Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

Yesterday was crisp and sunny!  Today will be the same: sunny, with a high near 48 and a low around 30.

Spring is here and a sure sign of its arrival is the fact that, as of today, docks are allowed on the lake for the season.

March is Women’s History Month and the Grantsville branch of the Ruth Enlow Library has virtual reality headset technology that will let you experience this important month in a new way. The library’s virtual reality session starts today at 1:00 pm and runs through 5:00 pm on the 29th! Stop in or call them at 301.895.5298 for more information or to reserve a spot.

Why not get some fresh air and root for the home team.  The Northern High School softball team is home today playing Mountain Ridge from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Good old hometown, low-cost entertainment.

Take the dam survey please!  Note I said dam and not damn. Friends of Deep Creek Lake has an informative and important newsletter this month that covers details of, and issues relating to, the Water Appropriations Permit application that is up for renewal. They also have a link to a survey they are using to gather community insight.  This is important and worth the time to read.  And, yes, please fill out the dam survey!

Tonight, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, this month’s Choose Civility discussion will be held at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library.  The topic of this month’s open, non-partisan and respectful discussion is Gender and Sexuality.

Here’s a link to Maryland Historical Trust’s Flood Mitigation Guide for Historic Buildings.  Maryland has an abundance of natural waterways, coastal areas and lake assets so I thought our readers would find this of interest.

Yesterday was dreary and rainy.  Today will be sunny, with a high near 41 and a low around 22.

Wisp Resort announced yesterday that General Manager Jerry Geisler will be retiring this summer after more than four decades at Maryland’s only four season resort. Geisler has been the resort’s General Manager for the past six years and has served as an executive at the resort since 1982 when he became Operations Manager. Best of luck Jerry!

The Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library will be holding Kids Book Club this afternoon from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm. This is for children in grades four and five and is open to all.

What is the impact of drugs in Garrett County? Almost half of the inmates at the Garrett County Detention Center are there because of drug activity. The DFC Team is trying to solve the problem of drug use and abuse in Garrett County.

The County Commissioners have announced the agenda for their next public meeting on April 1st.  The meeting starts at 3:00 pm, but the public session starts at 4:00 pm, with all times being approximate. Here’s a link to the agenda.

Speaking of the county, pre-employment testing for Deputy Sheriff and Correctional Officer position applicants will take place on Saturday, April 6th, at 8:00 am in room 111 of the Garrett College GIEC. Click the link for more information including some pre-session action items for anyone attending.

While Garrett County is still very rural, it was even more-so in the past.  Here’s a historical photo (date unknown) looking east from Grantsville on Rt 40. Note the road is unpaved and there are limited buildings. Photo courtesy of Western Maryland Historical Library.

Calling all you potential Kings and Queens! The call is out for applicants for Autumn Glory King and Queen.  If you are, or know, a Southern or Northern Junior (that will be a senior next fall) make sure they know about this (and the submission deadline).  Here’s some more information. I would think this would be a really great experience for a local young person and it would also look very good on a college or job application.

The snow is finally melting and revealing many downed trees throughout the campground at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Consider replenishing your firewood supply before camping season begins on April 15th! Firewood permits are available for $20 per cord of wood (that’s a deal). Call 301.387.5563 for more information or stop by Headquarters to purchase your permit. Deep Creek Lake State Park, 898 State Park Road, Swanton, MD 21561.

Here’s a list of April offerings from the Garrett Institute of Lifelong learning (GILL) of Garrett College:

Tour of HART for Animals – Tuesday, April 2nd, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Members will be given a tour of the facilities, including the veterinary wing, deluxe boarding area, and the adoption wing for cats and dogs.  Learn about this business model that strives to use the profits from the vet and boarding side of the business to pay the expenses of a no-kill shelter.  Discover the volunteer opportunities, including: the Pick of the Litter retail shop, moving animals between shelters through the transport program, fundraising, and spending time walking dogs or playing with kittens in the adoption wing, as they wait for their forever homes.  Members who wish to bring a donation for the animals can visit www.hartforanimals.org/shop for a list of needed items.  The cost to attend is $6.

Salt Cave – Friday, April 12th, 10:15 am – 12:30 pm

To carpool to Bruceton Mills, members are to meet at the Continuing Education parking lot in McHenry at 10:15 a.m.  There are only eight slots available, so members are encouraged to register in advance.  Since the early 19th century Europeans have visited salt mines or caves to promote better health.  Over 30,000 pounds of salt was imported from Pakistan to create the salt cave we will visit in Bruceton Mills, W.Va.  We’ll relax in zero gravity chairs, listen to soothing music and breathe the mineral saturated air for 45 minutes.  Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear slip on shoes.  The cost for this session is $20.

Garrett County Health Fair – Saturday, April 13th, 8:30 am – 12 pm, CARC Gymnasium

Visit the GILL table at the Garrett County Health Fair.  There’s no better way to stay healthy than keeping your mind engaged in new topics, make new friends while you enjoy social outings, and move your body by chasing one of Garrett County’s naturalists through the woods exploring nature’s wonders.  GILL is offering a health fair special for new members only– individuals can join and the $10 annual membership will begin immediately and run through June 2020.

Soup and TED: Environmental focus in honor of Earth Day – Thursday, April 18th, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Garrett College Southern Outreach Center – Oakland

TED talks provide a platform to individuals on a diversity of topics. The goal of TED is to spark conversation, connection, and community.  The talks are presented without bias and without a commercial, political, or religious agenda.  Bring a dish to share (soup will be provided). Come enjoy lunch, a TED talk, and a discussion of the presentation with Sue Fowler, featured presenter, and Bob Newman, featured soup maker.

 Painting Party with Countryside Canvas – Thursday, April 25th, 11 am – 1:00 pm, Garrett College Southern Outreach Center in Oakland

Join us for a fun painting party!  Members will choose one of two designs (Northern Lights or Red Sunflower) at the time of registration.  Each design is pre-traced on a 16” x 20” canvas.  Early registration is encouraged, as seats are limited.   This is a great experience for those who have always wanted to paint but have never tried, or for those who love to paint.  Dawna Rodeheaver will be providing step-by-step instructions for each painting.  Please wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty – aprons are great alternatives.  The cost for this session is $35 and includes materials.

NOTE for all sessions above: Registration is required.  If you are not a GILL member and wish to join in order to register for a session, please contact Continuing Education Workforce Development at 301-387-3069.  More information on the Garrett Institute for Lifelong Learning is also available by contacting at jean.tumbarello@garrettcollege.edu or www.garrettcollege.edu/GILL.

Today will be rain, mainly after 11am. High near 44 and a low around 22. Tonight will be rain and snow likely before 11pm, then a slight chance of snow between 11pm and 2am. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

I couldn’t attend, but if the overflow parking at Saturday’s Gun and Cash Bash at the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department was any indication, they had a great showing and a great time. If you attended, I hope you won something.

Ashley Bodkins from the University of Maryland Extension office will be at the Kitzmiller branch of the Ruth Enlow Library from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm this evening to present a demonstration on Plants for Sun and Shade. Registration is required but it is free and open to all.

Mary Callis of Garrett Lakes Arts Festival just reminded us that Tuesday is the cutoff to purchase tickets for GLAF’s “A Night on Broadway” concert fundraiser this coming Saturday, March 30th. They have some great music, food, drink and other activities planned.  Sarah and I and our respective spouses will be attending, as Deep Creek Times is a sponsor, and we hope to see you there. Here’s a link to more information and for ticket purchases. Looking forward to it.

The Garrett County Steps to Better Health Committee (STEPS) is offering three scholarships to Garrett County residents who are pursuing a career in a healthcare field. The three $500 scholarships will be awarded to two 2019 Garrett County graduating high school or home school students living in Garrett County, and one non-traditional student enrolled at Garrett College. Good luck, and thanks STEPS!

Speaking of health-related topics, The American Red Cross is in URGENT NEED of blood, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. In response, the Garrett County Health Department has scheduled its next blood drive for Friday, April 19th, from 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm in their first floor conference room. To schedule an appointment please download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App on your smart phone, call Venessa at 301.334.7730 or 301.895.3111, or visit www.redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) – Garrett Branch is celebrating its 70th(+3) anniversary to celebrate its history in Garrett County.  AAUW-Garrett Branch will be hosting an anniversary dinner on April 12th at Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub.  Advanced registration with AAUW is required. Those who have been members of AAUW at any time or who wish to celebrate a mother or grandmother who was active in AAUW are invited to attend the anniversary dinner, as is anyone from the general public.  Tickets for the dinner are $30/person, and reservations must be made by April 1^st. To register for the anniversary dinner and/or learn more about becoming a member of AAUW-Garrett Branch, please call Judy A. Carbone, Branch President, at 301.616.5036.

I am working on a new cover story on Deep Creek-area non-profits for our April edition.  Please feel free to send me any suggestions for local non-profits you would like me to include in this brief cover piece. I am curious as to what I hear back and will do my best to mention all.  In the meantime, please check out this month’s Cover Story on our collaboration partner Lisa Cole and her Wildfulness podcast.  She is a talented story teller and her edutainment channel covers some interesting topics that will resonate with all interested in our mountain Maryland history, people and lifestyle.

Look at this smile from our instagram follower https://www.instagram.com/instapamd/:

The rain came later than expected on Thursday, at least in my part of Garrett County. Today will be snow showers, mainly after 10am. Some thunder is also possible. High near 35. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Tonight will be snow showers mainly before 11pm and mostly cloudy otherwise, with a low around 20. Blustery. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Saturday will be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 37 and a low around 26. Sunday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 50 and a low around 37.

Come grab some cheese fondue, chocolate fondue or both! Sit down, relax and enjoy with a glass of wine or craft beer from the tap at the North Glade Inn’s casual Fondue Night today from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Sounds gooey but good.

Jason Shaw will be performing at Sipside Lounge in Oakland from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Friday evening. And, the Baer Bones Band is playing at Black Bear Tavern Friday evening from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Day Old News is performing at Moonshadow Friday as well, from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Check out our Entertainment Guide for more music an our Upcoming Events for other events this weekend.

The Garrett College Foundation has been preparing for this year’s upcoming Spring Scholarship Benefit. The 9th annual fundraiser will take place on Friday, May 10th at Twin Tails Event Farm in Oakland. Sounds like a great event with cocktails, dinner and some great music and other entertainment planned.  All proceeds from the event will support scholarships for Garrett College students. I hear that Twin Tails takes Farmhouse Charm to a whole new level.  Contact the Foundation for more information or for tickets.

The Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department is holding their annual Gun and Cash Bash Fundraiser on Saturday.  Check it out as always fun and you may even win some money or a bazooka, plus proceeds go to a good cause.

March 29 is the deadline for nominations to be postmarked for receipt by the Garrett County Commission for Women for the Women’s Hall of Fame and for the Commission’s scholarships: The Commission is seeking nominations for outstanding Garrett County women for induction into the Hall of Fame on May 4 and the Commission also awards five general scholarships of $500 and one $5,000 scholarship. More information can be found here.

Mosses and ‘Manders oh my!  The Discovery Center at Deep Creek State Park is offering a number of nice programs (as usual) this weekend. This one focuses on moss identification and salamanders too, and is on Saturday from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

This is a bit long, but since I mentioned the Garrett College Foundation Spring Scholarship Benefit, above, I thought I would include some information just issued about Maryland’s 16 community colleges (known as the sweet sixteen). Garrett College is the smallest in the state, but together with the other 15, it adds some serious value to our people and communities.  Check out these important, interesting and perhaps surprising facts about our state (and Garrett County’s) community colleges:

1. 70% of Maryland freshmen and sophomore college students are enrolled in one of Maryland’s 16 community colleges.

2. Each year, Maryland’s community colleges enroll a diverse population of nearly 500,000 students – 150,000 in credit programs and 350,000 in continuing education and workforce development courses.

3. At the very core of the missions of community colleges is accessibility to a diverse population. Community colleges effectively cater to those working full-time jobs, caring for an aging or ill family member, those serving in the military, and many other life circumstances. We do so through innovative day, evening, weekend, and 24/7 online opportunities.

4. More than 50% of Maryland’s community college students transfer to in-state colleges and universities to complete their baccalaureate degrees.

5. Maryland’s community colleges have dozens of transfer agreements with colleges and universities, both in-state and out-of-state, that guarantee the maximum number of credits will transfer and save students thousands of dollars in achieving their bachelor’s degrees.

6. There are 156 non-credit program options at Maryland’s community colleges that meet professional licensing and certification requirements for in-demand jobs within our local communities – to over 100,000 students annually.

7. The average student-to-faculty ratio at Maryland’s community colleges is 16:1, which encourages a collegiate environment of increased student/faculty engagement.

8. Maryland’s community colleges engage diverse student populations through enriching co-curricular activities, service opportunities, and clubs. Students participate in successful, competitive men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic programs as part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (MDJUCO) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

9. 88% of alumni from Maryland’s 16 community colleges remain within the state and they contribute to their local and state economies by purchasing goods and services and as engaged tax-paying citizens.

10. Since 2009, there has been a 40% increase in community college completions. During this time, the cost of higher education has skyrocketed becoming the 2nd highest consumer debt behind mortgages. Students who start at a Maryland community college can save 60% compared to public four year colleges, 76 % compared to forprofit colleges, and 91% compared to Maryland private colleges’ tuition costs.

11. Community College students learn from an accomplished faculty that is student-focused. Additionally, student support is one of the ways community colleges stand out among other higher education institutions. Typical services include academic and career advising, counseling, tutorials, health care, financial aid, and library and computer lab services.

12. Nearly $10 billion is pumped into Maryland’s economy every year by our 16 community colleges. (equivalent to employment of 150,000 people)

13. By 2020, 69% of Maryland’s jobs will require a postsecondary education. Community colleges are the largest single workforce trainer in Maryland.

14. Due to Maryland’s community college students and their completion, Maryland will see avoided social costs amounting to $494 million annually, equal to the sum of avoided costs related to health, crime, and unemployment.

15. Maryland community colleges offer degree, certificate and skills training programs to support workforce development for the region’s fastest growing industries such as nursing, allied health, cybersecurity, and hospitality.

16. Graduating from one of Maryland’s community colleges has proven to have a profound impact on earnings. The median income for graduates more than doubles three years after completion when compared to student earnings one-year prior to graduation.

Yesterday was cool and overcast. Today will be a chance of light rain before noon, then showers likely, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 44 and a low around 32 Rain showers likely before 10pm, then rain and snow showers likely between 10pm and midnight, then a chance of snow showers after midnight. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Just in from Tri-State News Center: The Maryland General Assembly has given final approval to raising the state’s minimum wage from $10.10 to $15 an hour by the year 2025. The minimum wage would increase to $11 in January and would then rise 75-cents per year to $14 in 2024, then reach $15 the following year. The bill does give companies with less than 15 employees more time to phase in the increase.

The Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, has awarded 71 grants totaling $215,505 toward environmental education, community cleanup and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program. Garrett County recipients include Mountain Laurel Garden Club, Sky Valley Association, Inc. and Town of Oakland.  Congratulations!

Just heard that Jazzercise Oakland is having a sale. The sale is for two months of unlimited classes for $99.  The sale is available in-store only now through April 7th.  Schedule & contact information are available on their website.

Our Town Theatre in Oakland is hosting their Open mic Night this evening from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. This is the night OTT opens their stage to anyone who has something to share: Music, short stories, poetry, dance, skits, etc. and are all welcome. So come out and share you talent.

Here’s a neat video sent in to us by Robert Bona.  Thanks Robert!

 

Bill’s Marine Service is holding their Spring Open House on March 30th and 31st. Speaking of boats, boating and summer on the lake, here’s an interesting photo of some folks in silhouette on frozen Red Run Cove. The seasons are changing and in a few short months there will be boats where they are standing on the ice. Thanks to reader Russ Dijak for sharing his photo.

Bet you didn’t know that Maryland Day is March 25th, which commemorates the day in 1634 that settlers disembarked from two small sailing ships – the Ark and the Dove – onto Maryland soil.  While most all of “the action” is located down state, I thought I would mention the day, as many of our readers are Marylanders and a number also live downstate or around the DC area and may want to partake in these free and low-cost events.  Here’s a link to some activities.

Yesterday was a nice day, though pretty cool. Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 48. and a low around 33.

Attention all parents, teachers, and children’s book nerds! The Grantsville branch of the Ruth Enlow Library is holding a “What’s New: Picture Book Edition” that will introduce you to new and noteworthy picture books you may want to reserve for your kids.  Registration is required.

There will be a “Get to Know Your Lions Club” open house and information event this evening at Garrett College in the auditorium from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Various chapters from throughout Garrett and Allegany counties will be there to talk to prospective members and provide information to others. I can say that the Lions is one of the great community organizations in the area and they do some really great work.  Stop by and check them out.

If you play an instrument and want to “jam” with some others, the monthly Acoustic Rock Jam is taking place this evening at MoonShadow from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  If trivia is more to you liking, check-out Team Trivia at the Greene Turtle, also in McHenry and also from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Theater on The Lake (TOTL) is back and they just announced programs for this summer season at Deep Creek Lake. Here’s a link to their season programming. Definitely some nice material.

As you may be aware, March is Womens’ History Month across the US. If you are a regular reader you know that entrepreneurship and small business creation is one of my passions, so I thought I would share this from SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Michelle Christian: “Women entrepreneurs make up a growing share of U.S. small business owners. The American Express 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses report estimates that women own 12.3 million companies in the U.S. – compare that to 1972 when there were only 402,000 women-owned businesses. Today, women employ more than 9.2 million people and generate $1.7 trillion in revenue. Last year, 1,821 women-owned businesses were launched every day. Despite these numbers, and while women make up more than 50 percent of the US population, only 29 percent are business owners.”  I know a number of women-owned businesses in Garrett County, including Brenda’s Pizzeria, Ace’s Run, Trader’s Coffee House, MoonShadow Cafe, A Touch of Class Limousines, Mountain State Brewing Company, Shaffer Ford, the newly opened Free State Cooperage and of course, Curb Appeal Marketing, owned by my business partner and Deep Creek Times co-owner, Sarah Myers, just to name a few off the top of my head. There are many more and more in the works…

The newest Wildfulness podcast episode, #48 Deciphering The Dawn Chorus & the Words of Birds, is now live on Facebook, Twitter, iTunes, GooglePlay, etc. (Search Wildfulness.) Fascinating!

There is a job fair in Cumberland tomorrow – sponsored by MD DLLR – looks like a lot of employers will be there.

17-year old Cody Clayton Eagle, from nearby Morgantown, WV has made it through American Idol auditions to go to Hollywood!

Yesterday we experienced some snow showers early and some flurries in the afternoon. Today will be sunny, with a high near 39 and a low around 26.

Cyclists from all over the world are enjoying 355 uninterrupted miles of beautiful scenery and fascinating history on one of America’s most treasured biking destinations. Consisting of two connecting trails, the C&O Canal Towpath (Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland) and the Great Allegheny Passage (Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA), there’s a nice documentary called The Great Ride that really brings it to life.  I know lots of people that ride the trail and they all love it.

The Deep Creek Dunk is still “on” and in fundraising mode and they are down to the FINAL WEEK of fundraising for incentives! You can get cool new stuff AND help them reach their goal of $200,000 for the athletes of Special Olympics Maryland. They raised over $23,000 from the Cool Schools Dunk and $160,000 overall, I believe.

It’s Trivia Night at MoonShadow this evening from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. They also run happy hour and specials then.

A timeshare for the month of August has just been listed in our online marketplace. Time to start planning your summer trip to the lake!

Here’s an interesting “mix of things” at the Garrett County Fairgrounds on March 30th and March 31st. There will be boats, food trucks, RVs and power sports. Here’s a link.

The existing permit for the operation of Deep Creek Station (the Deep Creek Dam), is due to expire on April 1st. Current operator Brookfield Power Piney & Deep Creek Lake LLC seeks to renew their appropriation permit for the operation of the Deep Creek Station hydroelectric generation facility and their application seeks to increase an existing allocation from an annual average of 94,000,000 gallons per day (gpd) to 128,000,000 gpd. Click here for a lot more detail from the Maryland Department of the Environment.

The weekend was cooler and a bit blustery, but was quite nice. Snow is likely, mainly before 10:00 am this morning, with an accumulation of an inch or less forecast. The day will then turn partly sunny, with a high near 35. There will be a northwest wind of 5 to 10 mph. Looks like we still need those coats!

We just received some information on slope-side lighting and closures regarding Wisp from one of their ski patrol folks. Lift one is already closed and there is no more night skiing through Thursday. There will be night skiing Friday, March 22nd and Saturday, March 23rd on the front-side only. Starting March 24th, night skiing is done for the season. North Camp closes today for the season and East Ridge closes for the season on Monday, March 25th. Please contact Wisp directly to confirm and get more detailed information.

Need needlework?  The Needlework Group is meeting at both the Kitzmiller branch and the Oakland branches of the Ruth Enlow library this evening.  Open to all and you can work any kind of needlework you wish to during these sessions. Fun and relaxing.

Congratulations go out to Southern Garrett High School Wrestling, who are state champs after a 39 – 0 season!  Congratulations are also in order for the SHS Basketball team, which made it to the state championship game this weekend, falling to lake Clifton 64 – 46.  Well done and very impressive.

Did you know that “blowing” or placing grass clippings onto the road can be dangerous and possibly illegal in some areas?  As the weather turns toward Spring and yard work, we thought we would mention it and also include a link to an article that ran late last summer.

Our congratulations to Judy Carbone of HART for Animals and numerous other endeavors in Garrett County for Being included in the 2019 Top 100 Women in Maryland as compiled by The Maryland Daily Record. Thanks for all you do to better our community Judy.

On a negative note, I want to offer condolences publicly to my business partner and co-owner of Deep Creek Times, Sarah Myers, and all in her family. Sarah lost her dear Pap on Friday. Mr. Ritchie had a full life and the love of his family and will be greatly missed.

Thursday was amazing weather-wise. Friday will have showers until mid-afternoon and then mostly sunny with a high of 56, with wind gusts as high as 30 mph. Saturday has a chance of snow showers, mainly before 11:00 am, with a high of 34 and a low of 22. Sunday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 35 and a chance of snow showers after 1:00 am.

Here’s a short piece from AccuWeather on the Bomb Cyclone weather system moving eastward. The spring-like warm temperatures many have experienced in the northeast will give way to cold temperatures and precipitation later this weekend and into next week. Check this out if you are traveling.

The Chamber’s Business After Hours at First United Bank & Trust in McHenry Thursday evening was well attended and well done.  Great space and room to converse, plus nice catering from a variety of local catering establishments. Great job to all involved.

The Black Bear Tavern and Restaurant in McHenry has some nice entertainment scheduled for this weekend. Here’s a link to their site. In addition, Buffalo Run will be appearing at MoonShadow on Friday from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. The Tom Batchelor Band will be appearing there on Saturday evening. As always, these two venues have some great acts on tap (yes, pun was intended, as they have great food and libations as well)!

There will be a “Night of Mayhem, Mystery and…Murder” at Dutch’s at Silver Tree Saturday evening starting at 6:00 pm.  But don’t worry, all of the proceeds go to benefit HART for Animals. Sounds like fun.

While at the Business After Hours, I caught-up with two of my favorite people: Kiley and Traci Royce, former owners of Oakland’s Get-n-Go.  Traci now works at Sunrise Shred and Kiley has formed his own business, K-R Home and Commercial Remodeling & Improvements. He does big and small jobs and while he didn’t ask me to, I am putting this plug in for his fairly new enterprise to anyone needing work done.  He can be reached at 301-616-1673 or kiley@kileyroyce.com.

You can celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at Sipside Lounge in Oakland on Sunday from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, with live entertainment, Irish-themed snacks and giveaways. So, check-out this new establishment and “get on your green!”

We have a winner for this season’s last Wisp Ski/Tubing voucher giveaway. We randomly drew the entry of Matt M., who’s from the Garrett County area. Congratulations Matt and we hope you can have some fun on the slopes. Matt won one lift ticket, one ski/snowboard rental and two tubing session tickets.

There’s lots to do at and around the lake this weekend. Check out our Upcoming Events section for additional events. And, don’t forget the variety of great dining options we have in the area including Greene Turtle, Brenda’s Pizzeria, Penn Alps, Ledo’s Pizza, etc., etc.  Check them all out here on our Area Dining Guide and tell them Deep Creek Times sent you!

Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day on the mountain! Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 68 (yes, you read that right), with a south wind of 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Showers are likely in the evening and possibly a thunderstorm after 4:00 am.

Congratulations to DCL Outfitters in McHenry, which just held their grand opening with a ribbon cutting with local dignitaries. They are a “outdoor recreation and lifestyle store” offering many name brands in the ski and water sport industry. We wish them the best.

First United Bank and Trust will be hosting the Chamber’s March Business After Hours event this evening from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at their location in McHenry.

It’s Team Trivia Night this evening at Mountain State Brewing Company from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm.  Any number can play and compete for prizes.

Killer Whales at the lake?  No, but there may actually be a newly discovered species of killer whale off the coast of Chile. According to NOAA, scientists were finally able to get a DNA sample from a few of the whales after they have been spotted and photographed for over 50 years.  Here’s a link to this interesting story.

Speaking of “fish,” here’s a great quote I just read in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fishing Report: “There will be days when the fishing is better than one’s most optimistic forecast, others when it is far worse. Either is a gain over just staying home.” — Roderick Haig-Brown

Thanks to Jenna F. for this sunrise photo yesterday morning:

Yesterday was sunny and mild. Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 54 and a low of 40, with a south wind around 8 mph.

Here’s a link to the results from Monday’s Oakland town council elections. Thanks to all those who campaigned hard and are willing to serve Oakland and its citizens and businesses.

Speaking of Oakland, GOBA’s Clean and Green Team of volunteers has undertaken a new project to create a “mosaic” using plastic lids/caps affixed to panels. This is an exciting project which combines art, recycling, community involvement and that will also add to the newly designated Arts and Entertainment District. The entire mural will be 2 ft. x 14 ft and will spell out “OAKLAND” and will be constructed with help from numerous community groups. They are looking for some monetary and material donations. Call Michelle Ross at 301.334.2691 if you wish to donate or have a building or lot to “host” the new mural.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is getting ready to release over 300,000 trout in state waterways, including some in Garrett County. Regular spring stocking is done by department crews in lakes, rivers and streams from early March through June. In 2019, the department will stock trout in 133 locations in 18 counties. Here’s a link for more details. Get your fishing gear ready!

The Friends of the Library session that was rescheduled due to inclement weather will be held at the Oakland Branch of the Ruth Enlow Library this evening from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm.  They hold these sessions to get feedback and ideas from local citizens and they are open to all.

Don’t forget to submit your entry by Midnight tonight! We still have a Wisp lift voucher (1), ski/snowboard rental voucher (1) and tube park vouchers (2) to give away!  We will bundle the lift/rental vouchers and the two tubing vouchers into one prize.  So, you can WIN a nice end-of-season package from us. If you want to enter, please complete this form or send us an email to info@deepcreektimes.com by Midnight tonight, and attach at least one photo of the Deep Creek Lake area, with people or not (up to you), from your travels here.  We will randomly draw one entry for the prize.

The new Sipside Lounge on 2nd Street in downtown Oakland is planning a nice St. Paddy’s Day celebration this Sunday, March 17th, from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  They will have live entertainment, Irish-themed snacks and giveaways in addition to their nice selection of beer, wine and cocktails.  My wife and I really like the atmosphere at Sipside and their selection of classic cocktails brought back some memories, as did the new and vintage albums and music memorabilia next store at their Flipside Sounds sister establishment (which will be open on Sunday as well).

While we will likely will be getting some colder weather and some frozen precipitation before the season is out, I just get the sense that the weather has “tipped” toward springtime. We shall see…

Today’s weather will be sunny, with a high near 38 and a northwest wind of 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 25 and with less wind.

I just returned home to write these Daily Notes after an information session at Northern High School for parents and students on the topic of High School Dual Enrollment.  That is a program where Garrett County high school students can enroll in a course or courses offered by Garrett College and get both high school and college credit for taking the course (and it is almost free).  There is another info session on April 23rd at the college and anyone interested can call Admissions at 301.387.3044 for more information. We are really fortunate here in Garrett County that this is both offered and funded with almost no cost to students and their families.

There’s a few nice programs for young children at the various branches of the Ruth Enlow Library today.  Here’s a link to their events calendar. Each individual event is also on our Upcoming Events calendar.

Just heard that Jen Durben, Heritage Area & Group Sales Director of the Garrett County Chamber, will be leaving the Chamber and Garrett County next month to move to Orlando, Florida. Jen is a dedicated, talented and very nice individual and we are sorry to see her leave the area. We wish her the best in her new endeavors.

Speaking of the Chamber, this month’s Business After Hours will be held on Thursday, March 14th at First United Bank & Trust in McHenry from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.  First United just redesigned and updated this branch and it looks really good, so consider checking it out.

The Health Department advises that interested groups such as police departments, coalitions, volunteer fire department or other organizations which serve alcohol at their events can contact Brenda Sisler at 301.334.7730 or Brenda.Sisler@maryland.gov for more information about the Alcohol Access and Service Best Practices Toolkit and dates of upcoming free TIPS training classes.  These services are made possible through the MD Behavior Health Administration and SAMSHA.

The County Commissioners just announced their next public meeting to be held the afternoon of March 19th at the court house in Oakland. Here’s a link to the revised agenda.

The Deep Creek Lake Property Owners Association just sent us their latest newsletter with some important and interesting information about the lake and surrounding areas and communities.  It is worth a thorough read and here’s the link.

This news bit amazed me.  Babe Ruth’s daughter, Julia Ruth Stevens, just passed away over the weekend. She was born in 1916.  Apparently a wonderful lady and she was still actively engaged with the Babe Ruth Museum in Baltimore until the end.  Wow, I tend to think of Babe Ruth as a historical figure and had no idea his daughter was still alive! RIP Julia.

Last Contest of the Season: We still have a lift ticket (1), ski/snowboard rental (1) and tube park vouchers (2) to give away!  We will bundle the lift/rental vouchers and the two tubing vouchers into one prize.  So, you can WIN a nice end-of-season package from us. If you want to enter, please complete this form or send us an email to info@deepcreektimes.com by Midnight Wednesday, 3/13 AND attach at least one photo of the Deep Creek Lake area, with people or not (up to you), from your travels here.  We will choose one winner randomly from submissions and will also include entries from this past week’s contest that sent in photos. Please keep in mind we are near the end of the season, so if you are taking a round-the-world cruise over the next few weeks you may want to pass, as these vouchers are only good until the end of this season.  Good Luck Folks.

 

 

Sunday was sunny, warm and really nice, though quite breezy.  Today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 42, and breezy, with a west wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 22 and with a west wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Congratulations to reader Paula B. who won three Wisp tubing park vouchers in last week’s Deep Creek Times giveaway and Jamie H. who won vouchers for two lift tickets and two rentals! Way to go folks.  We will be having another contest starting today and going until Wednesday at midnight.  See below for the details.

This is different:  There will be a Harp Concert this afternoon from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Oakland Branch of the Ruth Enlow Library. Lynne Dale will play a selection of music for the harp, including classic and modern songs. This concert is free and open to the public.

Local chef Larry Roby asked me to spread the word about the upcoming Chefs of Steel fundraiser for the Western Maryland Food Bank on March 25th. The event starts at 5:30 pm with a buffet at 6:00 pm and then transitions to a top-chef competition at 7:00 pm (Larry is competing).  It’s all for a good cause and includes a silent auction, 50-50 raffle and other good stuff.  It is at the Culinaire Cafe on Baltimore Street in Cumberland.  Call 301.722.2797 for more information.

1,000 eggs! 10 miles of trails! One truly beautiful state park! Yes, it’s getting to be time for the EGGstreme Easter Egg Hunt on April 20th at New Germany State Park. This is a great event to get families out together to have fun and explore the area’s natural beauty.  But, the organizers need your help!  They are looking for donations of candy eggs and funds to help make the hunt a success.  You can find more information on the hunt itself and donation opportunities here. Please tell the Easter Bunny the Deep Creek Times sent ya!

A lot of folks don’t think about the fact that Wisp Resort has been around, under different ownership, for over 50 years.  Here’s a pricing sheet I recently found online and thought I would share.  I don’t know when it is from exactly but I am guessing mid- 60s.  If you know, drop us an email and we will share with readers in a future Daily Notes column. Thanks.

Speaking of the Wisp, here’s our latest contest: We still have a lift ticket (1), ski/snowboard rental (1) and tube park vouchers (2) to give away!  We will bundle the lift/rental vouchers and the two tubing vouchers into one prize.  So, you can WIN a nice end-of-season package from us. If you want to enter, please complete this form or send us an email to info@deepcreektimes.com by Midnight Wednesday, 3/13 AND attach at least one photo of the Deep Creek Lake area, with people or not (up to you), from your travels here.  We will choose one winner randomly from submissions and will also include entries from this past week’s contest that sent in photos. Please keep in mind we are near the end of the season, so if you are taking a round-the-world cruise over the next few weeks you may want to pass, as these vouchers are only good until the end of this season.  Good Luck Folks.

The weather for this weekend will be as follows:  For Friday we expect snow of from 1-3 inches, with a high near 32. Saturday is showing a chance of rain after 5:00 pm, with a high near 40 and winds from 5 – 14 mph.  Sunday has a chance of showers, mainly before 7:00 am, with a high near 54 and it will be breezy with a west wind of 17-23 mph. Sounds like there are definite opportunities for hitting the slopes.

Just heard that Bill Meagher is the “mystery man” that purchased the Subway Sandwich shop next to High Mountain Sports across from the lake on 219.  Bill owns Lakeside Creamery, Deep Creek Donut Factory and other area ventures and is a very good businessperson and a great guy.  We wish him well in his latest venture.

Shane Masters is playing at Moonshadow Friday evening.  Enjoy country music and some good food too starting at 8:00 pm.

Considered by many to be one of the best romantic musicals ever written, “She Loves Me” is playing at Our Town Theater this Friday and Saturday.

The Lodges at Sunset Village has some nice discounted rates for late Winter skiers, including $99/night (weekdays) and $149/night (weekends) lodging and ski packages.  They have some other March specials for Veterans and couples as well. Give them a call at 301.387.2227 to get specifics or to book.

This sounds like quite a sticky situation: There will be a Maple Syrup making demonstration on Saturday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Friends Store at Sang Run State Park.  Sounds interesting.  Maybe bring a pancake or two…

The Oakland Volunteer Fire Department is having their MEGA BASH this Saturday, from  Noon – 7:00 pm.  There will be over $33,000 in cash prizes! 185 chances to win, Drawings every 2 minutes and each ticket has two chances to win! Only 500 tickets will be sold! Plus, proceeds go to a good cause.  I have been to this in the past.  Good food and a fun environment. Bring a friend and see if you can win something.

There’s a LOT of neat things going on at and around the lake this weekend in addition to the above.  Go to our Events page to get additional information on music, educational and other cool opportunities to experience the Deep Creek Lake area.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources mid-winter waterfowl survey is part of an annual, nationwide effort to survey waterfowl on their wintering grounds to monitor local distribution and habitat affiliations. This Winter’s count showed 566,300 total waterfowl in the state.

Finally, don’t forget about our contest to win Wisp tubing and ski/board vouchers.  This week’s contest ends midnight Friday evening. Just send in a statement of what you like most about the Deep Creek Lake area to info@deepcreektimes.com and if your submission is randomly drawn, you win.  See Monday’s Notes for more details. Good luck.