Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

It snowed all day yesterday but not quite as bad as it was on Tuesday. The weather for today will be a bit more snow: We will get somewhere between 1 inch and 5 more through tonight. A high of 35 and low of 19.

Join the American Association of University Women-Garrett Branch for an evening of Cocktails and Convos! They’ll be meeting in the bar at Ace’s Run for a casual night of drinking, networking, and sharing of ideas. All are welcome! Runs from 5:30pm – 8:00pm.

Go for it! The Black Bear Tavern has Black Bear Karaoke Feat tonight from 7:00pm – 11:00pm with DJ Dubya. They have great burgers too!

And the winner is? We held the drawing for the winner of our Wisp lift and rental passes this morning. The winner is CHUCK C.

It’s Open Mic Night at Our Town Theatre in Oakland this evening from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  It’s open to anyone that want to share their talents in music, poetry, storytelling, etc.

Longing for the dog days of summer? We are too. This photo of Sarah’s dog will have to do for now.

Garrett College, in coordination with the University of Maryland Extension, is sponsoring a one-session course, Smart Use Health Insurance™ – Understanding and Estimating Health Care Costs on Monday, March 19th, 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Southern Outreach Center in Oakland. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.

The Board of County Commissioners will conduct a Public Meeting on March 26th beginning at 4:30pm in the Garrett County Courthouse Public Meeting Room for the exclusive purpose of hosting the Garrett County Board of Education’s Fiscal Year 2019 Budget.

Hey all you entrepreneurs and want-to-be entrepreneurs: Consider this Mugs and Pitches breakfast event in Hagerstown Friday if you want to pitch your idea or see others pitch theirs.

Congratulations to the Garrett College Lakers Men’s Basketball team for a strong finish to their season. They upset the #1 seed in the Regional Tournament and then took the #4 seed into overtime. Nice job guys!

A reasonably priced exercise bike has been added to our Online Marketplace… take a look under “Exercise Equipment”.

After a very snowy Tuesday that included some white-out conditions, the weather for today will be much of the same. Snow accumulation of 2-4 inches possible during the day and another 1-3 tonight. High temp of 25 degrees and a low temp of 22 degrees. Watch out for the white-outs again as there will be wind gusts of up to 33mph.

There were skiers going down Wisp’s Main Street yesterday. There’s still season left! Wisp is open all week from 9:00am – 5:00pm.

With all the great snow this week, we are doing another giveaway. One (1) lucky reader will win three (3) one day lift ticket vouchers and three (3) ski or snowboard rental vouchers.  Just send an email to info@deepcreektimes.com with “Free Wisp Vouchers” in the subject line and you may be the lucky winner drawn tomorrow morning at 7am. The vouchers are good for this season only but we should be able to get them extended to next season if necessary. Conditions apply and DCT assumes no liability.

Don’t forget to follow and share with us on Instagram @deepcreektimes, on Facebook and on Snapchat @DeepCreekTimes if you have the apps!

As part of National Nutrition Month, the outpatient nutrition counseling services at Garrett Regional Medical Center urges patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses to develop healthy habits.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites high school students with an interest in forestry, fisheries, wildlife or parks management to participate in Natural Resources Careers Camp, July 22nd – 28th at Hickory Environmental Education Center in Garrett County.

The Maryland Handgun Qualification (HQL) class is being offered through Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Garrett College. The class runs from 9:00am until 2:00pm on Saturday, March 17th, at the Southern Outreach Center in Oakland.  Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.

Well, it’s tax season so I thought I would share the results of a just released survey by Wallet Hub. This nationally representative sample of Americans had some interesting results.  For example, 13.42% of people surveyed would rather swim with sharks than do their taxes. Really?

Some snow accumulation possible today; 1-2 inches during the day and 1-3 inches possible tonight. A high of 27 and a low of 17 degrees. A winter weather advisory is in effect. Ski season isn’t over yet!

Results from the Oakland City election show a change for only one Town Council member. Mayor Peggy Jamison retained her seat and the three Council member positions  went to Sherwin Teagarden, Wayne Mowbray, and newly-elected Terry Helbig.

Learning Beyond the Classroom Learning Bus is back at nine different locations throughout Garrett County this week! Join the bus for free gross motor activities, art, reading, play and socialization for birth – school age.

Education Week published a blog on Crellin Elementary School’s Principal Dana McCauley and her “teaching principal” style.

You can explore women’s history in a new way, using Google Expeditions Virtual Reality Tours, at the Ruth Enlow Library today from 2:00pm – 3:30pm. Sign up at the Oakland Library circulation desk. Each half-hour spot in limited to 8 people.

Here’s something different: Leo Lakes is a provider of lake maps, including Deep Creek Lake. They put some interesting craft and personal touches (including your home’s location) on their maps.  Note: They are not an advertiser and this is not a guarantee or endorsement, just sharing.

Shepherd of the Hills is holding their monthly Life After Forty-Five (LAFF) Dinner this evening at Uno’s Pizzeria and Grill at the lake. All ages welcome. Dutch treat.

Smoke N Mirrors Gallery & Studio in Oakland is hosting their monthly live model drawing this evening, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.  This is a mature modeling session email Daveb@smokenphoto.com for more information.

There’s a Children’s Art Workshop being offered at the CARC in McHenry on March 24th.

The Ruth Enlow Library will host a lecture on Pershing and Marshall Together in France, WWI, presented by Dr. Gerald Pops, professor emeritus of public administration at West Virginia University.  Scheduled for Wednesday, April 4th from 6:00pm – 7:30pm at the Oakland Library, this lecture is free and open to the public. To register for this event, contact Bonnie at 301-334-3996 x0117 or bonnie@relib.net.

We woke up to some snow this morning … 10″ in the last 48 hours! Today it will continue to snow until about noon and then scattered snow showers overnight; another 1-2 inches of accumulation possible. High temperature of 29 and a low temperature of 20. Winds gusting to 30mph could cause some drifting snow problems. Saturday and Sunday look to be mostly sunny with highs in the mid 30s and lows in the high teens.

S.T.E.A.M Kids for children six and older will be held at the Ruth Enlow Library Oakland branch today, from 2:00pm – 3:30pm.  Please check with the library to confirm if there is inclement weather. Also, don’t forget, S.T.E.M. Like a Girl will be held tomorrow at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center at 1:00pm.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds homeowners that only licensed tree experts should be hired to trim branches and remove damaged and downed trees – they are the only tree care professionals who lawfully can perform this work in Maryland.

Some good live music this weekend at MoonShadow in McHenry: Mateo Monk appears Friday evening at 8:00pm, Brian and Matt from Rusty Haywhackers on Saturday, also at 8:00pm, and Jason Macdonald at Noon on Sunday.

Sharks in Deep Creek Lake? No, but they will be coming to Pittsburgh March 28th! These sharks are of the species found on the TV show Shark Tank, where investors hear pitches from inventors and entrepreneurs seeking funding.

Garrett County was ranked Maryland’s #1 county for buying instead of renting a home by Smart Asset. See the study and interactive map that shows those places where buying becomes a better financial option than renting in the shortest amount of time.

A Touch of Class Limousine is having a flash sale this weekend. They are offering 20% off hourly reservations, with a four-hour minimum.  Check out their website for more information on their fleet and contact information.

We have a newly listed glass-top table and chairs in our Online Marketplace… scroll to “Furniture”.

There’s a community seed exchange this Sunday at the Frostburg City Place from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

The weather last evening got tough pretty fast. About 8:00pm the snow was really coming down and the winds made for very tough visibility. The State Police issued a snow emergency plan declaration for all state roads in Garrett County beginning at 6:30pm yesterday evening.

The weather today will be snowy with wind gusting to 28mph. The forecast is calling for high temps of 28 and low temps of 19; snow accumulations of 1-3 inches this afternoon and the potential for an additional 3-5 inches overnight tonight.

Today is International Women’s Day 2018.  The Washington Post is streaming a live interview with Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, this evening from 6:00pm – 6:45pm.

Tonight, is Team Trivia Night at Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry starting at 6:30pm.  It’s free and there are prizes.

Sounds sappy: Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont is holding their annual Maple Syrup Festival this weekend and next. We certainly have our share of syrup farms in the Garrett County area, so some of our readers might be interested in this interesting event.

The Town of Accident is accepting applications for a part-time employee. The applicant must be self-motivated and able to do minor electrical and plumbing work, lift 50 pounds, drive a standard transmission, operate a snow plow, operate a lawn mower and weed eater. The applications must be in the town office by Monday, April 2, 2018. Please contact the town office at 301-746-6346 with any questions. Authority of the Accident Mayor and Town Council.

Arrff! HART for Animals is hosting its second “MuttMinster” Dog Show on Saturday, April 21st. It’s a fundraising event to help raise awareness of the joys of pet adoption. All dogs are eligible to compete in this event which has a number of categories.

Garrett Regional Medical Center has announced a new website in an effort to better reflect their growing list of services and their affiliation with WVU medicine, while still showcasing the hospital’s Garrett County roots.

Here’s an interesting map of Maryland in 1856!

I took this quick time-lapse video this morning:

Fortunately, the potential ice accumulations from yesterday never materialized! Now we are facing new snow accumulation: a low of 17 and high of near 33 today with a total of about 4-6 inches of snow through the overnight.

I just attended the “Dinner Party: Making Waves, Making History” that runs through March 29th in room 620A at Garrett College. The exhibit celebrates contributions from women throughout history. It’s free and all will enjoy.

It’s Wet-n-Wild Wednesday at the CARC this evening. See our events listing for more details.

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners has announced that they have joined Montgomery, and other counties in Maryland, in litigation seeking compensation for the damage caused by the production and distribution of opioids.

Coming up this weekend is something really neat: The DCL Discovery Center is holding S.T.E.M. Like a Girl event this Saturday, March 10th. Join the Discovery Center at 1pm to celebrate Henrietta Leavitt (main character of the recent “Silent Sky” play at Our Town Theatre) and other women of science in making crafts and doing experiments.

Lt. Col. Robert Turbyfill, retired US Federation Orienteering Coach, will speak to the general public on Adventure Orienteering Coaching, as part of the Adventure Sports Colloquium Series on Tuesday, March 13th at 7 p.m.  His presentation, ‘Where Does Life Take You’, will be held in Room 1013 in the CAOS building on the GC campus in McHenry. Contact the Adventure Sports office at 301-387-3330 for more information.

While we sometimes battle invasive grasses in Deep Creek Lake, the Chesapeake Bay actually needed additional grasses to help its ecosystem. It appears that due to limited nutrient runoff there is an unprecedented growth of the needed aquatic vegetation in the bay.

Americans consume over 16 billion jelly beans on Easter.  Based on a recent study, licorice is the favorite flavor in the country.  Want to know Maryland’s favorite? Click here.

A Community Arts Development Coordinator position is open until March 16, 2018!
Click to see the entire ad.

The weather for today may be icy. We have a winter weather advisory today until 8pm with potential snowy and icy conditions making travel hazardous. Temperatures to stay between 27 and 34 with the potential for some light snow accumulations.

The winners of our Wisp prize drawings are:

• Mountain Coaster: random number 13 is Bill B.
• Lift Tickets and Rentals: random number 20 is Morgan K.

We hope both winners have fun and send us pics! For those that didn’t win this time, we have a few more giveaways coming soon.

Jordan Day of Northern Garrett High School is a Maryland State Wrestling Champ!! Congratulations!

There is a new sport in town- join the Cumberland Area Triers; a new team for the 2018 Season competing in youth triathlon events. Typical race distances vary by age and race course but are usually similar to 100m swim, 2-3 mile bike and 1/2-3/4 mile run for ages 7-10 and 200m swim, 4-6mile bike, and 1-1.5 mile run for ages 11-15. Contact cumberlandareatriers@gmail.com with questions.

The Casselman Inn will be hosting the Chamber’s next Business After Hours on Thursday, March 8th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at their 113 Main Street location in Grantsville.

New Germany State Park will be hosting the third-annual EGGstreme Easter Egg Hunt on March 24th, from 10:00am – 2:00pm. This event is designed for families to experience the outdoors and will feature 1,000 eggs hidden along 10 miles of trails within the park. The Friends of New Germany is seeking donations of eggs, candy and cash to help the event; call 301-895-5453 for more information.

If you like mountains and adventure sports consider attending the Banff Mountain Film Festival in Morgantown on April 6th.  There’s live music to start and then some really cool films.

The Appalachian Commission (ARC) is a Federal agency that I have worked with and that plays an important role in enabling success in Appalachia, including Garrett County, through education, funding and programs. Check out their latest newsletter to gain additional insight.

Did you know that March is National Peanut Month?  Founded as National Peanut Week in 1941, it later morphed into National Peanut Month in 1974. Well, now you know.

Since you are probably really interested in learning more, here’s some fun peanut facts from Fastachi, a nut purveyor in Boston:

• It takes about 720 peanuts to make a pound of peanut butter
• The average American child will eat 1500 peanut butter & jelly sandwiches before the 12th grade!
• Peanut butter is consumed in 94% of homes
• In 1976, Tom Miller pushed a peanut to the top of Pikes Peak (14,000 feet) with his nose!

Yesterday was bright and pleasant with a few of skiers and tubers at Wisp. May get some winter weather later in the week.  Today will be sunny with a high near 38 and a low near 24.

Speaking of Wisp, we are giving away two (2) vouchers for a one day lift ticket and two (2) vouchers for ski or snowboard rentals OR two (2) vouchers for mountain coaster rides to our loyal readers! The ski/board voucher expires after this season (but we can likely extend for you) and the two mountain coaster rides expire September 30th. Email us at info@deepcreektimes.com to enter (say which prize you’d like) and we will draw a name for each giveaway tomorrow morning! Conditions apply and DCT assumes no liability.

I recommend “The Dinner Party: Making Waves, Making History,” an exhibit at Garrett College that opens today at 3:00pm (through the 29th) in room 620A and that celebrates contributions from women. This is always a very well-done effort put on by the student chapter of the AAUW and Terry Kasecamp’s psychology class.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Before Hours: Maryland Elections Preview featuring political analyst Barry Rascovar, will be held on Tuesday, March 20th, from 8:00am – 9:30am in the Crawford Room at Wisp Resort.

It looks to be an interesting local election season, with some real competition and interesting matchups for a number of positions.

The current legislative session is at the midway point. Here’s a link to Governor Hogan’s list of his legislative priorities.

New Germany Sate Park is hosting a free celebration, discussion and documentary film highlighting its past and present, including the role of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the park’s history on March 11th.

In closing, I thought I would share this video. Are you kidding me? Thanks to Sharon at the Adventure Sports Institute at Garrett College for sharing. Think Spring!

Looks like another Bomb Cyclone is headed to the East Coast. Today is windy with some snow accumulations and a high of 31 degrees and low of 19 degrees. The weekend will be mostly clear and sunny and temps both days with a high of lower 30s and a low of lower 20s. Winds will remain gusty through Sunday morning.

Due to high winds and snowmaking operations, ski and ride operations are suspended at Wisp for today. Plans are to be open tomorrow, Saturday, March 3 from 9am – 5pm.
The Mountain Park is currently also on a wind hold for snow tubing, ice skating and mountain coaster operations.

Kudos to the McHenry Emergency Medical Response team! A colleague needed assistance yesterday afternoon and they arrived just eight minutes after the call was placed!  Thank you all.

Terah Crawford Band is playing at Ken’s Irish Pub Friday at 8:00pm.

Some good acts playing at MoonShadow in McHenry this weekend. Campfire Gypsies Friday evening at 8:00pm, Kenny Fetterman Saturday at the same time and Tom Batchhelor & Fiddle Mike play free Sunday at Noon.

The Mountain Fresh Winter Farmers Market will be held at the Mary Browning Senior Center starting at Noon this Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm. The market is expanding to the main level board room in the Mary Browning Senior Center in the Community Action building! Starting tomorrow, enter from the parking lot through the main entrance to the building. It’s handicap accessible and we have room to grow!

Spoke to Sheriff Rob Corley and Deputy Mike Bittinger Thursday afternoon. They are looking for some good applicants for a number of open positions in law enforcement, corrections and emergency response. If you know of some strong candidates that can pass a background check tell them to consider the County.

Here’s something a little different: Hand Lettering with Hannah will be held at HABco’s Friendsville Road location Saturday evening starting at 6:30. Space is limited and there is a fee.

The presentation on “Bullet Journaling: Doing It Your Way” at the Oakland Library has been rescheduled from March 21st to Wednesday, March 28th at 6:00pm.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on a number of topics that can impact Garrett County, its citizens and its resources.

Sound fishy?  Actually, it’s not, but if you are into fish of all kinds, even those not found at Deep Creek Lake, check out this report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Here are the 2018 Garrett County Primary Candidates as well as the 2018 Primary Candidates from across the state.

The weather for today will be rainy with a high of 50. Tonight, the rain will turn to snow showers with a low of 27; accumulation of an inch or so possible.

Great event last evening at the Mountain Maryland Tech Network.  My students enjoyed meeting local entrepreneurs and techies and I appreciate them taking the time to chat with my students and share their insight and stories.

Sarah was a guest panelist at last night’s GCWP Social Media panel; there were over 20 attendees and we all walked away with a nugget of wisdom for our own businesses.

There’s a Women’s Networking Luncheon today at Noon at Ace’s Run Restaurant.

Are you ready for solar? There’s a meeting this evening at 7:00pm in the Garrett Information Enterprise Center (GIEC) at the College. It is free, sponsored by Engage Mountain Maryland and will help people understand more about the Mountain Maryland Solar Co-Op.

Do you love DCL?  Support growth of our resort-based economy? Are you concerned about local jobs, schools and future for our kids? Then check out this Action Alert from the Friends of Deep Creek Lake.

The Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park has announced their March events calendar.  They have some good programming scheduled for this weekend, including a Dr. Seuss reading, animal feeding and pinecone building.

The March GOBA meeting will be held March 13th, 8:00am – 10:00am, in Room 111 in the GEIC at Garrett College.  This seminar will help employers understand the specifics of the “Earned Sick and Safe Leave” law that went into effect February 11th, 2018. Contact Holly Lane at the Chamber – 301.387.6171 to register.

This warms the heart: The Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex (CARC) recently announced a new partnership agreement with The Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation. The new agreement provides critically ill children and their families’ access to the facility’s swimming pools when staying in the McHenry area for respite housing.

It’s National Wedding Planning Day! Have your fiancé visit (our partner) The Deep Creek Wedding for photos of our gorgeous venues and more information on hiring local vendors.

A chance of rain showers today with a high of 52 degrees and a low around 40 degrees.

After four days, nearby West Virginia school teachers settle strike for a 5% Raise and a promise to evaluate their benefits plan.

The Garrett County Wedding Professionals educational series kicks off this evening at 6:00pm at MoonShadow with a social media panel designed to cover a variety of topics in a short amount of time. Four professionals and creatives will share insights about blogging, marketing strategy, and branding across platforms.

Calling all techies! (and you know who you are) The Mountain Maryland Tech Network is hosting their free FeBREWary networking event in Garrett County this evening from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Mountain State Brewing Company. Meet others working in tech companies or in tech jobs in western Maryland.

The Mobile Vet Center Unit out of Morgantown, WV will be at Garrett College today (in Lot A) from 9:00am until about 2:00pm. The purpose of the Vet Center is to provide counseling services to our military men and women; those which are readjusting back to civilian life, and those who suffer from PTSD, military sexual trauma, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and other conditions. It is free to stop by.

In a ranking done by Niche.com, Garrett County Public Schools are considered the safest in the state.

The Maryland Environmental Trust is offering a one-day volunteer training session for individuals interested in helping to monitor conservation easement properties. The training session will be held 10:00am to 2:00pm March 3rd at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, 600 Discovery Lane, Grasonville.

The County Commissioners have announced their next public meeting date for March 5th at 3:00pm in the County courthouse in Oakland.

Garrett College in coordination with the University of Maryland Extension is sponsoring a one-session course, Smart Use Health Insurance™ – Understanding and Estimating Health Care Costs, on two different dates and locations. The first session will be held on Monday, March 5th, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the College’s Northern Outreach Center in Grantsville. The second session will be held Monday, March 19th, 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Southern Outreach Center in Oakland. Students only need to attend one session. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.

Here’s something a little different: Deep Creek Pottery is holding a Paint Your Own Pottery event at Mountain State Brewing Company on March 20th, from 5:00pm – 8:00pm.

The weather for today will be sunny; a high near 50 degrees and a low of 37 degrees.

There’s a HART adoption wing open house today from 10:00am – 7:00pm.  You can even bring your own dog (on a leash).

Deep Creek Lion’s Club is sponsoring a pizza buffet at Uno’s this evening at 6:00pm where you can hear the stories from the slope from the skiers and their high school guides.

Motivational speaker and marathon world record holder Dave Jones, who grew up in Garrett County, will speak at Garrett College at 7:00pm this evening in the college’s auditorium. Not your average runner at well over 200 pounds, his story is one all can relate to. Contact the College’s Adventure Sports Institute at 301-387-3330 for more info on this free event.

Interested in playing softball? The league plays on Thursday nights at 6 pm 2 games a night. Looking for players and teams. Check out the Mt Top Womens Softball League facebook page. Leave a message and someone will get back to you.

Garrett College, in coordination with the University of Maryland Extension, is sponsoring a one-session course, Small Fruit for the Home Garden, at the College’s Northern Outreach Center in Grantsville. The class will be held on Thursday, March 1st, from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Call 301.387.3069 for more information or to register.

Kalie’s Crew of Garrett County had 60 participants at 2017’s Run For It. The team’s enthusiasm raised over $3,800 for the Kalie Hostutler Academic Fund which honors the memory of Kalie Hostutler-Ashby and her belief in the highest levels of academic success. #funfact

A map was released by the CDC that shows the number of opioid prescriptions by county.

Garrett County is a place of beauty and tranquility. Yet sometimes we all get caught-up in the stressful activities of the day. Check out this video for a little perspective.

After a warm and rainy weekend, most of the snow is gone. Mostly cloudy this morning and then clearing off this afternoon; high of 44 degrees and a low of 27 degrees.

The Ruth Enlow Library has a number of programs scheduled for today, including their Board of Directors meeting, which is open to the public.

Heard the Deep Creek Dunk went very well. They had so many entrants they even started a little earlier than planned. The fundraiser for little Grace Ann Fratz was also a success with over 1,000 dinners served.

Mondays during the winter months can sometimes have limited local events — check out our movie guide for showings.  I have heard Game Night is good.

Garrett County Public Schools’ Superintendent Barbara Baker has posted a timely message about Garrett County school safety on their website. Prompted by the recent tragedy in Florida, it is worth a read.

Even as the Garrett County real estate market gains strength, it makes sense to deal with any home “flaws” that are easily fixable, especially if you will be listing your home for sale soon. Zillow has five easy “fixes” for under $1,000.

Author Daryl Davis will be sharing insights and experiences about his book, “Klan-destine Relationships” this evening at FSU’s Lane University Center starting at 7:00pm. The book shares Davis’ experiences and insights as a black man forging relationships with KKK members.