Jan 3, 2022
Garrett Trails is fully funded through an MDOT Recreational Trails Program grant and match from the Community Trust Foundation, and is close to wrapping up NEPA reviews! This winter, Garrett Trails will move to procurement for a contractor to build 1.2 miles of new single track connecting the Beige Trail in the Fork Run Recreation Area to Wisp Resort and ASCI. Additional funding has been secured for signage upgrades at the Shingle Camp Road trailhead and throughout the trail system.
Jan 1, 2022
The Hardesty’s Hardware family would like to express their gratitude for your support through the years. It has been a pleasure to serve you, friends and neighbors, for decades. Effective January 1, 2022, the business will be under new ownership and will be operated as Chestnut Ridge Home and Hardware. You will continue to see the familiar faces and quality products that have always been a part of your local shopping experience. Sending a heartfelt thanks to you and wishing you all the best in the New Year.
Dec 8, 2021
The weather today will be cloudy. There is a slight chance of snow in the morning, then a chance of snow in the afternoon with little or no snow accumulation—highs in the mid 30s and a low of 23. Southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph, becoming west of 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Chance of snow is 40%.
Yay, snow! Wisp Resort’s mountain report shows 1″ of snow overnight.
Here’s a good reminder of the 10 Christmas plants that are toxic to pets.
The Red Cross reports there is a shortage of blood available in the area and the December drive schedule can be found here. If you plan to make a donation, there is a limited edition long-sleeve t-shirt available.
If you have been laid off or are you looking to start a new career, meet with a Career Counselor at Grantsville Library today from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM for guidance.
Every Wednesday is Locals Night at Alpine Lake Resort. Half-off apps and $1.00 off draft beer from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Join the Lego Club as they meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM at Kitzmiller Library. A monthly building theme may be suggested, or builders may choose to free-build. The library will provide the Lego and Duplo blocks. Open to all ages.
The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Library is happening today at 5:30 PM on Zoom. A group of volunteers is dedicated to supporting the mission of the Ruth Enlow Library in the community. New members are always welcome!
Oakland Church of the Nazarene continues the dinner and discussion at 5:30 PM today. It will focus on the discipleship time reflecting on Advent and using the resource “Come Peasant, King” provided this Advent season.
Dec 7, 2021
The Oakland B&O Museum will be part of a Great Small Town Christmas this year on Saturday, December 11th, and Saturday, December 18th, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the Oakland A&E District. This is for children ages 4-9. The event is free, but donations are always appreciated. The children are invited to come in their pajamas. They will take part in a craft, have cookies, get to see Santa, and get a treat bag.
There is limited space for this event. Please call Nicole McCullough at 301-334-2691 to make a reservation. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.
We invite the parents to tour the station and enjoy some treats for yourself while your children are in the North Pole (classroom). This will be an experience your child will never forget!!!
Dec 2, 2021
The Floor Store, LLC. is open at their new location at 19795 Garrett Highway, Oakland, Maryland. Also, take note of the new hours:
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dec 2, 2021
Anti-Racist Appalachia is a volunteer network and social justice club that seeks to combat racism in Appalachia through community education and mutual aid. It is based in Garrett County, MD, but many of the events are held virtually.
Nov 23, 2021
The Oakland B&O Museum will be part of a Great Small Town Christmas this year on Saturday, December 11th, and Saturday, December 18th, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. This is for children ages 4-9.
The event is free, but donations are always appreciated.
The children are invited to come in their pajamas. They will take part in a craft, have cookies, get to see Santa, and get a treat bag.
There is limited space for this event. Please call Nicole McCullough at 301-334-2691 to make a reservation. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.
We invite the parents to tour the station and enjoy some treats for themselves while their children are in the North Pole (classroom). This will be an experience your child will never forget!!!
Nov 23, 2021
The House of Hope Food Drive is celebrating its 43rd year! Started in 1978 by Chuck Nolan, the food drive has raised roughly $65,000 in donations and over 80 pickup loads of food. Chuck Nolan is a veteran, retired police officer, and volunteer firefighter who continues to be the driving force behind the food drive.
The annual drive will take place on Saturday, December 4th, from 9:00 AM-noon as part of the “Great Small Town Christmas” festivities downtown. To contribute to this worthy cause, bring your cash donations to Second Street. Due to COVID, the House of Hope will only be accepting cash donations at this time.
The House of Hope is not an agency but is best described as “a network of concern” whose members cooperate to reach out to others when there is a serious need. The resources of the House of Hope are primarily directed to short-term emergency situations, where quick response and flexibility are critical. It is a non-denominational, non-profit “network of concern” particular to Garrett County. The House of Hope can assist with food, clothes, accommodations, bills, or other specific needs. As described by Mr. Nolan, “It was designed to help those that are falling through the cracks of life.”
For additional information about donating, please call Nicole at Oakland City Hall at 301-334-2691.
Nov 23, 2021
Join the Town of Oakland for A Great Small Town Christmas, December 3rd and 4th, 2021. There will be many free and family-friendly activities in downtown Oakland while you work on your Christmas shopping with handcrafted and curated gifts.
A Great Small Town Christmas will kick off with a Light Up Night on Friday, December 3rd, 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. Come out and join for carols, store specials, free cookies and cocoa from the Order of the Eastern Star, and a special treat from Santa! Light Up Night is sponsored by Garrett Regional Medical Center.
On Saturday, December 4th, the fun continues with Soup N’ Santa! There will be multiple nonprofits handing out free soup (donations are appreciated), the chance to visit Santa at Smoke n Mirrors, free sleigh rides, live music, and local shopping. This event will last from 11 AM to 2 PM.
And while you’re shopping, don’t forget to look for the elf! The Lucky Elf promotion in downtown Oakland continues through Monday, December 20th. For every $25 spent in participating Oakland stores you visit, you receive a chance to win a variety of local gift certificates. Bring your Elf Cards to Oakland City Hall to enter the drawing!
For complete list details regarding Christmas activities and store specials, visit Oakland’s community calendar and website at www.oaklandmd.com.
Nov 21, 2021
Mountain State Brewing Co. is accepting reservations for the 2021-2022 Igloo Season through March 2022. Book yours here!
Nov 17, 2021
This Thursday, November 18, 2021, Rural Maryland Council will celebrate National Rural Health Day in Maryland. This day of awareness has been proclaimed by the National Organizations of State Office of Rural Health (NOSORH) to showcase the good work of America’s 62 million rural health care providers and to promote the efforts of our State Offices of Rural Health and other partners in addressing rural health concerns.
Rural Maryland remained resilient during the pandemic; however, fundamental challenges remain. Many rural Marylanders lack access to services and health care facilities. Many communities experience significant shortages of workers. These challenges are particularly acute in mental, dental, and specialty care. Transportation, including non-emergency medical care, also presents a challenge to rural Marylanders who find it difficult to reach medical services. There is very little public transportation available in rural areas.
Ironically, due to the pandemic, we have made progress on the solutions to these challenges. The pandemic showcased the delivery of services electronically through telemedicine. Programs were expanded to include telehealth services, and residents became more comfortable with this alternative delivery method. During this year’s recent Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session, access to telehealth and audio-only medical services was expanded through the Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2021 sponsored by Senator Melony Griffin and Delegate Josaline A. Pena-Melnyk (SB3/HB123). Another bill adopted included SB102/HB1252, sponsored by Senator Addie Eckardt and Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes, which expanded tax credits for preceptors in areas with health care workforce shortages.
Regarding transportation, the rural communities are innovators. Thanks to funds made available by Governor Hogan and the Maryland Legislature through the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund, this issue is being addressed by the Wheels to Wellness (W2W), in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties, with plans to expand to Charles County soon. So far, the program has traveled up to 15,000 miles each year in Calvert and St Mary’s counties, assisting those in mostly rural areas who cannot provide their own transportation to medical appointments.
The council would like to thank the rural health care workers who are so vital to the rural workforce, the rural economic development, and the communities. The council would also like to thank Governor Larry Hogan for his support and proclamation in recognition of National Rural Health Day.
Visit https://www.powerofrural.org/ or https://health.maryland.gov/pophealth/Pages/National-.aspx to support National Rural Health Day and the Maryland State Office of Rural Health.
Nov 12, 2021
FireFly Market opens their new location at 309 Main Street, Accident, Maryland 21520.
Nov 9, 2021
Sylvan of Garrett County is excited to announce our grand opening event happening on November 18, 2021!
Join for an evening of free family fun! Get an inside look at our new center. Explore all that our new Sylvan center has to offer, from our personal tutoring to homework help and study skills to college prep. Tour the center and meet our teachers and staff! Enjoy cool, hands-on activities for kids of all ages and yummy refreshments! There will be prizes, giveaways, and much more! Plus, don’t miss your chance to take advantage of our event-only specials!
Call 240-442-5873 for more information.
Nov 1, 2021
Mountain Maryland Mamas is a new podcast from two creative working mamas – Maureen Sheaffer & Jessica Fike.
Here is the link to the podcast.
Oct 18, 2021
Mountain State Brewing Co. is now accepting Igloo Reservations for the 2021 – 2022 Winter Season Reservations are available beginning November 8th through February, so book your dining under the stars experience now!
Link: Exploretock.com/mountainstatebrewing
