Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

Partly sunny today with some snow showers. High of 14 degrees.

Ever wonder what a hawk or eagle eats? Well, you can find out at the Discovery Center today at 2:00pm. You’ll learn about their individual stories and also facts about their species. There’s also a session with the Center’s roving naturalists starting at 11:00am.

We watched the newest Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi, on Saturday. A little “long” but the second half was action-packed. Good family entertainment for anyone interested in an indoor activity this week.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources just completed trout stocking in Garrett County, with both the Yough and Deep Creek Lake stocked. The DNR has also called our attention to the ban on felt-soled waders in state waters. It appears that the felt provides a “medium” for the transfer of an algae known as “Rock Snot” (yes, you read that right). A serious issue.

Gov. Larry Hogan has announced a series of new initiatives to spur job creation and economic growth in Maryland and further establish the state’s leadership in key STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) industries.Hogan pledged to introduce new legislation in the upcoming session to expand on the More Jobs for Marylanders Act, which was passed in the 2017 session and went into effect June 1.

Netflix recently released a 6-part documentary hybrid series, aptly named Wormwood, on CIA biochemist Frank Olson’s mysterious and untimely death following his visit to Deep Creek Lake in the fall of 1953. Dubbed by the official CIA papers as the “Deep Creek Rendezvous,” this trip would turn out to be the central turning point in a major CIA scandal.

Smoke alarm law reminder: The law requires the replacement of any battery-only operated smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old with a unit powered by a 10-year sealed-in battery having a “Hush” button feature – ultimately affecting more than 800,000 Maryland homes with battery- only operated smoke alarms.  The effective date for this requirement to be completed by is January 1, 2018.

Partly cloudy, a low of 5 today and a high reaching 17. Chance of snow this afternoon and winds are 15-20mph and gusting to 40mph.

We Garrett Countians were fortunate to have a beautiful white Christmas yesterday. I drove down to Oakland to check on a friend’s chickens (long story) and just about everything but Sheetz and 7-Eleven were closed, with only a few cars on the road. We hope you were with friends and family and had a great holiday. We sure did.

This one’s for the birds! Actually, the Discovery Center is holding a session in the Science Room today showing how birds fly, see and hunt. This event is interactive and participatory throughout the entire hour. The event is free and starts at 11:00am. There’s also a session called First Impressions scheduled for 2:00pm.

Don’t forget to check out our local retailers for after-Christmas sales. I know Schoolhouse Earth has one, as does Bear Creek Traders.

The Ruth Enlow Library recently set new policies for the circulation of materials to patrons, to be effective as of January 2nd. Patrons may now check out up to 100 items at one time, with exceptions. All materials may now be checked out for three weeks, again with exceptions. They may not have updated their website yet, so ask at the library about the new policy.

We heard that the Garrett County/Deep Creek Lake episode of Lake House Hunters will air on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2018 at 6:00pm on HGTV. Be sure to check your local listings to confirm. We’ll share more when we can.

HART’s Fur Ball Casino is back at Dutch’s New Year’s Eve. Includes Hors D’oeuvres, silent auction and casino games. Goes from 6:00pm – 11:30pm this Sunday in the banquet room on the lower level. All proceeds benefit HART!

Just a suggestion for our readers: With all of the talk about the new tax law that goes into effect in 2018, it is easy to forget that there are things most of us can do to lower taxes this year. Perhaps talk to your tax advisor to discuss maximizing your 2017 deductions, before the rates go down.

Cloudy with a chance of rain today and tomorrow; highs in the high 40s to low 50s. Weather on Sunday and Monday will be cooler with a chance of snow showers both days. Sunday’s high will be 32 degrees with Monday’s high only reaching 22 degrees.

According to the American Automobile Association, over 100 million people will be traveling from Saturday through Monday. There will likely be a few storms present around the country, so check the weather. Garrett County appears right on the border, so we may be in for a mix or some snow.

‘Tis the season for giving. The latest World Giving Index shows that Americans are among the world’s most generous people, ranking No. 5 out of 140 countries. And, a recent study by WalletHub ranked Maryland second most charitable state. Way to go!

Looking to get a few last-minute gifts, or goodies for a holiday celebration? Please consider shopping local and please also support our advertisers. They are great locally-owned businesses with great, community-centered owners.

Here’s an interesting video and article from the Baltimore Sun on the debate going on around wind turbines in the Dan’s Mountain area (and elsewhere). It seems to me that energy, whether fossil or renewable, generates a lot of “discussion” these days. We are not taking a position at all, but we thought our readers would enjoy this article.

Bernard the Bear is a new symbol for drug and alcohol prevention in Garrett County. He is sponsored by the Garrett County Drug-Free Communities Coalition (DFCC) and can take messages to events throughout the county, making a fun interactive display including selfies and sometimes prizes. Learn more about Bernard the Bear on the Garrett County Health Department website.

We will back with a new Daily Notes on Tuesday, December 26th. We wish all of our readers and their families a safe, happy and joyous Christmas season.

Increasing clouds today; low temperature of 27 degrees and a high temperature of 37 degrees.

It’s Team Trivia Night at Mountain State Brewing Company in McHenry this evening, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Prizes are awarded.

According to AccuWeather a white Christmas (defined as having an inch or more of snow on the ground on December 25th) is possible for the Deep Creek area, but not likely. Well, there’s a chance…

The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling announced yesterday that the 2018 Residential Refuse Permits are available now. The 2017 permits will expire on December 31, 2017. The Permits utilize a radio frequency identification system (RFID) that allows the permit to be scanned for validity at each collection site.

Julie Westendorff has been named Executive Director of the Allegany Arts Council, taking over that role in January 2018 from the retiring Chris Sloan. Best of luck to you both. The Allegany Arts Council does some great work, with lots of things to see and do this time of year.

Good news for small business owners: The Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation is streamlining the annual business filing process in Maryland by updating the paperwork all entities are required to file with the state.

Speaking of small businesses in Maryland, the “Open for Business’ strategy may be working based on some of the recent stats.

The Northern High School’s FFA members spent Saturday, December 16, 2017, laying Christmas wreaths on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery and touring the White House.

The members of AAUW-Garrett Branch are saddened by the recent loss of their long-time Treasurer and member of the Executive Officers, Linda May. Linda believed at the highest level in the power of education, especially STEM education and particularly for women. To honor her, AAUW-Garrett Branch has established a scholarship in her name. To make a contribution to the scholarship or for additional information, please contact Judy A. Carbone, President, AAUW-Garrett Branch, judy@corgi-cottage.com or 301-616-5036.

Don’t forget to check out our online marketplace – for more info a very nice desk was recently added.

Mostly cloudy today; high and low temperature in the low 30s.

The HART animal adoption wing open house is today from 1:00am – 7:00pm at HART for Animals in McHenry. Check out their adoptable pets and bring your own (on a leash).

Moonshadow in McHenry is holding their monthly Acoustic Rock Jam this evening from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. You can bring your instrument and join in on the open jam or just sit back and take it all in. Contact info@moonshadowcafe.com for more information:

Dinner out tonight? Check out the Wednesday specials from our advertisers, including locals’ night at Mountain State Brewing Company, Steak Night at Penn Alps and Crab Cake night at Black Bear to name a few. Tell them Deep Creek Times sent you.

FYI, early bird pricing for PACE in Annapolis ends on January 3rd. If you are going, it’s time to register and get a hotel reserved.

Railey Realty agent Michael Cumerlato shared this photos of black bears with us:

FirstEnergy Foundation recently made a gift to the I Can Swim! program. Since 2011, the I Can Swim! program has successfully taught water safety and swimming to more than 2,300 children at the CARC. This is a great program and I highly recommend it if you are a parent or grandparent. Thanks for the gift FirstEnergy!

In Ready or Not? Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters and Bioterrorism, a report issued by the Trust for America’s Health yesterday, Maryland achieved six of 10 key indicators of public health preparedness. Give this interesting report a look.

Partly cloudy today; warmer. Patchy fog and a chance of light rain this morning tapering off in the afternoon. Winds are gusty and could reach 35mph.

We heard that the Garrett County Arts Council had a very nice holiday party on Sunday. Hats off to this hardworking group that helps make our County the great place that it is.

HABco is holding a holiday open house today from 12 Noon until 5pm in the Farmhouse Fete building on Rt. 42. Hot chocolate and cookies for free! If you want to stay, get some work done and use the coworking space: high-speed internet, coffee, cookies, good company, and cute furniture. Just $10.

The Garrett County Commissioners are holding their December meeting at the Courthouse in Oakland this afternoon starting at 4:00pm.

Its Gameshow Night this evening at MoonShadow in McHenry from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. It is free to play and they are planning to make this a regular event.

Congratulations! Four FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams will advance to the Maryland State FLL Championship in February on the campus of UMBC. Teams were judged based on overall performance in three areas: Project, Robot Design, and Teamwork and the four teams advancing are NeXT GEN, iLEGO, Turbo Technology, and the Cre8tors.

Bill’s Marine just announced they will start taking reservations for boat rentals for the 2018 season beginning January 2nd. I believe you need to rent for two days to reserve in advance. Call them at 301.387,5536 for more information.

The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling announced holiday hours for landfill and collection sites yesterday. They will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

We are sad to report that the tree/light show in front of the old Armory in Oakland was damaged last week. High winds took the fixture down and it cannot be repaired this season.

Deep Creek Lake enjoyed an awesome sunrise over the weekend; thanks to Jared Feather for sharing his view at Wisp Resort:

Temperatures in the 30s today; possible scattered snow showers in the morning and possible scattered rain showered in the afternoon. Winds could gust to 30mph.

There were actually a few ice fishermen on McHenry cove Saturday. Couldn’t believe it as the ice could not have been very thick. There were also a number of folks on the tubing hill at Wisp. The winter season is definitely upon us.

The Ruth Enlow Library will be holding its Board of Trustees meeting this evening at 5:00pm at the Oakland branch. The meeting is open to the public.

The Library has also rescheduled two Community Conversations that were cancelled due to weather conditions. Accident Library will hold its conversation on Wednesday, December 27 at 6:00pm; Kitzmiller Library will hold its conversation on Thursday, December 28 at 6:00pm.

Please think about your safety and that of your family during the holidays. Check out this video that shows a Christmas tree fire grow in under a minute. Please be careful and for the record, we are not endorsing any insurance company… just your safety!

The Chamber of Commerce has announced that the next Business Before Hours on January 16, 2018 will feature an Economic Forecast by Dr. J.D. Foster, senior vice president, Economic Policy Division and chief economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The event will be held from 8:00 am – 9:30am in the Crawford Room at Wisp Resort.

On a final note, I wanted to make sure you all knew that today is officially “Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day” … I am not making this one up! Have a great Monday…

The weather today through the weekend will be partly cloudy with a chance of snow each day; little to no accumulation expected. Today will be cold with a low of 11 and high of 21. Saturday will be warmer with a low of 15 and a high of 31 with Sunday the warmest yet this weekend; a low of 24 high of 41.

Had a nice time talking to a bunch of local folks at the Chamber’s Business After Hours event last evening. The host was Halian Landscaping/Mosser Meadow and they did a wonderful job providing a festive event with great food, caroling and Christmas decor.

Halian Landscaping/Mosser Meadow will also be offering bonfires, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, and cookies this Saturday and Sunday from 5:30pm – 11:00pm. Donations for Garrett Mentors are welcome.

It’s Adult Maker Time at the Ruth Enlow Library Kitzmiller branch today from 10:30am – 11:30am . This program is designed for adults to come together to learn, explore, and create through activities and conversation. I bet you will even be able to make some holiday goodies!

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland hunters reported taking 34,412 deer during the state’s most popular hunt, the two-week firearm season. Garrett County’s total was 2,289 an increase of 15% from the prior year. OK, I have to say it: I’m glad I’m not a deer!

MoonShadow in McHenry is presenting the Sean Howard Orchestra at 8:00pm this evening. By the way, Moonshadow makes a great burger. Just sayin’.

Lorie and Ron Skidmore of Deep Creek Pottery in McHenry are hosting a Mosaic Madness event for kids and adults this Saturday starting from 10:00am until 12:00pm. $20.00 per person. Call or message to reserve your spot! 301-501-1619.

The Maryland DNR will begin preseason stocking for the spring 2018 trout season as early as the end of December. They will be releasing over 300,000 fish.

For the fifth consecutive year, The Scholars of St. Cecilia, Mountainside Baroque’s resident chamber choir, will “ring in” the Christmas season with their annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” featuring seasonal music, traditional carols and readings by local clergy and officials at Emmanuel Episcopal Parish in Cumberland. This is a non-denominational and free event to be held 5:00pm on Sunday, December 17th.

Garrett County has a surprising number of manufacturing companies, so this one is for you: The Regional Manufacturing Institute (RMI) is kicking off 2018 with an Industry Stakeholders Discussion on the Technology and Talent Required for Manufacturers to Compete in the 21st Century. The event will be held January 17, 2018 3:00pm – 6:00pm at the Star Academy in Timonium, MD.

It was windy, snowy and cold last night and Garrett County Public Schools are closed today. The weather for today will be snow showers with accumulations less than an inch with winds gusting up to 40mph. Temperatures will be in the mid-20s but dropping to 19 degrees.

Some good movies playing at the Garrett 8 Cinemas these days. It appears Murder on the Orient Express will end it’s run this evening. Mike and Jean saw the movie and really liked it. Something to do inside on a cold evening.

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) FY19 Project Grant program will be open for applications in late January and Garrett County organizations are encouraged to submit projects for funding. There will be a webinar held on December 19th at 2:00pm. To register for this grant webinar or for questions, contact Jen Durben at jen@garrettchamber.com or call 301-387-5238.

The Chamber is holding Business After Hours this evening, with Halian & Associates Landscapes hosting the event from 5:30pm- 7:30pm.

Congratulations to Music at Penn Alps which just completed its 25th season (2017) which was quite successful and most enjoyable to all that attended. This season featured an original composition by Sean Beachy commemorating their anniversary, something they hope to continue into future years as a regular feature.

Here’s something a little different: Stop by the nearby Allegany Museum’s grand ballroom to see an exhibition of the history of Santa Claus, from St Nicolas through the Coke ‘Santa’ to the present day. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sundays 1-4pm. For more information, visit the Allegany Museum or call (301) 777-7200

A special note from a former Southwest PA area resident:

Are you a FUN home/property owner who dreams of having a grown-up treehouse?!  A well-known TV show that documents the building of custom-designed, ADULT-centric treehouses is accepting submissions for its next season!  These magnificent structures (designed and built by our host and his company) are often like mini-homes, complete with electricity and water.  There is no exact tree equation, but typically trees that are – VERY TALL, and big vs. skinny, with high vs. low branches – work better.  For more info on the build company’s price points, and to submit to be on the show visit: https://treehousemasters.wufoo.com/forms/mpcnlvi1n3xekr/

Check out excerpts from this interview with an MIT researcher and former coal miner and techie from Kentucky about coal, Appalachia and the future of work that appeared on WBUR a little over a week ago. Interesting…

Jessica Fike shared this lovely sunset photo from her backyard in Accident a few days ago:

Little to no additional snow accumulation today; highs in the mid-20s. Wind gusts can reach up to 40mph and the wind chill can feel like -12 this morning.

The County is and has been under an extended snow emergency since 12:15pm yesterday.

Join the AAUW-Garrett Branch tonight for a program called “Cocktails and Convos”, where women meet to discuss topics of social relevance in a relaxed atmosphere. THIS IS NOT A MEETING! Rather, it is a place to talk with others about select topics of relevance to women today. Men are certainly welcome and encouraged to attend. The event will be hosted by HABco on Route 42 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.

The Wisp resort opens on Friday. Looks like they will have a nice base and good weather too.

Moonshadow in McHenry is having an ugly sweater party this evening from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Come wear that sweater or hat that everybody make fun of and drink some egg nog!

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced yesterday that applications for Community Resilience Grants are now being taken. Local communities and nonprofits are invited to apply for funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to prepare for coastal flooding, storms and runoff and to enhance community resiliency and sustainability through natural, nature-based and green infrastructure.

High schools in the state of Maryland earned a “B” Tuesday, for teaching personal finance. A number of states failed! Maryland’s grade was in “Is Your State Making the Grade?  The 2017 Report Card on State Efforts to Improve Financial Literacy in High Schools” a report issued yesterday by Champlain College in Vermont.

We have a number of small business owners that read the Deep Creek Times so this is for you to get you thinking. We have seen a lot of articles on the impact of the new tax bill on individuals but not a whole lot in the general press related to small businesses. This is just one source, but thought we would share.

Take a Hike! There are a number of local and state-wide First-Day Hikes planned for January 1st 2018, including at Deep Creek State Park, Herrington Manor and New Germany.

We are expecting 2-4 inches of snow accumulation over the course of the day today. The temperatures will be a high in the low 30s but falling to 19 degrees in the afternoon. Winds will 15-20mph and gusting to 40mph.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect this morning from 7am today until 7am tomorrow.

Don’t forget that the Rural Maryland Council and the Community Development Network of Maryland are holding their Western Maryland Community Development Stakeholders meeting today in Cumberland and Frederick.

Another fish story: turns out that the Pike fish pic we posted yesterday was actually caught by Theo Kuczarski and not John Haros. John caught the nice Walleye shown here:

Congratulations to Debbie Carpenter, AICP, Director of the Garrett County Department of Planning and Land Management who just graduated from Leadership Maryland. She and other graduates of this prestigious program were honored at a graduation reception in Baltimore last week.

The County Commissioners announced their next public meeting agenda to be held a week from today on December 19th at 3:00pm at the County Courthouse.

Garrett County authorities have been alerted that packages dropped off by shippers like UPS and FedEx have been taken from porches in the Mountain Lake Park area. Residents should make arrangements to be at home to accept deliveries.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced yesterday that Maryland boat owners can now renew their vessel registration online. The new digital platform can be accessed through the department’s online licensing and registration service or through the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration eStore.

The second portion of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer hunting season is set to open Dec. 16. Hunters who possess a valid hunting license and a muzzleloader stamp from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources may use muzzle loading firearms to hunt white-tailed and sika deer during the season, which concludes Dec. 30.

Mostly sunny this morning then turning mostly cloudy – highs in the mid-30s.

While our local weather has been cold and snowy of late, we are fortunate to not be facing the wildfires of California or even the snowfalls faced by those less prepared areas in Atlanta and London.

And, speaking of snow, it looks like Wisp has really been building up a solid base for the season as the snow guns have been on all weekend. Bring on the snow!

Calling all Pickleball players: Pickleball will be played at the Oakland Community Center on 8th Street today from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. Contact Garrett College Continuing Education at 301.387.3069 to learn more.

Thanks to www.TedBass.com, look at this 30inch Northern Pike caught by Jon Haros in Deep Creek Lake last week:

During Prohibition in the 1920’s, many industrious western Marylanders made their own ‘shine. Check out James Rada, Jr’s account of the times in his history blog. James is a renowned local historian and author whose books I have had the pleasure of reading.

Halian & Associates Landscapes will be hosting the Chamber’s December Business After Hours on Thursday, December 14th from 5:30pm- 7:30pm.

Please note: All branches of the Ruth Enlow Library will be closed for the holidays on Monday, December 25th and Tuesday, December 26th and also on Monday, January 1st, 2018.

There will be a Western Maryland Community Development Stakeholders meeting in Cumberland on Tuesday, from 10:30am – 12:00pm, with lunch to follow.

This afternoon will turn partly sunny with highs in the upper 20s. Saturday will have snow showers, a low of 17 and a high of 30. Sunday will have the same low temperature with a high of 33. Still more snow showers.

We were sad to learn that the Baltimore Sun reported that the first cold-related death in Maryland this season was  in Garrett County. A 65-year-old woman died of hypothermia complications apparently in late November, but that is all we know at this time.

I will be a guest speaker leading a lunch-n-learn conversation today at Noon at HABco. Bring your lunch and listen and interact with others. The topic is “Important Questions to Drive Success for You and Your Business.” Registration required.

In the spirit of the season, Justin Liller and two colleagues from Railey Realty are giving away a $500 Christmas gifts to each of four families in need. Just send Justin a private message with the families’ name and contact information and the four winning families will be chosen on December 11th. All gift recipients will remain anonymous.

Remember to look at the Deep Creek Times Events Page; we’re always adding events as we hear about them and, if you have any events to share, please send them to us!

The Gallery Shop in Oakland will host a holiday reception which will also serve as December’s Arts Connection from 5:30pm – 8:00pm today. The evening will feature refreshments and music while allowing guests to shop from a large selection of locally handmade items.

Don’t forget to check out the annual tree lighting at the B&O Museum in downtown Oakland this evening at 6:00pm.

Tonight and Saturday night, Southern High’s Theater department will present “Willy Wonka” in the cafeteria at 8:00pm. Tickets are available at the door for $5.00.

On Saturday, the museum is hosting the Oakland Express at the B&O Museum for children ages 4-9. It runs from 5:30pm – 7:30pm and is free but requires a reservation, as seating is limited. Contact Michelle Ross at 301-334-2691.

Cold water conditions at the lake have really kicked the walleye and yellow perch fishing into high gear. Some nice walleye are being caught along steep rocky edges, bridge piers and the dam face.

Maryland InfoPortal (formerly called Redbook Online) is the best one-stop for finding financial and non-financial assistance offered by 80 Maryland state government agencies on the web.

Partly cloudy today, highs in the mid-30s with a chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Little to no accumulation expected.

On Tuesday, an individual from Massachusetts was arrested at a residence on Arrowhead Lane in McHenry. The subject initially had called the Garrett County 911 Center multiple times asking for help, stating that he was homicidal and suicidal. After allegedly verbally threatening police on the scene, he was taken into custody.

A substitute teacher at Southern Garrett High School was recently making inappropriate postings on social media; this situation was addressed by the GCPS Superintendent.

On a brighter note: Wisp Resort reported that it began making snow yesterday! December 16th is the planned opening day.

Senator George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel will hold their annual pre-legislative public meeting this evening starting at 6:00pm, in GIEC Room 111 on the Garrett College campus. This session is open to the public.

Garrett County Community Action Head Start and Early Head Start is currently taking applications for prenatal women and children ages birth to 5 years old for enrollment in home-based and center-based programs. Please call 301-334-9431 for more information and to set up an appointment for an application. Enrollment is based upon eligibility and openings.

Mountain Laurel Medical Center to open a new location in McCoole, MD.

WVU Hospitals and Garrett Regional Medical Center have entered into a management agreement. Also, GRMC CEO Mark Boucot will lead Potomac Valley Hospital.

Enrollment, advising and registration for credit and non-credit programs at Garrett College are in-process and extend until just before the formal start of the winter and spring semesters, which begin on January 3rd and January 23rd, respectively. Visit www.garrettcollege.edu or call admissions at 301.387.3044.

If you feel like driving a little, check out all the holiday festivities going on this month in Frostburg!

MFC Ministries Inc. (Joe & Rena Perozich) are holding a marriage counseling workshop at the Marriott at Waterfront Place in Morgantown on February 16-17, 2018.

The 10th annual Mountain Maryland Plein Air painting “competition” call for entries is now open. They are trying something really different this time around: They are moving the 2018 Mountain Maryland Plein Air to the fall!