Capacity Limits Lifted On Outdoor And Indoor Dining, Retail Businesses, Religious Facilities, Personal Services Beginning Friday, March 12 Large Outdoor And Indoor Venues May Operate at Up To 50% Capacity Quarantine Requirements Lifted On Out-Of-State Travel Western Maryland Mass Vaccination Site To Open One Week Early, On March 25
With sustained vaccine progress and significant improvements in all of the state’s key data metrics, Governor Larry Hogan today announced new actions to further ease the COVID-19 mitigation measures currently in place.
“With the pace of vaccinations rapidly rising and our health metrics steadily improving, the lifting of these restrictions is a prudent, positive step in the right direction and an important part of our economic recovery,” said Governor Hogan. “These steps are made possible because of Marylanders wearing masks, washing their hands, keeping their distance, and following the public health advice, and because our businesses have carefully followed safe reopening practices and public health guidelines in order to help keep their employees and customers safe.”
The governor was joined today by Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kelly Schulz, as well as former CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, the state’s senior adviser for public health.
EFFECTIVE FRIDAY, MARCH 12 AT 5 PM:
CAPACITY LIMITS LIFTED, MASKING AND DISTANCING PROTOCOLS MAINTAINED. Capacity limits will be lifted on outdoor and indoor dining at restaurants and bars, retail businesses, religious facilities, fitness centers, casinos, personal services, and indoor recreational establishments. Bars and restaurants will be open for seated and distanced service only—patrons may not stand at a crowded bar. Masking, physical distancing, and other safety protocols will remain in place. Read the order.
LARGE OUTDOOR AND INDOOR VENUES MAY OPERATE AT 50% CAPACITY. Large outdoor and indoor venues may begin operating at 50% capacity. This includes theaters; concert, convention, and wedding venues; racing facilities, and outdoor entertainment and sporting venues. Masking, physical distancing, and other safety protocols will remain in place.
MEDICAL ADULT DAY CARE CENTERS TO REOPEN. Medical adult day care centers may reopen, with facilities able to set appropriate restrictions and safety measures. Read the order.
QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS LIFTED; TRAVEL ADVISORY REMAINS IN PLACE. Quarantine requirements and other restrictions on out-of-state travel will be lifted. A Maryland Department of Health (MDH) travel advisory will remain in place, and Marylanders continue to be encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 upon their return from out-of-state travel.
STATEWIDE MASKING ORDER REMAINS IN EFFECT. Maryland’s statewide masking order remains in full force and effect. This requires the wearing of masks or face coverings at any public indoor facility, including retail establishments, fitness centers, grocery stores, pharmacies, personal service establishments, in the public spaces of all public and private businesses across the state, and when using public transportation. Masks are still required in all outdoor public areas whenever it is not possible to maintain physical distancing.
TELEWORK. With contact tracing continuing to show some transmission among individuals who are working outside the home, particularly in office settings, the state continues to encourage employers to support telework whenever possible.
LICENSING AND PERMITTING. The governor’s order authorizing the suspension of license and permitting expirations will sunset on June 30, 2021. Timeframe suspensions made before this order will remain in effect until June 30, though agencies may terminate them earlier. Agencies are explicitly authorized to conduct virtual hearings and meetings. Read the order.
COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATES:
WESTERN MARYLAND MASS VACCINATION SITE. The governor announced that the Western Maryland mass vaccination site in Hagerstown will open one week early on Thursday, March 25. This will give the state at least one mass vaccination site in each region. The state is in active discussions with jurisdictions that have expressed an interest in hosting a mass vaccination site.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issued updated guidance today for nursing homes to safely expand visitation options during the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency (PHE).
This latest guidance comes as more than three million doses of vaccines have been administered within nursing homes, thanks in part to the CDC’s Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization for emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines.
According to the updated guidance, facilities should allow responsible indoor visitation at all times and for all residents, regardless of vaccination status of the resident, or visitor, unless certain scenarios arise that would limit visitation for:
Unvaccinated residents, if the COVID-19 county positivity rate is greater than 10 percent and less than 70 percent of residents in the facility are fully vaccinated;
Residents with confirmed COVID-19 infection, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, until they have met the criteria to discontinue transmission-based precautions; or
Residents in quarantine, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, until they have met criteria for release from quarantine.
The updated guidance also emphasizes that “compassionate care” visits should be allowed at all times, regardless of a resident’s vaccination status, the county’s COVID-19 positivity rate, or an outbreak. Compassionate care visits include visits for a resident whose health has sharply declined or is experiencing a significant change in circumstances.
CMS continues to recommend facilities, residents, and families adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 infection control, including maintaining physical distancing and conducting visits outdoors whenever possible. This continues to be the safest way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, particularly if either party has not been fully vaccinated.
“CMS recognizes the psychological, emotional and physical toll that prolonged isolation and separation from family have taken on nursing home residents, and their families,” said Dr. Lee Fleisher, MD, CMS Chief Medical Officer and Director of CMS’ Center for Clinical Standards and Quality. “That is why, now that millions of vaccines have been administered to nursing home residents and staff, and the number of COVID cases in nursing homes has dropped significantly, CMS is updating its visitation guidance to bring more families together safely. This is an important step that we are taking, as we continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining infection prevention practices, given the continued risk of transmission of COVID-19.”
High vaccination rates among nursing home residents, and the diligence of committed nursing home staff to adhere to infection control protocols, which are enforced by CMS, have helped significantly reduce COVID-19 positivity rates and the risk of transmission in nursing homes.
Although outbreaks increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission, as long as there is evidence that the outbreak is contained to a single unit or separate area of the facility, visitation can still occur.
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released a statement following an announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on new guidance for nursing home visitation.
The statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL:
“While we are still reviewing the guidance, the indication that nursing home residents can visit with their loved ones is welcome news that we fully support. It has been nearly one year to the day since visitors were restricted from nursing homes, and now thanks to the vaccines, we cannot wait to safely reopen our doors. Our dedicated staff members have done an extraordinary job filling in for loved ones and adapting visitations during this difficult time, but nothing can replace engaging with family members in-person. The health and wellbeing of our residents will improve thanks to this important guidance.
“It is critical that public health officials continue to prioritize vaccines for long term care residents and staff in order to help facilitate these reunifications. After the three rounds of on-site clinics, it is unclear how long term care facilities will be able to quickly access vaccines moving forward. We need the CDC to ensure the vaccine is readily available for new admissions as well as current residents who have since decided to get the vaccine, so they are able to visit with their families per the new CMS guidance. A steady, ongoing allocation of vaccines to long term care will also help ensure we continue to build upon the progress we have already made in reducing COVID in long term care.
“It is also critical we continue to educate staff, residents and family members, and the general public, about the importance of the vaccine, giving them the facts they need to make an informed decision. We launched the #GetVaccinated campaign in December to help in this effort, and providers are committed to increasing uptake among residents and staff.”
Yesterday was much warmer and clear. Today will be sunny, with a high near 63 degrees. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Tonight will be mostly mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. South wind 7 to 9 mph.
We are happy to announce our latest advertiser to Deep Creek Times: 3:23 Cleaning Services is your go-to maid service, and commercial cleaning service in and around Accident, MD and owned by Jesse Lapp. Their guiding philosophy is: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” Colossians 3:23. For inquiries for residential deep cleaning or tailored services for your business, please call 301-501-4229 or visit www.323cleaning.com/
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce invites all Chamber members to join us virtually today at 11:00 am for their March Marketing Roundtable: Garrett County Heritage Tourism Economic Impact Study. This is a virtual event, and is free to attend but limited to Chamber members. Register here. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Duck at sarah@garrettchamber.com or 301.616.1129.
Cashmere Clothing Company at The Fort in McHenry is participating in Military March and March Madness and giving discounts to military personel. Check it out here or call them for more details.
More than 100 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose, and millions are addicted to these prescription pain medications. The Garrett County Health Department is promoting the Remove the Risk campaign, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) education and outreach campaign to raise awareness about the serious risks of keeping unused prescriptions in the home and to provide information about safe disposal of these drugs. Here’s the scoop!
Well, I have been hearing a new word in the American lexicon of late: Vacci-cation! Individuals and couples, usually of a certain age, are taking celebratory vacations once they get their COVID vaccine. Many folks, seeking to spread their wings after the past year, are traveling to bucket-list destinations or anywhere to celebrate. Pent-up demand and a surplus of spending money have itchy travelers eager to check off their bucket lists and are starting to drive the travel industry.
If you are one of the lucky ones that have or will have your vaccination completed soon, here are some tips in a good CNN piece for those of us that are vaccinated. It is worth the watch/read.
The County Commissioners have announced their public agenda for their next meeting which will be held on March 16th at 4:00 pm. Here’s a link to the agenda on their site.
Health Department Encourages Safe Removal of Unused Opioids
By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
More than 100 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose, and millions are addicted to these prescription pain medications. One way to help keep your family and community safe is to start in your home and get rid of any unused or expired pain medication that may be hiding in cabinets, drawers, or anywhere else you store medicine. Remove these medicines as soon as possible to reduce the chance that your child may accidentally take medicine you do not need.
The Garrett County Health Department is promoting the Remove the Risk campaign, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) education and outreach campaign to raise awareness about the serious risks of keeping unused prescriptions in the home and to provide information about safe disposal of these drugs.
“If every household in Garrett County removed prescription pain medications once they’re no longer medically needed for their prescribed use, it would have a major impact on reducing the grip they have on our communities,” said Linda Costello, Prevention Specialist at the Health Department. “The easiest way to dispose of unneeded medication is at one of the three medication disposal boxes located around the county, or to pick up free Deterra disposal packets at the Health Department.”
Unused opioids—such as hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone—are dangerous to have in your home when they are no longer needed. Children or pets can accidentally take unused medications or visitors might search for them in your drawers and medicine cabinets. Remove the risk of your unused prescriptions and help address the devastating opioid crisis affecting so many American families. Proper disposal of unused prescriptions can save lives. Garrett County’s three drug disposal boxes are located at the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, Oakland City Hall, and the Maryland State Police Barracks in McHenry. Access to some boxes may be limited due to the pandemic.
“It is crucial for adults to understand the important role they play in removing and properly disposing of unused prescriptions from their homes,” said Costello. “Many people who misuse pain medication report getting them from a friend or family member.”
According to the 2019 Maryland Public Opinion Survey (MPOS), 82% of Garrett Countians think it is easy to get pain medication from a friend or family member in order to get high. On MPOS, 77% of respondents reported that pain medications are stored in a medicine or kitchen cabinet, in a drawer, or on a shelf. In these locations, 75% of them are never locked up.
Opioids are powerful, pain-reducing medicines that can help patients successfully manage pain when prescribed for the right condition and when used properly. When misused or abused, however, these drugs can cause serious harm, including addiction, overdose and death.
Because teens and adults are gaining access to these medications through medicine cabinets of parents, grandparents, other relatives, and friends, education is key to promoting proper storage, monitoring, and disposing of prescription drugs.
To get the message out, the health department will be using radio ads and social media messages on their websites and Facebook pages. Promotion of the campaign is made possible through funds from a grant from the Maryland Department of Health. For more information about the Remove the Risk campaign or any of their prevention programs, call the Health Education and Outreach at the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.
Yesterday was quite nice. Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 55 degrees. West wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 34.
Even with things warming up yestrday, the lake remains frozen in parts. Here’s a nice photo submitted by Eric Williams of the frozen/slushy lake taken the other day. Note: Frozen lake water can be misleading and is always dangerous, especially as things start warming up. Thanks for submitting the nice photo Eric.
Tracks in the Ice
As of yesterday, a total of 5,777 (19.9%) of Garrett County residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 3,337 (11.5%) have received their second dose. These numbers include residents who have been vaccinated at any location within Garrett County or elsewhere. The percent of Maryland residents who have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine is 16.9% and 9.3% for second doses. Definitely moving in the right direction…
State-wide, providers have now administered 1,584,753 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, and 93.6% of all first and second doses received from the federal government. Providers are virtually out of first doses while awaiting this week’s shipments from the federal government.
We heard from the DNR that 3,500 trout were stocked in Garrett County yesterday. Youghiogheny River (Delayed Harvest): 1,000 rainbow trout; Youghiogheny River (Friendsville): 1,000 brown, golden, and rainbow trout; Youghiogheny River (Oakland): 1,500 brown, golden, and rainbow trout. Specific trout stocking details and locations can be found on DNR’s trout stocking map.
In related news, I also heard that about 10,000 fresh water sharks (about 5′ long) were introduced into the lake yesterday. The goal is to make things interesting come summer. Actually, only kidding, just keeping you on your toes… No sharks.
If you have some strong Maryland Pride, or want to get some, while exploring some “best of” lists on the state, check out this site. Maryland is such a rich and diverse state and this site bring that out.
Just down the street: NOAA and partners working together on oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay are striving toward a challenging, but possible, goal. They plan to restore oyster reefs in 10 Chesapeake rivers by 2025. In 2020, the pandemic and protocols put in place to keep NOAA and partner scientists and experts safe as they worked threatened to delay progress. But despite some initial setbacks, the team conducted work when safe and possible. And that led to some big achievements!
And, speaking of NOAA, here’s some insight into resoration efforts and progress relative to habitat rejuvenation on the Great Lakes. Working together we CAN turn things around.
Garrett County Making Progress in Vaccinating Residents
By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
Vaccinations against COVID-19 are continuing in Garrett County and across the nation. Each week the Garrett County Health Department coordinates vaccine clinics that vaccinate about 600 people, with first and second doses.
A total of 5,777 (19.9%) of Garrett County residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 3,337 (11.5%) have received their second dose. These numbers include residents who have been vaccinated at any location within Garrett County or elsewhere. The percent of Maryland residents who have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine is 16.9% and 9.3% for second doses.
During most weeks the Health Department receives a total of 600 doses of Moderna vaccine, 300 first doses and 300 second doses. Last week they also received an initial shipment of 100 doses of the new Johnson and Johnson vaccine and a clinic is being planned to begin using this vaccine. The weekly allocation for Johnson and Johnson has not yet been specified, but an additional shipment is not expected until the last week of March.
“The recommendation has always been to get your vaccine as soon as you are eligible and appointments are available, regardless of which vaccine is being used at that time,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “It may not be possible to choose which kind of vaccine you will get, because availability of each kind will continue to vary and you will be playing a game of chance if you try to wait for a specific kind.”
Other Garrett County locations receiving vaccine from the State of Maryland include Walmart Pharmacy, Mountain Laurel Medical Center, and Garrett Regional Medical Center. Walgreens Pharmacies are participating in the Federal Pharmacy Program, and are receiving vaccine supply directly from the Federal Government.
As the number of vaccines distributed continues to go up, the COVID-19 cases diagnosed in Garrett County ontinues to remain low.
Today’s county information includes:
A 7-day case rate of 1.97 per 100,000 Garrett County residents, which is well below Maryland’s case rate of 12.6
A 7-day positivity rate of 1.8%, compared to Maryland’s rate of 3.36%
A total of 1,847 COVID-19 cases
A total of 60 deaths due to COVID-19 or its complications
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.
I hope you all had a great weekend. Weather was cool but clear. Today, we expect it to be sunny, with a high near 47 degrees, with a west wind 6 to 9 mph. Tonight, will be partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind around 8 mph.
As we emerge from the “deep freeze” I thought I would share this cool photo taken by Karen Dewitt the end of February at Swallow Falls State Park. Thanks for sharing Karen!
Frozen Falls
Don’t forget to check out this month’s Cover Story on Swanton resident Mark Clookie and his team working to prevent human trafficking. While human trafficing takes many forms and has many victims, I think the article and Mark’s work is especially noteworthy during Women’s History Month.
Maryland Public Television is creating an American Portrait TV special showing what makes you uniquely Maryland. They have already heard from hundreds of Marylanders, but they are still in search of some distinctive stories and differing perspectives. Now is the time to share your story and possibly be featured in the program. Grab your phone, record your story, and submit it by clicking this link.
Don’t forget the Deep Creek Lake Lion’s Club annual boat auction is tentatively set for June 12, 2021. This is a great fundraiser for our club and a great way to donate or purchase a boat. Here’s a link to the club’s Facebook site and some photos. Always a good time and for a great cause.
And, speaking of great causes, the Civic Club of Oakland is holding their first-ever “Anything & Everything Goes” Flea Market, Yard Sale and Makers Market on Saturday, May 1st from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Farmers Market Pavilion. They have indoor and outdoor vendor slots available. Click this link for a little more information.
Observation: We continue to experience significant and challenging delays in the receipt of mail for our businesses. I know others in the area and nationwide have been experiencing similar challenges, but it seems like it is getting worse and not better. We recently received a return-address Christmas Card that we mailed in December. Yikes! If you have any insight or ideas, let us know at info@deepcreektimes.com.
If you are an entrepreneur or know an entrepreneur, you should know that Sarah and I are offering two very cost-effective workshop series in the near future. Both are designed to help small businesses and non-profits succeed and grow post-pandemic and to practice proven success tools. One of these starts in March via Zoom through Allegany College and the other will be offered on the Garrett College campus starting in April. Reach out to us at info@deepcreektimes.com if you want some pre-release information.
Have a great Monday and rest of the week dear readers…
Civic Club to Sponsor a Bake Sale, Plant Sale, “Flea” Table & more. Beverages Available.
50/50 Raffle
*****************
First Annual Flea Mkt /Yard Sale/Makers Market
Sponsored by the Civic Club BENEFITING LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATONS!
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WELCOMING ANY
& ALL VENDORS:
“SELL YOUR STUFF”
(Crafters, Artists, Yard Sale Sellers, Avon, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One, etc.)
Advance Space
$25/table inside pavilion
$15 outside space (w/out table)
“DAY OF” SPACE
$30/table inside pavilion
(if available)
$20 outside space (w/out table)
Set up May 1 @ 8am ~ spaces self-chosen on a first come basis. Mail a check with advance registration by April 24 or payment due at setup for “day of” spaces. No refunds.
Each paw print you purchase supports Mocha’s Fund, which provides emergency medical care to homeless animals rescued by HART. The fund covers issues such as broken bones, infections, malnutrition and many other problems. Check out the list of businesses and buy your prints now through March 31!
Deep Creek Beverage
Deep Creek Fireplace & Outdoor Store
Dutch’s At Silver Tree Restaurant
MoonShadow
Mountain State Brewing Co.
Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales
Garrett College’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach Dennis Gibson, earned his 700th career win on February 24th, 2021 with a double-overtime 107-100 victory against arch-rival Allegany College of Maryland on the road at Bob Kirk Arena.
“To have 700 wins at this level of play and in our location just shows the commitment from players, assistant coaches, fellow coaches, and friends of the Lakers over all these years,” Gibson said. “I can’t name everyone here, [but] I hope they read this and know that without them this never happens. So 700 wins goes to a lot more people than me.”
For the past 36 years, Gibson has served as the head men’s basketball coach, golf coach, and athletic director for Garrett College.
“Reaching 700 wins is an incredible achievement all by itself,” said Garrett College President Richard Midcap. “What makes Dennis’ on-court successes even more impressive is the way he’s achieved them. He’s always had his players’ best interests at heart, with their academic success as the top priority. Dennis’ record is proof that you can win without sacrificing either academic integrity or the long-term interests of your players.”
In 1972-1974, he played men’s basketball for the Garrett Lakers under Dr. Dennis Fearnow. Although he did play basketball in high school, Gibson earned a spot on Garrett’s first team his freshman year and was a starter as a sophomore, helping the Lakers to a 17-9 record.
After graduating from Garrett College, Gibson attended Bridgewater College (Virginia) where he earned Second Team All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference honors. After college, he played a short time with the Baltimore Metros of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA).
Gibson began his coaching career at Garrett College in 1978, serving six years as an assistant, while working at his family’s business, and completing his undergraduate degree at West Virginia University.
In 1985, he accepted the head coach position and has been at the helm ever since, leading the Lakers to a 700-395 (.639) overall record, with three trips to the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament, two Region XX titles, and a Maryland JUCO Conference championship.
“I had a great group of players during my first season as head coach that my good friend, and former head coach Tom Bosley, helped me recruit,” Gibson said. “I could not have started without his guidance. Those were tough times for me in terms of learning and building a team despite my previous six years as an assistant.”
According to Gibson, his most memorable memories over the years are the players, family, and friends who have helped him along the way.
“There is no winning success without the countless individuals who doubled as assistant coaches, scorekeepers, van drivers, fundraisers, cookie makers, etc.,” said Gibson. “They should all be recognized as much as me, but the list is too long to give all the names. Paul Mullan, announcer and great friend of the Lakers has been there from day one. And, I always must mention Dave Martin, assistant coach, as he would and still is supporting all of us and making us laugh from above.”
The Lakers first Region XX championship under Gibson’s leadership came during the 1994-1995 season, as his team also captured the Maryland JUCO Tournament title. That same season, Garrett finished sixth at the NJCAA National Tournament.
“Our first trip to the NJCAA National Tournament in Danville with the ’94 team was exciting and interesting. We opened up against the top team in the country and I was proud of our group of guys for their effort despite the odds,” Gibson stated.
Garrett won its first Division I Region XX championship in 2002-2003 and returned to the NJCAA National Tournament during the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons.
In May 2015, Gibson, alongside his former head coach Dr. Fearnow, was inducted into the inaugural class of the Garrett College Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2016, Gibson was elected to the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Additionally, Gibson coached women’s basketball for seven years concurrently with the men’s team. The women’s teams made it to the championship of the MDJUCO tournament once.
“I have won and lost in both some of the most challenging situations,” noted Gibson. “Our women’s team made it to the MDJUCO championship tournament under the leadership of our own Marcia Knepp – that was a very exciting and memorable moment for me.”
Gibson continues to make a lasting impact on student athletes, having coached numerous students that made All-American, All-Region XX and All MDJUCO selection honors. He also coached Garrett College’s first ever Kodak All American athlete, Michelle Duling.
“700 is a very high number of wins, but it pales in comparison to the lives he has affected in a very positive way,” said Paul Mullan, the voice of the Garrett College Lakers. “He is loyal to his college, his program and his players. I’m proud to call him my friend.”
“I am just as proud of all of our former players and the All-Americans, just as I am the team contributors,” noted Gibson. “If anyone truly understands recruiting and providing academic success for our recruiting base, coming to rural Garrett College in a location such as Garrett County, they know the challenges presented to non-scholarship teams that we have to overcome as coaches.”
“I still hear from many of my former players and that is the very best part.”
Gibson and his wife Kerry reside in McHenry, Maryland. All three of their children, Jeseca, Kory, and Matthew, are Garrett College graduates.
Authorities are investigating numerous acts of vandalism at Broadford Lake Park. The incidents occurred around the dates of January 31, 2021 and February 14, 2021.
Oakland City Police were alerted that structures in the park were spray painted with obscene pictures, words, and identifying names like “Tay-Tay” and “DJ”. It is estimated the damages to the park total several thousand dollars.
The Oakland Mayor and Town Council have expressed outrage over the blatant disrespect and destruction. They continue to support the Oakland Police Department throughout the investigation, indicating acts like this will not be tolerated and expect those guilty to face adequate penalties.
Officers documented the graffiti, are searching the area for evidence, and are reviewing surveillance videos.
The Oakland Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance to provide information about the destruction. A reward is being offered for any information that could lead to an arrest. Please contact the Oakland Police Department at (301) 334-2100 or oaklandmdpolice@gmail.com with any information.
Groceries to Go! — otherwise known as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) — is a federal program that provides food to low-income seniors.
Through partnerships with local nonprofits like Garrett County Community Action, the program distributes boxes of nutritious USDA foods monthly to seniors in our community. Groceries to Go! is critical to ensuring that Maryland’s food-insecure seniors receive the food assistance they need to lead healthy lives. But it takes a village!
The USDA has increased the caseload for Garrett County seniors.
Starting in March & April we can serve 100 seniors with once per month deliveries of Groceries to Go. Bulk supplies of food are delivered to our Food Warehouse where we sort & pack boxes.
Volunteers are needed to help sort & pack boxes on the first & second Tuesday of each month from 10am – 12pm in Oakland.
Once boxes are assembled, additional volunteers are needed to assist with the delivery of boxes to seniors.
Pick-up of boxes will occur from 9am-10am the first and second Thursday of each month in Oakland and Grantsville. Each volunteer will be asked to deliver 6-10 boxes of food to seniors in their area. We anticipate deliveries will take 1-2 hours at most. Volunteers will use their own vehicles for deliveries and should be able to lift 35-40lbs per food box.
We need your support to make this program work in our community:
SORTING AND PACKING
1st & 2nd TUESDAYS of each month 10am-12pm (Oakland)
DELIVERIES
1st & 2nd THURSDAYS of each month 9am-10am (pick up in Oakland & Grantsville, plus 1-2 hours for delivery of 6-10 food boxes).
For more information or to sign-up contact Jeannie Tichnell @ dtichnell@garrettcac.org or call 301-334-9431, ext. 6603.
Nearly a year ago, on March 22, 2020, Garrett County Government closed County facilities and limited county operations to comply with Maryland Governor Hogan’s Executive Order in response to COVID-19.
Through the pandemic, Garrett County Government employees have continued to provide services by working remotely and utilizing staggered schedules of time in our facilities.
Effective Monday, March 8, 2021, all Garrett County Government buildings will reopen to the public. Note the following guidelines are in place:
-Face covering is required
-Social distancing must be maintained
-Appointments are strongly encouraged (walk-ins may not be permitted)
“Garrett County Government services have been available throughout last year’s COVID-19 challenges, but we are very happy to be able to now reopen our facilities for the public,” said Paul Edwards, Chair of the Board of Garrett County Commissioners. “Remember that wearing a face covering, keeping your social distance, and washing your hands frequently will keep us all as safe as possible.”
Also, in effect with the next Public Meeting on March 16, 2021, all Board of Garrett County Commissioners Public Meetings will be reopened to the public. Note the following guidelines are in place:
-Face covering is required
-Social distancing must be maintained
-Seating is limited to approximately 15 people in the meeting room, including the Commissioners, County staff and presenters (if in person)
-Seating will be first come-first served and limited to the first 15 in line
-No public attendees will be admitted into the County Office Building for the meeting until ten (10) minutes prior to the meeting starting time
-Anyone wishing to make comments during the public comment period must sign up when he or she enters the meeting room
-When called upon, the commenter must go to the podium to provide comments
-Comments are limited to three (3) minutes
-Any comments not made in person will be accepted via the email gccomments@garrettcounty.org and will be addressed at the next Public Meeting
-Persons wishing to make presentations may do so in person or via a streaming service (Zoom/Teams/Google)
-Each Public Meeting will continue to be live-streamed on Facebook at Facebook.com/GarrettCountyGovernment
Garrett County Government remains in daily contact with the local emergency operations organizations and will update local protocols as needed.
All citizens must also follow the safety measures that Maryland Governor Hogan has enacted, including wearing face coverings inside all retail establishments and in restaurants until seated at a table. Maintaining social distance, washing hands frequently, and using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available is also recommended.
COVID-19 information for Garrett County is available at garretthealth.org. Anyone with medical questions about the virus may call the Health Department COVID-19 Hotline at 301-334-7698.
The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 32 and a low around 20. Northwest wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Saturday and Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 33 and a low around 17 and a high near 34 and a low around 19, respectively.
Here’s the Jet Stream pattern for the weekend:
Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh will host a virtual consumer protection forum with U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen today March 5th at 12pm. Attorney General Frosh and Senator Van Hollen will discuss common COVID-19 related scams, answer questions from Marylanders, and provide details on ways consumers can identify and protect themselves from scams.
The group that gathered outside of St. Peter the Apostle Church last year to say the rosary is about to resume on March 19, 2021. Last year they said the Rosary each Friday afternoon at 3:00 pm and they will maintain that schedule this year.
Effective Monday, March 8, 2021, all Garrett County Government buildings will reopen to the public. Note the following guidelines are in place: *Face covering is required *Social distancing must be maintained *Appointments are strongly encouraged (walk-ins may not be permitted)
According to the Garrett County Health Department, there are 1,844 Confirmed Positive Test Results for Garrett County Residents and 60 COVID-19 Related Deaths for Garrett County Residents (as of March 4).
Save the Dates for upcoming Lions Club events!
-Boat Auction Saturday, June 12th
-Boat Parade Saturday, July 3rd
-Poker Cruise Sunday, Aug 15th
-Meshach Browning Pioneer Challenge Saturday, Aug 28th
The 17-year Brood X cicadas are coming in May and June. Millions of cicadas are likely to rise from the ground around mid- to late May and stick around for two to four weeks. During that time, they’ll breed and leave behind the next generation, which will surface en masse in 2038.
