Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

The weather for today will be sunny, with a high near 62 and a low of 40. There will be a light southwest wind of six to eight mph.  Should be a pleasant day.

Even with this nice fall weather, we all know that winter is just around the corner.  And, while snow is definitely beautiful here on the mountain, and a boost to the local economy, winter weather can be trying at times, as this snowy gentleman might attest. I say go with the flow and “bring it on.”

Winter is coming…

Speaking of the weather, Garrett College has an interesting continuing education class, “Understanding Weather and Climate”, with instructor Joe Bastardi, coming along on November 6th and 13th (two sessions) in McHenry from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. If you interested in registering or finding out more information you can call 301.387.3069 or go to this link https://tinyurl.com/y66czcc3 

Well, back to the present, here’s a very nice photo of some pumpkin art submitted by our reader Karen Harman.  Thank you Karen, nice work!

Nice Pumpkin Art

Even with fall fully under way, there is some very good fishing to be had on the lake. The Maryland Fishing Report says “most of the floating docks (at the lake) have been pulled so largemouth and smallmouth bass will be on the prowl for any type of cover. Sunken wood, rocks, fallen tree tops and grass lines are good places to look. Casting small crankbaits and jigs that resemble crayfish are a very good tactic. Crayfish are migrating from shallow cover to deeper cover and so have to cross open bottom, smallmouth bass in particular will be waiting in these transition areas to pick them off. Northern pike can be found along grass lines and cove mouths.”

Finally today, in keeping with our “seasonal” theme, orders are being accepted for the spring 2020 planting season for shrubs and trees from the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Supplies are limited, so place your order soon (minimum 25 seedlings).

Have a great Thursday folks.

The weather for today will be sunny, with a high near 50 and a low around 40. West wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.  So, hold onto your hats folks!

Taking this time to wish my wife Jean a very Happy Birthday.  She turns 21 (again) today.  If you see her please wish her a happy day.

Here’s an impressive photo (looks like a work of art!) taken and submitted by Shane Robertson, of Crows Point Road in Swanton. Well done and thanks Shane.

Photo by: Shane Robertson

The second to last Wednesday Mountain Fresh Farmers Market is today in Oakland. Many of the farmers have had frost, but there are still greens and tomatoes from vendors with high tunnels, and potatoes, sweet potatoes and other “from the ground” vegetables as well as other storage items such as winter squash, garlic, beets, carrots, and more.

It’s Team Trivia Night at the Greene Turtle this evening from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  Fun times and a chance to win nice prizes.

FINALLY: Have a great (over the) Hump Day folks! But, before you leave today’s Daily Notes, please read this:

SAMMY’S LIFE STORY JUST GOT A LOT HAPPIER!
There are so many cats at the Garrett County Animal Shelter, many who come in as strays and are not claimed by an owner. We work closely with the staff there to see that every adoptable cat has a chance of being adopted. It’s the basis of our mission. Sammy was once such cat who was not well socialized with people or other animals when she came to us. We worked lovingly and tirelessly with her to get her where she needed to be. Sammy wasn’t with us for too long when a young couple came in and fell in love with this beautiful girl. Sammy, being the now well-socialized cat she had become, won the young couples hearts. They wanted to adopted right away and add another fur baby to their home. Our staff in the Adoption Wing worked like the well-integrated team they are to get Sammy ready. Other staff members answered all of the couple’s questions about Sammy and what she needed from them at home. Soon, the three of them were on their way to their happily ever after. <3

Are you ready to add a feline or canine companion to your home and heart? Please ADOPT and never shop or take a “free to a good home” animal. All pets adopted from HART are up-to-date on their shots, defleaed/dewormed, microchipped, spayed/neutered, and assessed for basic health and behavior. To learn more about adopting from HART for Animals, go to www.hartforanimals.org/how-to-adopt. I don’t know the young couple discussed above and pictured below, but I do know I like them and thank them!

Another Kitty Finds its Forever Home!

 

Well, yesterday started out really foggy in most places, but the fog burned off and it was a decent day.  Today’s weather will include showers, mainly after 8:00 am. High near 58 with a low in the evening of 39. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

When I first saw this photo taken by Maura Sacco, I did a double take.  It appeared that there was an owl in the tree, but it really is just the tree.  A bit of an optical illusion.Thanks Maura.

Owl in a tree?

Congratulations are in order as the Garrett College cross country team took home the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference team title last week. The newly reinstated program had three finishers in the top five.  Way to go gentlemen.

Speaking of the college, Annie Simcoe, a very talented paper artist working and living in Western Maryland, and also an avid mountain biker, runner and kayaker, will will presenting her story at the Adventure Sports Colloquium speaker series this evening at 6:30 pm in the CAOS building room # 1013.

Tonight is Ladies Night at Sipside Lounge in Oakland. They have 25% off glasses of wine and bottomless chocolate.

Have a great day folks.

Yesterday was warmer, but a bit wet at times. Today will start with some heavy fog, be mostly sunny, with a high near 63 and southeast wind of 6 to 13 mph. Showers likely toward morning.

It seems that the area’s fall colors are still near their peak about now. Here’s a nice photo submitted by Dee Dave.  Thanks Dee.

Fall at the lake

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a FROG!  This is a real frog on the window glass the other day at the college in McHenry. While the photo gives the illusion of size and height (and its ability to leap tall buildings…) s/he is just a regular-size amphibian. To my knowledge, there are no giant mutant frogs invading the lake.  But, you never know… Be on the look-out!

Giant Frog Jumps Buildings at DCL…

Coming back down to earth: The Appalachian Laboratory is hosting a Lab After Hours- a Guided Tour as part of the Watershed Moments Community Learning Series on November 7th, They will be hosting guided tours of the Laboratory from 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm that evening. During the tour, participants will be able to visit laboratories and learn about the research conducted there from the scientists and students who work in those facilities. Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free, but registration is required. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lab-after-hours-a-guided-tour-tickets-73275150949 or by calling 301.689.7102.

There’s a Young Artists Workshop this evening at the Ruth Enlow Library in Oakland. This looks like it is both informative and fun. Find out more here.  While society increasingly puts emphasis on STEM education, and for a lot of good reasons, I believe in STEAM education, adding arts makes for a well-rounded individual. Just a little editorial.

Finally, Sarah and I have been very busy preparing for our 2019 Deep Creek Times People’s Choice Challenge celebration party (and related program guide, etc.).  The celebration will be held on Wednesday, October 30th from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm in the GIEC on the Garrett College campus in McHenry.  We will announce all of the winners at that event, so if you were nominated, you definitely want to attend. Please help us spread the word.

Have a great Monday!

The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 47 and a low around 31. Widespread frost, mainly after 3am. Saturday will begin with frost but turn otherwise sunny with a high near 60 and a low around 43. Sunday will have a chance of showers from 2am to about 2pm. Some sun with a high near 62 and a low around 45.

Here’s another neat shot by Howard Hartman and Capital Sky Eye.

Today is “chocolate cupcake day” … any excuse for a delicious treat from Trader’s Coffee House!

Maryland Humanities Executive Director Phoebe Stein is stepping down; under her tenure the humanities have been brought to Garrett County by way of Chautauqua, One Maryland One Book, Grants to Garrett organizations, and other programming.

Did you know that Garrett County is home to several ORV trails? ORV may sound intimidating but it stands for “off-road vehicle”. Here’s a map of the St

While you’re interested in ORV, the Maryland DNR has a website to make purchasing hunting, fishing, and ORV licenses easier than ever! Also, there’s more about regulations and other important information about outdoor recreation in Maryland.

“Stunning. The colors of fall (foliage) are not shy this week! The forests, parks, riversides, scenic overlooks, and even roadways in Garrett County are all worth finding the time to slow down and enjoy. Remember this window can be short, come see it before it’s gone,” says Ranger Adam Stachowiak, assistant manager of Herrington Manor, Swallow Falls, and Wolf Den Run state parks.

Wisp Resort will be hosting the next Business After Hours on Thursday, November 14 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

Speaking of Wisp, here’s more information on their Oktoberfest celebration happening tomorrow:
Saturday, October 19 (Noon – 6pm at Mountain Park)
This event is free to enter. All activities, Artisan Village crafts, food, and beverage will be a la carte.

TICKETED OKTOBERFEST KIDS ACTIVITIES: Bounce House, Knocker Balls, May Pole, Root Beer Garden, Hot Pretzel Twisting, Crafts Table, and games such as Sack Races and Yodeling contest

TICKETED OKTOBERFEST ADULT ACTIVITIES: Grape Stomping, Hammer-Hammer-Faster-Faster, Cornhole Tournament, & Lederhosen Contest

TICKETS: Individual tickets for Oktoberfest activities: 1 ticket = $2 or 10 tickets for $15

MOUNTAIN PARK ACTIVITIES: Archery, Mountain Coaster, Canopy Tours, & Gem Mining

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: Artisan Village, food and beverage including brats, pretzels, Oktoberfest beers & more!

BEER GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT:
Noon – 3pm Joe Maloy Accordion Player
3pm – 6pm: Oompah Band

MOUNTAIN PARK TENT:
DJ Connor Norman

PARKING: Mountain Park Parking Lots
Schedule of Events & Tickets per Activity TBA

National Drug Take-Back Day is scheduled for October 26th.

Motorists are reminded to stay alert for deer! ????

The weather for today will be scattered showers, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42 and a low around 36. Wind advisory as it will be breezy, with a west wind 21 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

We have a few fabulous photos that were shared with us by Howard Hartman with Capital Sky Eye. This first one of McHenry, MD.

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners will be holding its semi–annual Board of Health meeting during the monthly Garrett County Health Planning Council on Thursday, October 31, 2019 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Garrett County Health Department

Deep Creek Mountain Land Company is holding a Fall Builders’ Fair THIS SATURDAY from 11am – 4pm at Wisp Lodge!

Newly listed in the online marketplace is a wood stove >> check it out under the “MISCELLANEOUS” category.

It’s HomeTown Night at the Manor — from 5:00 – 9:00pm, they’re offering a 10% discount on all dinner menu items.

We have M-A-R-Y-L-A-N-D pride! Every Monday on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, the Maryland Office of Tourism is joining with their sponsors to give away great Maryland travel experiences on Maryland Mondays! This week’s contest is for a pair of tickets to the Pride of Baltimore’s Sunset Sail, October 25, or a pair of VIP tickets to Bennett’s Curse for October 24-27; October 30-November 2.

Deep Creek Lake is providing some excellent fishing opportunities for a mixed bag of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, walleye, crappie and northern pike.

The weather today will be

WTAE is reporting that there may be some snowflakes possible in the higher elevations tomorrow morning.

Wow. What a view Deb Silka Reighard had when flying over Deep Creek Lake, MD:

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources presents opportunities for Canada goose hunting on Deep Creek Lake and waterfowl hunting at Broadford Lake, both in Garrett County has been approved for Canadian goose hunting on Deep Creek Lake and Broadford Lake on Nov. 25, 26, and 27, 2019.

Local resident Matt Krause has earned the rank of Lieutenant with the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services.

Note: Bloomington Water System residents are urged to conserve water. The water levels are low due to a leak in the system.

Plan on attending the AAUW event to celebrate Garrett County Women Small Business Owners tomorrow evening at 6pm.

The weather will be sunny with a high near 62 and a low around 52. South wind around 11 mph.

Gihan Liyanage shares his view of Deep Creek Lake, MD:

Janel Lindner Grossinger celebrates her friend Wendy’s 50th Birthday at Deep Creek Lake, MD:

Tomorrow is Children’s Hour with Commissioner Edwards from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Oakland library: designed for preschoolers ages 3 and up.

Neighboring Allegany County invites the community and visitors are invited to share images from life in the area or from their recent getaway experiences to the area; specifically, the county’s story of culture, lifestyle, and recreation during the 2019 Mountain Maryland Photo Contest.

Frostburg continues the discussion on an interesting project: a self-operated tram, that would run between the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad turntable on Depot Street to the back of the former Au Petit Paris Restaurant building on East Main Street.

“Deep Creek Lake had once again provided variety, and memories, for this father and son duo.”

SAVE THE DATE: The 2019 People’s Choice Challenge Celebration (and the announcement of winners!!) will be held on Wednesday, October 30 at 5:00pm.

The weather today is colder but it’s so gorgeous! Sunny today with a high near 58 and a low around 38.

What a view on Sunday from Moses Alva:

The Friends of Deep Creek Lake are asking supporters to join them in contacting Governor Hogan to: 1. ask him to include Arrowhead Cove dredging in the FY 2021 budget and 2. earmark funds for the development of the DCL Financing Plan.

Here’s an interesting guide on black bears from the Maryland DNR.

Columbus Day is state holiday so we’ll take it easy today and add more photos of the weekend tomorrow! Enjoy!

The weather today will be sunny with a high near 67 and a low around 50. Southeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light east in the afternoon. Saturday may have some showers expected during the Grand Feature Parade (mainly between noon and 5pm). Mostly cloudy otherwise with a high near 59 and a low around 37. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 61 and a low around 42.

It’s a beautiful morning! Anticipation is in the air …. and on Second Street in Oakland. Chairs have been set out and ready for the parade:

The Civic Club of Oakland is holding its Antiques, Vintage and Maker’s Market fundraiser this weekend. This photo is only part of the display:

This weekend will be great! Check out the complete schedule of the 52nd Annual Autumn Glory Festival running through Sunday. I’ve already been out and about this morning and the weather is perfect!

Remember the federal REAL ID deadline of October 1, 2020. The REAL ID Act is a federal law that establishes specific minimum federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards to be accepted for certain federal purposes.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources aims to expand tree cover on public lands across the state, offering affordable and attractive trees for planting on community lands and open space through its Tree-Mendous Maryland program. New this year, the department is offering high quality, native shrubs and trees, which are grown and provided by American Native Plants in Baltimore County.

Garrett County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Organizations Receive $997,767 in Grant Funding.

This week’s fall foliage report is issued — I’m not sure what stage they are reporting Garrett County to be in right now. The trees were really starting to look good early two weeks ago but then it rained and it sort of stalled the change. Now, this map shows sort of heading to “past peak”? But, I’m looking out the window and I see a few bare trees but also a majority of green…. sigh …. I guess we just have to be patient.

The weather today will be sunny with a high near 64 and a low around 44. Southeast wind around 8 mph.

Have you started carving your pumpkins yet? Let’s see what you got! Look at this Maryland masterpiece from Dana Cartright:

This week’s Maryland DNR Fishing Report offers insight into Deep Creek Lake fishing: Fishing for a mix of smallmouth bass, large yellow perch, walleye, and largemouth bass has greatly improved at Deep Creek Lake as these fish are becoming more active in shallower waters.

Did you know that the Maryland Fishing Report is available by asking Alexa? Try it – just say “Alexa, open the Maryland Fishing Report.” If you take this survey, you will be entered to win an Amazon Echo Dot!

Congratulations to Bob Boal for being named the 52nd Annual Autumn Glory Festival Golden Ambassador. “He has dedicated his life to preserving the history of Garrett County in so many ways. Because of Bob Boal, the history of Garrett County has gone from the classroom to the amazing Historical Society museums and will live on forever.” – Brian Boal

Spots are filling fast for the 2019 Landon’s Library Youth Basketball season (for kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade). Register at www.landonslibrary.org by October 16th.

The 2019 Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit (MTTS) will be held November 6-8 at the Rocky Gap Casino in Cumberland. Also, submit now and see if you’ve got what it takes to win over the judges at the MTTS second annual “Crab Tank” pitch competition. You could win $50,000 in marketing support!

There are three professional development sessions planned at Garrett College Continuing Education: Teaming: Building Collaboration on October 15th, Effective Conflict Management Strategy on October 22nd, and the Women’s Leadership Conference on October 24th. Call 301-387-3069 to register.

Autumn Glory for us is just like Christmas.. so much anticipation! I’ve already heard friends saying, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Check out the full schedule and I’ll see you downtown tonight for the parade and OOMPAH!

The weather for today will be mostly sunny with a high near 62 and a low around 42. Southeast wind around 9 mph

We wanted to give a shout-out to Ken Bush, overall great guy, engaged citizen and recipient, last evening, of the prestigious and well-deserved Melvin Jones Fellow Award from Lions Clubs International Foundation.  If you see Ken please congratulate him.  If you want to find out more about the Deep Creek Lions you can contact Mike at info@deepcreektimes.com. Here’s a picture of Ken with Chris Nichols, Evan Gillette and Joey Simpson (all Lions) at UNO’s as he received the plaque.  Way to go Ken!

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners have declared October to be I Can Swim! month, recognizing the initiative that provides all Garrett County kindergarteners with basic swimming and water safety instruction.

Congratulations are also due to Steve Green as he and his business, High Mountain Sports, were honored by Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot yesterday. After over 30 years in business, Mr. Green was awarded the 2019 Garrett County Cornerstone Award for Local Business Excellence certificate.

Tonight is the kick-off to the 52nd Annual Autumn Glory Festival! One of the greatest times of the year! Plus, my favorite event is the Fireman’s Parade that happens tomorrow.

There is a Pumpkin Patch Playgroup field trip today beginning at 10am; there’s still time to sign up at 301-334-4211!

Don’t forget the Farmer’s Market today for a wide selection of fall goodies!

The weather today will be patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 58 and a low around 45. East wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Karen Waddington Minzenberger has the perfect view at Deep Creek Lake, MD:

Tonight is Ladies’ Night Out! in the town of Oakland! From 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm many of the businesses in the area will be offering extended business hours, specials, and sales.

The Town of Oakland is sharing the road closures for Thursday night’s (10/10/19) Fireman’s Parade: Beginning at 6:00pm, US Route 219 (Third Street) will be closed at Fourth Street and Oak Street for both north and southbound traffic. Traffic will be detoured one block east to Fourth Street. Traffic proceeding east or west on Maryland Route 135 and 39 (Oak Street) will not be allowed to travel on Second or Third Street. Center Street will remain open for local east/west traffic until 6:45pm.

Miller Road (at the hill) will be temporarily closed today (October 8, 2019) for road maintenance. Work will take place between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m and an alternate route of traffic would include Jennings Road to Route 495/Bittinger Road and Maynardier Ridge Road to Route 495/Bittinger Road.

Also, Milt Dewitt Road will be temporarily closed today between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Any questions can be directed to the Accident County Roads Garage at 301-746-8156.

A big welcome to For the Love of Deep Creek as a new Deep Creek Times advertiser! FTL is sponsoring our webcam this month and my friend Jessica would like to promote her Deep Creek Lake t-shirts!

The Garrett County Commissioner’s Public Meeting agenda has been set for Tuesday, October 15 at 4:00 pm.

Last but not least, wishing my husband a Happy 9th Anniversary!

The weather today will be rain with a high near 58 and a low around 46. North wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tiffany Varner shared a photo of Tolliver Falls just down to a trickle over the weekend:

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is promoting this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!“ The campaign works to educate everyone about the small, but important, actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host an open house event for the western region to solicit public input regarding the development of a work plan for the second phase of the State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund. The open house for Deep Creek Lake will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Garrett Information Enterprise Center, Room 111, Garrett College.

This year’s One Maryland One Book selection is What The Eyes Don’t See by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. Anyone that wants to participate can pick up a free copy at their local Ruth Enlow Library branch and then join for a discussion on October 16th (in Oakland) at 6:00pm.

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program is seeking panelists to review grant applications for the 2021 fiscal year.