Oct 15, 2019
The weather will be sunny with a high near 62 and a low around 52. South wind around 11 mph.
Gihan Liyanage shares his view of Deep Creek Lake, MD:
Janel Lindner Grossinger celebrates her friend Wendy’s 50th Birthday at Deep Creek Lake, MD:
Tomorrow is Children’s Hour with Commissioner Edwards from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Oakland library: designed for preschoolers ages 3 and up.
Neighboring Allegany County invites the community and visitors are invited to share images from life in the area or from their recent getaway experiences to the area; specifically, the county’s story of culture, lifestyle, and recreation during the 2019 Mountain Maryland Photo Contest.
Frostburg continues the discussion on an interesting project: a self-operated tram, that would run between the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad turntable on Depot Street to the back of the former Au Petit Paris Restaurant building on East Main Street.
“Deep Creek Lake had once again provided variety, and memories, for this father and son duo.”
SAVE THE DATE: The 2019 People’s Choice Challenge Celebration (and the announcement of winners!!) will be held on Wednesday, October 30 at 5:00pm.
Oct 14, 2019
The weather today is colder but it’s so gorgeous! Sunny today with a high near 58 and a low around 38.
What a view on Sunday from Moses Alva:
The Friends of Deep Creek Lake are asking supporters to join them in contacting Governor Hogan to: 1. ask him to include Arrowhead Cove dredging in the FY 2021 budget and 2. earmark funds for the development of the DCL Financing Plan.
Here’s an interesting guide on black bears from the Maryland DNR.
Columbus Day is state holiday so we’ll take it easy today and add more photos of the weekend tomorrow! Enjoy!
Oct 11, 2019
The weather today will be sunny with a high near 67 and a low around 50. Southeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light east in the afternoon. Saturday may have some showers expected during the Grand Feature Parade (mainly between noon and 5pm). Mostly cloudy otherwise with a high near 59 and a low around 37. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 61 and a low around 42.
It’s a beautiful morning! Anticipation is in the air …. and on Second Street in Oakland. Chairs have been set out and ready for the parade:
The Civic Club of Oakland is holding its Antiques, Vintage and Maker’s Market fundraiser this weekend. This photo is only part of the display:
This weekend will be great! Check out the complete schedule of the 52nd Annual Autumn Glory Festival running through Sunday. I’ve already been out and about this morning and the weather is perfect!
Remember the federal REAL ID deadline of October 1, 2020. The REAL ID Act is a federal law that establishes specific minimum federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards to be accepted for certain federal purposes.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources aims to expand tree cover on public lands across the state, offering affordable and attractive trees for planting on community lands and open space through its Tree-Mendous Maryland program. New this year, the department is offering high quality, native shrubs and trees, which are grown and provided by American Native Plants in Baltimore County.
Garrett County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Organizations Receive $997,767 in Grant Funding.
This week’s fall foliage report is issued — I’m not sure what stage they are reporting Garrett County to be in right now. The trees were really starting to look good early two weeks ago but then it rained and it sort of stalled the change. Now, this map shows sort of heading to “past peak”? But, I’m looking out the window and I see a few bare trees but also a majority of green…. sigh …. I guess we just have to be patient.
Oct 10, 2019
The weather today will be sunny with a high near 64 and a low around 44. Southeast wind around 8 mph.
Have you started carving your pumpkins yet? Let’s see what you got! Look at this Maryland masterpiece from Dana Cartright:
This week’s Maryland DNR Fishing Report offers insight into Deep Creek Lake fishing: Fishing for a mix of smallmouth bass, large yellow perch, walleye, and largemouth bass has greatly improved at Deep Creek Lake as these fish are becoming more active in shallower waters.
Did you know that the Maryland Fishing Report is available by asking Alexa? Try it – just say “Alexa, open the Maryland Fishing Report.” If you take this survey, you will be entered to win an Amazon Echo Dot!
Congratulations to Bob Boal for being named the 52nd Annual Autumn Glory Festival Golden Ambassador. “He has dedicated his life to preserving the history of Garrett County in so many ways. Because of Bob Boal, the history of Garrett County has gone from the classroom to the amazing Historical Society museums and will live on forever.” – Brian Boal
Spots are filling fast for the 2019 Landon’s Library Youth Basketball season (for kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade). Register at www.landonslibrary.org by October 16th.
The 2019 Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit (MTTS) will be held November 6-8 at the Rocky Gap Casino in Cumberland. Also, submit now and see if you’ve got what it takes to win over the judges at the MTTS second annual “Crab Tank” pitch competition. You could win $50,000 in marketing support!
There are three professional development sessions planned at Garrett College Continuing Education: Teaming: Building Collaboration on October 15th, Effective Conflict Management Strategy on October 22nd, and the Women’s Leadership Conference on October 24th. Call 301-387-3069 to register.
Autumn Glory for us is just like Christmas.. so much anticipation! I’ve already heard friends saying, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Check out the full schedule and I’ll see you downtown tonight for the parade and OOMPAH!
Oct 9, 2019
The weather for today will be mostly sunny with a high near 62 and a low around 42. Southeast wind around 9 mph
We wanted to give a shout-out to Ken Bush, overall great guy, engaged citizen and recipient, last evening, of the prestigious and well-deserved Melvin Jones Fellow Award from Lions Clubs International Foundation. If you see Ken please congratulate him. If you want to find out more about the Deep Creek Lions you can contact Mike at info@deepcreektimes.com. Here’s a picture of Ken with Chris Nichols, Evan Gillette and Joey Simpson (all Lions) at UNO’s as he received the plaque. Way to go Ken!
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners have declared October to be I Can Swim! month, recognizing the initiative that provides all Garrett County kindergarteners with basic swimming and water safety instruction.
Congratulations are also due to Steve Green as he and his business, High Mountain Sports, were honored by Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot yesterday. After over 30 years in business, Mr. Green was awarded the 2019 Garrett County Cornerstone Award for Local Business Excellence certificate.
Tonight is the kick-off to the 52nd Annual Autumn Glory Festival! One of the greatest times of the year! Plus, my favorite event is the Fireman’s Parade that happens tomorrow.
There is a Pumpkin Patch Playgroup field trip today beginning at 10am; there’s still time to sign up at 301-334-4211!
Don’t forget the Farmer’s Market today for a wide selection of fall goodies!
Oct 8, 2019
The weather today will be patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 58 and a low around 45. East wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Karen Waddington Minzenberger has the perfect view at Deep Creek Lake, MD:
Tonight is Ladies’ Night Out! in the town of Oakland! From 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm many of the businesses in the area will be offering extended business hours, specials, and sales.
The Town of Oakland is sharing the road closures for Thursday night’s (10/10/19) Fireman’s Parade: Beginning at 6:00pm, US Route 219 (Third Street) will be closed at Fourth Street and Oak Street for both north and southbound traffic. Traffic will be detoured one block east to Fourth Street. Traffic proceeding east or west on Maryland Route 135 and 39 (Oak Street) will not be allowed to travel on Second or Third Street. Center Street will remain open for local east/west traffic until 6:45pm.
Miller Road (at the hill) will be temporarily closed today (October 8, 2019) for road maintenance. Work will take place between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m and an alternate route of traffic would include Jennings Road to Route 495/Bittinger Road and Maynardier Ridge Road to Route 495/Bittinger Road.
Also, Milt Dewitt Road will be temporarily closed today between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Any questions can be directed to the Accident County Roads Garage at 301-746-8156.
A big welcome to For the Love of Deep Creek as a new Deep Creek Times advertiser! FTL is sponsoring our webcam this month and my friend Jessica would like to promote her Deep Creek Lake t-shirts!
The Garrett County Commissioner’s Public Meeting agenda has been set for Tuesday, October 15 at 4:00 pm.
Last but not least, wishing my husband a Happy 9th Anniversary!
Oct 7, 2019
The weather today will be rain with a high near 58 and a low around 46. North wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Tiffany Varner shared a photo of Tolliver Falls just down to a trickle over the weekend:
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is promoting this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!“ The campaign works to educate everyone about the small, but important, actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host an open house event for the western region to solicit public input regarding the development of a work plan for the second phase of the State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund. The open house for Deep Creek Lake will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Garrett Information Enterprise Center, Room 111, Garrett College.
This year’s One Maryland One Book selection is What The Eyes Don’t See by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. Anyone that wants to participate can pick up a free copy at their local Ruth Enlow Library branch and then join for a discussion on October 16th (in Oakland) at 6:00pm.
The Maryland Heritage Areas Program is seeking panelists to review grant applications for the 2021 fiscal year.
Oct 7, 2019
This year’s One Maryland One Book selection is What The Eyes Don’t See by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. On the topic of the Flint, Michigan water crisis, this book selection “is a riveting account of a shameful disaster that became a tale of hope, the story of a city on the ropes that came together to fight for justice, self-determination, and the right to build a better world for their—and all of our—children.”
Anyone that wants to participate can pick up a free copy at their local Ruth Enlow Library branch and then join us for any of our upcoming book discussions.
– October 16th at the Oakland Library starting at 6:00pm
– October 21st at the Grantsville Library starting at 6:00pm
Oct 7, 2019
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host four open house events to solicit public input regarding the development of a work plan for the second phase of the State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund. The fund is providing $1 million annually for three years to protect and restore state-owned lakes.
At the open house events in October, the department will report on projects underway in year one and accept input toward developing a budget for best use of funds in coordination with local governments, organizations, and citizens.
The funds can be used for removing sediment, treating contaminated sediment, preventing the spread of invasive species, improving the ecological and recreational value, and any other action the department deems necessary at any or all of 16 lakes throughout Maryland.
The public is invited to join staff to provide direct input at the following meeting locations, between 2 and 6 p.m.:
Eastern Shore — Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Adkins Arboretum, Tuckahoe State Park, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, MD 21660
Central Maryland — Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Coblentz Hall, Dreiling ’69 Seminar Room, Hood College, 650 Blazer Trail, Frederick, MD 21701
Western Maryland– Wednesday, Oct.16 at Garrett Information Enterprise Center, Room 111, Garrett College, 685 Mosser Road, McHenry, MD 21541Southern Maryland — Thursday, Oct. 17 at Center for Business and Industry Room 113E, College of Southern Maryland, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata, MD 20646
Updates and additional information will be posted on the department’s website.
Anyone who cannot attend an open house, but wishes to provide feedback should contact Yishen Li at yishen.li@maryland.gov.
Oct 7, 2019
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years—to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” The campaign works to educate everyone about the small, but important, actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
NFPA statistics show that in 2017 U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day during 2012 to 2016.
“These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.
While NFPA and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location.
“Rehearsing what to do in a crisis ensures quick-thinking and avoids panic in the event of a fire,” said State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci. “No matter where you are, be aware of your available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously, and exit the building immediately.”
The Office of the State Fire Marshal will be posting safety tips and advice throughout the week in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”, so stay tuned to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.
Oct 4, 2019
According to our air and lake temperature gauge, the air temperature has dropped 30 degrees overnight! Now it’s feeling more like fall.
The weather today will be partly sunny with a high near 60 and a low around 38. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 61 and a low, not as cold, staying around 50. Southeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Sunday is a chance of showers after 9am. Overall, mostly cloudy with a high near 67 and a low of 54. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Patti McLarty shared this sunrise over Deep Creek Lake, MD on September 23rd of this year: 
There is Hawk Watching and Hawk IDing this weekend! October 5 – 10:00am – 12:00pm is Hawk I.D. 101 Class CAOS Building at Garrett College and October 6 – 11:00am – 3:00pm is Hawk Watching at Dan’s Rock, near Frostburg MD. For more information and details, please call (301) 387-5563.
Our Entertainment Guide shares the music and concerts happening this weekend.
Here’s a neat idea: There’s an Adult Crafternoon tomorrow from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at the Oakland Ruth Enlow Library. Each month they will offer a different craft for you to enjoy and all materials are provided.
I wanted to mention a local friend of mine is holding a “Shabby Patina Fall Market” where she will be hosting local vendors and craftsmen and women on November 2 from 9am-5pm. This is your chance to get great locally-made products! Door prizes will be awarded and refreshments will be served. Located at 6936 Sang Run Road, McHenry, Maryland 21541.
The new Lakeside Urgent Care is now open — the facility has four urgent care exam rooms, a lab, and an X-ray room. Plans are also underway to expand into specialty care services.
Each year the Friendsville Library Quilters have spent months creating a different hand-stitched quilt to be raffled off to benefit the Friendsville Library. The drawing for the winning ticket will be on Tuesday October 14, 2019 at 12:00pm.
There is a scam that has recently impacted folks in our area — a very real looking email requests an update to your Netflix payment information. Please don’t click on the links as this is a phishing scam and can install malware on your computer. 
I recorded this short walk at the Monroe Run Vista Overlook the other day…. crunch, crunch, crunch….
Oct 4, 2019
Every year since 2004, the Friendsville Library Quilters have spent months creating a different hand stitched quilt to be raffled off. All the funds collected each time go towards the Friendsville Library. This year you can choose between the “Starry Starry Night” design (pictured here) or last year’s design “Meandering Along The Yough” that was anonymously donated back.
Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 and you can purchase them at all Ruth Enlow branches, the Friendsville town hall, pharmacy, bank, S&S Market, Grantsville Four Seasons Quilting Shop, and at the Autumn Glory quilt show. The drawing for the winning ticket will be on Tuesday October 14, 2019 at 12:00pm.
Special thanks goes to Demaree Inflatable Boats for the stencils and the Friendsville town hall for use of quilting space.
Photo (Left to Right):
Front Row – Mary Frazee, Ina Hicks
Back Row – Louise Lawrence, Jennifer Pletta, Mimi Demaree, Sheila Convis, Glenna Heocker (Not pictured: Helen Bowser)
Oct 3, 2019
The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 80 and a low around 51. A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers after 2am. West wind 6 to 11 mph.
Thanks to @geekinit on Instagram for sharing this great shot with us from Swallow Falls State Park:
I can’t believe that there’s so much fall fun to be had — the 52nd Autumn Glory Festival is already upon us in less than a week!
Tonight is HomeTown Night at The Manor Steakhouse from 5 – 9pm — to show their appreciation for the locals, they are offering a 10% discount on all dinner menu items each Thursday evening.
The Women’s Networking Happy Hour is also tonight from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. This month’s Happy Hour will feature appetizers, a Fashion Show and Pop up Sale all for $18.
After a long wait: DON PATRON IS NOW OPEN! They had a soft opening yesterday … no tequila yet folks … and will be launching a grand opening soon.
Life on Deep Creek Lake is beginning to settle down, as there is less boat traffic and floating docks are being pulled each week.
Cooler water temperatures mean better fishing for smallmouth bass. Other species such as largemouth, yellow perch, and walleye will start to be more accessible. Casting tubes and small crankbaits near rocky points and sunken wood is a good way to fish both kinds of bass. Drifting along deep grass lines with live minnows often will attract a variety of species. Crappie are schooling up near the bridge piers. Read more in the DNR’s fishing report.
Oct 2, 2019
The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 81 and a low of 64. West wind 11 to 14 mph. A slight chance of showers after 1am.
Our new October edition was posted yesterday — make sure you check out all of the updated pages! Pages like the Cover Story and Photo of the Month are great!
HART for Animals will be at the Garrett County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall at Autumn Glory (October 12-13) on Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. They will have lots of new items including these hats!
Today is the Farmer’s Market — there will be one more month of the outdoor Market at the Pavilion in Oakland and then the market moves inside to the Senior Center on select Saturdays – updates will be posted here and on http://www.mountainfresh.org.
It’s Make your own Playdough day at the Kitzmiller Ruth Enlow Library from 2-8pm today. All materials provided
St. Peter’s “Senior Moments” luncheon is at the Manor Steak House today at 1pm. Contact Donna with any questions if you would like to join — donna@garrettstpeter.com
Do you have a black walnut tree on your property? Marylanders with black walnut trees are asked to donate extra walnuts to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development division is offering the Powerful Potential Conference this Thursday. This conference will teach you how to create and maintain a performance culture at your organization.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is requesting public input: The public comment period will close at 5 p.m. tomorrow October 3. Customers can go to mdta.maryland.gov/TollModernization/Home for complete details about the proposed tolling plan, and to submit comments.
Oct 2, 2019
In a first beyond the Chesapeake Bay, the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation has partnered with Garrett County to fund Water-Wise training by the University of Maryland Extension in a program exclusive to Garrett County.
Water-Wise is a conservation landscape certification program to help residents improve the quality and quantity of water runoff here in Garrett County. Thirteen people, 11 Master Gardeners and 2 Garden Club members, already have completed the three-day training necessary to manage the Water-Wise landscape certifications, and now are looking for properties whose owners are eager to participate in the program.
Front Row: Master Gardeners -Jessica Tirocke, Carol Williams
2nd Row: Master Gardeners – Vicki Teets, Kathy O’Connor, Jo Ann Kociolek, Rusty O’Neal
3rd Row: Master Gardeners- Dick Potts, Don Watson, William Kerrick
Back Row: Gary Aronhalt: Garrett County Watershed Coordinator, Will Williams: Deep Creek Lake State Park Naturalist, Diana Morgan -Master Gardener, Wanda MacLaughlin- University of Maryland Extension, and Sheri Dewitt- Master Gardener.
People wanting more information on this program can contact the University of Maryland Extension in Garrett County at 301-334-6960 or www.extension.umd.edu/garrett-county/water-wise.