Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

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!

Yesterday started off misty but turned into a decent, though overcast, day.  Today’s weather will be cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 36 and a low of 28. West wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

This article from the Maryland State Department of Natural Resources, Native Birds Need Native Plants, shows us which native trees and shrubs are preferable if we wish to attract birds to our land. It also presents the results of research that shows the correlation of native plan biomass with bird attraction. Sounds a bit esoteric, but it is not.

I am not sure if there’s a Women’s Networking Lunch at Ace’s Run today. They’re usually start at noon on the first Thursday of the month and include a nice lunch and plenty of time to exchange cards and meet new people.  Why not stop by and check it out and if there is not an event, stay for a nice salad or burger.

The Oakland Mt. Lake Park Lions Club had another great year of living and giving in 2018. Here’s just a few of their accomplishments:

• They enabled visual screenings for 753 children from eight elementary schools and six Head Start centers
  (6 months to 4 years old). Seventy-five of those students were referred for additional screening
• They donated nearly $11,000 in financial support for members of our community with vision
  needs
• They donated funds to over 40 non-profit/social service/educational organizations in the County. All of these
  organizations give back to our community
• They participated in a fundraising drive to assist The House of Hope’s 40th Annual Food Drive

Thanks, Lions for all you do every year and for all you will do for our community and its citizens in 2019 and beyond!

The Allegany Arts Council is hosting an interesting workshop for photographers on January 9th: Shooting Raw and Digital File Management. 

The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) is holding their Winter Conference in Annapolis on January 10th.  Here’s a link to the agenda for our readers.

It’s Locals Night at Dutch’s this evening and it’s Prime Rib Night at Moonshadow. And, I heard Bear Creek Traders has a nice Christmas sale going on. Just sayin’…

The weather for today will be cloudy, with a high near 40 and a low around 31. A chance of rain before 2am, then a chance of rain and snow with little or no snow accumulation expected.

We just heard from Terry Helbig at the Oakland B&O Museum that the museum had a record number of visitors in 2018. The figures for 2018 surpassed the 2017 visitation (of 6500) and came in at 8348.  Terry attributes the increase to the great work of volunteers, donors and the new 1920 Baldwin locomotive. Congratulations to all involved in this great community asset. Well done.

Congratulations to Fran M who has won our December “Where Am I?” contest. Make sure you get over to the page to enter your guess for this month’s quiz!

The Department of Natural Resources invites all to celebrate 2019 in the Great Outdoors.  They are offering deals on their 2019 calendar, which includes photos from their photo contest winners, as well as their magazine.  Check out their New Year’s message for information on those and more on enjoying the outdoors in 2019.

Congratulations to James Mullenax, the newest member of our Deep Creek Times team, who we just contracted with to help maintain our events, movies and other content.  Please keep sending in your announcements and events to us at info@deepcreektimes.com and congratulate James if you see him around town.  Welcome aboard!

The County Commissioners have released the agenda for the January 7th commissioners meeting starting at 3:00 pm in the courthouse. The agenda includes sessions on the Ruth Enlow Library’s Choose Civility Campaign as well as an administrative update from the Department of Planning and Land Management.

St. Peter the Apostle Parish is looking for gently used, clean coats to provide warmth to those in need in Garrett County. If you wish, you may also provide gloves, hats, scarves, or even a brand new coat.  The drive will run through January 7th and can be dropped off at the parish office in Oakland. Items will be distributed during the January Food Connect on January 9th and at the January Community Supper on the 14th.

We definitely had a mix of weather over the past few days, with Sunday warming up nicely.

Today’s weather will be rain, mainly before 4pm. High near 52 and low around 43. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 48 mph. New Year’s Day will be a chance of light rain, mainly before 10am then mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 38 by 5pm. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Overnight, a slight chance of rain, mixing with snow after 10pm, then gradually ending. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.

The State Police have been increasing roadside enforcement efforts during the holidays to ensure our safety.  I have seen a bunch of folks pulled over by troopers the past few days.  Please drive safely and respect the law during this New Year’s holiday.

The Garrett College Foundation has announced that Dr. Robert W. Smith has received the Dr. Jeanne H. Neff Award for Distinguished Service.  He was nominated on behalf of the Garrett College Foundation Board for his strong leadership and tireless commitment to the students and future of Garrett College. Thank you for your efforts and congratulations Dr. Smith.

So many folks pledge to quit smoking for their New Year’s resolution I thought I would include this in Notes.  The Garrett County Health Department can help you quit this year with three group classes scheduled to begin the first three months of the year.  The three Tobacco Cessation Classes will be held at the Health Department’s  Oakland office and leverage findings that indicate group sessions are more effective helping folks quit.

Every New Year the fireworks start around the lake about 10:00 pm and I don’t expect this year to be any different, so here’s some practical suggestions from the Maryland State Fire Marshall relative to fireworks if you don’t attend a public, professional fireworks event:

• Purchase the fireworks in the location where you intend to discharge them. Check with the local municipality to determine what fireworks are considered legal for use in that area.
• Read and follow label warnings and instructions.
• Do not allow small children to use fireworks.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while using fireworks.
• Have a bucket of water or hose available
• Fully extinguish the remains of fireworks in water before disposal.

Don’t forget that there are still plenty of outdoor and outdoor-related activities available around the lake this time of year.  Here’s what’s available at the Deep Creek Lake State Park, including their First Day Hike on Tuesday.

Monday December 31

11:00 a.m. Hungry Critters

Meet us inside the Discovery Center as we feed the critters! You will be given a chance to touch a live reptile or amphibian!  

1:00 p.m. Self-Guided Scavenger Hunts

Take this self-guided trip around the Discovery Center to answer questions like “What color eyes does a Box Turtle have?”.

Tuesday January 1

10:00 a.m. First Day Hike

Get outside and hike on this national day of hikes and walks for a guided hike of our Beckman’s Loop and finish off your experience with complimentary hot chocolate.  Hike is approx. 2.5 miles and will take 2 hours.

Talk to you again on Wednesday! Have a great holiday.

The weather for today will be scattered showers, cloudy, with a high near 57 and a low around 32. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Saturday will be partly sunny, with a high near 34 and a low around 25. Sunday will be partly sunny, with a high near 39 and a low around 33. Chance of precipitation after 5am.

On Saturday, the Oakland Branch of the Ruth Enlow Library will be holding a Board Games event open to all from Noon until 4:00 pm. There will be many old and new games available or you can bring your own.  Sounds like a fun way to play games and meet new people.

There are some good high school sports events at our local high schools this weekend.  Check out our Events calendar for a listing of home and away events, including the Snowball Classic Basketball Tournament at Southern High School on Friday.

HART for animals is holding their Fur Ball Casino 2018 on New Year’s Eve at Dutch’s from 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm. These are great events and always a good time AND proceeds go to help support the great work HART does on behalf of our furry friends.

Here’s something different: Deep Creek Lake-based A Touch of Class Limousines has a Holiday Lights Group Tour leaving from the Marriott in Frederick on Saturday evening.  The tours cover Seneca Creek State Park,  Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple and the National Christmas tree at the Ellipse.  You can find more information on their website or by calling them at 301.845.5059.

The Maryland Department of Planning has sent a reminder and an apology for the broken links they had in their December 21st announcement, all pertaining to their Better Maryland Plan feedback and listening sessions.  They have two online listening sessions scheduled for January 10th.  Here’s the link to their page that covers the whole program including the updated links to register.

We are really lucky to have such great State Parks in Garrett County.  Caroline Blizzard has sent over programs for Deep Creek Lake State Park for the remainder of this month and the beginning of January and I am listing them here. They are open every day through the holiday and have some nice programming planned:

Friday December 28

11:00 a.m. Snowshoeing for Beginners

Learn the    basics of snowshoeing and join the Naturalist for a trek around the Discovery Center. Snowshoes are provided. Free—please call for reservations.

1:00 p.m. Hungry Critters

Meet us inside the Discovery Center as we feed the critters! You will be given a chance to touch a live reptile or amphibian!  

Saturday December 29

11:00 a.m. Tracks and Trails Walk

Join the Naturalist for a 1-hour walk looking for animal tracks and signs of wildlife. Dress for the weather!

 2:00 p.m. First Impressions

Some animals are born with a bad reputation.  This interactive program shows that even creepy crawlies have their own important role in nature.  Get the opportunity to meet one of the animals behind the misconceptions!

Sunday December 30

11:00 a.m. What’s that Reptile?

Come to the Discovery Center to learn about the reptiles and amphibians in the center and you may have a chance to touch these amazing cold-blooded creatures!

 2:00 p.m. Aviary Feeding

Join us to learn some interesting facts, hear each bird’s story, and watch these amazing raptors eat!

Monday December 31

11:00 a.m. Hungry Critters

Meet us inside the Discovery Center as we feed the critters! You will be given a chance to touch a live reptile or amphibian!  

1:00 p.m. Self-Guided Scavenger Hunts

Take this self-guided trip around the Discovery Center to answer questions like “What color eyes does a Box Turtle have?”.

Tuesday January 1

10:00 a.m. First Day Hike

Get outside and hike on this national day of hikes and walks for a guided hike of our Beckman’s Loop and finish off your experience with complimentary hot chocolate.  Hike is approx. 2.5 miles and will take 2 hours.

The weather for today will be partly sunny during the day and then changing to rain tonight. A high near 41, falling to near 37 by 8pm, then rising to around 47 during the remainder of the night. Southeast wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

I saw “The Mule” last evening at Garrett 8 Cinemas with my wife Jean. Good movie, directed, produced and starring Clint Eastwood, and also starring Bradley Cooper.  Certainly interesting, even if a bit “dark” in an effort, I think, to get viewers thinking about life and how they live it, along with the consequences of their decisions along the way.

It’s Team Trivia tonight at Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.  It’s free and any number can play on a team and win prizes.

A reminder that the Allegany Arts Council’s Holiday Market Artisan Village is still running until December 30th at their gallery on Centre Street in downtown Cumberland. If you like nice artwork from local artists, you can see it and purchase it there.

Speaking of artwork, and this time much closer to home, don’t forget to check out the Garrett County Arts Council’s Gallery Shop on second street in downtown Oakland. They always have a great selection of locally crafted art at attractive prices. While you are there, don’t forget to check out some of the downtown museums and other local retail shops and eateries. You can easily spend a very nice few hours in downtown Oakland. Check it out!

Here’s one for our readers with serious artistic ability and you definitely have our stamp of approval.  The State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the twenty-third annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest. The contest is open to artists that submit an entry by March 8th.  I know we have some very talented artists in Garrett County, one of which has already designed some US postage stamps.

OK, one last thing on the local arts scene, this time the performing arts. Our friend Mary Callis at the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) asked us to remind everyone that GLAF’s 2019 schedule is now set and tickets are for sale. If you enter the special code holiday18, Mary will even give you $10 off the season subscription price.  Check out this link to GLAF’s site for “the scoop.”  It will be another great season and I will be there as often as possible.

We hope you all enjoyed your holiday! We sure did! The weather today will be sunny with a high near 37 and a low around 27.

We have had some snow! Remember to check in with our snowfall page for periodic snowfall reports.

Look at this gorgeous “white Christmas” we had! Photo by Marissa M:

If you have about 20 minutes; Photographer Leo Beachy documented early life here in our area and Southwestern PA— here is the WQED documentary “Leo Beachy: A Legacy Nearly Lost” from writer/producer David Solomon, videographer/editor: Paul Ruggieri.

The weekend had a mix of all types of weather for us, from sun, to rain, to snow.  Today’s weather will be cloudy with a high near 29 and a low around 21. Breezy, with a west wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

Christmas Day will have a chance of light snow, mainly between noon and 2pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 31 and a low around 26.

Well, Christmas Eve has finally arrived. I, along with all kids (you know who you are), am really getting excited for the visit from the big guy and all the presents he (hopefully) brings. That must be why the Walmart in Oakland was crazy-busy yesterday afternoon, with the parking lot almost full and the store the most crowded I have seen it. I was in Morgantown Saturday and our Walmart seemed much busier. Just my observation.

Apparently, Santa is running ahead of schedule, as he and his helpers will be making a stop at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Lake Vacations today from 10:00 am – Noon.  They will have cookies and hot chocolate and opportunities for photos with Santa. Thanks Santa… and Taylor-Made!

Just a heads-up here:  If you are planning on dining out Christmas Eve, note that a number of local establishments are closing early (or closed completely).  A number appear to be closing at 6:00 pm or earlier, so please plan in advance.  You can check our Area Dining Guide for phone numbers and website links.

Crossroads Church has announced that they will be hosting a Jingle Mingle Social Hour at 4:00 pm this afternoon followed by a candlelight service at 5:00 pm.  NOTE: Both events are at the Garrett County Fairgrounds in McHenry.

Here’s a link to the State of Maryland Board of Public Works agenda for their January 2nd meeting in Annapolis.  While state-wide in scope, these meetings and their topics definitely impact us here in Garrett County.

Speaking of the state, all citizens are invited to participate in one of two upcoming online listening sessions for the new state development plan, A Better Maryland.  The online sessions are being held Thursday, January 10, at 1:00 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… ????????

This photo from Marissa M.was taken yesterday;

Merry Christmas to all! Talk to you on Wednesday!

The weather for this weekend will be rain and snow – depending on how temperatures develop this evening and into tomorrow, especially, we could see some quick snow accumulation: Today will be rain with a high near 48 and a low around 30. Breezy with snow tonight with a west wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. On Saturday, snow showers likely, mainly before 11am and a high near 30 and a low around 26. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible during the day. Sunday has a slight chance of rain and snow showers but, otherwise, partly sunny during the day with a high near 38 and a low of 26. Some snow showers expected through Sunday night.

Don’t forget that the LED Community Christmas Tree, with accompanying music you can receive on your car radio, will be up all weekend.  The tree is in front of the Oakland Community center on 8th street.  That is the “old armory building” for those that know that location.

Rural Matters, a digital publication of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) just came out on Thursday.  They always have some good, relevant stories for communities such as ours. This issue, for example, has stories on community water sharing and the joy of retirement. Click here to go to their latest digital edition.

The Winter Mountain Fresh Farmers Market will be open on Saturday in the Community Action Building on Center Street in Oakland from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.  Always some nice, locally made/grown goodies available.

Here’s something different, inexpensive and family-oriented for you to consider this weekend: The Southern High School Boys Basketball team will be hosting Notre Dame (the high school, not the college) Saturday evening at 6:00 pm. Why not bring the family and any guests in town and root-on the home team.

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area’s Mini-Grant Program is now accepting applications on a rolling cycle. The mini-grant program is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant, up to $2,000.00, designed to provide funding for non-capital projects including innovative exhibits, tours, events, planning and projects which build upon interpretive themes identified in the Heritage Area’s Management Plan.

Governor Hogan has declared Monday, December 24, 2018, as a holiday and all state agencies will be closed.

John R Miller is playing at MoonShadow Friday evening at 8:00 pm. Day Old News is playing there on Saturday evening from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. And on Sunday, Jim Neville will be playing there at Noon for free. You can check out their live music schedule on their page and also on our events page.

I know, I know.  It’s the weekend right before Christmas, so you are thinking about technology transfer and the National Security Agency (NSA). Aren’t we all? Well if you are a Garrett County citizen or business owner or thinking of becoming one, the NSA has a very rich tech transfer program that can connect you to their patents and inventions for you and your business to commercialize.

Yesterday was a nice day at the lake. Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy with rain likely after 3pm; a high near 44 and a low around 40 degrees.

On Saturday, Garrett County hosted the 3rd Annual Police Providing Presents event.  Volunteers from all five (5) Garrett County law enforcement agencies along with the Garrett County Department of Social Services, Garrett County Board of Education, Garrett County Health Department and AmeriCorps partnered together to help make the event possible. Here’s a photo of a few of Garrett County’s Finest with Santa. Thank you all for all you do every day.

Did you know you (and maybe a friend or two) 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 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library? Well you can and it’s free and there is no registration necessary. To me, this is a kind of laid-back networking event for folks with needlework skills.  Good idea.

Our Town Theatre opens their stage to anyone who has something to share this evening from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm as part of Open Mic Night. Music, short stories, poetry, dance, skits, etc are all welcome. So come out and share your talent and have some fun.

The Allegany Arts Council is hosting their Holiday Market Artisan Village at their gallery on Centre Street in Cumberland through December 30th. There will be local handmade items, jewelry, goodies and seasonal activities for you to enjoy.

The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) is hosting their 2019 Legislative Outlook for Economic Development Conference in Annapolis on January 10th from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Here’s a link to the draft agenda for the event. MEDA is THE organization for economic development in the state and I am sure there will be representatives from our county government there. I wanted to make sure our readers are aware as economic development is a critical topic in Garrett County and other parts of the state.

Today’s weather will be sunny, with a high near 49 and a low around 32.

I had the pleasure of attending the Civic Club of Oakland’s annual holiday party yesterday. The lunch at Dutch’s was really good, but the real story was the awards given to three deserving members of the club. “Woman” of the Year was awarded to two worthy individuals: Marilyn Ruyman and Judi Merriman.  Volunteer of the Year was Karen Lauer.  I know all three of these wonderful, giving winners and offer a hearty congratulations!

Nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic governors and the Mayor of Washington, D.C. announced yesterday a decision to move forward with a regional clean transportation initiative. These 10 members of the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) will now transition from a year-long public comment phase, which engaged communities, businesses and stakeholders across the region, to begin crafting policies and programs to address their transportation challenges, improve mobility, provide more transportation options and curb the largest source of pollution that contributes to climate change.

MoonShadow Cafe is hosting its monthly Acoustic Rock Jam this evening from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  Just bring your instrument and jam on. If trivia is more your thing, the Greene Turtle is hosting Team Trivia from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Garrett Lakes Arts Festival has released its 2018 annual report with recaps of this past season and a look at the 2019 season. Next season looks to be another strong one, with Walt & Jackie in April, The Maryland Symphony returning in June with a Russian inspired concert, August has Seldom Scene and a return engagement by the Maryland Ballet Theatre of Aladdin and the Prophecy of the Ring. Wow!

The Community Trust Foundation recently granted $20,000 to Music at Penn Alps for their K-12 Tutoring Program. This was made possible through the Naylor Family Trust Fund and will provide private instrumental or vocal music lessons to youth in the region.

The holiday season is a great time of year but, as we have seen with our mentions of fire safety and portable generator safety in recent Daily Notes, there can be risks associated with some holiday or cold-weather activities. Yesterday, the Garrett County Health Department issued a release – Celebrate with Safety in Mind –  on the impact of alcohol consumption and related safety tips for the holidays. It’s a good reminder.

Here’s an interesting one for you: Candystore.com recently asked 13,000 customers what the worst Christmas candies were and they got a mouthful (yes, that was a joke). I found the list surprising.  The worst candy as voted on by the respondents was…  Christmas Nougat Candy!  Surprisingly, candy canes came in 13th.  You can click here for the full report. Now, if you want to know the favorites, you can click here.  Hint, the favorite in Maryland is Reese’s Cup Minis. You can click here for the full story on Christmas candy favorites.