Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

February 3, 2023: It was sort of a surprise to see about 3/4 of an inch of snow overnight…

Earlier this week I participated in the Garrett County DFCC (Drug-Free Communities Coalition) meeting. There were many local agencies represented – it’s so good to see the community come together to reduce substance abuse through three elements: Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery. At this DFCC meeting, I learned about the local Garrett Resource Center (GCSUDRC) for those who may be struggling with sobriety. NOTE: Any participation with the Garrett Resource Center (GCSUDRC) is voluntary and does not impact any government services. You can make an anonymous referral to GCSUDRC here.

It’s going to be a cold one today! The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with numerous snow showers in the morning, then partly sunny in the afternoon. Little or no snow accumulation. Cooler, with highs around 14. Northwest winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. The chance of snow is 70%. Wind chill values are as low as 11 below. Saturday will be mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 30s and a low of 27. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Wind chill values are as low as 13 below in the morning. Sunday will be partly sunny, with highs in the mid-40s and a low of 32.

We just updated the featured Taylor-Made real estate listings — there is a solid inventory and I have my eye on the one with an inground pool.

Join the club on the first Friday of every month for a fun-filled morning at the Grantsville Library! The Read Together Book Club starts at 11:30 AM and we can’t wait to share our love of books with you.

Get ready to rock the weekend! Check out our entertainment calendar to see which local bands will be playing near you. Let’s enjoy some live music and make this a weekend to remember!

Join Ranger Noah on a mesmerizing 1-mile hike through the forest, as we bask in the light of the second full moon of winter, also known as the “Snow Moon.” Embrace the natural beauty of the surroundings and illuminate your path with a flashlight or headlamp. Don’t miss this magical opportunity to connect with the great outdoors!

Join Garrett Regional Medical Center in Dare to C.A.R.E. about Heart Health on Saturday during American Heart Month. Get a free cardiovascular screening appointment from 8 AM to 4:30 PM with 15-minute intervals. Screening includes a questionnaire, blood pressure check, and ultrasound of key arteries. Appointments required.

Join the Friends of New Germany State Park community! Attend the quarterly meeting on February 4 to learn about volunteering opportunities and becoming a member. Make a difference and contribute to preserving the beauty of the park.

Get ready for an exciting ice-fishing adventure with Ranger Brian on Saturday! In this beginner-friendly program, learn about the necessary gear and safety measures for a successful trip. If conditions permit, witness a live demonstration on New Germany Lake.

Savor all-you-can-eat soups, bread, and cookies this Saturday, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, while supporting a great cause! Food for Preston is hosting this delicious event, where you can enjoy a warm meal in-person or take it to-go. Come satisfy your cravings and make a difference in our neighboring community!

Discover the magic of snowshoeing with Ranger Julia! Join this free intro to the sport, where you’ll learn about its history, gear, basic skills, and the joy of exploring wintery landscapes. If conditions allow, put your skills to the test on a guided, moonlit hike along the Orchard Loop. Rental fees are waived, but the equipment is limited.

February 2, 2023: Today Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow at around 7:20 a.m. That means we are in for 6 more weeks of winter. It’s sort of an odd measurement in the modern world… but, it turns out, I’ve read that it began with a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition: If a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks.

Also, I’ve read this detailed and bizarre history…. claiming it started with a badger.

The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-30s and a low of 11. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph.

The town of Oakland is gearing up for its annual Winter Fest, slated for February 18, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This year’s event will feature kids’ activities, store specials, live music and performances, and the return of the highly successful Winter Fest Wine Walk.

The Performing Arts Center will be hosting the first Business After Hours of the year on February 9 from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. They are proud to host the Offutt III Theatre and show off some amazing performing arts talent, presented by the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival and Garrett County Arts Council.

After nearly a decade, the Special Olympics Maryland Winter Games have returned to Wisp Resort. Help Garrett County Government, Wisp Resort and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce welcome the athletes back with a special program and reception on Sunday, February 26 at 7:00 PM.

Join Oakland Library every Thursday of the month for a relaxing and fun needlework session! Bring your projects and get ready to stitch and chat with like-minded crafters.

Join the unforgettable evening of music and entertainment, as Scott Brooks takes the stage as the host of tonight’s Open Mic Night at MoonShadow.

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

February 1, 2023: President Abraham Lincoln approved the Joint Resolution of Congress that later became the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on February 1, 1865. Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., who was born into slavery and freed after the Civil War, believed that there should be a day when freedom for all Americans is celebrated. Wright petitioned government leaders, and, one year after his death, the holiday was signed into law on June 30, 1948, by President Harry Truman.

This holiday was the forerunner to Black History Day and later Black History Month.

The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-20s and a low of 17. West winds of around 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. The chance of rain is 70%.

Come and celebrate Locals Day! Take advantage of today’s special deals and discounts at Mountain State Brewing.

Wednesday Senior Special is back at Garrett 8 Cinemas. Go to the movies for a night of fun and savings, exclusively for seniors.

Oakland Library will have a fun-filled storytime adventure, perfect for children ages 3 and up. Let’s spark their imagination, encourage social skills, improve listening comprehension, and get them ready for school with exciting stories, STEM activities, games, music, and crafts.

Relax with your fellow book lovers at the Accident Branch Library as we share our latest reads. You just may discover a new favorite author.

Hear former DOE official Kurt Heckman speak on the latest in nuclear fusion. Heckman, former director of DOE’s Secretarial Boards and Councils, will speak at 6:30 PM in the Performing Arts Center. Get the inside scoop on energy, nuclear security, and science from a knowledgeable source.

January 31, 2023: Today is National Hot Chocolate Day. Kick back, relax, and enjoy! Also, if you are ever having any trouble getting the Deep Creek Times site to load, will you send me a quick note to let me know? I want to ensure you all have access to the most up-to-date information I have!

We had about 0.25″ of snow/sleet accumulation overnight and schools are currently on a two-hour delay.

The weather today will be cloudy. Patchy fog in the morning, with a chance of snow in the morning, then a slight chance of freezing rain in the afternoon. Little or no snow accumulation—highs in the upper 20s and a low of 18. Northwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph.

Maryland Federation of Republican Women President Sharon Carrick traveled to the county recently to install the 2023-2024 officers of the Garrett County Republican Women’s Club. At the meeting which followed, the Club adopted its annual budget and outlined the programs and projects for 2023. The Club meets on the third Wednesday of every month.

Join Ranger Noah for a fun and invigorating outdoor adventure on a 4-mile hike starting at 10:00 AM! Get your heart racing and enjoy all the health benefits that come with a good hike.

Hey kids! Come have some fun with us at Story Time with Kitzmiller Library and Oakland Library. They’ll explore stories, create crafts, and enjoy a variety of activities while learning and playing.

Cheer on our local high school athletes as they compete today!

January 30, 2023: How did you spend your weekend? It really was a great winter weekend — there was some snow on the ground but the sun was shining! I heard a collective sigh of relief! I attended a 50k (yes, 30+ miles) fat bike ride over in Canaan Valley. It was a beautiful course but it was tough. I did just one of the three laps while some amazing athletes absolutely demolished the entire 50k course. It was amazing camaraderie!

I also saw some friends taking advantage of the free learn to cross-country ski event on Saturday. Mark your calendar for the next few Saturdays: February 8, 4-5 pm and February 25 from 10-11 am.

Also, the local Deep Creek Winter Sports Team was competing over the weekend. Good stuff!

The weather today will be patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with a 50% chance of rain—highs in the mid-40s and a low of 22. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph.

The first-ever Radar Run snowmobile event to benefit Cindy’s Fund planned for January 28 faced a small problem – lack of snow! They’re monitoring the weather and tentatively rescheduling for February 11. Stay tuned for updates!

Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and CandyStore combined data and candy to create an interactive map with exciting findings. The map includes a lot of conversation hearts and chocolate to explore.

At the Maryland Transportation Authority Board meeting, the MDTA team presented an updated proposal and announced public hearing dates for the upcoming toll rate-setting process of the new I-95 Northbound Express Toll Lanes and I-695 ramp extension. If you’re regularly traveling through that way, you can find out more details here.

The Ruth Enlow Library is launching the new version of its online system on February 1.

Indulge in some delicious treats with the weekly specials! Enjoy Pizza Monday at Brenda’s Pizzeria and Happy Hour Specials every Monday and Tuesday at Mountain State Brewing.

Experience the beauty of winter at New Germany State Park with a personalized, ranger-led snowshoe adventure. Couples, families, youth groups, and more are invited to join our park ranger for a customized lesson and hike. Your ranger will cater to your individual needs and abilities for a unique and educational experience.

Join the excitement and show your support for your favorite local high school athletes at their thrilling basketball and baseball games today.

January 27, 2023: Today is National Fun at Work Day! I’d love to hear what everyone does for a living. Do you work in an office or work from home? A hybrid? Will you try to laugh today? Since I’m not usually in an office my “fun at work” will be trying to get out on a snowy bike ride at lunchtime.

The weather today will be snow showers likely in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Additional snow accumulation up to 1 inch, with highs in the upper 20s and a low of 22. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. The chance of snow is 70%. Saturday will be mostly cloudy. A chance of snow showers in the morning. Breezy, with highs in the upper 30s and a low of 29. West winds of around 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. The chance of snow is 50%. Sunday will be cloudy, with a chance of rain showers—highs in the upper 30s and a low of 34. The chance of rain is 50%.

Due to a water main break the Garrett County Health Department building in Oakland is closed today, Friday, January 27.

We’re at nearly 30″ of snow for the year!

Head on over to Garrett 8 Cinemas today for an exciting event – it’s the first-ever FREE POPCORN FRIDAY! That means that when you buy a ticket to any movie today, you’ll also receive a complimentary large popcorn. Don’t miss out on this special offer; see you at the movies!

Harper’s Memorial Breakfast is on Saturday at the Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad. It’s an opportunity for us to come together and show Keith and Faith the strength of our community and the support they have during this challenging time. Let’s make it a meaningful and uplifting event for them.

The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club is holding a torchlight parade and tree-lighting event at Wisp Resort tomorrow. It’s a thank-you gift to Wisp Resort for their 50 years of support for the Blind Skier Program.

Looking for a new furry friend? Join HART for Animals on Saturday for “No Place Like Home” and meet the adoptable animals. You may just find your new four-legged best buddy!

Explore the great outdoors and learn something new by joining the local state parks this weekend for a variety of activities, including building birdfeeders, creek crafts, and ranger-led snowshoe experiences. Check here for more information and the complete schedule of programs.

Are you planning a fun-filled night out this weekend? Look no further! There’s an exciting entertainment calendar full of amazing bands.

January 26, 2023: Today is a snow day for Garrett County Public Schools but today the schools are “fully” closed with no virtual work. Let’s see your smiley snow photos!

The weather today will be snow showers. Areas of blowing snow, with snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Blustery, with highs in the upper 20s and a low of 21. West winds of around 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. The chance of snow is near 100%. I also have seen some reports showing 6-8″ inches in the forecast…. fingers crossed!

According to City Index’s recent research, they have found that ‘Gross Domestic Product’ (GDP) is the most commonly misunderstood finance term worldwide, with an average of 165,000 searches per month for its definition. U.S. gross domestic product, adjusted for inflation, increased at an annual rate of 2.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to the “advance” estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

GCPS students learn investing through the stock market game.

Garrett County Department of Business Development is accepting comments and feedback on its recently developed strategic plan. Please email comments and feedback to business@garrettcounty.org by 4:30 PM on February 7, 2023.

A new report by Construction Coverage examines the U.S. locations with the most workers in mechanical-related occupations. The analysis shows that Maryland has 17.6% of its workforce in such jobs, ranking it 6th for the fewest number of mechanically-inclined workers in the U.S.

The Women’s Networking Luncheon scheduled for today at Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub has been rescheduled for February 16.

All Ruth Enlow Library locations are closed today due to the snowy weather forecast.

Head to Mountain State Brewing DCL today at 6:30 PM for some TEAM TRIVIA fun! Put your knowledge to the test over some cold beers and great company.

January 25, 2023: Hooray for a snow day! Now, back in my day, we’d get 6-8″ of snow overnight and still have school …. *shakes fist at the sky* …. haha but, it does seem that we were getting more snow about 20 years ago. My graph showing the historical snowfall for Garrett County documents that we received 234 inches of snow (my junior year of high school).

As long as the freezing rain and sleet holds off, there are several winter activities that will be great today! I just know the skiing will be great, the tubing will be great, the cross-country skiing will be great, the fat tire biking will be great, the sledding will be great, the hiking in this beautiful winter wonderland will be great, and coffee-drinking-by-the-cozy-fire may very well be the very best way to spend the day. If you don’t have a snow day (like me), thank goodness for the ability to remote work!

The weather today will be snow and sleet. Freezing rain in the morning, then freezing rain and rain in the afternoon. Snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 3 Inches. Ice accumulation of up to a tenth of an inch—highs in the lower 30s and a low of 27. Southeast winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is near 100%.

Due to the weather, Garrett County Public Schools will conduct a synchronous Virtual Learning Day (live instruction) today as the schools will be closed for in-person learning. Another update: Thursday, Jan 26, 2023: No Virtual Learning Day. Possible school closure, delayed opening, or early dismissal due to inclement weather. Announcements made via GCPS procedures. Friday, Jan 27, 2023: Professional day for staff and Asynchronous Virtual Learning Day for students (no live instruction). The professional day will still be held if the schools are closed on Thursday.

The Republican Women’s Club of Garrett County supports the fight against human trafficking. In January, you can see the information display at the Oakland branch of the Ruth Enlow Library. Report suspicions of human trafficking by calling 1-888-373-7888.

Garrett Regional Medical Center is offering free cardiovascular screenings on February 4 as part of the Dare to C.A.R.E. about Maryland Heart Health Screening Day. The screening includes a questionnaire, blood pressure check, and ultrasound. To schedule your appointment, please call 410-573-9483. Walk-ins are not accepted.

The Women’s Networking Luncheon is back!!  The first Women’s Networking Event of 2023 is set for tomorrow, Thursday, January 26, at noon at Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub!

Keep an eye on the weather but the scheduled Ruth Enlow Library events for today are:
Storytime at 10:30 AM for a fun-filled storytime for children ages 3 and up!
STEAM at Kitzmiller Library today at 4:30 PM!
A discussion of “The Eye of the World” by Robert Jordan. Register at the Oakland Library.

Photo by Mosaic Photography:

January 24, 2023: On this National Compliment Day, I remind you to say the nice things you think!! I don’t know if anyone else has this happen but when I’m talking to someone or watching social media, I will think compliments to myself. Someone’s hair looks really nice, or that color looks really good on her, or that person did a kind thing, or they’re in my thoughts but…. for some reason, I don’t always say it because the conversation eventually turns or changes and I forget. SAY THE NICE THINGS! I’ve tried to adopt the philosophy that people will always appreciate a compliment or simple acknowledgment!

The weather today will be mostly cloudy in the morning, then becoming partly sunny—highs in the lower 30s and a low of 26. West winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph in the morning. The chance of rain is 35%.

The commercial properties currently housing the Farmer’s Market in Oakland, Hill Top in Grantsville, and the Fruit Bowl in Cumberland have been listed for sale.

Loch Lynn Restaurant will be permanently closing. A message from the owners can be seen here to express their gratitude towards its customers for their support throughout the years.

Each year, an estimated 715,000 cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled. More importantly, the problem isn’t going away anytime soon. One Maryland non-profit seeks to address the unmet need for cybersecurity professionals as well as a desire to reverse the brain-drain trend in rural communities through a project called CyberJobs, which is funded by a $15,000 Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) grant.

There is a new study looking at which U.S. locations have the most multigenerational households. The analysis found that 9.3% of all residents in Maryland live in a household containing three or more generations. Out of all states, Maryland has the 6th-most multigenerational households.

With Americans quitting their jobs at record rates during the so-called “Great Resignation,” even in the face of high inflation, WalletHub released its updated report on 2023’s States with the Highest Job Resignation Rates, along with expert commentary. Maryland ranked #28, with a 2.50% resignation rate for the last month and a 2.58% resignation rate for the last 12 months.

Join the First Annual Western Maryland Hardwater Tournament to benefit HART for Animals on February 18, 2023, at Deep Creek Lake! Not only will you have the opportunity to enjoy a day out on the ice and potentially reel in some big catches, but you’ll also be supporting a great cause. Register your team by Wednesday, February 15th.

Greene Turtle Deep Creek is hosting a Funds 4 Friends today, with the proceeds going to their manager Dustin Broadwater and his family. During the fundraiser, there will be a basket raffle and other family-friendly activities.

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners will have its public meeting today at 4:00 PM. The meeting will also be live-streamed.

Check out the complete schedule for a full list of events and programs happening at the Ruth Enlow library today. Whether your child is interested in arts and crafts, storytelling, or educational games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the library. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Come join the excitement of local high school sports! Show your school spirit and come out to cheer on your favorite team today.

January 23, 2023: I love to look outside and see a fresh coating of snow! It’s so magical outside today. Are you at the lake? We always love to see your photos!!

The weather today will be patchy fog in the morning. Snow, mainly in the morning, with a total snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Brisk, with highs in the lower 30s and a low of 24. West winds of around 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. The chance of snow is 90%.

When it comes to winter and your pets, one key safety tip is often overlooked and it can often be found right on your garage floor – keep your pets clear of leaked antifreeze! Here are 5 tips to keep your furry friend warm and protected all winter long.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the state’s Primitive Deer Hunt will be open February 1-3 statewide. Hunters with a valid hunting license, or those exempt from the hunting license requirement, may use primitive bows or muzzleloaders to hunt sika and white-tailed deer during these days.

Come to the Oakland Library on January 28 to create an Origami Rabbit! All materials will be provided. Registration is required.

Here is a great Valentine’s Day special from Deep Creek Pottery! Couples night on the pottery wheel for only $75.00 per couple for a 1-hour lesson! This makes a great gift and a fun experience! Schedule your appointment. This offer is good through February!

Don’t miss the specials from your favorites today! It’s Pizza Monday at Brenda’s and Happy Hour Special at Mountain State Brewing.

Join the University of Maryland Extension today from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Garrett College Room 111 for a Solar & Landowners Workshop. Landowners will be able to learn about the potential benefits and pitfalls of leasing their land for solar installations. An online version of the event is available via Zoom.

Calling all the kids! Ruth Enlow Library is inviting you to join their programs today – a lot of exciting activities are waiting for you!

January 20, 2023: There’s more snow in the forecast! Wooooo! I get excited to hear that and I enjoy making the most of the four seasons by getting out and biking in the snow. If you’d like to try it sometime, let me know. It’s a great way to get exercise and to see beautiful places.

Did you know we have our own little weather station and keep track of the snow totals for each winter? You can check out the current snow totals for Garrett County here.

The weather today will be snow showers, likely mainly in the morning. Snow accumulation is around an inch. Windy, with highs in the lower 30s and a low of 31. West winds of around 25 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. The chance of snow is 70%. Saturday will be cloudy in the morning, then becoming partly sunny, with highs around 30 and a low of 23. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. The chance of rain is 55%. Sunday will be snow and rain, with highs in the mid-30s and a low of 28. The chance of precipitation is 90%.

Bring your son or daughter to the Northern vs Southern girls basketball game on Monday, January 23rd, at Northern High School. If your child has received a medal for participating in the school’s Play Hard, Live Clean campaign, he or she can get into the game for free by wearing their PHLC medal. All students will also be recognized at the start of the varsity game. Please arrive by 7:00pm. The JV game is at 6 pm and the varsity game starts at 7:30 pm.

According to a survey, Maryland residents are willing to drive 5 hours and 6 minutes instead of taking a one-hour flight due to current uncertainty in airport conditions.

The Garrett County Health Department’s Dental Care Center is partnering with Mountain Laurel Medical Center, CareFirst, and Allegany County Health Department to increase access to dental services for their patients. The program, which is funded by grants, will provide qualifying patients with a range of services, including exams, cleanings, extractions, X-rays, fillings, and preventative care.

Join the Accident Library’s ‘A Stitch in Time’ Sewing Circle this Saturday at 9:30 AM. Open to all ages and skill levels. Meet other sewing enthusiasts and make new friends, one stitch at a time.

Unleash your inner detective on this easy 1-mile, hourlong hike at New Germany Park this Saturday. Search for tracks and scat and test your detective skills.

Honor and raise funds for Harper Chapman at the Benefit Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. Registration begins at 3:00 PM, and the tournament starts at 4:00 PM.

Join Ranger Noah for a moderate-to-difficult 2.5-mile hike this Sunday, and discover the native woodpecker species in the park, as well as the top locations to spot all seven.

Looking for a fun night out this weekend? Be sure to check out our entertainment calendar for some amazing bands playing live.

January 19, 2023: Today is National Popcorn Day! One of my favorite treats is a popcorn (with extra butter) from Garrett 8 Cinemas! Have you tried their snack pack? A drink, a chocolatey candy and a small popcorn is the best. I know, I know, it’s not necessarily the healthiest snack but everything in moderation. It’s my rainy day go-to! Catch a movie and enjoy! ????

The weather today will be rainy—patchy fog, with highs in the upper 40s and a low of 30. Southeast winds of around 10 to 15 mph, becoming south in the afternoon. The chance of rain is near 100%.

As of January 18, crews from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have stocked a total of 5,100 trout. Whoa!

The Kitzmiller Library will host representatives from the Garrett County Department of Social Services today at 11:00 AM as part of their assistance outreach program to serve the community.

Join fellow crafters and bring your own needlework projects to work on at 1:00 PM today.

Catch Scott Brooks perform live tonight at 6:00 PM at MoonShadow.

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

January 18, 2023: It’s been rainy and dreary. I’m tired.

Has anyone found Wednesday motivation?

The weather today will be cloudy. A chance of rain showers in the morning—areas of fog in the morning. Windy, with highs in the lower 40s and a low of 32. West winds of around 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. The chance of rain is 40%.

The presentation from the Garrett County Public Schools grade band and facility use community meeting is available.

The next public meeting of the Board of County Commissioners will take place on January 24, 2023, at 3:00 PM.

The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation invites you to attend the 2023 Virtual Brunch and Learn Educational Series today, led by the University of Maryland Extension in Garrett County. The session starts at 10:00 AM and is open and free to anyone interested in learning about Deep Creek Lake and its surrounding watersheds. Please register prior to the meeting to receive the virtual meeting link.

Oakland Library has a lineup of programs for you to attend today! The first program is a storytime at 10:30 AM, specifically designed for children ages 3 and up. This program aims to promote creative expression, social skills, listening comprehension, and school readiness through the use of stories, STEM activities, games, music and crafts. Following that, at 5:30 PM, The Friends of the Library, an advisory group, will be meeting to discuss new ideas for the upcoming year and are always looking for new members to join.

Special shoutout to Mark Richards for sharing his sunrise photo with us!

January 17, 2023: January 17th is also known as International Mentoring Day. The idea is to foster an understanding of the mentoring movement; the movement where a more knowledgeable person shares wisdom with someone who has less experience. The Garrett County Commissioners also just recognized January 2023 as Garrett County Mentoring Month – here’s an excerpt from that proclamation:

WHEREAS, mentoring plays a pivotal role in career exploration and supports workplace skills by helping young people set career goals, equipping mentors with the skills needed to support the professional growth of young people, and drives positive outcomes for young people and businesses;

When I was just beginning my career, I was fortunate to have several mentors. One of my first bosses, Amy, taught me so much … especially about how to dress and how to answer the phone. My next boss, Norm, instructed me on the little “unspoken” things to get me started in my career and really trusted me with the work. I think mentors are so important to help grow the necessary skills and attitude to be successful.

The weather today will likely be rain in the morning, then showers likely in the afternoon—highs in the mid-40s and a low of 37. Southwest winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. The chance of rain is 70%.

From 10:30 am to 11:00 am at the Kitzmiller Library is the Children’s Story Time event. Geared for children ages 3-5, kids will look, listen, sing, and play while learning through stories, crafts, and other fun activities. Also, at the Oakland library, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am is Story Time for Ages 6-36 months.

From 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, meet with the Garrett County Department of Social Services at the Grantsville library and learn about the assistance programs available.

At 1:00 pm today is the General Program Overview for prospective applicants of the Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program.

The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its January 17 Board Meeting in the cafeteria of Grantsville Elementary School, and @ 5:00 pm is the dedication of the school,

The Young Readers’ Book Club (today) is a book discussion group for children in grades 6 and up.