Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

Thursday April 27, 2023: HAPPY RETIREMENT DAY TO MY MOM! Mom, as you retire after many years of dedicated work, I want to express how proud I am of all that you have accomplished. You have always been a hardworking and caring person and as you embark on this new chapter of your life, I wish you nothing but happiness and relaxation! Congratulations on your retirement, Mom!” ♥️

The weather today will be widespread frost in the morning. Sunny, with highs in the lower 60s and a low of 47. East winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 5%.

At the April meeting, Board President Tom Woods announced a search for an interim superintendent. The Board plans to provide an update on the process at the May meeting and public updates will be shared as they become available.

The American Lung Association issues the “State of the Air” report using quality-assured data from EPA and to measure ozone and particle pollution. Garrett County scored an “A” on the 2023 report card.

Oakland Golf Club invites you to join them for their exciting Frost Bite event on April 29 at 10:00 AM (with a rain date scheduled for May 6). This thrilling event will feature a Scramble format, where teams of two will compete for Team and Hole Prizes. The entry fee is $35 per member and $50 per non-member, which includes a cart!

Stories aren’t only contained in books…sometimes they are found in the intricate stitches of a beautiful quilt. Join Friendsville Library today at 4:00 PM as the Library Quilters present “Stories In Stitches.”

Wednesday April 26, 2023: Today may be a “short notes” day. I was not feeling well at all yesterday and I ended up sleeping most of the day. Now, today I am playing catch-up!

My five-year-old niece Rae shared a joke with me: Why do ducks have feathers?

The weather today will be partly sunny. Isolated rain showers in the morning, then scattered rain showers in the afternoon. Highs in the mid-50s and a low of 32. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph. The chance of rain is 40%.

Check out the newest real estate listings from Railey Realty.

Ashley Beitzel, a Grantsville resident and soon-to-be graduate of Garrett College, has been honored with a place on the All-State Academic Team. This prestigious recognition is jointly offered by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

It’s the final day of Didgeridoo Down Under at Ruth Enlow libraries for National Library Week on April 24-26, 2023. Energetic show with Australian music, culture, puppetry, comedy, storytelling, and audience participation.

Tuesday April 25, 2023: Here’s just one more (maybe!) photo of the Northern Lights here in Garrett County. Note they were faint here but I was able to use the camera to see the beautiful show.

The weather today will be widespread frost in the morning. Sunny, with highs in the lower 50s and a low of 37. West winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 10%.

Marshall Green, a fourth-grade student at Broad Ford Elementary, won the Maryland Council on Economic Education poster contest with his tax-themed entry.

Sipside Lounge will be opening one more time on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM to benefit Garrett Regional Medical Center’s Foundation campaign for behavioral health.

A public hearing regarding the proposed 2024 property tax rate in Garrett County will be held on Monday, May 1 at 4:00 PM. The hearing will take place at the Garrett County Court House in Room 209.

The Board of County Commissioners will have its public meeting on May 1, 2023. The meeting will also be live-streamed on their Facebook page.

Enjoy Take Out or Dine at UNOs today and support Cindy’s Fund! When you show your server this coupon, up to 20% of your check will be donated towards their walk.

Didgeridoo Down Under visits Ruth Enlow libraries for National Library Week from April 24-26, 2023. The show features Australian music, culture, puppetry, comedy, storytelling, and audience participation. Catch them at Friendsville and Accident Library.

The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center is hosting an online program today from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. The program emphasizes the role of everyday citizens in researching and recognizing Maryland women in history. It is open to anyone interested in Maryland women’s history and will focus on Mountain Maryland women and libraries, with resources that can be explored in local libraries of other communities.

Monday April 24, 2023: Did anyone else see the Northern Lights from right here in Garrett County? From about 11:30pm to about 2:00am, I had my camera and tripod up at the overlook off Route 135. These photos are the product of about an 8-second shutter and an ISO of about 1000. The aurora borealis was definitely there and we began to see the light “spikes” with our naked eye!

The weather today will be partly sunny in the morning, then becoming mostly cloudy. A slight chance of snow showers in the morning. A slight chance of rain showers, with highs in the mid-40s and a low of 29. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Get ready for a caffeine boost at Black Hawk Coffee Company, coming soon to 225 East Oak Street in downtown Oakland. Stay tuned for the grand opening!

Maryland ranks 5th for unemployment rate improvement, as inflation persists and the U.S. adds 236,000 jobs in March, lower than the previous month.

Comcast received a recent grant to serve 300 new broadband connections in Garrett County.

The Maryland State Board of Education will meet on April 25 at 9:00 AM. The winners of the prestigious Milken Educator Award will be announced and updates on two studies related to the BluePrint on Maryland’s Future will also be provided.

Catch Didgeridoo Down Under at Ruth Enlow Libraries during National Library Week, April 24-26, 2023. Energetic Australian show with music, culture, puppetry, comedy, storytelling, and more. Join Grantsville Library today at 5:00 PM.

Friday April 21, 2023: Our lake temperature gauge has been reset! (that explains the weird straight line!)

The weather today will be mostly sunny. Isolated showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds this afternoon, with highs in the upper 70s and a low of 50. Southwest winds of around 10 to 15 mph. Saturday will be showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds in the afternoon, with highs in the lower 60s and a low of 37. The temperature will fall to around 50 in the afternoon. South winds of around 10 to 15 mph, becoming west in the afternoon. The chance of rain is near 100%. Sunday will be partly sunny in the morning, then becoming mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-40s and a low of 32. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. The chance of rain is 70%.

Today at Garrett 8 Cinemas, it’s Free Popcorn Friday! Enjoy a complimentary large popcorn with every ticket purchase.

Join the 2023 Master Gardener program! A one-keek Intensive program on Apr 24-28 from 9:30 AM-4:00 PM; the cost is $150 (including materials & background check).

Today at 2:30 PM, the Senior Health & Fitness Club will be hosting a Paint & Learn event. Lorie Skidmore of Deep Creek Pottery will be bringing vases for attendees to paint.

I was just talking to a friend about the Senior Health & Fitness Club — All Garrett County residents age 60 and older are eligible to join the Senior Health & Fitness Club allowing full access to the CARC, free senior group fitness classes, field trips, special events, and more. Free transportation is also available through the Seniors on the Move program. Be sure to “Like” the Senior Health & Fitness Club at the CARC Facebook page to stay up-to-date on resources, as limited-time information is posted regularly.

Don’t miss the Garrett County Public Schools Student Arts Fair happening this Saturday at the Performing Arts Center, Garrett College! It’s a celebration of student creativity and talent and a wonderful opportunity to support young artists and appreciate their incredible works.

Be a part of the Grow Your Own Shiitake Mushrooms workshop this Saturday at 9:00 AM.

Volunteers are warmly invited to join Ranger Noah in celebrating Earth Day on Saturday! Help us make a positive impact on our environment by picking up trash and removing invasive plants from around the park. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to nature and protect our precious ecosystem.

Make a difference while having a blast at HART for Animals Bingo Night at Elks Club this Saturday! I saw the event had just a few tickets left!

There are several events happeningour local state parks this weekend!

Check out our entertainment calendar for the full schedule of performances and a weekend filled with amazing local bands.

Check out the new flow at Dan’s Mountain State Park! I rode this last night for the first time and it was really great!

Thursday April 20, 2023: There is a tire recycling event until Monday, April 24, 2023 sponsored by MES / MDE. Garrett County residents are encouraged to bring an unlimited amount of tires from their property for recycling to either the Landfill or Grantsville refuse & recycling site locations. They are accepting all-size tires, on or off the rim – as long as they have come from Garrett County farms. Contact Kim with any questions: 301-334-7492

The weather today will be sunny, with highs in the upper 70s and a low of 56. West winds of around 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.

The Glendale realignment project aims to eliminate a curve in the road and create new entrances to the north and south portions of Glendale Road at the front. Expect flagging Monday through Friday weekly with traffic delays beginning on April 24 and throughout the summer.

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (MD SDAT) has informed Garrett County of the “Constant Yield Tax Rates”. By law, County Governments must advertise a “Notice of a Proposed Property Tax Increase” to comply with Constant Yield Tax regulations. However, the County Commissioners are currently proposing no change to the tax rate.

On Friday, April 28, 2023, a laser light show accompanied by the music of Pink Floyd will be presented in the planetarium at Hickory. The show will start at 6:30 PM and will include 8 songs and a short astronomy program. This presentation is exclusively for adults and is limited to the first 40 people who register. UPDATE: Seats for the Laser Light Show have all been filled at this time.

Mrs. Hafer’s 2nd-grade class at Friendsville Elementary had a visit from the University of Maryland Extension Office and Master Gardeners of Garrett County. Students created a light maze for a bean plant, dissected a lima bean, and planted tomato seeds in a small greenhouse. Master Gardeners will return to help transplant the tomato seedlings to the school greenhouse for the rest of the year.

Come and join the Oakland Library today at 11:00 AM as they guide you through the exciting process of planning and starting your very own tomato plants! Get ready to learn and get your hands dirty as you embark on this fun and educational journey of growing your own tomatoes.

Join Deep Creek Uno in supporting the Southern track and field team tonight! When you dine at Deep Creek Uno, they will generously donate up to 20% of your check to the team. To participate, simply print the ticket or have it saved on your phone and present it during your visit.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023: Yesterday afternoon I attended the County Commissioners’ public meeting and witnessed the recognition of several great local organizations but one really stood out to me: The proclamation of May 7-13, 2023 as Recovery Week in Garrett County.

This proclamation recognizes those on a recovery journey from substance use disorder with the organizing group’s main mission to raise funds to build the first substance use recovery house for women in Garrett County. The FREE Walk for Recovery event is May 13th and I’m honored to be meeting with his group and helping with the logistics of the event. The goal is to start erasing the stigma! Join us!

The weather today will be sunny, with highs in the mid-60s and a low of 52. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph.

Fantasy Valley Golf Course is now open for the season at Wisp Resort! Narrow fairways, strategic bunkers, and challenging water hazards make precision shots a must.

To recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Dove Center brought back The Consent Revolution to Garrett College last Wednesday.

The Western Maryland Consortium is currently accepting Youth aged 14-24 for the 2023 Summer Work Program, where participants will work for local businesses and develop skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.

A properly installed car seat could save your child’s life. Sign up for a FREE car seat check with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Check here for the complete schedule.

On April 21, at 2:30 PM join the Paint & Learn event! Lorie Skidmore of Deep Creek Pottery will be bringing vases to paint and Ashley Bodkins, Master Gardener Coordinator, will teach participants how to keep their vases full all summer by growing their own flowers!

The Oakland Library is hosting an exciting book signing event today from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Renowned architect John C. Wilmot, FAIA, will be present in the front reception area to sign copies of his latest book, titled “So, You Want to Be an Architect: Advice from My 60 Years in Architecture.”

Support Garrett College athletics by dining at Dutch’s at Silver Tree Restaurant! Today, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, a portion of the sales will be generously donated to the Lakers Athletics Fund.

It’s a line dancing lesson at MoonShadow! Don’t worry about bringing boots – they’re not required, just a willingness to have a blast. And while you’re there, be sure to indulge in a delicious meal from Moonshadow’s scratch kitchen.

Tuesday April 18, 2023: Snow in the forecast! Are you a “yay” or a “nay” to hear that news?

The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with scattered snow showers in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Little or no snow accumulation. Breezy, with highs in the lower 50s. West winds of around 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. The chance of snow is 50%.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources crews stocked over 3,000 trout.

The Garrett County Department of Public Works – Roads Division advises line stripe work will begin on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 and is expected to continue into the summer months.

Join Maryland Women’s Heritage Center for an online program on researching and recognizing Maryland women in history! Held on April 25, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Learn how everyday citizens can identify women of history in their communities and utilize local resources. Open to all interested in Maryland women’s history.

This week: Learning Beyond the Classroom! Packed with fun activities like Play, Storytime, Crafts, Snacks, and Giveaways. Join for an unforgettable learning experience beyond the classroom walls!

Ruth Enlow Library has some exciting programs for your kids today! There’s Children’s Story Time at Kitzmiller and Accident Library, Story Time at Oakland Library, and Young Readers’ Book Club at Oakland Library. Bring your little ones for a fun and engaging experience. Don’t miss out! See you there!

Learn to crochet at Friendsville Library! All skill levels are welcome. Crochet materials will be provided for the initial project. Bring your current projects too!

Join the Board of County Commissioners for their public meeting today! Can’t make it in person? No worries! The meeting will be live-streamed on their Facebook page.

Monday April 17, 2023: How was your weekend? For me, it was a weekend full of good food in celebrating birthday milestones for several of my loved ones! Happy Birthday to my mom, Lauren, and Jenna!

Shoutout to Mary Ellen Biggar for sharing this wonderful photo from this weekend at Deep Creek Lake, MD.

The weather today will be mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers in the morning, then a chance of showers in the afternoon. Much cooler, with highs in the mid-40s and a low of 31. Southwest winds 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. The chance of rain is 50%.

It’s another Learning Beyond the Classroom session this week! The lineup is packed with fun and engaging activities such as Purposeful Play, Storytime, Crafts, Snacks, and Giveaways. Join this unforgettable learning experience that goes beyond the four walls of a classroom.

Grantsville Library invites you to join them for Children’s Story Time today at 11:00 AM. It’s an hour filled with stories, crafts, and activities carefully crafted to foster a love of reading in young children.

You’re invited to join Oakland Library today for the fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure book club! This month’s discussion will be on “The Curiosity” by Stephen Kiernan, taking place from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Friday, April 14, 2023: Wasn’t yesterday just the most perfect day weather-wise? I was saying that yesterday was one of our “6 good days” a year. Definitely a tongue-in-cheek joke since our weather is so unpredictable but it just doesn’t get much more perfect than the high 70s and sunny.

The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s and a low of 56. South winds of around 5 to 10 mph. Saturday will be showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon, with highs in the upper 60s and a low of 54. West winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 80%. Sunday will be showers likely, with highs in the mid-70s and a low of 40. The chance of rain is 60%.

I had a chance to sit and talk with Deep Creek-inspired painter Joseph Yonke.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources crews stocked over 4,000 trout.

Maryland DNR recognizes Don and Linda Grove of Hagerstown as Tree Farm of the Year, and Lucas Marcek as Tree Farm Inspector of the Year.

Speaking of DNR: “Each year Wildlife and Heritage staff survey female black bear dens, the purpose of these visits is for reproduction research. We monitor how many cubs each sow produces and we tag them for later identification if we ever need to handle the cubs again in later years. We track reproduction to determine if reproductive rates are increasing, stabilizing, or decreasing across the occupied bear range in Western Maryland. These photos are from a trail camera we have set up on a den that we visited this year. The sow is denned under a fallen treetop in Garrett County and she has 5 cubs. They are all doing great!”

April in Maryland means Flood Awareness Month! Learn flood tips and preparedness in this article as floods are the most common and costly natural hazard.

New research shows that only 45% of Americans felt their vacations lived up to expectations. However, those who sought expert guidance had a more positive experience, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans who traveled internationally in the past five years. Learn how to make the most of your trips with these travel tips. Send me a message if you’d like to ask any questions of a Deep Creek Lake local.

In Maryland, 78% of married couples (1,751,260 people) also said they are happily married, ranking 18th among the happiest states in America. This data was gathered by a photo books company that studied Census data and surveyed 3,000 married people to determine relationship happiness across the country.

Experience the magic of the Morgan State University Choir as they perform today at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College! Known for its prestigious reputation as one of the nation’s top university choral ensembles, the Choir features over 120 voices, and The Morgan Singers with approximately 40 voices. Don’t miss out on this critically acclaimed performance!

Discover the joy of gardening and join us as a 2023 Master Gardener! By training for one week – April 24-28, 9:30 AM-4:00 PM – you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to thrive in your gardening journey. The $150 registration fee includes a Master Gardener Handbook, materials, and a background check.

The International Dark-Sky Association, founded in 1988, warns that light pollution is increasing twice as fast as population growth, with 83% of the world’s population living under light-polluted skies. That’s why they’ve established International Dark Sky Week, from April 15 to 22 in 2023. Join the movement by turning off unnecessary exterior lights, learning about stars and constellations, and sharing your knowledge with others.

You’re invited to join the Garrett County Steps to Better Health Committee for the 2023 Garrett County Health Fair & Family Fun Festival! This free community event will take place tomorrow (Saturday) at the CARC at Garrett College in McHenry from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Come and increase your health awareness and explore the health-oriented resources available in our local community.

Celebrate the “Day of the Mushroom” on Saturday by joining Ranger Noah for a hands-on introduction to starting and growing your very own wine-cap mushroom garden! Make sure to bring gardening gloves and hiking boots for a fun and educational experience.

Deep Creek Lake State Park is offering an exciting event called “Hungry Critters” on Sunday! Get up close and personal with the park’s wildlife as you learn about their feeding habits and behaviors — a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Don’t miss out on a weekend full of local bands showcasing their incredible talents on stage in the area! Be sure to check our entertainment calendar for the full schedule of performances so you can join in on the excitement.

Thursday, April 13, 2023: The weather today will be sunny, with highs in the upper 70s and a low of 53. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph.

Mr. Richard Wesolowski, Director of Maintenance, Facilities, Operations, and Transportation, presented the recommended vendor award for the Southern Elementary School Project to BFM during the monthly Board meeting on April 11, 2023. The BFM bid for $1,998,039.00 was unanimously approved for the completion of the project.

Come join the Accident Library today and be a part of the Adult Book Club to discuss the latest read. Newcomers are always welcome!

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to work on your needlework projects, come join the Oakland Library for Needlework today. You can bring your own projects and enjoy the company of fellow crafters!

Come join the Grantsville Library for an exciting game of Mah-Jongg today from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends and challenge your brain with this engaging tile-based game. Don’t worry if you’re new to Mah-Jongg, the library is happy to provide instruction, so everyone can join in on the fun!

The Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County is excited to invite you to the April Business After Hours event today from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Don’t forget to bring your business cards for a chance to win great prizes!

Come and enjoy the soulful tunes of the house Honi Honi Band at Honi Honi Bar tonight! Treat yourself to some live music and groove to the rhythm of this talented band.

Wednesday April 12, 2023: The Garrett County Board of Education held a meeting last evening. I didn’t watch the entire recording but the Board voted to keep Route 40 Elementary and Swan Meadow schools open. View the meeting here.

The weather today will be partly sunny in the morning, then clear. Highs in the lower 70s and a low of 49. West winds 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph.

Aetna Better Health of Maryland is sponsoring the Garrett County Health Fair and Family Fun Festival on April 15 at the CARC in McHenry from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Other local agencies and organizations are also supporting the event.

The upcoming public meeting of the Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for April 18, 2023, and will be accessible via live stream on their official Facebook page.

Garrett Regional Medical Center Foundation announces the return of the bi-annual gala on November 11, 2023, at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. The theme, “Masquerade on the Mountain,” will evoke the elegance of Italian Renaissance masquerade balls.

Today, at the Friendsville branch, representatives from the Garrett County Department of Social Services will be at the library, ready to serve the community through their dedicated assistance outreach program. You are invited to come and benefit from their valuable support, as they provide essential resources and services.

Come join the LEGO Club today from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM! The Library is hosting this exciting event where a monthly building theme will be suggested, or builders can choose to free-build using their creativity and imagination. The Library will provide the LEGOs, and it’s open to all ages.

Don’t miss out on the last spring series hosted by Maryland Public Television and the Maryland Genealogical Society! This exciting series will feature four informative sessions focusing on research best practices to help attendees uncover valuable information about their ancestors. The live sessions will be held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Even if you can’t attend live, a recording of the session will be available for all registered attendees.

Tuesday, April 11, 2023: The weather today will be sunny, with highs in the mid-60s and a low of 50. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph.

Congratulations to Team 1629! The team won the Engineering Inspiration Award at the Chesapeake District Championship! They really do live their mission “Vision Driven for STEM Ready Kids”

As of April 10, Maryland Department of Natural Resources crews stocked 2,000 trout.

An online community of wellness enthusiasts, conducted a survey of 3,000 adults across the country to determine their peak fitness age. Results showed that Maryland has an average fitness peak of 30 years old, which is considered relatively advanced compared to the national average of 34.

Get ready to show off your artistic talent! The County Collector Coin for 2023 will be dedicated to celebrating the National Road in Grantsville. You are invited to submit your art for consideration in this special project. Make sure to review the guidelines and submit your artwork by May 1st.

Help DCWF in reforesting the buffer strip on Deep Creek Lake to combat erosion. Volunteers are needed to plant trees at Deep Creek Lake State Park from April 17-19 for the prototype garden of the 10 in 10 Project (aiming for 10% vegetation of riparian border in 10 years).

Embark on an exhilarating 4-mile hike with Ranger Noah and discover the invigorating benefits of outdoor exercise. Join the squad today for an exciting challenge amidst nature’s beauty!

Come join the exciting programs today at Ruth Enlow Library! There will be Children’s Story Time at Kitmiller, Oakland and Accident Library, and STEAM Kids at Friendsville Library.

The monthly meeting of the Garrett County Board of Education will take place today at Southern Garrett High School in the cafeteria. The meeting is open to the public, and for those unable to attend in person, it will be live-streamed for public review.

April 10, 2023: The weather today will be widespread frost this morning. Sunny, with highs in the lower 60s and a low of 38. Southwest winds of around 5 mph.

Most people with a boating license know the rules of the water and are familiar with general boat safety and etiquette. However, they may not be familiar with the impact of boat wake. Check the complete guidelines on our Deep Creek Boating information page.

The Garrett County Arts Council has awarded seven Arts-in-Education Community Arts Development Grants totaling $15,300. The grants will be used to develop and support the schools’ theatre and music programs.

Enroll your children in the Oakland Golf Club Kids Camp for a chance to introduce them to the sport of golf and make new friends. Alternatively, if they already play, this camp provides a fun opportunity to enhance their skills. The camp will run from June 19-22, 2023, starting at 9:00 AM and concluding at 12:30 PM.

Come join Grantsville Library today at 11:00 AM for an hour of Children’s Story Time. Delight in stories, crafts, and activities aimed at nurturing a passion for reading in young children.

Join the adult book club at Kitzmiller Library today! Everyone is welcome, including newcomers.