Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

After a rather rainy, cooler weekend, the weather for today will be more rain with a high near 65 and a low around 57. A flood watch is in effect until 12:15pm today.

As I write these Daily Notes, Florence has once again strengthened to hurricane strength and could pose a problem for the east coast. Please keep an eye on this storm, especially if you are travelling.

Garrett County Public Schools are on a two-hour delay this morning due to the widespread flooding.

Thank you to everyone for a successful People’s Choice Challenge — the voting has now been closed and we will be tabulating the winners of each category! Winners will be announced at our People’s Choice Challenge reception on September 25 and, of course, here in the Daily Notes on September 26!

The grand opening of the college’s new STEM building drew quite a crowd Saturday, with both of our US senators as well as regional and local dignitaries and many from the community present. This building is a really nice addition to our county. Here’s a photo of the new digital, 3-D dissection table being demonstrated. The only one in the state!

There was also quite a crowd at the Art, Beer & Wine Festival Saturday. I saw lots of engaged, happy faces as I served as Guest Pourer for one of the wineries.

On Friday, State Troopers responded to Meyersdale Road for a destruction of property complaint and found a 2013 Ford F150 truck that was severely damaged while the owner went four wheeling. The police ask anyone with information to contact the Maryland State Police McHenry Barracks at 301.387.1101.

Garrett County Department of Planning is hosting an open house this evening at the College from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. The session, “Thriving Population” will cover issues such as housing, population and the county’s services.

Are you related to “the missing link”? If you want to be sure, you can attend the “Find Your Ancestors” class at the Ruth Enlow Library Oakland branch this evening from 5:30pm -7:30pm? It’s free and will cover research methods, strategies and a Q&A with genealogical research experts.

Nearby, on the GAP Trail near mile marker 58, a large boulder and debris have fallen on to the trail; the trail is still passable. Somerset County crews are aware of the debris and are preparing tactics for removing the boulders this week.

We have posted a new Cover Story for September. The story was prepared by Brian Boal, CPA of Boal & Associates and covers some interesting, important tax law changes that will impact 2018 tax filings. I know it’s only September but he says not to wait until 2019 to understand and account for the changes.

Did you know that Washington College in Chestertown was the first college in Maryland? Founded in 1782 under the patronage of George Washington, it was also the first college chartered in the new nation. That little “tid-bit” of information comes to us from Governor Hogan, who wishes all students a successful year.

This video from Allegany Mountains Weather on Facebook shows the Casselman River in Grantsville overflowing its banks:

On a more restrained note, please take a moment today and tomorrow to remember all of those that perished in the attacks on 9/11. Doesn’t seem like 17 years ago.  While time heals, we should never forget.

When I stepped out at lunch yesterday it was hot, when I left work it was much cooler. Welcome to Garrett County weather I guess. This weekend’s weather will be mostly rain and much cooler. I hear we may be getting the remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon and could receive heavy rainfall and with the potential for localized flooding.

The Science Room at the Discovery Center is open all day Friday for hands-on learning and scavenger hunts.

The Homeschooler Series meets today at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library from 2:00pm – 3:00pm. The topic is “The Key to the Universe” with presenter Chuck Trautwein, mentor of the FIRST Robotics League Team 1629.

I am always impressed by the talented folks we have living here in Garrett County.  One such person is Ellen Ann Callahan, author of Plowed Over.  My wife just finished reading it and said it was great. Plus, it’s set in Garrett County. Give it a try if you like good fiction.

Have you taken a moment to check out the September photo gallery of reader submitted photos? Also, the photo below was selected as our featured photo of the month:

Photo by Bill Lewis

Why not consider the Ace’s Run wine pairing dinner from 6:30pm – 10:00pm Friday?  I think either would be a nice way to “get ready” for Saturday’s Festival at the Fair Grounds.

The 14th annual Art, Wine & Beer Festival is on Saturday from Noon until 6:00pm. Taste great wine, beer and food and also experience the wares of some really talented artists and artisans while also helping HART for Animals and Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) raise funds.

If Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) are more your thing, consider attending the free and open to the public showing of the great movie Apollo 13 at the Garrett College auditorium at 1:00pm Saturday afternoon.  This event is part of the festivities surrounding the grand opening of the college’s new STEM building.  Houston, we have liftoff…

Singer, songwriter and 12 string guitarist Greg Short, hailing from northcentral West Virginia, will be appearing at Black Bear Tavern in McHenry Saturday at 6:00pm.

Butterflies are free! Help the naturalists tag monarch butterflies at the Discovery Center on Sunday from 11:00am – Noon to track them as they migrate to Mexico.

Sherry at the Dove Center asked us to mention that the 11th annual Festival of Trees will be here November 23rd and 24th at the fairgrounds. More to follow at a later date but put it on your calendar as it is always a great event with a great fundraising beneficiary in the Dove Center.

Is Deep Creek Lake kid-friendly? A reader Andrew sent us this video review:

And, last but not least, the People’s Choice Challenge voting ends tomorrow at 11:59pm! Get your last minute votes in for your favorite Deep Creek Lake area professionals, services, products and experiences!

It was a nice day yesterday. Unseasonably warm with some localized showers in the evening. Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 79 and showers and thunderstorms likely, after 5pm — chance of precipitation is 50%. Tonight, a low around 64.

The Garrett County Health Department Early Care/Health Families Advisory Board meets today at the health department in Oakland today from 4:00pm – 5:00pm and the community is invited to participate. Call Theresa Cavalier or Maria Friend at 301.334.7720 or 301.895.3111 for more information.

Greater Oakland Business Association (GOBA) just completed another successful Little Yough Music Festival season downtown. The eight shows hosted about 2,000 people over the course 8 concerts this summer.

HART for Animals just posted their year-to-date numbers through August – HART does great work and deserves our appreciation, support and thanks:
Spays & Neuters:             516
Rescue & Transports:     209
Adoptions:                        269

The 51st Annual Autumn Glory festival is coming in October and the Chamber just announced the online copy of the guide to the whole event, which runs from October 10th through the 14th.

Note in the schedule that the Garrett County Arts Council is not holding the Heritage Craft Festival at Southern Middle School or Broadford Elementary this year. Rather, an art experience called SEYMOUR will be held in the Simon Pierce building.

What’s the most germ-filled spot in an airport you wonder? Well the results of a study conducted by CNN might surprise you. One more reason to drive to Deep Creek Lake instead of flying to say, Tahiti or New Jersey!

Well, my cats Cashflow and Lucy let me have it!  They told me that I forgot to tell our readers that September is Happy Cat Month. I promised I would include it in today’s Daily Notes so here it is. I have also included a photo of my two girls below to make amends for my omission.

Yesterday was hot! My thermometer registered 88 degrees in the afternoon. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 83 and a low around 67. Isolated showers or thunderstorms before 11pm; chance of precipitation is 20%.

The Mountain Fresh Farmer’s Market is open at the Pavilion in downtown Oakland today from 10:00am – 1:00pm.

Never give up hope Toto!  A pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz and that were stolen 13 years ago have been recovered by the FBI. I am hoping for a beautiful Fall at the lake and then a wonderful winter for all.

There’s a HeartSaver course at the Kitzmiller branch of the Ruth Enlow Library today from 3:00pm – 7:00pm.  The course covers First Aid, CPR, and AED and is free to the first seven people to register. Contact Diane at 301.334.8091 or email at diane@relib.net to register.

Even in our peaceful country location addiction happens. While low compared to our urban and suburban neighbors, there were 15 drug and alcohol related deaths in Garrett County during 2016 – 2018. The County Health Department has some good programs and people working to help addicts, families and the community.

Allegany and Garrett county public schools are the only two school systems in the state with a pre-Labor day start. Since 2016, Governor Hogan initiated a post-Labor Day start for the rest of the state and said he sees no reason to change since the move has been well received. Allegany and Garrett have applied for a waivers each year in anticipating challenging winter weather.

New Board Members have been announced to serve on the Deep Creek Lake Watershed Foundation.

On Monday, September 10th from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Oakland Library, learn strategies for researching family history and finding that missing branch on the family tree at the genealogy course.

Local entrepreneur and inventor Chris Nichols just announced a Kickstarter campaign beginning on September 18th. What’s a Card Caddy Triple Decker you ask? What’s Kickstarter? You can go to the site for a draft mock-up to find out more. Garrett County has a lot of smart, innovative people. Check it out.

From the new to the old: Here’s a recent photo of the Baldwin 1920 Steam Engine in place at the Oakland B&O Museum sent in by Terry Helbig from the museum. They have made great progress on restoration and don’t forget that there will be a ribbon cutting and dedication at 11:00am on September 18th.

I hope you all had a great Labor Day Weekend! We sure did and it seemed all the folks on the lake and at the lake were having fun too.

Today’s weather will be sunny, with a high near 84 and a low around 67. Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 1pm.

The Maryland State Police reported yesterday that their sobriety checkpoint Sunday on Garrett Highway at the McHenry cove overlook in the early evening led to two arrests for DUI and one for possession of Marijuana. Thanks for keeping our roads safe.

It’s back! Brenda’s Pizzeria be again be offering Half Price Pizza on Mondays starting September 10th.  Check out their site for more information and details at www.brendaspizzeria.com.

Hide Bambi, hide! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide September 7th, and continues through January 31st.

The Garrett Chamber has announced that Monkey Business will be hosting the September Business After Hours on Thursday, September 13th, from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.

The Garrett County Democratic Club is hosting an Old-Fashioned Community Picnic on the afternoon of Sunday, September 16th. The event will be held at Broadford Park from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. and will feature food and live music with The Terah Crawford Band. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP to 301.501.0693 or gcdemclub@gmail.com

The aforementioned event by the Democratic Club reminds me to remind all of our readers that we happily accept and do our best to mention events and announcements from local non-profits in the Daily Notes. Please send them to info@deepcreektimes.com and please try to include a live link to your site for more information. So, whatever your political, club or non-profit affiliation, we will try to help you get the word out, space permitting.

The State of Maryland’s Procurement Forecast for FY20-19 is now available on the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs website. The database is populated with state and federally-funded solicitations and contracts, with some well under $100,000 and others much larger. Check it out.

Here’s your daily reminder (this week) that the Deep Creek Times People’s Choice Challenge voting period will end this Saturday at 11:59pm. VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Congratulations again to Erin and her team at Mountain State Brewing Company on the tenth anniversary of their McHenry restaurant. Nice job folks. This photo is from their Garrett Chamber celebration:

Happy Labor Day weekend! The weather will be:
Friday – Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76 and low around 64. A chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm.
Saturday – Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77 and a low around 64. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Sunday – Partly sunny, with a high near 80 and a low around 65. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms (30%).
Monday (Labor Day) – Mostly sunny, with a high near 81 and a low around 65.

Some nice events at the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center today and through the weekend. Also, some good things happening at Sang Run State Park.

Partners in Crime is appearing at the Black Bear Tavern this evening at 6:00pm.

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. There will be a candlelight vigil at the Glades Town Park in Oakland. Don’t have much more than that on local efforts, but it is a global effort.

It’s community Game Night at the Garrett College cafeteria Friday evening from 6:00pm – 9:30pm. Free and open to all (12 and older must be accompanied by an adult).  Contact Rick Egvedt at 301.501.8218 for more information.

Savage Road is playing at the Little Yough Summer Music Festival this evening from 7:00am – 9:00pm. Savage Road is a high-energy country band based out of Western Maryland. Bring a chair or blanket for this free concert at the Pavilion in downtown Oakland.

Tell them you “saw” it here first!  There’s a Crosscut Saw Competition at New Germany State Park on Saturday at 1:00pm. Families can learn about old time log cutting and cabin building.

Take a trip back in time via 80s Night Saturday at MoonShadow at 9:00pm. You can dress-up, hear original 80s music and remixes and take in the vibe.

You can join a ranger on a two-mile Sunday Stroll at New Germany State Park from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.  Learn about plants and animals along the way.

Here’s something different for visitors (and locals too): There’s a East Coast Truck and Tractor Pulling event tomorrow and Gun, Bow and Cash Raffle at the Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department from the 3rd through the 7th.

There’s a lot of other events going on at the lake and in the area this holiday weekend. Check out our Events Calendar for the whole scoop.

Did you know that Garrett County is the first county in Maryland to have a Barn Quilt Trail? We now have 38 beautiful quilts in our county.  Check out the quilts and the wonderful scenery this weekend using the map available from the Barn Quilt Association of Garrett County.

On August 30, 2018, at Southern Middle School / Broad Ford Elementary School parking lot, during school dismissal, there was a minor incident between two school buses: Bus 52 and Bus 21. There were students on both buses, but there were no injuries to any students or staff.

The Garrett County Health Department Population Health, Innovation, and Informatics Unit, located in Garrett County, Maryland, recently received a national award and recognition as its innovative health planning collaborative pilot project, the Garrett County Planning Tool, located on MyGarrettCounty.com.

Finally, don’t forget to vote in the 2018 Deep Creek Times People’s Choice Challenge, which ends on September 8th.  We have numerous nominees in 40 categories. Just do it and let your favorites be recognized.

Here’s an awesome rain storm photo from Mark Richards:

Yesterday was a really nice day at the lake. Today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of showers and thunderstorms this evening before 10pm and patchy dense fog after midnight. A low around 63.

Ready for some football? There will be a non-competitive, pick-up game of soccer at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek State Park from 9:30am – 11:00am this morning.  Hurry up and join on in.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2018-2019 early migratory game bird hunting seasons.

You can bring your needlework – whether it’s knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, or lap quilting, and join others for two hours of relaxation and fun at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library today from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

Hey there, want to get mugged? Check out the Greene Turtle Mug Club this evening from 5:00pm – 7:00pm At their McHenry location. Interesting and successful concept!

The Deep Creek Wedding and the Garrett County Wedding Professionals recently made a $500 donation to the GEMS organization as a portion of proceeds from their jointly held Belle Soirée event. GEMS is a mentoring program to benefit 7th-grade girls where mentors meet students weekly at both County middle schools.

Dam it! Or, actually un-dam it! The NOAA Restoration Center has been studying the physical and biological effects of dam removals to understand and be able to predict what will happen to an area when a dam is removed. Though our readers might find this of interest.

A new book is on shelves by Garrett County resident Nathan Sorber. In Land-Grant Colleges and Popular Revolt Sorber uncovers the intersection of class interest and economic context, and its influence on the origins, development, and standardization of land-grant colleges.

This is not in Garrett County but looks very interesting and worth the drive or stop on the way back downstate. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites the public to attend an open house from 11:00am to 4:00pm September 9th at the Woodmont Lodge in Washington County. There will be tours of the 18,785 square foot lodge, programs on conservation, biking/hiking trails and even a “scales and tails” program.

This great action video submitted by wDCT.live correspondent Jamie S. makes me want to learn how to wakeboard! Very cool!

The weather for today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 80 and a low around 66. Southwest wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of showers and thunderstorms this evening.

There’s wood crafting, quilting, tin punching, corn hole games and more traditional activities and demonstrations for free at Sang Run State Park all day today.

The Greater Oakland Business Association is looking for sponsors for the 51st Anniversary of the MD State Banjo, Fiddle and Mandolin championships! We are reaching out to you for your support this year. The sponsorship levels are $1000 or $500. Contact Michelle Ross at City hall at 301.334.2691 for more information.

There’s still lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, jams and jellies and more at the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market in Oakland. It is held at the downtown pavilion in Oakland from 10:00am – 1:00pm today.

Also, Double Oak Farms in Swanton (3118 Bittinger Road across from The Cornerstone Market) is now offering maple syrup products from Black Bear Maple Camp and Sweet Corn (self-serve) in addition to their beef products in the meat store (open Tues-Thurs 5:30-8:00pm).

The last free Stage Wisp summer concert for 2018 is tonight on the lawn at the Wisp Resort. Bring a chair or blanket and listen to the sounds of Bryan Elijah Smith from 6:30pm – 9:30pm. There’s also food available for purchase.

It’s Open Mic Night #24 at MoonShadow this evening from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Come on by and belt out a song or two as there are still open slots.  Or, you can just chill and enjoy the great food and beverages.

New Germany State Park will host a three-day Maryland Hunter Education Course on Sept. 25th, 27th and 29th for first-time hunters obtaining their hunter education certification. Students must attend all three sessions to be eligible. Any student under the age of 13 must have an adult accompany them during all three sessions and must register for the course in advance.

Here’s a link to the Baltimore Sun’s website that lists scores for all Maryland and Garrett County schools for the recent PARRC tests administered state-wide. The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is a consortium featuring six states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Educational Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education, that work to create and deploy a standard set of K–12 assessments.

Have you taken a look at our What’s New Around Town page? There’s a recently added Humble Produce Stand and there’s a new Mountain Bike Trail near the Lake.

Check out this photo from Carol Williams along Marsh Hill Road on the Lake:

Yesterday turned out to be beautiful! Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 84 and a low around 66. Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2pm.

I had a great time Sunday evening at the farm of Piet and Rosie Versteegen. They hosted a wonderful kickoff for Garrett College’s new STEM building fundraising campaign.

The Garrett County Chamber is accepting nominations for this year’s Golden Ambassador until September 8th. This winner of this prestigious honor will be announced at this year’s Autumn Glory Dinner.

Sponsored by Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, in conjunction with Garrett County Economic Development, join a lively conversation about the food we eat on tonight from 6:00 to 8:15 PM at Garrett College.

It’s never too late to earn your high school diploma and Garrett College is offering a number of adult education courses at a number of locations starting in mid-September to help you or a family or friend do just that.  Call Carol Mowbray Brooks at 301.387.3770 or email her at carol.mowbraybrooks@garrettcollege.edu for more information.

BuzzFeed just released a piece on the Top 15 Affordable Lake Vacations Everyone Should Take and yes, you guessed correctly, Deep Creek lake is included!

There’s a “Thriving Population Open House,” sponsored by the county’s Department of Planning and Land Management, on September 10th from 3:00pm – 6:00pm at Garrett College. The event is open to all and will focus on matters relating to housing, community facilities and services, including education, libraries, health care, fire and emergency services, public safety, law enforcement and solid waste. Any questions can be directed to Deborah Carpenter, Director, Garrett County Planning & Land Management at dcarpenter@garrettcounty.org or 301.334.1924.

This sounds neat: There will be a ribbon cutting and dedication of the new 1920 Baldwin Steam Engine on September 15th at the Oakland B&O Museum starting at 11:00am. Guitar and banjo railroad music and barbecue chicken and hot dogs available at moderate prices along with engine, caboose and Station tours.

Leadership Garrett County is accepting applications for its third year which starts September 20th. It’s a great program available for current and future community leaders and is dedicated to providing positive change via relationship building, knowledge and action. Call 301.387.3069 and ask for Jodi McClintock or Max Hill.

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded over $245,000 to the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department and the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company for new equipment.

I just heard that the Deep Creek Art, Beer and Wine Festival has been having some minor problems with their volunteer registration system. If you have volunteered, please be patient relative to receipt of your assignment and if you have not volunteered, please consider doing so.

Here’s a wDCT.live report from Paula at HART for Animals (one of the beneficiaries of the Art, Wine and Beer Festival) to tell you more about the festival:

The area temperature seems to be cooling off a bit. Today’s weather will be partly sunny, with a high near 80. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm; chance of precipitation is 30%. Low around 67.

I heard the “secret” Speakeasy Saturday night at the Courthouse in Oakland went very well, with some really nice costumes.  Here’s a photo of some attendees before the event at the Manor Steakhouse.

While us adults are still having fun, Garrett County kids start school today! Good luck to all for a great school year!

The students will be dismissed 3 hours early today. FYI – Schools will be closed on Monday, September 3, 2018, for the Labor Day holiday.

Watch out for jaws! There’s an Aquatic Adventure this afternoon at 2:00pm at the Discovery Center. Check out Deep Creek Lake fish and other critters, starting in the discovery room and then moving out to the dock.

It’s walk-in advising and registration at Garrett College this week. Classes start September 5th, so if you or someone you know wants to attend, call or stop by the admissions office ASAP (301.387.3044).

Bumper sticker: “Stress is caused by lack of fishing.” Largemouth bass are biting at the lake according to the Department of Natural Resources weekly fishing report.

The Allegany County Arts Council is hosting Rebecca Grace Jones at their Saville Gallery and Susan G. DeVan at the Schwab Mountain Maryland Gallery. Both exhibitions will continue through September 16th.

The upcoming Western Maryland Mission of Mercy dental clinic (October 12 and 13) is looking for volunteers. Contact Michele Walker at the County United Way at 301-722-2700.

Many of us think of Automobile Association of America (AAA) as an emergency roadside assistance service, but they do much more according to this brief piece from Smarter Travel. For example, they can map trips for you and also offer notary services.  Thought our readers might find useful.

Thanks to Gerald Rizer for sharing a vide of the Western Maryland Truck Show convoy on Saturday.

The weather for the weekend will be:  Sunny tonight with a high near 73 and a low around 57. Saturday will be partly sunny, with a high near 74 (a slight chance of showers after 3am) and a low around 61. Sunday will be mostly with a high near 78 and a low around 66. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon – chance of precipitation is 30%.

Don’t forget our Deep Creek Times People’s Choice Challenge is winding down … vote for each of your favorites once a day until September 8th!

Hurry! You can get up to 15% off of the cost of a season pass at Wisp if you purchase by September 3rd.

Kelly Lynott is appearing Friday evening at the Black Bear Tavern in McHenry from 6:00pm – 10:00pm. Also appearing in the area Friday evening is Herb and Hanson, who will be playing at MoonShadow from 8:00pm – 10:00pm.

The Kalliopeia Foundation out of San Rafael, California has a new online magazine that explores “the timeless connections between ecology, culture, and spirituality.”  I am not super familiar with it, but thought some of our readers might be interested, as it looked different and interesting. Check out their issue #2 and judge for yourself.

The Western Maryland Truck Show starts today! 2 Days of Big Rigs, Fun, Food, & Country Music Featuring the Jason Aldean Tribute Band.

The annual Country Fest and Auction will be at the County Fairgrounds from 8:00am – 4:00pm Saturday. There’s food, tractor pulls, music, demonstrations and more, plus lots of quilts.

The pool at nearby Dans Mountain State Park will be closed Aug. 27th – 31st due to a shortage of lifeguards as staff return to school. All scheduled pool parties will be honored and the pool will be open Labor Day weekend.

You better be careful! The McHenry Barrack of the Maryland State Police will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint in Garrett County on September 2nd. The goal of the checkpoint is to reduce the number of drunk and drugged drivers on Garrett County roadways.

The USDA has announced grants for rural development – REDI – that may very well be applicable to our needs in Garrett County. The deadline is September 5th.

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has a long and important role in Garrett County and surrounding areas. Check out this map of Diabetes Rates in Appalachia (in 13 states, including Garrett County) and check out their newsletter as well.

There’s LOTS of fun and interesting events in the area this weekend. Check out our Upcoming Events section for specifics.

Yesterday turned into a really nice day.  Today’s weather will be sunny, with a high near 68 and a low around 54.

The Maryland Workforce Legal Services Division of the Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. will be holding office hours in the Garrett College Southern Outreach Center/Oakland Armory Building on eighth street today from 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

We are very sorry to report the passing of former long-time Oakland mayor Asa McCain. Our condolences to his family and friends.

You can take a free guided-hike today with a naturalist from the Discovery Center to the old Brant Mine. There is moderate walking involved and the hike goes from 10:00am – 11:45am.

It’s meatloaf night at Penn Alps in Grantsville. Check out other dining specials at the Deep Creek Times Dining Guide.

O Solo Mio! I am just practicing for the karaoke feature at the Black Bear Tavern this evening. You can sing your heart out with DJ Dubya from 7:00pm – 11:00pm.

The Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County recently approved three new School Resource Officers (SRO’s) for the Garrett County Sheriff’s Department. The new SRO positions will bring the total to six SRO’s serving the Garrett County Public Schools.

The Oakland Arts and Entertainment district will be hosting a “Speakeasy” at an undisclosed location on Saturday. There will be entertainment, food, beverages, etc. Go to www.oaklandaedistrict.com for information. I think this is a great, fun idea and apparently popular, as it is sold out with a wait list (you can add your name).

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a unique opportunity for a dozen women to take to the field September 28th – 30th for a fun weekend of sporting clays, a shotgun skills clinic and an optional upland bird hunt.

The Civic Club of Oakland is sponsoring a bus trip – open to all – to the huge Christmas Show in Harrisburg on November 29th.  It is a bit difficult for me to think Christmas and snow in August, but for all you planners, this looks like a fun trip.  Disclosure: My wife Jean is the president of the Civic Club and yes, I am absolutely trying to earn some brownie points here! If you see her, please tell her that her caring, thoughtful, wonderful husband put this in today’s Daily Notes. Thanks!

Kyra Tramontana shared a few awesome photos and videos with us: Here is a paddle board adventure on Deep Creek Lake!

Yesterday saw some intense periods of rain, but there were boaters and kayakers out on the lake despite the weather. Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy, showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. A high near 66. West wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tonight, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear with a low around 52.

Sang Run State Park is offering a “Preserving the Harvest” workshop this morning from 10:00am – 11:30am. They will be demonstrating canning and dehydrating using a recipe they found on the farm.

If you want fresh fruits, vegetables and other producer-made goodies, check out the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market today in Oakland at the Pavilion downtown. The market goes from 10:00am – 1:00pm and there have been some really nice seasonal fruits coming in these past few weeks, including peaches.

Today is Locals Day at Mountain State Brewing Company, with locals getting 30% off all flatbreads. Yummy!

Do you own or are you considering purchasing an older home in the area?  Well, there’s a program this afternoon from 1:00pm – 7:00pm at the Ruth Enlow Library in Oakland just for you. Historic Property Guidance, offers a free expert from Preservation Maryland for free tips and guidance on a number of topics.

Go North, go North! The Greater Grantsville Business Association Open House, showcasing the best of Grantsville-area businesses, is this evening from 5:00pm – 8:00pm in the fire hall. For more information contact ggba@visitgrantsville.com.

The Town of Grantsville also shared this video of the Vagabond Tour that came through the Garrett County on Monday. These Model T vehicles are crossing the historical Casselman River Bridge (the largest single-span bridge at the time of construction in 1813) in Grantsville, MD.

New Germany State Park has some nice programs set for late August and early September including hiking, music, cooking and even ultimate frisbee. Looks like some really nice events.

Here’s a little something on Garrett County’s history courtesy of Al Feldstein and the Garrett County Historical Society. For those not familiar, Deer Park is near Oakland (South East) and is still a very nice “bedroom” community with some nice historic homes.

The weather for today will be showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. A high near 75 and a low around 62.

Yoga in the Park in Friendsville Town park today from 10:00am – 11:00am with Sera Beth Weaver. Kids over nine welcome to attend and there’s a playground, sandy beach and restroom facilities.

Due to the potential of storms today, the fourth and final Deep Creek Lake hydrilla herbicide treatment for 2018 has been moved to tomorrow, Wednesday August 22nd.  If you see red and white dive flags, please stay at least 100 feet away, as divers are in the water.

Sang Run State Park is holding a free Dutch Oven Demonstration today from 11:00am – 12:30pm where attendees will learn how to cook and clean a Dutch oven.  Free goodies too!

Don’t forget to consider a movie or one of our area retailers or dining establishments should it rain or if you just need a break from outside.

Cindy’s Fund is holding their twice-monthly Cancer Support Group this evening at 6:30pm at the board room at Garrett Regional Medical Center. This group is open to all: patients, family, friends and caregivers.

In a pickle?  Actually, learn how to make pickles: Garrett College, in coordination with the University of Maryland Extension, is sponsoring a one-session course, Cucumbers: Pickle Your Pickings, at Southern High School in Oakland on Wednesday, August 29th, 6:00pm – 9:15pm. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.

I spent some time last evening at one of the “meet the candidate” sessions being conducted around the county for local candidates. I was impressed by the candidate and the nice turnout of local folk.  I urge all to please learn about the issues and candidates for the election and to vote in November.

Here’s a wDCT.live video from Mary Beth M. from Long Island talking about her visit to Deep Creek Lake area this past weekend.