May 31, 2019
Logan Ray Kitzmiller, trustee, United Steelworkers Local 676, representing workers at Verso’s paper mill in Luke, Md. (shared by Len Shendel)
Luke Strong
“It’s in the worst of circumstances that we are afforded the opportunity to see the best in each other and in ourselves. This display of world-class human nature can be witnessed right now within the boundaries of the Luke Mill. The ever-present fear of a day that we cease to exist as we have for 131 years has come to pass, and one would naturally expect an unsavory, unbecoming reaction from the 675 souls within as a result.
However, this is most certainly not the case. From an outside perspective this would be perceived as an anomalous result, but to those 675 men and women, it is the only acceptable way of handling this. We were, and are, the best at what we do. We know this with every fiber in our bodies, and we choose to act as such until we are relieved of our posts. Nothing binds us to this, mind you; it is our personal choice as a collective body. We do not require hired security forces to watch our every move, or measures to be put in place to prevent defiant behavior. We are better than that by far.
This is our house, and we will treat it with the respect it deserves until the very last moment. Being a part of this group, it is impossible to quantify the pride of who we are, or the blood, sweat, tears and dedication it took to get here, to anyone on the outside looking in. This is simply the nature of the Luke Mill. This is how we do business. This is how we choose to be thought of in the world outside. In the worst-case scenario, this is how we want to be remembered.
In the coming days, we will make our last walks down the same beaten paths to our jobs as they stand in their current form; perhaps our last walks down those paths forever. However, the title of “job” is a poor and insufficient descriptor of what is currently being ripped from our hands, against our will. Jobs have no value beyond the monetary gain that you achieve from performing them. Jobs are always available and being offered; jobs are a dime a dozen.
The Luke Mill is something invaluable that we all hold in our hearts, minds and souls, and always will, far beyond our tenure here. Our lives have been enriched by being a part of something magnificent that everyone contributed to and took equal shares of the pride that comes with a job well done. Skills were learned and developed through gainful employment, doing something we were fully invested in. Our individual families were expanded immensely due solely to the closeness and familiarity we share with each other. A person couldn’t hope for a better support system and we are united and eternally bound together. We had something rare and beautiful among the pale blue buildings of a quiet corner of Western Maryland and West Virginia.
What describes our employment at the Luke Mill, then? While many words are fitting, if I were forced to quantify this mill in one word, I would say it is a legacy. We are comprised of fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, brothers and sisters and innumerable other family and personal ties. We are represented by multiple generations of families, neighbors and friends. Not only represented, but represented admirably. Problems, tensions and ideologies that commonly suppress societies are not present within our mill community. Borders and barriers that cause schisms and prevent the unity and strength that so many long for are not relevant here. While this may seem utopian and fantastical to some, it is merely a way of life for us. We are a family, and we are strong, resilient and unified; even in our darkest hour.
After the dust has settled, and life has moved on to whatever chapters we will choose to write next in our individual histories, what we have and what we carry with us from the Luke Mill can never be stripped away. While forces beyond our control may be able to take so much, there is no amount of power that can rend us of what is printed on the very fabric of who we are. Vincent Van Gogh once stated, “It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.”
There is no better quote to describe the people of the Luke Mill and our surrounding communities.
We are, collectively, lovers of many things, many ideas, many interests, and many people. We participate in our schools, charities, churches, sports leagues, local governments and organizations with grateful hearts, fervent passion and an unquenchable desire to constantly improve the world around us. We support others when it is needed and are not too proud to ask for the support of another when our own tears must be shed.
The Luke Mill has built a legacy of strength off of broad shoulders, unwavering pride in our work, who we are as a community, all that we have done to get here, and, most of all, a deep, admirable and all-encompassing love for one another, what we do and how it directly affects our community. A great book that reaches to the scale of a true epic has already been written in a small, oft-forgotten part of the world named Luke.
However, we know and believe that much of this story is yet to be written. As we conclude our current chapter, a stone has been cast into the waters, creating ripples that will begin the foundations of many chapters yet to come. Some ripples will, hopefully, begin again in the Luke Mill, while others will start composing a new story in other communities and businesses.
Regardless of the locations and storylines to follow, know that the world will forever be a better place anywhere that an employee of Luke walks. We are stronger than adversity. We are stronger than the challenges that lie before us. We are stronger than any adversary that may rise against us. We are Luke Strong.”
May 31, 2019
The weather for today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 70 and a low around 56. West wind 7 to 9 mph. Saturday will be sunny, with a high near 73 and a low around 57. A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunday is mostly cloudy, colder, with a high of 67 and a low around 45. Showers likely before 11am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tonight from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Accident Elementary is holding an Art Gallery, Entertainment, Silent Auction Food & More.
Tomorrow is the first of three license-free fishing days in Maryland.
This weekend has tons of entertainment and outdoor events like the Garrett Trails Clean-up day, the Garrett County Celtic Festival, and the first outdoor Farmer’s Market of the season. Have fun!
Garrett College sophomore Zack Harvey shot a 163, to take fourth place overall in the DIII Region XX golf tournament, to advance to the NJCAA Golf DIII National Championship Touranment for the second year in a row.
Here’s a simple graphic and article related to, what seems to be, a surge of ticks this season:
NBC’s ‘The Voice’ to hold auditions in Pittsburgh on June 19.
The Garrett County Arts Council is hosting three events for the BlueShift Dance group — a masterclass, a workshop and a performance the weekend of June 15th and 16th. BlueShift Dance offers unique and immersive experiences with the human body in performance. The masterclass is for dancers, the workshop is for those who would like to learn dance, and the performance for the general public. Tickets are limited!
In light of the recent severe weather, State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci is reminding Marylanders about the life-saving precautions to take when operating portable generators:
- It is important to remember to NEVER use portable generators inside a home, garage or shed. Generators should be used OUTSIDE ONLY.
- While in operation, portable generators should be in a well ventilated area away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
- Regardless of whether your garage is attached or detached to the house, do not use the generator inside of it.
- Even opening the garage door does not make this a safe option.
- Remember to allow the generator time to cool down before refueling, and never refuel while in use. Fuel must be stored in a proper, approved container that is outside of all living areas.
- Make sure to have working Carbon Monoxide detectors properly installed in your home.
*Information contributed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Fire Protection Association.
May 30, 2019
The weather for today will be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms expected after 1pm. High near 69 and a low around 56.
Glen Champlin of Glen’s Home Inspections shared this bear in his backyard:
There is a be-a-utiful canoe listed in our Online Marketplace under “BOATS”.
Tonight from 600pm-900pm, the last Have a HART Guest Bartender Challenge will be at Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub — there will be fun and some amazing silent auction items that supports HART for Animals.
The Celtic Festival is this Saturday from 10:00am-6:00pm offering 5 stages and 3 fields of all-day entertainment in Friendsville, MD. Some highlights are: Shanty Irish, Iona, Aurora Celtic, Greg Latta, Lynn Dale and more! Also, Chautauqua speakers, living history and the MASA Highland Athletic Games. Visit their website for the complete list!
The Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner is June 6th with a registration deadline of Friday, May 31. The dinner celebrates the Chamber members but also the Volunteer of the Year and the Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award are presented.
The closure of the Verso Luke Mill will have a big impact on our region — state officials have appealed to the U.S. Department of Labor to rule that the plan closure was due in part to trade practices that disadvantaged the workers at Luke. A favorable ruling from the federal government will result in an extended severance for workers along with extra benefits for training and education. Also, the mill provides all the water and sewage service for the town of Luke that will need to be addressed.
Speaking of displaced Luke Mill workers, Camp Dawson in Kingwood, Preston County, WV, will be holding a Job Fair at the Oakland Armory, 14 North Eighth Street, Oakland, MD, tomorrow, May 31, 2019, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event is open to the public.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on June 1 to celebrate the completion of the Phase IV extension of the nearby Western Maryland Rail Trail.
May 29, 2019
The weather today will be partly sunny, with a high near 74 and a low around 64. Scattered showers and a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. West wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Thanks to Russ Dijak for sending in this photo from over the weekend:
A reminder here to get our Daily Notes, news, and events right to your email inbox – sign up for our once-weekly newsletter here: https://deepcreektimes.com/newsletter-sign-up/
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites anglers to three license-free fishing days: June 1, June 8 annd July 4, 2019. These annual events allow everyone the chance to fish without needing a license, trout stamp or registration. Read more.
The GOBA (Greater Oakland Business Association) Annual Dinner will be on Tuesday, June 18th at 6:00 pm at the Elk’s Lodge. It is open to the public, GOBA business and/or their representatives and volunteers and the meal will be catered by the Elk’s Lodge.
Season 2 Episode 2 of Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation will air this weekend on June 1 at 9pm on HGTV. About the episode: “Fix Up on Deep Creek: A couple heads back to their favorite spot from their college days to search for a new vacation home. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Deep Creek Lake is the largest freshwater body of water in the state of Maryland and the couple thinks it will be a great place to settle down. They’re searching for a fixer upper they can customize with three bedrooms, an open concept design, a large outdoor living space and easy lake access for everyone in the family.”
The Garrett County Board of Commissioners Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2020 Constant Yield Rate will be held at 5:30pm (after the public meeting) on June 3, 2019 at the Garrett Information Enterprise Center at Garrett College.
May 28, 2019
The weather today will be mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms. High near 76 and low around 64. West wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
We had a nice long weekend and some of our readers shared their photos with us! It wasn’t all play for Michael Baumstark over the holiday but at least his office has this great view:
We’d love it if you share your DCL photos with us!
I spent the weekend all over the county: First, the town-wide yard sale in Friendsville. Then, the Downtown Oakland Kick-Off to Summer (where I was able to get the always-delicious Rotary french fries) and then kayaking with my family on Jennings Randolph Lake. Monday was more somber as we honored the loss and sacrifice made by our military members and families at a picnic in Swanton.
A local family celebrates 50 years working the same tree farm. Congrats to the Bittinger-Helbig-Miller family who owns 60 acres in southern Garrett County!
There was a major accident on I-68 Eastbound that had traffic stalled for several hours on Friday afternoon; we are thankful there were no fatalities. Maryland State Police McHenry investigated and was assisted by the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, Natural Resources Police, MSP Aviation, Northern Garrett Rescue, Grantsville VFD and Eastern Garrett VFD.
The Mountain Fresh Farmer’s Market summer season will start June 1st and run through Oct 31st with markets on both Wednesdays and Saturdays. These markets will be held outdoors at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion (in the Oakland Town Parking Lot) from 10:00 am til 1:00 pm come rain or shine.
Maryland is often referred to as “America in Miniture” and we love our mountains here on the Western side of the state. Deep Creek Lake was named an “essential summer outing mountain getaway” by the Washington Post. Read the article about the best in DC, Maryland and Virginia.
May 28, 2019
May 27, 2019
Partly sunny today with a high near 73 and a low around 59. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm.
Today we honor the men and women who died while serving in our U.S. military. Have a blessed day.
May 24, 2019
The weather for today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 70 and a low around 60. Saturday will be partly sunny with a high near 75 and a low around 66. A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 73 and a low around 60. Also, a 50-70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon.
This weekend is the unofficial start of summer and we’re SO excited! I bought this lightweight hoodie at Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center yesterday — I LOVE it!
The Garrett County Arts Council has announced that Mrs. Kathy Beachler will be the new Executive Director on July 1. She takes over for the retiring Ms. Karen Reckner after a 10-year tenure.
The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office has clarified a recent point: “The Sheriff’s Office had recently placed a notice for residents to be cautious of individuals posing as Potomac Edison employees who may be trying to gain entry into their homes. Although this was a true statement, one local company should not be confused with those individuals who had a criminal intent. HOT SHOTZ Home Performance is a local reputable home energy service provider … should you receive literature from them, please understand that they have your best interests in mind. I am sorry for any confusion that this may have caused. – Sheriff Rob Corley”
Double Oak Farms has mentioned their freezers are stocked fully with steaks, brisket, patties, kabobs, ribs, burger, and roasts for the weekend! Located across from Lee’s Corner Market in Swanton. Open today until 8pm and Saturday Sunday and Monday 9am to 6pm.
The United Way of Garrett County is requesting partnerships with any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a focus of education, financial stability or health. Learn more about partnering here but note the deadline for application is approaching soon.
There are many events happening and entertainment acts performing this weekend. Check out the events calendar and entertainment guide but here are some brief mentions: the Kendall Trail 5k, the Oakland Kick-off to Summer, music at Sipside Lounge, MoonShadow and Black Bear Tavern.
Below is the schedule for the last few weeks of school in Garrett County for the 2018-19 school year:
Monday, May 27: Memorial Day; schools closed
Wednesday, May 29: Seniors last day of school
Saturday, June 1: High School Graduation at the CARC
(Southern High at 10:00 AM, Northern High at 2:00 PM)
Monday, June 10: Three hour early dismissal for students
Tuesday, June 11: Last day of school for students; three
hour early dismissal
Wednesday, June 12: Last day for teachers
Have a fun and enjoyable weekend!
May 23, 2019
The weather today will be partly sunny with a high near 72 and a low around 57. Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 3pm. West wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Large hail and damaging wind can be threats this afternoon / evening.
This morning’s sunrise courtesy of the Railey Realty camera at the Lakeside Creamery:
Have a HART Guest Bartender Challenge is tonight at Dutch’s at Silver Tree — HART hosts take your bar and food orders and their tips support our homeless animals. Plus silent auctions, 50/50 drawing and lots of fun!
Tomorrow, early, is Birding at Sang Run. Learn tips to birding by ear and listen for distinctive songs, as we stroll through Friends Delight. Meet at the kayak launch. Bring binoculars and wear waterproof hiking boots. Walk is of medium difficulty and will begin at 8am and last approximately 2 ½ hours.
From the Southern Garrett Athletic Association: Congratulations to Josiah Hebb (High Jump), Mike Leydig (High Jump), Aiden Schwab (300 Meter Hurdles), Tia DeGiovanni (Long and Triple Jump), Heidi Nelson (Pole Vault) and Makayla Maule (Discus and High Jump) for qualifying for the State Track and Field Meet this Thursday and Saturday!
The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center is celebrating 20 Years of “Bringing People and Natural Resources Together” this summer! Stay tuned for special events throughout the summer to celebrate.
The 2019 Graduation ceremony for both Northern and Southern Garrett High Schools will take place at the CARC at Garrett College on Saturday, June 1, 2019. More specific information for Southern can be found here.
A local 11-year-old child, Aaron Ashby, needs help to fight his leukemia. Cindy’s Fund is holding a chicken bbq and blood drive on Friday, June 7, at the Oakland American Legion and they are looking for a bone marrow match. If you’re a match, they are looking for donations. More details can be found at the link above.
May 22, 2019
The weather for today will be partly sunny, with a high near 70 and a low around 60. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am.
Take your kids (of any age) to the Kitzmiller library and explore a variety of activities that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) tonight! From 4:30-5:30pm.
Here’s a photo from behind the scenes of the styled shoot I participated in at North Glade Inn yesterday. Isn’t it just gorgeous?! If you’ve not heard of a styled shoot before it’s basically a mock wedding where vendors can get marketing images taken by photographers.
As the unofficial start to summer approaches (Memorial Day Weekend), the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) reminds the nearly two million motorists anticipated to travel MTDA roadways this holiday to plan ahead, travel off-peak and put safety first:
- Devote your full attention to driving – it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
- Buckle Up! Every Trip. Every Seat. Every Time.
- State law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency, transportation, service and utility vehicle or tow truck with red, yellow or amber flashing lights. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
- Do not tailgate – keep a safe following distance.
- Make sure your vehicle is “road ready.” If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.
May 21, 2019
The weather today will be cloudy then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 61 and a low around 47.
County Roads Division crews will be completing culvert replacement on Crellin Underwood Road today and delays can be expected between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. The suggested alternate route for traffic during the time of delays includes Route 39 and Underwood Road. Any questions can be directed to the Oakland County Roads Garage at 301-334-9337 or 301-334-1510
Tonight is the Glade Garden Party if you’re looking for something fun to do: networking, mac and cheese bar and the Terah Crawford Band will provide entertainment! Tickets will be available at the door.
From our friend Lisa with the Wildfulness podcast: an extensive episode on the “Chautauqua Then and Now” Festival in July is posted!
From the Property Owner’s Association: DNR undertook a pilot Zebra Mussel Monitoring project from May 2018 – October 2018. Zebra Mussels are an invasive freshwater mussels species. The following bullets summarize the findings but click here to view the full report:
• Temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and pH are within or near the preferred zebra mussel habitat range in the lake.
• Overall, Deep Creek Lake is thought to be at low risk for zebra mussel colonization due to low calcium and water hardness concentrations in the lake, as these factors are important for zebra mussel growth, reproduction and survival.
• No zebra mussels were found in the lake, at any location, during any of the 2018 visual surveys suggesting the species is not currently present in Deep Creek Lake.
• The 2018 monitoring effort should be continued in 2019 and 2020 to account for inter- annual variability in temperature and precipitation, which can affect water quality.
• Visual surveys should continue at a similar frequency, as in 2018, to ensure that no populations of zebra mussels exist in Deep Creek Lake.
• Additional monitoring, such as random dock surveys, as well as eDNA studies should be considered if determined to be appropriate and resource feasible.
The Del McCoury family has invited any Verso (Luke Mill) employee, spouse and their children to be admitted free on the final day of their four-day bluegrass music festival Delfest. The festival begins this Thursday, May 23 and goes to Sunday, May 26 at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.
Be sure to register for the 5th Annual Kendall Trail 5K Run/3K Walk that will be held this Saturday. It is a fundraiser for Friendsville Ruth Enlow Library and there are cash prizes for 5K first, second and third place male and female runners ages 18 plus. Special gift prizes for the top three Youth under 18 and to the oldest and youngest runners.
May 20, 2019
The weather this weekend turned out truly perfect. I didn’t have any of the pop-up thunderstorms in my area until after dark… I’ll take a few more days like that this summer! 🙂
The weather today will be partly sunny, with a high near 71 and a low around 43. Some scattered showers possible before 10am and a West wind 13 to 18 mph gusting as high as 29 mph.
Shoutout to Mike G! His correct answer of Nessie put him in the pool to win and his name was drawn for 2 Garrett County Celtic Festival Tickets! We will be in touch, Mike!
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners are holding their public meeting today at 4:00pm at the Garrett County Courthouse. Topics will be Purchasing Bid Awards, the Maryland Community Development Block Grant Resolution, and the Proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Tax Rate. The full agenda can be found here.
The Chamber’s Business Before Hours event is tomorrow morning at the Sundown Village Cafe Yurts at Wisp Resort. This “Legislative Wrap-up” will provide more information on the legislative impacts to Garrett County directly from Senator George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel. Register with Holly at 301-387-6171.
There is a ski boat recently listed for sale (under “BOATS”) in our Online Marketplace.
The Garrett County Public Schools Dr. Wendell Teets Foundation is the recipient of a gift of over $617,000 from the Daniel E. Offutt III Charitable Trust. The funds have been specially allocated to the Garrett County Public Schools Special Education Department to support a literacy program.
The National Safe Boating Council has kicked off it’s annual boating safety campaign with National Safe Boating Week held this May 18-24. We also have our boating regulations and watersports safety guides published here on our site.
The End of the Line Bookstore is looking for children’s books! Please drop off any donations at the boxcar bookstore at the Oakland Train Station during open hours: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 11am-3pm. All proceeds go to support women and girls in our community. Thank you!
May 20, 2019
The National Safe Boating Council and its partners are kicking off the annual Safe Boating Campaign the weekend before Memorial Day with National Safe Boating Week held May 18-24, with important safety reminders for boaters as the busy boating season gears up.
“We are excited to join forces with partners around the world to encourage everyone to wear a life jacket when on the water and always boat responsibly because the best boating experience is a safe boating experience,” said Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council.
In 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 658 deaths in the U.S. from boating incidents, with 75 percent of those deaths caused by drowning. Of those deaths, 85 percent are reported as not wearing their life jackets.
“Wearing a life jacket is the simplest safety step a boater can take, just like a driver wears a seat belt in a vehicle,” continued Phillips.
National Safe Boating Week kicks off with Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on Friday, May 17. This annual event is a fun, educational way to heighten life jacket awareness and highlight the various styles. Boating enthusiasts are encouraged to wear their life jacket to work, snap a picture, and share their photo on social media with the hashtags #lifejacket2work and #safeboating.
The Safe Boating Campaign continues throughout the boating season with local outreach efforts around the world, including Ready, Set, Wear It Life Jacket Events on various dates. These family-friendly events teach boaters about the importance of always wearing a life jacket, along with helpful care and maintenance information. Boaters can connect with campaign partners in their local community at safeboatingcampaign.com/become-a-partner.
The Safe Boating Campaign reminds boaters to follow these safety tips:
- Take a boating safety course.
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
- Watch the weather.
- No distracted boating.
- Travel at safe speeds.
- Never boat under the influence.
- Have more than one communication device that works when wet.
More safe boating tips and educational resources can be found at safeboatingcampaign.com. The Safe Boating Campaign is produced under a grant from the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.
May 20, 2019
The Garrett County Health Department recently held a dinner honoring the volunteers who help spread their public health messages and make a positive impact on the health of the county residents.
“As budgets continue to tighten, the contributions of our volunteers have become increasingly valuable in meeting our mission to assure environmental and individual health through education, health promotion and disease prevention,” Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephen told the group. “With your help, the health department will continue to encourage county residents to assume responsibility for both individual and community health.”
During 2018, 185 youth and adults served their neighbors by volunteering their time and expertise through community planning groups, peer-to-peer education clubs, and committees tasked with improving citizen well-being. These volunteers accumulated more than 4,900 hours in 2018.
“Based on the national average value of donated time, those volunteer hours are worth more than $98,000 in improvements and support to our county,” Stephens said.
A total of 13 volunteers were recognized for accumulating at least 80 hours during 2018. The top volunteer was Madison Prudnick, who volunteered for 221 hours at Partners After School @ Oakland.
“The Garrett County Health Department has a greater impact on our community because of a strong, skilled network of volunteers,” Stephens said. “A large portion of volunteer hours come from the community planning groups, whose volunteers often devote evenings and weekends to bring prevention messages and community-strengthening events to their towns.”
Other volunteers bring the voice of community to advisory committees and review boards to help shape services to directly meet the needs of Garrett County residents, some work within health department offices, and still others work with groups that target specific social problems, including suicide prevention, drug and alcohol use and abuse prevention.
“When you think back on the time you have offered to your community,” Stephens said to the group, “it’s important to reflect not just on the quantity of hours given, but on the quality of the services offered. The willingness of each of you to offer your talents, as well as your time, builds a stronger, healthier community for all of us.”
For more information about volunteering with the health department call 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.
May 20, 2019
Nearly 700 middle and high school students gathered to present their extensive historical research at the 2019 Maryland History Day competition. The competition, held on May 12 at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), is the culmination of a year-long program from Maryland Humanities. In 2019, more than 25,000 Maryland students participated at the school level.
Working solo or in small groups, students create original documentary films, exhibits, performances, research papers, or websites exploring a historical topic of their choice on an annual theme, which this year is “Triumph and Tragedy in History.” Maryland History Day sparks critical thinking and helps develop skills in research and analysis, writing, and public speaking. The program is open to public, private, parochial, and homeschool students in grades 6 through 12.
Competitors at Maryland History Day have already won first or second place in their category at school and district levels. Students from sixteen Maryland counties and Baltimore City received special awards, designated for outstanding Maryland History Day projects that cover specific subjects.
Students from seven Maryland counties and Baltimore City will represent Maryland at the National History Day competition, where they will compete among 3,000 participants from across the country and beyond. National History Day is June 9–13, 2019 at the University of Maryland in College Park. The competition involves students from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and international schools in China, Korea, and South Asia. Maryland History Day is an affiliate of National History Day, a non-profit education organization that promotes an appreciation for historical research among middle and high school students through multiple annual programs, including the National History Day Contest.
Support for Maryland History Day is provided by the State of Maryland through the Maryland State Department of Education, Old Line Bank, Thalheimer-Eurich Charitable Fund, Columbia Gas of Maryland, and Wegmans.