Feb 28, 2020
The weather will be a chance of snow showers today, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28 and a low around 12. West wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Saturday will be a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 24 and a low around 18. Wind chill values as low as zero. West wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 46 and a low around 36. What a wild weekend!
There was a big swing as seen recently on our temperature gauge.
But, look at this beautiful snow this morning:
Did you know? Garrett College has rolled back the tuition rate to make college more affordable for students.
There is a beautiful wood and metal coffee table that has been listed in our Online Marketplace. Check it out!
Buyer and Seller Beware: Phishing scams are getting more creative and widely circulated on the internet. Please beware of odd-sounding offers even as it relates to our local Deep Creek marketplace. We had a fraudulent buyer contact a customer on our site – there is not much we can do but remind our loyal readers to be cautious!
The Military March Promotion includes special offers from A Touch of Class Limousines; Bear Creek Traders; HART for Animals; MoonShadow; Mountain State Brewing Company; Railey Vacations; Suites at Silver Tree; Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales; The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille and Wisp Resort. To redeem the offers, military members simply need to show a valid military ID when purchasing.
The Maryland Park Service has openings at several facilities around the state. View the online jobs site for more information (scroll to seasonal positions and click the individual park listings for specific descriptions).
Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division found that the Allegany County business, Cash-N-Go, was making illegal consumer loans with interest rates of 360%. The final order requires Cash-N-Go to pay over $ 2.2 million in restitution to Maryland consumers and a $1,200,750 penalty to the State of Maryland.
The Mt. Fresh Winter Farmers Market is Saturday morning from11:00 am – 1:00 pm. In the Community Action Building Conference Room. They’ll have fresh produce, winter storage veggies, baked goods, meats, eggs, jams & jellies, baked goods, crafts, and more!
Leap Day at the Greene Turtle – 29¢ wings ALL DAY!
Entertainment such as Kelly Lynott at Black Bear Tavern, Paul Burger at MoonShadow, Ladies’ Night feat. DJ Thoro at BBT!, Eli Helbig & Brunch at MoonShadow
Remember the Ruth Enlow Library System online systems will be down for maintenance March 2, 3, and 4. You can still check out books with your physical library card.
Feb 27, 2020
The Garrett County Health Department has scheduled a class to help parents and caregivers of children in grades 5-12 increase their knowledge of drug use in our society and learn how to empower their children to make the right choices.
The How to Drug Proof Your Kids classes will be held every Tuesday from 6-8 pm for five weeks from March 10th through April 7th in the Conference Room at the Oakland Office of the Garrett County Health Department.
“The course concentrates on the important role a parent, or significant caregiver, can play in steering their children away from harmful alcohol and other drug use,” said Heather Berg, Outreach Worker at the Garrett County Health Department. “It gives parents the skills and knowledge to help their children to make good choices.”
The course gives a realistic overview of drug use in society and the harm it can do to individuals and families. Participants explore how their own beliefs, attitudes and behaviors influence their children and what they can do to help them make good choices. The classes also cover building strong relationships between parents and children, and useful ways of how to respond to difficult issues such as alcohol use.
For more information or to register call 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111. Registration deadline is March 6, 2020
Feb 27, 2020
The Garrett College Board of Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday night to roll back the tuition rate charged county residents, reducing the rate to $99 per-credit-hour for the 2020-21 academic year.
The 9 percent rate rollback – from the current $109 per-credit-hour – was proposed and approved to address both student access and student debt concerns, according to Board of Trustees Chair Don Morin.
“The Board wanted to do everything in its power to ensure cost was not a barrier to enrollment for county residents,” said Morin, who indicated the Board’s action was aimed at students who aren’t eligible for the Garrett County Scholarship Program.
GC’s combined tuition and fee rate will drop 4.7 percent, from $149 to $142 per-credit-hour for in-county students – the lowest rate since the 2016-17 academic year. Only Wor-Wic Community College ($139) and state-supported Baltimore City Community College ($140) had lower in-county combined tuition and fee rates for the current academic year, with the statewide average currently at $156 per-credit hour.
“I appreciate the Board’s ongoing goal to ensure cost isn’t a barrier to Garrett County residents seeking postsecondary education,” said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president. “The Garrett County Scholarship Program does a great job supporting recent high school graduates, Dual Enrollment students, and residents seeking workforce certifications. The Board’s action is meant to provide a helping hand to students who don’t meet GCSP eligibility.”
GC Director of Financial Aid Andrew Harvey said the board’s action supports the educational goals of students who have the least available financial resources.
“By taking this unprecedented action to reduce tuition, Garrett puts itself on the cutting edge of higher education,” said Harvey. “This will allow the federal Pell Grant funds to go so much further for our needy students. By increasing affordability, we are increasing accessibility.”
The $99-per-credit-hour in-county tuition rate is lower than the in-county rates charged this year by all Maryland community colleges. Dr. Midcap said that’s a “dramatic illustration of Garrett College’s commitment to limiting the debt students assume in pursuit of higher education.”
Tierra Jones, the president of Garrett College’s Student Government Association, agreed.
“I believe this will positively impact all of our students, both present and prospective,” said Jones, alluding to the long-term benefits this change in the in-county tuition rate can have on the out-of-county and out-of-state tuition rates.
The state-mandated formula that determines out-of-county and out-of-state rates lags two years behind in-county rates and takes into account other factors. Harvey said one of the long-term benefits of the reduced in-county tuition rates will be more competitive out-of-county and out-of-state tuition rates.
Feb 27, 2020
Since 1993, Garrett College has been offering the paramedic course in Garrett and Allegany counties in Western Maryland, with over 175 students graduating as paramedics. A new cohort of students will begin training this fall and applications are now being accepted for the two-year program.
Over the past 27 years, the landscape for employment in the Emergency Medical Services field has drastically changed, as both Garrett and Allegany counties now employ paid EMTs and paramedics. Several privately-owned transport companies are also employing EMS providers, which is significantly different compared to the predominantly volunteer system in years’ past.
Perhaps one of the more significant changes to GC’s paramedic program is that students are now able to earn a degree in this field.
“We are excited about Garrett College’s associate of applied science degree program in paramedic studies” stated Doug Beitzel, paramedic program coordinator at GC. “This offers emergency medical professionals the opportunity to earn 30 credits for their national certification.”
GC’s paramedic studies program was recently approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).
“The MHEC designation recognizes that this program provides a key tool in addressing a statewide challenge,” said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president. “It reinforces the rationale we had for creating this program – to develop a cadre of trained emergency services professionals for the region and throughout the state.”
MHEC also awarded the paramedic studies program the coveted Health Manpower Shortage Program designation as part of the approval process. This distinction provides Maryland residents to receive GC’s in-county tuition rate for those interested in studying GC’s associate degree program.
Graduates of GC’s paramedic program have a long-standing history of success, using their knowledge and skills beyond serving as 911 paramedics. Students have gone on to become flight paramedics, critical care transport paramedics, tactical paramedics, as well as hold key positions in local, state and national organizations.
According to James Koon, paramedic program director at GC, one recent example of success at the national level is of Bill Seifarth, executive director of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and fellow graduate of GC’s program.
In August 2018, Seifarth was named executive director for the National Registry of EMTs. As the nation’s EMS certification organization, the National Registry provides proof of entry-level competence for nationally certified EMS personnel through rigorous written and hands-on examinations.
“We are pleased to have one of our own from Western Maryland serving at the national level” said Koon.
National EMS certification is offered at four levels and must be maintained biennially by demonstrating continued education and skills competence. To date, the National Registry has certified more than 1.8 million EMS professionals.
Applications are now being accepted for the next paramedic class scheduled to begin this fall at GC. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., beginning on August 27th at the Garrett College Career Technology Training Center in Accident.
As part of the two-year program, students will also perform field and clinical time at UMPC Western Maryland, Garrett Regional Medical Center, Ruby Memorial Hospital and local Maryland EMS departments.
An orientation session has been scheduled for Monday, May 11th at 7 p.m. at the Garrett College Career Technology Training Center for students who intend to enroll in the fall program.
Completed applications are due by the close of business on May 29th. Students must already hold an EMT certification or obtain this prior to the first night of class. During the summer, prospective students will sit for an entrance exam and interview with Dr. Janelle Martin, medical director; Koon, and Beitzel. Acceptance letters will be mailed by July 31st.
For a program application or additional information, contact Beitzel at 301-387-3772 or doug.beitzel@garrettcollege.edu.
Feb 27, 2020
The weather today will be snow showers. High near 23 and a low around 20. Breezy, with a west wind around 24 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible and night-time snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in place until 12pm today (Thursday) and, at the time of writing, the Snow Emergency Plan is in effect.
The rumors are not true — WIsp Resort IS making snow! Most of their trails are open and 24 of 39 groomed.
Gena Sweeney shared her “wake-up” view with us:
The first measurements are showing that we received about 3″ of snow overnight. The schools are closed and we have a snow day!
Applications for the fall paramedic program are now open. An Associate’s (AAS) Degree is also available for current paramedics. See the Garrett College story about the program.
Our little community has news to share on the recent coronavirus news: “We want you to know that there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland or neighboring states, but now is the time to prepare,” said Cindy Mankamyer, Communicable Disease Nurse at the Garrett County Health Department. “Since this virus is known to spread by respiratory droplets, much like seasonal influenza, frequent hand-washing with soap and water or alcohol-based gel, coughing or sneezing into a tissue, and avoidance of touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands are proven strategies.”
Also, the Garrett County Health Department is offering a drug prevention program for parents and/or caregivers of children grades 5-12 called “How to Drug Proof Your Kids”. This free class begins on March 10th. To register call 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.
Plan for tomorrow’s Friday Night Game Night at Garrett College. FREE from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
An interesting event is coming up this weekend at nearby Alpine Lake — Paint ‘n Sip tomorrow, Friday, February 28 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Choose one of two paintings or a holiday ceramic figure. $35 per person includes a glass of wine in the price.
Feb 27, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending the United States prepare for possible community spread of the new coronavirus, also known at COVID-19, which is rapidly spreading in China, and has spread to several other countries.
“We want you to know that there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland or neighboring states, but now is the time to prepare,” said Cindy Mankamyer, Communicable Disease Nurse at the Garrett County Health Department. “Since this virus is known to spread by respiratory droplets, much like seasonal influenza, frequent hand-washing with soap and water or alcohol-based gel, coughing or sneezing into a tissue, and avoidance of touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands are proven strategies.”
Other important actions are staying home if sick, keeping ill persons away from the rest of the household, and avoiding public spaces if possible (also called social distancing). Frequent cleaning of high touch areas such as counters, door knobs, phones, keyboards, and bathroom surfaces will also reduce the spread of viruses. Use a cleaning agent that kills viruses and wear gloves if directed by the manufacturer of the product.
If you get symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek prompt medical care and make sure to call your doctor ahead of your arrival. If symptoms become serious, call ahead before going to an urgent care clinic or an emergency room, but seek prompt care. You may be asked to put on a mask as soon as you arrive and you may be separated from others in the waiting room. Face masks are not being recommended for the general public, only for those who have symptoms and are being evaluated by a health care provider.
The global situation regarding this new coronavirus is changing daily. Communicable disease nurses and other staff at Garrett County Health Department are closely monitoring it, and working with partners to prepare should local cases occur.
There is a great deal of guidance and recommendations available for the general public, businesses, health care providers, schools, emergency services and others at cdc.gov or you may call your doctor or the health department at 301 334-7770 or 301 895-8111 for more information.
Feb 26, 2020
Seems like we have had a number of days this season with a mix of snow and rain and today/tonight will fit into that category. We will start with some rain in the afternoon, with a high of 51 degrees, but then get to a low temperature of around 22 degrees. We will have evening winds 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. The rain during the day will turn into a mix and then go over to snow after midnight, with an accumulation of one – three inches possible.
The weather is part of a larger storm system coming to the northeast and we will be getting our precipitation as part of a “southern extension” (note the light blue “finger”) coming down right through Garrett County. Here’s what it looked like last evening as predicted and mapped by AccuWeather.
Weather System
The Department of Natural Resources has announced the winner of the Arbor Day Poster art contest and it was a student in Sykesville that took home first place. Pretty impressive. Wish I had that kind of talent.
MD DNR Arbor Day Poster First Place
There’s a home school program this afternoon up at the Grantsville Library starting at 2:00 pm and led by noted naturalist and great speaker, Kevin Dodge. The session is called: Salamanders and Frogs and Snakes, Oh My!
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce announced that The Rooster’s Nest will be hosting the next Business After Hours on Thursday, March 12th from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at their 12336 National Pike location in Grantsville. I know Sandy, the owner, who was one of my (very bright, hard-working) students at Garrett College and she has put a lot of effort into achieveing her dream of owning her own restaurant. I will, unfortunately, be out of town that day, but stop by if you can and tell her Mike sent you. She deserves our support.
Finally, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is supporting a joint resolution proposed by the Maryland General Assembly that will move the state closer to controlling the invasive blue catfish population by establishing commercial harvest. Native to the Mississippi River basin, blue catfish were introduced to the mid-Atlantic in the 1970s. Since then it has exploded in population and range, and can now be found throughout Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River watersheds. Blue catfish are a significant threat to the ecosystem because of their rapidly increasing populations and capacity to consume significant amounts of native species. They are NOT at Deep Creek Lake, but thought I would share as this is important to all Marylanders. https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/02/25/department-of-natural-resources-urges-congress-to-address-rules-hindering-market-for-invasive-blue-catfish/
Feb 25, 2020
As I begin these Daily Notes early Monday evening it is increasingly cloudy, but no sign of rain yet. Today (Tuesday) weather will be mild, with a high around 47 degrees and a low around 41 degrees and it looks like it will be rainy a good part of the day.
Here’s a nice photo taken by Dee Dave from the Glendale bridge. Note the way the reflection of the clouds appear to swirl in the water. Thanks Dee!
From the Glendale Bridge
Things are quieter at the lake now that the Deep Creek Dunk weekend has concluded and a lot of the second home owners and visitors have gone home. Here’s a photo of the crosswalk between Uno’s and the Garrett 8 Cinema/Church lot saturday afternoon before the dunk. Lot’s of folks (I was first in line on my side and note line of cars in oncoming lane) and the police did a good job of keeping things flowing.
Getting to the Dunk
The next public meeting of the county commissioners and community presentation will be held on Monday, March 2 at Garrett College starting at 5:30 pm. Here’s the agenda and more specifics. I heard there was a standing room-only crowd at the last meeting!
Good “stuff” going on for children at the various branches of the Ruth Enlow Library today. After or before the library event of your choice, you can check-out Taco Tuesday at Black Bear Tavern or Ladies Night at Sipside. Check out our events calendar for details.
Get your Celt on! There’s a fundraiser at Uno’s on March 17th to help raise funds for the Celtic Festival. Always a great and popular event, please try to support it if you can. We’ll post as an event with more specifics as soon as we can in the near future.
Feb 24, 2020
We had some nice weather for “dunk weekend” the past few days. The weather for today will be mild, with a high of 46 degrees and a low of 36 degrees. There’s a slight chance of rain late afternoon and a good chance of rain after 10:00 pm.
Here’s a photo taken yesterday from the top of the Meadow Mountain trail of Route 495. On a clear day, you can see forever and definitely worth the 1.5 mile hike up…
View from the top of Meadow Mountain Trail
And, now we go from the serene to the not so serene. Here’s a great photo taken by Brian Trehan of participants as they were just about to enter the lake for the dunk on Saturday. They look a bit chilly, but at least there was no ice. Thanks for sharing Brian!
Just Before the Dunk, by Brian Trahan
Had a nice dinner with partner Sarah and our respective spouses at Alpine Lake in Terra Alta Saturday evening, which was Rib Night in their lounge. Sarah took this “action photo” of a rack of ribs just before we annihilated it. The ribs were great and the price was right too.
On a sad note, local resident, Civic Club member, and generous volunteer Pat Shelton passed away Saturday evening. Pat was a super nice, giving, retired school teacher that was a big contributor to the lake area. She will be missed by many and in many ways. Our condolences go out to her family and all her many friends.
Have a great Monday folks…
Feb 21, 2020
The weather today will be sunny with a high near 30 and a low around 20. Wind chill values as low as -4 and gusts as high as 21 mph. Saturday will be sunny, with a high near 41 and a low around 25. Sunday will be sunny with a high near 47 and a low around 30.
Julie Gardiner shared her slopeside sunrise with us:
Did you know? The Garrett County Arts Council operates The Gallery Shop in downtown Oakland; a retail gallery of fine arts and crafts of regional artists. There are more than 340 artists and artisans participating in juried displays and exhibits. Make sure to stop by soon; a new show just went on display.
The Manor Steakhouse has announced new lunch & dinner menus! I had the drunken mushrooms the other day and they were excellent!
Have you heard of the Backyard Buffers Program? There are free trees (such as Swamp White Oak, Serviceberry, Hazelnut, River Birch, Silver Maple) available to landowners with a stream, pond or other waterway on their land. Each packet contains 25 bare-root seedlings of species suitable for planting in wet areas. Call 301-334-3296 or email melissa.nash@maryland.gov to sign-up.
The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation is asking supporters to send letters to Senator Edwards and Delegate Beitzel. In addition to the $1 million allocations under the State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund (SLPRF), the aforementioned representatives have introduced companion bills SB 582 and HB 877. This proposed legislation will increase SLPRF funding to $3M/year. Contact the DCWF with any questions.
DO THE DUNK!
More trout were recently stocked in Garrett County:
- Casselman River (Delayed Harvest): 2,450 rainbow trout
- North Branch Potomac River/Barnum: 900 golden and rainbow trout
- North Branch Potomac River/Kitzmiller: 450 golden and rainbow trout
- North Branch Potomac River/Westernport: 900 golden and rainbow trout
- Youghiogheny River/Friendsville: 450 golden and rainbow trout
- Youghiogheny River/Oakland: 900 golden and rainbow trout
Mark your calendars for a spaghetti dinner to benefit local radio personality and colleague Jim Shaffer. The dinner will be held February 29 from 12:00 – 6:00 at the Oakland Fire Hall.
Ask the Deep Creek Mountain Land Company about free Wisp lift tickets with a property tour!
Spring is in the air! Sign-ups are for Central Garrett Little League still open till February 28th. The draft will be Saturday, February 29th, at Friendsville Elementary school gym. All new softball and little league kids and kids moving up a division must attend.
Also, Oakland Youth Baseball League sign-ups are still open online. Sign-up as soon as possible; teams will be forming within the next few weeks.
Feb 20, 2020
The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 29 and a low around 12. North wind 7 to 9 mph.
Check out this graphic from Ski Southeast … Thanks to Joe Stevens and Meteorologist Brandon Butcher of WSAZ-TV in Charleston, West Virginia for putting a “face” on the snow-drought ….
According to our records, we have only received 43 inches of snowfall this year.
Despite the relatively small amount of snow, have you been tubing at the Wisp? Here’s an article from “Only In Your State”.
Feb 20, 2020
Garrett College is hosting two high school dual enrollment information sessions on February 25th and 27th. On Tuesday, February 25th, representatives from GC will be at Southern Garrett High School, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Media Center. Thursday, February 27th, the same session will be held at Northern Garrett High School from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Media Center.
Dual enrollment at Garrett College presents an opportunity for high school students to earn college credits while in high school. Students are able to begin taking college courses as early as their freshman year, although most courses are typically taken during junior and senior year.
Course offerings include a variety of first year courses that are required at most colleges, in addition to specialized courses designed to provide an introduction to a given field such as biology, cybersecurity or business.
Studies have shown that dual enrollment provides many benefits, including saving money on college tuition and being more prepared for college – both academically and socially. Enrolling in college classes while a student is still in high school also increases the likelihood for a student to attend and complete college.
Dual enrolled students living within the state of Maryland are eligible for a 50 percent tuition waiver. This includes Northern and Southern Garrett High School, and Garrett County homeschool students.
The remaining 50% of tuition is currently covered by the Garrett County Scholarship Program. Students are responsible for the $25 registration fee for each semester enrolled in a college course and the cost of textbooks.
Garrett College offers plenty of options for taking college courses that meet the curriculum requirements of approved high school courses. Courses are offered online, at the Garrett College campus, and in person at Southern Garrett or Northern Garrett High School (courses are taught by Garrett College instructors and Garrett County Public School instructors).
As Garrett College is an accredited institution, most credits will transfer to other colleges and/or universities that the student plans to attend.
For more information on the upcoming information session or dual enrollment opportunities at Garrett College, contact Melissa Wass, GC’s Director of Admissions and Recruitment, at 301-387-3746 or melissa.wass@garrettcollege.edu.
Feb 20, 2020
Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development is offering a DIY course on making homemade yogurt. The course will be held on Wednesdays, February 26 to March 11, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Garrett College Northern Outreach Center located in Grantsville.
This course will educate participants on learning the safe and simple steps required to create healthy yogurt at home, where one can control the type of milk and the added sugar. Learn recipes for savoring and storing your simple yogurt including baba ganoush, raita, lassis, popsicles, smoothies, and soft vanilla birthday cake made with yogurt.
Dr. Sunshine Liberty Brosi, who is an Associate Professor of Ethnobotany at Frostburg State University, will instruct the class. Dr. Brosi has taught courses on using plants with native peoples on tribal lands throughout the United States, as well as in South Africa, Portugal, and Mexico. She is professionally trained with a Ph.D. in botany and grew up with six other siblings in rural eastern Kentucky.
For additional information or to register, contact Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 301-387-3069.
Feb 20, 2020
On February 13, 2020, the Garret County Department of Public Safety Communications 911 Center has implemented the ability to Text-to-911 during an emergency.
Text-to-911 service will be available for those individuals who cannot safely make a voice call to 911 in an emergency. This will be a valuable service to the deaf and hard of hearing community. Testing for Text-to-911 has been completed and is available with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and US Cellular. Text-to-911 may not be available outside of Garrett County.
If a text is made to 911 where that service is not available, a message will be sent back to the phone advising the customer to make a voice call.
Some situations when Text-to-911 is appropriate:
- Deaf, hard of hearing callers, or individuals with a speech disability.
- Be prepared to answer any questions that the 9-1-1 telecommunicator texts back.
- Use plain language; do not use abbreviations, symbols, emoticons, or photos.
- Messages should be brief and concise.
Texting 911 can be done by type “911” in the field for a phone number. No other numbers need to be used. Texting should be done through your wireless phone’s text messaging service and not from a third-party texting application. Text-to-911 does require an active telephone service plan with data or it will not work.
Remember the best way to contact 911 is by making a voice call. Please utilize this service in emergency circumstances where a voice call is not possible or safe. The Garrett County Department of Public Safety 911 Center is excited to offer the Text-to-911 service to the citizens of Garrett county. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kenny Collins or Justin Orendorf using the contact info listed below:
Kenny Collins, 911 Chief
Garrett County Public Safety
Email: kcollins@garrettcounty.org
Office: 301-334-8943
Justin Orendorf, Communications Chief
Garrett County Emergency Services
Email: jorendorf@garrettcounty.org
Office: 301-334-7280
Feb 20, 2020
The Maryland Tourism Education Foundation (MTEF) is now accepting applications for its 2020 Tourism and Hospitality scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to increase the skills and knowledge of Maryland’s tourism workforce. They may be used for post-secondary education that meets any of the three career development objectives: acquiring an industry degree, career development, and enhancement or transitional training.
Applicants must be a resident of the State of Maryland. In addition, they must have a minimum of six months of work experience in a hospitality and tourism-related position or a minimum of one year enrolled in a Maryland sanctioned or accredited hospitality and tourism-related education program.
Chair of the MTEF and Executive Vice President for Plamondon Hospitality Partners, Michael Henningsen states, “This is an excellent opportunity for those in the hospitality industry. These scholarships will help provide training and opportunities for individuals, who in turn will help us strengthen and grow our workforce.”
The Maryland Tourism Education Foundation scholarship program is managed by the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA). “Managing these scholarships is a natural extension of MHLA. We are deeply connected to the hospitality industry, and we are pleased to be an integral part of tourism in Maryland,” states MHLA President and CEO, Amy Rohrer.
Applications may be found online at mdtef.org and must be received via mail or email by March 31, 2020.
The Office of Tourism Development & Maryland Department of Commerce reports that visitors spent over 18.1 billion dollars in the State of Maryland in 2018, up 2.1 percent from the previous year. In 2018, more than 150,000 Marylanders were directly employed by the tourism industry, which is the 10th largest private-sector employer in the state.
The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) is a trade-based membership organization representing Maryland’s 6 billion dollar lodging industry with more than 78,000 rooms in 700 hotels across the state. It provides advocacy, information, recognition, and networking opportunities that benefit lodging industry owners, managers, associates, related businesses, and communities in Maryland. www.mdlodging.org.