Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

Well, yesterday was just about perfect at the lake.  Warmer and sunny, but with a cool breeze.  Today will be sunny, with a high near 71 and a low around 51.

There is a support program being developed and planned for all those impacted by the announced closing of the Luke paper mill at the end of June. It appears that perhaps up to 100 employees are from Garrett County and a number of suppliers and service people affected are also from Garrett. Local and state agencies are really trying to respond to help those potentially affected and are holding an event on Tuesday, May 14th (see below for more details).

On another negative note, I am sad to report that there was a fatal fire at a mobile trailer home in Swanton yesterday. The fire is under investigation by fire marshal deputies, as is usual, and anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal – Western Region Office at 301.766. 3888.

Here’s some good news: The Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood has awarded 50 grants aimed at serving four-year-olds in high-quality prekindergarten and Garrett County was one of the recipients!  Garrett County’s grant is in the amount of $125,000!

The latest Wildfulness podcast and written piece (#51 in her series) on native plants was written in support of, and to coincide with, the upcoming Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival (see the next “blip,” below). Podcaster Lisa Cole provides some interesting factoids and some real insight into the importance of native flora. Be sure to check out the photos of the bees diving for pollen. Thanks for sharing Lisa!

Speaking of the Saturday event: New Germany State Park, in partnership with the Western Mountains Chapter of the Maryland Native Plant Society, is hosting the Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival this Saturday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.  There will be native seedlings for sale, information booths, as well as a number of educational programs for those that are interested in preserving habitat and biomass and maintaining homeostasis on their land.

OK, since it was so nice yesterday, I know some of you are thinking of that quintessential summer activity – camping.  Here’s a link to a list of “must have” camping supplies from Laura, a lady in Texas, that has a blog I found – Laura en route. I don’t know Laura and no, she is not an advertiser. Just thought I would share her list and let you decide if it covers “everything” you need.  She also provides some nice, simple tips.

For those affected by the closing of the Luke paper mill – spread the word:

When: TUESDAY MAY 14, 2019, 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Where: Bruce Outreach Center, 398 Philos Ave, Westernport, MD 21562
REPRESENTATIVES FROM GARRETT COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, GARRETT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT,
COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL
SERVICES, AND OTHER COUNTY AND STATE AGENCIES WILL BE
AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. REGIONAL BUSINESSES
SEEKING TO HIRE WILL ALSO BE IN ATTENDANCE.
Anyone affected by the Luke Mill closure, including those truck drivers,
loggers, and other service providers that would need assistance, are
invited to attend. No registration is required, but individuals may visit
workforceallegany.com to register to receive updates.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Garrett County Department of Economic Development

After a rainy Saturday and Sunday, today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 64 and a low around 49.

As I write these Daily Notes late Sunday afternoon, I just received word from Garrett County that Route 135 between Luke and Bloomington has been shut down due to landslide (probably due to the rain).  If you read this Monday morning and are planning on using that route today, you may want to check with Garrett County Public Safety for the latest update.

The Garrett County Department of Public Utilities Roads Division will be paving Glendale and Toothpick Roads from approximately 7:30am-3:30pm this week. Expect short delays.

For those readers not at the lake this past week, the warmer weather and some rain have really helped our trees and shrubs “take off” and bloom.  Here’s a close-up of a Carolina Silver Bell and its delicate blooms in my yard. The lake-area is really coming alive!

Speaking of coming alive, there’s a new retail clothing store opening in McHenry. Looks like they are still finalizing hours and putting on all the finishing touches, but the Cashmere Clothing Company will be open this week. Best of luck to the new owners.

I went to the Garrett County Everything Home Show on Saturday to see “what was up.” I had a number of nice conversations, including one with Realtor Remington Friend of 1 Real Estate Source, whom I had not previously met.  Nice fellow and his company appears to be looking to expand their “footprint” around the lake. Best of luck to Remington, 1 Real Estate Source and to all in the real estate business around the lake. I hope you all have a great summer season.

And, speaking of real estate, Taylor-Made Vacations and Real Estate staff will be guest bartenders and wait-staff at JG’s Pub this evening from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  Tips and the proceeds from a 50/50 raffle and silent auction will go to benefit HART for Animals. Check it out and help out the good people, and furballs, at HART while you have some fun and good food/drink.

Late spring is the prime birthing time for white-tailed deer, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it as it may appear to be orphaned, but its mom may likely be just a little bit away foraging for food.  Click here for more insights or contact information if you have questions.  So, basically, don’t fawn over the fawn.

The weather today will be cloudy, scattered showers, with a high near 72 and a low around 54. On Saturday, mostly cloudy, with a high near 68 and a low around 53. Rain likely in the afternoon and through the night. Sunday will be cloudy, rain likely before 10am. A high near 63 and a low around 48.

We reported yesterday about the Luke paper mill closing.  I hear lots of people are rallying to provide support to those folks that will be directly and indirectly impacted by the closing. Employees, contractors, loggers, truckers and others that supported the plant, to say nothing of their family members, will feel the pain. I hope all can find suitable employment.

To begin the coordinated efforts, there will be a Western Maryland Hiring Event this weekend. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services will hold a special Cumberland hiring event this Saturday and Sunday, May 4th and 5th, to recruit mill workers and anyone else looking for a job as correctional officers.

Applications are now being accepted for the inaugural class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, a new leadership and economic development training opportunity for community leaders who currently live and/or work in Appalachia. The Appalachian Leadership Institute is limited to 40 Fellows annually, which are chosen via a competitive application process. Every state in the Appalachian region will be represented in each cohort. Here’s the link for more information and an application.

Sarah is allergic to tree pollen… this week has been tough!

There’s a lot going on around the lake this weekend, from music at Black Bear Tavern, to a Cinco de Mayo Party at Sipside Lounge, to the Sixth Annual Garrett County Birdfest.  Check out a selection of things to do and see on our Entertainment Guide and on our Upcoming Events sections.

The Lodestone Golf Course at the Wisp is opening today. Their Fantasy Valley Golf Course is already open and Wisp is offering Stay and Play packages for both courses.

Just heard that the Maryland Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism is now accepting nominations for the inaugural Youth Service Awards. The awards will recognize Maryland youth and youth groups, ages 11 to 18 years old for their significant volunteer contributions to the state and its citizens, and for working to change Maryland for the better.  Here’s more information for those that have a nominee in mind.

There are no swordfish in the lake, but here’s an interesting article on building a healthy fishery that I thought readers would find interesting. Today’s North Atlantic swordfish stock is fully rebuilt and maintaining above-target population levels. But there’s work to be done to ensure management measures better support the fishing industry. Check out the story from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Garrett County Department of Public Utilities will be flushing county fire hydrants starting May 6th through May 17th. Here’s the schedule for specific dates and locations.

Yesterday was mostly overcast, with some showers. Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 75 and a low around 59. Scattered showers and potential isolated thunderstorms throughout the afternoon and night; chance of precipitation is 30-40%.

Did you know that according to Wikipedia, May is the fifth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and the third of seven months to have a length of 31 days. … The month of May (in Latin, Maius) was named for the Greek Goddess Maia, who was identified with the Roman era goddess of fertility, Bona Dea, whose festival was held in May. Well, now you know and happy May to all our readers.

My apologies this morning — the “Where Am I?” contest page was not updated for the new edition (and we received entries for the “old” contest that we included in drawing the April winner… ) LAST month’s correct answer was Wisp Resort and the winner is Ed O’Connor! Check out the May 2019 contest photo and make your best guess!

What’s New Around Town? After more than 29  years at Deep Creek Lake, Smiley’s Bar and Grill and Fun Zone has been sold to Tack Spiker. The restaurant and arcade are currently under renovations and have a planned reopening on May 11.

The Strategic Facilities Committee, newly appointed by the Garrett County Board of Education (BOE) in March, will hold three community listening sessions on May 7th, 8th, and 9th. The purpose of these sessions is to gather the observations of community members and to listen to their concerns, expectations and suggestions for improving the public school facilities of the county. You will also be able to meet members of the committee.

New Germany State Park is set begin their 10th season of their Old Time Jam sessions of “old timey” Appalachian music.  The first one is scheduled for May 3rd and there’s also one on the 17th of this month, with others to follow throughout the summer months. They are pretty informal and fun for musicians and listeners alike and start at 6:30 pm at the Lake House.

Here’s something a little different: There a Build Your Own Rain Barrel class being held on May 14th, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at the Garrett College Southern Outreach Center in Oakland.This class will introduce you to rain barrels and discuss proper uses for water that is saved in a rain barrel. The class is offered in coordination with the University of Maryland Extension and is taught by Ashley Bodkins. Call 301.387.3069 for more information.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will hold a Legislative Wrap-Up at the next Business Before Hours on Tuesday, May 21st in the Sundown Cafe Yurt at Wisp Resort. The event starts at 8:00 am, is sponsored by the Sprowls Insurance Group, and will feature Senator George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel, who will provide their perspectives on the 2019 session of the Maryland General Assembly.

If you are around and into craft beer, you may be interested in attending Oakland’s Kick Off to Summer event on May 25th from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm. This is new and a result of the success experienced with the Wine Walk at Winter Fest. They are also looking for sponsors for more stations to hold a Craft Beer Walk through town. If interested you can contact Michelle Ross at City Hall at 301.334.2691.

Be sure to check-out the May Cover Story on the health benefits of being at and around the Lake!

Yesterday reached 70 degrees and was mostly sunny until the clouds rolled in in the afternoon. Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 75 and a low around 62. A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. South wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Unfortunately, we just heard that Verso Corporation announced it is closing the Luke Paper Mill after 130 years of operation.  The closure will put about 675 people out of work and will be a significant “hit” to the local economy and of course to the individuals and their families affected by the closure.  We wish all impacted by the closure the best and are hopeful that many will find other positions and others will obtain retraining.

A number of HART for Animals team members just received the “Fear Free” Certification after receiving training to help veterinarians and animal care-givers modify their procedures, handling, and facilities to help pets feel safe and comfortable while receiving the medical care they need. We send our cats – Cash Flow and Lucy – to HART when we go away and they love it there.  In fact, I just mentioned the new certifications to my fur balls and they gave “two paws up,” and you all know how hard it is to get cats to agree on anything!

There’s another Women’s Networking Happy Hour this Thursday. It is open to all women and it is at Black Bear Tavern from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking comment on some proposed regulations and also input into some areas being “scoped” for possible future action.  These include, conservation, threatened species and other area.

And now, introducing Jerry Mather as the Beaver. For those readers of a certain age, you know what I am talking about, and for others, ask someone over 50. Regardless, I am not talking about an actor here, but some real beavers. Our colleague and partner Lisa Cole of Wildfulness has created a very nice piece she has produced and allowed us to share. Be sure to check out the Justin Beaver video (really!). Thanks Lisa!

Reece Duncan, general manager of the Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar in Sewickley, Pa. and a graduate of Southern High School will be entertaining guests at the Garrett College Foundation’s upcoming spring scholarship benefit with a “live sushi demonstration” and tasting. The event is on May 10th beginning at 6:00 pm at Twin Tails Event Farm in Oakland will raise funds to provide scholarships for Garrett College students. Call 301.387.3131 for more information or to purchase tickets.

Yesterday was a nice day with some nice sunshine.  Today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 66 and a low around 56. Slight chance of showers this afternoon.

Congratulations to Kim Green Folk, who has just joined the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce as the new Heritage Area & Groups Director, which includes oversight of the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area.  Glad we have someone as talented as Kim in that important position and wish her and the rest of the team much luck as they promote our area’s heritage.

We have two new items for sale on our Online Marketplace.  There’s a super cool vehicle and a nice patio set.  If anyone wishes to purchase the vehicle and gift it to me just to be nice, I am very open to that idea. Actually, I am open to the picnic table as well.

Do you have ideas on how Maryland forests can be better? The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is looking for some of those good ideas for their 2020 State Forest Action Plan and is holding listening sessions and also has a survey. The State Forest Action Plan guides funding and priorities for the Maryland Forest Service and its partners. Here’s more information.

Just heard the Garrett Community Concert Band will be performing this Saturday, May 4th at the Garrett College Auditorium at 7:30 pm.  The concert is titled “Ushering in the 20th Century” and is priced nicely for families and those on a budget at only $8 for adults and $2 for students (free for all under 6 y/o). Tickets are available at the Garrett Arts Council Gallery Shop and at the door.

Garrett County has an interesting community history as well as a great and beautiful natural history.  Here’s an old photo of a now demolished farmhouse on Route 40 just west of Frostburg. Note the interesting mansard roof design and Victorian features. It was built in the mid-1870s. Just a little history for you from the Maryland Historical Trust by way of our friend and local historian Al Feldstein, curator of Feldstein’s Historical Stuff and other great offline collections.

The weekend weather had a little bit of everything: sun, wind, rain. The weather for today will be partly sunny, with a high near 60 and a low around 56. A chance of showers, mainly between midnight and 5am.

I heard the Ramp Cook Off at the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center on Saturday went very well.  Always a nice event.  Speaking of the state park, here’s a nice photo of their beach to get you jazzed for summer (compliments of the State Park and Caroline Blizzard):

Here’s an unabashed plug for a great local organization, Garrett Trails, and their upcoming events.  I specifically want to mention their Taste of Garrett event on May 5th, which will have food available from a variety of local restaurants, bakeries and others.  My wife and I try to attend every year and it is always fun and of course, benefits an important cause.  Check out Garrett Trails latest newsletter for more details and more events.

Ashley Bodkins from the University of Maryland Extension 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 Appetizing Edible Plants: Flowers, Greens, & Weeds. This program is free and open to the public.

Speaking of classes, the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Department at Garrett College tells me there is still room in their Introduction to QuickBooks class that starts this Thursday evening. Call the college at 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.

Earlier this week we provided information concerning how the 2019 SLPR Funds were going to be spent at the lake and state-wide.  Bruce Michael, Director, Resource Assessment Service Department of Natural Resources, has provided the Property Owners Association of Deep Creek Lake with more detail related to projects at the lake and they have shared them with us. Approximately $420,000 has been allocated to support Deep Creek Lake protection and restoration projects. Projects include the following: ~$200,000 towards shoreline erosion stabilization projects; ~$200,000 towards the control of aquatic invasive species, specifically hydrilla; and ~$ 20,000 towards the creation of fish habitat structures.

Click here to see a scary video of an extra large mouth bass (I think) eating a Brenda’s pepperoni pizza (I think), at the lake (I think). I didn’t know large mouth bass had such big teeth. Not sure, you decide…

We haven’t verified but it looks like a new Dean Cain movie is casting in nearby Bridgeport, WV May 7-11. For detailed info please visit:https://www.jcfilms.org/casting

Have a Happy Monday folks and a great week as well…

After rain on Thursday, Friday will have showers likely with a high near 58 and a low dipping to around 34. South wind around 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph. Saturday will be sunny, with a high near 51 and a low of 44. Breezy, with a west wind around 23 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Showers are likely on Sunday, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50 and a low around 34.

How about checking out a hometown ball game this weekend and rooting for one of the local high school baseball teams.  Northern hosts Rockwood Friday afternoon and Southern hosts Frankfort at the same time.

It’s National Parks Week this week (April 20th – 28th) and it is a celebration of America’s 419 treasured sites throughout the country. Here in Maryland, there are 18 sites managed by the National Park Service, with some close by or on the way to the lake. Here’s a listing of all in Maryland along with some impressive statistics you can use to amaze and amuse your friends.

Well, April is also National Donate Life Month, a month-long dedication to encourage organ donation registrations, and a celebration of those that have saved lives through donating. Last year, more than 36,000 organ transplants were performed throughout the country, with more than 800 happening right here in Maryland.

Tomorrow morning, Friendsville’s Going Batty — installing a few bat houses and maybe a little celebration in the Friendsville Town Park. 10am.

Ramps (the wild onion, not the wood or metal kind) have a special place in Appalachian culture and cooking. I frankly had never tasted one until I moved to Garrett County a number of years ago. I have since sampled a variety of dishes incorporating them and they are all good. You can find out for yourself at the 18th annual Ramp Cook Off at the Discovery Center this Saturday. You can also tour their great facility or take a hike on one of the trails before or after the Cook Off.

Music, you want music?  As always, there’s a nice variety of talented local, regional and national acts around town this weekend. Black Bear Tavern seems to always have some strong acts, as does MoonShadow,  Mountain State Brewery and SipSide Lounge also often offer musical entertainment to accompany their food and spirits. Check out this weekend’s musical offerings here at our Entertainment Guide.

According to the Department of Natural Resources’ Maryland Fishing Report, “fishing at Deep Creek Lake is entering a new stage, as warmer water temperatures tease several species of fish to become more active. Smallmouth bass are active along rocky shores and points. Largemouth bass can be found in the cove areas.” There’s also some good trout fishing in the area according to the report.

Here’s a link to the latest edition of HabiChat, for stewards of Maryland’s backyard habitat and which is published by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.  This issue talks about native and non-native plantings among other things.

Please check out our Events Guide for local events I haven’t mentioned above and also our other guides for dining and other offerings, including specials. Have a great weekend.

Remember the “World’s Hardest 400 Meter Run / Walk / Crawl” is coming up soon:

Yesterday was another nice day at the lake. I washed my car over the weekend and due to the weather and a little luck, it is still clean as I write this Wednesday! Today’s weather will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms all day. Cloudy, with a high near 62 and a low around 53.

It’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Garrett County Department of Social Services, along with a number of local sponsoring organizations, is active helping protect those that cannot protect themselves. Here’s a photo of Sherri Heldreth and Max Hill of DSS spreading the word at their display table at the county Jobs Fair yesterday. Thanks folks.

Garrett County residents and visitors have access to five public beaches as well as two recreational water attractions. The Garrett County Health Department conducts two monitoring programs to ensure safe recreational environments and to advise the public of any unsafe swimming conditions (which rarely occur here).

Registration is now open for Summer session courses at Garrett College. A total of 23 courses are being offered this summer, with 17 of these courses being online. The remaining six courses will be held on the College’s main campus. All courses are open to current and future Garrett College students as well as students that attend other institutions and that may be “home” for the summer. A great way to accelerate progress towards a degree at a low cost.

Fill it out! A survey is being conducted by the Garrett County Health Department with the Garrett County Local Management Board, Garrett County Behavioral Health Authority, Mountain Laurel Medical Center, and Garrett Regional Medical Center. The results of the survey will help determine the prioritization of the next Garrett County Community Health Improvement Plan.

It’s Music Express Karaoke Night at Black Bear Tavern this evening starting at 8:00 pm.

A great cause: Mark your calendars for dinner at Dutch’s this Sunday, April 28th! From 11:30 am – 9:00 pm, a portion of sales will be donated to the Dove Center! $5 appetizers available, in addition to their regular menu items! Here’s a link to the Dove Center website.  Check it out to learn more about their work and services.

As you know, I like to share studies and information that provides insight into our world here at the lake and beyond.  I have been hearing that the real estate market around the lake is doing very well these days and thought I would share this broader study from WalletHub on real estate agents, and specifically, the attractiveness of their profession in various locations throughout the country. Some interesting and even surprising results.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will undertake restoration projects at lakes throughout Maryland under the new State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund, which provides $1 million for each of the next three years to improve state-owned lakes.

Share the things you love …. Deep Creek Lake, MD <3

Yesterday was just about perfect: sunny and 75 degrees. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 61 and a low around 47. Slight chance of showers overnight.

Today is Administrative Professionals Day. Thanks to all of our readers that support their colleagues as administrative professionals!

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State park????

A post shared by Vada Sealy (@unicorn_sparklesvs) on Apr 20, 2019 at 12:12pm PDT

The annual Garrett County Jobs Fair is being held this afternoon starting at 1:00 pm at the CARC on the Garrett College campus.  I heard there are over 50 employers that will be present looking for employees for all sorts of positions and for all levels, including seasonal jobs at the lake.

Looks like they are doing roadwork (repaving) on 219 a couple of miles south of Glendale road.  It ends (or starts, if you are coming north) about where the Dental Health Group office is on 219.  Yesterday afternoon delays were at about 15 minutes, so please plan accordingly as I think they have more work to finish.

The town of Oakland is looking for sponsors for a number of events and initiatives, including: downtown flower pots, the town mosaic and the Little Yough Music Festival.  If you have a potential interest, please call or email Michelle Ross at 301.334.2691 or mainstreetgoba@gmail.com

We have a used dock newly listed and for sale in the Deep Creek Times Online Marketplace. It has a Trex and vinyl top and is a single slip dock with a swim platform. It is located in McHenry cove and you would have to pick it up.  Here’s the link to the listing Online Marketplace.

The Garrett Institute of Lifelong Learning (GILL) just announced their May schedule.  One course readers (and/or their relatives) might be interested in is Practical Boating on Deep Creek Lake for Seniors, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 4th, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at Bill’s Marine. Call GILL at 301.387.3069 for more information.

Here’s a double shout-out: Donald E. Bossi is the president of the global nonprofit FIRST^® — the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit helping young people discover a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Bossi just gave an online shout-out (see below) to Garrett County’s FIRST teams (think LEGOs and robotics) and their great outreach to get FIRST teams in every school. Many readers and even locals may not realize what a great program we have in our schools and Sarah and I keep telling everyone that will listen how blessed we are here on the mountain.  Go kids, mentors, coaches and visionaries like Don!   

Yesterday was a nice day at the lake with a few boats out even if the temperature was on the cooler side.  Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 74, a low around 45 and a chance of showers tonight.

Here’s an interesting factoid for you: NASA estimates that there are 117 million lakes on Earth, covering 3.7 percent of the continental land surface. About 90 million of these lakes are less than two football fields in size, or 0.5 to 2.5 acres. And we have one of the nicest lakes of all here in Garrett County!

Here’s an innovative way to say thanks to the administrative professional in your life: Garrett College is holding a special conference for administrative professionals this Wednesday, with some nice speakers scheduled along with a lunch session. It goes from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm. Contact Jodi McClintock from the college at 301.387.3142 or jodimcclintock@garrettcollege.edu for more information and to register.

Here’s a not-so-nice factoid for my readers.  Since you read Deep Creek Times, we know you are online, so I wanted to share this information. Unfortunately, there’s a new cyber crime scam out there targeting Instagram accounts and their followers, and while it is now targeting larger accounts, I am pretty sure they will migrate down to accounts with less followers.  The scam alleges “copyright infringement” and you can find out more here.  Please help spread the word.

With measles cases currently increasing at an alarming rate in the U.S., the Garrett County Health Department is urging all Garrett County residents to know their immunization status and get vaccinated if needed. The Health Department is available to provide information on measles and the measles vaccine to residents. You may call the Garrett County Health Department at 301.334.7770 or 301.895.5355.

Put the Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival on your calendar for May 11th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at New Germany State Park.  My wife and I try to get there every year and it is always nice, with lots of opportunities to buy local/regional, native plants for your yard and to gain some insight from experts. It is sponsored by the Maryland Native Plant Society in cooperation with a number of other organizations.

Yesterday was fairly mild but was overcast for most of the day. Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 61 and a low around 47.

We hope you all had a nice Easter weekend.  We sure did. We are blessed to be in beautiful, peaceful Garrett County and we want to extend our thoughts and prayers to all those impacted by the senseless bombings in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

There are buds in all stages of development on trees and shrubs around the lake and yards and meadows are filled with the yellows of daffodils and forsythia.  That means summer is coming soon!  I found this photo on the Internet and I think it really captures the excitement and energy of summer at the lake. Can’t wait!

The Maple Street Bridge over the Youghiogheny River in Friendsville will be closed for repairs for about six weeks. A news release issued by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration said the closure, which begins Monday, is necessary to protect work crews and motorists and expedite the $500,000 project. General concrete repairs will be made.

Let go of my Lego!  Actually, there will be plenty of Lego blocks to go around at the Grantsville branch library’s Lego Club session this evening from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The program is designed for children ages 4 and up and features free building time with lots of building bricks. Children are encouraged to build a creation based on a new theme each month. For more information or to register, contact Hannah at 301.895.5298, or email hannah@relib.net.

Want to help preserve our regional biodiversity? Bring your work gloves, kneeling pads, favorite weeding tools and some elbow grease to remove unwanted plants from the native plant garden at New Germany State Park. As you work, you’ll learn how to identify common weeds and why protecting native plants is so critical for wildlife. The next session of “Weed or Wildflower” is April 26th.

Registration is now open for the 6th Annual Garrett County Birdfest which is taking place the weekend of May 3, 4, 5 at a variety of local state park venues. Even if you are not a super-duper birder, these guided walks look like they would be a fun learning experiences.

Live at the lake? Second home owner? Planning a visit in early July? Have an interest in living history? Then consider experiencing the special Chautauqua “Then and Now” festival to be held in Mountain Lake Park (just East of Oakland and about 15 minutes from the lake), the original home of Chautauqua in Maryland. The 25th annual Chautauqua living history series will take place over three days (July 5,6,7) and will include full days of activities and special presentations,  Each evening, the activities will conclude with interactive presentations from Maryland Humanities Chautauqua 2019, “Making Waves.”

Finally, as the lake-area continues to “awaken” from winter’s slumber, we welcome any and all photos of plant and animal life (including human animals) that you think worthy of publication to share with other readers.  We can’t promise we can publish all of them, but we will do our best. Please send all submissions to info@deepcreektimes.com. Thanks in advance for your submissions.

The weather today will be showers, with thunderstorms also possible; a high near 67 and a low around 49. Saturday will be partly sunny with a chance of showers, mainly after 3pm. High near 56 and a low around 39. Wind gusts as high as 24 mph. Sunday will be mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers; a high near 51 and a low around 42.

With Passover starting on Good Friday and Easter occurring this Sunday, we wanted to wish all of our readers a Happy Passover and Happy Easter. Since the two overlap this year, I thought I would include this interesting piece on the commonality between these two religious holidays.  Have a great holiday and weekend whatever your religion.

I had the pleasure of attending the Power of Possibilities Summit Thursday.  Congratulations to the winners and to Jodi McClintock and team at the college for a nice event. I especially enjoyed the keynote presented by Jeff Tobe, author of Coloring Outside the Lines.  I have not read the book yet, but if it has as much simple, practical management insight as his talk, it is worth a read and I wanted to pass along.

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel William Pallozzi recently presented Bittinger Volunteer and EMT Heather Christner the Maryland State Police PCO of the Year award! Heather is the daughter of Glen and Patty Champlin. Congratulations Heather!

Greg Short & Friends will be at Sipside Lounge tonight beginning at 5:30.

The last indoor ‘Winter’ Farmer’s Market this coming Saturday (April 20). Then there will be two outdoor Markets at the Mt Fresh Pavilion, May 11 & 25, before the 2019 Summer Season starts June 1st. A reminder the indoor market is held at the Garrett County Community Action Conference Room at 104 E. Center Street in Oakland.

Last week’s An Evening with the Stars (#AEWTS2019) raised $47,000 for Cindy’s Fund. Tad Rodeheaver, Mason Wolf, Jake Sweitzer, and Brayden Warnick earned Crowd’s Choice with their Mötley Crüe‘ act and 5 doctors Becky Crowell, Margie Fridkin, Lynda Dougherty, Stephanie Sisler, & Abby Feathers earned Top Fundraiser and Judges Choice awards with their Spice Girls show.

The Maryland ALS and BLS July 2019 protocol updates are now available online for EMS providers. We wanted to share the cover as Garrett County represents with JT Collins and Phillip Rumor on the statewide manual!

Since Easter is later this year, the local egg hunts have been really spread out. Here are a few happening this weekend:

Yesterday at the lake was sunny, warm and wonderful.

Here’s a short summary of the April 16th Garrett County Commissioners public meeting if you were unable to attend.

The Grantsville branch of the Ruth Enlow Library is hosting Garden Planning 101 this morning from 11:00 am – Noon in their library meeting room. If gardening is not your thing, the Accident branch of the library is holding their monthly Coffee, Books and More meeting this afternoon from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, where you can discuss the library staff’s favorite reads and recommendations.

Black Bear Tavern is hosting Music Express Karaoke this evening from 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm.  I would participate, but Black Bear is an advertiser and if I “sing” (and that is being generous), I would likely scare away all of their other patrons.   That said, I have heard these are fun nights, so check it out.

On May 7th, from 4:45 pm-7:00 pm (including a discussion at 6:30 pm) the Garrett County Suicide Prevention Committee will present a special screening of Suicide: The Ripple Effect.  This important documentary will be aired at the Garrett College Auditorium.

I am putting in a plug here for a very nice, smart, honest, hard-working student of mine: Susan Liller. Susan owns the L&L Cleaning Service in Garrett County (named after her daughters) along with managing Ari’s Pizza in Oakland.  If you are looking for a home cleaner, please consider Susan, who can be reached at 301.616.0443 or susan@iceweb.net.

This one is troubling and important at the same time, especially when you think of Garrett County’s aging population and relative affluence around the lake. Research firm Comparitech estimates that there are five million cases of elder fraud in the United States each year, resulting in a combined loss of $27 billion! They estimate Maryland seniors lose over half a billion dollars due to fraud each year. Here’s the link.