Apr 27, 2024
The organizers of the Big Funky Blues Fest are thrilled to announce the festival’s return for a spectacular second annual celebration! There will be music, food, and whole lot of funky fun on July 13, 2024 at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. This one-day festival promises a full day of blues and folk performances from 8 leading bands, complemented by an expansive selection of local crafters, artisans, and a smorgasbord of delectable food options.
The festival kicks off at 10:00 AM and will feature a dynamic lineup of musicians on the main stage including Hambone Wilson, Billy Price Band, Tommy Lepson and the Bad Dawgs, Sonny Petrosky’s Don’t Tell Suzie, The Boneshakers, a special Music Cafe Tribute, Deanna Bogart, and the Paul Reed Smith’s Eightlock Band, which showcases a unique three drummer groove that promises to electrify attendees.
11:00 – 11:45
Hambone Wilson (Bruceton Mills,West Virginia), is a dynamic guitarist and soulful vocalist, best known for his twangy, pedal-to-the-metal licks.
12:00 – 01:00
2016 Blues Music Award (BMA) Winner and frequent BMA nominee Billy Price first attracted national attention during his three-year association with guitarist Roy Buchanan.
01:15 – 02:00
Singer Tommy Lepson, is nationally recognized as a Hammond organist, songwriter, guitarist and engineer. His gritty and flexible R & B voice is capable of conjuring images of James Brown one moment and Sam Cooke the next.
02:15 – 03:15
“Sonny Petrosky is a consummate performer, laying down solid bass grooves and strong vocals for some of the best of Mid-Atlantic musical groups”
03:30 – 04:30
The Boneshakers and members have toured and recorded with Bonnie Raitt, BB King, Seal, Keb Mo, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Mindi Abair, Bootsy Collins, Tears 4 Fears, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Iggy Pop…just to name a few. A stirring blend of Detroit soul with Muscle Shoals-style R&B on full display every show.
04:45 – 06:00
Truly the Pick O’ the Litter! What you have here is a collaboration of synergistic unity! Each year’s MC tribute will change, so stay tuned for the next Big Funky.
06:15 – 07:30
With 40 years as a road musician, award-winning bandleader, and multi instrumentalist, Deanna Bogart is adored by her fans for her adventurous, original, and diverse music career. She is recognized for her dazzling keyboards, soulful saxophone, smoky vocals, and cut-above songwriting.
07:45 – 09:00
“Paul Reed Smith Eightlock” is a band of high-level musicians who are friends and have “locked” together recording and performing a new kind of groove with its roots in Baltimore funk, and New Orleans swing. The excitement around this “3 drummer groove” is infectious.
In addition to musical entertainment, the event offers an array of activities for all ages. The Big Funky Kids Zone will provide a host of fun-filled activities such as a game truck, face painting, balloons, magic, crafts, and more. Adults can explore the craft village with live demonstrations in glass blowing, axe throwing, and blacksmithing.
Diverse food trucks will feature an array of incredible eats and desserts, alongside a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets for comfort, with designated areas for pop-up canopies.
Tickets are priced at $45 for early birds with children 12 and under FREE, making it a perfect family outing. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit Appalachian Crossroads, supporting community empowerment and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
Mark your calendars for this fun day of incredible bands, vendors, artisans and fun for the entire family!
For tickets and more information, visit Big Funky Blues Fest.
Apr 27, 2024
The Ruth Enlow Library has announced a new selection of “Classics Buttons” for the Spring, as well as new prizes readers can earn for collecting them. Patrons who read any of the 163 titles considered “classics” can earn its corresponding collectible button – a wide variety of titles for all ages and in all genres are available. The newest books added to this program include such titles as “The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood,” “The Godfather,” “The Wind in the Willows,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “Where the Sidewalk Ends.” New prizes are also available – those who collect 25 buttons are eligible for a “Silver Reader” pin and those who collect 50 will receive a “Gold Reader” pin commemorating their accomplishment.
“The Library is here to build a community of readers, and we’re so glad to see so many people rediscovering these books!” said Library Director Thomas Vose.
The Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County’s Classics Buttons program started in 2022 and has given away over 930 buttons to readers since that time. The full list of eligible titles can be found at https://www.relib.net/content/classics-buttons.
Apr 27, 2024
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold a special Executive Session on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. The Board will meet in closed session under its quasi-judicial function to consider an appeal. The meeting will be conducted virtually via Zoom and is not open to the public.
Part or all of the meeting may be closed pursuant to the General Provision §3-305 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Apr 26, 2024
Friday, April 26, Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, 2024: The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 60s and a low of 43. Southeast winds of around 10 to 15 mph. Saturday will be mostly cloudy, with a 50% chance of showers–highs in the lower 60s and a low of 53. Southeast winds of around 10 to 15 mph. Sunday will be sunny, with highs in the mid-70s and a low of 56. The chance of rain is 20%.
Have you heard? Polksa Polish Pottery is coming to Deep Creek!
Today at 4:00 PM, The Wealth Department and Crystal Brady, Esq. from Mountainside Legal are presenting an informative seminar on Medicaid Planning at First United Bank & Trust – Oakland Community Office. Essential insights for future planning, whether for oneself or a cared-for parent, will be provided.
THEY’RE BACK!! Lebanese Taverna is delivering to the DCL area! Place your order today for pick-up next Thursday!
Lodestone Golf Course opens this Saturday! Experience a modern trail-style course shaped by the mountaintop terrain and designed by 3-time U.S. Open Champion Hale Irwin.
Don’t miss the 4th Annual Anything Goes Flea Market by the Civic Club of Oakland this Saturday! Explore over 25 vendors at the Farm Fresh pavilion downtown, offering a variety of goods. Treat yourself to delicious home-baked treats and coffee while supporting local student scholarships at Garrett College.
This weekend is the Ramp Cook Off! Plan your savory or sweet ramp dish and bring it in to compete for bragging rights. Ramps available for pick up at the Discovery Center from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturday.
Prepare yourself for an exciting Team Bingo event at Mountain State Brewing this Sunday, kicking off at 1:00 PM!
Experience “An Afternoon at the Pops” with the Garrett Community Concert Band at Offutt Theatre, PAC, this Sunday at 3:00 PM. Enjoy classical and popular music, featuring works by John Williams, Leroy Anderson, and more.
The 3rd Annual Western Maryland LGBTQ+ Youth Prom takes place at City Place this Sunday, starting at 6:00 PM! Organized in collaboration with the Mountain Ridge High School GSA program, attendees can expect a night of celebration and joy.
Supercharge your weekend! Browse through our entertainment schedule and find out about the exciting activities happening at your local state park.
Apr 25, 2024
The weather today will be mostly cloudy in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. Patchy fog in the morning, with highs in the mid-50s. East winds of around 5 mph.
Next week’s fishing forecast: sunny skies, ideal for fishing trips with loved ones. Trout stocking continues, and various fish, like the northern snakehead, are active.
FREE Women’s+ casual group trail/MTB bike rides are here! All abilities are welcome! Thursdays, 5:15 PM meetup, 5:30 PM ride start, back by 7:15 PM. Come be part of the fun at Broadford Lake Park, where riders will enjoy scenic trails, meet fellow bikers, and brush up on skills while snapping pics of bikes and wildflowers.
It’s TEAM TRIVIA at Mountain State Brewing DCL every Thursday at 6:30 PM! Test your knowledge while enjoying cold brews and good company.
Apr 24, 2024
The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with scattered showers in the morning, then partly sunny, with isolated showers in the afternoon–highs in the mid 50s and a low of 38. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. The chance of rain is 50%.
Maryland Insurance Commissioner Kathleen A. Birrane has issued industry Bulletin 24-11: The Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems in Insurance, providing regulatory direction. The bulletin, based on a model unanimously adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, promotes responsible and ethical AI use in the insurance sector, emphasizing compliance with applicable laws and setting expectations for AI system development and deployment.
Garrett County Public Schools announces changes to Southern Garrett High School, reverting to a 7-12 grade model and undergoing renovations to accommodate all grade levels.
In a show of community support, Reflection House donates $250 to the “Life is a Masquerade” (LIAM) event, benefiting the Oakland Liberty Club and local substance use recovery efforts.
Maybe you’re intereste in the Investing in Rural America Conference on May 21-22 at Hotel Roanoke? Learn about addressing challenges in rural areas.
Discover the Wednesday Specials from our advertisers! Enjoy $2 off any Large Wedgie at Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakland for Wedgie Wednesday, and visit Check Cashmere Clothing’s Facebook page for their Want it Wednesday!
Learn about trauma and ‘trauma-informed’ approaches for working with youth in this session. Get practical tips for building supportive relationships that enhance security and well-being.
Apr 24, 2024
Originally published by EarthSky.
Peter Lowenstein caught the daytime moon in its waning gibbous phase from Mutare, Zimbabwe. He said: “Three-quarters of an hour after sunrise, I photographed the daytime moon descending toward the top of a flowering African Tulip (Spathodia campanulta) tree.” Thank you, Peter!
Watch for a daytime moon
This month’s full moon came on the night of April 23, 2024. By April 25, the moon is in a waning gibbous phase, rising later and later each successive night. For those at temperate latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, there’s an especially long time between moonrises on successive evenings around now. The April 25 moon will rise more than two hours after sunset. The April 26 moon will rise roughly to three hours after sunset.
And, of course, a later rising time means a later setting time. That’s why the mornings after a full moon are a good time to catch a nearly full daytime moon over your western horizon after sunrise. Watch for it!
The moon is up in the daytime half of the time. But, because it’s pale against the blue sky, it’s not as noticeable during the day as at night. Still, there are certain windows each month during which the daytime moon is most noticeable.
By April 26 and 27 mornings, moon near Antares
By the mornings of April 26 and 27, 2024 (or late evening of April 25 and 26), the moon will be near the bright star Antares in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. At that time, the moon will be rising a little before midnight at mid-northern latitudes. And it’ll still be up after the sun rises, but appearing thinner in phase and higher in the sky with each new dawn.
On the mornings of April 26 and 27, 2024, the waning gibbous moon will lie close to the bright star Antares in Scorpius the Scorpion. They’ll be visible from after midnight until dawn.
Because of Earth’s motion around the sun, Antares – like all the fixed stars (stars that appear not to move relative to one another) – will rise about four minutes earlier each evening. Meanwhile, because of its own motion around Earth, the moon will be rising later and later each evening thus moving away from Antares’ location in the sky.
Day by day, in the days ahead, the lighted portion of the waning gibbous moon will shrink. The half-lit last quarter moon will come late at 10:15 p.m. CDT April 30 (03:15 UTC on May 1), 2024.
Bottom line: You can easily spot the moon in the morning sky – after sunrise – for a few days after the full moon. Look west after the sun comes up!
Apr 24, 2024
Polska Polish Pottery of Deep Creek Lake, a unique Polish Pottery and Gift store, will open in Dry Dock Plaza on May 10th. Offering authentic, handcrafted Polish Pottery, gifts, and apparel direct from Poland, it aims to merge the cultural heritage of Poland with the natural beauty of Deep Creek Lake. The store, owned by the Blazejewski family originally from Lublin, Poland, boasts a rich selection of handmade, hand-painted pieces crafted in Boleslawiec, Poland, as well as Pysanki hand-painted collectible wooden eggs and distinctive gifts.
Apr 24, 2024
Pictured from left to right are Stevie Ervin, Rachel Vecchioni, and Faith (preferred first name only), and Jaimie Bell with the donation.
In the spirit of community support and solidarity, Reflection House is proud to announce a donation of $250 to the planning committee of the “Life is a Masquerade” (LIAM) event. The LIAM event is an initiative aimed at raising funds for the Oakland Liberty Club and supporting local substance use recovery efforts.
The check was presented by Jaimie Bell, President of the Board of Directors for Reflection House, to members of the LIAM planning committee. The funds will contribute to the organization of a dance event designed not only to raise crucial funds but also to provide an engaging social platform for individuals committed to recovery.
LIAM is an anticipated community event that symbolizes the transformative journey many face on the road to recovery. By hosting this event, the Oakland Liberty Club aims to raise awareness and funds to continue providing essential services and support to those in need.
“We are thrilled to support the Oakland Liberty Club through a contribution to their event,” said Bell. “The support from some members of the Liberty Club for the Reflection House’s Walk for Recovery event initiated a great relationship. I love how much doing the walk has helped these members realize their own strengths and abilities. And they are stepping up in the community and doing wonderful things like this ‘Life is a Masquerade’ dance.”
The dance is set to feature a variety of entertainment, with attendees encouraged to don masquerade attire, symbolizing the many faces of recovery and the unmasking of new beginnings. All proceeds from the event will go directly towards the Oakland Liberty Club’s ongoing efforts to provide resources and support for local individuals.
From the event flier: “Thank you for showing up for people who do not know how to show up for themselves yet. You are keeping beautiful people alive and continually giving chances for them to find our rooms.”
For more information about the “Life is a Masquerade” event or to learn how you can contribute or participate, please visit the event’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/760706172635992
Apr 24, 2024
Garrett College all-American Alex Vargo, center, recently signed with the University of North Florida’s NCAA Division I men’s basketball program. Also pictured are Garrett College President Dr. Richard Midcap, left, and GC head men’s basketball coach Matt McCullough, right.
Garrett College standout Alex Vargo has signed a letter of intent to play men’s basketball for NCAA Division I University of North Florida.
Vargo, recently named third-team NJCAA Division II all-American and first-team all-Region 20, was the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference’s leading scorer this past season. He averaged 26.7 points per game, finished fourth in the league in 3-point shooting percentage (42 percent), and shot 52 percent overall from the field.
“In Division I, wings with size who can score at all three levels are a premium,” GC head coach Matt McCullough said of the 6-foot-6 native of Wheeling, WV.
Vargo played the 2020-21 season at Youngstown State University, but has an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID exemption. He will have three years of eligibility remaining at UNF, which finished the 2023-24 season with a 16-16 overall record and a 9-7 mark in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Vargo said UNF head coach Matthew Driscoll – the winningest coach in UNF history – and his coaching staff played a critical role in his decision to sign with the Osprey.
“They were very genuine and personable,” said Vargo, adding he sees “a lot of opportunity” within the UNF program.
McCullough termed Vargo’s signing “huge for our program.”
“That’s what it’s all about – getting students into high-quality, four-year programs,” said McCullough. “A lot of young men dream about playing D-I. We can now show that it’s possible to go D-I from Garrett College if you do the right things on and off the court.”
Vargo finished his only season with Garrett College in brilliant fashion, topping 40 points three times in his final seven games. He scored a school-record 47 points in his final game as a Laker as a short-handed GC squad defeated the College of Southern Maryland, 113-95.
“Coach McCullough let me play my game,” said Vargo, who credited his GC experience with helping him get back to a Division I program.
McCullough said Vargo’s work ethic is an important key to his success.
“Alex would start the day at the CARC, lifting and swimming. He’d then be in the gym from 8-10 a.m., go to class, eat lunch, work out again, practice, and be exhausted,” McCullough said of Vargo’s daily routine.
Vargo, who will graduate from GC next month with a degree in General Studies, plans to be a Sport Management major at UNF.
