Ryan & Ryan is a dynamic father-son piano duo that blends classic and contemporary music into an enthralling concert experience. From Rachmaninoff to Gershwin to Billy Joel, Donald, and Barron Ryan combine their talents to create a dazzling blend of old and new schools.
Donald is a well-known master of diverse styles as evidenced by a diploma from the 9th International Chopin Competition and his induction into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. Donald is one of the most distinguished Steinway pianists in the world.
Given his father’s profession, Barron’s choice of playing the piano is no surprise. He has been a prizewinner in numerous piano competitions, including the Oklahoma Israel Exchange Young Artists Competition in 2011, and has been a featured soloist at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, and many other venues.
As a performing team, Donald and Barron amaze audiences with their skill, expressiveness, and love for music-making together. Well-versed in classical, jazz, Ragtime, and funk, they create exciting new music and give freshness to beloved standards. Audiences everywhere have been thrilled by their renditions of selections from Grusin’s The Firm soundtrack as well as Rachmaninoff’s Second Suite for Two Pianos. George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue consistently garners rave reviews and enthusiastic standing ovations. Ryan & Ryan is a proven hit with audiences of all generations. Their inventiveness and infectiousness and joy for life resonates with patrons long after the final curtain falls. To sum it up, they make music that inspires.
Kickin’ the Clouds Away
Enjoy some of the world’s best piano music in Ryan & Ryan’s Kickin’ the Clouds Away program. Including jazz, ragtime, classical, and even gospel song arrangements by members of the duo, this concert is sure strike a chord with any audience.
Times and dates for in-person performances are subject to change based on local and state health regulations.
The Garrett County Health Department has announced the 2023 Fall Flu Clinic schedule for the two Health Department sites (1025 Memorial Drive Oakland, and 28 Hershberger Lane, Grantsville) and select Senior Centers.
“With the arrival of the fall season, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of getting your annual influenza (flu) vaccine,” said Jessica Carey, MSN. “Our community’s health and safety remain our top priority.”
Why Should You Get Your Annual Flu Vaccine? An annual flu vaccine is important in protecting yourself and those around you from the flu virus.
Protect Your Health: The flu can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Getting vaccinated significantly reduces your risk of contracting and spreading the flu.
Reduce the Burden on Healthcare Systems: By getting vaccinated, you help to prevent the healthcare systems from being overwhelmed during flu season. This is especially important as the county continues to deal with the challenges of other viruses that can cause flu-like respiratory illnesses.
Protect High-Risk Individuals: Getting vaccinated not only safeguards your health but also protects those who may have weaker immune systems or chronic illnesses. You can be part of the solution to keeping your family and community safe.
Everyone, especially those in high-risk groups, should plan to attend one of the clinics as soon as possible or get a vaccination from your healthcare provider or a pharmacy. Protecting yourself and the community from the flu is a responsibility shared by everyone.
Flu shots are available and recommended for anyone six (6) months of age and older.
Additionally, High Dose flu vaccine will be available for persons 65 and older and the FluMist nasal flu vaccine will be offered for those ages 2-49 who are medically eligible.
The public is encouraged to schedule an appointment at garretthealth.org. Online registration will speed up the visit, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Garrett County Health Department 2023 Flu Clinic Schedule
Remember to bring your Insurance Card to the clinic. Insurance providers, including Medicare Part B, will be billed as appropriate. There will be no out-of-pocket cost for the flu shot regardless of your insurance status.
Symptom Similarity with COVID-19: Symptoms of the flu often overlap with those of COVID-19, causing confusion and anxiety. Getting your flu shot can reduce the chances of mistakenly attributing flu symptoms to COVID-19.
The updated COVID-19 vaccines are coming SOON. Distribution issues are currently causing delays with the vaccine. Please watch for an announcement when the updated COVID-19 vaccine becomes available at the health department or check with a local pharmacy or healthcare provider for the newest COVID-19 vaccine.
For more information about these Fall Flu Clinics or any other health-related inquiries, visit garretthealth.org, or contact the Health Department at gchd.personalhealth@maryland.gov
Together, we can stay healthy and safe during this flu season!
Friday September 22, Saturday September 23, Sunday September 24, 2023: The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-60s and a low of 49. East winds of around 5 to 10 mph. Saturday will be cloudy. A chance of rain in the morning, then rain likely in the afternoon—highs in the mid-50s and a low of 49. Northeast winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. The chance of rain is 60%. Sunday will be mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 50s and a low of 49. The chance of rain is 35%.
Today is the final day of the Deep Creek Lake Farmers Market, so don’t miss out! It’s not just a market; it’s an experience. Join them for top-notch local food vendors, delicious prepared meals, family-friendly activities, handmade crafts, unique products, and a live performance by Terah Crawford and Scott Alexander!
Deep Creek Lake State Park is the place to be this Saturday as it plays host to the thrilling Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League Bike Ride. The local Garrett County Coyotes team could use a few more volunteers — message me if you’d like to help!
This Saturday, Grantsville’s Movie in the Park promises an evening of entertainment! Join in the fun with JTF games and enjoy DJ Tyfecta’s family-friendly music from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. At 7:30 PM, settle in for a screening of Disney’s Frozen and savor complimentary popcorn. Plus, don’t miss your chance to enter JTF’s raffle for free ice rink passes for the upcoming season.
Don’t miss Yappy Hour this Sunday at Dutch’s Silver Tree Harbor! Throughout September, for every Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktail you order, Tito’s will contribute $1 to HART, with a maximum donation of $500.
The Garrett County Board of Education Special Business Session, scheduled for Tuesday, September 26, 2023, has been canceled. Mrs. Alison Sweitzer, Director of Finance, and staff members from The Rodeheaver Group will instead record a presentation of the FY2023 Financial Statements and Single Audit Results. This presentation will be shared publicly on the Garrett County Public Schools website and on BoardDocs prior to the October 10, 2023, Board of Education Meeting. The Board will take action on approving the FY2023 Financial Statements and Single Audit Results at the October meeting. Additional details surrounding the October Board meeting will be announced ahead of time.
Join Pumpkin Palooza on October 18, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Dutch’s, Silver Tree. Open to all, family-friendly, with pumpkin fun, pageant, and auction, supporting Garrett Mentors.
Attention, children! Please note that due to construction at Loch Lynn Church, the Thursday bus stop will temporarily relocate to Glades Park from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM for Learning Beyond the Classroom activities.
Join HART for Animals’ Reading Buddies program today from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Enzo’s Library, located in their lobby. Families can bring their young ones, select books from the collection, and enjoy reading to the adorable dogs and cats.
Don’t forget that Mountain State Brewing DCL hosts TEAM TRIVIA every Thursday at 6:30 PM! It’s a chance for everyone to test their knowledge while enjoying cold brews and great company.
Ladies, it’s your night out with two fantastic events happening tonight! First up is “Ladies Night Out” hosted by the Town of Oakland Main Street Events Team from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Gather your girlfriends and enjoy store specials, live music, wine & cheese pairings, vendors, giveaways, and more. After that, join local artist Becky Diller at The Gallery Shop & $MART ART Spaces from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a creative “Mask Making Workshop”.
Each Fall, images appear online showcasing some of the most stunning examples of foliage. Most of these hotspots occur in New England. For example, the entire state of Vermont is a canvas of fall colors, and the Green Mountains are especially renowned. However, many Americans are perhaps unaware of alternative ‘hidden gems’ to see Fall’s foliage. For example, New Mexico’s Cloudcroft is only really known by locals – nestled in the Sacramento Mountains, is a hidden gem for fall foliage enthusiasts. At over 8,600 feet elevation, this alpine oasis in a predominantly arid state boasts shimmering golden aspen trees set against evergreen pines each autumn. Its position off the national radar means fewer crowds, allowing for a more unique viewing experience. Likewise, the Upper Peninsula in Michigan offers some of the Midwest’s best fall foliage, especially around areas like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Mixbook, a #1 rated photo book brand, carried out a survey of 3,000 respondents, asking them which under-the-radar destinations they would most like to visit to see fall foliage this year. The results were as follows:
#1 Sterling Forest State Park, New York
Sterling Forest State Park is a hidden gem for fall foliage viewing because it offers a less crowded alternative to other popular spots, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors in a peaceful setting. The park’s diverse landscapes, from tranquil lakes to dense forests, provide a unique backdrop for the brilliant reds, oranges, and golds that define the season.
#2 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is an underrated treasure for witnessing fall foliage. Far from the bustling tourist spots, it provides a peaceful escape to experience autumn’s vibrant palette. With its expansive forests, rolling hills, and picturesque views, the park showcases the Midwestern fall in its purest form.
#3 Bear Creek Lake State Park, Virginia
Bear Creek Lake State Park is a lesser-known haven for fall foliage enthusiasts. Tucked away from major tourist hubs, it offers a tranquil setting to admire the autumnal transformation. The park’s mix of dense woods and reflective lakeside views make it an idyllic spot to witness Virginia’s brilliant array of reds, oranges, and yellows.
#4 Mount Greylock State Reservation, Massachusetts
Mount Greylock State Reservation is a hidden jewel for those seeking the beauty of fall foliage. As the highest point in the state, it offers panoramic views of the vibrant autumn colors stretching across the New England landscape. Away from the hustle of city life, visitors can enjoy the tapestry of reds, oranges, and gold that blanket the mountain’s slopes.
#5 Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Maine
Distanced from the usual tourist paths, Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge presents a peaceful setting where nature takes center stage. The wetlands, meadows, and forests of the refuge are illuminated with a brilliant display of reds, oranges, and yellows during the fall, making it a picturesque destination for leaf-peeping in New England.
#6 High Bridge Trail State Park, Virginia
High Bridge Trail State Park is a true spectacle of beauty during the fall season. As the leaves transition into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, the park’s expansive trail weaves through a breathtaking tapestry of colors. The iconic High Bridge itself, spanning the Appomattox River, becomes a focal point amidst the scenic foliage, creating a picturesque setting that captures the essence of fall’s charm.
#7 Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Hocking Hills State Park is a lesser-known delight during the fall season. As the foliage turns to rich shades of red, orange, and gold, the park’s varied terrain, from gorges to waterfalls, is accentuated by this colorful canvas. The natural beauty of the park, often overshadowed by more popular destinations, provides a tranquil and stunning setting that truly celebrates the essence of fall.
#8 Beartooth Highway, Montana
Beartooth Highway is an under-the-radar gem during the fall months. As the surrounding landscapes shift into brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, this scenic drive offers unparalleled views of the season’s transformation. Elevating travelers to high-altitude vistas, the highway reveals a vast expanse of autumnal splendor, making it a breathtaking and peaceful journey that highlights the magnificence of fall.
#9 Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
Fall Creek Falls State Park is a lesser-known oasis during autumn. As the leaves adopt fiery hues of red, orange, and gold, the park’s cascading waterfalls and rugged terrains are beautifully framed by this vibrant backdrop. Though overshadowed by more renowned locations, this park presents a quiet, scenic retreat, epitomizing the Southern charm of the fall season.
#10 Hope Valley, California
Hope Valley in California is a tucked-away marvel during the fall months. As the alpine landscape transforms with vivid reds, oranges, and golds, the valley becomes a captivating display of California’s autumnal beauty. Often eclipsed by the state’s more famous fall destinations, Hope Valley offers a picturesque escape, perfectly encapsulating the tranquility and splendor of the season.
Maryland’s top pick was Swallow Falls State Park, voted in #20 position nationally: Tucked away from the bustling city, its ancient hemlock and hardwood forests burst into a mesmerizing array of reds, oranges, and yellows during autumn. This off-the-beaten-path sanctuary offers not only stunning waterfalls but also a serene escape to witness the seasonal transformation.
Other locations within the state that were cited were:
#117 Gambrill State Park
The park’s mix of oak and maple trees burst into a captivating array of red, orange, and gold hues during the autumn months, creating a picturesque contrast against the rolling hills and panoramic vistas. Its relatively undiscovered status ensures a more peaceful and authentic encounter with the changing leaves, making it an ideal destination to relish the stunning colors of fall while hiking its trails.
#150 Green Ridge State Forest
Its vast expanse of diverse deciduous trees, from maple and oak to hickory and birch, erupts into a symphony of vibrant hues during autumn. A kaleidoscope of colors against the backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains creates an unforgettable and often overlooked seasonal spectacle.
Earlier this morning the fire alarm went off at Southern Garrett Middle School, prompting the implementation of the EVACUATE protocol. Upon examination, steam from a dishwasher triggered the alarm. Students have returned to their classes at this time. Questions may be directed to the school office at 301-334-8881 or the Office of Safety and Security at 301-334-8900 ext. 1361.
Wednesay, September 20, 2023: The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 60s and a low of 48. West winds of around 5 mph, becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
The Fork Run Recreation Area in McHenry has undergone a transformation thanks to funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The highlight is the new Acorn Loop, a stunning 0.65-mile trail for hikers and bikers of all levels.
Calling all artists! Submit your original works for the 50th Maryland Migratory Game Bird stamp design contest by November 3, 2023. This contest marks the end of an era, as a physical stamp is no longer necessary for hunting waterfowl.
The Workforce Housing in Garrett County event will take place today at 6:00 PM at the Grantsville Senior Center. Mayor Edwards of Grantsville will be the honored keynote speaker, providing a comprehensive update on the inaugural workforce housing development scheduled for 2024. Additionally, Jessica Briggs from Garrett County Community Action will discuss funding and their partnership involvement.
Garrett County Partners After School (PAS) clubs held programs in Grantsville and Friendsville in the past year. Shown clockwise from top left are Archery with PAS @ Friendsville, buoyancy experiment with PAS @ Grantsville, Tech Wizards at work (Friendsville), earthquake simulation (Grantsville), mountain biking (Grantsville), and programming robots (Grantsville).
The Partners After School clubs at Friendsville and Grantsville elementary schools will host sign-up nights for the 2023-2024 school year. Partners After School @ Friendsville (PAS) welcomes parents to gather in the school’s cafeteria at 6:00 PM on September 25 to register their third, fourth, or fifth-grade child in the free club. Partners After School @ Grantsville (PAS) invites parents to register their third, fourth, or fifth-grade child in the free club on September 26 at 6:00 PM in the school’s cafeteria.
The mission of the Garrett County Health Department’s PAS clubs is to improve the health of youth by promoting healthy eating and physical activity. Participants will explore a variety of physically active hobbies, learn to create healthy snacks and assume leadership roles in planning activities.
PAS @ Friendsville’s Club meets every Monday and Wednesday from the end of the school day until 6:00 PM, while PAS @ Grantsville’s Club meets each Tuesday and Thursday from the end of the school day until 6:00 PM.
“PAS provides opportunities for students that they may not otherwise experience,” said Assistant Director Cara Jones. “Whether it’s mountain biking and rock climbing with Garrett College’s Outdoor Leadership and Adventure program, or archery lessons and engineering projects with University of Maryland Garrett County Extension’s Tech Wizards program, there is always something new for club members to try.”
PAS clubs will begin in October. To register, a parent or legal guardian must attend the sign-up meeting for their school. Priority will be given to students who were club members last year; all other openings will be filled as registrations are completed.
Partners After School clubs at Friendsville and Grantsville are funded by the Garrett County Health Department and administered by the agency’s Health Education and Outreach staff. Additional support is provided by the Maryland Department of Social Services and the United Way of Garrett County. Partners After School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, color, religious belief, national origin, or disability in providing access to programs.
For more information about the clubs, call Venessa Stacy at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.
The Greater Oakland Business Association is currently accepting applications for contestants for The Maryland State Banjo, Fiddle, and Mandolin Championships. This event is the officially recognized championship for the state of Maryland and part of the 56th Annual Autumn Glory Festival. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 13, 2023, at Southern Garrett High School in Oakland, Maryland.
Registration forms are available for download at https://bit.ly/3x8xgvz. Categories consist of Junior (age 15 & under), State Champion (Open Class), and the Clawhammer (for Banjo only). First, second, and third place all receive cash prizes, certificates, and bragging rights as Maryland’s Banjo, Fiddle, Mandolin, or Clawhammer Champion!
Questions and forms can be remitted to:
The Greater Oakland Business Association (GOBA)
Banjo/Fiddle/Mandolin Contest
Town of Oakland
15 S. Third Street
Oakland, MD 21550
The state competition is sponsored in part by the Garrett County & Maryland State Arts Council.
Tickets will go on sale on September 20th and are available at Oakland City Hall, Gregg’s Pharmacy, and Deep Creek Pharmacy or online at https://bit.ly/3x8xgvz. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door, under 10 are free. The doors open at 5:00 PM and the championships begin at 6:00 PM.
For additional information visit https://bit.ly/3x8xgvz or call Nicole McCullough at 301-334-2691.
