Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 70s. Except in the lower 70s at the higher elevations. Southwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.

Maryland hunters harvested 125 black bears during the 21st annual black bear hunt held from October 21-26 across Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. This year’s total exceeded the recent five-year average of 104 bears.

Monotropa uniflora, commonly known as ghost flower or ghost pipe, is a pale, mushroom-like plant with delicate white or pink-white flowers. Its tender nature has earned it names like “ice flower,” as described in John Gunn’s 1864 work, where he noted that the plant could soften almost like ice if handled—check out its profile!

The Oakland Chapter #67 of the Order of the Eastern Star will host an all-you-can-eat buckwheat cake and breakfast buffet on Sunday, November 3rd, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Oakland Masonic Lodge, featuring scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hashbrowns, pancakes, French toast, and Nancy’s famous buckwheat cakes!

Get ready for some creative fun at Deep Creek Pottery! Enjoy 30% off Halloween and Fall Paint Your Own Pottery for the rest of the week. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6:00 PM, and you can also book an appointment!

Grab your favorite Traders Haunted Grounds before they disappear!

Enjoy $2 off any large Wedgie at Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakland today!

Catch the last fall market of the season this Wednesday, October 30, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM! Enjoy fresh produce and handmade goods from local vendors in a cozy fall setting.

Today marks the final Walktober 2024 Maryland Walk Day in Garrett County! Participants will meet at Wooddell Park in Mountain Lake Park at 9:00 AM for a one-mile walk. A door prize drawing will be held at the end, and those registered on Go! Garrett County will receive 20 Go! Prize Points.

Looking for a fun and rewarding way for a young reader to spend Wednesday and Thursday afternoons? The Reading Buddies program at HART for Animals, Inc., from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, is a wonderful opportunity! Located in the HART lobby, Enzo’s Library offers a cozy space where kids can pick out great books and read to the friendly, adoptable dogs and cats. And the best part? You can even take the books home!

🎃 Judy Center’s Trunk or Treat is back for Garrett County families with children from birth to kindergarten, offering a warm, safe indoor celebration filled with treats, fun, and school-readiness learning activities tonight! New this year, families with children ages birth to 5 receiving IEP or IFSP services are invited for a Sensory-Friendly Hour from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, creating a welcoming environment with sensory-friendly activities and decorated tables for a memorable evening.

Friday, October 25, Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, 2024: The weather today will be sunny, with highs in the mid-60s and a low of 50. Southwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 10% Saturday will be mostly sunny. Scattered showers in the morning, with highs in the mid-50s and a low of 33. Northwest winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. The chance of rain is 50%. Sunday will be sunny, with highs in the mid-50s and a low of 34.

Fall Foliage Report as of October 24: The oaks are showcasing their final golden to burgundy hues. If you want to catch the fall colors in Garrett County, hurry—warm, dry weather may fade the remaining foliage by the end of October. The county is also experiencing severe drought, with low water levels in many areas.

Be aware that fire danger is increased and a burn ban was instituted yesterday.

Registration is open for the Deep Creek Winter Sports Team!

Fall Trout Stocking Update: The Freshwater Fisheries and Hatcheries Division has concluded its fall stocking, adding 15,000 brown, rainbow, and golden rainbow trout (averaging over a pound) to 27 water bodies. While fall stocking is finished, staff are preparing for future production and the 2025 spring season. Anglers can check the Trout Stocking webpage for updates as pre-season stocking begins in early 2025.

Finding love has shifted from chance encounters at school or local coffee shops to swiping on dating apps and, surprisingly, online gaming. A recent GravaStar survey found that nearly half of Maryland gamers (42%; 18+) view their online communities as potential dating pools, opting for virtual worlds like World of Warcraft to form deeper connections and unexpected romances instead of nightlife hotspots.

Ranger Noah and Ranger Hannah invite you to an afternoon of Jack O’ Lantern Carving and Painting on October 27, just in time for Halloween! Pumpkins and supplies will be provided by the Friends of New Germany State Park, and donations are appreciated. To ensure enough supplies, please register by October 25.

Bring your Switch and Pokémon cards on October 30 to battle and trade with fellow Pokemaniacs! You can also craft your own Poké Balls and explore what’s happening at the Kitzmiller Library in Pokémon Go. Registration is required.

The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland is offering low-interest financing to qualified businesses in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties through the Summit Financing Solutions Revolving Loan Fund Program. Apply now until December 31, 2024!

Trout’s House Seafood is now open only from Thursday to Sunday! Oysters are in! Stop by for our 26/30 count shrimp at $12.99/lb and frozen breaded oysters at $9.99/lb. Enjoy a variety of seafood, including our delicious crab cakes, for a warm and fun weekend!

Medical Staffing Services is seeking an LPN in McHenry, MD to care for one or two children with medical needs. Required skills: experience with CPAP machines, GT care, and ADL assistance. Flexible shifts available. Contact us at 410-788-8050.

Free Popcorn Friday is here at Garrett 8 Cinemas! Head over to Garrett 8 Cinemas for a movie night like no other! Grab your friends, pick your favorite film, and enjoy a FREE large popcorn with every ticket purchase!

Faith Church welcomes everyone to Celebrate Recovery every Friday at 6:30 PM—come as you are if you’re dealing with hurt, hang-ups, or habits.

The Friends of the Ruth Enlow Library and Our Town Theatre present Murder by the Book, a fun whodunit set in a library, written by Laura Teasdale and sponsored by Louise Penny. Catch it at the Main Library in Oakland this weekend—doors open at 7:00 PM with a cash bar, and the play begins at 8:00 PM.

Don’t miss the Annual Harvest Festival this Saturday! Enjoy free hayrides, face painting, a pumpkin piñata, gift basket giveaways, and more—fun for all ages! 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Swing Dance with the Garrett Jazz Ensemble this Saturday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Garrett College’s Performing Arts Center! Enjoy big band hits from the ’30s and ’40s—dance the night away or simply listen. Free admission; donations appreciated. Cash bar and snacks are available.

Gear up for an exciting Team Bingo Sunday at Mountain State Brewing, kicking off at 1:00 PM!

Celebrate Spooky Season this weekend with a variety of events happening around Deep Creek Lake!

Stay in the loop with the latest entertainment and park activities happening this weekend!

The weather today will be sunny with a high near 56 and a low around 34. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking input on potential regulatory changes related to various topics. During this scoping process, the department gathers suggestions from stakeholders and the public to address fishery issues. The goal is to identify key concerns, potential impacts, and viable alternatives for effective management. All comments must be received by 11:59 PM on November 5, 2024.

A study examines how potential tariffs could affect Maryland’s $4.1B in annual food imports, as recent political shifts bring attention to America’s reliance on foreign goods. With many Maryland households already struggling to afford food, higher tariffs could further increase prices and strain budgets.

Join us today October 24 — virtually or in-person — and share your feedback on the Garrett County Pathways and Connections Initiative:

Online Feedback Session
https://bit.ly/4eRkq8u
Meeting ID: 238 430 430 919
Passcode: WVqr2b

In-Person Feedback Session:

Herrington Manor Lake House

222 Herrington Lane, Oakland, MD

4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Did you see the complete list of Halloween events?

The Garrett Jazz Ensemble is hosting a Swing Dance with big band music from the 30s and 40s. Enjoy dancing or listening, with a cash bar and snacks available. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated to support the ensemble.

Today is Learning Beyond the Classroom

Mah-Jongg today from 9:30 am – 11:00 am. Join Grantsville Library to play Mah-Jongg — meet new friends and exercise your brain!

FREE Womens + Casual Trail Mountain Bike Ride – come try it! ALL ABILITIES WELCOME! Meet at 5:15 PM, wheels down at 5:30 PM. Dress for the weather and bring a headlamp or bike light! SIGN UP IF YOU CAN MAKE IT! We’re meeting at the Herrington Manor State Park “Dip“

The weather today will be sunny, with highs in the upper 70s. Except in the lower 70s at the higher elevations. Southwest winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph.

Garrett County Planning Team is launching the Garrett County Pathways & Connections Initiatives, featuring the MD 135 Pedestrian & Bicycle Pathways Concept Design and the Oakland to Herrington Manor Trail Feasibility Study. These projects aim to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. Check out the linked article for opportunities to share feedback on the plan.

The John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery is now open! This year’s catalog includes over 55 species, featuring some new options compared to last year. Our seedling crop is thriving, with more than 3 million seedlings available.

Garrett County officials urge the community to maintain civility and respect in public discussions during the peak of election season, reminding everyone to honor each other’s rights, opinions, and freedom of speech.

A survey by Test Prep Insight reveals that Maryland parents support 14 as the minimum age for children to have social media accounts. This aligns with a recent state law that enforces default privacy settings and limits data collection for minors.

Winter Hours are here at Polska Polish Pottery of Deep Creek Lake!

The Friendsville branch of the Ruth Enlow Library is moving to a temporary location at the Senior Center, 947 Community Drive. Services and hours will be impacted during the move, with an expected move-in date of November 1st.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Check out the ToGo options at Dutch’s At Silver Tree! All orders must be placed by November 27.

Get ready for Wedgie Wednesday at Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakland! Enjoy $2 off any large wedgie today!

Walktober 2024 is happening today! Gather at the Oakland Town Parking Lot at 9:00 AM for a fun walk, and stay for a door prize drawing afterward. Registered participants on Go! Garrett County will also earn 20 Go! prize points.

Become a Maryland Master Naturalist and help strengthen our connection to the natural world, together!

Visit the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market today to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of fall! Local vendors will offer fresh produce and artisanal goods, celebrating the season’s bounty and community spirit. Savor autumn flavors and take home something special that captures the essence of fall!

Boo-tique Deal Days at Cashmere Clothing Co. start today and run until the 31st! Snag some ghoulishly good finds at prices that are scary good!

Caregivers, find support and connection at the Garrett County Senior Services National Family Caregiver Support Group! Meeting today from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Grantsville Senior Center, it’s a welcoming space to share experiences, discuss self-care, and connect with others who understand the journey of caregiving.

A Flu clinic will be held today from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Kitzmiller Senior Center.

Have a young reader who loves animals? Bring them to Enzo’s Library at HART for Animals, Inc. on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for the Reading Buddies program! It’s a great chance to read to adoptable pets and take home some awesome books.

Tonight at 6:30 PM, the Paint with Barb class will guide participants in creating two 5″x7″ mini-scenes: “Simple Forest” and “Calm Moonlight.”

Tonight is the final session of the Finding Your Roots Online: The Where and When Fall 2024 Series! From 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Part IV – Directories and Local Histories will explore how to access online directories and county histories that offer vital information about our ancestors, along with fascinating stories from their lives.

The weather today will be sunny, with highs in the lower 80s. Except in the mid-70s at the higher elevations. Southeast winds of around 5 mph.

Chessie, Goatman, Wendigo, and Snallygaster—do cryptids exist in Maryland? Some believe so, but these creatures may be inspired by the state’s native wildlife.

Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright and Maryland State Board members visited Route 40 Elementary and Northern Garrett High School last week. Garrett County Public Schools was glad to host them!

St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Parish’s winter clothing drive for the Students in Need Group at Garrett College is ongoing through the end of the month. They’re still collecting new and gently used winter coats, gloves, hats, and blankets.

It’s 10 for $10 Tuesday’s at The Greene Turtle (Deep Creek)! Enjoy 10 bone-in wings for just $10, plus $2 drafts!

Friday, October 18, Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20, 2024: The weather today will be sunny, with highs in the lower 60s. Northeast winds of around 5 mph. Saturday will be sunny, with highs in the upper 60s and a low of 41. East winds of around 5 mph. Sunday will be sunny, with highs in the upper 60s and a low of 43.

Fall Foliage Report as of October 17, 2024: Parts of Western Maryland are past peak, and Garrett County has also peaked. While wind has brought down most maple leaves, oaks are starting to turn, offering lovely burgundy, golden, and brown tones for the rest of the season.

Garrett County has seen a troubling increase in the theft of road signs, including road name markers, stop signs, directional arrows, and hazard warnings. Despite efforts to replace them quickly, the thefts persist. Over 105 county road signs were reported stolen in August and September 2024, costing $1,798 to replace. Since records were kept from May, the total replacement cost has been over $4,100.

The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) has awarded $201,972 in grants to 15 organizations through its Appalachian Forest Grants program. These funds will support preservation and tourism projects, focusing on collections management and Indigenous Appalachians, and are expected to generate an additional $265,000 in matching funds for local communities.

Every year, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate through Maryland to Mexico, but scientists have found they aren’t getting enough to eat during their stay. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is working to protect and enhance monarch habitats across the state.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation have awarded two grants to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources through the Chesapeake Watershed Investment for Landscape Defense program. These grants aim to conserve native brook trout and sunfish in Maryland.

Dating today can be a minefield, especially with apps. Women often face issues like men misrepresenting their looks or height, and even sending unsolicited images. But is there a better way to narrow down options? A survey reveals that the one word women in Maryland use to describe men is “arrogant.”

BRRRR…Deep Creek! With the chilly temperatures, Trout’s House Seafood is tempted to pull out the deep fryer. This week, they are offering a special for hunters: frozen coconut shrimp, breaded shrimp, and breaded oysters, all for just $9.99 per pound. Additionally, they still have fresh blue crabs coming in, looking great. The fresh fish selections include halibut, Scottish salmon, tuna, catfish, cod, and flounder, which will be stuffed with a delicious crab cake mix.

Be a part of the BMS Team! As a technician, you’ll work under the Service Manager to prepare new and pre-owned boats, perform routine maintenance, and handle repairs to keep vessels in top condition at our showroom.

The Friends of the Ruth Enlow Library and Our Town Theatre are presenting “Murder by the Book,” a comedic whodunit by Laura Teasdale, sponsored by Louise Penny, to raise funds for both groups. The play will be performed at the Main Library in Oakland on Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26. Doors open at 7:00 PM with a cash bar, and the show starts at 8:00 PM.

The Garrett Jazz Ensemble hosts a Swing Dance on Saturday, October 26, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Garrett College’s Performing Arts Center. Enjoy big band music from the 30s and 40s while dancing or relaxing with snacks and a cash bar. Admission is free, with donations appreciated to support the ensemble’s operating expenses.

The Online Print Sale at Smoke N Mirrors Photography runs through Sunday! Now’s the perfect time to grab that 8×10 print you’ve had your eye on, with all 8×10 luster paper prints on sale this week.

Flu Clinic at GCHD in Grantsville today from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Broad Ford PTO’s Fall Fest and Trunk-or-Treat is happening today from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Bethel Field, located behind Broad Ford Elementary School. This community-wide event promises an evening filled with family fun. Admission is by donation, so come out and enjoy!

Friendsville Elementary PTO’s Trunk or Treat is from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Friendsville Park! Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled evening with JTF activities, exciting raffles, lively music, and delicious food.

Our Town Theatre’s Ghost Walks are taking place through Saturday, October 19, as the town of Oakland becomes haunted by the spirits of Garrett County’s past. Take a tour with Our Town Theatre and listen to their eerie tales.

Mountain Fresh Farmers Market runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM this Saturday, offering a cozy fall atmosphere. Browse fresh, locally-grown produce, and artisanal goods, and enjoy the warmth of community spirit. Celebrate the season’s bounty and take home something special.

The Garrett County Health Department is hosting a Trunk or Treat this Saturday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy candy, games, and helpful resources!

This Saturday marks the final performance of the 2024 GLAF season, featuring award-winning storyteller Noa Baum. Born and raised in Jerusalem, Noa combines performance art with workshops highlighting stories’ healing power and promoting peace across divides.

LPN needed in McHenry, MD, to care for one or two children with medical needs. Contact Medical Staffing Services at 410-788-8050.

The Annual Meeting for Oakland Golf Course members is set for this Sunday at 12:00 PM. Members are encouraged to attend to share their thoughts and stay informed about the latest news and future plans.

Gear up for an exciting Team Bingo Sunday at Mountain State Brewing, kicking off at 1:00 PM!

Get ready for some spooky fun with Trick or Treats this weekend! But that’s not all—stay tuned for the latest updates on entertainment and park activities to keep the excitement going!

Check out this photo from earlier in the week — sent in by Linda Herdering:

The weather today will be partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Patchy fog in the morning, with highs in the upper 40s and a low of 34. Northwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph.

As of October 16, put-and-take trout anglers are enjoying the fall trout stocking, with the first full week of the program underway. Delayed Harvest and youth/blind angler areas are also being stocked. Check here for more on the fishing report!

Garrett County Government is pleased to announce receiving a $360,000 award from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program for the “Garrett Pathways to Safety” project.

If you missed the POA’s DCL 100th float in the Autumn Glory Parade, check out the linked article for photos. This float will appear in local parades next year and the 2025 Autumn Glory Parade. It was funded by a Maryland Area Heritage Authority grant and local sponsors.

The growing black bear issue in the lake area has led to communities trying different ways to secure residential garbage. A local refuse service now offers trash lockers to help prevent bears from accessing trash containers.

Many billionaires turn to philanthropy after building their fortunes, but for most Marylanders, that seems out of reach. A survey of 3,000 people explored which local causes they’d support if they suddenly became wealthy. The results highlight a strong desire to give back, with Marylanders’ top cause being restoring the Chesapeake Bay.

GLAF wraps up the 2024 Performance Season with storyteller and author Noa Baum on Saturday, October 19th, at 7:30 PM at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College. Presenting Timeless Treasures: Story Gems from Around the World, this family-friendly event showcases captivating tales from diverse cultures, brought to life by Noa’s mesmerizing storytelling. Students and children can attend for free with a paying adult. The evening will conclude with a dialogue and book signing with the artist.

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners has announced that there will be no Public Meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, as previously scheduled. The next Public Meeting will take place on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 4:00 PM at the Garrett County Courthouse.

Ranger Noah and Ranger Hannah invite you to an afternoon of Jack O’ Lantern carving and painting on October 27, just in time for Halloween! Pumpkins and supplies will be provided by Friends of New Germany State Park, with donations appreciated. Be sure to register by October 25.

Deep Creek Pottery hosts a Halloween Party for kids on October 27! Choose from fun projects like mosaic tiles, painted pottery, or a clay project. Enjoy spooky snacks, a costume parade, music, games, and plenty of candy! $5 entry fee plus the cost of projects. RSVP now!

Dress up for a fabulous evening while supporting the mission to save homeless animals in Western Maryland at HART for Animals’ Black Tie & Tails event on November 2, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM at The Lodge at Wisp. Enjoy dinner, dancing, a 3-D photo booth, and live and silent auctions featuring luxury vacations and more. The event is black-tie optional, so formal attire is encouraged but not required. Tickets are available now!

The Behavioral Health Education Task Force will meet virtually today from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Take a look at the agenda!

Ladies, head to Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub today at noon for Women’s Networking! Enjoy a $17 lunch buffet and a presentation by Valerie Stemac, Oakland’s Business Coordinator and Main Street Manager. It’s a great opportunity to connect with amazing women in Garrett County!

The Garrett County Board of Education will hold a virtual Special Business Meeting today at 5:00 PM to discuss the FY2025-30 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). While the meeting is not open to the public, it will be live-streamed for public viewing.

Poets, Pirates, and Scribes takes place at MoonShadow tonight for an open poetry jam! Everyone is welcome to share their work on MoonShadow’s beloved stage!

Smoke N Mirrors Photography hosts a Friends and Couples wine tasting in the Gallery tonight, featuring five different wine pairings with light fare. The pairing starts at 6:00 PM, so be sure to grab your tickets!

Mountain State Brewing DCL hosts TEAM TRIVIA every Thursday at 6:30 PM! Test your knowledge while enjoying cold brews and good company. Bring your friends for a fun evening!

From Justin Berk, Meteorologist: