Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

January 11, 2023: Maryland state law provides that all real property is subject to property tax. If you are a property owner in Garrett County (and one of a “lucky” 1/3 this year), you may have recently received an assessment notice.

Assessments are based on the fair market value of the property and are issued by the Department of Assessments and Taxation once every three years. Garrett County has 3 regions so 1/3 of the properties are reassessed each year.

ASSESSMENT multiplied by TAX RATES equals TAX BILL. NOTE: the value is appealable within 45 days of the Notice of Assessment, as discussed here.

The weather today will be mostly cloudy. A slight chance of rain and snow in the afternoon, with highs around 40 and a low of 34. Southeast winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards was recently installed as a 2023 member of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Board of Directors by Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford. This will be his first term serving on the MACo Board.

Southern Mat Club wrestling raised $3,200 for the family of Harper Chapman by winning wrestling matches over the past weekend. The family is still collecting funds to assist with medical and living expenses.

Rachel’s Challenge (to stimulate academic achievement and social-emotional learning) is taking place today at Southern Garrett Middle School.

The representatives from the Garrett County Department of Social Services will hold an assistance outreach program at the Friendsville Library today at 2:00 PM.

Garrett Workforce Housing Alliance will be hosting a casual get-together over dinner and drinks today from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, where you can talk about ideas and, most importantly, build critical connections.

January 10, 2023: The Wisp tubing park looks like a winter wonderland this morning. See this view (and others) from the mountain cameras page.

The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with highs around 40 and a low of 28. Southwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 10%.

The Youth Day Waterfowl Mentored Hunt, organized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and several partners, will be taking place on February 4. Young individuals between the ages of 11 and 16 can participate by applying for the lottery hunt. No prior experience is required, and the hunt is free of charge. However, as the number of spots is limited, it is important to apply before January 18.

Garrett Regional Medical Center’s subacute unit has been recognized as one of the 2022-2023 Best Nursing Homes by U.S. News & World Report. This marks the ninth year that GRMC’s subacute unit has received national recognition.

Plan to attend the Cindy’s Fund / Garrett County Snowdrifters Pink Ribbon Radar Run on January 28, 2023. Gates open at 10:00 AM, and the event begins at 1:00 PM.

Garrett County Public Schools is working with Rachel’s Challenge to stimulate academic achievement and social-emotional learning by focusing on the connection between students, faculty, and staff. It will take place today at Northern Garrett Middle School.

The Ruth Enlow Library is hosting some cool programs today, and they’re inviting kids to come to join in the fun. There are plenty of activities for you and your little ones to enjoy.

January 9, 2023: In Friday’s Daily Notes blog, I asked if anyone had a local picture of home price increases since I had a link to a national report. Here’s one of the takeaways from a report that local agent Chris Nichols put together:

The average residential sale price in the DCL area* in 2022 was $827,833, an increase of 59% of the previous ten-year average. Including DCL with the “rest of Garrett County”, the average residential price was $550,884. Chris is an agent with Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales.

The weather today will be patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers in the morning, then partly sunny in the afternoon. Little or no additional snow accumulation, with highs in the lower 30s and a low of 25. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. The chance of snow is 30%.

Garrett County Public Schools would like to remind everyone of the Second Grading Period Dates.

It’s Pizza Monday at Brenda’s! Check out their specials today!

Every Monday & Tuesday s Happy Hour Special at Mountain State Brewing Co.; all appetizers are half off!

New Germany State Park is now scheduling private, custom, ranger-led snowshoe experiences. Each lesson and the guided hike will take into account the guests’ unique needs and abilities.

Don’t forget to support your favorite local high school team for their games today. I’m a Southern Ram fan through and through!

January 6, 2023: Heads up, the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board is holding a hybrid public meeting on Monday, January 9, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. The public may participate virtually by Google Meet or by telephone at 1-419-684-0187​‬‬. PIN: 968212513​#​ or in person at the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center. The meeting agenda is available online.

The weather today will be snow showers, mainly in the morning. Total snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches, with highs in the lower 30s and a low of 26. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. The chance of snow is near 100%. Saturday will be mostly cloudy in the morning, then become partly sunny—highs in the lower 30s and a low of 21. West winds of around 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. The chance of rain is 20%. Sunday will be partly sunny, with a chance of snow and rain—highs in the upper 30s and a low of 31. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

As the new year begins, it’s usually the time we start to think about what we want to do, or achieve, over the year ahead and make some resolutions. According to research, the average Marylander plans to save $10,410 (which would be $867 per month) in 2023, according to a survey.

A study by Construction Coverage looks at the most stable housing markets in the U.S. Ssince the year 2000, the median home price has increased by 150%. Who has a sense of the local numbers?

The Maryland Medicaid managed care provider, formerly known as Amerigroup Maryland, is now officially Wellpoint.

A warm welcome to Steve Kelley, as he recently accepted the position of Director of Planning and Community Development. This newly created position joins the administration and implementation of Economic Development, Planning, Land Development, and Permit functions.

Today is Hero’s Day at Wisp Resort! A complimentary 1-day extended day lift ticket is given to military, fire, police, and rescue personnel (EMS). A valid service ID must be presented at the ticket window.

See all the new things HART for Animals has this weekend at Pick of the Litter! or did you get any duplicate gifts this holiday? Donate them as you will not only be saving space, but you’ll also be helping to save homeless animals.

Accident Library invites you to join the sewing circle: “A Stitch in Time” on Saturday morning at 9:30 AM. All age groups and skill levels are welcome, so come meet other sewing enthusiasts and make new friends, stitch by stitch.

Otters, fishers, and minks, oh my! Join Ranger Noah on Sunday for this easy-to-moderate 1.5-mile hike, and learn about the fascinating lives of these small but mighty predators, known as weasels.

Enjoy the first weekend of the year with some great music in town! Check our entertainment calendar for the complete schedule.

January 5, 2023: Last I checked the forecast, it looks like we will be getting some fresh snow this weekend! I’ve heard a lot of visitors saying their kids are too young or too short for tubing at the Wisp so they’re looking for sledding options. Here’s my local take on sledding!

The weather today will be mostly cloudy in the morning, then becoming mostly sunny—highs in the mid-40s and a low of 28. West winds of around 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. The chance of rain is 30%.

New Year, New State? A poll of Maryland families finds that most would relocate to Florida in 2023… and they would head to Canada if they were to move abroad. Check here the study and an interactive map of this research.

Make your New Year’s resolution one that can save your life – kick the nicotine habit! Quit Now! classes are scheduled throughout each year, and the first one in 2023 starts today at 3:30 pm in the conference room at the Health Department’s Oakland office.

The American Lung Association also provides tips and resources on how Maryland residents quit tobacco for good.

Garrett County Public Schools is working with Rachel’s Challenge to stimulate academic achievement and social-emotional learning by focusing on the connection between students, faculty, and staff. Check the schedule for Rachel’s Challenge here.

The Maryland Historical Trust is hosting an in-person workshop today from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM for prospective applicants of the Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program.

Have some fun at the Open Mic Hosted by Kim Alexander tonight at MoonShadow.

Mountain State Brewing DCL plays TEAM TRIVIA every Thursday at 6:30 PM! Come test your knowledge over some cold brews & good friends.

January 4, 2023: Today is a tough day. Follow this Prayers for Harper Facebook group to see the story of this sweet babe.

The weather today will have numerous showers in the morning, then showers in the afternoon—highs around 60 and a low of 38. South winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is near 100%.

Congratulations to Carissa Rodeheaver, president, and CEO of First United Bank and Trust, as she was elected by the American Banking Association as Treasurer for a two-year term.

The Board of County Commissioners will have its next public meeting on January 9.

The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on January 17. The Board will meet in the cafeteria of Grantsville Elementary School. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed.

Join Oakland Library today at 10:30 AM for a storytime designed for children ages 3 and up. This program promotes creative expression, social skills, listening comprehension, and school readiness through stories, STEM activities, games, music, and crafts.

Relax with your fellow book lovers today at the Accident Branch Library as they share their latest reads.

Support your favorite high school team today.

January 3, 2023: I am not feeling great this morning. Sorry to be a downer but the shiny New Year loses a bit of its luster when you’re sick. I guess it’s going around .. here’s a reminder that the Garrett County Health Department has a Respiratory Illness Snapshot that’s updated weekly.

The weather today will be showers, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then a chance of showers in the afternoon—highs in the lower 60s and a low of 52. Southwest winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. The chance of rain is 80%.

It’s rainy this morning:

New Germany State Park is now scheduling private, custom, ranger-led snowshoe experiences. Couples, families, youth groups, and others are invited to learn about the sport, practice new skills, and explore the park with an experienced park ranger.

Keep the New Year’s momentum going by joining Ranger Noah on this challenging 4-mile hike. The first 10 participants to complete three Take-a-Hike Tuesdays will receive a free Ultimate Garrett County Adventure Guide Map.

Join Oakland Library today and develop your public speaking skills together with others with fun games and activities each month to build your confidence – teens and adults welcome!

January 2, 2023: Happy New Year! I’d love to hear the resolutions or intentions you’ve set for the new year! In 2023, I’m aiming for 1,000 hours outside….  a movement started by Ginny Yurich for her 5 children under 12. “With so much natural beauty all around us (even though we take it for granted at times) it seemed counterintuitive that so many outdoor spaces were just empty. [After] some research [she found] a goal of 4-6 hours of outside time each day was an ideal amount of time for children to spend, well, outside. This seemed excessive …. to us BUT, we tried it. And you know what? We have not looked back.”

Here are a few 1,000-hour trackers you can print and use. Mine is already printed and on my whiteboard over my desk.

The weather today will be mostly cloudy. A slight chance of rain in the morning, then a chance of rain in the afternoon—highs in the mid-50s and a low of 48. Southwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. The chance of rain is 30%.

Want to take your trash out today? Here are the holiday hours.

Challenge #2 of the Play Hard, Live Clean (PHLC) healthy lifestyle campaign was for students at Northern and Southern Middle Schools to go 10 days without any caffeine drinks during November.

Congratulations to Trina Rumer, as she was recently named the 2022 Safety Star of the Year at Garrett Regional Medical Center. Rumer works in the hospital’s environmental services department and is the inaugural recipient of the newly established safety star of the year award.

NOTE: On January 12, Garrett County Public Schools and Grimm & Parker plan to hold meetings with members of the Northern Area Grade Band and Facility Use Committees.

• The Secondary Committee will meet from 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
• The Elementary Committee will meet from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
• The community meeting will be held from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Garrett Workforce Housing Alliance will be hosting a casual get-together over dinner and drinks on January 11 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM to talk about solutions and build connections.

Check the new Public Skate schedule at the JTF Ice Rink. This is the general schedule and can change due to special events or weather conditions. Schedule your visit!!

It’s the first Monday of the year, so join Brenda’s Pizzeria for Pizza Monday.

December 30, 2022: The temperature change is nearly 90 degrees in the last week!  WOW! We’re pretty hardy folk up here in Garrett County but those -40 degree temperatures with no power are tough. I’ve seen numerous instances of burst pipes and major damages because of this crazy weather. One of my favorite spots in Pittsburgh — Bicycle Heaven Museum — has seen significant damage. I hope everyone is able to recover quickly and soon!

I appreciate Donna McNally for sharing her sunset photo with us:

The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 50s and a low of 40. Southwest winds of around 5 mph. Saturday will be rainy—highs in the lower 50s and a low of 39. South winds of around 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon. The chance of rain is 90%. Sunday will be mostly cloudy in the morning, then become partly sunny. Cold with highs around 12. West winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Wind chill values are as low as 18 below.

Any New Year’s resolution is hard to keep, but the Garrett County Health Department makes kicking the nicotine habit a goal you just might be able to reach. Quit Now classes are scheduled throughout each year, and the first one in 2023 starts on Thursday, January 5, at 3:30 PM in the conference room at the Health Department’s Oakland office.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the January firearm deer hunting season opens on January 6, 2023, in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties.

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office announced that it has once again increased the Lyft rideshare credit to encourage Marylanders to take advantage of the safe ride option this holiday season. Each Marylander is eligible to receive one $20 rideshare credit this weekend while supplies last. A select number of rideshare credits will be available between 4:00 PM and 4:00 AM starting December 29 until January 2, (CODE: NYEMAKEAPLAN2023).

Due to damage to the testing structure resulting from the recent storm, all testing for the near future will be completed in the loop in the upper parking lot. Please park in any open space (shown below) and call regarding your arrival (301-501-3065, COVID-19 Testing Line). The Department will then inform you when you should proceed to the loop next to the upper parking lot.

Before this year ends, join Discovery Center for their activities this weekend! Choose between Owl Pellets, Reptile Encounter, and Shellfies for your activity for the whole family!

Don’t forget the Fur Ball Online Auction starting January 1! The first 50 who register for HART for Animals’ Online Auction will be entered to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Looking for a place to celebrate the New Year? Check these establishments where you can wave “goodbye” to 2022 with your family and friends:

• Wisp Resort New Year’s Eve Party
• New Year’s Eve Party with Undercover at Honi-Honi Bar
• NYE REEL TALK

Also… we have these local bands playing in the area, so check out our entertainment calendar for the complete schedule this weekend!

Any plans for the first day of 2023? Check out these First Day Hikes in Sang Run State Park, Swallow Falls State Park, Deep Creek Lake State Park, and New Germany State Park (self-guided and ranger-guided)!

December 29, 2022: Should I turn this blog into a food blog? haha … I’m not going to but last night I went to Firewater with some friends. I enjoyed the holiday special drink “Sleigh My Name” and the salmon BLT sandwich.

Also, we had an AMAZING sunset last night — please send me your photos! I want to see your views!

The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 50s and a low of 39. Southwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph.

Maryland Salem Children’s Trust in Grantsville is desperately seeking an interim nurse RN to be available for residential students and to provide medications. Great opportunity and pay for someone that cares and wants a flexible, temporary engagement.  Call Mike Tumbarello, Executive Director, at 410.707.7725 or tumbarellomike@MDsalem.org.

Did Santa put a little extra jingle in your stocking? Maybe it’s time to grab what Santa forgot to put under your tree! Some items at Cashmere Clothing are already marked at 50% off; the rest is Buy One, Get One 50% off!

Join the Discovery Center for the Build a Birdfeeder program today at 11:00 AM.

Support your local high school team for their games. Check here for the schedule today! 

Enjoy some music with C&T Trio at Honi-Honi Bar tonight.

December 28, 2022: I am waking up happy this morning after a delicious dinner at Ace’s Run last night. My business partner, Mike (remember Mike’s posts?), his wife Jean, my husband Ken, and I thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Natasha was a great server, too! I’ve been dreaming about the bread pudding for the last week…

Here’s a pic of that ooey-gooey, perfect bread pudding:

The weather today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 42 and a low around 30. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

At the lake for Christmas week? Join Discovery Center for the Aviary Tour today at 2:00 PM.

It’s a tournament! A Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (for the Nintendo Switch) event is today at 4pm! Free entry and everyone is welcome! Prizes are available for winners as well!

Come join Kitzmiller Library today at 4:30 PM as they explore a variety of activities that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

These “brothers from another mother” are sure to keep you entertained throughout the entire show! Catch Good Guys Duo at Honi-Honi Bar tonight at 8:00 PM.

December 27, 2022: National Fruitcake Day is celebrated each year on December 27th. Details from National Day Calendar: Made with chopped candied or dried fruit, nuts, and spices and sometimes soaked in spirits, fruitcake has been a holiday gift-giving tradition for many years. Dating back to ancient Rome, one of the earliest known recipes lists pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and raisins mixed into barley mash. Records indicate that in the Middle Ages, makers added honey, spices, and preserved fruits. Recipes for fruitcakes vary from country to country, depending on available ingredients and tradition.

In the 16th century, two achievements crystallized to make fruitcakes more affordable and accessible. First, sugar from the American Colonies became abundant. Second, it was discovered that high concentrations of sugar could preserve fruits. These two actions resulted in excess candied fruit. Consequently, fruitcake making grew. In America, mail-order fruitcake began in 1913.

Did anyone gift or receive a fruitcake this holiday season? My grandfather would always get one from his sister and it really had a bad reputation but it was actually a really good treat! I didn’t get a fruitcake this year but I am working my way through a few dozen cookies!

The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 20s and a low of 21. West winds of around 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. The chance of rain is 15%.

Wisp Resort reports machine granular conditions with 14 trails and 6 lifts open today.

A water line burst at the Garrett County Community Action thus, offices at the Center Street building will be closed to the public through Tuesday, January 2. The Mary Browning, Crellin, Friendsville, Grantsville, Kitzmiller, and Swanton senior centers will be closed and congregate meals will not be served.

Local looking for something to do? The Discovery Center will have its Discovery Trail Stroll today at 11:00 AM.

Friendsville Library will have its LEGO Club today at 4:00 PM! Join the library for some free-building fun based on an awesome theme: Farm! Your creative build may even be displayed in the library for others to enjoy!

Join Honi-Honi Bar for Matt Tichon live on stage tonight at 8:00 PM!

December 26, 2022: Kwanzaa is an annual week-long celebration honoring Black history and culture. The holiday celebrates seven values in African culture: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The holiday began in 1966 when it was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an activist and professor of Africana studies. The holiday represented family, culture and heritage, and it was modeled after African harvest celebrations.

Garrett County NAACP is inviting you to the Second Annual Kwanzaa Celebration this year on December 26-31. Each evening will be dedicated to one of the Kwanzaa principles, and it will be a brief, virtual teaching about the concepts.

The weather today will be cloudy. A slight chance of snow showers in the afternoon, with highs in the lower 20s. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the morning. The chance of snow is 20%. Wind chill values are as low as 9 below in the morning.

Are you a member of the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake? There are changes to the dues.

The Rural Maryland Council rings in the New Year with new leadership and a history-making $9,119,000 grant budget to fund projects throughout Maryland.

Start your week with Brenda’s Pizza Monday! Available for dine-in or carry-out – all day!

Every Monday & Tuesday, all appetizers are now half off at Mountain State Brewing DCL.

At the lake for Christmas week? Local looking for something to do? Well, the Discovery Center will have its Christmas Craft today at 11:00 AM!

December 23, 2022: “A Festivus for the rest of us!” In 1997, the popular television comedy Seinfeld brought the holiday Festivus to the world when Frank Costanza (played by Jerry Stiller) explains he invented the holiday in response to the commercialism of Christmas. I’m going to take the unpopular opinion here and say here (among friends, right?) that I don’t really enjoy Seinfeld. What about you?

Here’s how to celebrate Festivus if you’d like:

• Find a plain aluminum pole.
• Put a clock in a bag and nail it to the wall (which is considered “the true symbol of Festivus”).
• Sit down for dinner.
• Before eating comes the Airing of Grievances, an opportunity to tell others how they have disappointed you in the past year.
• Enjoy a Festivus dinner of meatloaf on a bed of lettuce.
• Amid dinner, the Feats of Strength begin, where the head of the household must be pinned by other family members. The honor goes to someone at the table.
• Festivus is not over until the head of the household is pinned.

The weather today will be cloudy. Snow Showers, mainly in the morning. Patchy fog in the morning. Patchy blowing snow. Total snow accumulation of 1 to 3 Inches. VERY windy and cold, with highs around 15 and a low of -6. Temperature will fall to around 2 below in the afternoon. West winds of around 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph. The chance of snow is 90%. Wind chill values are as low as 33 below. Saturday will be mostly cloudy, windy, and cold, with highs around 5 and a low of 2. West winds of around 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. Wind chill values are as low as 34 below. Sunday will be mostly cloudy. Cold, with highs around 10 above and a low of 4. Wind chill values are as low as 15 below.

There’s new research that reveals Maryland has the 7th highest cost of living in the US (based on the highest cost of living in 2022 and the lowest labor costs from the years 2016-2020).

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission is seeking nominations for the annual Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award, a celebration of conservation, education, and sportsmanship. Nominations are being accepted until January 31, 2023.

Register now for HART for Animals’ Online Auction – You Could Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! The online Auction Begins on January 1!

Santa has some skating skills! Ice skate with Santa before he heads off to deliver presents around the world. Each skater will also get one free hot cocoa so you can take a rest and chat with Santa.

Join pub trivia tonight at the Vagabond Taproom, hosted by Thomas Vose of the Library!

Drop by the Mountain Fresh Winter Farmers’ Market on Saturday in downtown Oakland from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Visit Santa at the Taylor-Made office on Christmas Eve from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM! There will be photos with Santa, hot cocoa, and Christmas cookies — a fun event for the entire family.

Everyone is invited to join the Christmas Eve worship at 6:00 PM at St. Peter’s Church Lake Center.

Enjoy the holidays with some great music in town! Check the entertainment calendar for the complete schedule.