Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

Wednesday, January 24, 2024: The weather today will be cloudy. A chance of sprinkles in the morning, then rain in the afternoon. Patchy fog in the afternoon, with highs around 50 and a low of 45. South winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 90%.

Friends of Maryland State Parks granted $41,798 through the “Small Grants, Big Impact!” program. The funds support initiatives such as preserving cultural history, replacing unsafe structures, promoting water safety, and encouraging recycling in Maryland State Parks.

Maryland’s Primitive Deer Hunt is open statewide from February 1-3. Hunters with a valid license or exemptions can use primitive bows or muzzleloaders to hunt sika and white-tailed deer these days.

The 25th Deep Creek Dunk, hosted by Maryland State Police/Natural Resources Police, is set for February 24, 2024, at Uno’s Pizzeria and Grill. Over 400 participants will plunge into Deep Creek Lake to support Special Olympics Maryland. A Community Dunk, sponsored by Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, offers a more intimate experience on February 22 at 2:00 PM. Locals can support athletes and Unified® teammates in a smaller setting, avoiding the Saturday crowds.

Deep Creek Pottery’s February Special: Couples Pottery Wheel Time! $125.00 per couple, including all supplies. Hurry, slots fill up fast!

It’s Wednesday again! Check out the specials from our advertisers, including Wedgie Wednesday at Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakland and Want it Wednesday at Cashmere Clothing.

From 3:00-4:00 PM today at Enzo’s Library in the lobby, HART for Animals presents the Reading Buddies program. Families can explore engaging books with adorable adoptable dogs. Don’t miss the chance to bring the magic of reading home!

Explore the forest’s beauty under the “Wolf Moon” on a 1-mile Full Moon Hike tonight with Ranger Noah. Don’t forget your flashlight or headlamp!

Tuesday, January 23, 2024: The weather today will be cloudy. A chance of rain in the afternoon, with highs in the lower 40s and a low of 38. Southwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 30%.

Garrett Regional Medical Center, a 55-bed hospital in Oakland, has achieved Level 7 certification from HIMSS, a leading healthcare technology organization. Serving eight counties, GRMC prioritizes quality, safety, cost-effectiveness, and access to healthcare.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that, as part of the scoping and proposal process, the following regulation is now in effect: FISHING IN NONTIDAL WATERS in Deep Creek Lake.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites fifth graders statewide to join the Arbor Day Poster Contest. The 2024 theme is “Trees Are Terrific…in All Shapes and Sizes!” Submit entries to a local Maryland Forest Service office by noon on March 1, 2024.

Lebanese Taverna is offering neighborhood delivery right here to Deep Creek Lake on February 2!! Place your order today!

Be part of the first-ever Community Dunk by Special Olympics Maryland on February 22, 2024! Locals will brave a chilly dip in Deep Creek Lake to support athletes and Unified® teammates from Special Olympics Maryland – Garrett County.

Garrett 8 Cinemas will have its Tuesday Movie of the Week, highlighting ‘Migration.’ Grab your tickets for just $6!

Enjoy The Greene Turtle’s Tuesday Specials with $2 Drafts (16 oz. select domestic drafts) and Ten for $10 Bone-in Wings (choose one flavor per 10 wings).

The Maryland State Board of Education meets today at 9:00 AM to discuss a resolution on literacy instruction and the Science of Reading. They’ll also review the Governor’s budget for fiscal year 2025, take positions on legislative proposals, and discuss policies for virtual education during severe weather.

Families looking for fun activities for their children today are in for a treat at Ruth Enlow Library. There’s Children’s Story Time at Kitzmiller, Oakland, and Accident Library. The Oakland Library is hosting Kid’s Book Club, while Friendsville Library invites young builders to join the LEGO Club.

Monday, January 22, 2024: The weather today will be sunny in the morning, then becoming partly sunny, with highs in the mid-30s and a low of 28. Southwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Wind chill values are as low as 8 below in the morning.

How was your weekend? We received about 13.5 inches of snow (by my count) with the latest storm. It looks like today will be a fantastic day to get out and enjoy it!

Did you know? There is winter trail etiquette in regard to walking, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, fat biking and snowmobiling. Essentially, if you’re dropping through the snow in biking or hiking, turn back. And, snowshoe to the side of the tracks where possible.

Have you seen tomatoes in Janauary? Linda Herdering shared her winter harvest photos with us:

Garrett County Board of Education seeks RFPs from vendors for Northern Educational Complex Wastewater Treatment Plant. Deadline is on February 27, 2024, at 1:00 PM. EST. More info in the linked article.

It’s the Learning Beyond the Classroom bus week!

Share your ideas on addressing the overdose crisis at the Community Overdose Action Town Hall today. Featuring presentations from state and local officials, the public can also speak during the meeting.

Check out the programs at Ruth Enlow Library today.

Friday, January 19, Saturday, January 20, and Sunday, January 21, 2024: The weather today will be snow. Additional snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches, with highs in the lower 20s and a low of 6. Southeast winds around 5 mph, becoming west at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. The chance of snow is near 100%. Saturday will be snow showers in the morning, then a chance of snow in the afternoon. Blustery, cold with highs around 12 and a low of 9. West winds of around 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. The chance of snow is near 100%. Wind chill values are as low as 14 below. Sunday will be partly sunny and brisk, with highs around 20 and a low of 6. Wind chill values is as low as 10 below. The chance of rain is 50%.

New in our marketplace: American Rotary Sander RS-16 with Clutchplate. Purchased this year from Virginia Wood Flooring and Supply in Norfolk, VA and used only three times. Find it in the ‘Tools’ category.

It’s the last day of the Martin Luther King Day Sale at J.A Greenlea Designs! Visit them today and grab the latest deals!

Free Popcorn Friday is back! Check out Garrett 8 Cinemas for a movie, and they’ll give you a FREE large popcorn to enjoy during the show.

Experience the thrills at Wisp Resort for Rail Jam #2! Registration is open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday in the Main Lodge at Wisp Resort. Skiers, snowboarders, and spectators are all invited to be part of the excitement.

Kick off the ski boots and get ready to boogie at Wisp Resort’s 70’s Après Ski Party! Come enjoy throwback drinks and tunes from local legend Connor Norman in DC’s Bar on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Celebrate Sunday Funday with Deep Creek Pottery’s make-a-mug class! Craft your unique mug using texture tools. Select your glaze color, and they’ll handle the rest.

Have a fun weekend with entertainment and state park activities! Check our schedule for details.

I will be participating in the first annual Community Dunk on February 22, 2024! Local dunkers take a daring dip into the frozen Deep Creek Lake to benefit the athletes and Unified® teammates of Special Olympics Maryland – Garrett County. I am fundraising for the Garrett County Government team!

Thursday, January 18, 2024: The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 20s and a low of 20. Southwest winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. The wind chill values is as low as 1 below in the morning.

Did you see the sunrise this morning? I’d love to see your photos!

DCAB hosted the first Maryland race of the Highlands Fat Bike Series on January 13, 2024. Riders from five states gathered for the 2024 Garrett County Fat Bike / MTB Race at Deep Creek Lake Lions Club McHenry Community Park in the middle of a blizzard. Anthony Kramer (pictured below) completed the 10.5 mile course in 1 hour 9 minutes.

Today’s PD Parlor, sponsored by Priya Cardone, DO, a specialist in movement disorders from UPMC Department of Neurology, focuses on a different Parkinson’s Disease topic each month. This virtual event is for patients and caregivers, providing insights and a chance to ask questions about PD care and treatment.

Quitting tobacco can be overwhelming, but change is possible with the right support. Attend the 2nd Quit Now Classes at Friendsville Senior Center, starting at 4:00 PM. Let the Garrett County Health Department help you.

Garrett County Health Department invites you to the 2024 Winter Activity Series at JTF Ice Rink in Grantsville today. Enjoy an evening skate from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Did you know? Garrett County residents can skate for free for up to five sessions throughout January and February.

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

Catch Pirates, Poets & Scribes at MoonShadow tonight! Attend this free poetry event where works are read aloud. Spectators and poets are encouraged to attend, listen, and share their creations at this open mic gathering.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024: The weather today will be mostly cloudy in the morning, then clearing. Brisk, with highs around 14 and a low of 11. West winds of around 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Wind chill values are as low as 18 below.

GCPS Inclement Weather Update: Garrett County Public Schools will open two hours late today due to cold weather and a wind chill advisory. Administrative offices will open on time. Please ensure students are dressed warmly with coats, hats, boots, and gloves for their safety.

Governor Wes Moore recently signed an executive order creating the Longevity Ready Maryland Initiative. This directs the Maryland Department of Aging to prioritize the well-being of seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers throughout the state government, addressing the needs of a growing older adult population.

Check out the Wednesday Specials from our advertisers! Enjoy ‘Wedgie Wednesday’ at Fox’s Pizza Den and ‘Want it Wednesday’ at Cashmere Clothing.

Jitterbug Dance Studio is offering for another night of boot-scootin’ under the lights at MoonShadow!

Tuesday, January 16, 2024: The weather today will be cloudy. Patchy fog in the morning. Snow is likely in the morning, then a chance of snow with a slight chance of freezing rain in the afternoon. Total snow accumulation is 4 to 8 inches–highs around 18 and a low of 2. West winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. Wind chill values as low as 5 below.

GCPS Inclement Weather Update: Garrett County Public Schools will be closed today.

I’m just loving the snow that’s coming down! We’ve received about 4″ overnight.

Tuesdays are awesome at The Greene Turtle’s specials! Grab $2 Drafts (16 oz. select domestic drafts) and munch on Ten for $10 Bone-in wings (pick your flavor for every 10 wings).

Garrett 8 Cinemas will feature Night Swim as its Tuesday Movie of the Week, and all tickets are just $6.

The Maryland State Board of Education is hosting virtual town halls this week to gather feedback on the State Superintendent of Schools selection process. Your input will help shape the qualities and attributes Marylanders consider crucial for the role.

Ranger Noah guides a 4-mile hike for Take A Hike Tuesday. Enjoy the refreshing effects of outdoor exercise in about two hours. Afterward, join him and student intern Maddy for a 2-mile Tree Talk Tuesday hike in the afternoon and learn about 16 native trees labeled in the park.

The new start date for Quit Now Classes is today! Change may seem tough, especially with tobacco in your life, but the Garrett County Health Department is here to support you.

Monday, January 15, 2024: The weather today will be cloudy. A slight chance of snow in the morning, then snow likely in the afternoon. Snow accumulation is up to 1 inch, with highs in the lower 20s and a low of 15. Southwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of snow is 70%. Wind chill values are as low as 3 below.

Please note that all Ruth Enlow Library branches are closed today for Martin Luther King Day.

St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Parish’s Ladies Auxiliary is raffling a “Cozy Couple’s Picnic Basket” for Valentine’s Day at $1 per ticket. Proceeds support mission-based efforts in the parish and community. Only 200 tickets are available; drawing on February 1.

HEAD COACH NEEDED for Garrett County Manta Ray Swim Team. Practices and meets held from April to July. The team is made up of kids ages 7-18 and team home base is the CARC at Garrett College. Experienced assistant coach already in place. Paid position! Contact Colbey Maroski at 724.963.7589 or cmaroski@gmail.com.

Check out the Martin Luther King Day Sale at J.A. Greenlea Designs! Enjoy discounted prices throughout the sale, available until January 19!

Ranger Noah guides a Hibernation Hike today, a moderate-to-difficult 2-mile trek. Explore insights into the small mammals inhabiting the area and their preparations for the harsh Garrett County winter.

Support your favorite local high school sports teams by attending their games today! Check the link for the schedule.

I am so pleased with the turnout for the first Maryland race of the Highlands Fat Bike Series: we had 40 riders! Have you ever experienced a time when you just see a favorite viewpoint of a great event or memory and it just makes you smile? ahh… this is my favorite view of Saturday’s event!

Friday, January 12, Saturday, January 13, and Sunday, January 14, 2024: The weather today will be partly sunny, with a slight chance of freezing rain and snow in the morning, then rain, and snow with a chance of freezing rain in the afternoon. Little or no snow accumulation. Ice accumulation around a trace. Very windy, with highs in the upper 30s and a low of 24. Southeast winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, increasing to 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is near 100%. Saturday will be mostly cloudy in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. A chance of snow showers. Windy, with highs around 30 and a low of 17. West winds of around 25 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph. The chance of snow is 50%. Sunday will be partly sunny, with a 40% chance of snow showers. Blustery, with highs around 20. Wind chill values are as low as zero.

Garrett Regional Medical Center welcomed the first baby of 2024, Rylynn Paige DelSignore, born at 12:24 AM on Wednesday, January 3.

The sediment removal in the Arrowhead Cove dredging project is finished, enhancing boater access, revitalizing the water body, and preserving ecological integrity.

Lions Clubs International honored Christopher J. Nichols, Jr. from Deep Creek Lake Lions Club with the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest recognition embodying humanitarian ideals in Lionism, at the club’s annual holiday party.

Garrett County Public Schools will dismiss students three hours early today for staff development. Also, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Normal operations resume on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

Maryland DNR presents the state’s inaugural Youth-Only Trout Fishing Day on March 23 for kids under 16, a week ahead of the general opening day for trout anglers.

Sponsored by Dr. Priya Cardone, a UPMC Neurology specialist, PD Parlor on January 18 is a monthly virtual event for patients and caregivers, addressing various Parkinson’s Disease topics with the chance to ask questions.

It’s the annual Lion’s Club Park Fat Bike Race on Saturday! This is a fun race for all skill levels, from BEGINNER to ADVANCED, at the Meshach Browning trail system at the McHenry Community Park!

Experience Candlelit Skiing this Saturday on the Turnpike Trail from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. If snow conditions aren’t ideal for skiing, the luminaries will still light the path for adventurous night hikers.

Enjoy a weekend filled with entertainment and outdoor activities! Check out our schedule of entertainment and state park activities.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024: The weather today will be snow showers, with a slight chance of freezing rain. Snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Ice accumulation around a trace. Windy, with highs in the lower 30s and a low of 25. West winds of around 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%.

GCPS are closed today.

Maryland hunters who missed out on a fall turkey can try again during the statewide winter turkey season from January 18 to 20. Hunt from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset with a bag limit of one turkey of either sex.

The Garrett County Health Department received funding to address COVID-19 health disparities in our rural community. The allocation supports mini-grants for healthcare providers, businesses, local coalitions, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations, focusing on projects to reduce the COVID-19 burden.

Don’t forget the last day of the Fur Ball auction! Stay warm today and bid on this showcase of fabulous items.

Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakland and Cashmere Clothing each have their Wednesday specials! Fox’s offers Wedgie Wednesday, and Cashmere Clothing presents Want it Wednesday.

The Maryland Food Bank’s Mobile Market has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 31st , from 2 – 4 PM.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024: The weather today will be freezing rain. Snow, rain with a slight chance of sleet in the morning, then rain with a slight chance of snow in the afternoon. Precipitation may be heavy at times. Snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 3 Inches. Ice accumulation of up to one-quarter of an inch. Windy, with highs in the lower 40s and a low of 28. Southeast winds of around 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph. The chance of precipitation is near 100%.

We received a quick 3-4″ inches of snow and sleet here in Oakland this morning. It is BIG snowflakes!

The Quit Now Class scheduled to begin at the Garrett County Health Department in Oakland today, January 9th, at 5:30 pm has been postponed until next week. The new start date for the class will be Tuesday, January 16th. For more information call 301-334-7730.

Becker’s Hospital Review names Garrett Regional Medical Center among the top 350 U.S. hospitals for nursing staff communication.

The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting today at 6:00 PM in the cafeteria of Northern Middle School. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed for public review.

American Red Cross faces critical blood shortage, lowest in 20 years. Donate now to ensure lifesaving procedures continue.

It looks like tomorrow may be a good time to enjoy this winter wonderland trail! (full disclaimer: I was there yesterday)

If you’re snowed in today, you may have the time to read this fascinating article about the first skiing in Garrett County. I just saw it today (thanks, Annie!)

Did you know? Maryland Special Olympics is holding an additional local business dunk event on Thursday February 22, in addition to the Cool Schools Dunk on Friday February 23, to support the annual event on Saturday February 24? If you’re so inclined, I am collecting donations since I will do the dunk as part of Thursday’s activities. What we collect for the Thursday event stays right here in Garrett County!

Now it’s time to get a quote! David Jochynek with State Farm Insurance offers free auto, homeowners, renters, life, Medicare supplement, hospital, and pet insurances quotes.

The lineup of children’s programs happening at Ruth Enlow Library branches is cancelled as all Ruth Enlow Library branches are closed due to inclement weather today.

Monday January 8, 2024: Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 37 and a low around 27. West wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Tonight snow likely, possibly mixed with freezing rain after 4am. Breezy, with an east wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

We received about 7″ of new snowfall over the weekend. Not quite the forecasted amounts but we’ll definitely take it!

Did you enjoy the snow globe living? Send me your photos and I’ll select a few random submissions to receive a $25 Espresso Alley gift card! Check out our Facebook page for some awesome photos.

I had a chance to go fat biking yesterday! I LOVED IT! If you want to try out biking in the snow, send me a message. I’m holding the first Maryland race of the new Highlands Fat Bike Series this Saturday and it’s truly for any ability. I’d love to introduce new riders to the sport.

Garrett County Public Schools will have a two-hour delay for in-person learning, while administrative offices will open as scheduled.

We’re excited to welcome Garrett County Health Department to Deep Creek Times! They lead in promoting environmental and individual health through education, regulation, and more. TAKE PART IN TODAY’S FREE SKATING PROGRAM.

Quitting can seem overwhelming. Tobacco may be a part of your life, and change is hard. The Garrett County Health Department offers FREE Quit Now classes, starting at the Garrett County Health Department in Oakland on January 9th at 5:30 PM and at the Friendsville Senior Center on January 11th at 2:00 PM. The classes are free, and cessation aids are also provided at no cost. Check the linked article to register.

Don’t forget to catch the last few days of the Fur Ball auction, which will be taking place until January 10! It’s a delightful showcase of fabulous local items that you can bid on from the comfort of your home.

Everyone is invited to join St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Parish at the Parish Hall for a Community Supper, a free meal today from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Ruth Enlow Library has programs for children and adults today. Grantsville Library offers Children’s Story Time in the morning and a Creative Writers Group in the evening. Meanwhile, Oakland Library will host its Page Turners Book Club, featuring a discussion of “The Deep” by Alma Katsu

Thursday, January 11, 2024: The weather today will be partly sunny. A slight chance of snow in the afternoon, with highs in the upper 30s and a low of 23. Southwest winds 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. The chance of snow is 20%.

It’s that time of year again – the Woodcock Statewide Season for Migratory Game Bird Hunting has officially kicked off!

Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel can enjoy the second special waterfowl hunting day on February 3, 2024, following a previous day held in November.

Participate in the first virtual Brunch & Learn of 2024 today, hosted by the University of Maryland Extension and the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation. Explore ‘How the Water Budget Model Works’ and discover how it improves water management at DCL.

A Quit Now class is today at the Friendsville Senior Center at 2:00 PM. The classes are free, and cessation aids are also provided at no cost.

Mountain State Brewing DCL hosts TEAM TRIVIA every Thursday at 6:30 PM. Test your knowledge over cold brews and with good friends.

Today is the last day to sign up for the Garrett County Fat Bike Race at the Lion’s Club McHenry Park! I have a fat bike someone can use!

Friday, January 5, Saturday, January 6, and Sunday, January 7, 2024: The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 30s and a low of 24. Southwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph. Saturday will be snowing, with highs in the lower 30s and a low of 26. East winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of snow is near 100%. Sunday will be snowing, with highs in the lower 30s and a low of 26. The chance of snow is 90%.

The total snowfall for the county, by my measurements, is adding up.

The DCL Lions Club Blind Skiing Program needs volunteers! The dates for this year are January 23 – 24, January 30 – 31, Feb 6 -7, and Feb 13 – 14. If you can spare anytime during these dates, please let the club know at DCLlions@gmail.com. It is such a rewarding project to teach these young students to be able to ski down the mountain.

During the New Year’s weekend, 4,248 individuals collectively hiked approximately 10,691 miles across 40 distinct Maryland state parks, as reported by data gathered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. PLUS! We did two hikes totaling about about 66 miles here in Garrett County!

Here is an update on the Arrowhead Cove Dredging project: By January 3, Byco had cleared over 85% of the accumulated sediment. They expect to complete sediment removal by week’s end, followed by a drone survey from the Maryland Environmental Service to verify the volume removed.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission invites nominations for the annual Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award. This prestigious honor acknowledges individuals for sustained contributions to habitat management, conservation, education, research, or other impactful efforts benefiting fish and recreational fishing in Maryland.

It’s Hero’s Day at Wisp Resort! Military, fire, police, and rescue personnel (EMS) can enjoy various promotions at Wisp Resort. Check the link for more details! Make sure to present a valid service ID at the ticket window.

Did you see the pottery classes at Deep Creek Pottery! Learn pinch, coil, and slab methods, plus the pottery wheel. Saturdays, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM. $200.00 includes materials. $25.00 registration fee.

Enjoy the first weekend of the year with entertainment and outdoor activities! Check out our schedule featuring a range of entertainment options and state park activities.