Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

Yesterday was a bit warmer and less breezy. The snow emergency has been lifted but there are still icy spots on roads, so be careful. Today’s weather will be rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 46 and a low around 33. South wind 13 to 16 mph. Tonight will be rain; amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Our congratulations go out to Northern Garrett High School senior Sam Beeman, who recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Garrett College. Sam not only played baseball at Northern but also football and wrestling. Way to go Sam.

Hey, it’s cold out and the (little) kids/grand kids need something to do indoors.  The library has programs for the little and not so little ones today at three of their branches.  Check out the Ruth Enlow Library calendar here for ideas and more information.

Just heard from Eric Robison at the Oakland – Mt. Lake Park Lions Club about their involvement in the Health Department’s Play Hard, Live Clean initiative for our local students.  Most Garrett County youth don’t smoke, don’t drink, and don’t misuse drugs. But some do. And Garrett County cares about all our kids, so the Play Hard, Live Clean campaign is designed to give every Garrett County youth the opportunity to be rewarded for making good choices.  Check out this link for more information and please spread the word to parents and students over 13 years of age.

Here’s the latest newsletter from Generation West Virginia.  There’s a piece on jobs and also a job opportunity for a Network Engagement Director.  As you may recall, this organization is working to help engage and keep young adults in nearby West Virginia.

Here’s a video clip I got yesterday of the shimmering ice on the trees in McHenry:

A new report, released yesterday by the Maryland State Board of Education, found that 47 percent of the State’s kindergarteners had demonstrated readiness for kindergarten.  “Readiness” means that the students were fully prepared to participate in the kindergarten curriculum.  This compares to 45 percent in 2017-18 and 43 percent in 2016-17.  As I expected, Garrett County schools performed well compared to peer districts.  Here’s the summary numbers for you:

 Overall Results for the 2018-19 Kindergarten Readiness Assessment for Maryland

Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 27 but wind chill values as low as -2. Tonight, a chance of freezing rain, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to near 24 by 8pm, then rising to around 35 during the remainder of the night.

Congratulations to Garrett County Commissioner Jim Hinebaugh, who has been named to the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Board of Directors. MACo is a non-profit and non-partisan organization that serves Maryland’s counties by articulating the needs of local government to the Maryland General Assembly. I am sure Jim will do a great job representing us here “on the mountain.”

Congratulations are also in order for eight school-based therapists and social workers in Garrett County.  They all recently completed a nine-class Advanced Trauma Treatment certification program through The Ferentz Institute in Pikesville. The program focused on a strengths-based approach to the assessment and treatment of adolescent and adult survivors of trauma, abuse, and neglect.

Thank you to Vicki Schwinabart for sharing her Blood Moon Photo with us. Look closely and you can see the ice sparkling on the trees:

If you are looking for some fun, engaging, low-cost entertainment with a local flavor, check out the Northern High School Girls Basketball game this evening.  You can root for our local team in a family-friendly atmosphere as they take on Bishop Walsh at 6:00 pm.  Go ladies!

Garrett College is offering  a Certified Apartment/Building Maintenance Technician (CAMT) course in March, which is designed to provide an overview of the apartment and building maintenance profession and prepare students for an entry level position in the industry. The course may also be of interest to homeowners looking for information on DIY repairs that include: basic maintenance and repair of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems; maintenance, repair and installation of appliances, and proper home maintenance activities. Contact Kaitlyn Fike at 301.387.3087 or kaitlyn.fike@garrettcollege.edu for more information.

How educated are Maryland citizens you ask?  Well, check out this link for a full report from WalletHub on the Most Educated States, including state educational attainment and rankings. Hint: Maryland was ranked very high! I know the Garrett County school system ranks quite high in the state, so this study is further good news for us and our community.  Here’s some state-level “tid-bits” for you:

How educated is Maryland? (Rankings – 1 = Most, 25 = Average):

• 25^th – % of High-School Diploma Holders
• 11^th – % of Associate’s Degree Holders or College-Experienced Adults
• 3^rd– % of Bachelor’s Degree Holders
• 2^nd– % of Graduate- or Professional-Degree Holders
• 20^th – Avg. University Quality
• 25^th – Racial Gap in Educational Attainment
• 1^st – Gender Gap in Educational Attainment

Landon’s Library Youth Basketball (LLYB) is asking for help — this week two players in their youth league, Carter Goff (Bearcats) and Brecklin Marsh (Hoyas) each tragically lost their father. The LLYB has established a College Savings Fund for the benefit of Carter and Brecklin and, alongside the WGW Community Youth Cup organization, will be matching donations raised. There will be a donation jar at the scorer’s table at the gymnasiums during league games and donations can also be mailed to: Landon’s Library (c/o: College Fund), 317 E Oak Street, Oakland, MD 21550 — read more here about how you can help these little boys.

Well, the story this weekend was certainly the “interesting” and ever-changing winter weather around the lake.  As I write these Daily Notes late Sunday afternoon it looks like a winter wonderland outside but is quite cold and windy. The weather for today will be partly sunny and cold, with a high near 8. Wind chill values as low as -26. Blustery, with a northwest wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Tonight, will be partly cloudy, with a low around -1. Wind chill values as low as -12.

We hope everyone had a nice, fun weekend whether your pursuits took you inside or outside. It certainly looks like our friend Joseph Coddington and his pup did:

Just a thought on the photo above: I really wish all of our local and visiting drivers would focus on driving like Joseph’s pup. He is definitely focused!

Happy Martin Luther King Junior Day today. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. Note that today is a federal holiday and that many local organizations (banks, libraries, schools) are also closed in observance.

Who was able to see the blood moon last night? If you snagged a picture, will you share with us at info@deepcreektimes.com?

While the Ruth Enlow library may be closed today, I thought I would mention one of their newer and cooler services: They now have experts available during special hours at the Oakland branch to assist patrons doing research into local history and genealogy. Learn where to find historical maps, family histories, archived issues of The Garrett County Republican and special online resources too.

The Garrett County Health Department tells us that influenza is increasing its geographic “footprint” across the United States.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just released a report saying an estimated 6 million Americans have been sickened by flu so far this season. The health department still has a good supply of flu vaccine for all ages (and including Flu Mist®, the nasal spray flu vaccine for healthy persons aged 2 to 49 years). For more information please call the Health Department at 301 337-7770.

I know from speaking to our readers that many are passionate and quite engaged in historic preservation in a variety of areas. The Maryland Department of Planning has announced this year’s Maryland Preservation Awards program which is free and open to the public and will be held on January 31st.

Here’s a photo my wife jean took Sunday afternoon from our porch.  All the trees are coated in ice:

The weather for today is snow showers mainly before noon. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 32 and a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday will be snow and freezing rain before 4pm, then freezing rain and sleet. High near 32 and a low of 19. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible during the day. Saturday night will be freezing rain and sleet before 2am, then rain and snow between 2am and 3am, then snow after 3am. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Sunday will be snow showers likely before 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 21 and a low around 0. Northwest wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. A chance of snow showers in the evening, mainly before 10pm.

Just heard the keynote speaker for the 43rd annual Western Maryland PACE in Annapolis on January 24th and 25th will be Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford. There will be other dignitaries present at both the Thursday evening reception and the Friday morning breakfast. PACE is always a great event to meet and greet other locals and second home-owners as well as state government officials.

Wisp Resort is opening many new trails this weekend! Happy skiing and boarding! Thanks to Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales for this photo taken last night:

Don’t forget to share this if you know a family in need with a dog: Come to the HART Animal Center between 10:00  am – 2:00 pm Friday to get free dog food from a donated supply HART just received.

The Northern High School Boys Basketball team hosts rival Southern High School Friday evening in a county rivalry game starting at 6:00 pm. Should be some good, passionate action and fun at this one.

There may still be room at Haley Farm’s Wellness Retreat running from Friday evening into Sunday. The retreat includes all-inclusive healthful meals and cooking demos, plus personal and group fitness training, wellness coaching, nutrition education, and a take-home exercise and wellness plan.

Black Bear Tavern has some nice music on tap (along with some good beer) this weekend, with Matt Tichon on Friday evening, then Paul Burger Saturday evening and also Trial by Fire later that evening.

MoonShadow Cafe has multi-instrument artist Mateo Monk appearing on Saturday “whose music is a synthesis of multiple genres of world roots music, heavily informed by the spontaneous freedom of psychedelic jam culture.” He has performed with a number of well know artists yet is a “new age” one-man-band with virtuosity in a number of instruments.

Mountain State Brewing Company hosts Bingo on Sunday at 1:00 pm, with valuable prices to say nothing of their great brews, pizza and other goodies.

There’s a worthwhile, free training effort scheduled for February 12th at Uno’s.  TIPS training (for those that serve alcohol at events) will be put on by the Garrett County Health Department and is supported by both HART for Animals and Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF), who sponsor the annual Art, Wine and Beer Festival fundraiser. If you are a volunteer pourer, please consider attending. Here’s more specifics:

Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS)

Tuesday, February 12th, 2019
Uno’s Restaurant (downstairs) 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Contact: Brenda Sisler at 301-334-7730, ext. 6534 for more information

Everything will be 1/2 price at Dairy Queen and Orange Julius on Oakland on Saturday, January 19th! (No $5 or $6 lunch and no snack melts or pretzels this day).

As I write these Daily Notes Thursday evening, I hear we may be in for some “tricky” weather this weekend.  Please stay safe and warm and keep up with the local weather on our Deep Creek Times Local Weather section! Lots of our readers use this every day, as we meld multiple forecasts into one, easy report. We’ve got ya covered!

Yesterday was cold with some mixed precipitation throughout the day and into the evening.  Today’s weather will be snow showers likely, mainly after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 29 and a low of 28. Total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch possible and 1 to 3 inches possible overnight.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 AM EST FRIDAY (per National Weather Service)

You can bring your own needlework – whether it’s knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, or lap quilting – and join others for two hours of relaxation and fun this afternoon! This Needlework  meet-up  goes from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Oakland library in downtown Oakland.

Do you know what the oldest hiking club in Maryland is? Neither did I, but you find out and learn about their interesting and fun “work” on the Appalachian Trail and elsewhere by following this link. Hint: they started way back in 1934! Cool stuff.

Our Town Theatre in Oakland opens their stage to anyone who has something to share this evening from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Music, short stories, poetry, dance, skits, etc., are all welcomed, so go on out and show off your creative side and meet others too at this monthly Open Mic Night event!

Here’s a link to the latest issue of Maryland Tourism, Film and the Arts Newsletter.  This issue covers a lot of “stuff” including Maryland Arts Day, Maryland Tourism Day, Destination Maryland and Maryland Mondays, to name a few topics.

This is a fantastic art piece of the Oakland B&O Train Station by Joe McNemar Photography:

The Greater Oakland Business Association (GOBA) has begun offering a new service to its members. GOBA will now advertise job openings on their website. The ads will run for 30 days and then will be automatically removed. Please contact Michelle Ross at mainstreetgoba@gmail.com for more information.

The Maryland State Board of Education just issued their January Maryland Education Bulletin which includes information on new Blue Ribbon schools, State Board of Education actions and the Maryland After school Program for students in “food insecure” homes.  It also includes a link to the 2018 Maryland School Report Card, which is interesting reading.

Several local organizations partnered to conduct a survey of Western Maryland organizations to determine their views of a proposed $15 per hour minimum wage in Maryland.  Here’s a summary of findings: “With 282 Western Maryland organizations, including for-profit and non-profit employers, participating in the survey, 69% felt that it would not improve the standard of living in Western Maryland. 69% agreed that minimum wage is the standard for no/low skill jobs. 64% agreed that minimum wage is not intended to be a living wage.” I am pretty sure this will be a discussion topic around the county, as it is nationally, so I thought I would share a little. As always, no politics or position intended! Read the summary report and see the entire summary here.

We had a very nice, snowy weekend at the lake. Really beautiful. Today’s weather will be cloudy, with a high near 28 and a low around 19. West wind 6 to 8 mph.

I had the pleasure of attending the regional robotics competition for middle and high school students at the college on Saturday. They had a great turnout and three of the four finalist teams were comprised of Garrett County students. STEM education is alive, well and growing in the mountains of Garrett County.  Well done to all the students, parents, coaches and judges that made the event such a success.

Just heard that the Maryland Park Service is eliminating several dozen park-unique social media accounts, consolidating its messaging on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram into single accounts, much to the chagrin of some park goers who like and want park-specific information. Here’s a link to an article on the Baltimore Sun’s article that explains more.

I just saw this article on rural innovation that talks about the economic diversity between different rural regions and the impact of entrepreneurship and broadband among other topics. Not a long piece and if you are interested in such things, might be of value to you. As always, no political or editorial position intended.  

We are sad to report on the passing of two local area residents: Leon “Shep” Beitzel, 31 year member of the Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department, and 92 year old Abe Kaufman, a local carpenter that resided in the Pleasant Valley area of Garrett County and that worked on many lake-area homes. Rest in peace gentlemen.

Here’s an interesting article on which Maryland counties brought in the most Airbnb guests in 2018 and how much was earned by hosts across the states.  Garrett County looks to have some significant activity, which is not surprising based on all we have to offer.

Lots of wind and snow yesterday without much accumulation, but very cold and a very low wind-chill. Today’s weather partly sunny, with a high near 25 and a low around 18. Saturday will be snowy, mainly after 1pm. A high near 27 and a low around 22. Southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Sunday will be chance of snow, mainly before 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 28 and a low around 21.

Note that the State Police have rescinded the Snow Emergency Plan in effect for Garrett County effective 9:00 pm Thursday evening.

Friday is 2019 4-H Day at the Wisp Resort, with some really good deals on snowboarding, skiing, tubing and other activities.  But, they say that tickets should be purchased by January 9th, so I am not sure if you can still get the deals.  I recommend giving them a call after you check the site.  Check here for more information.

Matt Fields is playing at Black Bear Tavern Friday evening from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Matt Borror and Derek McCauley are playing at MoonShadow, also on Friday evening, from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Both those venues have great food, service and libations and both are in McHenry.

Each year, teams compete in local, state and national FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics competitions.  The ultimate goal is to earn an invitation to the World Championship in Detroit Michigan in April. This year, Garrett County’s G-FORCE is acting as the host team for the Mountain Maryland FTC Qualifier. The event will be held in the CARC at Garrett College Saturday, and is sponsored by GEARS Inc. If you want to see some really cool and smart kids and some really interesting robots, come on by and check it out on Saturday.\

The Ruth Enlow Library and the Garrett County Family Support Services are co-hosting two events that provide interesting sensory experiences for teens (Teen Zone in the morning) and special needs children age 3 – 12 (Sense-A-Tion in the afternoon) on Saturday. Very interesting and potentially helpful experiences for our young folks.

On Saturday evening, you can see Buffalo Run at MoonShadow and Dustin McCray at Black Bear Tavern.  Black Bear also has a DJ starting at 10:00 pm.  Check them all out on our events page here.

The Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake, an advocacy, communication and lake support organization, has posted their latest newsletter which also has information on online dues renewal.  They do good stuff on a number of fronts and deserve our support.  Here’s the link to their latest newsletter.

Speaking of organizations that work to help all of us protect and preserve the lake and watershed, the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation has issued their first newsletter.  You can see their newsletter at this link.  Note that their holiday and New Year message is also linked on our home page here.  Please check them out if you are not aware of who they are and what they are doing and give them any and all the support you can. Thanks!

On Sunday, there is Bingo at Mountain State Brewing Company from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.  Always fun and they have great pizza and other stuff.

Gobble, Gobble! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers hunters who did not bag a turkey in the fall another chance, as the winter turkey season runs statewide from January 17th – 19th.

Yesterday was cold, snowy and windy and the State Police implemented their Snow Emergency Plan at 12:30 pm yesterday afternoon. Today’s weather will be snow showers, mainly before 4pm. High near 18. Wind chill values as low as -4. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch possible during the day and less than a half inch tonight.

Speaking of the weather, we are hoping Wisp gets a nice boost from this snow. It is amazing how much everything in our lake-area economic ecosystem is related.  More snow = more skiers = more lodging guests = more business for our local entrepreneurs = more jobs.  A simple yet powerful “formula”.

I was speaking to a well-respected local entrepreneur in the tourism industry yesterday and I was surprised to hear that the federal government shutdown may be starting to be felt a bit here at the lake. She explained that there have been some rental home cancellations in the past few days.  That will then likely trickle down to restaurants and other establishments.  It makes sense, but I hope it stays at a minimal level for the good of all impacted.

Deborah Carpenter, Garrett County Director of Planning and Land Management, has been awarded the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Recognition Award for her work in support of issues important to Maryland counties. I have had the pleasure of working with Deb on some initiatives and know she is very deserving and we are fortunate to have her as a member of Garrett County Government. Congratulations!

Speaking of Garrett County Government, the Commissioners are looking for three individuals to serve on the Garrett County Ethics Commission. The primary duty of the Ethics Commission, is to develop procedures and policies for the processing of complaints to make appropriate determinations regarding complaints filed by any person alleging violations of Garrett County Government Code of Ordinances – Chapter 34: Ethics. Here’s the press release that came out yesterday.

All that Jazz: We just heard from Lisa Nichols that the Oakland Jazzercise Center is holding a New Year Membership Sale. Join-up with any on-going membership (month-to-month, three months, six months or 12 months) and January is free!  You can also choose to start-out with a one-month unlimited class pass for just $35. You choose which sale works best for you. I have a number of friends that belong and they love it.

The popular Women’s Networking Luncheon is now expanding to include a Women’s Networking Happy Hour.  The first event will be held at the Black Bear Tavern on January 17th from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.  Here’s a link to the invitation with more information.  

The Chamber of Commerce is inviting all in-county Chamber member businesses to participate in their Military March discount promotion during the month of March. They do this every year, so if you are an active or retired military keep your eyes out for the specials, and we will try to share as well.  If you are a local Chamber business, you can send the details of your deal to Sarah Duck at sarah@garrettchamber.com no later than Thursday, January 24th.

Late yesterday afternoon some ominous clouds rolled in, followed by winter lightning, then the wind came. The weather for today will be snow showers. The temperature falling to around 22 by 5pm and low around 16. Breezy, with a west wind around 22 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible today and 2 to 4 inches possible tonight.

Congratulations to Northern Garrett High School senior Bradie Moore, who has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Garrett College next season. We wish him and the college great success in coming seasons. Go Lakers!

The Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library is holding their monthly S.T.E.A.M. Kids today from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm.  This is for children six and older and allows children to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math- related activities.

We just heard from Justin Liller at Railey Realty that a marketing consultant will be holding a free marketing seminar for small business owners at Railey in their conference room Friday, January 11th from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm as part of a state-wide “tour.” Message the Liller Facebook page to register.

Schoolhouse Earth in Friendsville and their sister store, Gourmet and More, in McHenry are holding their After Christmas sales with 20% to 60% off select items.  Both places are really unique and fun to just go in and browse. And, don’t forget it’s Senior Night tonight at Dutch’s and Locals Wednesday at Mountain State Brewing Company. Check out those and other dining specials at our Specials Page right here!

If you are looking for something different to do this Saturday, and maybe take the kids or grand kids to, consider this one: GEARS Inc. and Garrett College will be hosting the 2019 Mountain Maryland FTC Regional Robotics Qualifier at the CARC.  I was at last year’s event and there are some VERY smart and talented kids that participate at this event, including seven teams from Garrett County.  Click here for the schedule and more information.

We just heard that State Troopers from the McHenry Barracks are investigating a malicious destruction of property and theft that occurred between January 1st and 2nd at the Maryland Welcome Center off westbound Interstate 68. Anyone with information should contact Trooper First Class Whetzel or the Duty Officer at 301.387.1101. Ironic and sad that someone did damage to the welcome center don’t you think?

Yesterday was cooler, but clear. Today’s weather will be a chance of showers, mainly after 10am. Overall, cloudy, with a high near 48 and low around 25. Southwest wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Rain showers likely before 1am, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 1am and 2am, then snow showers likely after 2am. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Garrett County Public Safety has announced a Winter Storm Watch: Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches possible from today through Thursday afternoon. Highest amounts on the ridge tops.

There are two programs for children on today at Ruth Enlow Library, both at 10:30 am. One is at the Kitzmiller branch and the other is at the main library in Oakland.  You can find out more on our Events page or the library’s classes/events page. 

The Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance is holding a short webinar this afternoon regarding the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act where you can learn about sick and safe leave – and ask them questions directly. The seminar runs from 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm. Send them an email to mike.pantelides@maryland.gov if you would like to attend this presentation. You will receive an invitation and instructions on how to sign on.

The Garrett County Behavioral Health Authority is collecting feedback about mental health and substance abuse services and resources in Garrett County. You can find out more here or go directly to the survey here. It only takes three minutes to complete.

Team Trivia is on for tonight at Mountain State Brewing Company from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm and also Trivia Night at MoonShadow this evening from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Check out either one for good food, libations and fun.

Garrett County Public Schools have a planned 3-hour early dismissal tomorrow (Wednesday January 9) for staff development. If there is a delay or if there is no school the staff development will be cancelled and not made up.

There is still time to submit your work for the 2019 Allegany National Photography Competition & Exhibition. This year, you may submit your photography in three categories – black and white, color, and a NEW category, experimental!

The first Business Before Hours of the new year is scheduled for Tuesday, January 15th, at 8:00 am in the Crawford Room at Wisp Resort. The topic will be an Economic Forecast with guest speaker R. Andrew Bauer, Senior Regional Economist and Deputy Regional Executive at the Baltimore Branch of the Richmond Federal Reserve Bank. I have heard Andrew speak and it is always very informative at the local, state and national level.

We just heard from Jamie and Rayetta of Deep Creek Catering; they have recently purchased the Jubilee restaurant in Friendsville.

The weather for today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 35 and rising to 44 by 5am. Southeast wind 14 to 16 mph gusting as high as 28 mph. Some rain can be expected overnight. The outlook for the week is that we will get several inches of snow possible Tuesday night through Thursday in the higher elevations.

The State Department of Natural Resources announced that approximately 3,700 hikers took part in the state park system’s “First Day Hike” New Year events across the state.  The hikers attended 36 hikes at 32 locations and collectively covered over 8,000 miles.  Check out the link for more information and to see the numbers at Garrett County parks. A great way to start off the year.

After being under the weather for a few days, I went out Saturday afternoon to run some errands and got a haircut at Lake Salon in McHenry (under Black Bear Tavern). It was the first time I was in there and it has a very nice atmosphere and Jennifer the cosmetologist did a nice job on my hair and all were friendly. I’ll be back.

The first Haley Farm Wellness Retreat of the year is scheduled for January 18th and I hear there are only eight spots left! Haley is a very dedicated and talented health expert (nutrition, training, etc.) and I am sure Haley and Kam have a great program planned with much knowledge and good vibes available.

The Lodges at Sunset Village has a “Stay HERE, Ski FREE” promotion underway. Stay one weekend night and receive a ski pass for the following day. Stay one weekday night (Sun-Thurs.) and receive two ski passes for the following day. The Lodges has some really nice, unique facilities and can be reached at 301.387.2227.

The Norther High School girls Basketball team is home this evening and facing Allegany.  If you are looking for something fun, inexpensive and a little different, come on out and cheer on the home team this evening.

If Needlework is more to your liking, the Ruth Enlow Library Oakland Branch is holding their weekly Needlework session starting at 6:00 pm and all are welcome to do any kind of needlework.

If you are interested in attending the inauguration of Governor Hogan and Lieutenant Governor Rutherford in Annapolis on January 16th, you can find information here.  It is free and open to all.  If you go, please give the governor and lieutenant my best regards!

There are some nice events planned for January in and around Frostburg and you can find them at the Frostburg First events page here.  There’s always something going on around the lake, but I am including these just in case something happening in Frostburg in the near future catches your eye. We got you covered!