Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

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.

December 22, 2022: So far in Oakland today, we’ve received about 2″ of snow and now it is turning to freezing rain. I’m not sure what to expect as far as this winter storm is concerned but I’ve seen reports that tomorrow will be blizzard conditions. Everyone stay safe!

Also, I wanted to share this photo from one of many parties this holiday season! I was so happy to catch up with friends last night at Firewater. Left to right in the photo below are Jessica, me, Haeli, and Allison!

The weather today will be freezing rain and snow. Sleet in the morning, then rain in the afternoon. Snow and sleet accumulation of 2 to 4 Inches. Ice accumulation of up to one-quarter of an inch—highs in the lower 30s and a low of 18. Southeast winds of around 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is near 100%.

Due to the impending inclement weather and the shift to Virtual Learning Days, all Garrett County Public Schools’ afternoon and evening activities are canceled for Thursday and Friday, December 22-23, 2022.

This winter, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is kicking off the first comprehensive study of wild turkeys ever conducted in the state. The 3-year research project aims to answer many questions about factors potentially impacting turkey populations.

MoonShadow invites you and your family to the 2nd Annual Charles Dickens Dinner today at 5:00 PM. The Christmas Compton Trio will be playing old timely, and contemporary Christmas tunes.

A Walk Down Holiday Lane event was originally scheduled for tonight and tomorrow but I think it’s canceled with the other public school events.

December 21, 2022: Happy Winter Solstice! Today is the first official day of the winter season and the time when the earth’s axis is tilted as far away from the sun as it can be; resulting in the shortest day and the longest night of the year for the Northern Hemisphere.

What I did not know is that the December Solstice technically is only a brief moment in time: it occurs at exactly 4:48 PM today according to the Farmer’s Almanac. This is shown in the diagram below:

The first day of meteorological winter typically is about 3 weeks before the winter solstice.

The weather on this solstice will be sunny—highs in the upper 30s and a low of 27. Southeast winds of around 5 mph.

The Town of Oakland’s weather forecast for the coming weekend and next week calls for low temperatures within the 20s and below. This is a reminder that the extremely cold temperatures may have an effect on the Town’s water distribution system and may result in higher-than-normal water main failures.

Garrett County Public Schools will conduct a Synchronous Virtual Learning Day (live instruction) on December 22 and an Asynchronous Learning Day (no live instruction) on December 23, 2022, due to impending inclement weather. All schools and administrative offices will remain closed starting December 26, 2022 through January 2, 2023 for winter break.

ALSO: Garrett County Public Schools and Grimm & Parker plan to hold meetings today with members of the Northern Area Grade Band and Facility Use Committee from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Northern Garrett High School. The community meeting has been postponed and will be rescheduled for the week of January 9th. 

By now, you are either running around trying to grab a last-minute gift, or you are completely done with your shopping. Either way, Cashmere Clothing Co. is inviting you to just take a moment out of your busy holiday hustle and bustle to enjoy a delicious cookie and a cup of cocoa! Today at 2:00 PM 🙂 Tell Marcia you read it about it here on DCT!

Join Mountain State Brewing tonight at 5:30 PM for a Watercolor Workshop! Reservations are required by calling 240-321-0256.

The forecast is still in flux but Garrett County Emergency Management reminds you of these tips to prepare for winter storm weather.

December 20, 2022: I cannot believe it’s already December 20! Will I see you at the public meeting this afternoon? The new Board of Garrett County Commissioners will be sworn in today.

The weather today will be partly sunny in the morning, then becoming cloudy—highs in the mid-30s and a low of 23. East winds of around 5 mph.

A new Respiratory Illness Snapshot is now available on the Garrett County Health Department’s website that shows the local numbers of these illnesses and includes links to state and national data.

The 2023 Maryland Natural Resource wall calendar, featuring the dazzling photographs that won this year’s photo contest, is available for purchase.

The Maryland DNR Forest Service announced the awarding of Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants to 53 volunteer fire departments in 15 counties across the state. In Garrett County, local Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire Company received $3,000, Gorman Volunteer Fire Department received $1,358, and Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department received $1,400.

Also DNR announced the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) will once again be sponsored by the department’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. This in-school offering will be an integral part of the department’s larger educational programming and its Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) program.

Busses and Dinosaurs and Bugs, oh my! Join Learning Beyond the Classroom today at Grantsville Senior Center.

Gear up and take this challenging 4-mile hike with Ranger Noah today at New Germany Lake House.

The Board of County Commissioners will have its public meeting today at 4:00 PM (with the administrative session beginning at 3:00 PM. The meeting will also be live-streamed on Facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment.

It’s the time of year again! The only time that the Hickory Environmental Educational Center opens to the general public. Everyone is invited to come out and view the facility today, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, for the annual Hickory Holiday Open House. There will be tours of the nature hall, a short planetarium presentation, and light refreshments will be provided. Make plans now to join in on the festivities!

Santa will be back today at Deep Creek UNO from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM! Bring the kids for a visit and picture with Santa, a special treat, and kids eat FREE with a paying adult!

December 19, 2022: Happy Hanukkah! Also known as Chanukah or the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish festival that lasts for eight days. In the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah starts on the 25th of Kislev, which corresponds to the time frame between late November and December in the Gregorian Calendar. This year, the first day of Hanukkah began at sundown on December 18, and the festival will end at sundown on December 26. This holiday commemorated the Maccabean Revolt when Jews fought against their oppressors during the second century B.C.

I’m wishing a happy Hanukkah in saying chag sameach (pronounced [ khag sah–meh-ahkh ]) — meaning “happy holiday” today! A bit more Hanukkah-specific, you could say chag Hanukkah sameach, (pronounced [ khag khah-nuh-kuh sah–meh-ahkh ]), instead.

I had a great weekend! Holiday parties and gatherings with friends and a wonderful light display put on by my friend Doug! He had a walk-through of lights, the cutest little pathway with drinks and bags of treats.

The weather today will be cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 28. West wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 16. Calm wind.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that Maryland’s Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season opened last Saturday, December 17. The season contains two segments, from December 17 through January 2, 2023, and again from January 13 through January 31, 2023. Also, DNR has begun stocking more than 300,000 trout in Maryland waters. This early “preseason” stocking of a few fish in impoundments will be done to reduce density at DNR’s hatcheries and create available space outdoors for young trout to grow.

According to a study, the average Maryland commuter consumed over 205k calories while driving in 2022.

It’s Pizza Monday at Brenda’s! I know what’s for dinner!

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

Children are invited to join the Learning Beyond the Classroom today at Friendsville Firehall. You’ll receive a free book, and families receive a free bag of food at every stop!

December 16, 2022: How did everyone do with the ice storm? I’d love to see your photos! Here in Oakland, I measured about .25″ of ice and about .25″ of sleet / snow. The power was off from about 5:45 am to 12:00pm but we made out just fine.

Here is a photo from this morning’s sunrise that was sent in to us! I love it!

The weather today will be mostly cloudy. Scattered snow showers, mainly in the morning. Little or no snow accumulation, with highs in the mid-30s and a low of 23. West winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. The chance of snow is 30%. Saturday will be snow showers likely, mainly in the morning—highs in the upper 20s and a low of 19. West winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. The chance of snow is 70%. Sunday will be mostly cloudy, with a 50% chance of snow showers. Blustery, with highs in the mid-20s and a low of 16.

AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring a volatile weather pattern that is unfolding across the middle of the nation this week. Also, a bitter blast of cold air from Siberia is forecasted to plunge the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. into a deep freeze in the days leading up to Christmas.

The Snow Emergency Plan was lifted at 1:00 am today.

Garrett County Public Schools will open two (2) hours late today December 16, 2022.

A survey finds that 1 in 3 Maryland men admit they wait until Christmas Eve to buy their partner’s presents.

The Maryland State Board of Education and AIB will hold a meeting today, beginning at 10:00 AM. The full agenda and live stream are available at the link.

Shop Unique at the Mountain Made at MoonShadow today at 6:00 PM. Be sure to check out the shop and support these lovely ladies and friends of mine.

Santa is in town one more weekend before he heads off to deliver presents around the world. Including ice skating, a photoshoot at Tractor Supply, and a visit at the B&O Museum,

Warm up with hot chocolate, hot dogs, popcorn, and more at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen at the Southern’s Old Football Field for A Walk Down Holiday Lane this weekend.

​Join Mountain Fresh Winter Farmers’ Market on Saturday in downtown Oakland from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM!

Join Howlidays Open House on  Saturday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Come and meet our adoptable dogs and cats! No advance application is needed.

Board gaming fun with awesome people and pizza as well! Ease into the holidays with some fun this Saturday at Oakland Library.

Enjoy this free showing of “The Grinch” (Rated G) with a warm, crackling fire on Saturday at New Germany Lake House. Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase at the Snack Bar, as well as complimentary s’mores.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore the 1-mile Orchard Loop by candlelight and holiday lights on Saturday! This is a self-guided activity, so feel free to begin your hike at any time, but please plan to return no later than 8:00 PM.

The Garrett Choral Society is pleased to present the holiday concert this year on Sunday at the new Performing Arts Center at Garrett College! There will be a variety of Christmas and holiday selections, including a large work by Z. Randall Stroope titled Hodie!

Wrap up the weekend with these local bands on our entertainment calendar.

December 15, 2022: The sleet and freezing rain are hitting the window of my car as I write this, and I, personally, have been out of power since about 5:45 am this morning. There has been some ice accumulation here in Oakland. Here are two photos from my yard but I’m not planning to go anywhere today. It’s tough to tell if the roads are icy but you can check the state’s road condition cameras by clicking this link.

The snow emergency plan is currently in effect.

The weather today will be freezing rain. A slight chance of sleet in the morning, then rain, and snow, with a slight chance of sleet in the afternoon. Precipitation may be heavy at times in the morning. Snow and sleet accumulation is around an inch. Ice accumulation of one-quarter to one-half of an inch. Blustery with highs in the lower 30s. Southeast winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 Mph, decreasing to 35 Mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is near 100%.

A lot of organizations are closed today: Garrett County Government, the Garrett County Health Department, Garrett County Public Schools, and Garrett College to name a few. Make sure to call ahead if you are heading out today.

Expert cautions pet owners to stop treating pets as ‘Little Humans’ this Christmas. In Maryland, 75% of pet-owning households in Maryland admit to giving their pets special treatment. Ouch. I give my two dogs Christmas gifts… anyone else?

Progress Reports for the Second Grading Period in Garrett County Public Schools will be released today.

Maryland State Department of Education announces Innovative New Grant Program – Maryland Works – that will accelerate industry-aligned Youth Apprenticeship Programs.

Everyone is welcome for the We Got’cha Covered Clothing Giveaway every Thursday from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Glade Church. New stuff is added weekly, and everything is free.

Santa is coming back to Deep Creek UNO today from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM! Bring the kids for a visit and picture with Santa, a special treat, and kids eat FREE with a paying adult!

December 14, 2022: This photo was sent in by a dear reader this morning. The very depiction of “red sky in the morning, sailors take warning” as we have an impending ice storm in the forecast.

A little research and I’ve learned Shakespeare used a version of this in the play Venus and Adonis in lines 409 – 480: “Like a red morn that ever yet betokened, Wreck to the seaman, tempest to the field, Sorrow to the shepherds, woe unto the birds, Gusts and foul flaws to herdmen and to herds.”

There is some truth to this quote as the colors we see in the sky are due to the more-horizontal rays of sunlight passing through the atmosphere and ricocheting off water vapor and dust particles in the atmosphere. These amounts of water vapor and dust particles are good indicators of weather conditions (and the colors we see as the light rays are bounced).

The weather today will be cloudy, with highs in the mid-30s and a low of 26. Southeast winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 10%. A winter storm warning is in effect tonight beginning at 10pm.

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

A report by Self Financial looks at the U.S. locations whose residents pay the highest utility bills. Residents of Maryland spend a median of $255 on utilities each month—2.7% of the average household income. Overall, Maryland residents spend the 4th smallest share of their income on utility bills.

Here is the summary of the Board of Garrett County Commissioners Public Meeting held last December 7.

Do you have what it takes to be a steward of the natural world? Do you complain when you get bug bites? Do you scream “Yay!” or “AHH!” when you see a snake outside? Regardless of your answers, this program is for you! Join the Master Naturalist program at Deep Creek Lake State Park today from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

Children are invited to join the LEGO Club today from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM. The Kitzmiller Library will provide the LEGOs while the kids provide the imagination!

December 13, 2022: Have you ever heard of the PECS system? I learned yesterday that PECS is the Picture Exchange Communication System: a way for autistic people to communicate without relying on speech. To communicate, people use cards with pictures, symbols, words, or photographs to ask for things, comment on things or answer questions. It was developed as an alternative/augmentative communication system in 1985 by Andy Bondy, PhD, and Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP. There is a questionnaire on the website to determine if an individual is a good candidate for PECS.

The weather today will be mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 30s and a low of 24. East winds of around 5 mph.

Merry Christmas and Happy New year from David Jochynek your local State Farm Agent. Now is a great time to connect with David and get your free quote.

Congratulations to Patty Tasker of Garrett Family Medicine, as she was recently named the 2022 Employee of the Year at Garrett Regional Medical Center.

The Board of County Commissioners will have its public meeting on December 20, 2022. The meeting will also be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/.

Great news! Deep Creek UNO is back open 7 days a week, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Stop in to eat or do some holiday shopping (or both). Also… Santa is coming to Deep Creek UNO today from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM! Bring the kids for a visit and picture with Santa and a special treat. KIDS EAT FREE with a paying adult.

Every Monday & Tuesday, all appetizers are now half off at Mountain State Brewing Deep Creek Lake!

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.

The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting today at 3:00 PM. The Board will meet in the Board Room at the Central Office. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed for public review.

Everyone is gearing up for the holidays, but we also know that sometimes this time of year can be really tough – especially if someone you love is no longer with you. Grief is always hard, but it’s especially difficult during Christmas. Today at 7:00 PM, Crossroads Church is inviting anyone in the community to join them as they remember the loved ones who have passed away and honor their memory.

December 12, 2022: Good Monday morning! Unfortunately, over the weekend, the Garrett County Health Department issued an overdose alert. This was done after learning there has been a recent increase in overdoses related to opiates in and around Garrett County. These overdoses may be related to the synthetic opioid drug fentanyl (roughly 100 times more potent than heroin). If witnessing an overdose, it is important to call 911, and that the individual gets immediate medical care. If a person on the scene has access to naloxone (an opioid antidote) they should administer it immediately. Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law protects a person from arrest for drug and alcohol charges if they call for help for someone else who has overdosed. The weather today will be mostly cloudy. A slight chance of freezing drizzle in the morning, with highs in the lower 30s and a low of 21. Northwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 15%. The family-owned Hill-Top Fruit Markets and CandyLand have announced they will close all locations after 65 years. I’d love to hear your CandyLand memories! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invite all Maryland fifth graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. The theme for 2023 is: “Trees Are Terrific…and Cool our Communities!” All entries must be delivered to a local Maryland Forest Service office by noon, January 20, 2023. Garrett County Public Schools sets grade-band and facility-use meetings for northern area schools. The meetings will occur on December 21 at Nothern Garrett High School. Join Grantsville Library today from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM for the Holiday Open House. Experience a magical Harry Potter Christmas through decor, crafts, and activities. Also, join the Oakland Library for an evening of holiday treats, crafts, and activities for both kids and adults. There will be a door prize and a visit from Santa!