Feb 19, 2020
Yes, it’s already Wednesday, otherwise known as “hump day,” folks and it’s all downhill (skiing) from here to the end of the week! In the meantime, the weather for today will start out mostly cloudy and then become mostly sunny. Temperatures will range from a high of 34 degrees to a low of 18 degrees, with a moderate Northwest wind.
If you or someone you know has sub-standard or no Internet service at your home in Garrett County, or if you just want to let County Government know what the speed of your broadband connection is, there is a portal they set up for you to go and answer some questions online.
You can check it out here.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is hosting a Cocktails and Convos night at Mountain State Brewery this evening starting at 5:30 pm. They also have discounted memberships available for those that attend and wish to join AAUW.
It’s Open Mic Night at Sipside Lounge this evening from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Sounds like fun, so stop on by at Sipside in Oakland.
This is an impressive project here in Western Maryland and I will certainly try to attend: Mountain Maryland Tech Network members and guests are exclusively invited to tour Western Maryland Works! Join us on Tuesday, March 10th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Allegany County’s newest entrepreneurial endeavor, Western Maryland Works, a full-service makerspace, training facility, and small-business incubator project that provides access to state of the art technology and equipment to help you make ideas into reality. Attendees will learn more about this exciting new opportunity for entrepreneurs in the region and receive a tour of the facility. There’s complimentary hors d’oeuvres while networking with other MMTN members; guests are welcome! Register here.
Feb 18, 2020
The weather for today will be wet, with showers likely from mid- morning onward. The high will be near 47 degrees and the low, in the wee hours, will get down to around 26.
Here’s a photo my wife took as we were driving out to Morgantown yesterday around Noon. It is from 219 right across from Brenda’s Pizzeria. I thought the blue sky and the blue water contrasted well with the somewhat stark Winter foliage.
The Lake and Blue Sky
And, oh what a difference a week or so makes. Here’s a photo submitted and taken by Ann Stuck from just off Glendale road that she took after a recent ice storm. It was actually daylight out. That is the sun in the photo. Thanks Ann!
After the Ice Storm
By: Ann Stuck
Don’t forget that Garrett College’s All-in Business Plan Writing Competition starts today. Great for any want-to-be entrepreneurs and there’s mentoring and coaching along with workshops and also a chance to win a $1,000 prize for best business plan. Contact Jodi McClintock at 301.387.3142 or at jodi.mcclintock@garrettcollege.edu ASAP for more information. There’s still time to sign-up.
For learning of a different sort, and for a different age group, the Oakland Ruth Enlow Library is holding their monthly Young Readers’ Book Club this afternoon from 4:00 pm -5:00 pm. This is a book discussion group for children in grades six and up, with books distributed and learning and fun for all. Check this link for more info.
Finally, don’t forget that the County Commisioners are holding their Public Meeting at the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department this evening starting at 5:30 pm. Here’s the link to the agenda.
Feb 18, 2020
The Ruth Enlow Library system is expanding by 28,000 titles! Allegany County libraries are joining the Polaris catalog, so customers anywhere in Western Maryland will be able to find and request items from any of the 3 counties with just a click of a button.
Due to this expansion, there will be 3 days, March 2-4, when Polaris will be unavailable. There will be no access to our online catalog, patron accounts, or Marina during this time. (No renewals, no holds can be placed, and no fines may be paid). You WILL still be able to check out items on these days – BUT please bring your physical library card with you since we will be unable to look up your account. We kindly request that you DO NOT return items on these dates, since the library will be unable to process the returned items until our system merger is complete. Thank you for your patience!
Feb 18, 2020
The Ruth Enlow Library system is now offering portable mobile hot spots for checkout. For a period of time, patrons will be able to have internet access in their own homes through WiFi and tethering using these handheld rechargeable devices. Up to 10 devices can be connected at one time which includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and printers. There are three total hotspots available, with two in Oakland and one in Friendsville. Connectivity may vary in strength based on location. Sign up today to check out a hot spot!
Feb 17, 2020
I hope you all had a nice Valentines Day. The weather over the weekend was nice too. The weather for today will be a bit hazy to start, then mostly sunny with a high near 42 and a chance of rain and snow showers between midnight and 2:00 am, with the day’s low around 32 or so.
Happy Presidents’ Day folks. There has certainly been an uptick in activity and “traffic” at and around the lake this weekend with lots of visitors and second homeowners in town.
Happy Presidents’ Day
The origin of Presidents’ Day lies in the 1880s, when the birthday of president Washington was first celebrated as a federal holiday. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved a number of federal holidays to Mondays. During debate on the bill, it was proposed that Washington’s Birthday be renamed Presidents’ Day to honor the birthdays of both Washington (February 22) and Lincoln (February 12). Following much discussion, Congress rejected the name change. After the bill went into effect in 1971, however, Presidents’ Day became the commonly accepted name, due in part to retailers’ use of that name to promote sales and the holiday’s proximity to Lincoln’s birthday. Source: Encylopedia Britannica
The Ruth Enlow Library system is now offering portable mobile hot spots for checkout. For a period of time, patrons will be able to have internet access in their own homes through WiFi and tethering using these handheld rechargeable devices. Up to 10 devices can be connected at one time.Two hotspots will be available in Oakland and one in Friendsville. Stop by for more information and sign-up today to check out a hot spot!
Ruth Enlow Library is expanding by 28,000 titles! Allegany County libraries are joining Garrett County’s Polaris catalog, so customers anywhere in Western Maryland will be able to find and request items from any of the partner counties with just a click of a button. Due to this expansion, there will be three days, March 2-4, when Polaris will be unavailable. There will be no access to our online catalog, patron accounts, or Marina during this time. You will be able to check out items on these days (please bring your physical library card). The library also requests that you not return items on these dates, since the library will be unable to process the returned items until their system merger is complete.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources just reported final deer harvest numbers this season. Hunters took almost 80,000 antlered and non-antlered deer this year, up just a bit from the prior year. Weather impacted Garrett County numbers, which were down a bit from the previous year. Here’s all the details, by county.
This one got me thinking about Deep Creek Lake. Maryland DNR just placed some artifical, recycled fish habitat in a lake at Cunningham Falls State Park and I wonder if we have any opportunity for that at DCL? I have not heard of anything like it before here in Garrett County. Check out the article and let me know if you know of any artificial habitat at the lake here.
Have a great Monday folks…
Feb 14, 2020
The weather will be mostly cloudy today with a high near 22 and a low around 12. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 36 and a low around 27. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a slight chance of rain showers after 1pm, mixing with snow after 5pm. High near 38 and a low around 26.
I visited local business Tees Me T’s recently to pick-up t-shirts I had printed for our family vacation. What a cool little shop! Call Penny and see what she can do for your business or group.
Local Pastor Mr. Matthew Paugh, a self-described Methomennocostal, was a contributor to a new book available on Amazon. Mennocostals: Pentecostal and Mennonite Stories of Convergence (Pentecostals, Peacemaking, and Social Justice) speaks on the convergence of Mennonites and Pentecostals and their stories.
There are several dining specials this evening and entertainment options, too!
Winter seems to be back for the weekend just in time for downtown Oakland’s Winter Fest! Be sure to join the Wine Walk!
Also in Oakland (this weekend only) is the play 39 Steps. Four actors play all of the characters!
Something new and different is tomorrow: Pong For Pups is from 2- 5 pm at Black Bear Tavern. $5 per person includes drink chip and half of all drink proceeds benefit HART for Animals during the tournament.
Governor Larry Hogan has proclaimed 2020 to be the Year of the Woman in Maryland.
Wow .. Facebook really has a way of choosing the best feature frame (below — ughh! haha ☺️) but here I am with Marcia of Cashmere Clothing Co., our newest advertiser! Marcia and I went live together on Monday!
Cashmere Clothing is a women’s clothing boutique offering sizes Small through 3XL. Marcia is open at The Fort in McHenry (by Black Bear Tavern) on Wednesdays through Sundays: Wednesday 9am – 6pm, Thursday through Saturday 10am – 6pm and Sundays 10am – 3pm.
First United Bank and Trust recently shared their most recent installment of Uncommon Stories.
I offer you the opportunity to “Come Get Married in Deep Creek!”
Imagine an intimate and effortless lakefront Deep Creek wedding … The water will be reflecting diamonds at your feet and the lush mountain views will be the backdrop for a most memorable day …
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We can take those seemingly far-away dreams and make them come to life this spring! …. Jessica Fike Photography and The Deep Creek Wedding are joining together to create the first-ever Deep Creek Pop-Up!
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This wedding package is designed to fit any budget and it’s perfect for the couples not sure how to go about planning details, those who are interested in a small ceremony, or those who want a bit of an escape-from-it-all elopement option on the water’s edge.
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From the beginning, you’ll be in direct contact with two locals sharing their extensive wedding vendor connections and vast Deep Creek knowledge. Did you know Jessica has photographed over 200 weddings?! Both of us are here in Deep Creek 24/7 and we will be here for you through the entire process with no additional cost.
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Our specific Pop-Up package will offer the couple, and up to 30 guests, access to our expansive lakefront lawn, Deep Creek’s largest floating dock, a day-of-coordinator, a ceremony officiant, the best local beauty vendors, a sophisticated floral design, and two hours with Jessica – an amazingly talented natural light photographer.
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To make this special deal happen, The Deep Creek Pop-Up offer has VERY limited availability — message us today for full package details at info@thedeepcreekwedding.com)
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Feb 13, 2020
The weather today will be rain and snow showers likely. Temperature falling to around 34 by 5pm. West wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation expected during the day but 1 to 2 inches possible overnight.
It has been a little on the gray side here at the Lake but still beautiful views from Sieta Bonner-Achampong:
Don’t forget, send us an email to be entered in our lift ticket giveaway! The Wisp has announced they will be making snow through Saturday – as conditions allow – so we may just pick a winner on Friday (so you can visit the Wisp this weekend!)
Heidi’s Bakery Cafe in Oakland is opening for the 2020 season on Friday the 14th at 7 am. Also, This N That Grocery will be open on February 28th!
Check out the featured photo of the month!
The 2020 – 2021 Garrett County Public School calendar has been released.
MD DNR has reported the recent Trout stocking activities in Garrett County:
- North Branch Potomac River/Kitzmiller: 450 golden and rainbow trout
- Youghiogheny River/Friendsville: 450 golden and rainbow trout
- Youghiogheny River/Oakland: 900 golden and rainbow trout
This weekend is a Donation Only Benefit Spaghetti Dinner for the Ashby Family! Saturday,February 15th from 11am-4pm. Dine in or take out at the Masonic Lodge in Oakland.
Garrett County Board of County Commissioners remind the public of the three upcoming Community Update Meetings:
Feb 12, 2020
Gee, more rain yesterday and fog as well. The weather for today will be… MORE RAIN! Yes, rain is likely before 5:00 pm, then rain and some snow likely, then rain again in the evening, including wind, with gusts as high as 34 miles per hour. Temps will be in the mid 40’s to the low 30’s. No real accumulations expected.
Had a very nice time at dinner with fellow Lions last evening. We hosted a dinner for our blind skiers after they spent a day on the mountain. Great kids and families and a wonderful time had by all. Ed King even led us all in a funny song on sausage making (who knew):
LIONS Blind Skier Dinner
Jodi McClintock at Garrett College is looking for a few more participants for the All-In: Business Plan Writing Series and Competiton. Classes officially begin next Tuesday, February 18th. Participants will learn how to create a practical business plan, conduct market and competitor analysis, understand offer development, build financial and operating plans and design a go-to-market roadmap. Plus, all participants get a mentor and also receive valuable start-up coaching. If you (or someone you know) are considering starting a business, call Jodi ASAP at 301.387.3142 or email at jodi.mcclintock@garrettcollege.edu
Dedicated reader and regular Deep Creek Lake visitor, Clark Frazee, contacted us to share the recent passing of his uncle, Mason Wainwright Callis, Jr. Mr. Callis was a great fellow, loved the lake area and knew and positively impacted a number of folks in the community. I wanted to mention the passing of Mr. Callis here and thank Clark for sharing. Condolences to family and friends.
It’s even raining trout! DNR just yesterday placed over 2,400 rainbow trout in the Casselman river, with more planned stockings around the state and in Garrett County. You can check the scehdule and even a map to see where the next batch will “land.”
OK, as a reward for you for reading today’s Daily Notes, here’s an opportunity to win some lift tickets. Send an email to info@deepcreektimes.com with “Lift Tickets” in the subject line by this Sunday, midnight. Tell us your favorite season at and around the lake and why, for a chance to win. The randomly chosen winner will win two lift tickets that you can use any time THIS season. That’s it. We’ll report the vote counts and winner next week.
Feb 11, 2020
After a rainy Monday, the weather for today will be rainy, with showers, mainly before noon, then a chance of rain after 2:00 pm. High near 43 and a low around 26.
Don’t forget that today is
municipal election day for citizens of Friendsville. Polls are scheduled to be open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Running for one of the three open council seats are incumbents Pamela Humberson, Edward Kelley and Julia Sines. Also running is James Hook. Good luck to the candidates and be sure to vote if you are a resident of Friendsville.
It’s Ladies Lounge Day at Sipside Lounge in Oakalnd. They have 25% off wine, unlimited chocolate and prizes. Check it out. After, or before you stop for a drink, consider going to Southern High School to watch the Boys Team take on Notre Dame starting at 6:00 pm.
The Board of County Commissioners have announced the agenda for their next public meeting which will be held a week from today (February 18th). Some good topics on the agenda and note it starts at 5:30 pm and will be held in the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department and not the courthouse in Oakland!
Review request: For anyone interested in Meshach Browning (or pioneer-era western MD history for that matter), please take a look at the draft tri-fold brochure in this post’s images below and let the Lions Club know if you see any issues, especially with historical accuracy. These brochures will be distributed as part of a community-based art project, and then probably the remainder provided to the visitor’s center and at the Meshach Browning trailhead. Comments can be done via Facebook messenger or email Chris Nichols at dimesy23@gmail.com.Thanks!
Lions Club Brochure
And, here’s the map for the reverse of the brochure. Interesting…
Map for M.B. Brochure
Feb 10, 2020
After a snowy weekend, the weather for today will be rainy, with a high near 44 and a low about 40. There will be a southwest wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
All-in, we probably had snow of 3-4 inches from Friday through Sunday morning. Here’s a photo I took for you off my front porch Sunday, just to give out-of-towner’s a sense of the accumulations (after some melting):
After Weekend Snow
First United Bank & Trust recently donated $5,600 to the Garrett County Habitat for Humanity. This donation was collected during the 2019 Christmas Charity Tour of Homes sponsored by First United. The mission of the Garrett County Habitat for Humanity is to build safe, adequate houses for those in need who live or work in Garrett County, Maryland. Nice job to all involved. Here’s the photo of the check presentation:
Tour of Homes Check Presentation
The state just posted the agenda for the Board of Public Works meeting in Annapolis on February 19th. Here it is for those interested.
On Thursday, March 5th, at 6:30 pm, Dr. Deborah Landau, Conservation Ecologist with Maryland/DC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and Appalachian Laboratory fire ecologist Dr. Mark Cochrane will present “Wildfire in Appalachia: Fire history of the Central Appalachians and implications of a changing climate to our forests’ health” as part of the Watershed Moments Community Learning Series. This presentation will be held at the Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, Maryland, and is free and open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Contact Rhonda Schwinabart, Coordinator of Outreach, at 301.689.7102 or visit www.umces.edu/watershed-moments.
Happy Monday folks!
Feb 7, 2020
The weather today will be snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 31 and a low around 21. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible and total nighttime accumulation of around an inch possible. Saturday will be mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers. High near 31 and low around 24. New snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible. Sunday will be partly sunny, with a chance of snow. High near 38 and a low around 32.
We’re in the snowglobe this morning… from the Wisp Mountain webcam:
According to the Garrett County Health Department, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Garrett County nor Maryland (at this time).
Western Maryland Health System is now UPMC Western Maryland, merging into the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospital network.
The Oakland Town Council has given approval for the construction of new mountain bike trails in Broadford Park. The Garrett County Composite Mountain Biking Team made the proposal to the Town so the team could fundraise for the estimated $150,000 it would take to build the trails.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources seeks public comment on the proposed 2021 fiscal year work plan for Potomac Garrett, Green Ridge, Savage River, Chesapeake and Pocomoke State Forests. Annual work plans help identify priorities within the scope of the forest’s long-range management plan. The comment period ends on February 28, 2020.
There are a few events and local entertainment acts happening this weekend! Appreciate the fresh snow and enjoy your weekend!
Feb 6, 2020
Are you considering becoming a small business owner? Do you have an idea that you would like to pursue for a new business? If so, Garrett College is offering a series of classes that will commence with a business plan competition – all of which are designed to provide key support for individuals to research the potential of their ideas and ultimately, be successful.
Classes for GC’s All In: Business Plan Writing Series and Competition officially begin on February 18th. This series aims to prepare individuals with the tools and knowledge required to successfully produce a business plan based on an idea.
Garrett College Business Solutions strives to provide assistance to all small business owners and managers in the Garrett County area and surrounding communities. Participants in the All In series will be paired up with a mentor and receive viable business coaching from start to finish in creating a business plan.
As part of the business plan series, participants will learn how to create a practical business plan, conduct a market and competitor analysis, understand product and/or service concept development, produce financial and operating plans, and design a go-to-market roadmap.
For additional information on the business plan series and competition, contact Jodi McClintock at 301-387-3142 or email jodi.mcclintock@garrettcollege.edu. Information is also available on the Power of Possibilities Facebook page, www.facebook.com/4RuralSuccess.
Feb 6, 2020
The recent outbreak of a novel Coronavirus that started in Wuhan, China in December is spreading throughout China and to other countries. There are important facts you should know.
Coronaviruses are not new. It is a family of viruses that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness in humans. The virus causing this current outbreak is a novel, or new version of a coronavirus from China and is causing worldwide concern because it has made some people very ill and some have died. Many of those who have died are elderly or have other health conditions that put them at higher risk. Many others have had only mild illness. Treatment is supportive care and there is currently no vaccine.
At the time of this writing, there have been 11 confirmed cases in the U.S. Nine of these cases had a history of travel to China. Two of the 11 confirmed cases contracted the illness after exposure to a family member (known cases) who had traveled to China. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that at this time we are not seeing sustained person-to-person transmission in the U.S. and that the risk to the general American public is low at present. In fact, the numbers show that persons are much more likely to be infected with the influenza virus than the new coronavirus.
Recommended strategies to prevent the spread of respiratory viral infections (including influenza and coronavirus) are frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if sick, and getting flu vaccination. The Health Department still has a good supply of vaccine, including high dose for seniors. Walk-ins are welcome at the Oakland location at 1025 Memorial Drive, Monday through Friday. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
At this time, there are no confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus in Maryland, and updates will be posted to: https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Novel-coronavirus.aspx
The Garrett County Health Department is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation. The CDC has supplied all health care providers with guidance.
Authorities are recommending that all non-essential travel to China be stopped and U.S. citizens in China are being returned to the U.S. as a measure of caution.
It is important to notify your doctor if you develop fever, shortness of breath or upper respiratory symptoms AND have traveled to or from China in recent weeks. If you have these symptoms and a travel history to China, or contact with a known case, make sure you call ahead to your healthcare provider so they can appropriately plan for your care.
If you have any questions or concerns, call your health care provider, or the Health Department at 301 334-7770 or 301 895-5355.
Feb 6, 2020
The weather today will be cloudy with rain likely with a high near 51 and a low around 29. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Mike Dailidenas shared a cool panorama with us — here’s a clip of part of the photo:
The County Sheriff’s Office has an opening for a Public Safety Communications Officer (911).
Have you made your guess in the “Where Am I?” contest this month?
The town of Friendsville will be holding its municipal election on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, with polls scheduled to be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Running for one of three open council seats are incumbents Pamela Humberson, Edward Kelley and Julia Sines. Also running is James Hook. The town of Friendsville maintains a separate register of voters; however, if one has registered at the Board of Elections and is a resident of Friendsville, he/she automatically qualifies to vote in the municipal election. Applications for absentee ballots can be obtained by calling the Town Hall at 301.746.5919.
Looking to spend a night on the town for Valentine’s Day? A local Girl Scout troop 55004 is offering to babysit for kids ages 6-13! $6/hour $30 for 5-10pm. Call Dawn for questions or more information– 814-418-0878.
It’s Wrestling at HOME for Southern Garrett High School — from 5 – 7pm.
Feb 5, 2020
The weather for today will be a bit messy. Rain, freezing rain, and sleet are likely before 3:00 pm, there’s then a chance of rain between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm, then a chance of freezing rain after 5:00 pm. The high will be near 33, with wind gusts later in the day approaching 25 miles per hour. Rain and a chance of freeqing rain overnight, as the temperatures start rising toward the morning.
February is National Pet Dental Health Month and HART is offering free dental screenings/assessments for pets and is giving a 15% discount on any work scheduled within 60 days of a pet’s free assessment (call HART for specifics). Sounds like a good deal. I may even try to sneak in and get some work done on my mouth (sorry Dr. Yant)! Here’s a photo of HART’s volunteer of the month, Beth Luers. Beth and her husband are both friends and they both volunteer at HART.
HART Volunteer Beth Luers
Just heard that the Maryland Park Service is upgrading its online reservation system with new features that will make it easier for customers and park staff to use. The new version of the online reservation system will be available to customers February 13th and will be unavailable February 6th – 13th. Once the new version is installed, the reservation site will be mobile-responsive, adjusting to any screen size, and featuring a more modern look and feel.
Have a problem in your life? Well, there may be a class that is able to help you find a solution. The Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library is holding their “Be a Problem Finder” class this evening at 6:00 pm. Students will learn to pinpoint the root causes of issues in their life, and how they can take the steps needed to fix them. It will be presented by speaker Jerry Frigaard!
Speaking of problems, I’m glad I’m not the person “responsible” for the technical glitch in tabulating the Iowa Caucus results. Talk about pressure. I hope it gets worked out and truly finalized by the time you read this Wednesday morning. We live in interesting times, which makes me all the happier to have a home and life in the mountains of good ol’ Garrett County.
If you have been reading my columns here for a while, you know I like to “infuse” little tidbits and info-bits every once in a while, especially related to the state of Maryland and travel in general. I just read a report of a study of over 1,000 upscale hotels all over the world on their most stolen items. They are, in decreasing theft-rate order: towels, bathrobes, hangers, pens and cutlery. Interestingly, while not a high rate of theft according to the study, people do try to steal hotel mattresses. One hotel in Italy even had the grand piano in their lobby stolen. Really! Here’s the link to the findings.
Finally, here’s a nice message and update on the potential transition of the Savage River Lodge. Mike and Jan are (surprisingly) nearing 70 and after 25 years of seven-day weeks, are considering the next stage of their life. Good people and a very nice place. We wish them luck however and whenever a change comes their way.
