Feb 28, 2021
This month’s Cover Story is a bit different and is on a serious subject: Human Trafficking. Many may think that human trafficing is limited to the large cities in the United States and throughout the world, but that is not the case. As this Cover Story indicates, human trafficking takes many forms and can also take place in rural areas like Garrett County. We are fortunate to have people like Swanton resident Mark Clookie and his team working to prevent human trafficking in all its forms. This article covers their efforts and can inform our readers about this different type of “pandemic.” We thank Mark, his partner Kristen Harris and the rest of their team as then seek to prevent trafficking.
DEEP CREEK LAKE AREA RESIDENT COMBATS HUMAN TRAFFICING
A 40 year law enforcement veteran working with a colleague in Portland, Oregon has launched a nation-wide non-profit organization to combat human trafficking in the U.S. Swanton resident, Mark Clookie, served for 33 years as a sworn law enforcement officer, retiring as the Director of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in 2013. Since then Mark worked as the Vice President for Investigations and Law Enforcement Development at the International Justice Mission (IJM), the world’s largest anti-slavery organization, and as a consultant and board member for other nonprofits combating human exploitation. He currently serves our community as an officer of the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company in McHenry, and as a member of the Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad.
Mr. Clookie explained that while working at IJM headquarters in Arlington, VA, he and a colleague, Ms. Kristen Harris, a former Criminal Analyst for the FBI, hatched the idea for a “first of its kind” effort to prevent human trafficking. After much consideration and planning they co-founded and recently launched “Prevention Now”, a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization. Mr. Clookie explained that after nearly a half century of combined law enforcement experience, he and Ms. Harris had grown frustrated with “responding to crimes after the fact; there must be a way to better protect vulnerable members of society and to prevent them from ever becoming victims in the first place”.
According to Mr. Clookie, most people do not fully understand the extent and impact of human trafficking. “Human beings are being bought, sold, traded and exploited for any number of purposes from sexual slavery to organ harvesting.” He went on to explain that no community is free from human trafficking. “It is not just an issue for large urban areas, but can be found in rural, small towns and communities as well. Often, trafficking in more rural environments involves the sale of children by their own parents to support the parent’s drug habits.”
As of 2014, the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated that just the forced labor aspect of human trafficking generates $150 billion in profits annually. According to the ILO there are over 21 million victims trapped in modern day slavery. Regarding national statistics, Mr. Clookie advised, “some estimate there are hundreds of thousands of victims in the U.S. alone.” Mr. Clookie expressed great appreciation for the hundreds of organizations currently fighting human trafficking in the U.S., but explained these organizations are often working independently and, by nature, are locally focused. He went on to explain that human trafficking can take many forms ranging from isolated, local activity to large scale transient criminal enterprises and everything in between.
Mr. Clookie related, “Prevention Now will leverage data to identify root causes of human trafficking as well as who is most at risk of becoming a victim. The data used to inform the process will come from multiple local, state and national entities including information on criminal trends, trafficking, income, race, age, state policies, child welfare and juvenile services. We have begun to collaborate with a broad spectrum of partners to include: other nonprofits, law enforcement, government agencies, educators, clergy, counselors and the like, to gather this information. Once this material is gathered, we will leverage cutting edge technology such as: machine learning, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics to determine who is most at risk and what actions can be taken by us and our partners to prevent future victimization. What could be better than preventing a vulnerable child or adult from ever being victimized in the first place?”
“Prevention Now is the first anti-trafficking nonprofit to use technology to this extent in focusing on proactive, data driven solutions. We are anxious to share information and solution sets with our partners to help them as they provide direct services to survivors and those at risk of becoming victims. It should be noted that although our focus will be on preventing victimization, our model will also quite naturally support efforts to reduce demand and apprehend traffickers.”
As a new nonprofit, Prevention Now’s greatest need is financial support. If you wish to provide a tax deductible donation or want to learn more about their work, please visit: www.prevention-now.org.
Feb 27, 2021
Deputy State Fire Marshals concluded an electric heater was the cause of an early morning fire in Garrett County where two cats are believed to have perished. This was the first of two fires in our Western Region where space heaters were the cause. Citizens are reminded to use caution when using these devices.
Feb 26, 2021
The weather today will be a chance of rain and snow after 4pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 37 and a low around 32. Light east wind becoming southeast 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Snow and sleet likely before 1am, then a chance of freezing rain and sleet — little or no ice accumulation expected and less than a half inch of new snow and sleet accumulation possible. Saturday will be mostly cloudy, rain likely, mainly before 1pm. A high near 49 and a low around 37. Sunday will be showers with a high near 51 and a low around 33.
Check out the cabin rental styles from Railey Vacations:
More than 50 years after a B-52 bomber carrying two nuclear bombs crashed into Big Savage Mountain in eastern Garrett County, a virtual event was held by the George’s Creek Regional Library to memorialize the lasting legacy of the crash. Video, maps and other information about the crash can be found at https://buzzonefour.org/.
Here’s your reminder that the Garrett County Commissioners next public meeting is March 1 @ 4:00 pm.
AYCE FISH DINNERS are happening tonight at Alpine Lake Resort! Just 7 miles from Oakland in WV, from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Deputy State Fire Marshals concluded an electric heater was the cause of an early morning fire in Garrett County where two cats are believed to have perished. This was the first of two fires in our Western Region where space heaters were the cause. Citizens are reminded to use caution when using these devices.
Feb 25, 2021
The weather today will be mostly cloudy then gradually becoming sunny with a high near 35 and a low around 21. West wind around 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office is reminding all citizens to be aware of scams being conducted in the area. Recently a citizen was contacted by phone, and text messages, stating that they would cause harm to the person’s family if they did not send money. The money was requested to be sent via Money Grams: do not send money via Money Grams, Green Dot cards, etc to unknown individuals.
Daniel Egtvedt, of Oakland, was arrested without incident Feb. 13 in the area of Boy Scout Road for his role in the January 6th capitol riots according to a statement Monday by Maryland State Police.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is taking steps with the Paycheck Protection Program to further promote equitable relief for America’s mom-and-pop businesses.
Garrett College Board is seeking nominations for outstanding contributor.
Progressive Maryland is opening applications for its 2021 Spring Cohort of the Maryland People’s Leadership Institute.
It’s sort of last minute but the Maryland Tourism Office will be doing a photoshoot today at Wisp Resort! Get in touch with Wisp (855-990-0262) for more details!
Feb 25, 2021
The Board of Trustees of Garrett College announced that it is inviting nominations for the Award for Outstanding Contributions to Garrett College. This award is typically presented in May as part of Garrett’s commencement ceremony, but alternative arrangements may need to be made this year due to the pandemic.
Any member of the internal and external college community may submit a nomination, and all nominations are encouraged.
The purpose of the award is to recognize individuals or organizations that have significantly and positively influenced Garrett College’s mission and goals.
If you would like to nominate an individual or an organization for this award, please contact Ms. Marcia Knepp, Executive Assistant to the President, at 301-387-3056 or at marcia.knepp@garrettcollege.edu.
In order to be considered for this award, all nomination materials must be submitted no later than Friday, April 2, 2021.
Feb 24, 2021
This is the second cohort of this campaign training program In July 2020, Progressive Maryland, Maryland’s oldest and largest statewide multi-issue organization, launched the first ever session of the Maryland People’s Leadership Institute (MPLI). This esteemed program recruited and trained a cohort of 17 leaders and activists hailing from several Maryland counties and the city of Baltimore.
The MPLI was created to train prospective candidates and campaign staff. Its curriculum is centered on progressive movement politics, public policy, community organizing, leadership, communication skills, and field and voter contact programs. Besides teaching valuable political skills, the MPLI also provides its participants with strategic political advice and an opportunity to forge new relationships in the organizing and advocacy space.
The MPLI seeks applicants from across the state and is particularly interested in recruiting folks who come from BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. Progressive Maryland would like to see Maryland’s universe of public officeholders better reflect the makeup of our diverse state. In that spirit, we’re also interested in ways the MPLI can serve women, front line workers, people with disabilities, and Marylanders from other underrepresented groups who would like to run for office or do more work in the electoral arena. Applications are open until Sunday, February 28, 2021, and cohort participants will be selected by late March.
The MPLI program takes place over eight weeks from mid April to mid June and will be conducted in a virtual environment. A link to the application which also includes a description, dates, and information about the program tuition can be found here. The program is supported by several of Progressive Maryland’s affiliated organizations including SEIU 1199, CASA, and the Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Educators Associations. “This is a great opportunity to lay the groundwork for a successful election cycle in 2022 and in years to come. We’re excited to help build a strong bench of future progressive candidates and election campaign organizers,” said Ricarra Jones, Political Director for SEIU 1199 and Progressive Maryland Board Member.
The MPLI is distinct from some other candidate training schools because it is sustained by a permanent multi-issue grassroots organization, Progressive Maryland, as well as its many affiliates and allies. This allows for the program and its participants to be tied to ongoing organizing efforts for social, racial, economic, health and environmental justice. The program is designed to field more viable movement candidates in order to send more progressives to Annapolis, and to win more seats on local city and county councils and boards of education. The 2020 cohort included Delegate Sheila Ruth (District 44B), Aaron Seyedian, who lives in Montgomery County and is a local progressive small business owner, and Carlos Childs, a chef turned organizer, who plans to run for a Delegate seat in Charles County on a platform of racial and social justice initiatives. Other alumni include Baltimore lawyer and housing justice advocate, Gabriela Sevilla, who said of her experience, “MPLI gave me the confidence and tools I needed so that I can run a successful campaign some day.”
Feb 24, 2021
Maryland student success in the Advanced Placement (AP) program remains steady, and high participation rates on the rigorous tests continue.
According to a report released by the College Board, 31.5 percent of the Maryland Class of 2020 earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one AP exam while in high school. This rate is well above the nationwide number of 24.4 percent and, identical to Maryland’s Class of 2019. Maryland’s rate also places it sixth in the nation on this measure.
A score of 3 or better is the threshold at which many higher education institutions award college credit to high school students on an AP assessment.
The percentage of Maryland graduates taking an AP test while in high school was strong at 45.8, with 26,595 members of the Class of 2020 in the State taking at least one exam. Maryland’s participation rate was well above the national rate of 38.3 percent and was also tied for sixth in the nation.
“Our administration remains committed to providing every Maryland student access to a high quality education and challenging curriculum that ensures success in today’s 21st century workplace,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Even during the ongoing public health emergency, Maryland continues to lead the nation in Advanced Placement assessment achievement. Congratulations to our dedicated students, educators and administrators.”
Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, said the AP program is one key pathway to preparing a brighter future for students after high school.
“Maryland is committed to preparing all graduates for success in post-secondary education. The Advanced Placement program continues to provide rigorous academic options for our students during a challenging year,” said Dr. Salmon, “and we believe our students will continue to rise to new levels of advanced achievement.”
Maryland in 2017 launched the Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) initiative, designed to close equity gaps for lower income students and students of color in AP and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The goal of this program is to increase the participation of under-represented, academically prepared students. Over the last three years, ten Maryland school systems with fifty-one schools have participated in this initiative. The AP course participation rate of underrepresented students in EOS schools was on average 7 percentage points higher than the rate in similar schools, and underrepresented students’ success on AP exams was similar to that of their peers in other schools.
The College Board’s new report of the college-level assessment program provides a variety of information about the Class of 2020. For example:
- The percentage of Maryland graduating seniors scoring a 3 or better on an AP test has increased from 25.6 percent in 2010 to 31.5 in 2020—an increase of 5.9 percentage points.
- Nearly 46% percent of all 2020 Maryland high school graduates took at least one AP exam while in high school compared to 41.7 percent of the Maryland Class of 2010.
- The number of Maryland high school graduates who scored a 3 or better on an AP exam increased from 15,099 in 2010 to 18,286 in 2020.
- Maryland’s rate of the Class of 2020 scoring a 5 on at least one AP exam—the highest possible score—was 18.7 percent, fourth in the nation.
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program, which began in 1955, allows students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Students of different interests and backgrounds can choose from more than 30 courses to demonstrate their knowledge of rigorous academic curriculum. More information about the AP program is available at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home.
Feb 24, 2021
Today we have a slight chance of showers after 1:00 pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 51 degrees (Wow!) and southwest winds 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Tonight we have a slight chance of rain and snow showers before 11:00 pm, then a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
The Leigh Friend Solar Project is a new 3.2 megawatt DC (MWdc) community solar project located in Friendsville. With 9,300 ground-mounted solar modules, the project generates enough clean, renewable solar energy to power the equivalent of 405 homes per year. Here’s a photo for you, which is beautiful, but also a bit ironic, as it shows dense clouds over the solar panels. Great new addition to the area and one more step toward environmental sustainability.
Leigh Friend Solar Project
The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that a 90 year old woman in Seattle walked three miles each way in the cold and snow to get her vaccine so she could be comfortable and see her two great-grandchildren. Oh, I forgot to mention that she had a hip replaced a year ago. Way to go Fran Goldman!!!!
The Garrett County Health Department announced yesterday that they have received the delayed shipment of vaccines. In related news, the Health Department has been notified of additional deaths due to COVID-19 complications this week, bringing the total county deaths to 60 persons. “Each death from COVID-19 complications is sad, and we offer condolences to their loved ones,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “The age range for deaths in Garrett County is from 18 to 102, with the average age being 81. Sarah and I send our condolences to the families of the victims.
I heard a rumor yesterday that a coffee shop is going in on Alder Street in downtown Oakland. Great news and we will let you know when we get additional, verified information.
We have covered the recent donation of Water Quality Meters for the lake by the Deep Creek Lake Watershed Foundation. Here’s a photo of a DNS biologist deploying one in the lake a few months ago. Should help provide some perspective on the size of the meters.
Tourism accounted for 10% of the global economy before the pandemic, but it has been hammered since. When 200 tourism experts, owners and officials in 70 countries were asked in January about the prospects for recovery in international tourism in their country, 68% said Q4 of ’21 or ’22. When asked when they expected international tourism to reach pre-pandemic levels, 84% of the same group said 2023 or later! I have said it before, but the Deep Creek Lake area is very well positioned for continued tourism and success.
As of Monday, the State of Maryland official report shows that Maryland providers have administered 1,087,086 total doses of COVID-19 vaccines, and 98.3% of all first doses received from the federal government. The state is averaging 27,604 shots per day. As of yesterday, 16.3% of Garrett County residents have received their first dose of vaccine, and 6.97% have received both of their doses. In comparison, the state rates are 12.36% for the first dose and 6.05% for second. Thanks to our Health Department and all involved for their great work on getting the vaccines administered!
The Lodges at Sunset Village has a special 72 hour sale going on through Friday for 2022 Winter Season rates! They are guaranteeing the lowest rates if you book now. Here’s more info on this top-rated destination or you can call them at 301.387.2227.
Feb 23, 2021
County Total Deaths Due to COVID-19 Complications Reaches 60
By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
Sadly, the Health Department has been notified of additional deaths due to COVID-19 complications this week, bringing the total county deaths to 60 persons. While Garrett County’s case rate has been low for several weeks, health officials continue to remind everyone how important it is to remain vigilant in protecting the communities most vulnerable members by wearing face coverings, social distancing and avoiding large gatherings.
“Each death from COVID-19 complications is sad, and we offer condolences to their loved ones,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “The age range for deaths in Garrett County is from 18 to 102, with the average age being 81. Our vaccine efforts continue to prioritize senior citizens who are 65 years and older, and we hope to offer appointments to additional community members for their first doses in the next week.”
When clinics are opened up for mid-March and beyond, the link will be available on the garretthealth.org website, and will be announced on the Health Department’s social media and local news venues. Today’s county information includes:
- A 7-day case rate of 2.46 per 100,000 Garrett County residents, which is the lowest in the state, and well below Maryland’s case rate of 12.78
- A 7-day positivity rate of 1.97%, which is the second lowest in the state (Kent County is at 1.39), and about half to Maryland’s rate of 3.9%
- A total of 1,836 COVID-19 cases
- 3% of county residents have received a COVID-19 vaccination and 6.97% have received their second doses compared to the state rates of 12.36% for first and 6.05% for second
Up-to-date county COVID-19 data and other information is available on garretthealth.org. For all other COVID-19 related questions, or to report a COVID-19 compliance issue, call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301-334-7698.
Feb 23, 2021
GCHD Receives Vaccine Shipments Delayed by Weather
By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
The Garrett County Health Department is pleased to announce that enough COVID-19 vaccine doses were received on Monday to be able to fulfill all vaccine appointments scheduled through March 5th. No additional vaccination clinics will be rescheduled during that time. Even with the shipment and vaccination delays, 16.3% of Garrett County residents have received their first dose of vaccine, and 6.97% have received both of their doses. In comparison, the state rates are 12.36% for the first dose and 6.05% for second.
Because of the vaccine delivery delays, two COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics scheduled at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park were cancelled and all appointments were automatically rescheduled for a later day at the same time as the original appointment.
“We are so glad we received our delayed shipments of vaccine and we are back on track to vaccinate those people who have appointments scheduled for both this week and next,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “Since we needed to move some appointments into the upcoming weeks, when appointment links are opened in the next week or so, the available appointments will be clinics in mid-March and beyond.”
Some of the rescheduled appointments were for second doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Although the recommended interval between the first and second dose of the Moderna vaccine is 28 days, the CDC advises that when necessary the second dose may be administered up to 6 weeks, or 42 days, after the first dose.
Persons who had their appointment rescheduled should have received an email and a phone call generated by the Health Department through the vaccination appointment system. If your questions were not answered by the automated email or phone call, call the hotline at 301-334-7698.
Testing for COVID-19 through the Garrett County Health Department is continuing both at the Oakland Office for persons with symptoms on Monday through Friday with an appointment (301-334-7697), and at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park (with or without symptoms) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-registration at MEDCO is recommended. Visit garretthealth.org for registration information.
Up-to-date county COVID-19 data and other information is available on garretthealth.org. For all other COVID-19 related questions, or to report a COVID-19 compliance issue, call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301-334-7698.
Feb 23, 2021
Yesterday’s weather was “interesting,” starting with snow and then transitioning to rain, very windy before turning back to snow in the evening. The snow emergency was lifted at 3:00 pm yesterday. Here’s a photo I took yesterday morning of my front yard.
Icicles and snow
The weather for today will include rain showers, snow showers, and freezing rain before 1:00 pm, then rain, possibly mixed with snow showers. Patchy fog before noon, with a high near 37 degrees. West wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 30. West wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
In 2021, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fishing and Boating Services adopted a new catch and release regulation for brook trout in all put-and-take trout management waters, as well as all waters east of Interstate 81. These efforts will help protect our native brook trout.In order for this regulation to be effective, proper identification of trout species is necessary. The department would like your help. Please take this anonymous short survey to test your trout identification skills.
Today’s meeting of the Maryland State Board Education will begin at 9:00 am and the agenda and materials are available at:
http://marylandpublicschools.org/stateboard/Pages/meeting-agendas/2021/2021-02-23.aspx There will be no public access to the Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building, 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Members of the public will be able to hear the audio and see presentations in real time via the livestream.
Pastor Tom at St. Peters in Oakland has announced that the parish is participating in Giving Tuesday today to advance the success of Catholic Ministries. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference in the life of St. Peters parish and in the lives of neighbors in need who are supported by the ministries of the Archdiocese. Learn more or make a gift now or send in the envelope that was mailed to parishoners.
Here’s a great video of Ben Riegsecker, owner of The Casselman Inn, sharing the Uncommon Story of this historic Inn & Restaurant. This is a story of a local, family-owned business in Grantsville Maryland that has cared for and loved serving the local community for over 180 years. It is part of First United Bank & Trust’s Uncommon Story series. Definitely worth watching…
Staying connected! That’s what the Partners After School (PAS) @ Oakland is doing with its programming this school year. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, virtual programming was the answer. The Oakland online program meets virtually with students three times a week for one hour each day. Thanks to the Garrett County Public Schools Meal Program, the staff of PAS @ Oakland have been able to pick up and deliver food to all their students each week along with a packet of materials and supplies for the activities for the following week. This is also allowing the staff to touch base with the parents to see how they are doing and to offer any resources they may need.
The County Commissioners will be holding their next public meeting on March 1st. The meeting will be Live Streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/
Agenda session times are approximate. Note that the Board of County Commissioners may close a portion of this public meeting and move into Executive Session to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicial requirement that may prevent public disclosure about a particular proceeding or matter. Here’s the agenda and additional specifics for you.
Feb 22, 2021
County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda
PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA
Monday, March 1, 2021
Meeting will be Live Streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/
Agenda Session Times are Approximate
The Board of County Commissioners may close a portion of this public meeting and move into Executive Session to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicial requirement that may prevent public disclosure about a particular proceeding or matter
*To comment on agenda items – please send to gccomments@garrettcounty.org
4:00 Call to Order of Public Session
County Administrator – Additions/Deletions to Public Meeting Agenda
Approval of Public, Administrative, and Executive Meeting Minutes
4:05 Garrett County Health Department – COVID 19 Update – Robert Stephens
4:10 Proclamation: Women’s History Month – March 2021
4:12 Avilton Community Association – Request for Fiscal Year 2022 County Property Tax Abatement
4:15 Board Appointments:
- Garrett County Planning Commission
- Garrett Trails Advisory Committee
- Garrett Regional Medical Center – Commissioner Edward’s Appointee
4:20 Garrett County Purchasing Department
Bid Awards:
1. Health Center Roof Replacement Bid #21-0204
2. Courthouse Exterior Painting Bid # 21-0211
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
Public Issues or concerns that are to be presented to the Board of Garrett County Commissioners during any Public Meeting should be scheduled with Carol A. Riley-Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners next scheduled Public Meeting will be Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Please check the web site www.garrettcounty.org for meeting information.
Feb 22, 2021
PAS @ Oakland Is Staying Connected with Virtual Programming
Staying connected! That’s what the Partners After School (PAS) @ Oakland is doing with its programming this school year. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, it put the staff and the students in a very difficult situation. How could they keep serving their students and families in a safe and productive way? Virtual programming was the answer!
The Oakland online program meets virtually with students three times a week for one hour each day. Students participate in a variety of activities such as trivia night, music night, service projects, and other fun activities that give the students a break from the stresses of online learning and lets them interact with their classmates outside of school. At the same time, activities focus on increasing trauma-informed services and preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Helping the team with programming this school year is the University of Maryland 4H Extension Office. They bring activities such as Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) and Health Rocks Mentoring curriculum to the already active program. Students also participate in prevention lessons provided by Prevention Specialist Kristen Walker from the Garrett County Health Department each week. Students get hands-on lessons that empower and support them in their daily lives.
Thanks to the Garrett County Public Schools Meal Program, the staff of PAS @ Oakland have been able to pick up and deliver food to all their students each week. Students also receive a packet of materials and supplies for the activities for the following week. This is also allowing the staff to touch base with the parents to see how they are doing and to offer any resources they may need. PAS @ Oakland is making sure families are doing well and thriving during this difficult time.
PAS @ Oakland is actively recruiting new students to join in their adventures. Students in 3rd through 8th grades who go to Broad Ford Elementary, Yough Glades Elementary, or Southern Middle School are invited to come and see for themselves how much fun After School can be.
The PAS @ Oakland staff consists of James Michaels, Director; Kristen Walker, Prevention Specialist; and Assistants Candace Jones, Derek Silbaugh, Cassy Baker, and Madison Prudnick. Volunteer services are provided by AmeriCorps member Landon Custer.
Partners After School programs are provided by the Garrett County Local Management Board (LMB), Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services, United Way of Garrett County, Garrett County Department of Social Services and University of Maryland Extension Office. Programs are administered by Garrett County Health Department. For more information call 301-334-7730.
Feb 22, 2021
We had a cold and white weekend, with yesterday being clear, sunny and very bright with the sun reflecting off the snow and ice. Today expect rain and snow, becoming all rain after 1:00 pm, with a high near 37 degrees. South wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Tonight we have a chance of freezing rain before 10:00 pm, then a chance of snow and freezing rain between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am, then snow likely after 4:00 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Here’s a great photo taken by Jenael Falcao on Friday evening, February 19th as she was winding down her skiing at Wisp. It really captures the conditions and the beauty of the mountain even in the evening hours. Thanks for sharing it with us Janael.
Wisp Up-Close in the Evening
The Garrett County Health Department, along with many other locations across the country, continues to wait for vaccine delivery because of nationwide weather delays. A shipment is not expected to be received until at least today. Because of the delivery delay, the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park scheduled for today has been cancelled and all appointments are being automatically rescheduled for March 8th at the same time as the original appointment. No patient action is required and call or check the website for more up-to-date information.
We covered this in part last week, due to the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake donation of funds for a water meter to the broader program for five water meters to be donated by the Deep Creek Lake Water Shed Foundation (to the DNR). This is a VERY important undertaking by the Watershed Foundation as it will provide short- and long- term water quality monitoring at five additional locations around the lake. Click here for the full story and see the photo below of a water quality meter. We all owe a big thank you to the Watershed Foundation and all that have supported them in this effort.
New Deep Creek Lake Watershed Foundation Meter Design
Sarah covered this last week, but I thought I would share again in case anyone missed it: From a LawnStarter report “many of the best vacation rental home cities are near attractions in greater Appalachia”. Over half of Americans plan to travel in 2021, and more than a third will stay in a vacation home or homeshare rental during the winter and spring. Get here: Deep Creek Lake is proving to be an excellent location for a vacation home. The rental market at and around the lake is rockin’ it!
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced winners of the annual fifth-grade Arbor Day poster contest. Three schools in Maryland that are home to the top winners will benefit with tree plantings this spring. One of the winners was in nearby Flintstone, in Allegany County. Yabba dabba doo for these students… All winning poster entries are posted online. Check them out as the work is very impressive.
Just heard that the always popular fish dinners and fish dinner takeout at the St Peters in Oakland parish hall for Lent have been cancelled this year. They hope to resume next year.
All branches of the Ruth Enlow Library will be reopening for in-person service at normal hours as of Monday, March 1st. Masks will still be required for all patrons five years of age and up, and social distancing rules remain in effect. Books may only be returned through the book slots and late fees will resume after April 1, 2021. Find more information at www.relib.net.
Have a great Monday and rest of the week dear readers…
Feb 21, 2021
The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation’s (DCWF) Water Quality Meter Campaign is Hugely Successful !
The DCWF’s Water Quality Meter Campaign was initiated in the early part of 2020 and will continue during 2021. Board Members and Advisors to the Foundation realized that assisting the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to deploy “state of the art” meters is critical to ensuring good water quality in Deep Creek Lake (DCL) for both the near term and long term. Biologists and other DNR Staff identify, through the data collected by the meters, potential impacts on Water Quality for further investigation and/or the application of appropriate remedies.
Due to the generosity of a wide variety of donors responding to our campaign and associated requests for support, the DCWF is able to purchase FOUR Water Quality Meters which will be donated to DNR for exclusive use at DCL in the coming years. The purchase of these meters represents a donation from the DCWF in the amount of $60,000 as part of the Foundation’s public-private partnership with the DNR which benefits DCL and the watershed. But there is more! In addition to all the above good news, the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake (POA) also made a one-time contribution of approximately $15,000 to the DCWF enabling the purchase of a total of FIVE WATER QUALITY METERS which will be donated to DNR. These new meters will enable DNR to increase the breadth and specificity of water quality data which can be shared with the public.
YSI, the company which makes the meters, assisted with very reasonable pricing for this multiple meter purchase. In addition, the DCL Manager, Eric Null, and Natural Resources Biologists Julie Bortz and Christine King were instrumental in making certain the meters purchased by the Foundation and the POA contained the proper specifications to ensure their compatibility with those purchased by the DCL Manager for use at DCL.
From the Foundation’s perspective, the WQM Campaign thus far has been truly a successful team effort on the part of many folks and as the campaign continues this year we hope many more folks will donate to it so the Foundation will be able to do even more for DCL and the Deep Creek Watershed.
Please visit the DCWF website at: www.deepcreekwatershedfoundation.org for more information and ways to donate.