DriveEzMD.com has replaced the ezpassmd.com website with updated features;

Apr 30, 2021

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) today launched DriveEzMD, the new home for all things tolling in Maryland. Designed to “Keep Maryland Moving,” DriveEzMD makes it easier than ever to travel the state’s toll facilities with its new website, web chat, expanded customer call center, new toll payment choices, text notifications and more.

Now that DriveEzMD is live, all MDTA Customer Service Centers have reopened to the public with COVID-19 protocols still in effect. DriveEzMD.com is online to serve you and the toll-free 1-888-321-6824 service line is staffed with customer service representatives ready to welcome you to the next generation of tolling. Call center hours have been expanded to assist customers, and are now Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We can’t thank our customers enough for bearing with us during the down time needed to bring our next generation of tolling online,” MDTA Chairman and Maryland Transportation Secretary Gregory Slater said. “DriveEzMD is a customer-focused experience for all Maryland tolling customers, and as part of this initiative we’ve more than tripled our customer call-center representatives and expanded and enhanced our virtual services.”

As with any new technology, the MDTA does expect to encounter some technical issues during the early days of the system’s launch, and we appreciate customers’ patience during this major transition.

“Take a test drive of DriveEzMD.com, and let us know what you think,” said MDTA Executive Director James F. Ports, Jr. “We welcome our customers’ feedback as we bring these new features online and appreciate their patience with the inevitable bumps in the road.”

The ezpassmd.com website now redirects customers to DriveEzMD.com. Existing E-ZPass customers logging into DriveEzMD.com for the first time will be asked to authenticate their account. The authentication process is quick, easy and will ensure the account holder’s financial information stays secure. To authenticate, users should have their transponder or account number ready as well as their four-digit account PIN. If the PIN is forgotten, initiating the PIN reset process will send an email to the email address associated with the account. As a reminder, customers do not require new E-ZPass® transponders to use the new system and can continue to use their current devices until the battery is depleted.

At DriveEzMD.com, learn even more about all the ways to use Maryland toll facilities, including:

E-ZPass remains the most cost-effective way to travel toll roads in Maryland, saving drivers up to 77% versus the higher rates and additional paperwork that come with Video Tolls. Now that all-electronic (cashless) tolling is permanent statewide, there has never been a better time to join E-ZPass Maryland. Enroll in E-ZPass today at DriveEzMD.com and join the nearly 1.4 million drivers who pay the lowest tolls in the state.

With the launch of DriveEzMD, customers can sign up for a new, hassle-free way to pay Maryland tolls called Pay-By-Plate at DriveEzMD.com. With Pay-By-Plate, tolls are automatically billed to the driver’s registered credit card as they use Maryland tolling facilities, with no need for a transponder or pre-paid toll deposit.

Also available now is a Discount for Early Payment of Video Tolls. Customers who pay their Video Tolls before their invoices (Notice of Toll Due) are mailed are eligible for a 15% discount (maximum $5 total). Since MDTA won’t have to send out a bill, the agency can pass these savings on to our customers.*

Customers will soon be able to access even more features made possible by DriveEzMD, such as additional vehicle classes with lower toll rates as approved by the MDTA Board during the toll modernization in 2019, a fully-functional and responsive mobile application and expanded text message alerts. Stay tuned!

DriveEzMD. We’ll Keep You Moving!

*NOTE: Between March and October 2020, to help provide some financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, the MDTA paused mailing Notices of Toll Due for drivers who used our toll facilities without E-ZPass. Please regularly check to see which of these transactions for your vehicle have been processed in the system and are available for payment.

Progressive Maryland is Hosting a Virtual Launch Event for The New Era PAC

Apr 30, 2021

Maryland advocates are gathering virtually for the launch of this new Political Action Committee.

Progressive Maryland is excited to announce the launch of the New Era PAC, part of the New Era Project, with a virtual launch event on Saturday, May 1st. The goal of the New Era PAC is to empower progressive leaders across the state and build a progressive slate to transform Maryland politics. The New Era Project and PAC will train and fund the campaigns of bold, revolutionary candidates and campaign leaders who are dedicated to a multitude of progressive issues such as police accountability, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and healthcare for all. The style of “play-it-safe” politics that has been the status quo for Democrats in Maryland and across the country is obsolete for the new age we are entering so we are on a mission to elect progressive leadership for this new era. 

The Virtual Launch Event is open to the public and can be accessed by donating to the ActBlue link for the details to tune in to the event. We invite everyone to join us, along with 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial nominee Ben Jealous, progressive champions State Senator Jill P. Carter and Del. Gabriel Acevero, and hundreds of progressive activists from across the state, as we launch this bold, new project that will work to change the political status quo. During the event, we’ll hear from progressive leaders and discuss the need for a new generation to rise up and fight for the policies that put working people at the center of our economy and correct centuries of racial injustice and exploitation.

WHAT: Virtual Launch Event for the Progressive Maryland New Era PAC

WHEN: Saturday, May 1st, 2021 from 11am-12:30pm EST

WHERE: Virtually via Zoom. Details to tune in to the event can be requested by emailing Christianne Marguerite, Digital & Communications Manager at Progressive Maryland, at christianne@progressivemaryland.org. Registration for the public is required by donation at the following link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/newerapacmay1st. 

WHO: Progressive Maryland and the New Era Project Committee, including: State Senator Jill P. Carter, Delegate Gabriel Acevero, Ben Jealous, and Franca Muller Paz.

ABOUT: This event is virtual and will also be live-streamed on the New Era PAC and Progressive Maryland Facebook pages.

This message has been authorized and paid for by Progressive Maryland New Era PAC, Larry Stafford Treasurer. This message has not been authorized or approved by any candidate or ballot issue committee.

Progressive Maryland is a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization promoting racial, social, economic, health and environmental justice. With over 120,000 individual members, supporters, and organizational affiliates statewide, we are leading the fight for progressive change in Maryland through grassroots organizing, public education, and legislative advocacy.

Virtual mock interviews prepare GC students as natural resources professionals

Apr 28, 2021

Garrett College’s natural resources and wildlife technology associate of applied science degree program receives positive attention across the state of Maryland in preparing future students for entering the workforce as natural resources professionals.

This unique program, led by Kevin Dodge, GC’s director of natural resources and wildlife technology, is designed to represent a wide range of natural resources fields and seeks to attract students interested in careers such as parks and recreation, water quality monitoring, wildlife habitat management, fisheries management, wetlands management, forestry, environmental and ecological restoration, environmental consulting, soil and water conservation, and nature education and interpretation.

Fifteen upcoming graduates are on track to complete the mandated seminar II capstone course, NRW289, this spring semester.  The course curriculum aims to introduce students to effective job search strategies and prepare them for employment promptly after graduation, if not sooner.

Course content emphasizes identifying an ideal position, conducting a successful job search including preparing an effective resume and cover letter, interviewing, and using multiple resources to locate potential internship/job opportunities in natural resources and wildlife technology areas.

During a recent class session, students experienced valuable mock interview scenarios with professionals in the natural resources industry. Eight regional experts, representing the private, public and nonprofit sector careers, provided virtual mock interview sessions to all fifteen students.

“Sometimes the students need some help understanding how their life experiences like hunting or fishing or working on the family farm can add to their application for a professional position at The Nature Conservancy,” remarked Donnelle Keech, Resilient Forests Program Director at the Nature Conservancy.  “It’s very gratifying to show them how to highlight all their diverse skills and experiences in a job interview.”

To safely accommodate this long-established NRW 289 rite of passage, the mock interviews took place in the virtual environment using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meets.

“Although the details for were a bit tricky to orchestrate, the virtual format provided students with a realistic experience considering the current operational status of many organizations,” noted Ashley Ruby, GC’s director of the Advising and Academic Success Center and Seminar II instructor.

Following the individual virtual mock interview sessions, interviewers joined in one final virtual group session to provide final feedback and impart granules of wisdom to the rising graduates. (see accompanying photo)

Students must prepare for the mock interviews as they would a real-world job interview: appropriate interview attire, eloquently verbalizing academic and professional accomplishments, and discussing technical skills and proficiencies.

“This was an invaluable experience and I am extremely grateful to Ashley, Kevin and the interviewers,” said Tess Nichols, GC student who will be graduating this May.  “I was interviewed by people I admire and walked away enriched with knowledge.  I gained confidence, excitement, and insight.  I am very appreciative of this opportunity and the program itself for preparing my classmates and I for our next steps after college.”

The mock interview activity is only one of a variety of employability skills Seminar II students experience in the spring semester immediately before graduation.

“It is incredibly humbling to see industry professionals who are willing to lend time and expertise to our graduating students,” added Dodge.  “Students are always thrilled with the experience and much more prepared and confident going in to future interviews.”

“This class is intentionally designed to teach students how to search for, apply to, and successfully secure a career in the natural resources and wildlife technology employment sector,” Ruby explained.  “NRWT graduates leave Garrett College with a polished resume, interview confidence, and – very often – a job in their desired field!”

GC’s NRWT program includes practical, field-based instruction and hands-on classes (most with an outdoor component).  Students manage wildlife habitats, sample fish populations, survey timber, map plant and animal communities, monitor rare plant and animal species, restore eroded stream banks and degraded wetlands, and help children learn about nature.

As part of the program, students also enjoy small class sizes and personalized attention, advanced technology including Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems, employment and volunteer opportunities, class trips to the Chesapeake Bay and other regional environments, and spring break trips to southeast Arizona.

Lakers use sweep to reach 25-win plateau

Apr 28, 2021

Garrett takes 2 from Westmoreland; moves season-high 7 games over .500

Garrett College’s baseball team swept visiting Westmoreland County (PA) Community College, 9-2 and 7-1, on Monday afternoon as the Lakers reached the 25-win plateau.

“Twenty-five wins is nice – in most years that means you’re winning more than losing,” observed GC head coach Eric Hallenbeck.  “But we really don’t talk about that much.  We are more focused on our region and putting ourselves in a good position come playoff time

GC (25-18) exploited a two-out error to score 7 unearned, second-inning runs and build an 8-0 lead in the opener.  Peyton Carr and Tanner George (3-for-4, run, 2 RBI) each had RBI doubles and Colby Johnson slammed a 2-run homer during the second-inning uprising, which was greatly aided by 4 Westmoreland errors.

That was more than enough offensive support for winning pitcher Skylar Kanacsky, who spaced 6 hits and 3 walks while striking out 9 over 5 innings.  Coby Howatineck gave up 1 hit while blanking the Wolfpack over the final 2 frames.

“In Game 1, we took advantage of some miscues by Westmoreland,” noted Hallenbeck.  “”In Game 2, I was very pleased with how we executed offensively.  We were unselfish and gave ourselves up to move guys over.”

The Lakers’ 2-run third inning was a perfect example as Justin Fluhart executed a sacrifice bunt that moved runners to second and third, setting the stage for Brennan White (3 RBI) to deliver a 2-run single that snapped a 1-1 tie.  The Lakers broke the game open with a 4-run fourth.

White had a run-scoring sacrifice fly, Kyle Armistead added an RBI single, and Fluhart walked with the bases loaded as part of the 4-run fourth.

Baron Swiger (2 runs) was the only Laker with 2 hits in Game 2.

Bradie Moore, who didn’t allow a hit after the fourth inning, threw a 6-hit complete game with 6 strikeouts and just 1 walk to earn the win.

“Bradie was outstanding,” said Hallenbeck.  “He got ahead of hitters all day and we played good defense behind him.  Tim Hanible made some outstanding plays at second base to help Moore throw the complete game.”

The Lakers host Monroe College Wednesday, Scotland Prep Friday, and CCBC-Dundalk Saturday in doubleheaders before hosting Frederick Community College Sunday in a 1 p.m. single game.

Garrett 4, CCBC-Catonsville 3

Joey Perfette hit a 2-run homer and Colby Johnson (2-for-3) had a 2-run single during a 4-run fourth inning Saturday as the Lakers defeated conference-contending Catonsville in the first game of a Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference doubleheader.

Michael Joyce (5-3) yielded 3 runs on 7 hits in 5 2/3 innings to notch the pitching victory.  Dylan McCartney earned his 4^th save with 3 strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings.

Catonsville was 17-9 overall and 14-3 in Maryland JuCo after splitting Saturday’s doubleheader.

CCBC-Catonsville 15, Garrett 6

Dwayne Thomas homered, doubled and drove in 4 runs as the Cardinals salvaged a split of Saturday’s doubleheader.

Orlando Perez, Jr. (home run, double, run, 3 RBI), Wyatt Moore (2 runs, RBI), and Tyler Shadle (run, RBI) also had 2 hits each for Catonsville.

Jason Skeen (5-1) yielded 8 hits and 4 walks, but only 3 earned runs, over 6 1/3 innings to earn the win for Catonsville.

Quintin Smith (homer, run, 2 RBI), Peyton Carr (double) and Nathaniel Darwin each had 2 hits for Garrett.

Losing pitcher Kelan Hoover (2-2) allowed 6 earned runs on 6 hits and 4 walks while pitching 4 1/3 innings.  The Laker defense committed 4 errors, leading to 7 unearned runs.

The most up-to-date information on Garrett College’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), can be found online at https://www.garrettcollege.edu/corona-virus.php. 

Consumer Alert – Beware Fake Publisher’s Clearinghouse Award Letters

Apr 27, 2021

The Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has been notified about a fraudulent “Publisher’s Clearing House” (PCH) letter that claims the recipient has won an award of a million dollars, or more, from a random drawing of a serial number called the 2021 Mega Prize Payout.  The letter claims that the recipient has been approved for a lump sum payment.

At the top of the scam letter, “Payment of Winnings and Final Notice” is typed in bold, uppercase letters, and just under this is a Reference Number.  The letter advises the recipient to contact a “claims agent,” and to keep the award confidential until payment has been made to the recipient’s account.  At the bottom of the letter is a photocopied signature and picture of PHC’s Executive Vice President Deborah Holland.

This letter contains several red flags that it is a scam:

• It asks the recipient to act quickly and confidentially to obtain a prize.
• It contains awkward phrases and grammatical errors
• The signature and photo at the bottom of the letter are poorly reproduced photocopies.

Always be wary of unsolicited “award” letters, emails, text messages, or other forms of communication, especially if you didn’t enter any contests, sweepstakes, or lotteries.

If you receive this letter, report it to our Consumer Protection Division at consumer@oag.state.md.us.  Do not call any phone numbers listed on the letter.

If you suspect you have been a victim of this scam, call or email our Identity Theft Unit at 410-576- 6491 or idtheft@oag.state.md.us to learn how to protect your identity and financial information.

https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2021/042621CA.pdf

The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation’s Invasive Species Prevention Campaign

Apr 27, 2021

By Deep Creek Watershed Foundation

First, thank you to all who have supported the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation (DCWF) because you have enabled our work to continue as evidenced by the variety of projects that are current.  Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, we had many donors who stepped forward last year and helped us purchase Five Water Quality Meters (WQM) for use in Deep Creek Lake (DCL) by Department of Natural Resources personnel.  I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the POA Board and members for their donation which contributed to our success.

While the WQM campaign is still underway, the Foundation also continues to support the Zebra Mussel Detection Project for DCL, the project to neutralize Acid Mine Drainage in Cherry Creek, and provides ongoing Virtual Training Initiatives concerning watershed topics such as Storm Water Management.  A companion project to this last item is the “no cost” distribution of Rain Barrels for use by watershed homeowners.  We also collaborated with the US Geologic Survey and had two gages installed in DCL which measure water levels as well as lake water temperature, the data from which is publicly available.

In an effort to further educate boaters to the risks involved in launching “dirty boats” into the DCL, we have initiated our Invasive Species Prevention Campaign designed to reduce the number of boats entering DCL that are carrying invasive creatures or plants from other bodies of water to ZERO!

Our campaign will be nothing short of a full “Saturation Effort” as we reach out to all users of DCL for boating or use of Personal Watercraft that could be carrying unwanted and potentially destructive invasive species.  Our target audience will be renters, property owners, guests of property owners, fishermen, or anyone who may have used their watercraft in other waters in Maryland or in neighboring states.  As always, we can use your help to carry out our important work for the lake and watershed.  Please visit our website at www.deepcreekwatershedfoundation.org  for more information as to how you can help.  Thank you very much!

Crellin Participates in Remove the Risk Campaign

Apr 26, 2021

The Crellin Community learns about medication safety and kids enjoy egg hunt. During March, the Crellin Community took part in the Garrett County Health Department’s Remove the Risk Campaign, which focuses on education about the dangers of accidental poisoning or overdose of children from improperly stored or monitored medications. Crellin Elementary School continued the theme, with school nurse Megan Corby conducting a medication safety lesson for all students. Families signed pledges to “Remove the Risk” in their homes by agreeing to secure and monitor prescription drugs, and properly disposing of medication when no longer needed. The pledges were used as a prize drawing for a tandem, inflatable kayak.

Pictured is winner Ryann Gank, with her daughters RayLynn, Regina, and Elleanor, receiving the prize from Crellin Outreach Partnerships volunteer Shannon Baker. Students at the elementary school were also treated to an Easter egg hunt provided by the Crellin Outreach Partnerships and school staff. Pictured above right is Dani Hughes holding her bag of goodies.

For more information about Community Planning Groups or Remove the Risk, call 301-334-7732.

FEMA Mobile Vaccination Unit Coming to Southern Garrett County

Apr 23, 2021

By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team

Garrett County will be hosting a GoVAX mobile vaccination unit on the Southern end of Garrett County for the next two weeks.

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), are partnering with Garrett County Health Department and Garrett County Emergency Management to make this mobile unit available for vaccinations.

The unit will be stationed at the GCC Technologies building in the Southern Garrett Business & Technology Park off of Route 135 across from 84 Lumber. Clinics will be operating from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday, April 26 through May 1, and again May 4-8.

Registering for appointments is recommended and links for scheduling time slots for next week are posted on garretthealth.org. Walk-ins may be accepted if vaccine supply allows. Links for the second week will be posted sometime next week. For assistance in making an appointment for the mobile clinic call the Health Department at 301-334-7698.

The mobile unit is funded and operated by FEMA and is staffed by trained vaccinators and clinical staff from county, state and federal agencies.

“Throughout this entire vaccine mission, we’ve been fighting two enemies: a virus and the inequities it has caused.” said Janice Barlow, Acting FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator. “These mobile units will ensure that we reach the underserved in their neighborhoods, where they live, and bring us one step closer to winning the war against COVID-19.”

The 32-foot trailers are essentially rolling clinics with cold storage for vaccine doses, storage for administrative materials, staff office space and generators. The units have pop-out awnings and dividers to use for patient spaces. Vaccine will be administered on one side of the trailer and move to the opposite side for observation.