Jun 6, 2019
Garrett College recently announced the Verso Resource & Success Fair, originally scheduled for June 18th, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 25th. The event will take place from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. noon in the Garrett Information Enterprise Center (GIEC) building on the College’s main campus in McHenry.
According to Julie Yoder, GC’s dean of continuing education and workforce development, the event will be able to provide additional support and resource information to the Verso employees.
“We rescheduled the fair to better accommodate the Verso employees, as additional resources have been brought online in an effort to provide multi-point support and information to meet their needs,” stated Yoder. “The event on June 25th will focus on providing the insight, coaching and information employees are in need of to begin the next chapter of their lives.”
Several partner organizations will be in attendance to answer any and all questions, discuss educational and career opportunities, and address financial implications.
“Organizations and individuals will be at the event to speak about life after dislocation, career planning, educational opportunities, understanding unemployment and financial funding, and will also provide one-on-one interaction, questions and answers, and coaching,” added Yoder.
Representatives from GC attended the initial Verso Resource Fair, and look forward to hosting the upcoming event at Garrett College.
“The first Verso event was a great success and we were pleased to participate with other community organizations,” stated Mike Tumbarello, GC’s director of enrollment management. “By speaking to individuals impacted by the closure, we gained a better understanding of their needs and “pain points” and have structured the event on the 25th to address those.”
Tumbarello continued, “This fair is not only about traditional career or educational paths, but will encompass opportunities to learn about the many opportunities available for the short- and long-term steps necessary to have a “soft landing” after the closure.”
Specific, interactive workshops and program resources will also be available on the following topics: job searching, starting a business, certificates and degrees, social services, and career opportunities in the manufacturing, allied health and transportation industries.
This event is free and open to all individuals affected by the Verso closure, including employees, families, and suppliers. Free parking is available and refreshments will be provided.
For additional information on the Verso Resource & Success Fair on June 25th at Garrett College, please contact Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 301-387-3069 or the Admissions office at 301-387-3044.
Jun 5, 2019
The weather for today will be cloudy with a chance of showers before 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 71 and low around 60.
Thanks to Kendall Ludwig for sharing this baby turtle found at Herrington Manor State Park yesterday:
Mountain Fresh Producers Association sponsors a “Producer-Only” farmers market in Oakland. Fresh fruits, vegetables, berries, baked goods, crafts, jams, jellies, herbs, plants, flowers, and more today from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
The newest Wildfulness podcast (#53) is posted: The Lost Art of (Wildful) Listening & How to Get it Back.
A second rabies case was reported for 2019.
Buy your tickets now for the Hidden in Plain Sight Club Night event to be held on August 24. Your $50 ticket admits one to the secret location for the fundraiser benefitting the Oakland A&E District. Tickets sold out well before the event last year.
We are counting down to RAAM! The bicycle Race Across America has riders passing right by Deep Creek Lake through Timestation 47. There are 39 solos riders of RAAM 2019 that will depart from Oceanside, California on June 11 and the team start (relay) will begin Saturday, June, 15. This year, solo rider Christoph Strasser will try to complete the race across the country in under 8 days.
Mountaintop Soccer Association (MSA) is extending the registration deadline for this coming fall soccer season until June 30, 2019. They have also extended the early-bird $50 registration fee through June 14, 2019. (the fee is $75 after June 14th). June 30th will be the hard deadline for signups.
Welcome to our newest advertiser, Glazed & Confuzed Donuts! Located at Funland in McHenry, Glazed & Confuzed is open Fridays 7am-2pm, Saturdays 7am-2pm and Sundays 7am-1pm until JUNE 13. Also, if you have an order for 4 or more dozen, you can get a custom order at anytime! 301-387-7134.
Get ready for this breakfast of champions on Friday! 🙂
Jun 5, 2019
Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department reports the second case of laboratory-confirmed rabies in Garrett County for 2019. On May 30, an altercation involving a raccoon and two dogs occurred in the Accident area. Both of the dogs are currently vaccinated against rabies.
The raccoon specimen was submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory on May 30, with positive results for the rabies virus being received on May 31. Following standard protocol, both dogs were immediately evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. The dogs will be closely monitored under the owner’s control for the next 45 days.
It is important to remember that if your pet is exposed to a wild animal, do not handle your pet within two hours after contact. If it is necessary to handle your pet, wear protective gloves and immediately wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you have been bitten by a wild animal that cannot be captured or exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical treatment immediately.
Pet owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their dogs, cats, and ferrets. All dogs and cats are required, by law, to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and can be vaccinated as early as three months. The Garrett County Health Department will hold the second and final series of low-cost rabies clinics for 2019 in September. All dogs, cats, and ferrets at least three months of age are eligible for vaccination. For more information about rabies or rabies clinics call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760.
Jun 4, 2019
I’ll say it: it’s cold! I saw photos of a frost in Bittinger this morning. The weather today will warm up and be sunny with a high near 70 and a low around 56.
This photo is awesome – taken at Swallow Falls and shared with us by @mamaa_mel and @erin.cos on Instagram:
Today is the Lawyer at the Library event — offering free civil services. At the Oakland Branch of the Ruth Enlow Library from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.
Later this evening is a unique concert for our area — the group Wana Wõromaa Wunkorkestri (WWW) from Oakland’s sister city in Estonia will be performing at the Oakland Community Center. The concert is free.
Congrats, Grads! Northern and Southern High School’s held their graduation ceremonies over the weekend. Also, 32 students were honored with the first Work Ethic Diploma from our local Chamber.
Did you know? AERS is a Maryland Medicaid funded program that is available locally. AERS provides comprehensive evaluations for anyone 18 or older, and also for older adults and functionally disabled adults who need connected to resources, need long term care, or are at risk for institutionalization.
Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is looking for more information regarding a boat fire involving four boats at Xtreme Power Sports in Accident over the weekend. Anyone with information is requested to contact 301-387-0437 or 301-766-3888.
Jun 4, 2019
If you are an older adult, and you are working to help make ends meet, but your spouse needs some assistance during the day, what can you do?
Daphne Gooding turned to the Adult Evaluation and Review Services (AERS) program located at the Garrett County Health Department. The mission of AERS is to evaluate adults, or those with disabilities to find out what assistance programs they may qualify for in Garrett County.
“I don’t know what we’d do without all their help,” said Daphne Gooding. “I really don’t! People need to find out what support is available for assisting them in living the most independent lives possible. It means a lot to maintain the maximum possible independence.”
Daphne’s husband, John, really does pretty well with taking care of himself most of the time, but he just needs a little assistance. If he’s alone for more than a few hours he gets confused as to what time it is and what he should be doing. He just needs someone to come in occasionally and keep him on track.
AERS was able to connect John with a personal care company who schedules time with John during the critical times when he needs the help the most. His caregiver helps with daily tasks as well as light housework as needed.
The program also recommended a special medicine dispenser with locks and alarms for when doses are due.
“It was so hard for me to keep his medications straight, and impossible for him,” Daphne said. “Now the pharmacy delivers his filled dispenser each week. An alarm goes off when he’s supposed to take his next dose, and only that dose is dispensed. The rest of the pills for the week stay locked up. It works so well, and it keeps us from worrying if we are making mistakes with his meds.”
AERS is a Maryland Medicaid funded program that provides comprehensive evaluations for anyone 18 or older, and also for older adults and functionally disabled adults who need connected to resources, need long term care, or are at risk for institutionalization. AERS staff are nurses and social workers. They identify services that can help individuals either remain in the community, or in the least restrictive environment, where they are able to function at the highest possible level of independence.
A team member does a free evaluation of the clients medical and social services needs by doing a basic routine check-up, reviewing all of the medications, talking to their doctor, and determining the need for assistance. Team members then talk to the client and their family about services available to assist the patient.
“We spend a big percent of our time connecting patients to resources,” said Kim Powell, RN. “For example, we do our AERS assessment to determine needs, but then we do additional paper referrals for meals, glasses, dentures, etc. A considerable amount of time is also devoted to phone calls to medical professionals concerning client health history and needs. One of AERS goals is to prevent premature placement in a nursing facility.”
AERS also does the medical eligibility for Community First Choice/ Community Options Waiver programs which provide attendant care, equipment, etc. for Medical Assistance clients. The program also provides Nurse Monitoring/Quality Assurance for the Residential Service Agencies which provide the direct care for the clients who are receiving services under the waiver.
Visit the Health Departments website for a complete list of referral agencies and services: GarrettHealth.org/aers or call AERS at 301-334-7746.
Jun 4, 2019
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and Garrett County Public Schools presented Work Ethic Diplomas to 32 Class of 2019 graduates from Northern and Southern High Schools.
“On behalf of the Garrett County Chamber, congratulations to the 32 students in the Class of 2019 that have earned their Work Ethic Diplomas,” said Nicole Christian, president & CEO of the Garrett County Chamber. “We are very excited to be recognizing the inaugural Work Ethic Diploma recipients. We are proud their strong work ethic and know that because of it, they will be successful with their career and/or college endeavors.”
The Class of 2019 recipients of the Work Ethic Diploma are:
Noah Aiken
Ava Ashby *
Cheyenne Bagley
Samuel Beeman
Dakota Bittinger *
Lindsay Brewer *
Emma Broadwater *
James Dean *
Lauren Derato
Dillon DeWitt *
Miranda Dillsworth *
Emily Frazee *
Harley Frazee
Laura Frederick *
Zach Gilbert
Kaitlynn House *
Skyler Hornby *
Tyler Johnson *
Jamie Kight *
Carsyn King *
Jessica McClurg *
Zachary Miller
Allison Morris *
Madison Richard *
Ana Rhoten *
Kyliana Sisler *
Megan Smith *
Sarah Smith *
Sierra Tichnell *
Bailee Upole
Bridget Weimer
Devin West *
“Our graduates have learned the value of hard work. This value will open the door of opportunity in the workplace, which will lead to the discovery of their talents and passions,” said Chuck Olsson, Chair of the Work Ethic Diploma program and Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer for First United Bank & Trust. The employers of Garrett County look forward to supporting their growth as the leaders of our future.”
To qualify for a Work Ethic Diploma, students had to earn a minimum of points in the following criteria: Discipline Standard, Attendance Standard, Absence Standard, Work Experience, Community Service/Internship Project Standard, Overall Grade Point Average Standard, Team Work Standard. They also had to complete an exit interview.
Students were also given the option to earn points by submitting to a voluntary drug test provided free of charge by the Garrett County Health Department. The students with asterisks by their name opted to participate and tested drug fee, which is indicated on their Work Ethic Diploma.
The Chamber hopes that by promoting the fact that being drug free can help our young people secure a job and earn better money, they can help to combat the opioid crisis ravaging our communities.
“These students demonstrate the abilities and characteristics that employers in our community are seeking,” said Laura Fike, Chair of the Chamber’s Workforce Development Task Force and Executive Director of Garrett Mentors. “We believe that the Work Ethic program is going to help businesses in determining quality candidates for open positions and we look forward to working alongside of them in our local businesses.”
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and Garrett County Public Schools launched the Work Ethic Diploma program in the spring of 2018 to address local workforce challenges by creating a pipeline of prospective employees who possess those quality attributes desired by employers. The Class of 2019 is the inaugural class and are guaranteed interviews and higher wages by the participating businesses. Full details on the program can be found at www.visitdeepcreek.com/pages/WorkEthicDiploma.
Thank you to the 36 business partners for their commitment to these students. For businesses interested in learning more about the program, please contact Holly Lane at 301-387-6171 or holly@garrettchamber.com.
| Ace’s Run |
Huey’s Ice Cream |
| Appalachian Crossroads |
Lake Life Boat Rental |
| Aquatic Center, Inc. |
Legacy Home Corp. |
| Bear Creek Traders |
McHenry Beverage Shoppe |
| Beitzel Corporation |
Monkey Business |
| Brenda’s Pizzeria |
Mountain State Brewing Company |
| Butler Painting & Remodeling, LLC |
Naylor’s Ace Hardware |
| Byco Enterprises, Inc. |
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery |
| Christmas Chalet |
Pillar Innovations |
| Cornucopia Cafe |
Ruth Enlow Library of GC |
| DCL Mountain Maids & Home Services |
Savage River Lodge |
| Deep Creek Marina |
Silver Tree Marine, LLC |
| Deep Creek Shop ‘n Save Fresh |
Splash Island |
| First United Bank & Trust |
The Garrett County Republican |
| Garrett Container Systems, Inc. |
The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille |
| Garrett Regional Medical Center |
The Tourist Trap |
| Grant’s Mercantile |
Tomanetti’s Pizzeria and Italian Eatery |
| Gregg’s Pharmacy |
Trader’s Coffee House |
Jun 3, 2019
The weather for today will be sunny, with a high near 57 and a low around 40. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph.
The Verso Luke Mill ceased operations after 131 years on Friday. This will have a huge impact and ripple effect for our community. Here is an opinion piece by Logan Ray Kitzmiller, trustee, United Steelworkers Local 676.
Mike took this photo off of the docks at Stilwater:
Tonight, from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, there will be a Basic Genealogy event at the Kitzmiller library.
The winner of the “Where Am I?” Contest for May was George Thomas!
A platform dock has been listed in our Online Marketplace. Click over and go to “docks” for the details.
Do you have a Rental by Owner or Air BnB? Consider adding your home to our Rentals by Owner marketplace page — contact us to learn more!
The Garrett County Health Department is conducting a Community Needs Assessment. Take a minute to complate the survey and you could be entered to win a bike.
The Friends of DCL group has reminded us that “the State of Maryland, owner ot Deep Creek Lake, needs to commit to a comprehensive investment plan and implementation to restore this aging lake.” Read more about the suggested options here.
Happy 94th Birthday to Deep Creek Lake!
Jun 3, 2019
Courtesy of Lakefront Magazine
In 1911, a group of women in Oakland, MD gathered in the center of town to clean up the streets. They borrowed wagons and recruited volunteers for the project. They picked up thirty-nine wagonloads of trash which inspired them to form the Civic Club of Oakland. At that time, they dedicated the Club to community improvement. In the last 108 years, the Club’s vision has expanded and is now: “To promote and support the charitable, humanitarian, educational, environmental, artistic, and cultural efforts of the individual and the community and to enrich the lives of Club members through volunteerism.”
Throughout the years members of this club have run polio clinics, sponsored women returning to college, helped build houses, organized the Garrett County fair, rolled bandages during both world wars, supported the Red Cross, wrote and published a cookbook, and raised money for charity. But they didn’t stop there. These ladies formed the first public free library in the county; gathered clothing, food baskets and coal for needy families; and encouraged women to vote. In the early years Civic Club members routinely campaigned for better sanitation, better milk in the schools and a wider range of public health services. Civic Club members have planted trees, cleared hiking paths, and been involved in watershed conservation in the Deep Creek Lake area. Members have taken on the causes of juvenile justice, abused women, special needs children, cancer prevention, and Hitler in Europe. In the last century the Civic Club of Oakland supported playgrounds for neighborhood children, the Boy and Girl Scouts, tuberculosis and polio clinics, Garrett Memorial Hospital, a Mother’s Club, and CARE packages for our soldiers in Korea.
Today, the sixty-two members of the Civic Club of Oakland carry on many of these traditions. Our major fund raiser is the Antique, Vintage and Maker Faire held at the Oakland Community Center (formerly the Armory) during Autumn Glory. This event includes vendors and makers from 4+ states, the Civic Club Café, a huge Bake Sale and a cash prize raffle. We donate all money raised back to scholarships and not for profit organizations in Garrett County. In March of 2019 we awarded over $13,000.00 divided among 27 organizations. Many of these groups are small, all are local, some receive very little additional funding.
One of our other major programs is “Warm the Children” in cooperation with our local newspaper, The Republican. Together we raise money to buy new jackets, boots, and other warm clothing for children in need. Last year our volunteers shopped with individual families to select and purchase clothing for 369 children. Our club members also wrote thank you notes to 313 donors.
Other current volunteer efforts include Habitat for Humanity, several scholarships for local students, mentoring elementary students, crafting 360 tray favors four times a year for nursing home residents and Meals on Wheels clients, a Book Club, staffing the gift shop at the Treasure Chest at the Lighthouse. We actively support the Dove Center, Garrett Regional Medical Center, and international students at Garrett College.
The Civic Club of Oakland meets 10 times a year from March to December on the last Tuesday of the month. April and October are evening meetings so that our employed members can attend. July is a picnic and December is a holiday party. Each meeting features a guest speaker or other interesting presentation. We welcome new members through out the year. Anyone interested in attending may contact the Club at gfwc.oakland@yahoo.com or www.civicclubofoaklandmd.com.
We also have a Face Book page: Civic Club of Oakland. Our June 25 meeting will focus on welcoming anyone interested in the Civic Club. We’d love to have you join us!