Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

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!

We’re going to pick up another 1-2″ of snow today with a high near 17 degrees and wind chill values are as low as -5. Wind gusts up to 35mph.

According to Bill’s Outdoor Center, ice on the lake is about 7 inches. This is typically deemed thick enough to walk on but ice is not ever said to be “safe”. Please use caution if attempting to go out on the ice.

I have been hearing some very good things about the PACE conference and related legislator meetings.  Seems like there was some good bi-partisan discussions and I heard there was also a mention of potential state funding for the proposed performing arts center at the College in the future.

The Discovery Center offers great programs for all ages and they just announced their February schedule (not up on their site yet).  They are open (and free) weekends during the winter months. As a sneak preview for our readers, they have programs in Snowshoeing for Beginners, Pinecone Bird Feeders, and Critter and Aviary feeding times this weekend alone!

Don’t forget to spread the word and/or consider entering this year’s Garrett College Power of Possibilities Business Plan Competition.  I have seen this program truly change people’s lives in many ways.

The Board of County Commissioners yesterday announced their next public meeting to be held on February 5th at 3:00pm in the Courthouse in Oakland. 

The flu vaccine continues to be available at the Garrett County Health Department on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 5:pm at 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland. “It’s important to remember that we still have weeks of flu season ahead of us,” said Cindy Mankamyer, RN, Garrett County Health Department.  GCHD can be reached at 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111.

Be heard! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking comment on proposed fiscal year ‘19 work plans for a number of State Forests, including those in Garrett County. The comment period is open until February 23rd.

Increasing clouds today with a high of 35 degrees. Snow beginning in the evening and 2-4 inches accumulating overnight.

I had the pleasure of attending and exhibiting at the regional robotics competition at Northern High School on Saturday. Congratulations to all of the teams from Garrett County and the other states. A very impressive group of young people.

Join Ruth Enlow Library director Thomas Vose for a free TED Talk screening and discussion session this evening from 6:00pm – 7:00pm in the Oakland branch. Contact Bonnie Winters at 301.334.3996 for more information and to let them know you will be attending.

I learned over the weekend that Mike Dreisbach (of Cornucopia Café and Savage River Lodge fame) has filed to run for state delegate in district 1A. I also heard that former commissioner Bob Gatto is considering another run for Commissioner. Good luck to both these men and all those running to help our community.

Bittinger Fire Department members and Auxiliary gathered to celebrate service to the Bittinger Community. Among other awards of the evening, Firefighter of the Year is Jesse Warnick and EMS provider of the Year is Darrin Yoder.

Deer Park Fire Company, Oakland Fire Company and Deep Creek Fire Company had an ice rescue training at the Glendale Bridge yesterday. Thanks to all of the members and, please, be careful when going out on the Lake.

For all you cat lovers out there. I love cats and dogs equally, so I am guessing dogs accrue some great benefits to us as well.

The Appalachian Commission (ARC) is a very important friend to us here in Western Maryland and all of the Appalachian region. They just released a five-part study on the declining Appalachian coal industry and its implications.

We were blessed with a spectacular sunset last night! We saw many photos but this one from Terah Crawford of Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty took our breath away:

Sunny, high of 48 today. On Saturday, a chance of rain in the afternoon, high of 49. On Sunday, showers likely, mostly cloudy, high of 42.

Lots of musical entertainment scheduled for this weekend at the Black Bear, Greene Turtle, MoonShadow and Wisp. Check out our Entertainment Guide for times and locations.

Congratulations go to HART for Animals which was just awarded a 2018 grant by the Maryland Department of Agriculture as part of their Spay and Neuter Program designed to reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs euthanized in shelters across the state. This is the fourth year in which HART has been awarded the grant and, to date has provided 1,618 no-cost spay/neuter surgeries to low-income Maryland residents in Garrett and Allegany Counties.

They were making snow on the mountain today; it’s certainly cold enough. Wisp Resort has a few cool things planned for this weekend: The Blackstrap Rail Jam, the Allegheny Collegiate Ski Conference and the Subaru WinterFest. Wait, I didn’t know Subarus could ski…

Dr. Katie Shoe has joined Wellspring Family Medicine and the medical staff at Garrett Regional Medical Center to provide family physician services and obstetrics care. Welcome to Garrett County!

Here’s something different: The Have a Nice Day Project at Trader’s Coffee on February 20th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

The Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County recently added 33 early literacy backpacks to its circulating collection as part of the library’s family engagement initiative. Funding for the backpacks came from the Family Engagement Grant, a total of $1250 received from the Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood Development (DECD). Each backpack is clear and has a “theme.” Contact Bonetta Winters at 301.334.3996 x 0117 for more information. https://www.relib.net/

Save a life: Garrett Regional Medical Center offers classes in CPR and lifesaving. There are classes coming up in a few weeks.

Garrett College Continuing Education & Workforce Development has scheduled a free, 90-minute presentation on how to be prepared for, and how to respond to, an active shooter situation. This informative session is ideal to protect one’s employees from potential workplace violence. Contact Connie Meyers at 301.387.3084 for more information.

Finally, a polite way of getting rid of bears in your yard as submitted by Lisa C. Thanks Lisa!

Scattered snow early today tapering into mostly sunny this afternoon. High near 27 low near 17.

As I write this late Wednesday evening I can report that the wet roads combined with the low temperatures have made many of our roads quite slippery with ice.  While 219 was decent, the side roads were not good.  I am sure road crews will be out overnight and early morning but watch out, including when you walk out to your car first thing. 

Garrett Lakes Arts Festival has announced their 2018 season.  I just rotated off their board and I can say Mary, Andrew and friends do a great job bringing some great performances to Garrett County.

And the winners are… Candystore.com just released the results of their study of the favorite Valentine’s Day candies.  Yes, really. Now that I have your attention, the top Valentines candy for Maryland is M&Ms, followed by Conversation Hearts and Heart Shaped Boxes of Chocolate.

Just heard that there is a large regional FFA competition and program scheduled for the CTTC building in Accident on March 15th.  Well let you know more when we learn more, but in the meantime, all you future farmers and parents mark your calendars.

Hunters reported taking 87 wild turkeys during Maryland’s 2018 winter turkey season, which was open Jan. 18-20 statewide. Garrett hunters “harvested” eight.

Speaking of Turkeys, I have had a few nice lunches at the new Harvest Moon Market at The Fort in McHenry. Worth a try for a quick sandwich that isn’t fast food. They also sell produce. Tell Matia that Mike at DCT sent ya’.

1 – 2 – 3! WalletHub has compared 50 states across 15 key education metrics. The data set ranges from share of adults aged 25 and older with at least a high school diploma to average university quality to gender gap in educational attainment. Maryland ranked 1st in gender gap in educational attainment, 2nd in % of graduate/professional degree holders and 3rd in % of bachelor degree holders!

Garrett College is hosting a performance of the internationally acclaimed and award-winning play the Vagina Monologues on February 16th and 17th.  The play is part of the “V-Day” movement and is in support of female empowerment and success. 100% of proceeds go to charities, with 90% going to Garrett County’s Dove Center. Note that the play is not without criticism and controversy due to its subject matter and language and is for mature audiences. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and will be on sale at the College and local area establishments.

Valentine’s Day is coming so why not give blood to celebrate!  The American Red Cross will be at the American Legion Hall in Oakland on February 2nd and Garrett College on the 13th.  Times vary so check out the Red Cross website for more information.

For those of you attending the PACE event in Annapolis Thursday and Friday (or just interested in the focus” as our citizens speak to State officials), Here are the final, official “talking points” as distributed by the PACE committee for Allegany and Garrett Counties.

A little snowy today with daytime accumulations of about an inch and high temperature near 28 degrees; tonight will still be snowing and could see accumulations of 1-2 inches with a low of 19 degrees.

Tonight is Pasta Night at Ace’s Run at Will O’ The Wisp. They always do a great job and if you show your valid lift ticket when you order you can get $2 off Ace’s Apparel.

Click here for an interesting fact about millennials and one that can have lasting impact on the economic vitality of the Garrett County region and the country.

Good news from the Friends of Deep Creek Lake: the funding for Arrowhead Cove pilot dredging project has been included in the Governor’s Budget! There is $1,150,000 allocated in the Waterway Improvement Fund in response to a grant application submitted by the County. This line item must be still be approved but we will know outcome by end of the Legislative Session, in early April. Congratulations to all that worked so hard on this.

Want to curl-up with a nice book on these cold winter nights? Ruth Enlow Library has a great program to motivate you.

The Maryland Department of Commerce is entering the third year of its “Best is the Standard” strategic plan and they have asked for help connect with additional stakeholders to gauge how they—and Maryland state government as a whole—are doing. Just click on the link if you have not already completed.

Workforce Fairness is a non-profit that provides up-to-date information regarding the new minimum wage and salary history laws and we thought we would share. We have NOT vetted their posts/site for accuracy, but we know our readers are savvy and can judge for themselves. If you have questions see a lawyer such as Noonan and Noonan.

Here is a neat photo that was shared with us on Instagram by Randy K; it was taken along Bumble Bee Road.

Rain changing to snow this evening with little to no accumulation expected. Temperatures dropping from the 40s to around 32 and winds gusting to 30+mph.

Reservations for Our Town Theatre’s production of “Silent Sky” will open on February 1, 2018. You may call 301.334.5640 or email ourtowntheatre@gmail.com then to reserve a seat. The play, about early female astronomers, will run from Valentine’s Day through February 18th.

Don’t forget – get your professional headshot photo taken today! Stop by any time between 3-7pm and camera time will be first-come, first-serve @Headshots at HABco.

The Garrett County Commission for Women is offering a scholarship to help a woman resident of Garrett County complete her educational requirements leading to a degree or certificate beyond the high school level.  The scholarship may be used to attend academic or career oriented programs at a community college, a four-year institution, or for graduate school, or for technical training leading to a certificate.  It is open to all majors and the application is due no later than March 1, 2018.

On January 19, 2017, Western Union entered into an agreement with the U.S. Dept. of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission admitting to processing payments involved in international fraud schemes. Criminals tricked thousands into sending money via Western Union to pay for fake lottery winnings, advance-fee loans, online purchases (e.g. pet transport scams), and bogus family emergencies. Western Union must now provide refunds to eligible claim victims. If you or a loved-one were a victim, please file a claim. You must submit your claim by February 12th.

Did you know that in a new program, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers are being taught to perform “raptor triage”, providing a bridge to get birds in trouble out of danger and into the care of a regional network of trained volunteers and rehabilitation specialists? Now, you know!

Been a lot warmer the past few days. Speaking of warmer and our friend Chuck H’s photo on Instagram, just a reminder that Bill’s Marine is now taking reservations for boat rentals for the Summer.

OK, back to Winter. Just heard from Michelle Ross of GOBA that they are still looking for sponsors for Winterfest ice carvings and business donations. Michelle can be reached at 301.334.2691 or mainstreetgoba@gmail.com

Garrett County’s unemployment rate in November, the latest month for which data is available, was 4.5%. Not surprisingly, booming Howard County was lowest, at 3.1%. Six jurisdictions had higher unemployment rates than Garrett in November: Allegany, Baltimore City, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worchester

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, as well as Congressman John Delaney (all D-Md.), have announced a $100,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to the Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC). The grant will fund the purchase of a new telemedicine and telecommunications system that will allow the hospital’s healthcare providers to provide patients with real-time medical consultations from a distance.

Look at this awesome photo taken with a Nikon D750 over Deep Creek Lake found on https://www.astrobin.com/329609/?nc=all

Whoa… heat wave! It will turn mostly sunny today with a high of 62!

Since many of our dedicated readers are not local all of the time, you may not be aware of this weekend’s melt. Herrington Manor State Park just announced that they will not be renting ski/snowshoe equipment until the next significant snowfall. They can be reached at 301.334.9180 or james.riley@maryland.gov for more information.

Thanks to the GC Snowdrifters group, we found out it is International Snowmobile Safety Week. The key points of safe, responsible riding are:

• Snowmobiling and alcohol don’t mix – Don’t drink and ride.
• Smart Riders are Safe Riders – Take a snowmobile safety training course.
• When night riding slow down – Expect the unexpected.
• Know before you go – Always check local ice conditions
• Cross with Care
• Know the risks and be prepared – Make every trip a round trip
• One is the loneliest number – Never ride alone.
• Ride safe, stay on the trail – Respect private property

STEAM Kids @ the library, geared for children of all ages interested in exploring a variety of activities that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, will be held at the Kitzmiller branch of the Ruth Enlow Library this afternoon from 4:30pm – 5:30pm. Other activities at other branches as well today.

Speaking of STEAM, there will be a regional robotics competition at Northern High School on Saturday, January 27th. If you want to be impressed, fascinated and entertained, come check out the event, which runs most of the day. I’ll post more in the next day or so; I’ll be there.

Check out our new Cover Story. For the first part of the month we covered New Year’s resolution ideas. Now, we have a helpful guide and interpretation relative to the new tax law as provided by Brian Boal of Boal & Associates, CPAs in Oakland. Thanks to Brian for sharing his insight with our readers.

Watched “The Post” yesterday at Garrett 8 with my wife. Great movie and some great acting by Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. Very suspenseful with no gore or violence.

The County Commissioners have initiated a third search for an Economic Development Director for the County which will be advertised beginning today. They have removed the requirement for a Certified Economic Developer designation.

Edward Lytle of ERL Financial Services of McHenry has some tips for talking about financial and related matters with aging parents. For example, he suggests starting the conversation before they get too far into their years and have serious health issues.

Don’t forget to plan ahead to participate in Oakland’s Winterfest on February 18th and 19th. There will be lots of good stuff (music, food, fun) in addition to those always cool (pun intended) ice sculptures.

We also hear that the Deep Creek Dunk is February 24th but have not seen or heard much on it yet this year. We’ll let you know when we have more details.

So, what does it take to live to reach 100? Check out this TED talk to learn about some of the surprising factors that can help us live longer. Enjoy!