Aug 19, 2020
The rains pretty much held-off yesterday. Today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 73 degrees. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon and then east in the evening, which will be partly cloudy with a low around 54.
The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market will take place today in downtown Oakland from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Lots of fresh and homemade goodies. Congratulations also go out to the winners of the nice market baskets on Saturday.
The Garrett County Health Department is offering free drive-thru community COVID-19 testing without the need for an appointment or a doctor’s order in Oakland on Wednesday, August 26th. The event will be held in the parking lot between the Health Department and the Mountain Laurel Medical Center at 1025 Memorial Drive from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon.
The Health Department has also been updating their dashboard on COVID-19 and has issued a revised version, as per this press release issued yesterday afternoon. As of yesterday afternoon, the county had 58 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 55 of those released from isolation and a 7-day positivity percentage of 1.6%. Here’s a link to their dashboard page.
I read a great phrase by author Peggy Noonan in an article in the Wall Street Journal the other day. With the pandemic, educational uncertainty, political battles, etc., etc. all around us the past few months, Noonan said that “America is a Coalition of the Worried.” While not everyone is worried, a lot of us are. And, I for one am glad I am in Garrett County during these “interesting” times. The beauty, relative isolation and natural social distancing here at the lake is calming and rewarding. Just a thought…
And, speaking about chillin’ at the lake, here’s a photo of Coby Price relaxing during a pontoon boat ride on the lake a few days ago. Coby is definitely one happy pup and looks totally at peace. We thank Jessica Price for submitting this great “action” photo of Coby.
Coby Enjoying the Lake
And speaking of Garret County and it’s beauty and serenity, here’s a neat photo taken by Robert Paine of a cloud formation (that looks like cotton) floating above the lake on Monday. Thanks for sharing Robert and nice work.
Clouds Over the Lake
Aug 18, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
August 18, 2020 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
Garrett County COVID-19 Dashboard Is Being Revised
By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
The Garrett County Health Department is updating the COVID-19 dashboard on their website, garretthealth.org, to better reflect the current status of the virus in Garrett County.
Beginning at the time of this release, a box will be added to show the number of persons released from isolation. This will be a cumulative total of the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 and have completed their required isolation period.
“Just because a person is no longer required to be isolated does not necessarily mean that person has recovered from their illness,” said Dr. Jennifer Corder, Deputy Health Officer for Garrett and Allegany Counties. “Some patients will continue to deal with health issues brought on by COVID-19.”
Another box will list the 7-day positivity percentage for the county. This number will be an average of the positivity percentage of tests administered in the 7 days immediately before the release of the information.
“The 7-day positivity percentage will be a good way to determine where things currently stand with COVID-19 in the county,” Dr. Corder said. “Our current rate is fairly low, but if we have a string of several days where we received a number of positive results each day, then the rate will increase significantly.”
The boxes for positive and negative tests will remain on the dashboard, as well as the number of deaths for the county, which continues to remain at 0. The only number which will no longer be displayed on the dashboard is the total number of tests administered.
“We hope that adding this information to our dashboard will help give a more complete picture of Garrett County’s current COVID-19 status,” Dr. Corder said. “However, just because our numbers are low does not mean we can stop being vigilant about COVID-19 precautions. Our numbers are low partially because of the precautions we have been taking, and we need to continue to wear face coverings, wash our hands frequently, social distance, and stay away from large gatherings.”
For more information call the COVID-19 Hotline at 301-334-7698.
Aug 18, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
August 18, 2020 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
Community Testing Opportunity Scheduled
By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
The Garrett County Health Department, in cooperation with local and state partners, is offering free drive-thru community COVID-19 testing without the need for an appointment or a doctor’s order in Oakland on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.
The event will be held in the parking lot between the Health Department and the Mountain Laurel Medical Center at 1025 Memorial Drive from 8 am to 12 noon. Please follow the signs and watch for traffic personnel for direction. Be prepared for a short wait time depending on how many persons take advantage of this event.
Testing will be done while persons are sitting in their cars. There will be no cost for this nasopharyngeal swab PCR test that may detect a current COVID-19 infection. Persons with positive results will be called directly as soon as possible. Negative results will be sent to the person’s mailing address, and could take up to 14 days depending on how fast results are returned from the lab. Please do not call for your results.
THIS IS NOT AN ANTIBODY TEST THAT MAY IDENTIFY A PREVIOUS INFECTION. This event is intended for persons who do not have symptoms. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 or those who want antibody testing should contact their health care provider.
For more information, call 301 334-7770 or 301 895-3111.
Aug 18, 2020
Yesterday was a nice day at the lake, with just a little cloudiness in the afternoon. Today, we have a slight chance of showers after 11:00 am and chance of showers in the evening.. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74 degrees. West wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20% today. The evening will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Here’s a nice photo submitted by Bill Schmdt of a little bear having a snack.. According to Bill, the photo was taken not far from the bridge over the Yough at Swallow falls. Even though the bird seed was 15ft up, realized he/she could snag the rope to bring it in. Smarter than the average bear! Only has one ear, so Bill’s daughter nick-named him “Uno.” Hmm, I bet he would like some Uno’s pizza for dinner too!
Hungry Time!
Way back in early July we reported a rabies case in the county. An organization involved in animal removal and problem prevention reached out and offered this link to their information on rabies so I am sharing it here. I am certainly not an expert on rabies (or problem animal removal) so I thought I would share here for our readers to review.
Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) just announced the addition of a new board-certified general surgeon to Garrett Surgical Group, Jonathan E. Tannebaum. Dr. Tannebaum graduated from Jefferson Medical College and completed his surgical residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. He has worked as a general surgeon for eleven years at several hospitals, including Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, Warren General Hospital in Warren, PA, and most recently at Olean General Hospital in Olean, NY. We welcome Dr. Tannebaum to the area!
Here’s the results of an interesting study by WalletHub on community college systems and state rankings. With college costs increasing, community colleges offer a great low cost alternative. Maryland came in third and Virginia and West Virginia community college systems also placed in the top 20 nationally. There’s also a link to a ranking of individual colleges as you read down the piece. The study evaluated 698 individual colleges on 18 key metrics to come up with the individual and state rankings.
Dave Yoder, Grounds Chairman for the Springs Historical Society is looking for some volunteers this coming Saturday, August 22nd in the afternoon, to help paint some of the historical buildings. Unfortunately, the society has cancelled their festival this year due to the pandemic, but they are using this time to improve their holdings and you can help. Contact Dave at 817.229.0185 or at daveyoder@verizon.net.
Thanks to fellow Lion Chris Nichols for letting me know that Tip Jar is actually a lottery game in West Virginia. 🙂 If you are wondering what I am talking about, go to Monday’s Daily Notes and see the photo at the gas station. I also realized I mispelled Keyser on that very same post! It was late. I was tired. And, yes I know how to spell it, just a typo. Go Keyser!
Aug 17, 2020
Press Release
GRMC Welcomes new general surgeon, Jonathan E. Tannebaum, MD
(Oakland, MD)- Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) welcomes new board-certified general surgeon to Garrett Surgical Group, Jonathan E. Tannebaum. Dr. Tannebaum graduated from Jefferson Medical College and completed his surgical residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. He has worked as a general surgeon for eleven years at several hospitals, including Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, Warren General Hospital in Warren, PA, and most recently at Olean General Hospital in Olean, NY.
“As we continue to expand our communities’ access to quality care, it is an honor to welcome a new general surgeon, Johnathan Tannebaum, MD, to our medical staff” said Kendra Thayer, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Operating Officer. “He will be joining Dr. Walch and Dr. Fridkin at Garrett Surgical Group and will begin seeing patients in September.”
As a general surgeon, Dr. Tannebaum has a broad range of expertise in surgical procedures including abdomen, breast, pediatric surgery, surgical critical care, surgical oncology, trauma, burns, and vascular surgery as well as preoperative, operative and postoperative management. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the Society of American Gastrointestinal & Endoscopic Surgeons.
Prior to medical school Dr. Tannebaum studied psychology and art therapy at George Washington University and worked as an Art Therapy Intern at Northern Virginia Mental Health Institution and Charter Behavioral Systems of Maryland.
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 17, 2020
The weekend, especially Saturday, was wettter and cooler. Today we have a chance of showers before 8:00 am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2:00 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 73 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 56. I definitely sense a turn toward fall in the air…
We helped promote the delivery service of Lebanese Taverna on Friday. Looked like they had a number of interested parties that ordered. The food was very good and the portions were great. We hope that they do another delivery in the future. We love our local restaurants, but this was a little different for a bit of a change-up.
I drove down to Westernport Sunday on the way to Kaiser, West Virginia. The town is still a very nice small town, but it appears the closed Luke paper plant has definitely had an impact and it was sad to see the complex closed. On the lighter side, we stopped for gas and saw this sign. Read it closely… 🙂
Do you think they want tips?
Speaking of the Southern part of the county, I urge all new residents, second homeowners and visitors, to check-out the Northern and Southern parts of our beautiful county. There’s some nice country landscapes, interesting little towns and some serious history all over. You can take a nice drive some day if you want to explore. And, whether you travel around or stick by the lake-area, don’t forget to take and share your interesting photos of people, places and wildlife. Send to info@deepcreektimes.com and we will do our best to publish. Thanks!
The final Deep Creek Lake hydrilla herbicide treatment this summer is scheduled to take place tomorrow. Treatment is always subject to change due to weather conditions. During the treatment process, boaters are asked to stay clear of the treatment boat while it is underway so that the proper dosage of herbicide can be administered. Once applied, there are no recreational restrictions associated with the herbicide. Please also steer clear of diver flags (and divers) during the treatments.
Whoot hoot for this announcement! A pop-up style movie theater is planned at the Oakland Town Parking Lot. The Mayor and Town Council of Oakland, the Oakland Heritage Community Foundation, Inc., and the Greater Oakland Business Association (GOBA) are gearing up to host ‘Little Yough Family Flicks’ a series of outdoor movies. The series will kick off Friday, August 21st, at 8:30 p.m. with the 2019 film ‘Playing with Fire’, sponsored by Mountain Laurel Medical Center, weather permitting. The Little Yough Family Flicks is a rebranding of the formerly known Oakland Pocket Park Movies. The name has changed but the fun, family evenings will remain the same.
Family Movies Coming to Oakland
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is once again seeking nominations from Chamber members for Honorary Golden Ambassador. This award recognizes an individual that has done a lot to support and promote tourism in our county. Nominations are due by September 11th. If you are interested in nominating someone for this distinction, please download the Golden Ambassador Nomination Form at visitdeepcreek.com/53rd-annual-autumn-glory-festival or contact Sarah Duck at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce at sarah@garrettchamber.com or 301.387.8746 to receive a nomination form.
Have a great Monday dear readers…
Aug 14, 2020
Declaration Networks Group, Inc. (DNG), a leading provider of rural broadband services, announced today that it has made the annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest growing private companies. DNG has had an impressive three-year growth rate of 190% from 2016 to 2019 and joins the Inc. 5000 list, along with the most successful businesses in America, which has previously included the likes of Microsoft, Dell, Pandora, LinkedIn, and others.
“The DNG team is delighted and proud to be recognized as an industry leader by being named to the Inc. 5000 list,” said Bob Nichols, CEO of DNG. “Our mission is to close the digital divide and drive all the positive economic, educational, healthcare and social benefits that broadband access energizes in the communities that we serve. Making the Inc. 5000 list reflects our commitment and the success that we have had in deploying our networks in rural America.”
Under the NeuBeam™ brand, DNG provides residential and business customers affordable high-speed internet services allowing them to telework, participate in online learning, receive telehealth services, as well as providing digital transformation for rural agriculture and utility industries through increased access to advanced wireless and cloud application technologies.
DNG has successfully deployed its cooperative model in Virginia, Maryland and Washington State through private equity, public Federal awards via FCC and USDA broadband programs, as well as through a strategic relationship with Microsoft as a partner in their Airband Initiative.
Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are also being featured in the September issue of Inc., available on newsstands August 12.
About Declaration Networks & NeuBeam
Declaration Networks Group is an award-winning company that designs, builds and operates local broadband networks which connect residential and business customers with its NeuBeam™ high-speed internet, voice, and other services.
Aug 14, 2020
The weather today will be partly sunny with a high near 76 and a low around 62. East wind around 8 mph. A chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight. Saturday will be showers, mainly after noon. High near 69 and a low around 60. East wind around 8 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Sunday will be mostly cloudy, showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. High near 69 and low around 59.
The Official DCL 95th Birthday Party is Saturday at 12-noon.
Be sure to stop at the Farmer’s Market tomorrow from 10am – 1pm: To name a few items available for purchase, there are patty-pan squash, eggplant, a variety of tomatoes, and lots of kinds of peppers, including sweet banana peppers, poblanos, and jalapenos. Peaches, apples, and sweet corn. And, more zucchini!
Garrett County Public Schools has been awarded a grant from the Maryland State Office of Rural Broadband to provide hot spots for at-home, virtual learning. Please apply for a hot spot if you currently do not have internet access, or if you feel your internet access is not sufficient for virtual learning.
At Deep Creek Lake, largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found feeding in the shallower areas during the early morning and late evening hours near grass and shoreline structure….. A variety of topwater and soft plastic lures work well in these areas… Crankbaits, grubs, and jigs work well in the deeper water and whacky rigged worms flipped under docks can get a lazy bass to pick up a bait. Bluegill can be found hanging around docks, with yellow perch, walleye, and bass deep along grass edges. Crickets and worms work well for bluegills. Drifting live minnows is a good bet for working the deep grass edges.
The Maryland Department of Commerce announced a third round of emergency relief funding will soon be used to assist local 501(c)(6) nonprofits. Approved applicants can receive up to $10,000 in grant funding — applications will be available on the OneStop portal beginning August 17 and will be accepted through August 24 at 5pm.
The Office of the Attorney General has received information that businesses in Maryland have been receiving a letter entitled “2020 Certificate of Good Standing Request Form” — this letter is a SCAM.
Regional Maryland colleges are joining together for a capital projects event.
The Breeding Bird Atlas of Maryland and the District of Columbia is a five-year project documenting local breeding bird populations. If you find a nest—whether it’s in the backyard or the backwoods—you can contribute to the project. Visit the department’s Breeding Bird Atlas website to learn how to get involved or to explore the data.
“Voting” for the third annual People’s Choice Challenge will begin on Monday! Stay tuned!
Aug 14, 2020
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the official Birthday Party for Deep Creek Lake on Saturday, August 15, 2020 from noon – 5 pm at the Garrett County Visitors Center, located at 15 Visitors Center Drive McHenry, MD 21541. The public is welcome to attend this free event which will include a ceremony from 12 pm – 1 pm featuring the below agenda of speakers representing federal, state and local elected officials and agencies. Face masks are required and capacity limitations will be in effect. Press are welcome to attend this event; please arrive shortly before 12 pm as the program will start promptly at that time.
OFFICIAL 95TH BIRTHDAY PARTY OF DEEP CREEK LAKE
Ceremony
Saturday, August 15, noon-1:00 p.m.
Visitors Center in McHenry
AGENDA
Welcome & Introductory Remarks:
Garrett County Chamber of Commerce – Patty Manown Mash, 95th Anniversary Chair
Title Sponsor Remarks – Nancy Adams, UPMC Western Maryland
Presentations by Dignitaries:
MD Department of Commerce – Secretary Kelly Schulz
MD Department of Natural Resources – Eric Null, DCL Lake Manager
Maryland Senator, District 1 – George Edwards
Maryland Delegate, District 1A – Wendell Beitzel
Garrett County Board of County Commissioners – Paul Edwards, Jim Hinebaugh and Larry Tichnell
Office of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin – Robin Summerfield
Office of U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen – Nan Mann
Office of U.S. Representative David Trone – Andrew Donlon
Dedication of Time Capsule:
Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area – Patty Manown Mash
Closing Remarks:
Garrett County Chamber of Commerce – Nicole Christian, President & CEO
Aug 14, 2020
Western Maryland’s three institutions of higher education are jointly hosting an event highlighting the state and local support they have received for new capital projects on each campus.
The three-part event will take place on Friday, August 28th, starting at Garrett College, which will host a 9 a.m. groundbreaking ceremony for its Community Education and Performing Arts Center. Frostburg State University will celebrate the groundbreaking for its Education and Health Sciences Building at 11:30 a.m. Allegany College of Maryland will follow at 3 p.m. by hosting a Western Maryland Corrections Institute (WCI) Training Center Construction Site Visit and Progress Update.
“Garrett, Frostburg and ACM work collaboratively on a wide range of initiatives,” said Dr. Richard Midcap, GC’s president. “This joint event is just the latest example of the way our institutions work together for the benefit of the community.”
“All three institutions benefit greatly from strong state and local capital support,” noted Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk, FSU’s president. “These projects would not have been possible without that ongoing support.”
“Everyone benefits when institutions of higher education work together. Western Maryland is fortunate to have three institutions of higher education that work well together,” observed Dr. Cynthia Bambara, ACM’s president. “As presidents, Dr. Midcap, Dr. Nowaczyk and I meet regularly to discuss common challenges and partnership opportunities to better our region.”
The CEPAC will provide Garrett County – currently the only Maryland community college without a performing arts center – with a centrally located, community-focused facility. The project is a five-entity initiative with Garrett College, the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, Garrett County Public Schools, the Garrett County Arts Council and Garrett County Government all serving as founding partners.
FSU’s Education and Health Sciences Building, an $80 million project expected to open for fall 2022, will house programs in the College of Education and health professions. It will provide technologically based classrooms and state-of-the-art learning environments for teachers, educators, nurses, health professionals, and the growing fields of exercise and sport science and athletic training.
Funded through the State of Maryland and Allegany County, ACM is constructing a 9,700 square foot Western Correctional Institution Adaptive Community and Workforce Training Facility. Adjacent to the College’s Center for Continuing Education building, the new building will allow for the expansion of training and academies and courses for regional correctional officers and community members.
Construction will be completed by November 2020. The state-of-the-art building will house dedicated space for corrections training (a classroom, mat room, computer room, firearms classroom with bullpen, and two offices), an incident Command Center, and two ACM workforce development classrooms.
More than 2,500 community members will participate in trainings and courses within the new facility. The WCI Adaptive Community and Workforce Training Facility will also serve as a Command Center for North Branch Correctional Institution in the event of an emergency.
All three events are open to the public and will emphasize the use of face coverings and social distancing to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19.
The most up-to-date information on each institution’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), can be found online:
Garrett College – https://www.garrettcollege.edu/corona-virus.php
Allegany College of Maryland – https://www.allegany.edu/coronavirus
Frostburg State University – https://www.frostburg.edu/COVID-19
Aug 13, 2020
The weather today will be partly sunny, with a high near 76 and a low around 63. Scattered showers and thunderstorms mainly after 10am.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners will not conduct a Public Meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 as previously announced. The next scheduled Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.
Crellin Assembly of God is holding their annual Biker’s Sunday event this Sunday, August 16. There will be a bike blessing and a pig roast. Contact Paster Russ Hauser for more information at 301-334-3867.
Today kicks off Deep Creek Lake’s 95th birthday celebration!
Stop by Double Oak Farms for your sweet corn fix! 🌽 The self-serve stand is open daylight to dark for $5/dozen, $20/bushel, and $.50/ear. Located at 3118 Bittinger Rd Swanton, Md 21561, across from Lees Corner Market.
The Garrett County Department of Economic Development has made COVID-related reopening signage available for printing.
There is still an opportunity to place your order with Lebanese Taverna for DELIVERY to DEEP CREEK — they will be stopping by tomorrow (Friday) with the orders. Details here.
Local law enforcement officers are planning a crackdown on speeding motorists and traffic violators in Oakland soon. Oakland City Police, along with the Sherriff’s Department and the Maryland State Police are being asked by the Mayor and Town Council of Oakland, MD to enforce the rules, regulations, and laws in place against those violating laws in and through Oakland.
Did you capture the sunset last evening? It was a spectacular view — here’s a photo from Brenda’s Pizzeria with no filter:
Aug 12, 2020
Yesterday was another nice day at the lake, great temperature and sunny. Today we will have patchy fog before 9:00 am and scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2:00 pm and into early evening. The temperature will reach about 80 degrees, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Well, on a national level, and no, not talking about Joe Biden’s VP pick, the Big 10 and Pac-12 conferences have cancelled their fall football season. 🙁 They are hoping to play in the spring. This is perhaps one more sign of a “new-normal” at least for the short- and medium-term. Obviously, player and personnel health is a much more important factor, but I will miss what I am guessing will be no college football in the fall.
The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market will be at the Pavilion in downtown Oakland today from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Check out all the goodies and remember to follow the safety guidelines during the pandemic. Here’s the scoop on everything.
Lebanese Taverna, a well known restaurant in the DC area is taking orders for pickup at the lake this friday between 2:00 and 2:15 (by the Garrett 8 movies). I hear they have great food and Jean and I will be ordering for sure. Something different and a different model for them delivery-wise I am sure. Here’s the link for more information and to order.
Speaking of new, we are pleased to welcome a new advertiser and business to the lake area. Ileana Evans, owner of AMS Consulting and Design, is a recent transplant to Garrett County from California and she has a lot of experience in design and construction (residential and commercial). Give her a call if you need some design help or construction. Here’s her information:
New Business in the County
Don’t forget to check out the Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine raffle for wine and weekends at the lake. The ticket price goes to help GLAF and HART for Animals and the prizes look awesome. Here’s the link.
Here’s an interesting tidbit for readers working from home at the lake and elsewhere. The Washington Post reports that a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research showed that the average workday lengthened by 48.5 minutes in the weeks following pandemic-related lockdowns and stay-at-home orders and that the number of meetings increased by 13 percent!
And finally today, here’s a historical tidbit: Over the nine years (1933 – 1942) the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) operated in Maryland, there was an average of twenty-one CCC Camps in the state at any given time, with 15 of these camps sponsored by the State Board of Forestry and located in State Forests and State Parks. Yes, there were CCC camps in Garrett County and they also did work in the state parks at the time. Here’s some cool insight into these regimented, military-like camps in western Maryland along with some photos.
Aug 11, 2020
Yesterday, as forecast, it turned out great weather-wise at the lake. Today we have a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4:00 pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83 degrees and a low of 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
This week a bunch of dedicated folks are trekking, mostly on-foot, from Wisp to the Eastern shore as part of the 2020 Maryland Trek. They started Sunday from Wisp, all in an effort to raise money to help children with cancer. Last year they raised $100,000 through pledges. Here’s the site link.
Here’s a link to the August Habitat News from NOAA that wraps up their July Habitat Month efforts. There’s some good embedded links to stories around the nation, including one on Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts.
The Garrett County Health Department has received positive COVID-19 results for three additional persons, bringing the current county total positives to 54. The new cases included a male in his 20s, a female in her 20s and another male in his 40s. The next community testing opportunity in Garrett County is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26th, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm in the parking lot between the Health Department and Mountain Laurel Medical Center at 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland. For more information, call 301.334.7770 or 301. 895.3111.
Heard from the Springs Historical Society, which this year because of Covid-19, have cancelled the Springs Folk Festival. However, they are taking the opportunity of this down year to make needed improvements to the property and are setting up painting days. I will send more information when I know more. I am thinking they will be looking for some volunteers for their efforts and we certainly support them.
I am going to bet that you didn’t know that Alaska has the lowest share of childbirths with low birth weight, 5.85 percent, which is 2.1 times lower than in Mississippi, the highest at 12.12 percent. Well, the latest WalletHub study analyzed dozens of factors to determine the best and worst states for new borns and their parents. Where did Maryland land in the rankings? Well, go here to find out and see the full report.
Aug 10, 2020
The weather for today will be sunny, with a high near 83 degrees and a light south wind. The evening will be partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
The weather was beautiful and the lake (and the lake-area) was busy this weekend. This nice photo provided by Eric Willams taken from Wisp supports both of those statements. Thanks for the great photo Eric. Much appreciated.
The Lake as Viewed From Wisp
Took a drive to Morgantown yesterday and we came upon a terrible accident scene on Eastbound 68. As I write this Sunday evening, both directions are still closed hours after we passed the scene. It was a tractor trailer and I believe involved a fatality. Hopefully, all of our readers are safe and were not caught up in the many hours of road closures. FYI, if I68 is ever closed, you can always come back to Garrett County via Eastbound route 7, which will take you down into Terra Alta and then into Oakland. That’s what we did to get back to Swanton.
I have heard that the lake level has been lowering, as is usual for this time of year. My HOA board just decided to add a section to two of our three dock clusters to push them out a bit more. Please be aware of shallow spots, especially as summer progresses, and of course, depending on rainfall and lake drawdowns.
Yesterday, the Baltimore Sun announced that Maryland reported eight new COVID-19 related deaths and 922 new cases. I know this is a contentuous subject among some, but I believe that mask wearing and social distancing will go a long ways towards getting us all out of this national mess. I have certainly seen an increase in mask use among individuals at local retailers of late. Keep it up…
Sarah mentioned a job opening at the Ruth Enlow Library in Daily Notes last week. They have another opening now as well, for a library assistant. It is for 16 hours per week at the Ruth Enlow Library in Oakland. Starting pay is $13.50/hr. You can pick-up an application at any location of the Ruth Enlow Library in Garrett County. Applications are due by August 21st.
Here’s a nice photo taken by William Heinz of the sunset over Penn Cove. Thanks for sharing William! I like the way the trees, homes and lake all “combine to black.”
Penn Cove Sunset
The Grantsville Lions Club will hold a pre-order chicken BBQ on August 22 in conjunction with the National Pike Festival. The dinners are carry out, pre-order only and can be picked up from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Grantsville Park chicken BBQ building. The deadline for ordering chicken dinners is August 14th. To order a chicken dinner, download the order form on the Grantsville Lions Facebook page. Click on the chicken BBQ photo and go to tickets. There will also be town-wide yard sales throughout the town.
Here’s a
link to the latest issue of the Maryland Department of Education’s COVID-19 Response and Continuity of Learning newsletter. It includes information on opening plans for all of the state’s school districts.
Have a great Monday folks…
Aug 7, 2020
The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 76 and a low around 59. Isolated showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 77 and a low around 58. Sunday will be sunny with a high near 80 and a low around 62.
The Livestock Expo and Sale continues today and Saturday. Stop by to appreciate the hard work of the kids and don’t forget the delicious “fair” food!
The Ruth Enlow Library is hiring an Associate.
The most recent local COVID-19 update has the total count of positive cases at 51.
The next community testing opportunity in Garrett County is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the parking lot between the Health Department and Mountain Laurel Medical Center at 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland. This free testing will be without the need for an appointment or a doctor’s order.
The Barn at Lake Shore is a local VRBO (vacation rental by owner) that, unfortunately, won’t be renting for the remainder of 2020 due to the coronavirus. Everyone’s fingers crossed for 2021.
Lake Title, LLC is the newest addition to Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales, a full-service Deep Creek Lake real estate and vacation rental company. Offering competitive rates, it is one more way that they are making transactions smoother for buyers and sellers.
Glazed and Confuzed Donuts is open from 7 am until 2 pm Thursday through Sunday in the summer! Here is their menu:
The fishing report from the MD DNR Deep Creek Lake, a mix of large yellow perch, walleye, and smallmouth bass can be found along deep grass edges by drifting minnows.
GCPS is pleased to announce that their JumpStart 20-21 summer program is now in full swing.
The Board of County Commissioners for Garrett County adopted a resolution to designate Garrett County as a Second Amendment Preservation County.
Take the “Create Your Own State Park” Summer Challenge to Turn Your Home into a State Park.