Mar 31, 2021
Yesterday was clear, warm and quite nice. Today we are expecting showers, with highs in the upper 50s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Chance of rain is 90 percent. Rain showers will continue in the evening. Snow showers after midnight. Cooler with lows in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
For those planning to travel this week, note that a blast of cold air that is projected to slash temperatures by 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit in much of the Northeast is coming by April 1st. And AccuWeather forecasters say the winterlike weather is “no joke.” Snow is forecast to fall and accumulate in part of the NE region as cold winds add to the winterlike feel late this week.
Wow! Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals in the United States in the annual ranking of rural hospitals compiled by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The rankings are based on a rigorous assessment of patient data from hospitals across the country using the Hospital Strength Index. Congratulations to the GRMC team!
Hey there fishermen and fisherwomen! Maryland DNR just added 2,500 brown, golden, and rainbow trout to the Youghiogheny river in Friendsville and Oakland! Now you have no excuse not to catch one in Garrett County…
And, speaking of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, they caution homeowners to be alert for non-licensed tree contractors who take money for work that never gets done.
The Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission (recreational fisheries) and Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission (commercial fisheries) have membership seats expiring June 30, 2021. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for a seat, please apply online by May 1, 2021. The commissioners are appointed by the governor and they advise Fishing and Boating Services on all matters brought to the commissions.
As mentioned in previous Daily Notes, Sarah and I are offering a workshop on Real Marketing (sm) at Garrett College starting April 15th from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm for a total of eight sessions (ending June 3rd). Real Marketing (sm) for Small and Non-Profit Enterprises is a hands-on workshop series that is designed to help small businesses and non-profits better understand and practice effective marketing. Too often smaller enterprises (and some larger ones) focus on “just” the latest campaign or social media posts, but effective marketing requires much more. Contact Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 301.387.3069 for more information and to register. FYI, there is scholarship money available!
Finally today, here’s some interesting “factoids” from a recent study conducted by WalletHub on Easter-related spending:
- $21.6 Billion: Total Easter-related spending expected in 2021 ($180 per person celebrating).
- $3 Billion: Projected Easter spending on candy.
- $49,000: Price of the world’s most expensive chocolate Easter bunny.
- 78%: Share of people who eat chocolate bunnies’ ears first.
- 60%: Share of parents who plan on sending Easter baskets to their children after they’ve moved out.
Mar 30, 2021
Garrett Regional Medical Center rated as Top 20 rural hospital in United States
Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) was recognized as one of the Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals in the United States in the annual ranking of rural hospitals compiled by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The rankings are based on a rigorous assessment of patient data from hospitals across the country using the Hospital Strength Index.
Achieving the Top 20 ranking puts GRMC in the top 1% of hospitals designated as rural in the United States. The US has a total of 6,090 hospitals, with 30% of those serving rural communities.
GRMC, a clinical affiliate of WVU Medicine, was the only Maryland hospital to make the Top 20 Rural Hospital list as well as the only hospital in the region to achieve this recognition. For the past three years, GRMC has been recognized as a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital by the NRHA and the Chartis Center. This is the first time the acute care hospital has been ranked among the country’s Top 20 rural facilities.
“This is a tremendous recognition for our hospital, and our staff,” said Mark Boucot, President and CEO at GRMC. “It’s the hard work and dedication of the people working to provide our patients with the best care and experience possible who have made this happen. I can’t thank our employees enough for their dedication to our patients and to our community. Our mission statement says we strive to treat every patient like family, and being named a Top 20 Rural Hospital is evidence of the fact that our staff lives that mission, every day. Our medical staff is second to none!”
In determining the Top 20 Rural Hospitals in the United States, NRHA and the Chartis Center rated hospitals according to market share, quality of care, patient outcomes, patient perspectives, and financial efficiency. GRMC’s approach to providing patient-centered care relies in large part on three frontline councils that allow staff at all levels to have input on hospital operations. The councils – Patient Experience, Patient Safety, and Employee Engagement – encourage input from frontline staff to help address issues throughout the health care facility.
The result is a hospital with a staff that is engaged, empowered, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure the patients and their families receive the care and respect they deserve. The staff’s dedication to quality care has resulted in the 55-bed acute care facility achieving some of the highest patient care ratings in the state of Maryland.
GRMC is the top-rated hospital in the state for reducing hospital-acquired conditions, and has had the lowest all-payer readmission rate in the state for the past five years. GRMC’s surgical site infection rate of 0.08% is far below the national average of 1.9%. “Our hospital has achieved an impressive record over the last few years,” said Charles Walch, MD, Chief of Surgery. “Our surgical site infection rate demonstrates our focus on safety and infection prevention, and it has greatly benefitted our patients.”
GRMC is also ranked in the top 50 hospitals in the United States for its low readmission rates for both COPD patients and for patients diagnosed with sepsis, and was awarded 5 stars by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid in 2020.
“The accolades won by GRMC over the last several years show that the dedication of the people who work here is paying off,” stated Peg Kaiser, MD. “As a physician in our community I am proud to be on staff at Garrett Regional Medical Center. The staff we have is second to none.”
In addition to being recognized as one of the Top 20 Rural Hospitals nationally, GRMC was also recognized for its Maternity Services in 2021 by Newsweek magazine, and is the recipient of back-to-back safety grades of A from the Leapfrog Group, an organization that grades hospitals across the country on issues impacting patient safety and quality care.
“I moved to Garrett County a few years ago to practice family medicine with obstetrics. The high quality of OB care provided at GRMC was the cherry on top. Our statistics really speak for themselves. For instance, we have not had a c-section infection among OB patients since 2016, which really speaks volumes to the quality of care provided by our OB staff- the doctors, nurses, and aids. It truly is a team effort!” said Marlana Bollinger, MD, a Family Practice Obstetrician with the facility.
The hospital has also been named a Best Nursing Home for its Subacute Unit by US News and World Report for seven years in a row. Not only is the care provided of the highest quality, it also amazingly consistent, noted Kendra Thayer, CNO & COO.
“The quality of care at GRMC is second to none,” Ms. Thayer said. “We focus on quality of care across all of our departments, clinics, and services. We were awarded 5 stars by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid last year; our staff’s attention to quality and consistency is one of the reasons why.”
Mr. Boucot agreed. “All of this success is attributable to our staff,” he concluded. “They make the difference because they really do treat patients like family.”
For more information about the hospital, visit www.grmc-wvumedicine.org.
Mar 30, 2021
Today’s weather will be sunny, with a high near 66 degrees. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Tonight we have a chance of showers after 2:00 am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 46. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
As I mentioned yesterday, early blooming plants such as daffodils are emerging with their vibrant colors. Here’s a (bit blurry) photo of another, smaller plant that has begun blooming on the mountain. I don’t know the name of these fellows but they are all around and a sign of what is to come!
Spring Wildflower
Jean and I went for a nice dinner at Ace’s Run Saturday evening. From our window seat we could see the “action” at Firewater, with lots of folks waiting in the neat outdoor waiting area. It was a constant flow of folks coming to the site and then being seated. From the crowds it looks like Brenda has another winner on her hands. Well done!
March Madness is taking place at Cashmere Clothing Co. in McHenry! Stop in and grab a deal! It is also the Military March, and the shop is a very proud supporter of all active and veteran military members! Show your ID for your special savings.
Maryland providers have administered a total of 2,564,507 COVID-19 vaccines and are averaging a new record-high 49,732 shots per day. According to the CDC, 37.9% of Maryland’s population age 18 and older has received a vaccine, including 73.9% of Marylanders 65 and older.
Join CCPL and A Likely Story Bookstore for New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray, in conversation with author Karen White. Stephanie’s new book, The Women of Chateau Lafayette, is an epic saga based on the true story of an extraordinary castle in the heart of France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy. This is a virtual event starting at 7:00 pm this evening.
With Spring upon us, the traditionally busy real estate sales season gets under way. While real estate is hot these days and inventory is down due to demand, here’s some interesting data-driven tips from Zillow that show features and verbiage that impact home sales and prices realized.
With April being Stress Awareness Month and America’s biggest stressors in 2021 being money problems and the COVID-19 pandemic, the personal-finance website WalletHub yesterday released its report on 2021’s Most & Least Stressed States, as well as accompanying videos. Maryland came out pretty well. To see Maryland’s and other states’ rankings check out the report. And, don’t get stressed over it…
Mar 29, 2021
Got a serious thunder storm in the wee hours Sunday morning after a really great Saturday. Sunday night we got a slight dusting of snow! Expect today to be partly sunny through mid morning, then becoming sunny, with a high near 48 degrees. Breezy, with a west wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tonight should be clear, with a low around 32. Calm wind.
Thinking of all of our readers and friends celebrating Passover this week… God bless…
Even after a somewhat harsh winter, plants of all types are starting to emerge. These daffodils in my yard were just a small “shoot” a few days ago and then they bloomed Saturday. The lake area is transforming for Spring.
Spring’s First Flowers
The latest Action Group created on the Garrett County Planning Tool found @ mygarrettcounty.com originated as a collaborative effort of medical providers in the community who have an interest in reducing childhood obesity. The group is just beginning to lay out the goals, strategies, and how they will measure their progress. Check out the brand new Healthy Weight Workgroup here: https://mygarrettcounty.com/groups/increase-adolescent-well-child-checks/healthy-weight-workgroup/
Monoclonal antibodies appear to be a viable early treatment for COVID after some administration to patients and evaluation of results. Maryland moved quickly to offer the antibodies, the same thing used to treat then-President Donald Trump’s infection in October. And the state has been working since to promote and expand access to the lab-made immune system builder — the lone therapy for those who are not hospitalized. The Baltimore Sun has an article on the topic.
Make a commitment to get more physical activity this month! For practical advice on how to get started check out the blog post titled, Haley’s Top Ten Tips at https://gogarrettcounty.com/haleys-top-ten-tips-3-prize-points/
A new report by Outdoorsy looking at the U.S. states that generate the most revenue from RV parks and campgrounds and ranked states according to annual sales at RV parks and campgrounds. On average, Maryland generates $54,997,000 from RV parks and campgrounds each year, or $90,969 per year for every 10,000 residents. RVing has certainly caught on during the pandemic and with all of our area’s natural beauty, the Deep Creek Lake region will likely be a prime destination.
And, speaking of Maryland, with participation from dozens of citizens across the Free State, Maryland Public Television has created an American Portrait TV special showing what makes you and your fellow citizens uniquely Maryland. Join the virtual premiere screening event to get a sneak peek of the PBS American Portrait – Maryland Special. It is tonight at 7pm.
Finally today, here’s a photo submitted by reader and regular contributor Dee Dave of a “local” exploring the area as Spring emerges. It is the simple natural, unplanned experiences like these that make our area so neat to live in and visit. Thanks for sharing Dee.
Exploring
Have a wonderful Monday and rest of the week dear readers…
Mar 27, 2021
Garrett College’s Women’s Basketball team have been hard at work since early this fall, with many practices in preparation for this shortened season. The Lady Laker’s record is currently 3-3. “We have been improving as a team each game, and everyone on the team plays an important role,” according to Head Coach J.T. Lewis.
The Lady Lakers tipped off the season on the road against Allegany College of MD (AMC) winning 59-28. Freshman Harmoni Swain lead the team with 14 points and 4 assists.
“She played well in her first game as a Laker, putting good pressure on the ball defensively and also pushing the ball offensively,” said Coach Lewis. “Kiara Cole (KC) looked like a sophomore doing a little bit of everything including putting up 9 points, and had 6assists, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
The Lady Lakers faced ACM in back to back contests and went on to improve their record to 2-0 with a score of 58-14. Once again Harmoni Swain pushed the tempo on offense, getting to the rim, and putting up 16pts along with 2 steals. KC added 8 points and had 14 rebounds. Jazmine Moxley performed well with 17 points and 8 rebounds.
“She did a great job of getting the ball down low and stepping out and shooting from the outside,” said Coach Lewis.
The Lady Lakers went on to play WV Potomac State where the Lady Lakers took their first loss of the season. Maya Harvey lead the night with 20 points.
“We were hitting our shots, but went cold in the second quarter. Potomac State did a good job of taking advantage of us being out of position with their good ball movement. We got a lot of things to figure out, but I think we have a solid group that will improve game by game,” quoted Coach Lewis.
Jayana Paris-Reynolds and Kylie Felton have also contributed this season. Jayana is averaging 9.5 points per game and Kylie 8.3 points per game. Kylie also lead the board with 24 points in Garrett’s fifth game of the season again ACM.
The team has worked hard to improve their game which was witnessed in their most recent game with Potomac State. The Garrett College Lady Lakers held a 23-21 lead with 1:30 left in the first half. The Lady Catamounts went on a 5-0 run to go into halftime with a 26-23 lead. Potomac State went on a 16-0 run to start the second half to come away with a 69-57 victory at CARC Arena Wednesday night, March 17, 2021.
Mar 27, 2021
By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
The Garrett County Health Department is in the process of sending out email invitations for vaccination appointments to Garrett County residents who have filled out an interest form and are currently qualified to receive the vaccine.
The email comes directly from the scheduling software, so it does not come from the Health Department. The email will be from Vaccination Clinics (no-reply@multistatep4p.com) and the subject will say COVID-19 Registration Invitation. Please open the email and click on the link to schedule your appointment. Links are not shareable because they are designed to only work once.
“Some of the invitations are for a clinic on April 1st,” said Bob Stephens. “This is not an April Fool’s joke. We really do have a clinic on April 1st. We are making our way through the interest forms we have already received. If you have not yet filled out a form, please go to our website and sign up today. We will contact you when we have an opening for you to register. If you filled out an interest form, and then are able to schedule an appointment for a vaccine somewhere else, please let us know via the link on the GCHD website.”
The Garrett County COVID-19 Vaccination Interest Form is available on garretthealth.org and is easy to fill out. For those unable to access the interest form, call 301-334-7698 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance. The form may be filled out by any Garrett County resident, regardless of their current qualification status.
NOTE: Completing the interest form does NOT create an appointment to be vaccinated. It may take several weeks, or longer, until participants are contacted to schedule an appointment because of limited vaccine supply.
Other vaccination sites in Garrett County include CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart pharmacies who receive shipments of vaccine directly.
Additional COVID-19 resources
- If you have COVID-19 like symptoms, schedule a testing appointment at the Health Department by calling 301-334-7697.
- Free COVID-19 testing is available (with or without symptoms) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park. Pre-registration is recommended. Visit garretthealth.org for more information.
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.
Mar 26, 2021
The weather today will be partly sunny with a high near 59 and a low around 43. Windy, with a west wind 23 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. A high wind warning is in effect until 5pm this evening. Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Saturday will be mostly sunny with showers likely after 2am. A high near 67 and a low around 51. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the morning. Sunday will be showers before 11am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of showers after 2pm. High near 62 and a low around 29. Sunday night will be a chance of rain showers, mixing with snow after 1am, then gradually ending.
Yes, snow.
The total snow accumulation for the year (so far) was….. drumroll, please….
Our friend Tina is holding a Swing into Spring Market tomorrow at her store Shabby Patina. She is really great at refinishing and repurposing items and it will be worth checking out!
For the fishermen and women, nearby West Virginia is holding a “Gold Rush“! Between March 23 and April 3, an estimated 50,000 golden rainbow trout will be distributed to 42 lakes and 20 streams throughout West Virginia. Those who real in a golden with a numbered tag are entered to win prizes. Here’s a list of the stocking locations!
The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club is seeking comments and support for Garrett County’s first pump track planned for the Club’s community park in McHenry, MD. A pump track is a looped sequence of rollers and banked turns for bicycle riders designed to be ridden completely by riders “pumping” – generating momentum by up and down body movements – instead of pedaling or pushing.
Here’s an interesting article about how to pump your bike according to physics. Did ya know?!
According to Club spokesperson Chris Nichols, “Pump tracks are accessible for bikers of all skill and age levels and provide a place to build skills and muscle memory that riders can take to more advanced trails. They become focal points for future recreational development and for community socialization.” Read more details here.
Save the Date: A fundraising bike rodeo is planned for June 26, 2021. Organizer Brooke McConnell told me there will be a planning meeting at the DCL Lions club park on Wednesday, April 7th at 6pm for anyone interested in getting involved with the rodeo.
Also, in nearby Cumberland, MD there is a petition to build a skatepark. You know I love biking so I’m all for giving our kids (and adults) options for activities to get outside!
Place your Alpine Lake Resort: Easter Dinner Takeout order by April 1.
We’re compiling Easter Activities at Deep Creek Lake! Please share and send us any community activities we don’t have listed! Have a great weekend!
Mar 26, 2021
The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club is seeking comments and support for Garrett County’s first pump track planned for the Club’s community park in McHenry, MD.
A pump track is a looped sequence of rollers and banked turns for bicycle riders. They are designed to be ridden completely by riders “pumping” – generating momentum by up and down body movements – instead of pedaling or pushing. According to Club spokesperson Chris Nichols, “Pump tracks are accessible for bikers of all skill and age levels and provide a place to build skills and muscle memory that riders can take to more advanced trails. They become focal points for future recreational development and for community socialization.”
The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club operates a no-fee 30 acre park at 1249 Bumble Bee Road, a little over a mile from the main commercial area of Deep Creek Lake and central to the rest of Garrett County. The Club has operated the County-owned park for over 40 years and in 2014 embarked on a multi-year program to revitalize the park. While about 10 acres of the park have been developed, the remaining are cleared and leveled. The Club also maintains 8 miles of multi-use trails on another 120 acres of county-owned property adjacent to the park.
A recent survey found that most youth in Garrett County have a bicycle but few ride regularly, due to the rural setting and mountainous terrain which makes road riding difficult and dangerous. “We have lots of local bike trails but none that are easy enough for children.” said project supporter and local parent Brooke McConnell, “I often see children riding their bikes in the parking lots at the State Park which is dangerous due to the high volume of traffic in the summer time. Or worse yet, I sometimes see families riding their bikes along Garrett Highway.” According to the Club, a pump track provides a safe space for riders of all levels and ages to build skills and confidence while engaging in healthy physical activity. “They are also a lot of fun, promote healthy activity and create a social space,” added Nichols, “The nature of pump track riding creates a community where riders hang out and socialize between runs.” The Club further sees significant economic development benefits in that it provides an additional “draw” for visitors that takes advantage of local resources in a sustainable way as well as providing a reason for current and prospective residents to stay in the area.
The Club proposes to utilize an area of around 200 by 200 feet for a professionally designed and built paved track with multiple “skill lines” and routes. The area will be defined by a rail-type fence and a delineated entry area with signage and covered area for seating and bike racks. Initial design estimates start at $50,000 for this project. A group of both residents and visitors have stood up a “Friends of the Pump Track” organization to hold fundraising and awareness events, including a Bike Rodeo planned for June 26. An online crowdfunding campaign has raised over 20% of its goal in less than a week, demonstrating significant grassroots support. As a 501(c)3, the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club is handling the financial administration (in a designated account) and overall project management. The Club and support organization have begun applications for grants and sponsorships to over 40 local and state agencies, foundations, corporate donors and local businesses. “Support at all levels will be necessary to create this lasting resource that will build community, encourage healthy activities, and generate economic development for the County,” said Nichols.
For more information on the project, including maps, a video site tour, link to the crowdfunding campaign and more, go to: http://www.deepcreeklions.org/New-park-projects-Pump-Track.html or contact Chris at DCLLIONS@gmail.com or 323 325-5466 for more information.
Planned projects: General layout of planned projects including the pump track at the Deep Creek Lake Lion’s Club McHenry Community Park
bike skate scooter: Youth on bicycles, skateboards and scooters enjoy a paved pump track in Latvia
largest pump track: Aerial picture of the largest pump track in the US in St. Charles County, MO.
Mar 25, 2021
The weather today will be increasing clouds and showers likely after 2pm. A high near 69 and a low around 50. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tonight will have a South wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Friday morning through midday, a cold front will move in and strong winds are possible late tonight and likely Friday. An enhanced threat for the spread of wildfires is possible Friday afternoon and early evening. The potential for gale-force winds is possible late Sunday into Sunday night.
There was a beautiful sunrise over the lake this morning — here’s one of the views from our Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales and Don Nemith Builders webcam:
The first aerial drone competition for middle and high school students in West Virginia will now take place on Saturday, May 15th, 2021 at the Tri-State Airport in Huntington, West Virginia. Learn more about this exciting challenge that was built around NASA’s newest MARS mission!
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is holding a fundraiser raffle. The next Early Bird drawing will be today at noon and the $10,000 grand prize winner will be selected on April 15 at 8 pm.
The Garrett County Health Department is in the process of sending out email invitations for vaccination appointments to Garrett County residents who have filled out an interest form and are currently qualified to receive the vaccine. The email comes directly from the scheduling software Vaccination Clinics (no-reply@multistatep4p.com). Please open the email and click on the link to schedule your appointment. Links are not shareable because they are designed to only work once.
Mar 25, 2021
ABOUT THE RAFFLE
The MPT Foundation invites you to enter drawings to win multiple prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize. This year’s raffle features a total of 55 prizes, some drawn as early bird prizes. Raffle tickets are $30 each and limited to only 2,750 tickets sold. In addition to the great prizes and odds of winning, those who purchase two or more tickets receive a one-year MPT membership, including access to MPT Passport, an on-demand library of quality public TV programming.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Stephanie at 410-581-4137 or sryan@mpt.org
EARLY BIRD DRAWINGS
March 18 at noon – 10 drawings for $50 Visa gift card
March 25 at noon – 10 drawings for $50 Visa gift cards
April 1 at noon – 10 drawings for $50 Visa gift cards
April 8 at noon – 10 drawings for $50 Visa gift cards
FINAL DRAWINGS ON APRIL 15 AT 8PM
Ticket sales close on April 15 at 4 pm
Mar 23, 2021
Yesterday started off sunny but it turned cloudy by late morning. Today we have a chance of rain, mainly before noon. Patchy fog before 11:00 am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 62 degrees. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced yesterday that the state would by the end of April double the amount of mass coronavirus vaccination clinics in the state by opening, or expanding existing, clinics in six of its most populous counties.
Locally, Garrett County has a 7-day case rate of 7.39 per 100,000; 1,889 confirmed positive tests to-date; 61 COVID-related deaths to-date; zero current COVID-related hospitalizations; 35,407 COVID-19 tests administered to-date; and 24.3% of the County population has been vaccinated to-date. Thanks go out to all involved at every level of testing, treatment and vaccination. We appreciate you!
Consulting firm 1:1 decided to look at the number of searches for the most common keywords used by consumers searching on Google for a golf course to play, comparing 2019 searches to 2020. Searches for Maryland courses were up a very respectable 80% year-over-year.
A shout-out to the Garrett College Lady Lakers basketball team. They have been hard at work since early this fall, with many practices in preparation for this shortened season. The Lady Laker’s record is currently 3-3. “We have been improving as a team each game, and everyone on the team plays an important role,” according to Head Coach J.T. Lewis.
Even as the snow season seems to be coming to an end this year, many will never forget the massive blizzard of 1996 that paralyzed the state for days on end with record snowfalls. Here’s a link if you want to check it out.
I heard from Kelly McDonagh at St Peters in Oakland about a virtual conference being put on by the Augustine Institute. The virtual bible conference is scheduled for Saturday, March 27th and is free on Zoom. Here’s the scoop on registration.
Mar 23, 2021
Well, the nice weather “party” looks to be over for the time being folks. We are expecting rain for all or part of most days this week and into the weekend. Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 57 degrees. Tonight we have a chance of light rain before 2:00 am, then a chance of rain after 2:00 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Southeast wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
After posting the photo of the tree and plaque on the GRMC campus in yesterday’s Notes, I heard from Anne Forrester, former Civic Club of Oakland president from 2000 – 2002. Anne reports that the Civic Club has a long history of planting trees in memory of deceased members. Two that come to mind for Anne are trees for Dottie Leighton and Anne Grant that were planted on the grounds of the Historical Society when she was president. Thanks for the info Anne…
Attention all Mission: Four’dable quad pack holders at Wisp! Now’s the time to use all those tickets up after a great winter. Be sure to utilize all of your Mission: Four’dable quad pack tickets before they expire on Wisp’s projected closing day of Sunday, March 28th.
As we have reported previously, real estate around the lake is VERY hot at present. Here’s a photo of a postcard I received from Railey Realty yesterday.
Hot Real Estate Market
Don’t forget to submit your nominations for a special mom to get what she really wants for Mother’s Day – a family photo session in a flower field. Winner will receive a shopping experience with Cashmere Clothing Co, a cupcake bouquet by Mountain Flour Bakery, flowers, and location of shoot by Three Sisters Farm. Nice idea!
Don’t forget to join the U.S. Census Bureau today at 4:00 pm this afternoon for their Thank You Campaign event, in which the Bureau will express their deep appreciation, share how to continue partnering with you between now and 2030, and introduce you to some of the options available to you for using the data that the Bureau gathers.
The Garrett County Health Department is sponsoring the distribution of Narcan at community sites around the county. Individuals can pick up Narcan and receive education on how to administer it. Today’s event starts at 6:00 pm in Accident.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources stocked three waterways in Garrett County yesterday. Get ’em while their hot…or I guess I should say cold:
- Muddy Creek: 1,000 golden and rainbow trout
- Savage River (Closure 2 until 5:30 a.m. 3/27/21): 2,500 golden and rainbow trout
- Youghiogheny River (Catch and Release): 2,000 rainbow trout
Mar 22, 2021
The weekend was great. Today’s weather will be sunny, with a high near 61 degrees. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 34.
During a visit to the doctor on the GRMC campus the other day, I parked next to a stone marker and tree that I had probably “seen” 10 times before but never noticed. One more example of the history (man-made and natural) all around us that we may not notice in our daily travels. Here’s a photo of the marker. Not sure of the date, though the tree looks “old.”
A piece of the past
If anyone has any history on the plaque and tree let us know at info@deepcreektimes.com and we will share with our readers.
As Sarah reported the other day, it appears that Rolling Pin Bakery is taking over the space at Annie’s Country Kitchen in Accident. Glad the space will be utilized and hopefully, jobs will be saved/created. I also heard that Annie’s has already closed due to the fact that they “ran out of food.” I guess a lot of folks, including me, wanted to have one last visit. Good luck to the Annie’s team and to Rolling Pin as well.
The Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake has been busy this winter working on several important items for the health of the lake. Along with the Policy and Review Board, they attempted to get Brookfield to lower the lake for a month to help kill off near-shore sub-aquatic vegetation (SAV). Brookfield responded that it could not do it this year due to power generation commitments but would try to accommodate in the future. Here’s the POA’s latest newsletter with lots of good information.
Governor Larry Hogan announced in a press conference on Thursday that Maryland will open up Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccination eligibility in waves based on risk factors, including age, essential occupations, and underlying health conditions.
The State Board of Education will host its monthly meeting today (starting at 10:00 am) and tomorrow in a hybrid format. The meetings will be conducted via livestream with some Board Members attending in-person. I wanted to share this since school openings are very much on everyone’s minds across the state and the nation. Today’s meeting will begin at 10:00 am, and the agenda and materials are available at:
http://marylandpublicschools.org/stateboard/Pages/meeting-agendas/2021/2021-03-22.aspx The Tuesday meeting will begin at 9:00 am, and the agenda and materials are available at: http://marylandpublicschools.org/stateboard/Pages/meeting-agendas/2021/2021-03-23.aspx
The State of Maryland and the Forever Maryland Foundation are proud to announce that 91 Keep Maryland Beautiful grants totaling $312,500 have been awarded toward environmental education, community cleanup, and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program. I must say that I was a bit disappointed to learn that none of these grants went to Garrett County organizations. Not sure why…
Finally, a “factoid” on Cicadas for you all: This is the year that Brood X makes its appearance from Georgia to New York after hiding underground since 2004. Cicadas can sometimes reach a density of 1.5 million adults per acre! Not sure if it will get bad around these parts, but thought the density statistic was interesting.
Have a great day dear readers…
Mar 21, 2021
Garrett County Following Maryland’s Lead in Vaccination Priorities
By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
Governor Larry Hogan announced in a press conference on Thursday that Maryland will open up Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccination eligibility in waves based on risk factors, including age, essential occupations, and underlying health conditions.
Garrett County is currently offering appointments to people using information collected from the Garrett County COVID-19 Vaccination Interest Form launched last week on garretthealth.org. A one-time use invitation is being emailed to interested persons in the priority order as listed on the website, which follows the pyramid released from the state. Persons without email addresses are being called.
The Governor’s announcement now makes additional persons eligible for vaccination on the specific date listed for each phase. However, vaccine availability continues to be lower than current demand, so eligibility does not mean appointments will immediately be available.
Phase 2A: Tuesday, March 23. Eligibility opens for residents age 60 and older. According to Maryland Department of Health data, nearly 90% of the state’s COVID-19 deaths are in the 60+ age range.
Phase 2B: Tuesday, March 30. Eligibility opens for residents age 16 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 illness. According to CDC data, nearly 90% of individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 have an underlying medical condition.
Phase 2C: Tuesday, April 13. Eligibility opens for residents age 55 and older, as well as essential worker in critical industries, including food services (i.e. restaurant workers), utilities, construction workers, transportation, financial services, IT, and other infrastructure.
Phase 3: Tuesday, April 27. Eligibility opens for all residents 16 and older.
Anyone living in Garrett County and wishing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine should visit garretthealth.org to fill out the Garrett County COVID-19 Vaccination Interest Form. The form may be filled out by any Garrett County resident, regardless of their current qualification status. For those unable to access the interest form, call 301-334-7698 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance.
NOTE: Completing the interest form does NOT create an appointment to be vaccinated. It may take several weeks, or longer, until participants are contacted to schedule an appointment because of limited vaccine supply.
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.
Mar 19, 2021
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