near 61 and a low around 46. Sunday will be partly sunny, with a high near 66 and a low around 55. A chance of showers.
Tonight is Eli Helbig at Sipside Lounge — check it out! Also, Sipside is hosting a National Beer Day Celebration this Sunday from 2-8pm with Jason Shaw performing 4-7pm.
The last AYCE Buckwheat Cake Dinner of the season will be held at the Swanton Community Center tomorrow.
Want to be a Maryland Natural Resources Police Officer? Applications are online now and will be accepted through April 15.
Thousand Acres Golf Club has announced that they will be tentatively opening on April 18th for the 2019 season! Call the pro shop at 301-387-0387 to schedule tee times.
So, Peeps candy gets a bad rap this time of year but … what do you think? Check out the “Worst Easter Candy” list from Candy Store. Peeps are definitely on the list but they are actually NOT number one as I expected. (Can you tell I’m not a fan!)
HART for Animals shared their “numbers” through March 2019 — way to go, friends! Thank you for all you do to help our furry friends!
Spays & Neuters: 165
Rescue & Transports: 94
Adoptions: 70
In case you didn’t know, HART also shared that the revenues generated by the services at the HART Animal Center support the basic operating costs of the facility, including staff and maintenance, so that they may serve the animals and our community. HART supports those programs through donations and fundraising and HART uses 92% of all revenue to pay for rescue, transport, spay/neuter, sheltering, and adoption.
The DCL Discovery Center has a few events scheduled for this weekend:
Saturday, April 6
11:00 a.m Brant Mine Hike – Take a guided hike with the naturalist to the historic Brant Mine to visit remnants of a coal mine that was operated in the 1920’s. Plus, you never know what wildlife we will see on the way. Approx. 2 hours. Dress for the weather!
1:00 p.m. Snakes Alive. Join the naturalist for hands on experience with our snakes. Learn why snakes are so important and maybe even overcome a fear or two.
Sunday, April 7
11:00 a.m. Herp Search Join the Naturalist Assistants to learn how to safely identify native reptiles and amphibians on a walk through park. Approx 1 hour.
2:00 p.m. Aviary Feeding Stop by during lunchtime for our birds to watch them eat! Get a chance to learn the stories of how they came to be in our care, plus facts about their species.
Garrett Regional Medical Center is hosting a Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Info Session on April 16 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the hospital’s boardroom. The info session provides an overview of the Prevent Type 2 Diabetes class aimed for participants who have developed or are at a high-risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Classes will begin on April 30 with preregistration required.
Have a great weekend!
Apr 4, 2019
The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 55 and a low around 40. A slight chance of light rain before 11pm, then rain likely, mainly after 3am.
Happy Home Opening Day for all of the Balitmore Orioles fans!
The Department of Public Works – Roads Division has advised that Rock Lodge Road will be temporarily closed Thursday, April 4, 2019, for culvert replacement. The temporary closure is below Beachy Road and will take place during the hours of 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Alternate routes for traffic during the temporary closure will be Beachy Road, Foxtown Road and Orendorf Road. Any questions can be directed to the Accident County Roads Garage at 301-746-8156.
The AAUW State Convention is planned for this weekend as Wisp Resort. Hosted by AAUW-Garrett Branch, the day will feature an exciting line up of local female speakers as well as state representatives.
There will be pre-employment testing for Deputy Sheriffs & Corrections Officers on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 8:00am. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements and are interested in participating in the pre-employment test must complete and submit a Garrett County employment application and bring a $25 fee.
Did you know? Ask Alexa: “Alexa, open Maryland Fishing Report.” and you can hear information by Maryland region or the entire report. This innovation has also been nominated for a prestigious national award – if you enjoy the report, please vote in the State Scoop Innovation contest.
Congratulations are due to Tina and William Buckel — named Maryland Tree Farmers of The Year 2019 and were recognized on the Senate floor by Senator George Edwards.
There will be an open session for the Board of County Commissioners on Monday, April 8, 2019 beginning at 4:00 p.m. located in the Garrett County Courthouse Public Meeting Room for the exclusive purpose of hosting the Garrett County Public Schools Superintendent’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Up to 500 jobs are coming to nearby Rocket Center, WV via Northrop Grumman Corporation expansion. I know several friends that work down that way.
Apr 3, 2019
Hi Dear Readers! Sarah here writing these notes and taking over for Mike this week — I hope you enjoy!
The weather for today will be sunny, with a high near 51and a low around 37.
DON’T WAIT! Park Quest registration opens TODAY at 10AM this morning — Herrington Manor and Sang Run State Parks in Garrett County are part of the quest! Park Quest offers 1,000 teams who qualify an opportunity to explore the many hidden treasures found in Maryland’s State Parks from May 1, 2019 through October 31, 2019. Teams that have completed a minimum number of Quests by October 31st, will be entered into a drawing for special Park Quest prizes! Register here.
Garrett 8 Cinemas was able to get a copy of the movie Unplanned during its limited release. It will open this Friday. Unplanned tells the true story of Abby Johnson, one of the youngest Planned Parenthood directors in the US. (note the times for Unplanned are listed but we will be updating the other movie times today)
Check out the What’s New Around Town: Lovelight Pediatrics has just opened in Mt. Lake Park.
Remember tomorrow is the regularly scheduled Women’s Networking Luncheon: Thursday, April 4 from 12:00pm-1:00pm at Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub. Trish Yoder and Regina Holliday will be making presentations. $15.
Garrett County Public Schools will now allow students to access their cell phones during non-instructional time during the school day (before and after school, between classes, and at lunch) at Northern and Southern Garrett High Schools. This is provided that their use does not cause a disruption or does not make them late for class.
Some friends and I went to MoonShadow Trivia last night (and WON!) but also tried their limited edition Duclaw Unicorn Farts beer. Can you see the glitter in it? How fun! It was a surprisingly good sour beer!
Apr 2, 2019
Yesterday was sunny but cool. Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 46 and a low around 35.
Congratulations to Erica Carlson, winner of last month’s “Where am I” contest. Erica won a $25 gift card to Ace’s Run restaurant. This month’s “Where am I?” photo provides a unique perspective on the mountain.
Sarah changed the website menus “a bit” in an effort to enhance navigation, while still not making too drastic of a change. We want to make sure all our readers can easily locate and see all of our information. So many readers start with the Daily Notes each morning and then check the weather and news sections. Other readers check our business listings, specials and events to help choose where to enjoy a meal or a drink.
Hold your mouse over “HOME” on any page to see the additional menus of information.
The Chamber just reported that the unemployment rate for Garrett County in January was 5.6%, while that of Maryland was 4.3% and the overall US unemployment rate was 4.0%. Of Maryland counties, Howard had the lowest at just 3.2% and Worcester had the highest at 11.5%. Quite a mix.
Speaking of the Chamber, they are holding this month’s HR Roundtable on Wednesday morning from 8:00 am – 9:30 am in the GIEC building at the college. The featured speaker is Valerie Dzbynski with Prescott HR Consulting, who will discuss strategies to deal with rising personnel costs. Your company must be a Garrett County Chamber member in good standing to attend. Questions should be directed to Regina Sweitzer at 301.387.8739.
The Garrett County Health Department joins agencies across the nation in celebrating April 1st-7th as National Public Health Week. Public health is the very important foundation of a healthy community. This year the Health Department’s promotion of Public Health Week concentrates on five topic areas including healthy communities, behavioral health, communicable disease, environmental health, and maternal & child health.
Bear Creek Traders let us know they are currently offering 25% off Easter decor through the month of April! Check it out!
Apr 1, 2019
Sunday was cool and snowy (see photo below), perhaps fitting for the last day of the season at Wisp. Today’s weather will be isolated snow showers before 9am. Then, partly sunny through mid morning, then becoming sunny, with a high near 37 and a low around 28.
Wisp Resort is continuing their “Mission: Affordable” season pass offer through tonight at 11:59pm! The 2019/2020 season pass is just $279 with no blackout dates!
We had a nice time at the GLAF fundraising event Saturday evening. Great food, great entertainment from some very talented individuals and great attendance by those that support the arts around the lake:
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources opens registration April 3rd for Park Quest the family-based outdoor adventure program in state parks throughout Maryland. This year’s theme is “Off the Beaten Path — Arts, Activities and Adventures in Maryland State Parks.” Park Quest aims to engage families in outdoor activities to experience Maryland’s vast cultural, historical and natural resources on public lands and parks, including those in Garrett County.
Speaking of the Department of Natural Resources, anglers of all ages can now become citizen scientists by recording some basic information from their catch such as species, location and size directly to survey on their smartphone by becoming part of the Volunteer Angler Survey. This creative use of technology will help the DNR track species and related date. Here’s more information.
In “my spare time” I review funding deals (pro-bono) for Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS), a program of Mtech at the University of Maryland. These grants help all types and sizes of organizations across the state gain funding and utilize state of Maryland technical resources. I wanted to make sure our readers knew the deadline is May 1st for grant application submissions for the next round of funding. I know a number of western Maryland enterprises that could benefit from this program.
Here’s a photo of my wood pile Sunday morning. Saturday was 72 degrees and Sunday we awoke to snow on the ground with flurries most of the day, and that’s no April Fools joke!
Apr 1, 2019
The Garrett County Health Department joins agencies across the nation in celebrating April 1-7 as National Public Health Week.
“Public health promotes and protects the health of people and their communities,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “While a doctor treats people who are sick, we in public health try to prevent people from getting sick or injured in the first place by promoting wellness and encouraging healthy behaviors. Essentially, public health is the foundation of a healthy community.”
This year the Garrett County Health Department’s promotion of public health week concentrates on five topic areas which cover a wide spectrum of what public health does, including healthy communities, behavioral health, communicable disease, environmental health, and maternal & child health.
Healthy Communities: It’s clear that people’s health, longevity and well-being are connected to their communities – the places we live, learn, work, worship and play. We know that healthier communities have health-promoting environments such as parks, safe walking spaces, safe and affordable housing, full-service food stores, and access to health care. We also know that good health requires moving beyond a focus on individual health behaviors to focus on underlying social conditions like the health care system and the built environment, or the human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity.
That’s why your public health workers at the Garrett County Health Department partner with worksites to create walking trails for employees, inspect restaurants to ensure safe food handling and preparation, support schools and towns as they establish tobacco-free zones, and provide after school programs that offer healthy meals and connections to other family services.
Behavioral Health: Addressing the relationship between physical and behavioral health, including mental health and substance use issues, is crucial to promoting health and wellness. Some stress is healthy, but when stress becomes severe, our ability to cope with stress is exhausted. The effects can be negative on our health, relationships, and emotional well-being. It is estimated that a large majority of doctor visits are due to stress-related conditions.
Behavioral health touches all of our lives in some way. It is important for everyone to know that help for behavioral health conditions is available. For further information regarding local resources, the Garrett County Resource Guide can be found on the mygarrettcounty.org webpage. There is a toll-free crisis hotline in Maryland: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Communicable Disease: Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable disease is at the heart of what public health does. Imagine if illnesses like influenza, pertussis, hepatitis A, measles, or meningitis were left to spread unchecked through our community? Public health nurses quickly investigate any reportable communicable disease to help stop the spread. Actions such as tracing contacts, vaccination, and preventative medications are just some things in the public health toolbox. Frequent handwashing, recommended immunizations, proper food handling, and safe sex are important strategies that are emphasized by public health.
Garrett County is not immune to communicable disease. In the spring and fall, there are cases of pertussis (whooping cough), especially in the unvaccinated population. Summer finds cases of salmonella, campylobacteriosis, and Lyme disease. In the fall and winter, influenza. Year-round, there are cases of hepatitis B and C, giardiasis, shigella, and STD’s including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, and occasionally, syphilis and HIV. Everyone needs to do their part – proper handwashing, staying home when ill, getting immunized, practicing safe sex, handling food properly, and avoiding high-risk behavior such as IV drug use are everyday things we all can do to keep those disease rates low!
Environmental Health: Environmental Health is essential for public health just as the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat are important to everyday life. Historically one of the first divisions of public health, Environmental Health has been a force in maintaining standards of our daily essentials in Garrett County. Within the past year, the office performed over 2,000 inspections ranging from food service facilities, swimming pools, water quality assurance, septic systems, etc. Each of these inspections strives to provide a healthier environment. The next time you find yourself pouring a glass of clean water, diving into a refreshing swimming pool, or dining out, think about the care and attention provided by Environmental Health to ensure a safe experience.
Maternal & Child Health: Protecting the well-being of maternal and child health is a key public health area that builds a healthy community and supports lifelong health of the next generation. Understanding well-being for mothers and their children provides an opportunity to predict and address future public health challenges for families, communities, and overall health care.
Garrett County’s maternal and child health programs are designed to empower parents to give their babies and children the best start in life. Programs provide support to promote healthy moms, babies born healthy, and children who enter school ready to learn. Risk factors are reduced and prevented through education, connection to early intervention, and referral to other beneficial supports.
Through their various programs, the Garrett County Health Department provides leadership in promoting environmental and individual health through education, regulation, health promotion, and disease prevention, detection, treatment, and care. In cooperation with other resources, the Health Department is responsible for assisting the community and its citizens to assume responsibility for both individual health and the health of the community.
For more information about public health visit garretthealth.org, or call the health department at 301-334-7700.
Apr 1, 2019
Maryland has almost 33,000 nonprofit enterprises, or about five and a half nonprofits per 1,000 people. That is not surprising based on Maryland’s location next to the nation’s capital and its affluent, educated population. For contrast, California has more than 160,000 nonprofits, yet that large number represents “only” a little over four nonprofit enterprises per 1000 people.
What exactly is a nonprofit? There are two principal types of non-profits: Tax exempt groups formed under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code as “public charities” because they are formed for the “public benefit” and foundations (either community or private). Here’s a simple breakdown of nonprofit types and incidence by-type (Source: National Council of Nonprofits):
Garrett County has a fairly large number of nonprofits, given its lack of population density and limited population (~30,000). While estimates vary and it was difficult to obtain a consensus figure, there are over three dozen nonprofits that are members of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, at least eight non-profit schools in the county, at least 12 volunteer fire departments/rescue squads, and estimates by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation forecast the number to be well over 200 entities, employing over 1,000 individuals.
Regardless of the exact numbers, there are a number of Garrett County non-profits that are actively and visibly engaged in making our community a better place to live, helping those in need a providing stewardship for our great area natural resources, including Deep Creek Lake. While we hope to delve into a few of our local nonprofits in part two of this article (which will appear in June or July), here’s a list of the nonprofits we could identify. This list reads like a “who’s who” of area organizations that are actively and effectively engaged in our community. Again, I hope to “dig-deeper” in our next installment and profile a few nonprofits and their leadership/employees for our readers.
Here’s the list. Note: this is not a 100% inclusive list and I welcome submissions of any I missed:
- AAUW – Garrett Branch
- AAUW Student Chapter
- Appalachian Crossroads
- Barn Quilt Association of Garrett County
- Christian Crossing Thrift Shop
- Cindy’s Fund
- Civic Club of Oakland
- Deep Creek Lake Lions
- Deep Creek Watershed Foundation*
- Dove Center
- Engage Mountain Maryland
- Friends of Deep Creek Lake
- Friends of Ruth Enlow Library
- Foster Appalachia
- Garrett Choral Society
- Garrett College Foundation, Inc. I Can Swim
- Garrett Community Concert Band
- Garrett County Arts Council
- Garrett County Commission for Women
- Garrett County Community Action
- Garrett County Celtic Festival
- Garrett County Habitat for Humanity
- Garrett County Historical Society
- Garrett County Humane Society
- Garrett County Lighthouse
- Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF)*
- Garrett Mentors
- Garrett Organization for the Handicapped
- Garrett Trails
- GEARS, Inc.
- Grantsville Rotary
- Greater Grantsville Business Association
- HART for Animals* (Pick of the Litter Thrift Shop)
- Home Builders Association of Western Maryland
- Historic B&O Train Museum
- Hospice of Garrett County
- House of Hope
- James Isaac House
- Landon’s Library
- Maryland 4-H Environmental Education and Camping Center
- Nearly New Shop
- Oakland-Mt. Lake Park Lions Club
- Oakland Rotary
- Our Town Theater
- Property owners Association of Deep Creek lake
- Reading Station, The
- Ruth Enlow Library
- Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
- Special Olympics Maryland – Garrett County
- John’s Lutheran Church
- The Greater Cumberland Committee
- United Way of Garrett County
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