Oct 20, 2020
Today we can expect a mostly sunny day, with a high near 72 degrees and a west wind around 10 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 51. Looks like a really nice day!
Here’s an action photo taken by my wife Jean. Looks good and I know many of readers know this site very well. Thanks Jean!
Sideling Hill Coming Up the Mountain
The Maryland STEM festival is a virtual event that will be running through November 11th. If you or a friend or family member, including a student are interested, you can click here to learn more.
The Garrett County Health Department has received four additional positive COVID-19 results, bringing the current county total positives to 107. The new positive COVID-19 cases are a male and a female in their 30s, and a male and a female in their 60s.. Garrett County currently has 24 persons isolating due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, including one person who is hospitalized.
Charity fraud is on the rise due to the pandemic and the fact that there are a bunch of bad actors out there trying to separate us from our hard earned money. Maryland AG Frosh advises that If you think that you have been a victim of a charity fraud or scam, contact the Office of the Secretary of State, Charities and Legal Services Division by email: DLInvestigations_SOS@maryland.gov or telephone: 410-974-5534.
Now is a great time to schedule a flu shot at the Garrett County Health Department. In fact, there is a new, very easy online registration process to schedule an appointment. In order to comply with COVID-19 precautions, flu vaccines are appointment only this year. Using this online system, patients can register themselves and their children.
This registration process is open for appointments beginning in November:
- Log on to bit.ly/mdfluvax. Note: Any field marked with an asterisk is required.
- Select desired date and location – clinics are available in Oakland and Grantsville. (If you want a Grantsville appointment, you may need to scroll down pretty far until you find one listed as Grantsville.)
- Appointment time will be chosen near the end of the process.
- Complete all required demographics fields, clicking “save and continue.”
- Email is a required field. No email? Make up a “dummy email” in order to advance to the next screen.
- Have insurance card ready to enter policy and group number. No insurance? Choose that drop-down option.
Write down the date and time of the appointment and remember to come get vaccinated!
Having problems and need assistance during the scheduling/registration process? Call the health department at 301.334.7697. A staff member will assist you over the phone.
Oct 20, 2020
Yesterday was mixed weather-wise, with some rain in the afternoon. Today we have a slight chance of showers before 2:00 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66 degrees, with a southwest wind around 8 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This evening will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Here’s a nice picture taken a few days ago by Bob Bona of the Yough River near Crellin. Thanks Bob, nice photo.
Colorful River
The Garrett County Health Department has received eight additional positive COVID-19 results, bringing the current county total positives to 103. The new positive COVID-19 cases are all female, with one each in their teens, 20s, 40s, 60s, and 70s, and three in their 50s. All of the individuals are being advised to isolate at home or to seek immediate medical attention based on their signs and symptoms. For more information call 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s Daily Notes column, our individual and collective efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 are important and the recent surge a bit scary, based on the recent uptick in Garrett County cases. According to Bob Stephens, Garrett County Health Officer, “If we as a community want our businesses, schools and churches to remain open, we need to renew our efforts to keep Garrett County safe and healthy.”
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is considering some changes in regulations relative to a number of fishing and boating issues, including zebra mussels. They are seeking comment until November 3rd. Follow this link to their newsletter with more details.
Speaking of DNR, we just received the latest edition of their HabiChat Stewards of Backyard Wildlife Newsletter. They announced two interesting programs, one is on bats and the other is on snakes. One is free and the other is only $5. Please consider signing-up and learning about both these beneficial critters!
The Garrett County Health Department, in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and local law enforcement agencies, will participate in the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This event will take place on October 24th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at three local locations, providing the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Participants may bring their medication patches and pills, including pet medications, for disposal to one of the three local medication drop box locations:
- Sherriff’s Department, Oakland
- Oakland City Hall
- Maryland State Police Barracks, McHenry
Oct 19, 2020
It was a bit “crisp” this weekend, but was very nice and great walking weather as well, even with the clouds moving in Sunday afternoon. Today we expect a chance of showers, mainly after 10:00 am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58 degrees and a calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%. We have a chance of showers before 9:00 pm this evening, then a chance of rain, mainly after 2:00 am, with a low around 50.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued their winter 20/21 forecast for the nation. They cover temperature, precipitation (Including drought forecasts) and other factors by region. Very well-done and interesting and you can check it out here.
Speaking of the weather, here’s a weather-impacted photo of my entire grape crop for the season. Yep, I harvested a total of eight (8) “grapes” for the season on Saturday. This is my third season, with the first yielding a few, which I pruned early to strengthen the vines, the second yielding nothing and now this pitiful “crop.” I heard many local folks did not get a harvest this year, but I think my biggest problem is not enough sun. Next year…
Mike’s 2020 Grape Harvest
Heard on Friday that trout stocking continues in and around Garrett County. Here’s the latest scoop for all you fisher people. It is a link to the latest DNR newsletter on fish stocking.
And, speaking of fish, and I don’t mean the frozen kind either, here’s a link to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fall Fish Zone newsletter on fishing and boating. It talks about bluegills, trout, celebrating first fish caught by youngsters and more.
Based on my grape farming success – or lack thereof – as documented earlier, it is good for this furball that I am not in charge of growing all of the pumpkins in the area. This is a really nice “action photo” as submitted by Vicki Schwinabart. Thanks for sharing Vicki, very nice work.
Fall Feast
I am going to end on a very important, somewhat somber note relative to a mini-surge in Garrett County COVID-19 cases, as indicated in a news release from the Garrett County Health Department/Joint Information Team. This is important enough for me to include the release in its entirety right here and also in our Latest News section. Please read and heed. We need to protect our residents and visitors and also our local economy, businesses and their employees:
NEWS RELEASE
October 16, 2020 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
Garrett County Notified of Seven Additional COVID-19 Cases
By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
The Garrett County Health Department received seven additional positive COVID-19 results, bringing the current county total positives to 95. The new positive COVID-19 cases include:
- Two females in their 40s, both with symptoms and isolating at home
- One male in his 60s, with symptoms, isolating at home
- Three teens, two male and one female, all with symptoms and isolating at home
- One female in her 50s, with symptoms, isolating at home
“We are currently experiencing a surge in cases in Garrett County,” said Health Officer Bob Stephens. “Contact tracing continues to reveal that the primary spread is through family, friends and social gatherings. As the restrictions have been relaxed, it is more important than ever that community members be compliant with social distancing and face covering practices to prevent the spread of COVID.”
“I am very concerned that a continued surge in cases will require reimposing restrictions that we have worked so hard to relax,” Stephens said. “If we as a community want our businesses, schools and churches to remain open, we need to renew our efforts to keep Garrett County safe and healthy.”
For more information call 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111.
Oct 18, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
October 16, 2020 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
Garrett County Notified of Seven Additional COVID-19 Cases
By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
The Garrett County Health Department received seven additional positive COVID-19 results, bringing the current county total positives to 95. The new positive COVID-19 cases include:
- Two females in their 40s, both with symptoms and isolating at home
- One male in his 60s, with symptoms, isolating at home
- Three teens, two male and one female, all with symptoms and isolating at home
- One female in her 50s, with symptoms, isolating at home
“We are currently experiencing a surge in cases in Garrett County,” said Health Officer Bob Stephens. “Contact tracing continues to reveal that the primary spread is through family, friends and social gatherings. As the restrictions have been relaxed, it is more important than ever that community members be compliant with social distancing and face covering practices to prevent the spread of COVID.”
“I am very concerned that a continued surge in cases will require reimposing restrictions that we have worked so hard to relax,” Stephens said. “If we as a community want our businesses, schools and churches to remain open, we need to renew our efforts to keep Garrett County safe and healthy.”
For more information call 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111.
Oct 17, 2020
Last week the Clean and Green team placed lovely mums in the planters around downtown Oakland. This is the 3rd year the team, composed of volunteers, has kept the planters filled with summer and fall flowers. The mums were purchased by the team using prize money they were awarded at last year’s “Run for It” in Tucker County, WV.
The team also weeded and added new mulch to the Veterans Park and built some pumpkin stacks at the Pocket Park. Seventeen Green Team members and friends took part in the Run for It event which was held virtually last month. Though the Town of Oakland maintains the general maintenance of the Dog Park, this year’s Green Team prize monies will be used to refurbish the landscaping and additional projects.
Any questions regarding volunteer opportunities 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.
Oct 17, 2020
Garrett College’s McHenry campus is one of the latest locations in Garrett County and western Maryland to have an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station installed by Potomac Edison, as part of a pilot program to benefit the environment by reducing auto emissions.
“We met with Potomac Edison representatives and it was determined that the College was an excellent candidate and location for a double EV charging station,” stated Kathy Meagher, GC’s director of campus facilities and security. “The EV charging stations were completely funded through rebates by Potomac Edison as part of their pilot program.”
Over the course of the five-year pilot program – approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission – Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., will install more than 50 charging stations at various locations throughout its Maryland service territory, according to the company’s website (www.firstenergycorp.com).
The state-wide initiative has a goal of reaching 300,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.
Meagher also stated the EV charging stations will assist the College with meeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) requirements for the Community Education and Performing Arts Center (CEPAC), scheduled to open in the spring of 2022.
“As a state-funded project, the CEPAC is required to strive for LEED silver designation, and the installation of the EV charging stations on Garrett College’s McHenry campus will help us to achieve this goal,” noted Meagher.
LEED certification and designation are awarded based on green building design and construction that promote energy efficiency and minimalize environmental impact.
Oct 16, 2020
The weather today will be cloudy then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 45 and a low around 32. Widespread frost overnight, mainly after 5am. Saturday will start with the frost mainly before 9 am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 50 and a low around 36. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 58 and a low around 42.
We found this write-up and thought the advice was solid; in light of COVID-19, parks throughout Maryland have been overwhelmed this year. Try visiting Casselman River Bridge State Park and Sang Run State Park. Both lovely options that are a bit off of the beaten path.
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of the Secretary and representatives from MDOT’s business units met virtually last Friday with Garrett County officials. This was just one meeting of 24 around the state to update local officials and the public on the Hogan administration’s Draft FY 2021-2026 Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP), which details MDOT’s $13.4 billion six-year capital budget and transportation investments.
MDOT Administrator Tim Smith said MDOT has focused on construction this year: “We’re in the homestretch of the $63 million U.S. 219 realignment between (Interstate) 68 and Old Salisbury Road, so we’re planning on having that open to traffic by the end of the year,” he said. The $4.2 million intersection improvement at U.S. 219 and Mosser Road and the $1.7 million Wilson Run structure on Route 219 at Center Street projects were recently completed locally.
The Deep Creek Winter Sports Team has opened registration for the upcoming winter season!
The month of October is recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Local businesses have played a vital role in allowing Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) students with disabilities to engage in work-based learning experiences.
The Garrett County Health Department offers the “Play Hard, Live Clean” campaign to every student in the Garrett County school system to promote a clean lifestyle.
Try to make it out to the Blood Drive, today, at Garrett County Health Dept. It will be held 9am – 5pm.
You should still plan to come to visit this weekend (if you’re not already here!!) — we are past “peak” on the foliage report because some wind and rain took down leaves but there are still pockets of great color!
I took this photo yesterday at Swallow Falls State Park. Not quite as vibrant as a few days ago but still really spectacular!
Cooling water temperatures have several species of fish active at Deep Creek Lake: Northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch and walleye are biting. “Spinnerbaits and spoons are popular baits for northern pike; tubes, jigs and small crankbaits for smallmouth bass; and crankbaits and soft plastic craw baits for largemouth bass. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass are feeding heavily on crayfish and will often have a reddened snout this time of the year from nailing crayfish on the rocky bottom. Drifting live minnows is working well for catching yellow perch and walleye.”
More trout were stocked this week:
- North Branch Potomac River (Delayed Harvest): 600 rainbow trout
- North Branch Potomac River, Gorman (Delayed Harvest): 600 rainbow trout
- North Branch Potomac River, Kitzmiller (Catch and Release): 1,000 rainbow trout
The movie theater is open today through Sunday. Check out the schedule.
Have a great weekend!
Oct 16, 2020
Deep Creek Winter Sports Team has opened registration for its 2020-2021 season; details are available on the team website at dcwst.org. DCWST is a US Ski and Snowboard (USSS) member club for athletes aged 7 to 18 competing in Alpine ski-racing and Snow-boarding.
DCWST Alpine-racers compete within the USSS regional organizing body – Pennsylvania Alpine Racing Association (PARA) in Slalom and Giant Slalom races. The races take place primarily at Wisp Resort and Seven Springs Resort, PA. The Alpine team practices weeknights (Tuesdays and Fridays) and weekends at the Wisp.
The Snowboarders participate in competitions organized by USA Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA) as part of their regional Appalachian Series. The event disciplines include Slopestyle, Halfpipe, Boardercross and Rail Jam. The Snowboard team practices on weekends at Wisp Resort.
Instructions and appropriate links for completing the registration process for USSS, USASA and DCWST, are provided on the DCWST Membership page of the team website: http://www.dcwst.org/membership.html The team’s registration site can be accessed directly at http://www.dcwst.org.leag1.com/
The team is asking that returning members register on or before November 1, 2020 so that staff planning for the season can be completed and to avoid late fees; Nov 1st is also the USSS early bird registration deadline. New members may register without a late fee through January 4, 2021.
As in past years, DCWST is also offering scholarships to interested skiers and snowboarders from the local and regional community. The scholarship covers the cost of team dues for the season while the USSS and USASA fees remain individual responsibility. For more information on scholarship opportunities visit the DCWST website and click on the Scholarships tab at the top. The scholarship application deadline is November 22, 2020.
Any questions about the registration process or the team in general can be emailed to information@dcwst.org.
Oct 16, 2020
The month of October is recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Over the past few years, local businesses have played a vital role in allowing Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) students with disabilities to engage in work-based learning experiences. On behalf of the Department of Special Education’s Secondary Transition Team, we would like to thank these local businesses for their partnership.
Through their partnership, GCPS students with disabilities are given a unique opportunity to explore their career interests and practice the necessary skills for successful employment. Together, we are able to prepare our students with the experience, skills, and knowledge to succeed in their post-secondary employment goals. Since we initiated the work-based learning program in 2017, we have been able to provide 38 students with disabilities with employment experiences.
GCPS would like to thank the following businesses for their commitment to promote students with disabilities in the workforce.
* Appalachian Crossroads, Oakland
* Auto Land, Accident
* The Cornish Cafe, Oakland
* FireFly Farms Market, Accident
* Fratz True Value Hardware, Accident
* Garrett Container System Inc, Accident
* Garrett County Community Action, Oakland
* Greater Oakland Business Association, Oakland
* Gregg’s Pharmacy, Oakland
* HART for Animals Inc, Accident
* Chamber of Commerce, McHenry
* Naylors Hardware, Oakland
* Patriot Automotive Group Inc, Oakland
* Pick of the Litter, Oakland
* Shear Fantasy, Oakland
* Simon Pearce, Oakland
* 3rd Street Diner, Oakland
Oct 15, 2020
The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 67 and a low around 40. Southwest wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. A slight chance of showers before 11pm.
The Garrett County Health Department has announced a fourth rabies case in the county.
Secret shoppers will be shopping Garrett County businesses to reduce alchohol use for those under 21.
Garrett Regional Medical Center celebrates 70 years!
Keep the Ruth Enlow Library in mind for resources to help the kids through school.
The Garrett County Health Department is collecting feedback to learn about how Garrett County residents, stakeholders, and partners think they’re doing. This short survey takes 2 minutes!
Another survey, the 2020 Maryland Young Adult Survey on Alcohol, is now open. Pass this 10-minute survey on to any Marylanders between the ages of 18- 25 years old and they have a chance to win a $50 gift card or a grand prize $95 gift card. The survey is being conducted by the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy,
Kylie Mark, a senior at Northern Garrett High School, was recognized by Yumi Hogan and awarded the 1st place High School award for her artwork entitled Silence Speaks Loud at Maryland’s First Lady’s Art Gallery Exhibition on Friday, October 9, 2020.
I took this drone photo of the Upper Yough. Can you spot me in the yellow jacket?
Oct 14, 2020
The weather for today will be sunny, with a high near 62 degrees. This evening will be mostly clear, with a low around 50. A nice day to take a hike or just a walk in the brisk, clear air.
Speaking of taking a walk, if you do, you will see that Monday’s rain and wind knocked a lot of the colorful leaves off of the trees. But, there is still lots of color all around us, even if on the down-side of peak colors. All you skiing enthusiasts, take note that there will be a winter storm in the northeastern states and that some higher elevations may see some snow this weekend! It will be north of us, but a reminder of what is to come.
You can also walk around the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market in Oakland at the Pavilion today from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Here’s a link to their latest newsletter that includes a list of vendors, their products, health guidlines and even recipes.
Here’s a nice photo composition showing the lake’s clarity and some of the colors in the trees. Thanks to Eric Williams for sharing with us. Good job Eric.
Clear Water, Clear Skies
The Garrett County Health Department received four additional positive COVID-19 results, bringing the current county total positives to 83. The new positive COVID-19 cases include: two female teenagers, with symptoms, isolating at home; one woman in her 50s, with symptoms, isolating at home; and one male in his 20s, no symptoms, isolating at home. For more information call 301.334.7770 or 301.895.3111.
As mentioned in yesterday’s column, I have the “bobbing for apples” answer for you today. The reason people don’t bob for pears is because pears do not float! While their cells are similar in size to those in apples, pears are “denser” and have fewer air pockets within, making them heavier for a similar sized fruit. Now you know.
Good news for all you electric vehicle owners and the environment: Garrett College’s McHenry campus is one of the latest locations in Garrett County and western Maryland to have an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station installed by Potomac Edison, as part of a pilot program to benefit the environment by reducing auto emissions.
The County Commissioners will be holding their next meeting next Tuesday, October 20th, at 4:00 pm. Here’s the link to the agenda and online information.
Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day and, as more people are home with their pets during the pandemic, there are more opportunities for them to “treat” their furry friends. But beware, table scraps and extra treats can add up quickly—just a 5 oz serving of dark meat turkey for your small dog can be the caloric equivalent of an entire 8-inch pumpkin pie for you! Research has shown that 1 out of 3 dogs and cats are overweight. In addition, insurance data reveals that pet owners with overweight pets spend as much as five times more in veterinary expenses than pet owners with average-sized pets.
So Trupanion, a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, looked into its database of over 530,000 pets to uncover the common conditions (along with the condition’s avg. cost per year) that dogs and cats may experience from being overweight. PLUS: 5 Tips to keep your dog or cat in shape.
Common conditions of overweight dogs with average cost per year: Cruciate Rupture: $3,800; Diabetes: $2,000; Lameness & Limping: $400; Arthritis: $300
Common conditions of overweight cats with average cost per year: Congestive Heart Failure: $1,200; Diabetes: $1,300; Lameness & Limping: $300; Arthritis: $300
5 Tips to keep your dog or cat in shape
1. Have your pet assessed by a veterinarian to determine what their ideal weight should be and have them make diet recommendations.
2. Be mindful of the number of treats a pet receives throughout the day. They can easily add up and lead to excessive calorie intake.
3. Make sure your pets get regular exercise and playtime.
4. Designate one person in the house to be in charge of feeding to make sure that the pets are fed the same amount consistently, and that they aren’t accidentally getting extra meals.
5. Don’t give in when they look at you with sad eyes or when they beg.
Oct 13, 2020
Yesterday was a bit dreary and cooler. Today we have an 80% chance of showers, mainly before 9:00 am. High near 56 degrees, with a northwest wind 10 to 13 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 41.
Today is the deadline to register in advance to vote in the 2020 General Election; it’s also the deadline to update voter information. Voters will also have the opportunity to register, in person, during the eight days of early voting, October 26th through November 2nd, and on Election Day, November 3rd.
Last week, the Clean and Green team placed mums in the planters around downtown Oakland. This is the 3rd year the team, composed of volunteers, has kept the planters filled with summer and fall flowers. The mums were purchased by the team using prize money they were awarded at last year’s “Run for It” in Tucker County, WV. The team also weeded and added new mulch to the Veterans Park and built some pumpkin stacks at the Pocket Park. Thanks to all Clean and Green team members. Here’s a photo of some of their work:
Pumpkin Stack in Oakland Courtesy of Clean and Green Team
We have a number of new items in our Online Marketplace, including some boats. Be sure to check out the Marketplace from time-to-time to see what is available. And remember, we can post your ad for the low price of $25 for as long as needed until it sells! And no, you can not sell your spouse on the Marketplace, so don’t even ask… 🙂
Speaking of markets, Lebanese Taverna, from the DC area is coming back to the lake-area this Wednesday. So, if you want some good Lebanese cuisine, order today and remember to pick up when the truck comes into town to deliver Wednesday afternoon. Jean and I have ordered twice and always good, and different too. Order by today – Tuesday, Oct 13th at 4:00 pm – for delivery on Wednesday, Oct 14th at 4:00 pm. Here’s the link for more information, the menu and the order form: https://bit.ly/2DDnyIn
And yet again, speaking of markets, Bear Creek Traders in McHenry is holding its Annual Tent Sale with savings up to 70%. You will find clothing and accessories for men & women, home decor, footwear, Deep Creek Lake Souvenirs and much more. Look for the huge white tent in their parking lot for amazing specials during this three day event.
As the boating season draws to an end here at the lake, I thought I would share this nice photo taken by Clinton Bradley during his final boat ride of the season. While it looks like an island it is not, just due to the camera angle/lens. Thanks for sharing Clint, and nice photo to end your season with.
Last Boat Ride of the Season
Do you know why people “bob for apples” this time of year and do not bob for pears? I bet you don’t! If you want to find out why, check out my Daily Notes column tomorrow for the answer.
Oct 12, 2020
I just returned home from an out of town trip down to Ocean City for a long weekend getaway. A nice, fun trip, but happy to be back in COLORFUL, BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL Garrett County. The weather for today is showers likely, mainly before 8:00 am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61 degrees, with an east wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Tonight we have a chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.
For those readers out of town, here’s a photo submitted by regular reader and photo contributor Dee Dave that shows the beauty around just about every corner in Garrett County and the Deep Creek Lake area these days. She took this “still life” in the Dutch’s parking lot. Thanks for sharing Dee. Nice, rich colors…
Everyday Colors
Happy Columbus Day to all! I know some states are moving to not recognice the day, but I believe it is still a federal holiday, if perhaps a lesser one, and is still recognized in Maryland. There will be no mail delivery today. While there had been celebrations in 1792 to mark the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage, Columbus Day was first officially proclaimed by President Benjamin Harrison in 1892, to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ landing in the Bahamas.
Moving right along to present day Garrett County, the Garrett County Health Department has received two additional positive COVID-19 results, bringing the current county total positives to 79. The new positive COVID-19 cases are a teenage male and a female in her 50s. Both have symptoms and are isolating at their homes. Currently there are a total of three residents isolating due to positive COVID-19 test results. For more information call 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111.
I reported last week on the winners of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources 2020 Photo Contest. Now, we all have a chance to vote on the Fan Favorite, which will also be included in the annual DNR calendar. The DNR folks have narrowed the voting field down to four nice shots, and your votes determine the favorite. Here’s the link for you to vote and learn more.
On Saturday, October 24th at 7:30 pm, Charm City Junction will perform a premiere YouTube video exclusively for the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) audience at no cost! GLAF is asking you to follow the link and sign up for this virtual event and also consider a donation to GLAF of ANY amount to help cover the costs for this performance. Here’s the link for more information, to register for the free event or to give a donation.
Finally, in keeping with the “fall is all around us” photo theme today, here’s a nice photo my wife took when we arrived home from the beach yesterday afternoon about 4:30. It is a quick shot from our driveway that shows a sampling of our area’s peak colors (even in the rain).
Fall is All Around Us
Have a great week dear readers…
Oct 9, 2020
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has named Terry Helbig as the 2020 Honorary Golden Ambassador of the 53rd Annual Autumn Glory Festival. The announcement was made at the Chamber’s Virtual Autumn Glory Kick-Off Event on October 7, 2020. The Golden Ambassador sponsor is Mlend and the Platinum Sponsors of the Kick-Off Event were First United Bank & Trust and Premier Power Solutions, LLC. Patriot Automotive Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram: King of the 4WD is the title sponsor of the 53rd Annual Autumn Glory Festival.
The Golden Ambassador is awarded by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to a person who has contributed to and supported tourism in Garrett County. The Golden Ambassador is selected by a committee of former Golden Ambassador winners.
“On behalf of the Chamber and the tourism community, I offer sincere congratulations to Terry on being named the 2020 Honorary Golden Ambassador,” said Nicole Christian, Chamber President and CEO. “Terry is so deserving of this recognition. His passion and commitment for turning the Oakland train station into the B&O museum has created a wonderful experience for visitors and residents. He is a humble servant of this community and I am pleased that we are able to show appreciation for his tireless efforts.”
Terry was born and raised in Garrett County and learned the insurance industry from his father, James Helbig, who worked at an insurance agency in downtown Oakland. Terry founded his own insurance company, Helbig Insurance Agency, in downtown Oakland in 2006 with his late wife, Kathy. With a keen interest in local history and a desire to share that history with residents and visitors, Terry worked with the town of Oakland over the course of several years to turn the town’s 1884 railroad station into a museum. Since the creation of the Oakland B&O Museum, Terry has directed its remodeling and helped to create its exhibits. The Oakland B&O Museum and Train station now features local artifacts celebrating Garrett County’s history, hosts rotating exhibits and showcases artifacts from the B&O Museum in Baltimore. Since the museum’s opening, Terry has hosted a wide variety of groups to the museum and given tours to residents and guests. In addition to hosting visitors to the museum, Terry has also recently worked to obtain funding for the purchasing, and restoration, of a steam locomotive for display on the grounds of the Museum; that steam locomotive is now a popular addition to the B&O Train Station and Museum.
A staunch supporter of Oakland, Terry currently serves as a Board Member of the Garrett County Historical Society, where he has been an active member for over 25 years. The Historical Society Museum houses a treasure trove of exhibits related to the founding of Garrett County, the history of the area and the way of life for Garrett County citizens from years past. The Historical Society Museum features 9 rooms dedicated to Garrett County history including Arts & Recreation, Schools, Hotels, Military, Cabin, B&O Railroad, Garrett, Industrial, and Victorian. Most recently, Terry worked to obtain a state legislative grant to correct issues from the Wilson Creek Channel that runs under the Historical Society’s Museum building, ensuring this popular historical site remains open for years to come.
Terry is a current member of the Oakland-Mountain Lake Park Lions Club, where he previously served as President; a charter member of the BPO Elks and currently serves as the Chairman of the Oakland B&O Museum, the committee operating the 1884 station for Oakland. Terry has served as a council member on the Oakland Town Council since 2018, after previous stints in the 1980s and from 2006 – 2009. Terry is also a member of the newly formed Oakland Cemetery Committee with a mission to help preserve local monuments.
Oct 9, 2020
During the 2019-2020 school year, each public school in Garrett County participated in the Garrett County Health Department’s Play Hard, Live Clean (PHLC) campaign, a healthy lifestyle campaign designed to encourages youth to make good choices by recognizing and rewarding them for certain positive lifestyle accomplishments from kindergarten through graduation.
“Every student in the Garrett County Public School System has the opportunity to participate in the PHLC challenges and that makes me so excited,” said James Michaels, Program Coordinator. “The Play Hard, Live Clean lifestyle is something I love to model for our students and community.”
“Although the onset of COVID-19 and the changes it brought to the school systems in the spring interrupted some parts of the PHLC process, the campaign still had a positive effect on almost 1,000 Garrett County students who were able to participate,” Michaels said.
Elementary and middle school students could participate in the following challenges lasting a month each:
- Physical Activity – 60 minutes per day for 10 days
- Nutrition Challenge – Milk/Water instead of soda or sugared drinks for 10 days
- Wellness Challenge – Elementary School Screen/Mindfulness Challenge; Middle School Adequate Sleep Challenge
Participating students received a bronze, silver, or gold medal for completing one, two, or three challenges. At the elementary level, the highest participation rate occurred at Crellin Elementary with 51% of students earning a medal. Between the middle schools, 31% of Southern Middle School students participated and 17% of Northern Middle School students.
“Most of the challenges were done through virtual education, so participation was lower than the previous years, but still noteworthy, nonetheless,” reported Michaels.
The campaign at the high school is primarily online, consisting of a pledge to not use alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana, and to not misuse prescription drugs, as well as monthly surveys about health topics. Thirty-two percent (32%) of high school students participated in the campaign with one in five of them being twelfth graders.
The culmination of the PHLC campaign for seniors is the awarding of a scholarship to one Northern High student and one Southern High student who earned points for participation in PHLC. The scholarship can be used for work expenses, health expenses, or further education of any kind. The winners for 2019-2020 were Alexis House from NHS and Jacob Nazelrod from SHS.
Play Hard, Live Clean for the 2020-2021 school year may look a little different, but staff expect it to be even bigger and better.
“The campaign is entering its fourth year,” Michaels remarked, “and we’re trying to build consistency with healthy lifestyle choices among all of our Garrett County youth. We have some exciting changes this school year and can’t wait to share them with all the students!”
For more information about the Play Hard, Live Clean campaign, visit the website at PlayHardLiveClean.com or contact the health department at 301-334-7730.
