Oakland Celebrates a Great Small Town Christmas

Oakland Celebrates a Great Small Town Christmas at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Join the Town of Oakland for A Great Small Town Christmas, on December 8th, 9th, and 16th, 2023. There are many free and family-friendly activities in downtown Oakland to celebrate the holidays.

A Great Small Town Christmas will kick off with a Light Up Night on Friday, December 8th at the Oakland B&O Museum. The event will start with a Walking Holiday Light Parade, led by Santa Claus starting at the Town Parking Lot at 5:30 PM. All are invited to participate in the walking parade as we make our way to the B&O Museum for the official tree lighting. Bring your own entry, just make it festive! Something new this year is the addition of Santa Paws! Dress up your furry friend in holiday-themed apparel and join us in the parade! Come out and join us for free cookies and cocoa from the Order of the Eastern Star and a special treat from Santa himself! There will be free sleigh rides available for guests.

On Saturday, December 9th the fun continues with Soup N’ Santa from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM! There will be multiple nonprofits handing out free soup (donations are appreciated), the chance to visit with Santa, kids activities, live music, sleigh rides, local shopping and store specials, and more. Your furry friend is invited again for visits with Santa as well.

In conjunction with Oakland’s Great Small Town Christmas Event, the House of Hope, Bucks for Hope Drive will take place on Saturday, December 9th from 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN. To contribute to this worthy cause, bring your cash donations to Second Street in downtown Oakland. The House of Hope prefers cash donations; however, will accept non-perishable food items as well. Started in 1978, by Chuck Nolan, the food drive has raised over $65,000 in donations and over 80 pickup loads of food.

On Saturday, December 16th, join select downtown businesses for a Cocoa Crawl from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Sample delicious treats while you complete your holiday shopping.

And while you’re shopping, don’t forget to look for the elf! The Lucky Elf promotion in downtown Oakland continues through Monday, December 19th. For every $25 spent in participating Oakland stores you visit, you receive a chance to win a variety of local gifts.

For a complete list of details regarding Christmas activities visit the Town of Oakland, MD Facebook page or website at www.oaklandmd.com.

Town of Oakland Sponsors Letters to Santa

Town of Oakland Sponsors Letters to Santa at Deep Creek Lake, MD

On December 1st, the elves will be delivering a special mailbox to the Town of Oakland! Children of all ages can mail their letters to Santa using this special mailbox located at the Gazebo at the corner of Second and Liberty Streets. All letters mailed by December 15th will receive a personalized response and some of the elves’ favorite letters will be sent to WKHJ to be read on air on the morning show’s Christmas Party on December 22nd. There is no postage necessary to mail the letters to Santa. Be sure to include your child’s name and return address to ensure a response. For additional information, please contact Nicole McCullough at 301-334-2691.

Back in Action with Play Hard Live Clean

Back in Action with Play Hard Live Clean at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Play Hard, Live Clean (PHLC), a campaign that promotes healthy living for Garrett County public school students and their families, is back in action for its seventh year. The purpose of PHLC is to encourage youth to make good choices by recognizing and rewarding them for certain positive lifestyle accomplishments from kindergarten through graduation.

“The underlying premise of the program is that if a young person reaches the age of 21 without ever smoking, or abusing alcohol or drugs, they are virtually certain never to do so,” said Kendra McLaughlin, member of the PHLC team and Director of Health Education and Outreach, and Dental Services at the Garrett County Health Department.

“Last year 2,014 Garrett County students participated in the campaign in some way, representing 58% of the student body,” reported McLaughlin. “The campaign requires a lot of work and enthusiasm from our staff and school staff to bring it to life. But instilling the value of good choices that will help students stay healthy longer is always worth the effort.”

During the 2022-2023 school year, students in elementary and middle school completed month long challenges related to physical activity, choosing healthy drinks, and mindfulness. Students in high school completed monthly online challenges that included messages about living clean and being substance free. And for the first time, four high school students were hired as “Influencers” to assist the team from the Health Education and Outreach unit of the health department in spreading awareness about PHLC and representing the program in their schools and communities.

For the 2023-2024 school year, the Influencers are back in action and have been doing presentations at after school programs, promoting the program at football and volleyball games, and recording videos to be posted on social media to spread prevention messages. This year’s Influencers are Shelby Mark and Sarah Hamilton-Rumer from Northern High School and Allie Newman and Isabelle Hall from Southern High School.

Coming up in January, all elementary school students will be challenged to go at least ten days without drinking sugar-sweetened drinks or caffeine drinks. Middle school students will be challenged to go at least ten days without any caffeine.

“I like to encourage youth to stick to water or milk as their main drinks,” explained health department dietitian, Amy Ritchie. “The drinks that are popular with kids are generally full of caffeine or sugar which are nothing but empty calories that rob them of valuable nutrients. Those drinks can also stain their teeth, lead to cavities, and drain your wallet!”

Every Garrett County school was invited to apply for a mini grant from the health department to support a Play Hard, Live Clean physical activity challenge of their choosing. Yough Glades Elementary, Southern Middle, Northern High, Broad Ford Elementary, and Accident Elementary all applied and will be awarded between $425 and $750 to support their wellness activities and physical activity challenge.

Finally, the Play Hard, Live Clean team at the health department has created a campaign mascot, Ollie the Otter, to liven up the campaign this year. “We really liked the idea of an otter for a mascot because it represents playfulness, curiosity, and lots of positive energy,” explained PHLC team member and creator of Ollie the Otter, Lori Reichard. Keep watching for images of Ollie in schools and online.

PHLC is sponsored by the Garrett County Health Department with support from the Garrett County Public Schools. For more information about the program call the health department at 301-334-7730, or 301-895-3111, or visit PlayHardLiveClean.com.

Deep Creek Daily Notes Blog – Giving Tuesday

Tuesday November 28, 2023: After the chaos of Black Friday and the deals of Cyber Monday, today is known as Giving Tuesday. In case you haven’t heard of Giving Tuesday, it was created in 2012 as a simple idea: “a day that encourages people to do good” (on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving).

The weather today will be mostly cloudy. Scattered snow showers, mainly in the morning. Additional snow accumulation up to 1 inch possible. Blustery, cold with highs in the lower 20s and a low of 14. West winds of around 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. The chance of snow is 40%. Wind chill values are as low as 1 below.

We received about 2.75″ of snow here in Oakland.

HART for Animals is ready for their yearly #GivingTuesday fundraiser: Up to $5,000 will be matched by the generosity of an anonymous donor!

Also, Deep Creek Watershed Foundation is requesting donations — especially today — to help keep Deep Creek Lake healthy!

Several programs were scheduled at Ruth Enlow Library today but now the libraries are CLOSED for a SNOW DAY.

The JTF ice skating rink is open! Today the weekday public skate is from be 4-6 and 7-9.

Please consider supporting LOCAL Garrett County non-profit and community organizations as you see fit but, personally, I support the local United Way. I was on the Board for County United Way for 9 years and I’ve seen first-hand the good work the organization does locally to give a hand-up in the areas of education, income, and health. Also, this is my second year coaching the local interscholastic mountain bike team and it’s been a lot of fun! The kids have an opportunity to hone their cycling skills, be outside, and build friendships. And, our team has taught me a thing or two along the way!

I’ve tried my best to compile a comprehensive list of Deep Creek Lake area charitable resources here. Please send me a message to let me know of any organization that “does good” that should be included on the list!

Deep Creek Daily Notes Blog – Cyber Monday

Monday, November 27, 2023: The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with snow showers likely in the morning, then partly sunny, with a slight chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Highs in the lower 30s and a low of 17. West winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. The chance of snow is 70%.

First United Bank & Trust shares some tips to help prevent falling victim to fake check scams.

Our holiday gift guide keeps getting better and better! Note that the Black Friday deals that continue through today with Lake & Lure deep discounts and Cashmere Clothing Co. is offering a Buy One, Get One 50% off deal!

This Lake & Lure beanie is super soft and the perfect choice for a chilly day like today!

Join the fun at Ruth Enlow Library today with Children’s Story Time and Lego Club at Grantsville Library, along with the Lego Club at Oakland Library.

Experience the enchanting forest under the glow of a full moon during this 1-mile hike led by Ranger Noah tonight. Join for the final full moon of autumn, known as the “Beaver Moon.” Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp.

Criminal Investigation: Posey Row Road, Grantsville, Maryland

The Maryland State Police McHenry Barracks is investigating a burglary that occurred between 10/1/2023 and 11/24/2023 on Posey Row Road located in Grantsville, Maryland. Unknown Suspects broke a window and entered the vacant property. While inside the residence the suspects stole a 1990s model Stihl 026 chainsaw and removed the copper water lines in the basement of the home.

Anyone who may have information about this crime is asked to contact the Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack

DCAB Dip-Dye Crew Neck

DCAB Dip-Dye Crew Neck

DCAB’s Merch Sale

Custom One-Of-A-Kind Designs

This CUSTOM made crew neck is unique to you! Locally made, hand-bleached and hand-tie-dyed, this can be created in any colorway.. just let us know in the “order notes”.

Perfect for all of your Deep Creek adventures! ORDER NOW!

Lake & Lure's Black Friday Sale at Deep Creek Lake, MD

DCAB Neck Gaiter

DCAB Neck Gaiter

DCAB’s Merch Sale

Limited Quantities Available!

This versatile polyester gaiter can be worn as a face cover, neck gaiter, bandana and more! It includes a dual-layered front, mesh lining, and an adjustable aluminum nose frame. Finished with an adjustable drawcord for tightening and loosening.

Perfect for all of your Deep Creek cold-weather adventures! ORDER NOW!

Lake & Lure's Black Friday Sale at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Fraud Alert Check Scams

Fraud Alert Check Scams at Deep Creek Lake, MD

At First United Bank & Trust we hold the security of your confidential information and your funds in the highest regard. Recently, there has been a rise in check fraud scams that are targeting both consumers and businesses. 

Fake checks continue to be one of the most common instruments used to commit fraud. Before you deposit a check you weren’t expecting or wire funds to an unknown recipient, here is what you should know

Tips to prevent fake check scams:

  • Even if the check has “cleared,” you may not be in the clear. Under federal law, banks must make deposited funds available quickly, but just because you can withdraw the money doesn’t mean the check is good, even if it’s a cashier’s check or money order. If you have any questions about whether or not a check is good, talk to your banker. Be sure to explain the source of the check, the reasons it was sent to you, and whether you are being asked to wire money back.
  • Don’t be fooled by the appearance of the check. Scam artists are using sophisticated technology to create counterfeit checks that look like the real thing.  Some are counterfeit money orders, some are phony cashier’s checks and others look like they are from legitimate business accounts. The company’s name may be real, but someone has dummied up the checks without their knowledge.
  • Never ‘pay to play.’ There is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire money back or send you more than the exact amount —that’s a red flag and that’s a scam. If a stranger wants to pay you for something, insist on a cashier’s check for the exact amount, preferably from a local branch.
  • Do not respond to online solicitations for “easy money.” Social media scams like card cracking may offer “quick ways to earn extra cash,” but keep in mind that easy money is rarely legal money.
  • Verify the requestor before you wire or issue a check. It is important to know who you are sending money to before you send it. Just because someone contacted you doesn’t mean they are a trusted source.
  • Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately. Bank associates are experts in spotting fraudulent checks. If you think someone is trying to pull a fake check scam, don’t deposit it—please report it. 
  • Beware of fake check scams targeting small business owners.  If you receive a check from an unknown individual requesting a refund, it’s a scam.  Stay alert and be cautious to avoid falling victim. For information on how First United can help you protect your business against fraud, click on the link below or contact us today. 

Garrett Trails’ Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Giving Tuesday at Garrett Trails, Deep Creek Lake, MD

It’s through your generosity that we are able to continue providing high-quality hiking and biking trails for everyone in our community. This upcoming Tuesday (or any time that you would like), we ask that you go to garretttrails.org and donate any amount that you can to support us, and by extension the residents and visitors of Garrett County. There are many deserving nonprofits you can choose to support, we are grateful when you choose us.

Garrett and Allegany County Public Lands Hunting Area Info

Garrett and Allegany County Public Lands Hunting Area Info

Public lands in the United States offer a diverse range of opportunities for hunters, but they also come with various regulations and access points to note.

Locally, the Maryland-owned lands typically comprise State Parks, Wildlife Areas (WA), or Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The rules for hunting in these areas can vary significantly. County-owned lands have various access for hunting. Also, there are private lands available for hunting.

It’s when hunting season is in outdoor recreation users need to be respectful and ensure they are wearing blaze orange clothing and accessories when hiking or biking or bird-watching on the trails.

Here’s what we could find on the local (forested) public lands and the hunting policy for each:

Big Run State Park
• No Hunting
• Hunting permitted in adjacent State Forest

Broadford Lake Park
• Closed for Specific November Dates for Waterfowl Hunting

Casselman River Bridge State Park
• No Hunting

Cunningham Swamp
• Hunting is allowed in accordance with open seasons and shooting hours.
• No special permits or drawings are required to hunt this area, except appropriate licenses and stamps
• Trapping by permit only
• Hunting 7 days a week

Dans Mountain
• No Hunting

Deep Creek Lake
• General hunting permitted in 551-acre designated hunting area
• No firearms hunting until October 15
• Hunting permitted Monday-Saturday
• Hunt from Vehicle provisions for disabled hunters
• Provisions for hunters with mobility impairments
• Waterfowl hunting only at designated sites on Deep Creek Lake (reservation required)

Deep Creek Lions Club Community Park – Lions Club Trails
• Closed for private hunting during whitetail rifle season

Garrett State Forest
• Hunting permitted throughout 19,000 acres of Potomac-Garrett State Forest; note the two state park areas (Herrington Manor and Swallow Falls) hunting is prohibited.
• Forest boundaries are marked with yellow paint on trees; a yellow bar as you enter the forest and a yellow dot as you exit the forest
• Potomac-Garrett State Forest offers over 4 miles of accessible hunting areas

Green Ridge State Forest
• Hunting is permitted throughout the 49,000 acres of Green Ridge State Forest (except where posted with safety zone signs)
• Green Ridge State Forest offers over 6 miles of accessible hunting areas

Fork Run (Garrett County Owned)
• No Hunting

Herrington Manor State Park
• No Hunting
• Hunting permitted in adjacent Garrett State Forest

Mt. Nebo WMA
• Hunting is allowed in accordance with open seasons and shooting hours.
• No special permits or drawings are required to hunt this area, except appropriate licenses and stamps.
• Trapping by permit only.
• There is disabled hunter access off of Oakland-Sang Run Rd
• Hunting 7 days a week

New Germany State Park
• No Hunting
• Hunting permitted in adjacent State Forest

Rocky Gap State Park
• General hunting permitted in 1,451-acre designated hunting area
• Archery-only hunting permitted in 300-acre designated hunting area
• Hunting permitted Monday-Saturday
• Hunt from Vehicle provisions for disabled hunters

Sang Run State Park
• No Hunting

Savage River State Forest
Savage River State Forest offers over 2.8 miles of accessible hunting areas

Swallow Falls State Park
• No Hunting
• Hunting permitted in adjacent Garrett State Forest

Western Maryland Rail Trail
• No Hunting

Wolf Den Run
• Hunting for deer permitted on 1,986 acres
• Hunting permitted Monday-Saturday

Youghiogheny Wild River
• General hunting permitted in 1,200-acre designated hunting area
• Hunting permitted Monday-Saturday

Deep Creek Daily Notes Blog – Black Friday

Black Friday: The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with highs around 40 and a low of 23. Northwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph.

Jason Paugh of Red House is now the fourth Master Angler under Maryland DNR’s FishMaryland program. This top award acknowledges his skill in catching ten trophy-size fish species, all meeting the minimum award sizes.

In accordance with the Maryland Education Code, the Garrett County Commissioners seek candidates to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Cody Brill, effective November 16, 2023. Interested individuals are invited to submit letters of interest and credentials for consideration.

Bethel Center, a historic African Methodist Episcopal Church, is undergoing rapid restoration in Mountain Lake Park. Originally built in 1900 and repurposed in the 1930s, it stands as the only African-American church in Garrett County. Recently visited by Maryland Historical Trust representatives, it’s now poised to share a rich history for future generations.

Black Friday Alert! The new Amazing Dealz store is opening today in Grantsville! 🔥 Prices drop daily from $7 on Nov 24. Uncover $30-$40 treasures and possibly a $100 surprise! Watch for bonus finds!

JTF Ice Rink will be open TOMORROW for the season at Grantsville Town Park near the Ruth Enlow Library! Secure your spot by purchasing admissions in advance or drop-in – limited spots available!

Don’t miss out on the Black Friday extravaganza at Penn Alps Craft Shop! Get exclusive in-store discounts of 15% to 30% on Friday only.

Celebrate the flavor explosion at Cabin Lodge Grill’s Free Fry-Day! Enjoy a complimentary regular order of fries every Friday this November.

Be part of Garrett County’s festive kickoff – the Festival of Trees! The highlight live auction is Saturday at 6:00 PM.

There are amazing turkey dinners available at MoonShadow!

Did you see? The Joy of Christmas Light Show starts today! Nightly displays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM with over 40,000 dazzling lights. Tune in outdoors or on your car radio.

Maryland’s deer firearms hunting season kicks off this Saturday! The two-week season for sika and white-tailed deer runs from November 25 to December 9. Remember to wear blaze orange when recreating in shared use spaces.

Join Shabby Patina this Saturday for their next market as they “Countdown to Christmas!”

Get ready for a Winter Wonderland of local delights! Join us at the Winter Market this Saturday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion. Shop local, savor seasonal treats, and embrace the festive spirit!

Join the festive fun this Sunday at Deep Creek Pottery! Paint the beloved Grandma’s Christmas Tree in its brand-new studio/shop at The Fort in McHenry.

Gear up for a weekend filled with excitement and entertainment! Explore our schedule of entertainment and state park activities to plan your enjoyment.

OUR 2023 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE IS HERE! Note, some specials run for a just a limited time and we will be adding more for Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday!

Amazing Dealz: Opening Black Friday

Amazing Dealz: Opening Black Friday at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Opening Black Friday! Bin Deals 🔥

Starting price on all items is $7 for Fri. Nov 24, dropping each day until Thur. Nov, 30. (There are many $30-$40 value items, and we may have seen a $100 item or so. And be on the lookout for small stand-ins for high value items.)

Enter an amazing treasure hunt through a secret (jk) side entrance in the frozen food aisle in Casselman Market in the Grantsville Shopping Plaza in Grantsville, Maryland .

Deep Creek Daily Notes Blog – Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

The weather today will be patchy fog in the morning. Partly sunny, with a slight chance of freezing drizzle in the morning, then sunny in the afternoon, with highs in the mid-40s and a low of 31. West winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. The chance of rain is 40%.

Will shoppers hit the malls or opt for online shopping this weekend? AccuWeather forecasts better Black Friday weather across the U.S., potentially boosting in-store retail sales.

On November 20, 2023, the Maryland State Department of Education unveiled a $5 million bonus distribution to high-quality-rated Maryland EXCELS child care programs under the transformative Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation.

The Maryland Historical Trust is excited to unveil a draft of Heritage2031, Maryland’s Statewide Preservation Plan, for public feedback. Share your thoughts by December 22, 2023, to contribute to the future of historic preservation, archaeology, and cultural heritage initiatives in the state. Your input is essential!

The Rural Maryland Council and its members gathered at the Crowne Plaza in Annapolis last November 13, 2023, for the Executive Board Meeting and Rural Impact Awards Ceremony. The election of 2024 officers took place.

St. Peter the Apostle Church extends a warm invitation to all for the Annual Parish Brunch on December 3, at 10:00 AM in the Parish Hall. RSVP before noon this Sunday, November 26, and make this gathering a memorable one.

Participate in the Oakland B&O Museum’s complimentary event designed for children aged 4-9 on December 9 and 16, 2023, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Enjoy crafts, snacks, and a visit from Santa! Feel free to don your favorite pajamas or dress up in your Christmas best for memorable pictures with Santa! Reservations are required!

Come together for a Thanksgiving feast at Dutch’s at Silver Tree and Ace’s Run Restaurant and Pub. Embrace the spirit of the holiday with your loved ones as we celebrate Thanksgiving as one big family.

Mountain State Brewing DCL hosts TEAM TRIVIA every Thursday at 6:30 PM! Challenge your wits while enjoying refreshing brews and great company.

MHT Sees Bethel Center Progress

MHT Sees Bethel Center Progress at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Pictured left to right: Mountain Lake Park Town Council member and MLPHA Treasurer, Linda Fike, MLPHA President, Karen Wooddell, MHT Taylor Means Research and Preservationist Specialist, MHT Stacy Montgomery Capital Programs Administrator, and Mountain Lake Park Mayor, Don Sincell. Photo courtesy of Mark Stutzman.

Standing rustic and regal, Bethel Center continues to undergo an extensive restoration. Two representatives from the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) made a site visit to examine the progress of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church reconstruction project. In just a few months, the interior floor, walls, and roof were up, giving the building a solid presence at its new home in Mountain Lake Park. Originally located at the corner of 5th and High Streets in Oakland, MD, the church’s congregation opened its doors in 1900 and was an African-American sanctuary for three decades. It was repurposed and moved in the 1930s to serve as a buggy and blacksmith’s shop on an Amish farm in Pleasant Valley. Fortunately, the family who used it daily kept the building intact for nearly one hundred years. What will be called Bethel Center, the only African-American church to exist in Garrett County has found a final location for future generations to learn about the contributions of a population that had been forgotten over time.

A local history chronicler, Albert “Al” Feldstein took interest in the A.M.E. Church many years ago. He frequently posts historical points of interest in Western Maryland on his Facebook page Feldstein’s Historical Stuff. He was present at the site visit and made sure MHT was aware that officials in the town of Oakland took steps to reacquire the building. They engaged a specialized architect to assess the church’s integrity and outline what would need to be done to properly restore it. Unfortunately, the proposed plans never made it to fruition.

“This is an effort that has been ten years in the making,” Al said emphatically. “But it finally took a group of determined people like the Mountain Lake Park Historical Association, the town, and others to make it a reality.”

It required even more than sheer determination since the deconstruction of the church, moving it, and reassembly would come with a significant cost. As part of an African-American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) grant, MHT awarded $100,000 toward the relocation and reconstruction work. Without proper funding, the church would have fallen into further ruin and possibly have been lost. The site visit included two representatives from MHT, Stacy Montgomery a Capital Programs Administrator, and Taylor Means, a Research and Preservationist Specialist. Mayor Don Sincell who initiated the project and has taken on procuring contractors explained the steps up to the point of their inspection. Both representatives were glad to see how much had already been accomplished and noted that this was the first AAHPP grant application awarded in Garrett County.

Although Bethel Center will not become an active congregation, it will be a public space for learning about local African-American history and be available for events or special services. Sincell provided an overview of how the church originally served parishioners and how it will benefit people today.

“I would like to see this become an annual field trip for children in the county,” said Sincell. “This building represents an important part of the local history of which many people here are unaware. And if someone wants to have a wedding, baptism, or memorial service in the church, it would be a special place to do so.”

African-American history for Garrett County was largely lost following the decline of railroad travelers visiting the mountaintop into the 1930s. With a lack of employment opportunities in the service industries, many people left for places like Westernport where the paper mill was a lead employer, and Cumberland where factories were still booming. The minority population in Garrett County around the turn of the last century is being rediscovered through extensive research. Cooperation with the Garrett County Historical Society and independent researchers are revealing African-American residents who not only helped prop up the local economy but also married, began families, and were buried in local cemeteries. The goal of resurrecting a heritage destination and uncovering forgotten people will enhance the tapestry of local history, according to volunteers dedicated to the project. A future hope of those involved in Bethel Center is to develop a heritage pilgrimage tour to learn about African-American people who once lived, worked, and contributed to the development of Garrett County.