Wednesday September 30

Yesterday we got some much needed rain throughout the day.  Today will be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 58 degrees. West wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 46.

DC Fireplace & Outdoor

As the lake-area weather cools, we would like to celebrate and announce our newest advertiser on Deep Creek Times: Deep Creek Fireplace and Outdoor Store.  Deep Creek Fireplace and Outdoor Store is your one stop shop for all your fireplace, outdoor kitchen, and firepit needs. Please check out their showroom at the lake, where they have over 20 live burning fireplaces on display and an onsite propane filling station.

A “Walking Take Back” Event was held on Wednesday, September 16th, at the Farmers Market at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion in Oakland. The Take Back was a joint event between the Garrett County Health Department and the Oakland City Police. A total of 5 pounds of prescription drugs were collected at the event!

Speaking of the Farmers Market, the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market will be held today at the Pavilion downtown from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.  Check out this link for information on offerings, vendors and guidelines.  Enjoy.

Plant a Tree! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ online tree seedling catalog for the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery is now open and accepting orders for spring planting at nursery.dnr.maryland.gov . They are excited to offer several new species this year, along with their usual selection, to suit individual planting needs.

Jeany Blamble at Brenda’s Pizzeria sent us over this announcement for their upcoming Job Fair on October 3rd.  Looks like they have lots of openings at Brenda’s Pizzeria, Ace’s Run and their upcoming operation, Spillway Kitchen and Bar.  I know they have a great team and that Brenda treats her people right, so please spread the word.

Oct 3 Job Fair

Job Fair Opportunity

If you see Brenda or members of her management team, please put in a good word for me, as I am hoping they hire me as official taste tester for all of their great food.  I will work for FREE, but I want a business card that says “Semi Big Cheese” or maybe, “Mozzarella Mike,” to acknowledge my new status as their official quality control food taster. Now that I think of it, unlimited Tiramisu would be a very nice addition to my (lack of) compensation package.  Just sayin’…

In an effort to help educate and inform voters prior to the General Election on Tuesday, November 2nd, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a virtual forum on Thursday, October 15th, from 4:00-5:00 p.m., featuring the candidates for the At-Large seats on the Garrett County Board of Education. All three candidates have agreed to participate and the event is free and open to the public. The forum can be viewed on Zoom but attendees must register on the Chamber’s website at visitdeepcreek.com by October 14th to receive the link. It will also be live streamed on the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

 

Walking Take Back Collects Prescription Drugs for Disposal

News Release

For Immediate Release:  September 28, 2020

Contact Person: Diane Lee, PIO, 301-334-7689

Walking Take Back Collects Prescription Drugs for Disposal

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

A “Walking Take Back” Event was held on Wednesday, September 16, at the Farmers Market at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion in Oakland. The Take Back was a joint event between the Garrett County Health Department and the Oakland City Police. A total of 5 pounds of prescription drugs were collected at the event.

“Officer Hugo Triveri was kept busy during the Take Back,” said Sadie Liller, Prevention Coordinator for the Garrett County Health Department. “When he wasn’t collecting medication for disposal, he was interacting with shoppers, and handing out 7-11 coupons to the children and treats to the dogs.” “Most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends, and acquaintances,” said Liller. “You can make a difference by keeping track of the medications you have, by rethinking where and how you keep medication in your home, and by safely disposing of unused medications.”

In Garrett County, medication disposal drop boxes are located at the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police Barrack in McHenry, and at the Oakland City Hall. “If you cannot access one of the drop boxes, please call the health department and ask about Deterra medication disposal pouches,” said Liller. Deterra deactivation packs use patented technology for simple and environmentally safe disposal of prescription drugs, including opioids, by just adding water to the powder in the bag.  The mixture not only neutralizes the drugs, but can safely be disposed of in regular household trash.

For more information call 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111. This program is provided by the Garrett County Health Department through funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

 

 

 

 

Tuesday September 29

Today, showers are likely, clouds and a high near 53 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 80%. This evening, showers are likely, mainly before 2:00 am. Cloudy, with a low around 45.

The Garrett County Health Department has received positive COVID-19 results for two additional persons, bringing the current county total positives to 74. The new positive COVID-19 cases include two males in their teens, with symptoms, who are currently isolating. These are the only Garrett County residents currently isolating due to positive COVID-19 test results. For more information you can call 301.334.7770 or 301.895.3111.

Those readers that own property in home owners associations (HOAs) are likely getting ready to, or have just participated in, their subdivision’s annual owner meeting. One of the big topics within my HOA and on our board of directors, has been late season lake water levels. I have heard this from others at the lake as well. The Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake just issued their latest newsletter that addresses some of these issues and our collective expectations for relief.  You can click here for the newsletter.

Maryland Community development Week kicks off this week.  Here’s a link to the full programming list.  They have a broad array of virual events scheduled that range from the plans for Ellicott City’s historic district to community housing and other topics. Check it out.

The first presidential debate is today, and though we avoid politics on this site, I thought I would share this non-partisan event.. On Wednesday, FRONTLINE (Maryland Public Television) and Columbia University are hosting a virtual event to discuss the two major-party candidates. This virtual event will feature veteran FRONTLINE filmmaker Michael Kirk highlighting the defining moments that shaped Trump’s and Biden’s lives, as they compete for the votes of people living in battleground states such as Ohio. You must RSVP in order to receive the Zoom link for the event, which will be included in your email confirmation. If you are new to Zoom, please visit this page with instructions on how to get started.

And finally, just when you thought it was safe to get out of the water and enjoy this beautiful autumn weather, here’s a Maryland Emergency Management Agency photo from October, 2012.  Beautiful, but…

Winter 2012

October 2012 Snow

Monday September 28

Great weekend at the lake, with a still-elevated level of homeowners, visitors and boats on and around the lake (and at local establishments).  Today offers a slight chance of showers after 2:00 pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72 degrees and a south wind 3 to 8 mph. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20% during the day and rising to 50% in the evening, with a low around 54.

Good outcome: An Amber alert was issued Sunday for a missing 9-month-old girl who was found unharmed in Pennsylvania, where police arrested a man who has been charged with kidnapping. Police arrested the man, from Meyersdale, and charged him with kidnapping his girlfriend’s infant. State troopers responded to a call of reported assault around 10:00 am Sunday to a Grantsville restaurant parking lot, in Garrett County.

Jean and I took my grandson Andy out to Double Oak Farms in Swanton to get some pumpkins and corn stalks. They have a nice selection, good prices and a non-commercial, relaxed atmosphere on their working farm.  Here’s a photo of some of our goodies set up in our yard.

mike 9-27-20

Fall Has Arrived

Even as we are in early fall, there is still lots of activity on the lake, and I am not just talking about the human kind.  Here’s a photo I took looking out onto Stilwater Cove Saturday afternoon.  I liked the combination of the geese in a line and the low clouds.

mike 9-26-20

Late Summer at Stilwater Cove

Good news: The Loar Auxiliary Gift Shop at Garrett Regional Medical Center:is now open to the public Monday-Thursday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Friday 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Note that they are limiting in-store customers to four at a time and everyone is asked to follow the yellow tape on the floor for social distancing. Also, masks must be worn at all times. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for new items, sales and change of hours.

Well, now we have definitive proof.  Yes, thanks to this very nice photo submitted by Darla Annonio, I am now sure that our local bears definitely grow on trees!  At least, that is what it looks like based on all the bear silhouettes in the tree.  Thanks Darla for sharing the photo!

Karla bear 9-27-20

Bears in a Tree

For those members who were unable to attend the virtual Deep Creek Lake POA General Membership Meeting on September 19th, Bob Sutton, the group’s president, has provided the ability to watch the meeting through a video link. To view the video click HERE

Have a great Monday dear readers…

Friday September 25, Saturday September 26, Sunday September 27

The weather today will be patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 68 and a low around 55. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Saturday will be partly sunny with a high near 71 and a low around 56. Sunday warms up more and will be partly sunny with a high near 74 and a low around 58. A slight chance of showers after 2am.

Here’s a nice article on “Saying goodbye to summer at Deep Creek’s Wisp … Resort

Welcome to the first week of fall! The cooler transitional days ahead are a delight for anyone who loves the outdoors. The leaves are beginning to show a hint of color in the western region of the state, so make sure to get outside and enjoy this special time of the year.

AccuWeather shares this regional view of the foliage change:

Here is one of the first glimpses of fall sent into us from Eric Williams:

Eric Williams First Glimpse of Fall at Deep Creek Lake, MD

During the 53rd annual Autumn Glory Festival from Wednesday, October 7 – Sunday, October 11, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will have complimentary commemorative Autumn Glory Festival items available to the public, while supplies last, at the Garrett County Visitors Center in McHenry.

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Annual Tour will be held on Friday, October 9, 2020 beginning at 10:00 a.m.  This meeting will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/. Please click on the link below to view Garrett County Government’s Transportation Priority List for 2020.
Garrett County Transportation Priority List – 2020.

Thousand Acres Golf Club, at Deep Creek Lake MD, proudly welcomes back Bob Raley as the new club General Manager. Bob launched his career with Thousand Acres in 2007, with the construction of the first nine holes, currently available for play. He returns this month to oversee the completion of the back nine holes anticipated for completion in the summer of 2022.

GCPS is aware that Governor Hogan and the State Superintendent, Dr. Karen Salmon, recently made an announcement regarding the potential schedule of return to extracurricular activities including athletics. GCPS is aware of the announcement and is gathering additional information in order to plan their next steps.

The Mountain Maryland PACE committee has canceled the 2021 event due to concerns surrounding COVID.

There is some fun in store for this weekend! The 32nd Annual First United Charity Golf Tournament is today. This year’s recipient will be the United Way of Garrett County. Registration begins at 8:30 am through 9:45 am. Shotgun start at 10:00 am.

The Lincoln Reagan Dinner 2020 is tonight at 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Wisp Resort.

Alpine Lake Resort is hosting an Oktoberfest Golf Scramble. Cash only and includes hot dogs, homemade pepperoni rolls, chicken salad, chips, and refreshments on the turn! Prizes and Skillholes, too!

Also, it’s a busy day tomorrow! Shabby Patina “Back To School” Market begins at 9:00 am, the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market begins at 10:00 am, the Meshach Browning Community Art Piece Unveiling begins at 12:30 pm and Women’s MINI-Monologues begins at 2:00 pm tomorrow September 26.

Thursday September 24

The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 70 and a low around 51.

We had exceptional photos shared with us by Ken Oyerly. You may have seen this image on our Instagram @deepcreektimes:

And the second photo of heat lightning from Ken — be sure to check out his work at https://fieldsofvisionphoto.picfair.com/all_images.

Garrett County has proceeded, per state directive, to allow expanded indoor operation at restaurants from 50 to 75 percent capacity. As the Governor announces continued phased openings or, as he eases restrictions related to the COVID -19 State of Emergency, those actions will apply in Garrett County unless the Garrett County Health Officer directs otherwise.

The sign marking Negro Mountain and its elevation along Route 40 has been donated to the Grantsville Community Museum. Senator Edwards has asked for new signs to be installed and has received a favorable response. The Grantsville Community Museum has been closed due to the Covid-19 virus, but is still accepting historical memorabilia from northern Garrett County. If you have items to donate to the museum, call president Sue Beachy at 301-895-5387. The museum is not accepting visitors now but they hope to open to the public next spring.

The Turkey Trail will be part of this year’s Autumn Glory festivities. The website will feature a map along with a listing of local turkey dinners served in our region. To be included in the listing, restaurants, and organizations are requested to submit a form to the Heritage Area by September 30.

The Garrett County Chamber will also host an Autumn Glory Float Contest from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2020. The floats will be available for viewing at various locations and you can vote for your favorite at visitdeepcreek.com/53rd-annual-autumn-glory-festival.  The top three vote-getters will win cash prizes!

Complimentary Commemorative 53rd Annual Autumn Glory Festival Items Available

During the 53rd annual Autumn Glory Festival from Wednesday, October 7 – Sunday, October 11, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will have complimentary commemorative Autumn Glory Festival items available to the public, while supplies last, at the Garrett County Visitors Center in McHenry.

The Chamber will distribute a photo magnet and postcard featuring the official 53rd annual Autumn Glory Photo sponsored by M&T Bank along with a 53rd annual Autumn Glory Festival commemorative pin. The public is invited to pick up these complementary items at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, located at 15 Visitors Center Drive McHenry, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., during the 53rd annual Autumn Glory Festival from October 7 – 11, 2020.

These complimentary Autumn Glory items will also be available at the Chamber’s Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale at the Ag Heritage Hall at the Garrett County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 11 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Items are available at each location on a first-come, first-serve basis, while supplies last.

9 holes + 9 holes = Thousand Acres Golf Club

Thousand Acres Golf Club, at Deep Creek Lake MD, proudly welcomes back Bob Raley as the new club General Manager.  Bob launched his career with Thousand Acres in 2007, with the construction of the first nine holes, currently available for play.  He returns this month to oversee the completion of the back nine holes and will lead the club to fulfill its 18-hole championship course destiny, anticipated in the summer of 2022.

Not only is Bob a Garrett County, MD local favorite, he’s an accomplished agronomist and has worked for national turfgrass and fertilizer companies.  “This is a dream job for me.  I get to finish what I started, do what I love, and help develop and manage one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in any resort area.”  The course is continually top-rated by players on social media and apps like TheGrint, GolfShot, Facebook, and Google reviews.  The course is housed in the private, luxury wooded lakeside community of Thousand Acres, and is open for play to members, residents, and the public.

For more information on Thousand Acres Golf Club visit https://thousandacresgolf.com/

For more information on purchasing a future homesite with a golf course or lake view visit https://thousandacresproperties.com/

Heritage Area Announces Annual Autumn Glory Turkey Trail

As part of the 53rd Annual Autumn Glory Festival, the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area is once again celebrating the event’s roots by promoting area turkey dinners through the Turkey Trail.

The Turkey Trail features a local map along with a listing of local turkey dinners served in our region. Information includes food items served, pricing, location and hours of operation. The map and turkey dinner listings may be found online by October 2 at garrettheritage.com/turkey-trail—local-dinners or at the Garrett County Visitors Center. To be included in the listing, restaurants and organizations are requested to submit a form by September 30. The form can be found online at garrettheritage.com/turkey-trail—local-dinners.

“We are excited to promote the Turkey Trail tool for our visitors and residents to easily locate the local turkey dinners that are part of Autumn Glory and celebrate our heritage with a tasty tradition. People can attend multiple turkey dinners over the course of the five-day celebration,” said Kim Folk, Heritage Area & Groups Director for the Garrett County Chamber.

More than a decade before the Autumn Glory Festival became an annual event a group of local turkey growers organized and promoted community turkey dinners to promote their livelihood. The idea of a large festival was later developed to attract visitors to the area which led to the creation of the Autumn Glory Festival. Today, the festival welcomes approximately 80,000 attendees during the festival weekend. Activities include parades, band competitions, craft shows and so much more.

“The turkey dinners are as big a tradition as the fall foliage,” said Nicole Christian, president & CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “They have been occurring for more than six decades and we are pleased that we are able to officially incorporate them into the festival through our heritage area program.”

Questions about the Turkey Trail may be directed to Kim Folk at 301.387.5238 or email kim@garrettchamber.com.

Wednesday September 23

Today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 68 degrees and with a west wind 6 to 10 mph. This evening will be partly cloudy, with a low around 49.

I just heard that Brenda’s Pizzeria will be holding a job fair in the near future and I promised to spread the word.  If you know someone looking for a position, check back here for more information.  Brenda has a really strong, dedicated team and that is largely beause she treats her people right and develops and retains talented people.  I’ll let you know more when Brenda sends some details over. Gee, now I want some Brenda’s pizza…

Mike Hough, Garrett County Director of Economic Development, has announced his resignation effective November 10th, 2020. Mike joined Garrett County Economic Development after his retirement as the Western Maryland and Pennsylvania Regional President of BB&T Corporation. We wish Mike well and the county the best of luck in finding a long-term candidate to fill this critical position.

Don’t forget that the Wednesday Mountain Fresh Farmers Market will be held again today in downtown Oakland at the pavilion from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. The Producer’s Association asks all to please wear a mask and follow distancing guidlines at the event.

The official 53rd annual Autumn Glory Festival brochure is now available at the Chamber’s welcome center in McHenry. A detailed listing of Autumn Glory Festival happenings from October 7 – 11, 2020, the brochure also includes information on the 2020 Fall Foliage Heritage Driving Tours, Turkey Trail Dinners, Royalty Court, Float Contest, Craft & Gift Sale, Car Show, Farmers Market, Oakland’s Celebration of Autumn Glory, Autumn Glory Sales, Corn Maze, Farmers Market & Craft Show and other things.

With overdose deaths here and elsewhere a constant threat, the Garrett County Health Department has acted swiftly and decisively, distributing Narcan and related training  through a number of sites in August and September. Narcan is available by appointment at the Garrett County Health Department. If you are interested in obtaining Narcan, or would like to host an Overdose Response Training, call 301.334.7724.  For substance abuse services, call the Garrett County Center for Behavioral Health at 301.334.7680.

Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) has announced the date for their virtual annual meeting, which will be held on November 19th starting at 5:00 pm.  They will be sending out more information and a link in the near future.

Sarah and I have developed a class for local organizations – for-profit and non-profit – to help them assess “where they are” and determine a course of action to drive post-pandemic success.  The class (which meets for three Wednesday evenings) is being offered through Garrett College Workforce Development (call them at 301.387.3069 to register). We will include personal and organizational assessment approaches as well as strategic and tactical opportunities to help drive your success. Here’s the scoop…

Covid CEWD Class

Mike and Sarah Class

 

 

Tuesday September 22

Yesterday was crisp and sunny.  The weather for today will include areas of frost before 9:00 am. Otherwise, today will be sunny, with a high near 63 degrees. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 45.

Positive COVID-19 cases continue to slowly increase in Garrett County, with the total positive cases currently at 72. The two most recent cases include a male in his 30s who has symptoms and did not need to be hospitalized, and a female in her 60s who has symptoms and is isolating at home.

Governor Larry Hogan announced on Friday that capacity for indoor operations at restaurants may increase from 50 to 75% as of 5:00 pm yesterday, with strict distancing and public health measures in place. This announcement was made in conjunction with Maryland Restaurant Week that began yesterday. I am sure that the state’s continued low testing positivity rate was taken into consideration. Maybe things are looking up as we have not seen a post-Labor Day spike in cases some feared.

I know restaurants and their workers have been especially hard-hit by the pandemic, so I am sure they welcome this relief.  Along those lines, I heard that the Brenda’s Pizzeria dining room has now opened back-up.  Good luck Brenda and team! Your takeout was a big help during the past few months. Don’t forget to consider all of our local restatuants for a nice meal that supports our local community. Here’s a link to our Dining Guide for you to savor.

As a result of improved health metrics throughout the State, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is encouraging in-person instruction and providing $10 million in grant awards to support Maryland school systems that reopen to students this fall. Each grant award will include a base amount of $200,000 as well as a per-student allocation. Funds can be used for expenses related to building readiness and transportation.

During Child Passenger Safety Week the Garrett County Health Department is promoting several webinars hosted by Maryland Kids In Safety Seats (MD KISS) to educate families and increase the safety of children in vehicles. Here’s the scoop:

  • Webinar – Questions about Car Seats? Ask the Experts! Wednesday, September 23, 2 p.m.: Am I using the right car seat for my child? When can I turn my child forward facing? Why can’t I get my car seat tight? Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will answer these questions and more in an interactive presentation. Register: https://bit.ly/2CMgoBO
  • Webinar – Traveling Safely with Your New Baby. Thursday, September 24, 11 a.m.: Geared towards expectant parents and new caregivers, this presentation will provide a basic overview of how to keep baby safe while traveling in the car. Register: https://bit.ly/3hpF1mZ
  • Video Seat Check Saturday – Saturday, September 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Maryland is collaborating with the District of Columbia and Virginia to host a first of its kind Regional Virtual Seat Check Event. Caregivers will attend one-on-one video appointments with a Child Passenger Safety Technician using Zoom to obtain answers to their car seat questions. Register: https://bit.ly/2QmN5sq

With winter comes risk.  Here’s some tips that just came over the wire from our State Fire Marshal, Brian S. Geraci, and that can save a life:

  • Ensure chimneys are cleaned annually or more frequently if used as the primary heating equipment.
  • Use adequately sized fireplace screens or enclosures. Never use a flammable liquid to start a fire.
  • When disposing of cooled ashes, do not use paper or plastic containers to remove them, instead use a metal container. Ashes will insulate hot embers long after the fire is considered out.
  • Make sure fuel-burning stoves are installed according to local fire codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Have your furnace inspected and serviced annually.
  • Check portable electric heaters for frayed/damaged wires and ensure they are clean and placed on a flat level surface. Use only “listed” appliances by an approved testing laboratory and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Do not use extension cords with portable space heaters. The extension cord can overheat and cause a fire.
  • If you use kerosene fuel-fired heaters, use only “K-1” kerosene fuel. Never fill the unit inside; remove it to the exterior after it has cooled before refueling. Note: Portable kerosene heaters are banned for use in Baltimore City.
  • Open a window enough to provide proper ventilation.
  • Keep combustibles (furniture, curtains, clothing, paper goods, etc.) at least (3) three feet from all heat sources.
  • Fuel-burning appliances produce a deadly, tasteless, and odorless gas known as carbon monoxide. Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to provide an early warning of carbon monoxide levels.
  • Always turn off portable heating equipment when leaving the room for extended periods. Portable heaters should never be operated unattended.

Along with these heating tips, check to make sure your smoke alarms are in good working order. “Routine maintenance and safe operation of heating equipment, combined with properly installed and operating smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, are a life-saving combination for all Marylanders,” stated Geraci.

 

Monday September 21

Weather was cooler but very nice over the weekend.  I definitely saw a reduction in visitors at the lake.  Today will be sunny, with a high near 59 degrees and a southeast wind 8 to 11 mph. The evening will be clear, with a low around 39. Southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Check your plants, as we had a frost warning last evening.into the early hours of today.

Garrett 8 Cinemas has resumed operations and is showing movies.  I believe there are some pandemic-related safety precautions/restrictions.  Here’s the link to their schedule.

Here’s a well-deserved “plug” for a local business. I had a nice drink and dinner with some friends at Vagabond Taproom  in Oakland Thursday evening.  Worth a visit as Pat and Michelle Hudnall and team have done a really nice job. Everything was really good, but the ice cream sandwich was perfect (and I believe, has zero calories).

First United Bank & Trust is one of the Platinum Sponsors of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s Autumn Glory Festival Virtual Kick-Off Event which will be held on Wednesday, October 7th at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Along with the announcement of this year’s Honorary Golden Ambassador, the event includes the coronation of the Autumn Glory King and Queen and recognizes the festival sponsors. Here’s a photo of the Chamber’s Nick Sharps (left) and First United’s Phil Rodeheaver.

Kick-Off-Event-Platinum-Sposnor-First-United-Bank-Trust

Nick Sharps and Phil Rodeheaver

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has issued their first Maryland Fall Foliage Report for 2020. Although they will mention a festival or event occasionally, that will not be a major focus this year due to numerous cancellations of many seasonal events. However, the men and women working for Maryland’s Park Service and Forest Service will provide eyewitness accounts, as well as photographs, as the fall season unfolds.

Here’s a nice quote from the first Fall Foliage Report: “That old September feeling, left over from school days, of summer passing, vacation nearly done, obligations gathering, books and football in the air … Another fall, another turned page: there was something of jubilee in that annual autumnal beginning, as if last year’s mistakes had been wiped clean by summer.”  ― Wallace Stegner, Angle of Repose

Grantsville is part of a Maryland Heritage District. The group directing that effort would like you to do a survey to assist them in planning. They note that as opposed to the typical survey “scam,” no solicitation for funds, just {seekeing} guidance. Music at Penn Alps looks forward to seeing you again in June of 2021!

ALR Lot Sale Event PC

Lot Sales Info Event at Alpine Lake

$500 lake-area lots! Deep Creek Times is a division of GeoComm Media Group, which Sarah and I own.  GeoComm is a marketing, strategy, digital media and research company and Alpine Lake Resort, just south of Oakland in West Virginia, is a client.  We are supporting their HOA-owned lot sales information event this Wednesday, September 23rd @ 5:00 pm.  The Alpine Lake Homeowners Association is selling ~85 lots they own at only $500 each.  If you are a builder, developer or qualified investor possibly interested in purchasing one or a few lots, you can attend the event (invitation required, which as a reader of this column, you now have from yours truly). The lots are first come, first served with lots of information, including lot list/map to be provided by the resort at this very casual, no stress info event that will last about an hour.  Check out their website for more information and be sure to RSVP at lots@alpinelake.com ASAP if you wish to attend.  Feel free to email me at info@deepcreektimes.com if you have questions about the event.  Food and refreshments will be served.

Have a great Monday dear readers…

 

Friday September 18, Saturday September 19, Sunday September 20

The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 59 and a low around 37. North wind 7 to 9 mph. Saturday and Sunday will both be sunny with a high near 57 and a low around 36. It looks like lots of sun but it will be a bit colder than I like.

Garrett 8 Cinemas is now OPEN!

Freshwater fishing is shaping up: the fall stocking of trout is coming up … and now is a good time to prepare tackle for yourself and any young anglers. The trout hatchery program reports the fish are in great shape due to good water flows at the hatcheries and our crews are eager to stock them.

The Garrett County Board of Education at its recent meeting recognized National Arts in Education Week, September 13-19, 2020.

Garrett County Public Schools Food & Nutrition Services Office has announced that supper meals for all Garrett County children, ages 18 and under, can still be distributed free of charge on Thursday evenings.

The Maryland State Board of Education (State Board) will meet virtually. On September 21, the State Board is expected to set its priorities for the 2020-2021 school year and discuss initiatives to address social-emotional learning for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meeting materials for the September 21 meeting and September 22 meeting are linked.

Join the Property Owner’s Association of Deep Creek Lake and participate in the annual General Membership Meeting tomorrow.  is SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19.

Little Yough Family Flicks is tonight @ 8:30 pm.


2020 Deep Creek Times Favorite Professional: Jason Shaw Music
Jason Shaw Music provides professional live and DJ music to the Garrett County area. Jason is considered the “house band” at Mountain State Brewing Co and also performs at Dutch’s, Black Bear, the Honi, Greene Turtle as well as many other venues. You will also find him as a premiere wedding DJ providing live music and DJ services at The White Barn, Twin Tails, the Wisp and other venues.
2020 FAVORITE: Jason Shaw Music

2020 FAVORITE: Jason Shaw Music

2020 Deep Creek Times Favorite Professional: Jason Shaw Music

Jason Shaw Music provides professional live and DJ music to the Garrett County area. Jason is considered the “house band” at Mountain State Brewing Co and also performs at Dutch’s, Black Bear, the Honi, Greene Turtle as well as many other venues. You will also find him as a premiere wedding DJ providing live music and DJ services at The White Barn, Twin Tails, the Wisp and other venues.

Jason loves the Deep Creek attitude! People come to the Lake to unwind and get away. Living here is a dream come true!

Jason is also the band director at Southern Garrett High School and is the music director at Crossroads Church. Jason is joined often with percussionist Brandon Kling and his wife and DCL favorite singer, Leah Shaw!

(Jason pictured on the right below)

 

Thursday September 17

The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 70 and a low around 52. Light and variable wind.

The Allegany Arts Council, in conjunction with several other organizations, is premiering five new Mountain Traditions Project short films online today! The films will go live on Zoom at 7:00PM, followed by panel discussion at 7:45PM featuring the filmmakers and Appalachian tradition bearers featured in the videos. Garrett County’s own Caroline Blizzard is featured in the “Ramp Hunter” video and John Kirby fly fishes the Casselman River in Grantsville.

1. The Old Time Musicians: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRDSM929Wjg&feature=youtu.be
2. The Barn Dance Caller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P99eEdmHhXM&feature=youtu.be
3. The Fly Fisherman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWrPm4GlE_U&feature=youtu.be
4. The Ramp Hunter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcoN9ATGiLs
5. The Beekeeper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_7wey-ber8&feature=youtu.be

The Mountain Traditions Project also includes a podcast series, an upcoming article in Smithsonian Folklife, and an exhibition of photography that will debut at the Allegany Arts Council in June. Join the Zoom meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85400488550; Meeting ID: 854 0048 8550

Rural Appalachia seems to be the topic of the day —

Two men were charged when Maryland DNR found evidence of poaching ginseng on public lands. Over 90 plants were found:

MD DNR Found Illegal Ginseng Harvesting

Lingering in the woods, poachers are ripping roots for the booming market where ginseng can reach up to $500–$1,000 per pound.  The medicinal herb is primarily sold in Asia, where it has been historically used as an energy booster, aphrodisiac, and health tonic.” (from Technician Mag) In Maryland, Ginseng is protected due to the threat of extinction.

This NPR podcast (from 2018) dives into more detail about ginseng (and features a local farmer).

Do you want to know all of the “official” cove names on the Lake? We’ve received this question a few times and we have found the best resource we know of at this point — it’s a map from the Lake Management office. Note, there are various layers listed on the left-hand side that you can “turn on and off” to explore.

Team Trivia is tonight at 6:30 pm at Mountain State Brewinig Company!

Lastly, we’ve extended the deadline to September 21 to submit photos to celebrate the Deep Creek Times FAVORITES!


2020 Deep Creek Times Favorite Product: Tomanetti’s Pizzeria and Italian Eatery
Tomanetti’s Pizzeria and Italian Eatery is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 situation but they were still named a 2020 Deep Creek Times FAVORITE!  Offering appetizers, seafood, pizza, and house specialties, we hope to see them back in action soon!