Aug 31, 2020
Press Release
GRMC named a top hospital by Becker’s Hospital Review
(Oakland, MD)- Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has been named a top hospital for patient experience by Becker’s Hospital Review, a leading publication of the health care industry. This distinction recognizes GRMC as being among the top five hospitals for patient experience in the state of Maryland. In addition to GRMC, other Maryland hospitals to make the list include John Hopkins Hospital and Mercy Medical Center, both in Baltimore; Atlantic General Hospital, in Berlin; and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda.
“It is our mission at GRMC to treat each patient like a member of our own family,” said Mark Boucot, GRMC president and CEO. “It is that personal level of care that makes a difference to our patients. Being recognized at this level is a testament to our dedicated staff and the incredible work they do every day. Even through these challenging times, we continuously strive to deliver excellent health care to our community.”
Becker’s Hospital Review used data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAPS) scores and other information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to find the top hospitals in each state. HCAHPS is a nationally conducted survey that hospitals in the United States use to assess how patients perceive a recent hospital stay. Patients are polled on several topics, including nurse and doctor communication, responsiveness of hospital staff, and communication about medicine, discharge information, and care transition.
While some states had as many as 15 hospitals listed, Maryland had only five. Of the five, only Garrett Regional Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center received five-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2020.
Recognition for its excellent patient experience is one of several top honors Garrett Regional Medical Center has received this year. In addition to its coveted 5-star rating by the CMS, GRMC was named a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by the Chartis Group for the second year in a row, and received an ‘A’ grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group, which grades patient safety at hospitals throughout the country.
Mr. Boucot says much credit for GRMC’s excellent care goes to the hospital’s staff and the frontline councils through which they bring ideas, suggestions, and concerns to management.
“All of the statistics that reflect the excellent care we provide here at Garrett Regional Medical Center – the lowest readmission rate in the state, the top rated hospital in the state for reducing hospital-acquired conditions, a surgical site infection rate far lower than the national average –stem in part from the input our frontline staff provides on issues they see on a daily basis. We’ve changed processes and policies based on input received through our Patient Safety, Patient Experience, and Employee Engagement councils, which are open to any employee to attend. We listen to our staff, and I think the quality care our patients receive is a direct result of that,” continued Mr. Boucot.
Garrett Regional Medical Center is an award winning, progressive, Joint Commission accredited acute care facility with 55 inpatient beds in Oakland, Maryland. The hospital serves a population of 46,000 within Garrett County and surrounding communities in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Originally established in 1950, the hospital has continuously evolved to advance the health and wellness needs of the region. Through its clinical affiliation with WVU Medicine, GRMC offers comprehensive health care services unique to a rural location. GRMC is one of the county’s largest employers with more than 450 team members, who are each dedicated to our mission of striving to treat every patient like family. Learn more at https://www.grmc-wvumedicine.org/
Aug 31, 2020
DCL Lions Community art project to be unveiled
A Meshach Browning-themed community art project will be unveiled on September 26 2020 at noon at the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club Park on 1249 Bumble Bee Rd Accident MD. The project consists of over fifty 3D-printed plaques depicting Meshach Browning which have been painted and decorated by community members and assembled into a mosaic. The production of these panels was paid for by an IMPACT GARRETT COUNTY grant awarded by the Population Health, Innovation & Informatics Unit at the Garrett County Health Department with primary funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Meshach Browning (1781-1859) was an early settler of western Maryland and a prolific hunter. His book, Forty-four Years of the Life of a Hunter, provides one of the best accounts of pioneer life in what would become Garrett County during the early 1800’s. In 2018, the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club began development of a history center themed around Browning’s life and times at their park on Bumble Bee Rd. The initial project consisted of the blazing and clearing of a 10 mile trail system as well as the development and installation of a series of interpretive panels on Browning’s history.
The plaque mosaic will join two other pieces of outdoor art as part of the historical center – life-scale sculptures of Browning in chainsaw-carved wood by Jessica Spiker and welded reclaimed metal by Joshua Sines. Plans for further development include additional outdoor art pieces, the acquisition and reconstruction of a hand-hewn log cabin, and a pioneer-themed fundraising festival-style event.
“We believe these projects not only benefit the Club by providing us with further fundraising and promotional opportunities,” said club spokesman Chris Nichols, “but also provide the County with a unique cultural, educational and tourism resource that complements many of the existing draws of the area.”
At the unveiling event on September 26th, the Club will launch its next community art piece, a reclaimed plastic bottlecap mosaic panel depicting a stylized hunter viewing a mountain vista. Attendees to the event are encouraged to collect and wash plastic bottlecaps, especially in earth tones, for mounting to the panel. The Club also has a limited supply of the 3D-printed plaques for painting and inclusion in the mosaic which can be requested by contacting the club or attending the event at the park.
For more information on the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club and the Meshach Browning History Center, contact the Club via email at DCLLIONS@gmail.com, call or text 323 325 5466 of visit their website www.deepcreeklions.org.
Deep Creek Lake Lions Club
www.deepcreeklions.org
https://www.facebook.com/deepcreeklions/
Call/txt: 323 DCL LION
Aug 31, 2020
Happy Monday folks! The weekend turned out pretty nice after some rainy periods. Today we should expect showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2:00 pm. High near 64 degrees and a southeast wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Tonight expect showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11:00 pm, then showers likely with a low around 59.
As I mentioned last week, I had some surgery at Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) and have been recovering at home. I wanted to convey my continued very positive impressions of GRMC, their physicians, programs, protocols and processes and especially their focus on the customer/patient and service excellence. Mark Boucot and his team continue to do a wonderful job and we are fortunate to have GRMC in our community!
As the lake area and Garrett County thrives in many (though not all) ways, I want to give a shout-out to the folks in Louisiana that got hit with the hurricane a couple of days ago. While a powerful storm, it could have been much worse, and for those that lost their homes and/or businesses, I am sure things are tough. Let’s keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
Seems there is a bit of a “cooler thread” in the air lately as the peak summer season at the lake winds down. This really nice sunset photo taken by Rob Michael may be perfect to reflect the changes. Rob said he took the photo while having a nice time at the lake with some good friends. Thanks for sharing your photo Rob and we hope you continue to experience great times at the lake.
Sunset at the Lake
And, speaking of sunsets at the lake, here’s another great photo as submitted by Steve Cusick taken in McHenry, overlooking the LakePoint Inn. Great photo Steve and thanks for sharing with our readers.
Sunset at the Lake
Heard Friday from the Maryland Department of Planning that Maryland reached the top 10 areas in the nation for self-response for the 2020 Census. The 69.1% self-response rate is well above the national response rate of 64.7%. Maryland ranked fourth in the U.S. in internet response. Carroll County leads the state with a self-response rate of 80.7%, ranking 23rd in the U.S. out of more than 3,200 counties. Keep up the good work citizens and organizers.
Sarah wrote about the 2020 Deep Creek Times People’s Choice Challenge while I was recovering last week. We, frankly, put a lot of time and thought into this year’s challenge, taking into account the pandemic and related issues, plus feedback from past winners. The biggest change this year is the new twist of all being able to take a selfie/photo in or in-front-of the nominee locations. Remember, the Challenge is all about celebrating Deep Creek Lake area people, places and purveyers of goods and services and photo submissions are open to all. We have already been receiving photos, so be sure to submit yours for a chance to win $$$$ prizes. Here’s a link to the rules.
Have a great Monday folks!
Aug 28, 2020
The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 74 and a low around 65. A chance of showers and thunderstorms all day. Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 75 and a low around 56. Showers likely and a chance of a thunderstorm after 2pm. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 70 and a low around 53.
There is a restored row boat for sale, newly listed, in our Online Marketplace.
Check out this aerial view from Deep Creek Lake House‘s Facebook page:
The MD DNR Fishing report states, and I quote: “[if you are] vacationing at Deep Creek Lake …. be sure to make fishing part of your vacation plans — you will not regret it”.
Our lake temperature gauge seems to be back on track with the lake temperature just over 70 degrees currently! Thank you for your patience!
The Garrett County Health Department announced yesterday that there have been two additional COVID-19 cases reported in Garrett County. The current total is 63 and Garrett County’s 7-day positivity rate is 0.5%. Three persons are currently isolating due to COVID-19 positive tests.
There is a food giveaway today in Grantsville and the Little Yough Family Flicks happens tonight. The Mountain Fresh Farmer’s market is tomorrow and Black Beat is having Wing Night on Monday evening. Of course, each of these events have taken precautions for COVID-19.
One note of clarification from the Community Trust Foundation regarding the upcoming Humanitarian award presentation: “Since its inception, the WGW event has raised over $800,000 for over 75 different youth-related activities.”
There is a virtual 5k Run / Walk to benefit homeless veterans taking place on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2020. What a great way to take advantage of Deep Creek’s great outdoors (even in November!)
2020 People’s Choice Challenge
NOW ANNOUNCING: 🎉
The 3rd Annual People’s Choice Challenge celebrates what’s great at Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County, Maryland!! You NOMINATED YOUR FAVORITES and now YOU can WIN!
This year, we have added a twist. Due in part to the novel coronavirus as well as input from the community, we are eliminating the daily voting portion of the Challenge this year. Instead, we would like to celebrate each and every nominee to reflect the honor of being chosen as a People’s Choice Favorite!
We are asking individuals to take a selfie or photo anywhere nearby a FAVORITE’S outdoor sign, or indoors with a FAVORITE’S team or site/products/services. Then, submit your photo to Deep Creek Times! It’s that easy! Each photo submission will be an official entry to the contest.
You may be asking, but, Sarah, what do I win?! Well, Deep Creek Times will be awarding $150 to three randomly selected photo entries.
See the details here!
We want to see PHOTOS of your FAVORITES!
Aug 27, 2020
The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 77 and a low around 66. A chance of showers and thunderstorms then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. West wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Here’s a lovely lake photo sent in to us by Bud Porter:
The Garrett County Health Department is requesting county residents to take a brief, three (3) question survey to help them better understand Garrett County’s nutrition, physical activity, and diabetes needs. Here.
As a reminder, the Garrett County trash collection sites are CLOSED on Tuesdays and Thursdays due to the COVID-19 situation.
Here is the website to answer your frequently asked questions about Garrett County Public School reopening.
A Husqvarna snow blower has been recently added to our online marketplace.
There will be a drive-thru food giveaway tomorrow, August 28, from 1 – 2:30 pm in Grantsville. They kindly request you wear a mask and remain in your vehicle.
Clear Mountain Bank has generously purchased a hog from the Garrett County Fair and donated half of it to the Garrett Mentors organization. Buy your chance now to help raise funds for the upcoming school year.
Consider joining the Celebration Honoring the Community Trust Foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year Mr. William G. Weissgerber. The live stream event will be on Thursday, September 10, 2020, at 7:00 pm.
Aug 26, 2020
You are invited! Come together as a virtual community for the CTF Humanitarian Event to celebrate Mr. William G. Weissgerber’s philanthropic endeavors for Creating Opportunities for Our Youth. The event will be live-streamed on Thursday, September 10, 2020, at 7 p.m. and is free of charge.
Bill Weissgerber, of Garrett County, is a 1976 graduate of Southern High School, and an inductee into its Hall of Fame. While widely known for his accomplishments in realty in and around Deep Creek, youth has been a focus of Bill’s community involvement for several decades. It began with charity softball games and basketball games in the Pittsburgh area, where he was born and grew up before moving to Garrett County in 1973.
After volunteering as a youth football coach, he discovered he had a passion for coaching youth athletics. At his own expense, he attended the prestigious Wooten Basketball School and went on to serve as both the Head Coach for the Southern Lady Rams JV Team and Assistant Coach for the Varsity Lady Rams during some of their most successful years, including two state championships. While he expected much of his teams, he was keenly aware of each individual under his tutelage. He molded each young lady into not only a good player, but someone ready to meet life’s challenges with confidence and grace.
One of the most significant achievements of Billy’s life has been the transformative work of the WGW Community Youth Cup. The three-day event has turned the unfathomable tragedy of three families, that each lost a child to separate circumstances in 2012, into an annual event of hope and charity. The event includes a reception and two golf tournaments, as well as several community-based activities. Since its inception, the WGW event has raised over $800,000 for over 75 different youth-related activities.
“Bill has created a legacy of giving back that has inspired the community to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” adds CTF director Leah Shaffer. “He embodies the traits of a philanthropic leader who humbly seeks to make a difference for the greater good.”
Bill is married to Debbie Weissgerber, and they are parents of two daughters Karisa and Holly.
Out of concern for the health and well-being of all in our region, CTF has redesigned our traditional in-person celebration to a virtual format where everyone can attend safely. Let’s come together as a community and unite around our shared commitment to growing a stronger, more vibrant region.
The Community Trust Foundation connects philanthropy for community good in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties and is a way for local donors to give back to their community. CTF grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Health & Wellness, Arts & Historical Preservation, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership. For more information or to register to join the event visit www.ctfinc.org or call 301-876-9172.
Aug 26, 2020
If you enjoy bringing your furry friends to the Oakland Dog Park, this is your opportunity to help us keep our Dog Park clean and beautiful.
The Clean and Green Team, one of several revitalization teams formed in 2016 to assist with revitalization projects for Oakland, is entering the Tucker Community Foundation Run For It event again this year. This is an annual event and cash awards are given out to non-profit organizations in Garrett, Preston and several other counties. Last year the team was awarded prize money which was applied to the purchase of flowers for the planters located throughout Oakland. This year the Clean & Green Team is entering with the purpose of using their cash award to help refresh the landscaping and maintain the Oakland Dog Park.
You can help by entering this virtual race and either joining or supporting the team. It is very easy. This is a virtual race and the entry fee is only $10.00. Details about the RUN FOR IT event can be found at: tuckerfoundation.net/run. Registration can be done on-line or paper race applications can be picked up at the dog park. Please be sure to identify your team, as Clean and Green Team, Oakland Heritage Community Foundation. The actual race date is Saturday, Sept. 26, at Davis, WV. But this is a virtual event and you can walk, run, bike, or just play with your dog anywhere. Registration applications and race fee are due by Sunday, September 20, 2020.
Any questions regarding this event or the Oakland Dog Park can be directed to Nicole McCullough at Oakland City Hall, 301-334-2691 or she can be reached by email at mainstreetgoba@gmail.com.
Aug 26, 2020
On Friday, September 11th, 2020, Wreaths Across America calls for every American to stand outside and wave a flag for one minute at 8:46AM and then again at 9:03 AM.
At 8:46 a.m., On Tuesday, September 11th, 2001, five hijackers took control of American Airlines Flight 11 and flew it into the heart of New York City and the northern facade of the World Trade Center’s North Tower (1 WTC).
At 9:03 a.m., five other hijackers crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into the southern facade of the South Tower (2 WTC).
Following the events of 9/11, three patriotic women (Elaine Greene, Joann Miller and Carmen Foote) were moved to find an old American flag they had stored at home and stand on a hill in Freeport, Maine, waving that flag to honor victims. These women became nationally known as “The Freeport Flag Ladies,” and proudly hoisted the Stars and Stripes every Tuesday morning for the following 18 years.
After they retired on September 11, 2019, (their last 9/11 remembrance) the following Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Wreaths Across America took the helm and continued the weekly flag waving tradition along US Route 1 in Jonesboro, Maine, on land donated by the organization’s founder Morrill Worcester leading to the new Acadia National Cemetery.
Since that time Mr. Worcester has added a mile stretch of American flags (105 in total) on both sides of the road that lead to the entrance of Acadia National Cemetery which will open to the public for the first time on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020. Mr. Worcester also donated the land for this new National Cemetery to be built in his hometown.
“Each Tuesday, we are joined by dozens of members of the local community and curious people stopping to be part of something meaningful,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America, and wife of Morrill Worcester. “Especially over the last six months, this flag waving has taken on new meaning for us all and given a spark of hope and patriotism during this difficult time in our country.”
Participants are encouraged to take video and pictures of their participation in the national flag waving and share them with Wreaths Across America, their family and their friends to help REMEMBER, HONOR and TEACH the generation born after 9/11, how hard times can strengthen us as a nation. Please use the hashtag #FlagsAcrosstheCountry and #AmericaStrong when posting on social media and tag the Wreaths Across America Official Facebook page.
“My husband and the community’s commitment to the mission and continuation of this important weekly tradition has taken on the additional meaning of American unity during this uncertain time,” added Karen. “I hope Americans will see this as an opportunity to not only honor those directly affected by 9/11, but also to follow in the footsteps of “The Freeport Flag Ladies.”
Wreaths Across America is the non-profit organization best known for placing veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of our nation’s fallen at Arlington National Cemetery. However, the organization, in total, places more than 2 million sponsored wreaths at over 2200 participating locations nationwide and offers other programs throughout the calendar year. These programs remember the events of 9/11 in their own way such as The Mobile Education Exhibit which will be visiting Kentucky in September and will join in the national flag waving effort. Radio host Michael W. Hale of Wreaths Across America Radio will hold on-air tributes, and the on-line store will be selling #AmericaStrong signs made by the brother of “Lone Survivor” Marcus Lutrell (who gave a special family message during the Wreaths Across America Virtual Concert now streaming on Showcase NOW).
You can sponsor a wreath for $15 at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/. Each sponsorship goes toward a fresh balsam veteran’s wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest on Saturday, December 19, 2020, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
Aug 26, 2020
The weather today will be sunny with a high near 78 and a low around 68. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
A few folks are asking about the Deep Creek Art & Wine Festival. Unfortunately, it has been cancelled for the year. They (HART for Animals and GLAF) are holding a “replacement” fundraiser raffle event.
Good Morning!! A gorgeous sunrise from Rob Paine:
The Town of Oakland’s “Green and Clean” team is sponsoring a team for the Tucker County Run For It event. You can help by entering this virtual race and either joining or supporting the team to ultimately support the town’s dog park.
Any questions regarding this event or the Oakland Dog Park can be directed to Nicole McCullough at Oakland City Hall, 301-334-2691 or she can be reached by email at mainstreetgoba@gmail.com.
I saw this online — Chesapeake Public Schools are holding a free demonstration on “Schoology” — Schoolology is the learning environment that will be used while school is in virtual session here in Garrett County. Register for the live demo.
The Mountain Fresh Farmer’s Market is today is from 10am to 1pm at the Moutain Fresh Pavilion. Please remember that both vendors and customers should please appropriately wear a mask at the market and try to distance yourself from others as best you can.
On Friday, September 11th, 2020, Wreaths Across America is requesting that every American to stand outside and wave a flag for one minute at 8:46AM and then again at 9:03 AM.
Aug 25, 2020
Yesterday was a bit rainy. Today we have a chance of showers before 8:00 am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2:00 pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77 degrees and a west wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. We have a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11:00 pm this evening, then a slight chance of showers until 2:00 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
I am having surgery today (nothing super serious) so Sarah will be taking over Daily Notes for a few days starting tomorrow. I hope to be back posting next week during my usual Monday – Wednesday window. I appreciate all thoughts and prayers, or you can buy me a nice boat if you want to really make a very thoughtful statement.
And, speaking of boats, we’ve got some really nice boats for sale on the Online Marketplace and also a price reduction coming on the Super Air Nautique. Go here for the latest boats for sale and other items. Check out the other “stuff’ we have for sale there as well.
Claudia Wilson Randall will become the next executive director of the
Community Development Network of Maryland (CDN) on September 1st, the organization’s board of directors announced yesterday. Randall has more than two decades of experience in community development, housing and nonprofit leadership in Maryland, at both the local and state level. She succeeds former executive director Odette Ramos, who is stepping down to devote her time toward her run for Baltimore City Council. Thank you for your service Odette, and welcome Claudia. CDN is an important member of our rural ecosystem and CDNs efforts are much appreciated.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources covers the upcoming migratory bird hunting season and also the deer archery season in their latest newsletter. Here’s a link for you to the newsletter.
The new Little Yough Family Flicks series in downtown Oakland kicked off last Friday with a showing of Playing with Fire sponsored by Mountain Laurel Medical Center. The schedule for the rest of the series is as follows: 08/28/2020- Onward sponsored by Club 21550, 09/11/2020- Aladdin sponsored by First People’s Community Federal Credit Union, 09/18/2020- Frozen II sponsored by GCC Technologies, LLC. All showings begin at 8:30pm, weather permitting.
The Garrett County Health Department has scheduled two upcoming Quit Now classes, a free class for help quitting nicotine. The first will begin September 2nd at 5:30 pm at the Accident Fire Hall and the second will begin September 30th at 5:30 pm at the Garrett County Health Department’s Oakland Office. The classes are open to users of all types of tobacco, including cigarettes, smokeless, and electronic smoking devices. For more information about the upcoming class or to register, contact the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334 7730 or 301-895-3111.
I promised in yesterday’s Daily Notes that I would list additional charities, so here goes. These are charities that may be “stretched thin” due to COVID-19 and other factors. Please consider making a donation and thanks again to Lori Richardson for sharing the list.
The Dove Center
The Dove Center is a private non-profit organization providing safety, advocacy, and
counseling to individuals affected by domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
www.gcdovecenter.org. How to Donate: www.gcdovecenter.org/ways-to-give
It’s In The Bag
Serving Garrett County Public Schools, this program fills backpacks with food to send
home with children on the weekends, coordinated by St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.
How to Donate: By check to It’s In The Bag, P. O. Box 303, Oakland, MD 21550.
United Way of Garrett County
The United Way has established COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to provide
micro-grants to local nonprofits to aid with food, shelter, medical co-pays, and supplies. How to Donate: www.cuw.org/garrett/ or send a check to P.O. Box 394,
Oakland, MD 21550.
Western Maryland Red Cross
The Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Monetary donations are also needed. How to Donate: www.redcross.org/local/maryland-delaware/donation or call 1-800-435-7669.
Other organizations needing your help:
• www.governor.maryland.gov/marylandunites • www.211md.org
Aug 24, 2020
News Release
For Immediate Release: August 24, 2020
Contact Person: Diane Lee, PIO, 301-334-7689
New Round of Quit Now Classes Begin September 4th and September 30th
By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
The Garrett County Health Department has scheduled two upcoming Quit Now classes, a free class for help quitting nicotine. The first will begin September 2nd at 5:30 pm at the Accident Fire Hall and the second will begin September 30th at 5:30 pm at the Garrett County Health Department’s Oakland Office. The classes are open to users of all types of tobacco, including cigarettes, smokeless, and electronic smoking devices.
Throughout the course of the six-week class, participants will receive a number of resources to help them change their habits including a notebook with many tools, group support from others who are also trying to quit, and free cessation aids in the form of nicotine patches, nicotine gum or lozenges, or one of the prescription drugs, Zyban or Chantix.
“I am excited to get this class started and help as many people as possible along their journey toward freedom from nicotine addiction,” said Sharon Custer, who is a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist at the Garrett County Health Department. “We have changed things a bit with our cessation classes, so if you’ve joined us before, come again and see what’s new. For those who just aren’t able to attend a group class, we are able to arrange individual sessions when necessary.”
Participants also have access to the Maryland Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, which gives them access to a “Quitting Coach” for help seven days a week. Anyone from the general public can use the hotline as well.
Additional classes are scheduled to begin in various locations around the county in early 2021.
For more information about the upcoming class or to register, contact the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334 7730 or 301-895-3111. The classes, cessation aids, and Maryland Tobacco Quitline are funded by the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund Program.
Aug 24, 2020
Little Yough Family Flicks is a free event offered by The Mayor and Town Council of Oakland, MD, The Oakland Heritage Community Foundation, Inc., and the Greater Oakland Business Association. The event is a showcase of four family-friendly movies on Friday evenings in the Oakland Town Parking Lot. The Little Yough Family Flicks is a rebranding of the formerly known Oakland Pocket Park Movies.
The event kicked off last Friday with a showing of Playing with Fire sponsored by Mountain Laurel Medical Center. The schedule for the rest of the event is as follows:
08/28/2020- Onward sponsored by Club 21550
09/11/2020- Aladdin sponsored by First People’s Community Federal Credit Union
09/18/2020- Frozen II sponsored by GCC Technologies, LLC
All showings begin at 8:30pm, weather permitting. The movies will be shown on a large inflatable screen and the sound will be transmitted via FM radio so guests are invited to watch from their vehicles. It is recommended that guests follow the COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines set by the CDC and Governor Hogan.
For additional information, upcoming scheduled movies, or questions, Like and Follow Oakland Little Yough Family Flicks on Facebook or contact Nicole McCullough at Oakland City Hall, 301-334-2691.
Aug 24, 2020
The weekend was great, with boats, people and groups in abundance throughout the area. Today we have a chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11:00 am. Partly sunny, with a high near 77 degrees with a west wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Tonight we have a slight chance of showers before 11:00 pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Here’s a great photo submitted by Diane Defibaugh of the little ones in her family, all on a jet ski, and all looking very happy. Nice photo and thanks Diane for sharing with us all. Some of the greatest “attractions” at Deep Creek Lake are the memories we all create.
Grand Kids on a Jet Ski
Here’s another nice photo, this one of “sea dog” and buddies, as submitted by Bill Heinz. Thanks for sharing with us Bill.
Sea Dog and Buddies
The Maryland State Board of Education will be hosting virtual systems-wide meetings on a variety of topics today and tomorrow. Topics include the Maryland Recovery Plan. Here’s a link for more information.
I am sad to report the passing of Monsignor Paul Byrnes, who was known for years as the “super pastor” of Western Maryland (which includes St. Peter), who died August 19th at his home along Deep Creek Lake. He was 84. Monsignor Byrnes had a deep love of nature and lived by the maxim “meet the people where they are.” “In the summer months, he would celebrate Mass in the yard of his Deep Creek Lake home. Parishioners and vacationers often would arrive by boat on Saturday afternoons,” said Father C. Doug Kenney, a longtime friend.
The Garrett County Health Department received positive COVID-19 results on Friday for one additional person, bringing the current county total positives to 61. The new positive COVID-19 case is a female in her 50s who has symptoms and is isolating at home. Garrett County’s 7-day positivity rate is 1.0%, and 6 persons are currently isolating due to COVID-19 positive tests.
Local, state and national organizations are providing assistance to Garrett County residents experiencing difficulties from the COVID-19 pandemic at this time. Friends of Deep Creek Lake have compiled a directory of some of the organizations accepting financial donations to support their efforts …and information on how to donate. This list was sent to us by Lori Richards. We’ll publish more later this week. Please give generously as your heart and wallet dictate.
>Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc.
The County Emergency Management Office has asked Community Action to take a lead role in coordinating donations, including cash, food and household items, volunteer services, transportation, masks, and specific needs associated with COVID-19. How to Donate: www.garretthealth.org/community
>The Garrett County Public Schools Foundation
The Foundation helps the Garrett County Public Schools provide over 800 meals to students. GCPS is currently providing three meals a day to anyone under 18, through
15 sites throughout the County. How to Donate: By check payable to The GCPS Foundation. Send to P.O. Box 11, Oakland, MD 21550. 301-501-0190.
>The House of Hope
The House of Hope is a non-denominational, non-profit “network of concern” for those in need in Garrett County. It operates four free food banks in the County.
How to Donate: Send check to P.O. Box 24, Oakland, MD 21550 or online www.houseofhopegc.org
>The Maryland Food Bank
The Maryland Food Bank distributes food to eligible soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters throughout the State. In Garrett County, it operates through the Oak
Park Church of the Brethren. How to Donate: www.mdfoodbank.org. Click “Donate”
Have a great Monday folks…
Aug 21, 2020
I’ll begin this weekend’s edition with the “end” in mind. Specifically, the sunset, as captured and submitted by reader Mark Richards. Nice job Mark and we appreciate your sharing your photo with us all.
Sunset at the Lake
Here’s the weather for this weekend: Friday will be partly sunny, with a high near 76 degrees and a calm wind. Friday evening will be mostly cloudy with a low around 60. Saturday we have a slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 2:00 pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 77 degrees and a calm wind. Chance of precipitation Saturday is 60%. Sunday we have a slight chance of thunderstorms, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8:00 am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Remember, you can always get up-to-the-minute weather, including forecasts, on the Deep Creek Times weather section, which we believe provides the best combined weather information for this unique mountain area. You can get there from here and it is “on” 24/7, 365 days a year.
This video piece provided by First United Bank & Trust is interesting and worth checking-out: Episode 1 from the second season of the series “Uncommon Stories” begins with Michael Walton, sharing the Uncommon Story of the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation which helps to support the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. Thanks for supporting Uncommon Stories First United and well done!
That piece by First United reminded me why we, as a western Maryland community, have so much in common with our neighbors in West Virginia and south-central Pennsylvania. If you like history, and/or would like to learn more about the area, check out this and other sites. This one is from my former colleague and historian Al Feldstein, who has a great deal of information and photographs on the western Maryland area.
As mentioned in previous Daily Notes and elsewhere on this site, the 2020 Deep Creek Times Peoples’ Choice Challenge has launched and is in-progress. We got tons of nominations and will be releasing the names of nominees and a related fun contest for our readers to support and recognize all of our nominees. No voting this year. You show your support for our nominees by visiting their location (inside or out) and taking a photo. Winning photo entries will win $$$$. More details to follow next week.
2020 People’s Choice Challenge
Get out! No, really get outside and check out the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Park Quest photo and other contests in their August Park Quest issue. These contests look like a nice way to get outside, experience nature and have some fun as well. This edition also has a piece on Monarch Butrerflies and creating habitat for them. Ours are back munching on our milkweed and will then be taking flight for Mexico later in the year. Here’s the link!
Don’t forget about the National Road and Town-Wide Yard Sale this Saturday in Grantsville. Before you go up to Grantsville you can go to the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market in Oakland for some fresh goodies. And, don’t forget all of our natural wonders, cool places and retailers and restaurants to visit.
Finally, my two kitties asked me to share this one. Next week is National Dog Week (yes, my cats celebrate diversity and love everyone). Here’s a list from Trupanion, a leading pet insurer, based on registrations this year: Top 10 dog names for 2020:
1. Luna
2. Charlie
3. Bella
4. Bailey
5. Cooper
6. Daisy
7. Lucy
8. Milo
9. Max
10. Coco
Aug 20, 2020
The weather yesterday was just about perfect, with lots of blue sky and boats on the lake. Today will be sunny, with a high near 75 degrees and a light southeast wind of 5 to 7 mph. This evening will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources had this to say in their latest Fishing Report issued yesterday: “Deep Creek Lake has much to offer in regards to fishing this week. Largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found relatively shallow at dawn and late in the evenings near grass and shoreline structure. As the day progresses they will move into cool shade under floating docks and moored boats or go to deep grass beds. Bluegills can be found near docks and grass beds, trout will be holding deep along the dam face.”
Good news: On August 8th, the president made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, the state of Maryland agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Maryland for a FEMA grant under this program, which will allow Maryland to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. FEMA will work with Maryland Governor Hogan to implement a system to make this funding available to Maryland residents.
Received another request to spread the word about the Deep Creek Art & Wine Festival Wine & Weekend Raffle going on now! This is a replacement fundraiser for the annual Art & Wine Festival event and is an important fundraiser for both HART for Animals and Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF). Here’s the link for more information and to purchase a raffle ticket.
The Garrett College Foundation recently announced the formation of the Dr. Robert W. (Bob) Smith Memorial Scholarship, established by the Smith family. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide scholarship support for students enrolled in continuing education and workforce development programs at Garrett College. As an independent geographic consultant, after a long career as a geographer for the U.S. Department of State, Bob advised clients on all aspects of ocean policies and planning. To make a gift to the scholarship fund, visit
https://my.garrettcollege.edu/GCM/gift/PersonalInfo online or contact the Garrett College Foundation Office at 301-387-3131.
With all of the cancellations and reschedules due to the pandemic, I am happy to report that the National Road and Town-Wide Yard Sale is on for this Saturday in Grantsville. The outdoor event goes from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm in town and along Rt. 40. If you are looking for something differerent and outdoors, check it out.
We heard late yesterday afternoon that the Garrett County Health Department received positive COVID-19 results for two additional persons, bringing the current county total positives to 60. The new positive COVID-19 cases include: a female in her 20s with symptoms, isolating at home and a male in his 60s with symptoms, isolating at home. Garrett County’s 7-day positivity percentage is 1.5%, and 5 persons are currently isolating due to COVID-19 positive tests.