Jul 21, 2020
Yesterday proved to be a nice day at the lake. Today we have a slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 11:00 am. Partly sunny, with a high near 81 degrees. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorns in the evening, with a low around 67.
Here’s a great photo of some “docked” sailboats as submitted by Kellie Zbignewich yesterday. Thnks for sharing Kellie!
Sailboats
Congratulations are definitely in order here: Garrett Regional Medical Center’s Subacute Unit has won its sixth Best Nursing Home award from US News & World Report, receiving a five out of five-performance rating for short-term rehabilitation care. Winning this award means of the 226 nursing home facilities in the state of Maryland, Garrett Regional Medical Center is one of only 67 to achieve a top performance rating. This year the Short-Term Rehabilitation Ratings incorporated several measures of quality including consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs and success in preventing falls. Way to go GRMC!
This is an interesting tidbit from State Attorney General Brian Frosh: Although around 160 million “stimulus” payments have been made to eligible U.S. residents, a recent report estimates that 12 million people, including 147,000 Marylanders, are missing out on receiving a payment. The payments yet to be distributed add up to around $12 billion, $157 million of which is owed to Maryland residents.
According to an online post by the Baltimore Sun, The rise in coronavirus cases in Maryland slowed a bit on Monday, when the state reported 554 new cases.
The Garrett County Health Department, in cooperation with state and local partners, tested 527 participants at a community COVID-19 testing event in Oakland on Friday. Of the 527 persons who participated in testing, 443, or 84% were from Garrett County. Marylanders from outside of Garrett County and West Virginia residents each made up a total of 25 participants. A few of those tested were from Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the rest were from across the U.S. All tests are currently pending.
Here’s another nice photo as submitted by regular contributor Dee Dave. Thanks Dee!
A young local fellow
Jul 20, 2020
GRMC Subacute Unit awarded U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Home Distinction for Short-Term Rehabilitation
OAKLAND, MD- Garrett Regional Medical Center’s Subacute Unit won its sixth Best Nursing Home award from US News & World Report, receiving a five out of five-performance rating for short-term rehabilitation care. Winning this award means of the 226 nursing home facilities in the state of Maryland, Garrett Regional Medical Center is one of only 67 to achieve a top performance rating. This year the Short-Term Rehabilitation Ratings incorporated several measures of quality including consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs and success in preventing falls.
“We are honored that the excellent care provided by our Subacute Unit has once again been recognized with this distinguished award,” said Kendra Thayer, Senior Vice President of Patient Services. “This recognition is due to our incredible staff, who strive every day to treat our patients like family. They are a dedicated and compassionate team who always go above and beyond to help our patients through their recovery. Their commitment and hard work make this team very deserving of the recognition they have received over the years.”
The esteemed award is based on data provided by Nursing Home Compare, a program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS develops and enforces quality and safety standards across the nation’s health care system. Data considered in the methodology used by US News to determine nursing home performance is measured over the course of a year, with facilities required to meet certain performance standards consistently throughout the 12-month period.
Garrett Regional Medical Center’s Subacute Care Department is a ten-bed unit designed for patients who may fall between nursing home care and hospital care and serves between 350 to 400 patients annually. Subacute patients require complex care or rehabilitation. Some patients might be recovering from a stroke, surgery, cardio-respiratory conditions, or wound care. The unit offers a home-like atmosphere with its own dining area, activity room and laundry facility to provide patients with the care and education needed to function when they return home.
“Patient stays in our department can vary from a few days to several weeks,” Said Lori Davis, RN, Director of the Subacute Unit. “Our unit offers a home-like atmosphere to provide patients with the care and education needed to function when they return home. The extended time we spend with our patients allows us to form a special bond. This department truly feels like a family.”
In 2018, U.S. News developed a Short-Term Rehabilitation Rating that assesses the performance of skilled nursing facilities in post-acute care. For 2019-20, 13,683 facilities received a Short-Term Rating, while only 2,250 homes earned a High-Performing Rating. The new U.S. News ratings include only 1,874 Best Nursing Homes in Short-Stay Rehabilitation. Fewer than 1 in 8 facilities nationwide met U.S. News’ exacting standard.
Jul 20, 2020
The weekend was just about perfect weather-wise, with the thermometer at my home registering 86 degrees yesterday. Today we have a slight chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 81. West wind around 7 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
While rain has been somewhat scarce lately, we have been treated to some interesting summer cloud formations. Here’s a photo taken Friday afternoon showing the fluffy lower clouds and the higher cirrus (I think) whispy clouds. We tood this from the car on Chestnut Ridge Road.
Summer Clouds
The lake was crowded over the weekend and I heard there were some fender benders and accidents on the roads, so please be especially careful, as we are in peak season. As a contrast to the busy roads, here’s a serene scene as submitted by Ed O’Connor showing a very early morning at the lake. Thanks Ed.
Early Morning at the Lake
I heard over the weekend that Manor Steakhouse in Oakland has closed. Not sure of the exact situation (and hopefully it is not permanent) and will let readers know when we hear more. I also heard that Festival of Trees has been cancelled. Frankly, I am concerned about our small businesses as well as our non-profits that benefit from some of our wonderful events.
Here’s a link to the latest newsletter update from State Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon. There are embedded links to a number of previously reported items, including the reopening matrix. Note there are also special grants available to schools and groups submitting projects that work to help students succeed during these challenging learning times. Lots of information.
The third of four Deep Creek Lake hydrilla herbicide treatments is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. During the treatment process, boaters are asked to stay clear of the treatment boat so that the proper dosage can be administered. Once applied, there are no recreational restrictions associated with the herbicide. Dive teams will also be on the lake periodically throughout the summer, with divers in the water monitoring the hydrilla emergence and response to the herbicide. If you see red and white dive flags, please stay at least 100 feet away as divers are in the water.
Ever wonder about how “Dan’s Mountain” got its name? Well, according to some material posted on Feldstein’s Historical Stuff (thanks, as always, Al), here’s some insight:
“As the story goes, one day Daniel Cresap (1728-1798) and the famed Native American guide and hereditary Chief of the Delaware Nation, Nemacolin, were hunting bear. They treed some bear cubs and as Daniel climbed after them a limb broke and he fell to the rocks below, breaking several bones and becoming unconscious. Nemacolin transported Daniel home on a litter. The ridge where he fell became known as ‘Dan’s Rock.’ Years later, Daniel was pursuing another on that mountain. Both shot at each other simultaneously, and both were mortally wounded. The mountain henceforth became known as, ‘Dan’s Mountain.’ Daniel had also been a son of the famous Colonel Thomas Cresap.” Some history to consider the next time you pass the sign for Dan’s Mountain on the highway!
Have a great Monday folks….
Jul 17, 2020
The weather today will be partly sunny with a high near 80 and a low around 63. West wind around 8 mph. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 86 and a low around 65. Calm wind. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 85 and a low around 69.
Dr. Dana McCauley, Principal of Crellin Elementary, has been named as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.
Also, Joyce Flinn, Vice President and Information Security & Disaster Recovery Officer at First United Bank, has been named to the Cyber Risk Institute Board of Directors. Congratulations!
A last-minute reminder that the free COVID-19 testing is today from 7:00am – 1:00pm.
Plan to get your veggies at the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market tomorrow from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. View the guidelines for shopping.
Also, Monday, the Ruth Enlow Library is cohosting Ibram X. Kendi event on “How to Be an Antiracist” (Virtual Event) from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The MD DNR fishing report: Most trout streams are running low and clear this week … fishing at Deep Creek Lake has settled into a summertime swing where largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found holding under thick grass … feisty bluegills always offer plenty of fun to vacationers and a mix of yellow perch and walleye can be found along deep grass edges … the upper Potomac River is also running low and warm …
A second overdose alert in 8 days has been issued in Garrett County. Signs of an opioid overdose may include constricted pinpoint pupils, a limp body in a person who does not wake up or respond to touch, low, shallow breathing, slow or faint heartbeat, and choking, gurgling or vomiting. Call 911 if you witness someone experiencing an overdose.
The Garrett County Board of Education has voted to delay the first date of school until September 8, 2020 at their most-recent board meeting. A FAQ document on the reopening situation can be found here.
Happy 95th Anniversary Deep Creek Lake!
Jul 17, 2020
Check out all the new updates added to the Ruth Enlow Library website! We’ve revamped the layout for our downloadable materials under “Books and More” to make things easier to find, our online databases are now found under the “Learning and Research” tab where everything is organized into different sections, and you can try our new “Find Something New” service to get personalized recommendations from library staff based on things you like (and don’t like) in your reading materials. To use this feature, you can either visit a physical library branch, or use our form at https://www.relib.net/content/find-something-new to fill in your preferences.
Jul 17, 2020
As of July 1st, Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has resumed limited visitation. The new policy follows guidelines from state and federal public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to slow the spread of COVID-19. The new guidelines have been put into place in order to protect the health and safety of the hospital’s patients, staff, and the community.
Since mid-March, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, GRMC suspended all visitation to protect against any possible spread. Similar restrictions have been implemented in medical facilities across the country, including WVU Medicine, GRMC’s affiliate. As Maryland entered into phase 2 of reopening, the hospital was able to reevaluate their policy, loosening some restrictions to allow for limited visitation. GRMC has also added two temperature kiosks located in the main lobby and emergency room for quick and easy screening. Everyone entering the hospital is required to stop at a kiosk first.
“Our goal with the new policy is to allow some visitation while maintaining a safe and healthy environment,” said Linda Danjou, Director of Occupational Health and Infection Control at GRMC. “Visitors are a significant part of the healing process, and it was very important to us that we were able to reunite patients with their loved ones. We want everyone to be assured that while visitation is allowed, the new policy will be strictly enforced to protect those at the hospital and our community overall.”
Visitation guidelines vary depending on your reason for visiting the hospital. The new policy is as follows:
- Everyone entering the hospital is required to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and will be screened at the temperature kiosks located in the main lobby and emergency room.
- Adult inpatients who are admitted may designate one consistent visitor throughout their stay.
- Visitors must be 18 years or older and visit only during designated visiting hours, noon to 7 pm daily.
- All visitors must stay in the patient’s throughout the visit.
- Visitors must obtain and wear a visitor badge while inside the hospital.
- Visitation is not permitted if you have a fever, have been recently exposed to COVID-19, or are experiencing flu like symptoms.
- Patients who are suspected of having COVID-19 or have tested positive will not be allowed visitors.
- The Subacute Unit will permit outside visits with one visitor per patient; if there is inclement weather a designated area indoors has been established for the visit that allows for social distancing.
- One visitor will be allowed per patient in the ER, or two visitors for pediatric patients.
- Patients at end-of-life stages will be allowed two visitors at one time, immediate family only.
- OB patients are allowed only one person to accompany them throughout the birth process; no other visitors will be allowed.
- Patients at the hospital for same day surgery procedures may be accompanied by one person; once the patient is taken to the outpatient area, the visitor must either accompany the patient and remain in their room, or leave the building until called back.
- No one is permitted to accompany outpatients in lab or radiology, unless a patient is a minor or assistance is required.
- The main entrance of the hospital will be locked on weekends. Please use the Emergency Room entrance beginning Friday at 7pm until Monday morning.
GRMC is closely monitoring the COVID virus both locally and nationally and will continue to update the policy as needed. For a full list of the new visitation guidelines, visit www.grmc-wvumedicine.org.
Jul 17, 2020
First United Bank & Trust is proud to announce the recent appointment of Joyce Flinn, Vice President and Information Security & Disaster Recovery Officer, to the Cyber Risk Institute Board of Directors.
The Cyber Risk Institute (CRI) is a not-for-profit coalition of financial institutions and trade associations that work to protect the global economy by enhancing cybersecurity and resiliency through standardization. Their Cyber Profile tool is the benchmark for cyber security and resiliency in the financial services industry. This ever evolving and concise list of assessment questions is curated based on the intersection of global regulations and cyber standards. CRI’s mission is to sharpen cybersecurity to protect the global economy. They do this by creating and updating a common framework for cyber security and resilience assessment.
Joyce began her career in financial services in the retail arena and moved to Loan Operations, Finance, Item Processing, IT, Risk Management, and currently resides in the IT Department. She was appointed Information Security Officer in 2001 and has also acted as the Privacy and Security Officer at various times. She assumed the responsibilities of Disaster Recovery in 2017. Over the past 30 years, she’s assisted in multiple project implementations and conversions, including the implementation of the wide area network, core processing conversion, several mergers and acquisitions, a Vendor Management program, Information Security program, assisted in developing the Enterprise Risk Management solution as well as the development of subsequent frameworks.
She currently chairs First United’s Cybersecurity committee and implemented the Cybersecurity program. Joyce has participated in the validation and development of the FSSCC Cybersecurity Profile. She recently assumed responsibility for Vendor Management and Operational Risk Assessments.
Joyce lives in Oakland, MD with her husband, Gene. They have three daughters and a grandson. Joyce is on the Board of the Community Trust Foundation, co-chairs the Garrett Regional Health Center’s Gala Committee, and participates in various volunteer organizations throughout the year
Matthew Growden, Vice President and Chief Information Officer commented, “This appointment exemplifies Joyce’s strong work ethic and accelerated growth within our organization and industry. Her dedication to the customers and communities she serves can be seen daily, which makes her a true asset to the organization.”
First United Corporation operates one full-service commercial bank, First United Bank & Trust. The Bank has a network of community offices in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick Counties in Maryland, as well as Mineral, Berkeley, Harrison and Monongalia Counties in West Virginia. As of 3/31/20, the Corporation posted assets of $1.5 billion. First United’s website can be located at MyBank.com.
Jul 17, 2020
By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
The Garrett County Health Department today issued its second overdose alert in 8 days after being notified of a continued increase in overdoses related to opiates in and around Garrett County.
Fentanyl is roughly 100 times more potent than heroin. It is being mixed with other drugs including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine to increase their potency, which also increases lethality and the likelihood of an overdose.
Signs of an opioid overdose may include constricted pinpoint pupils, a limp body in a person who does not wake up or respond to touch, low, shallow breathing, slow or faint heartbeat, and choking, gurgling or vomiting.
If witnessing an overdose, it is important to call 911, and that the individual gets immediate medical care. If a person on the scene has access to naloxone (an opioid antidote) they should administer it immediately. Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law protects a person from arrest for drug and alcohol charges if they call for help for someone else who has overdosed.
The Garrett County Health Department continues to offer naloxone (Narcan) despite the current COVID-19 restrictions. As with any other service at the health department at this time, an appointment is required to pick up naloxone.
The next Overdose Response Training is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, at 5:30 in the Health Department Conference Room. Masks are required as well as social distancing measures.
To schedule an appointment to pick up naloxone, register for an upcoming class, or get information on other Overdose Response services, call the Overdose Response Program Coordinator at 301-334-7724. If you or a loved one has an addiction and are in need of treatment or just need to talk, please contact the Garrett County Center for Behavioral Health at 301-334-7670.
Jul 17, 2020
By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
As COVID-19 cases in Garrett County continues to increase, it is important to understand that contact tracing is a critical part of reducing the spread of the virus.
Once a positive case is identified, the next step to reduce the spread is a process known as contact tracing. If any potential exposures to COVID-19 are discovered through contact tracing activities, individuals that have had close personal contact will be notified by the contact tracing team. This team works closely with neighboring counties, including in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, to prevent and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our area.
CDC defines a close contact as someone who has been within 6 feet or closer to a positive case for 15 minutes or more. If you do not hear from contact tracers by phone, you have not been identified and are not on the list of close contacts.
“As the positive numbers in the county increase, personnel from state and local public health are working to investigate the positive cases, and trace their contacts, and will be in touch with any individuals with potential exposure,” said Dr. Jennifer Corder, Deputy Health Officer for Garrett and Allegany Counties. “Please make sure you answer the call when you see either Garrett County Health Department or MD COVID on your caller ID. Calls from contact tracers could show up as either one.”
To maintain the privacy of persons who test positive for COVID-19, specific locations were these persons live or work are not disclosed by the health department, but sometimes are disclosed by worksites or the individuals themselves. While outbreaks within nursing homes are reported by the name of the facility, the individual names of the patients are never disclosed.
Throughout the pandemic state and local health officials have required or recommended various general safety precautions such as wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing, washing hands and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, in an attempt to slow the spread the virus.
Jul 16, 2020
The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 80 and a low around 66. A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am.
Who had a chance to order from Lebanese Taverna for the DCL stop this week?! I can’t wait for my delivery! 🙂
The Garrett County resident COVID-19 count is up to 26.
“Young adults have been fueling a sharp rise in coronavirus cases around the country…newly confirmed infections among those in their 20s and 30s in Maryland is alarming health officials and experts… in recent days they have contributed up to 55% of new cases, according to an analysis by The Baltimore Sun.”
A “thank you” to Frank S. for sending us this awesome Deep Creek sunset photo:
The Garrett County Public Schools have teamed up with the Garrett County Government: “In an effort to help us better understand the challenges and areas of need, we invite you to visit the page below to fill out the Garrett County Internet Coverage and Quality Survey within. This data will be used to help us target our efforts to provide quality, equitable instruction for the upcoming 20-21 school year: https://www.garrettcounty.org/gcgov/speedtest”
The Board of County Commissioners Public Meeting previously scheduled for July 21, 2020 has been cancelled. The next scheduled Public Meeting will be held on Monday, August 3, 2020 beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Community COVID-19 Testing will be tomorrow, July 17, from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm in the parking lot between Garrett County Health Department & Mountain Laurel Medical Center at 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland. This free testing is for those who are asymptomatic.
Jul 15, 2020
Yesterday was very nice and today should be even nicer, with a high of 83 degrees and a low of around 65. There will be a light south wind, sunny during the day and partly cloudy in the evening. Enjoy.
For the month of June, the average high temperature in Garrett County was 76 degrees. The average low was 55.8 degrees and we had a total of 4.53 inches of rain. We could actually use a nice rain soon, as the ground is getting a bit parched in some areas. Thanks go to Glenda Chandler at Garrett Regional Medical Center for compiling the results and sharing with us.
Here’s a great photo submitted by Maggie Shubert as taken by her husband. It is of an early morning water skier on July 4th from their dock in the Pergin Farms area of the lake. Very well done and thanks for submitting for all to enjoy.
DCL Water Skier at Dawn
Today is tax day. So, if you haven’t submitted your taxes, you need to get that extension filed. And, if you have any $$$ left over, please consider sending a donation to one or more of our local charities or non-profits. They do great work and can use funds, especially during this crazy pandemic.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s Daily Notes, Lebanese Taverna is coming to town JUST ONE DAY to deliver pre-ordered meals Thursday afternoon. Orders must be in today. If you are from the DC, Northern Virginia area you may be familiar with their food. I personally love Lebanese food, especially the kabobs and desserts. Also, Lebanese dishes tend to be healthy, so that is an added plus.
Here’s a somewhat sobering “reminder” from a press release received from Governor Hogan yesterday. I have included in its entirety here. We are all in this together. Let’s all do our part and stay safe and healthy.
Governor Hogan Presses Local Leaders to Enforce Public Health Requirements In Bars and Restaurants
State Health Officials Have Connected An Increasing Number of COVID-19 Cases to Non-Compliance. Local Leaders Must Enforce Physical Distancing and Capacity Restrictions at
Bars and Restaurants. Penalties Should Include Fines, Actions Against Licenses, and Closure. Positivity Rate Among Younger Marylanders Continues to Rise
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today directed local leaders to step up enforcement of public health requirements in bars and restaurants across the state. State health officials have connected an increasing number of COVID-19 cases to non-compliance with face covering and physical distancing rules.
“The vast majority of bars and restaurants in our state are in compliance, but some are flagrantly violating the law and endangering public health,” said Governor Hogan. “You have the responsibility to enforce these laws. Violators should be warned, fined, have actions taken regarding their licenses, or closed if necessary. Local health departments, local liquor boards and inspectors, and local law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure public health is protected.”
Read the governor’s letter to county leaders.
As of today, the positivity rate among Marylanders under 35 is now 84% higher than it is for Marylanders 35 and over.
Under Executive Order 20-06-10-01, which was issued on June 10, and accompanying directives from the Maryland Department of Health:
- Bars and restaurants are open for seated service only with physical distancing and capacity restrictions. Customers must be seated at least six feet apart from other guests. Standing and congregating in bar areas is strictly prohibited.
- All staff must wear a face covering while working and interacting with customers.
- For facilities with booths, every other booth must be closed.
- No more than six people may sit at a table.
In recent weeks, at least 12 other states have moved to re-close bars and restaurants statewide or in targeted localities following COVID-19 spikes and outbreaks.
“Our continued economic health and recovery depend on the active and aggressive local compliance and enforcement of these critical public health measures,” continued the governor. “We cannot allow a small segment of willful violators to squander the collective efforts of the overwhelming majority of Maryland citizens and businesses.”
The state continues working to further increase the convenience and accessibility of COVID-19 resources and testing. Learn more about COVID-19 in Maryland, or make a plan to get tested at one of more than 220 testing sites, by visiting coronavirus.maryland.gov.
Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Garrett County, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has decided to transition their Annual Membership Meeting to a virtual event on Thursday, July 30, 2020 from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The Chamber’s annual Membership Meeting will feature the announcement of the Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winner, Volunteer of the Year Award winner and Diplomat of the Year award.
Thanks to Jay Ferguson for sharing this photo of the Neowise Comet in the night sky over Deep Creek last night.
Finally, today, don’t forget that the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market will be in downtown Oakland as it is every Wednesday and Saturday. Eat your vegetables…
Jul 14, 2020
Yesterday was a nice day until the clouds moved in and then some localized light rain hit late afternoon, with clearing in the evening, which was very nice. Today will be sunny, with a high near 77 degrees. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning. We will have a low of about 57 tonight.
Oysters on the full shell anyone? I know there are no oysters in the lake, but I have two little factoids I thought I would share here: First, an adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day! That’s the good news. The bad news is that we have lost about 85% of oyster reef habitat over the past 130 years. Fortunately, projects in the Chesapeake and other areas are creating habitat and seeding oyster beds with some good success. Now you know.
And, speaking of Molluscs, in this instance the bad kind, zebra mussels, we are happy that our launch stewards caught the boat that was about to launch in the lake with zebra mussels attached on July 3rd. According to the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation, the terribly destructive zebra mussels have sharp shells that are a danger to swimmers who step on them, they clog hydroelectric dams such as the one at Deep Creek Lake, and they have a toxin that has killed thousands of birds. “If the zebra mussels begin to propagate here, our lake, which is the cornerstone of this beautiful area, can be lost as a practical matter,” stated David Myerberg, President of the Foundation.
Be sure to check out all the new updates added to the Ruth Enlow Library website! They’ve revamped the layout for downloadable materials under “Books and More” to make things easier to find, their online databases are now found under the “Learning and Research” tab where everything is organized into different sections, and you can try their new “Find Something New” service to get personalized recommendations from library staff based on things you like (and don’t like) in your reading materials. To use this feature, you can either visit a physical library branch, or use our form at https://www.relib.net/content/find-something-new to fill in your preferences. Sounds like the library team has been busy. Good stuff.
As of July 1st, Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has resumed limited visitation. The new policy follows guidelines from state and federal public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to slow the spread of COVID-19. The new guidelines have been put into place in order to protect the health and safety of the hospital’s patients, staff, and the community.
I have heard that the Garrett County Farm Bureau will host an educational tour of Cove Pastures Farm in Accident on July 26th at 6:00 pm. Chester and Trish Yoder of Cove Patures have done a great job planning and growing their Branch Bender Cidery at 1202 Harmon Road. You can text or call Arlene Lantz at 240.321.8205 with questions or for more information.
Here’s something different for you: Lebanese Cuisine is coming to the lake! Lebanese Taverna, from the DC area will be delivering their food at the lake on Thursday, July 16th. You pre-order and then pick up in the afternoon. Click here for more information and the pick-up order form!
FInally, we have had some price reductions from sellers on a few items on our Online Marketplace. Check out the new prices of these items and the rest of the marketplace as well. Happy shopping.
Jul 13, 2020
Yesterday was a very nice day until clouds and some localized weather moved in in the late afternoon hours. Today we have a slight chance of showers before 9:00 am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 75 degrees, with a chance of precipitation at 20%. The evening will be mostly clear, with a low around 56.
My wife and I took advantage of the nice weather yesterday to take a hike to Meadow Mountain Trail Overlook. Here’s a photo I snapped. Even with a bit of summer haze, we could see well over 10 miles.
Meadow Mountain Trail Overlook
Positive results were received for two additional staff members at a County nursing home. One of the persons who tested positive was a female Garrett County resident who is in her 60s. She does not have any symptoms and is isolating at home. The other was in her 30s and lives outside the County. Total number of confirmed cases in the County now stands at 25 individuals.
The next community COVID-19 testing opportunity in Garrett County is scheduled for Friday, July 17th, from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm in the parking lot between the Health Department and the Mountain Laurel Medical Center at 1025 Memorial Drive in Oakland. This free testing will be without the need for an appointment or a doctor’s order. This is not an antibody test that may identify a previous infection and is for individuals not exhibiting symptoms.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will hold a virtual Business Before Hours: State of the County via Zoom from 8:00 am to 9:30 am on Tuesday, July 21st.. Garrett County Commissioners Paul Edwards, Larry Tichnell, and Jim Hinebaugh will provide their perspectives on FY20, including top priorities for the coming year. They will be specifically focusing on the County budget, broadband expansion, economic development. The Chamber appears to be charging an admission fee for this event. Register online at visitdeepcreek.com or by calling Holly Lane at 301.387.6171.
Finally, keep on the lookout for upcoming information on our 2020 Deep Creek Times Peoples’ Choice Awards. This is our third year of celebrating all that is great about Deep Creek Lake and the surrounding area, including people, places and businesses. As always, we will have an online nominations period followed by a voting period. Always fun and remember, we are the original peoples’ choice awards!
Have a great Monday folks…
Jul 10, 2020
The weather today will be warm! Mostly sunny with a high near 83 and a low around 65. Saturday will be partly sunny with a high near 75 and a low around 62. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 79 and a low around 61. A chance of showers and thunderstorms each day after 2pm.
A special thanks to Jean Tumbarello for sharing her campfire visitor last night:
I’ve had a few people contact us looking for fishing recommendations and lake water temperatures:
We do have a temperature gauge at the north lake and here are the experts from the Maryland DNR with the July 8th fishing report: “The fishing scene at Deep Creek Lake and similar western region reservoirs has transitioned into a typical summer pattern of fish behavior. Trout can be found deep along the dam face; walleye and yellow perch are deep along grass edges; and smallmouth and largemouth bass are holding under or near floating docks and moored boats, seeking cool shade.”
Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack responded to Accident, Maryland for five (5) signs with derogatory statements. Anyone with information about the suspect responsible should contact the Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack at 301-387-1101. Callers may remain anonymous.
The first rabies case of 2020 was reported in Garrett County.
Our local Health Department has also shared an alert for opioid overdoses and a federal warning on hand sanitizer.
The Manor Steakhouse has new extended hours on Fridays: 4pm – 9 pm. Reservations recommended.
Garrett College students were recently responsible for preventing two different types of invasive species from entering Deep Creek Lake! Good work to the students, the DCL Property Owners Association, and other watershed groups for their diligence, cooperation, and good work!
As of publication this morning, we have 19 positive COVID-19 cases here in Garrett County.
Jul 10, 2020
By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
The Garrett County Health Department has issued an overdose alert after learning there has been a recent increase in overdoses related to opiates in and around Garrett County.
“While we are not certain what caused the spike at that time, there has been an increase of overdoses in Maryland due to the presence of the powerful synthetic opioid drug fentanyl,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens.
Fentanyl is roughly 100 times more potent than heroin. It is being mixed with other drugs including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine to increase their potency, which also increases lethality and the likelihood of an overdose.
Signs of an opioid overdose may include constricted pinpoint pupils, a limp body in a person who does not wake up or respond to touch, low, shallow breathing, slow or faint heartbeat, and choking, gurgling or vomiting.
If witnessing an overdose, it is important to call 911, and that the individual gets immediate medical care. If a person on the scene has access to naloxone (an opioid antidote) they should administer it immediately. Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law protects a person from arrest for drug and alcohol charges if they call for help for someone else who has overdosed.
Persons interested in being trained and issued doses of the antidote, sometimes referred to by the brand name Narcan, should call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730, ext. 7724 to receive more information.