Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

Yesterday was a really nice, windows open-wide, day around the lake. Today’s weather will be partly sunny, with a high near 67 and a low around 50.

We made the back cover of the new Deep Creek Marry-land magazine!

Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) keeps impressing us with their new programs and efforts. GRMC just announced that their new MHealth mobile app is available to provide GRMC patients with such information as lab results, radiology reports, visit history and billing.

A sailboat and a jet ski have been recently added for sale on our online marketplace – look under the “BOATS” tab. Also, we have a reader looking for an aluminum dock.

You can stay in Garrett County this evening and still experience another “world” by attending a lecture on Benazir Bhutto, the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan. The Chautauqua-style lecture, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, will be given by local entrepreneur Kam Gillespie, former employee at the World Bank and currently owner of Haley Farm in Oakland.

You have two choices for something a bit different this evening and they are both from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  There’s an Acoustic Rock Jam at MoonShadow (bring your instrument and join-in or just listen) and Team Trivia at the Greene Turtle (six rounds open to all). Both establishments have nice brews and nice eats too.

Don’t forget the Power of Possibilities (POP) Summit is this Thursday at the college. Sarah and I founded POP in 2014 and Jodi McClintock has been running it the past couple of years. This year’s session includes business plan competitor pitches and an interesting keynote on creating a new customer experience.  Check it out and support entrepreneurship in the county. I will be there. Call 301.387.3069 to register.

If you are around for Easter, please check out our Dining Guide for some ideas.  I know Penn Alps, Ace’s Run and Dutch’s have nice buffets planned and you can call any listing on our Guide to check their hours and if they have any specials planned for Easter Sunday.

On April 25th the Strategic Facilities Committee of the Garrett County Board of Education will hold an all-day informational workshop at the Board of Education Central Office in the Board Room. Topics to be presented will include student enrollments, educational programs, facility conditions and expenditure, the cost of ownership, school system finances, county demographics and housing, and county finances related to school operations and capital needs. The presentations will be preceded by a brief business meeting of the Committee beginning at 8:30 am. The workshop and meeting are open to the public.

Yesterday morning saw what was hopefully the season’s last snow, with a dusting and temperatures around freezing. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny with a high near 61 and a low around 50. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sarah’s other local business, The Deep Creek Wedding, is launching the first edition of their magazine today! Check out the Deep Creek Marry-land magazine for 40 pages of details, vendors, and insider tips on getting married here in our Deep Creek area. Sign up via email to receive your downloadable copy!

Garrett County Sheriff Rob Corley has put out an advisory stating that individuals claiming to be from the power company have been attempting to get into residences in the Oakland area. Potomac Edison does not have crews doing that at this time so it is believed to be a scam. Residents are advised to not allow anyone they do not know or are not expecting into their homes. Please help spread the word.

The County Commissioners have been holding open-to-the-public budget work sessions where county departments and other organizations present their budget requests for the next fiscal year. There is another work session scheduled for this afternoon at 4:30 pm at the county court house. The Garrett County Health Department and various County Departments will present their budgets to the commissioners at this session.  Here’s more information including the schedule for the public presentation of the FY 2020 budget in late May.

Congressman David Trone is hosting an Opioid Epidemic Workshop from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Thursday in Hagerstown.  The workshop features a discussion about the impact on our residents and will feature a panel of experts in the field. Representatives from local and regional organizations will also provide resources and information to attendees.

The Chamber has scheduled its bi-monthly Business Before Hours for Tuesday, May 21st in the Sundown Village Cafe Yurts at Wisp Resort. The 2019  “Legislative Wrap-up” will provide information that impacts Garrett County and/or your business. Hear directly from Senator George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel as they provide a summary of this year’s Maryland General Assembly session.  https://www.visitdeepcreek.com/events/details/business-before-hours-legislative-wrap-up-2019-25439

Rides are filling up for the 2019 Garrett County Gran Fondo bike race on Saturday, June 22nd.  Actually, the Gran Fondo, sponsored by Garrett Trails, is a number of races, for “almost” all level of cyclists.

Yesterday was rainy and  dreary. Today will be cloudy with snow showers likely before 3pm. A high near 39 and a low around 34. Windy, with a west wind 25 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

I attended the Garrett County Health Fair on Saturday and from all that I saw and heard it was a great success.  Lots of folks of all ages and backgrounds attended and there were quite a variety of healthcare-related exhibitors including providers and information sources. Very well done.

Broadband provider NeuBeam™ has announced the opening of an Internet Connection Center (ICC) on Liberty Street in Oakland. The ICC stems from a joint program between NeuBeam and the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service to help bridge the nation’s Digital Divide and will operate in space provided by Garrett County Community Action Committee and will be open to the general public with two kiosk terminals.

As part of the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27th you can bring your unwanted/unneeded prescription pills for disposal to any one of three Garrett County Drug Take Back Site drop boxes: Oakland City Hall (8:30 am – 4:30 pm); Garrett County Sheriff’s Office (24/7); and McHenry State Police Barrack (24/7).  These drop boxes are available nearly around the clock, but can only accept pills or patches, not liquids, needles, or sharps.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) is holding their first concert of the season on April 27th: Walt and Jackie’s “Legends” concert will be held at 7:30 pm in the Garrett College auditorium. Their thoughtfully chosen cover songs and selections of original compositions highlight both performers’ celebrated talents and versatility and will deliver a great experience.

The week of April 28th – May 3rd is Oakland’s annual “Spring Clean: Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up” where all residents are encouraged to put out mattresses, washers, dryers, sofas, chairs and up to 100 pounds of construction debris for pickup at no charge and to clean-up their homes and lots. Contact City Hall 301.334.2691 or the Oakland Street Department 301.334.3253 for more information.

Finally, while this brief piece by the state of Maryland does not uniquely apply to Garrett County, we are part of a truly great state and region. And, we more than hold our own as to a lot of the factors mentioned, especially quality of life and of course, natural beauty!

It was a great Saturday night for @hole_in_the_donut:

Yesterday was a nice day at the lake. Today will be showers and thunderstorms (mainly after 4pm). High near 66 and a low around 50. Winds gusting today up to 33mph. Saturday will be partly sunny, with a high near 67 and a low around 51. Chance of precipitation overnight is 30%. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. A high near 68 and a low around 45. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph.

I had the pleasure of receiving a briefing yesterday on the county’s Work Ethic Diploma program for high school students. The collaborative effort is designed to ensure a more workforce-ready high school graduate based on the achievement of certain levels of attendance and involvement, being drug-free and other factors. This will be the first graduating class, with up to 100 students from both high schools.

Where’s the stuffing? The spring turkey season kicks off this Saturday with Junior Turkey Hunt Day. The regular season is open from April 18th – May 23rd.  There are restrictions and limits so check out this special  Department of Natural Resources site page for more details. Good luck, to the turkeys that is. 🙂

Don’t forget the Garrett County Health Fair and Family Fun Festival is this Saturday, from 8:30 am -12:30 pm at the CARC on the Garrett College campus. Always informative and fun.

Please be advised that Kendall Drive, between the church and Crellin Elementary School area, will be temporarily closed during the hours of 12:30 p.m. through 3 p.m., on Sunday, April 14, 2019 for the Crellin Outreach Program Easter Egg Hunt.  Any questions can be directed to the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730

Beardog Lodge shared this photo of their playful pup with us:

As usual, there’s lots of musical entertainment going on around the lake this weekend.  Consult our Entertainment Guide for cool acts at Sipside Lounge, Black Bear Tavern and MoonShadow. And of course, check out our Upcoming Events Guide for a variety of events including a number of cool experiences (think birds and salamanders) at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park.

There truly is a light at the end of the tunnel. The Big Savage Tunnel, located south of Meyersdale, Pa., and an iconic landmark along the Great Allegheny Passage between Pittsburgh and Cumberland, is now open for the season. So consider dusting off your bike, putting on your helmet and “hitting the passage” for a nice spring ride.

As the middle of the country gets pounded with another blizzard, remember it could get worse. Here’s a photo looking down Baltimore Street during the big flood in Cumberland in 1924 (courtesy of local author/historian Al Feldstein). Note the folks on balconies and looking out of upper floor windows at the water. Almost 100 years ago and I still feel bad for those poor folks.

The weather for today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 60 and a low around 49. Southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

The Southern Garrett Marching Band headed down to Walt Disney World yesterday to march at the Magic Kingdom. We wish them a safe and fun trip. Please give our best to Minnie and Mickey.

Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students of the 6th District with entries due by April 19, 2019.

The new and improved Annual State Park and Trail Passport is now available with some additional features. At a cost of between $75 – $100 per year, and with a number of multi-use benefits, I wanted to make sure our readers were aware.  Here’s the link.

It’s Team Trivia at Mountain State Brewing company this evening from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. This six round game is open to all and there are prizes.  It’s Music Express Karaoke Night at Black Bear Tavern this evening from 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm. Stop by and “sing your heart out” to new or old favorites. Both these establishments have great food and beverages as well.

Our Town Theatre in Oakland will be hosting an Old Time Music Jam tonight from 7:00  pm – 9:00 pm. Anyone interested in attending is welcome! Beginners to advanced musicians are encouraged to bring instruments and participate.

Last week over 36,000 trout were stocked in streams throughout Maryland and the fishing has been good. Garrett County received a bunch of rainbow and golden trout. Here’s more information for all you spring anglers.

Each year, the Maryland Forest Service responds to an average of 200 wildfires that burn 2,200 acres of forest, brush and grasses. Spring is the main “season” for wildfires due to an abundance of underbrush and other “fuel.”  Here’s a short piece by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on wildfires and what we can do to prevent them.

Don’t forget that the Garrett County Health Fair and Family Fun Festival is this Saturday at the CARC (Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex) at Garrett College in McHenry from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm.  It is free and a great, fun way to get health-related information to help you and your family.

The Garrett County Board of Education will hold a Special Business Session on Monday, April 15, 2019 to review, discuss and possibly approve the FY2020 Proposed Operating Budget. The meeting will be held at Central Office in the Board Room. Public comment will begin at 3:00 p.m. after which time the Board of Education will discuss the Proposed Operating Budget.

The County Commissioners are holding their next public meeting on Tuesday, April 16th at the Courthouse in Oakland. The meeting starts at 3:00 pm with the public session beginning at 4:00 pm.  Here’s a link to the agenda and note all times are approximates.

Yesterday started out overcast and a little wet but developed into a nice day. Today’s weather will be sunny, with a high near 56 and a low around 38. Some gusting winds up to 21mph.

I returned home to Garrett County in the wee hours yesterday morning from a trip to California. When I left San Diego it was 84 degrees.  When I landed in Baltimore it was 69 degrees. When I got to the lake it was 50 degrees!  May be cooler now, but it will all be worth it when the great crisp, fresh mountain summer air and natural, green beauty come into full “bloom.”

Magician Tim Canter will perform two free Comedy magic Shows this morning at the Friendsville Library.  There will be two showings, 9:20 am 10:30 am in the town hall next to library. It’s free and intended for all ages!

Here’s a link to a really well-done piece on the Great Allegany Passage Bike Trail on Wildfulness.  It is their latest piece and will prove interesting to cyclists- and non-cyclists alike.

This year’s Power of Possibilities Entrepreneurship and Community Leadership Summit is being held on April 18th from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm at the Garrett College special events center.  In addition to hearing from this year’s business plan competition participants, you can take-in the keynote by entrepreneur and author Jeff Tobe, whom Insider Magazine has dubbed “the guru of creativity.” The session costs $54, and only $10 for students.  Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.

The Chamber’s April Business After Hours is this Thursday, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.  It will be hosted by the Garrett County Board of Realtors and will be held at Uno’s Pizzeria and Grill. Here’s the link for more information and registration.

Experienced choir producer and conductor Charles B. Logan is forming the new One Mountain Community Gospel Choir at the lake.  All (over 18) are welcome to join in singing the “good news” from its new home at Wisp Resort.  There’s an initial information session planned for Thursday, April 18th from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  You can text Charles at 301.501.3511 for more information.  Good luck to all on this new effort!

Did you know that 54 million Americans say they don’t understand their car insurance?  WalletHub just did a study of auto insurance costs, providers and consumers’ attitudes and I thought I would share it here.  You can also find out where Maryland ranks cost-wise and some of the least expensive providers in the state. Interesting and actionable information.

Docks are going in and it’s looking a lot more like summer around here:

The weather today will be a slight chance of showers before 3pm. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 62 and a low around 37. West wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

One of our readers is in search of (ISO) an aluminum dock – do you have one for sale?

Auditions for next Our Town Theatre production, Gracefully Ending, will be held TONIGHT from 7-9 pm at the theatre. There are parts for 2 females, 30s and older, and 3 men, late 20s and older. Audition materials will be provided at the audition.

Also, Our Town Theatre will be hosting an Old Time Music Jam on April 11 at 7 pm. Anyone interested in attending is welcome! Beginners to advanced musicians are encouraged to bring instruments and participate.

On behalf of the Play Hard Live Clean Campaign and the Garrett County Drug-Free Communities Coalition, there is a new drinking prevention survey posted for Southern and Northern High School students. Please share with your teens! Students can win a variety of prizes (including a $500 scholarship each year).

Tomorrow is a Wine Tasting and Music Fundraiser benefitting the Flowery Vale Fitness Center in Accident. Event is from 5pm-7pm and is $25 per couple.

The Northern Garrett High School literary magazine has been published. I have to say I am impressed! If you are interested, we can put you in touch with the high school to get your own copy of this student-written and student-edited publication.

New Germany State Park will host a three-day Maryland Hunter Education Course on April 16, 18 and 20. The class is 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 (21 years of age or older) accompany them during all three sessions. For more information, visit the MD DNR page.

A reminder to make your nomination(s) for the 2019 Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in this week. The deadline is close of business on Friday, April 12. The Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award was named in honor of Helmuth and Evelyn Heise, founders of Will O’ the Wisp and Wisp Resort and the award honors a business owner that has shown similar entrepreneurial qualities.

The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 64 and a low around 52. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

There will be three showings of the Comedy Magic Show at the Ruth Enlow Libraries today. One showing at 10:30am at the Kitzmiller branch and two tonight (at 4:00pm and again at 6:00pm) at the Oakland branch to celebrate National Library Week. Magician Tim Canter will perform free shows that are fun for all ages. Registration is not required.

The show will happen again tomorrow (4/9) at 4:00pm at the Accident branch, 9:20am and 10:30am on Wed 4/10 at the Friendsville branch and at 4:00pm at the Grantsville branch.

Governor Hogan reported a look at Opportunity Zones throughout the state to revitalize communities who need support the most. Read more.

The Maryland Department of Health has announced a case of the measles has been confirmed with possible exposures in Baltimore area. Anyone who visited 4000 Old Court Road in Pikesville, MD on Tuesday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. may have been exposed to measles.

Save the Date for two HART for Animals events: A Live Public Auction in Mary and the Fast and the Furriest Run / Walk in June.

Garrett County Transit Community Survey is open for public opinion until April 19, 2019 for the development of the Garrett County Transit Development Plan. This planning process provides the opportunity to review and assess the current Garrett Transit Service (GTS) system, to identify unmet transportation needs in Garrett County, and to develop an appropriate course of action for the near future. The completed TDP will then serve as a guide, providing a roadmap for implementing service changes, improvements, and/or potential expansion over the next five years.

What a pretty catch by JD Eddy from over the weekend:

The weather for this weekend is shaping up to be warmer (with just a chance of some scattered showers). Today will be rain; a high near 49 and a low around 43. Saturday will be a slight chance of rain before 10am but partly sunny, with a high near 61 and a low around 46. Sunday will be partly sunny, with a high near 66 and a low around 55. A chance of showers.

Tonight is Eli Helbig at Sipside Lounge — check it out! Also, Sipside is hosting a National Beer Day Celebration this Sunday from 2-8pm with Jason Shaw performing 4-7pm.

The last AYCE Buckwheat Cake Dinner of the season will be held at the Swanton Community Center tomorrow.

Want to be a Maryland Natural Resources Police Officer? Applications are online now and will be accepted through April 15.

Thousand Acres Golf Club has announced that they will be tentatively opening on April 18th for the 2019 season! Call the pro shop at 301-387-0387 to schedule tee times.

So, Peeps candy gets a bad rap this time of year but … what do you think? Check out the “Worst Easter Candy” list from Candy Store. Peeps are definitely on the list but they are actually NOT number one as I expected. (Can you tell I’m not a fan!)

HART for Animals shared their “numbers” through March 2019 — way to go, friends! Thank you for all you do to help our furry friends!
Spays & Neuters:  165
Rescue & Transports:   94
Adoptions:  70

In case you didn’t know, HART also shared that the revenues generated by the services at the HART Animal Center support the basic operating costs of the facility, including staff and maintenance, so that they may serve the animals and our community. HART supports those programs through donations and fundraising and HART uses 92% of all revenue to pay for rescue, transport, spay/neuter, sheltering, and adoption.

The DCL Discovery Center has a few events scheduled for this weekend:

Saturday, April 6
11:00 a.m Brant Mine Hike – Take a guided hike with the naturalist to the historic Brant Mine to visit remnants of a coal mine that was operated in the 1920’s.  Plus, you never know what wildlife we will see on the way. Approx. 2 hours. Dress for the weather!
1:00 p.m.  Snakes Alive.  Join the naturalist for hands on experience with our snakes.  Learn why snakes are so important and maybe even overcome a fear or two.

Sunday, April 7
11:00 a.m. Herp Search Join the Naturalist Assistants to learn  how to safely identify native reptiles and amphibians on a walk through park. Approx 1 hour.
2:00 p.m. Aviary Feeding   Stop by during lunchtime for our birds to watch them eat!  Get a chance to learn the stories of how they came to be in our care, plus facts about their species.

Garrett Regional Medical Center is hosting a Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Info Session on April 16 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the hospital’s boardroom. The info session provides an overview of the Prevent Type 2 Diabetes class aimed for participants who have developed or are at a high-risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Classes will begin on April 30 with preregistration required.

Have a great weekend!

The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 55 and a low around 40. A slight chance of light rain before 11pm, then rain likely, mainly after 3am.

Happy Home Opening Day for all of the Balitmore Orioles fans!

The Department of Public Works – Roads Division has advised that Rock Lodge Road will be temporarily closed Thursday, April 4, 2019, for culvert replacement.  The temporary closure is below Beachy Road and will take place during the hours of 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Alternate routes for traffic during the temporary closure will be Beachy Road, Foxtown Road and Orendorf Road. Any questions can be directed to the Accident County Roads Garage at 301-746-8156.

The AAUW State Convention is planned for this weekend as Wisp Resort. Hosted by AAUW-Garrett Branch, the day will feature an exciting line up of local female speakers as well as state representatives.

There will be pre-employment testing for Deputy Sheriffs & Corrections Officers on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 8:00am. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements and are interested in participating in the pre-employment test must complete and submit a Garrett County employment application and bring a $25 fee.

Did you know? Ask Alexa: “Alexa, open Maryland Fishing Report.” and you can hear information by Maryland region or the entire report. This innovation has also been nominated for a prestigious national award – if you enjoy the report, please vote in the State Scoop Innovation contest.

Congratulations are due to Tina and William Buckel — named Maryland Tree Farmers of The Year 2019 and were recognized on the Senate floor by Senator George Edwards.

There will be an open session for the Board of County Commissioners on Monday, April 8, 2019 beginning at 4:00 p.m. located in the Garrett County Courthouse Public Meeting Room for the exclusive purpose of hosting the Garrett County Public Schools Superintendent’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation

Up to 500 jobs are coming to nearby Rocket Center, WV via Northrop Grumman Corporation expansion. I know several friends that work down that way.

Hi Dear Readers! Sarah here writing these notes and taking over for Mike this week — I hope you enjoy!

The weather for today will be sunny, with a high near 51and a low around 37.

DON’T WAIT! Park Quest registration opens TODAY at 10AM this morning — Herrington Manor and Sang Run State Parks in Garrett County are part of the quest! Park Quest offers 1,000 teams who qualify an opportunity to explore the many hidden treasures found in Maryland’s State Parks from May 1, 2019 through October 31, 2019. Teams that have completed a minimum number of Quests by October 31st, will be entered into a drawing for special Park Quest prizes! Register here.

Garrett 8 Cinemas was able to get a copy of the movie Unplanned during its limited release. It will open this Friday. Unplanned tells the true story of Abby Johnson, one of the youngest Planned Parenthood directors in the US. (note the times for Unplanned are listed but we will be updating the other movie times today)

Check out the What’s New Around Town: Lovelight Pediatrics has just opened in Mt. Lake Park.

Remember tomorrow is the regularly scheduled Women’s Networking Luncheon: Thursday, April 4 from 12:00pm-1:00pm at Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub. Trish Yoder and Regina Holliday will be making presentations. $15.

Garrett County Public Schools will now allow students to access their cell phones during non-instructional time during the school day (before and after school, between classes, and at lunch) at Northern and Southern Garrett High Schools. This is provided that their use does not cause a disruption or does not make them late for class.

Some friends and I went to MoonShadow Trivia last night (and WON!) but also tried their limited edition Duclaw Unicorn Farts beer. Can you see the glitter in it? How fun! It was a surprisingly good sour beer!

Yesterday was sunny but cool. Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 46 and a low around 35.

Congratulations to Erica Carlson, winner of last month’s “Where am I” contest.  Erica won a $25 gift card to Ace’s Run restaurant. This month’s “Where am I?” photo provides a unique perspective on the mountain.

Sarah changed the website menus “a bit” in an effort to enhance navigation, while still not making too drastic of a change. We want to make sure all our readers can easily locate and see all of our information. So many readers start with the Daily Notes each morning and then check the weather and news sections.  Other readers check our business listings, specials and events to help choose where to enjoy a meal or a drink.

Hold your mouse over “HOME” on any page to see the additional menus of information.

The Chamber just reported that the unemployment rate for Garrett County in January was 5.6%, while that of Maryland was 4.3% and the overall US unemployment rate was 4.0%. Of Maryland counties, Howard had the lowest at just 3.2% and Worcester had the highest at 11.5%.  Quite a mix.

Speaking of the Chamber, they are holding this month’s HR Roundtable on Wednesday morning from 8:00 am – 9:30 am in the GIEC building at the college. The featured speaker is Valerie Dzbynski with Prescott HR Consulting, who will discuss strategies to deal with rising personnel costs. Your company must be a Garrett County Chamber member in good standing to attend. Questions should be directed to Regina Sweitzer at 301.387.8739.

The Garrett County Health Department joins agencies across the nation in celebrating April 1st-7th as National Public Health Week. Public health is the very important foundation of a healthy community. This year the Health Department’s promotion of Public Health Week concentrates on five topic areas including healthy communities, behavioral health, communicable disease, environmental health, and maternal & child health.

Bear Creek Traders let us know they are currently offering 25% off Easter decor through the month of April! Check it out!

Sunday was cool and snowy (see photo below), perhaps fitting for the last day of the season at Wisp. Today’s weather will be isolated snow showers before 9am. Then, partly sunny through mid morning, then becoming sunny, with a high near 37 and a low around 28.

Wisp Resort is continuing their “Mission: Affordable” season pass offer through tonight at 11:59pm! The 2019/2020 season pass is just $279 with no blackout dates!

We had a nice time at the GLAF fundraising event Saturday evening. Great food, great entertainment from some very talented individuals and great attendance by those that support the arts around the lake:

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources opens registration April 3rd for Park Quest the family-based outdoor adventure program in state parks throughout Maryland. This year’s theme is “Off the Beaten Path — Arts, Activities and Adventures in Maryland State Parks.” Park Quest aims to engage families in outdoor activities to experience Maryland’s vast cultural, historical and natural resources on public lands and parks, including those in Garrett County.

Speaking of the Department of Natural Resources, anglers of all ages can now become citizen scientists by recording some basic information from their catch such as species, location and size directly to survey on their smartphone by becoming part of the Volunteer Angler Survey. This creative use of technology will help the DNR track species and related date.  Here’s more information.

In “my spare time” I review funding deals (pro-bono) for Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS), a program of Mtech at the University of Maryland.  These grants help all types and sizes of organizations across the state gain funding and utilize state of Maryland technical resources. I wanted to make sure our readers knew the deadline is May 1st for grant application submissions for the next round of funding. I know a number of western Maryland enterprises that could benefit from this program.

Here’s a photo of my wood pile Sunday morning.  Saturday was 72 degrees and Sunday we awoke to snow on the ground with flurries most of the day, and that’s no April Fools joke!

Weather today will be cloudy, with a high near 59 and a low around 50. A chance of showers before 10am. Saturday will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 63 and a low around 32. Showers overnight. Sunday will be rain likely, possibly mixed with snow showers before 8am, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32 and a low of 20. Northwest wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Cole Davidson will be playing at the SipSide Lounge Friday evening starting at 5:30 pm.  With just a little later start-time, Matt Tichon is appearing at Black bear Tavern Friday at 6:00 pm.

Not to be left out of all the fun Friday evening, all middle school and high school teenagers are invited to Teen Night at the Oakland Armory starting at 6:30 pm and running to 9:30 pm. Cost of entry is only $1.00 per teen. Great idea whoever thought of this!

Bill’s Marine Service is holding their annual Spring Open House this Saturday and Sunday.  They will have on-water demonstrations, refreshments and boat show pricing available.

The Deep Creek Times team is looking forward to the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival fundraiser Saturday evening. It will be a great evening of show tunes performed by Sean and Debi Beachy & Friends with dinner catered by Savage River Lodge.

Lunch with critters?  Well, you are not allowed to eat them and they (probably) wont eat you, but you can watch them eat during their meal time on Sunday. Yes, it is “Hungry Critters” time at the Discovery Center Sunday afternoon from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm where you can watch their critters have their lunch. I am pretty sure there are no humans on the menu!

If you are not into watching the critters eat, you can join Ally Norris Music  for lunch and entertainment at MoonShadow on Sunday from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. It’s a free show and kid friendly and a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The next Chamber Business After Hours is on April 11th at UNO Pizzeria and Grill from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. It is hosted by the Garrett County Board of Realtors. Here’s the link to register. I am going to go out on a limb here and guess they will have pizza on the buffet table. Just a hunch.

If you are planning your calendar, be sure to include the Taste of Garrett on May 5th at the Wisp from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. This is always a great event and the funds go to Garrett Trails.  Further out, on June 1st to be exact, is the Garrett County Celtic Festival which will be held in Friendsville from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm that day.

Docks are going in! This photo was taken by Sarah yesterday: