Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

A slight chance of rain on this Ash Wednesday; especially in the early afternoon. Warmer — a high of 54 and a low of 51. Note: Moderate to heavy rain should result in elevated river and stream levels, and a potential for flooding Thursday afternoon through Friday. A flood watch may be needed.

Happy Valentine’s Day! ????

Garrett College is holding a talent show tonight from 8pm-10pm in the Auditorium. Questions? Contact Jacob Hannah at 301-387-3020 or at Jacob.hannah@garrettcollege.edu.

Our Town Theatre’s play Silent Sky opens tonight at 8 pm. Doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $8.00/each.You can make reservations by going online to www.ourtowntheatre.org or by calling the theatre’s answering machine (301-334-5640) and following the instructions.

Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) took a group of Northern and Southern Garrett High School students to see the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and a presentation of “Tosca” over the past weekend.

A small tech firm based in nearby Salisbury, PA is controlling the snow machines during the current 2018 Winter Olympics. It’s pretty neat to have a nearby Olympic connection!

Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards recently participated in Leadership Allegany! session on local government.

The state of Maryland has made Naloxone (a lifesaving medication that can quickly restore the breathing of a person experiencing an opioid overdose) available without a prescription beginning in June 2017. Now, the Garrett County Health Department is partnering with local pharmacies to distribute packets of information to clients who are purchasing Naloxone. For more information on this project, call the health department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.

Hill has been named the Garrett College Head Golf Coach.

Salvation Army has started a campaign to collect 40 Items in 40 days. Starting today and for each day during Lent, simply place one gently used item you no longer need in a bag. Then, on Apr 1, you will have 40 items to donate. The closest Salvation Army in our area is in Kingwood, W.Va. However, I think this is a great way to get started on spring cleaning and, locally, we have the following donation centers: Christian Crossings in Loch Lynn, two Goodwill stores, St. Matthews Episcopal Church Nearly New Shop in Oakland, the Highland Thrift Shop in Grantsville and Pick of the Litter Thrift Shop in McHenry.

Valentine’s Day Facts by Wallet Hub: $19.6B: Total Valentine’s Day spending projected for 2018 ($143.56 per person celebrating) // $191 vs. $99: Men plan to spend nearly twice as much as women, on average, for Valentine’s Day 2018 // $8.5 Billion: Amount Americans will spend on jewelry ($4.7B), flowers ($2B) and candy ($1.8B) // 9 Million: Number of marriage proposals made each Valentine’s Day.

Temperatures in the low 30s today; rain showers likely.

Today is the Town of Friendsville Municipal Election; to be held at the Town Hall, the polls are open from 11am to 7pm. The persons who filed are as follows: Petition for the office of Mayor: Spencer R. Schlosnagle; Petition for the office of three open council seats are: Jerry C. Fike, Pamela S. Humberson, Edward B. Kelley and Julia V. Sines.

MoonShadow is having a game show night today from 7:00pm-10:00pm. The game is The Chase; answer trivia questions and take on THE BEAST to WIN BIG! Prizes are a $25 Gift Card, Menu Items and Free Music Nights.

The Shepherd of the Hills L.A.F.F. Dinner is today from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

We heard that the Food Resources brochure that we linked to yesterday may have a few errors and omissions; stay tuned for the updated copy.

First United Bank & Trust sponsors the upcoming Childhood Connections Conference.

The Tucker Community Foundation has more than 35 scholarships available for high school and college students in Barbour, Grant, Mineral, Preston, Pocahontas, Randolph and Tucker counties, W.Va. and Garrett County, Md. Scholarships range from $500 to $10,000 with most of the awards around $1,000. Scholarship applications available here.

Some members of the Garrett County Planning Commission believe that more paid emergency medical services personnel may be needed in the future to counter a decrease in volunteers. The discussion was part of the planning commission’s review of community facilities in the county comprehensive plan. Currently, all fire departments in the county are staffed by volunteers. In fiscal year 2015, the county had 10 full-time and six part-time providers. During the fiscal 2017 budgeting process, the county’s public safety/emergency services budget was increased by nearly $877,000 to more than $1.5 million.

A chance of snow showers this morning and then clearing for the remainder of the day; less than 1/2 inch of accumulation possible. High of 39 and low of 20.

Congratulations Southern Garrett Wrestling Rams for winning over Patterson Mill and Sparrows Point for the 1A State Dual Championship!

Also, the Mini Toxic Twist Crew of Jessica’s Dance Creations placed second at JAMfest in St. Louis over the weekend. Go girls!

Qing Yuan has been named the Chief Academic Officer at Garrett College.

The 2018 Maryland State Parks and Trail Passport has been announced; it grants you unlimited day-use admission and boat launching, as well as a 10 percent discount on boat rentals and state-operated concessions. Golden Age Passes are also available, granting seniors 62 and older free entry to parks, half-price weekday camping and unlimited boat launch access.

At the County Commissioner’s meeting on Monday, February 5th Gary Aronhalt, Watershed Coordinator, gave an update on the activities of the Administrative Council and the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan. Here is the presentation.

Do you know someone who is hungry? Help is available. Check out the Western MD Food Council’s Guide to Free Food Resources in Garrett County.

Here’s a short clip of the torch parade from the Gold Medal Weekend Kick-Off at Wisp Resort on Friday night:
Wisp Gold Medal Weekend

The weather today will be cloudy with a high near 41 and a low around 34. Saturday there will be rain likely, mainly after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 48 and low near 41. Rain is likely again on Sunday, mainly before 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 50 and a low of 27. New precipitation amounts between a tenth of an inch to over a half of an inch possible over the entire weekend.

The water conservation notice has been removed for Friendsville, MD. You can read more here but the Town water was safe to drink and at no time did contaminated water enter the system.

Southern Garrett Wrestling Rams are West Region Dual Champions! Best of luck at the State Dual Championship Saturday starting at 12 pm at North Point High School. Go Rams!

Wisp is hosting their Gold Medal Weekend this weekend. There are lots of things going on.  I would love to attend but I will be skiing the Giant Slalom in Korea as part of team USA. Just sayin’…

Here’s something a little different: Local business A Touch of Class Limousines is offering bus tours of distilleries, wineries and breweries out of Frederick.  Trips are February 10th and 17th. You can book online or contact ATC at 301.698.2650 with questions.

For tasting a little closer to home, check out the wine tasting at McHenry Beverage Shoppe or the tour starting at Deep Creek Beverage.

MoonShadow has music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

Crocheting Basics, at Garrett College’s Southern Outreach Center (the Armory) in Oakland is scheduled for Wednesdays, February 21st to March 14th, from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm. Call 301.387.3069 for information or to register.

Please don’t cry! Sunday is officially Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day.

Scattered snow showers this morning and turning partly sunny. Highs of 23 but with wind chills of 0. A low of 17 tonight.

The Department of Public Works, Utilities Division, is asking their customers on the Friendsville water system to conserve water through Monday, February 12th. We are unable to produce water at the water treatment plant due to a residential fuel oil spill into the Youghiogheny River.

Friendsville Elementary School will be operating under normal hours and conditions on Thursday and Friday (February 8-9, 2018), pending any weather related delays or cancellations — Friendsville School will be able to conserve water in normal operations mode and there will be bottled water available for students and staff.

The Ruth Enlow Library’s Adult Book Club meets today at 11:30 at the Accident branch. Newcomers are welcome.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations just announced the launch of a new workforce development and skills training program focused on the environment and natural resources.

There’s a Women’s Networking Lunch today at Ace’s Run Restaurant starting at Noon. For profit NeuBeam and non-profit HABco will be the speakers. Cost is $15 per person.

You can donate blood to the Red Cross on Tuesday, February 13th at Garrett College from 11:30am -4:00pm.  Call 1.800.RED.CROSS to schedule your appointment.

Know a want-to-be entrepreneur?  Please tell them to consider the College’s Business Plan Competition, which kicks off on February 15th; deadline for entries is February 12th. Call Jodi McClintock at 301.387.3069 for more information.

Hey, Garrett County homeowners. Did you know that interest on a home equity loan will no longer be tax deductible under the new tax law?  Check out this interesting study by LendEdu for some insight on borrowing habits/perceptions.

Our apologies again for a late post yesterday – this is a photo of a fire from a downed line West of Oakland that caused a power disruption. The “square” in the image is a storage shed and the fire was down over the bank:

We are getting a slow start this morning as the power was out any my house in West Oakland.

Garrett County Public Schools are closed today due to the forecasted snow, sleet and freezing rain on top of snow, sleet and freezing rain from overnight. New snow of up to 5 inches could happen before the system moves all the way through our area. High of 39 degrees; low of 14 degrees.

Learn more about an innovative schooling approach at Crellin Elementary in our Cover Story.

There’s a meeting this evening at 7:00pm at the American legion Hall in Oakland to discuss the planned Oakland Bypass project.  I am a little surprised about the bypass, but I don’t have all the facts yet. Attend to learn more about the pros and cons.

Parents take note: Garrett College and Frostburg State University just have signed articulation agreements in computer science and computer information systems that will allow students to move seamlessly from GC to FSU, graduate in four years and lower their overall cost of borrowing. Call Garrett College at 301.387.3044 for more information on these new transfer agreements.

The CARC has it’s “Wet and Wild Wednesdays” this evening. It’s a lazy river without the river; enjoy floating away while listening to summer jams in the pool. Call them at 301.387.3786 for timing and more information, as their website is down.

Swimming’s not your thing? Check out Team Trivia at the Greene Turtle tonight at 7:00pm.  It’s free and anyone can play.  Contact them at 301.387.7800 for more information, or check out the information on our events page.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day statewide February 10th. Hunters 16 years of age or younger can hunt a variety of waterfowl on both private and public land this day when aided by an unarmed adult, at least 21 years old. Licenses required.

Here is a great snap by Bob Carney for the Deep Creek Winter Sports Team during the Taylor Made Vacations & Sales USSA SL Race this past weekend at Wisp Resort.
Click here for the race gallery.

Oakland Jazzercise is partnering with Garrett Regional Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center to build healthier hearts beyond the dance floor during American Heart Month.  Customers are being challenged to incorporate more dance and strength training into their schedules throughout the month of February.  When they reach their goal, they will earn a limited edition Dance Your Heart Out tank. 

A portion of all registration fees from the challenge will be donated to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center to support the purchase of a new row machine to help the Center’s patients build healthier hearts and stronger bodies as part of their road to recovery.  The goal is to raise $1,000 during the challenge.  In addition to donating a portion of the registration fees, additional donations are being accepted during February to help reach the goal.

“Heart disease is the number one killer for both women and men in the United States,” notes Oakland Jazzercise owner, Lisa Nichols.  “It is part of the Jazzercise mission to help customers create stronger, happier and healthier lives through fitness.  As a member of the Garrett County community, we want to find opportunities to reach beyond our dance floor and help the broader community create stronger and healthier lives.  Partnering with GRMC’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center as part of the American Hearth Month Challenge serves as an exciting opportunity to work with another community organization to improve the heart health of Garrett County.”

Community members can join the Oakland Jazzercise challenge for $50 and receive unlimited classes in February. Oakland Jazzercise is located at 13227 Garrett Highway in Oakland and offers 36 dance cardio and strength training classes each week.  Sign up for the challenge or make a donation to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center goal at Oakland Jazzercise or by calling 304-685-4778.  Learn more about Oakland Jazzercise at www.gcjazz.com and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at www.gcmh.com/services-provided/cardiac-pulmonary-rehab.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking sponsors for our Business Before Hours for March 20, 2018 (Maryland Elections Preview) and November 20, 2018 (Tourism Update). The fee for sponsorship is $500. There are several benefits to becoming a sponsor for a Business Before Hours event.

They are:
​1.    Company logo on all promotional materials, including weekly E-Flash Electronic Newsletter, social media, flyers, website, press release, and What’s Happening Electronic Newsletter (the week of the event);
​2.    Sponsor may provide company banner to be hung at event;
3.    Sponsor will have access to a display table for promotional items;
​4.    2-minute commercial at event; and
5.    4 complimentary tickets to event.

​If you would like to be a sponsor for one of these events, please contact Jenny Kahler at 301-387-5237.

A chance of snow showers mostly this morning; up to an inch of accumulation possible. High of 30 degrees, low of 23 degrees. Late tonight and early tomorrow morning we can see new snow of 1-3 inches and maybe some sleet and freezing rain.

Oakland Jazzercise is partnering with GRMC’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center to build healthier hearts this month during American Heart Month. Community members can join the Oakland Jazzercise challenge for $50 and receive unlimited classes in February. A portion of fees go towards a new rowing machine for the Rehab Center.

The Chamber is currently seeking sponsors for their Business Before Hours for March 20th (Maryland Elections Preview) and November 20th (Tourism Update). The fee for sponsorship is $500. Contact Jenny Kahler at 301-387-5237 for more information.

Financial website SmartAsset.com just released an analysis of state property taxes and concluded Garrett County ranks fifth in the state for “bang for the buck” based on their methodology.  FYI, they are not an advertiser and I did not scrutinize their data or methodology.

Get a buzz: Garrett College in coordination with the University of Maryland Extension is sponsoring a course on Beekeeping at the College’s Southern Outreach Center. Sessions will be held Tuesdays, February 20th to April 10th, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Call Continuing Education at 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.

Here’s something different: Ranger Lewis will lead a night hike to explore New Germany’s Ice House Loop Trail under the winter night sky. Candle luminaries will light the path and set the tone for this easy-to-moderate, 1-mile hike starting at 7:00pm on February 17th.

Parents and grandparents: Each year about 486,000 individuals are seen for a burn-related injury. Almost a quarter of these injuries happened to children under the age of 15. A new campaign to raise awareness and avoidance is being promoted by the Office of the State Fire Marshall.

After a snowy and slushy Sunday, today will be snowy until about noon with accumulations of about an inch. Temps will be a high of 20 but feel like -6 with wind chill; low of 15 degrees.

For all you Cross Country ski enthusiasts, Herrington manor reported yesterday morning that they had a base of 2 – 4 inches on the trails and were renting skis. I would call them at 301.334.9180 for current conditions.

Many of our readers tuned into the Super Bowl. Here’s a few fun facts from the Wall Street Journal: Well over 100 million folks viewed the game, driving the cost of a 30 second commercial to about $5 million, with the largest sector of advertisers being auto companies.

Oakland is holding their monthly Town Council meeting this evening starting at 5:00pm in the Town Hall.

Smiley’s Bar and Grill is offering a free Nutella stuffed cookie dessert today in honor of World Nutella Day! No purchase required.

The Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake is requesting property owners to support the State Lakes Protection Fund by supporting Senate Bill 501 and House Bill 801.  Please check out their information. The lake a key economic engine for our County and we need it to remain healthy.

Plan now for next Monday evening’s Family Game Night at the Grantsville Branch of the Ruth Enlow Library. It is free and runs from 4:00pm – 7:30pm.

Want to know the complete legislative package proposed by the Governor?  Here it is for your reading pleasure. There will be a test!

Finally, State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci would like to remind Marylanders that possessing and using FLAMETHROWERS is illegal. So, if you have been carrying around a flamethrower in your car trunk, or purse, stop it. Now!

There is a newly listed hot tub for sale in our online marketplace – check it out!

Reader Melanie West sent us this awesome video of Tolliver Falls in Swallow Falls State Park from over the weekend:

Cold. Some snow accumulation through the morning today with highs of 13 feeling like -9. And, we are currently under the Snow Emergency Plan so be careful out there today. Saturday’s weather will be partly sunny and with wind chills remaining negative. Sunday will bring more snow and some rain. Highs near 36 degrees with little expected accumulation.

Don’t forget to check out our events listing.  We mentioned some of the events this weekend in yesterday’s Notes, but there’s other events going on as well.  

Just heard the Rural Maryland Council (RMC) has joined forces with the Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Program, an incentive program that raises awareness about registered apprenticeships and encourages job seekers and businesses to engage in apprenticeship opportunities. The RMC, the only agency in Maryland dedicated solely to rural development, will help spread the word about the power of apprenticeship to Maryland’s workers and job creators.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you may want to check-out the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania starting this weekend and running through February 11th.

MoonShadow in McHenry has some good music planned for this weekend. Friday at 8:00pm, its Union Sound Treaty, followed by Matt Borror & Mudcracker on Saturday, also at 8:00pm, and Jill Marie at Noon on Sunday.

Thanks go out to the Warriors of Wisp (W.O.W.). They were formed in the Spring of 2017 to foster a healthy lifestyle and to help community organizations and they just gave a check for $1,660 to help Blind Skiers through the Deep Creek Lake Lion’s Club.  Thanks folks.  Great job!

The 2018 State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund bill has been introduced into the General Assembly and a Senate hearing is scheduled for February 13th.  Friends of Deep Creek Lake is seeking to spread the word to gain support for this important bill that can help sustain our lake.

The next Chamber Business After Hours will be held next Thursday evening from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at Western Maryland Dermatology on Deep Creek Drive.

In spring of 2017, the Warriors of Wisp (W.O.W.) Team was conceived from a group of Wisp employees and friends with several goals; to foster and maintain a healthy lifestyle and fundraise for local community organizations.  The W.O.W. Team chose the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club as the benefactor for the RUN FOR IT 5K presented by the Tucker Community Foundation.  After five months of fundraising projects, including selling pepperoni rolls and movie tickets, the W.O.W. Team raised a total of $1,660 and in October 2017, they put months of training to the test at the RUN FOR IT 5K held in Davis, WV.  A check for $1,660 was presented to the Deep Creek Lake Lion’s Club on December 12, 2017 by members of the W.O.W. Team.  

“We’ve had a lot of fun so far all while dedicating ourselves to healthier lifestyles, challenged ourselves, and raised money for a great cause. We’re just getting started,” said W.O.W. Team Captain Lisa Ratliff.  The W.O.W. team formed in May 2017 with the goal of participating in 5K races and debuted at the Tucker Community Foundation’s RUN FOR IT event held in Davis, WV in October and participated in a second event later that month.  The team is currently recruiting new members and making plans for 2018 with goals of participating in a 5k race every quarter, returning to RUN FOR IT, and holding another charity fundraiser. The W.O.W. Team plans to continue fundraising and participating in 5K races throughout 2018.

ABOUT DEEP CREEK LAKE LION’S CLUB Since 1925, Lions Clubs everywhere have been ‘knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness’ and for over three decades, the Deep Creek Lake Lions have done just that by bringing visually impaired children to the Deep Creek Lake area to enjoy recreation and activities throughout the seasons. During the winter, the students ski at Wisp Resort with the assistance of special equipment and local high school and adult volunteers. They also enjoy hearty breakfasts prepared by the Lions Club and pizza dinners where they trade stories from the slopes with the club members and each other. During the summer, the club sets up tents for the students at Deep Creek Lake State Park, where they spend the days tubing on the lake and the nights roasting marshmallows by the fire. Local attractions also donate their services to allow the students to experience the fun of the mountain coaster, bumper cars and go-carts. In addition to these programs, the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club also assists local vision-impaired citizens with eyeglasses and doctor bills and manages the community park on Bumble Bee Road. 

Pictured from left to right: Wendy Friend, Nancy Geisler, Ken Bush (Deep Creek Lion’s Club President), Lisa Ratliff (Warriors of Wisp Team Captain), Angela Thomason, and Debbie Fickes.
*WOW members not present: Patty Manown Mash, Shirin K. Kavyani, Deb Kenney, Lori Zaloga, Carol Hauser, Wanda Mayle, Heather Bosley, Brianna Bosley, and Amanda Tout.

The weather is expected to be a little iffy today: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 10am, then rain showers likely between 10am and 2pm, then rain and snow showers after 2pm. High near 40. Southwest wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected during the day but 1-3 inches expected overnight.

Don’t forget to check out our movie listings for Garrett 8, as some of them change after today.

Its Team Trivia Night at Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry this evening.  This is a free, fun game where prizes are awarded.  Team Trivia goes from 6:00pm – 8:30pm

There is a lot going on this weekend: Saturday is a Superhero and Princess Dance Party at 10:45am and the Winter Farmer’s Market at 11:00am. On Sunday, there is an opportunity for the famous Bittinger Fire Department wings (carry out only) for your Super Bowl Party! Check out the Deep Creek Times events page for more.

Also, here’s your chance to have that dream you’ve been wondering about interpreted. Yes, that one, or any other one for that matter. Smoke-N-Mirrors gallery in Oakland is hosting a Free Dream Workshop this Saturday starting at 2:00pm. It is hosted by Garrett County’s own Rose Gordy.

This sunrise was captured by Diane Lee yesterday morning. WOW!

Photo by Diane Lee

Terry Helbig and his team at the Oakland B&O Train Museum in Oakland are looking for ideas for speakers for their summer lecture series. It’s a great series covering railroading and Garrett County history.  Drop Terry a line if you have a suggestion or idea.  He can be reached at terryhelbig@yahoo.com

Join the Allegany Arts Council for a unique exhibition from artists who’ve taught and studied at Touchstone Center for Crafts, an artistic development center one hour southeast of Pittsburgh. Come learn more about metalworking, ceramics, wood-fired pottery and support this growing group of craftsmen. The exhibition runs from February 3rd through the 17th. 

Local Lakeside Creamery owner Bill Meagher was featured in this University of Wisconsin-Madison article for the ice cream workshop he taught recently.

Yesterday certainly was snowy and brisk. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny with highs near 43 but wind chills at around 0. Windy.

The February schedule for pickleball has been set: Pickleball will be played at the Oakland Community Center gym (the old armory) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:00pm to 5:00pm beginning on February 2nd. Contact the College at 301.387.3069 for more information.

A very rare and interesting phenomenon happened this morning but, with cloud cover, we missed it: The rare blue blood supermoon eclipse. This hasn’t happened in over 150 years!

Sorry to hear that the Family Dollar discount store in downtown Oakland has closed. I hope we get a new enterprise in its place soon.

The Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division of Garrett College will be offering Scottish Country Dancing at their main campus in McHenry on Fridays, February 16th to March 16th, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Call 301.387.3069 for more information.

Our congratulations to Mr. Gary Thompson a teacher at Southern Middle School. He was just honored by our State Delegates and Senators at a ceremony in Annapolis as Maryland History Day Teacher of the Year 2017. The program was part of the 19th annual Maryland History Day coordinated by Maryland Humanities. I had Mr. Thompson in school (…circa 1998 maybe) and he was an excellent history teacher!

Throughout the years Deep Creek has claimed vehicles, several lives, and even some of our pets, all because of thin ice or no ice at all.  Here are a few precautions and thoughts as provided by the Deep Creek Lake Property Owners Association this week: 

• Places where streams flow into the lake there is quite often open water.
• Runoff/road salt on the bridges also causes ice melting under the bridges 
• The same is true for underwater springs where the ice is thin or melts, creating open water.  Under the west end of Glendale Bridge is a good example.
• Along the shore – The ice usually melts first causing open water as it does so and as the lake level starts to rise.
• Wind shifts – The wind can move large areas of ice and, if during the day the wind shifts into an off-shore direction, it can move the ice away from where it was accessed.  This situation can require a boat to exit the ice. 
• Open water – If the lake has areas of open water, it is wise not to go on the ice at all.

There was another spectacular sunrise this morning!

Check out our photo gallery and photo of the month today to see January’s pics and check-in again tomorrow for our February edition for new pics/video!