Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

Yesterday was a bit cool, but nice and sunny.  Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 41 degrees. West wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 19 mph.

Spoke to Brenda at Firewater (her new place on the lake behind Ace’s) yesterday and she said they had been closed for a few days due to a COVID-scare. They will be open again starting this evening.  I love their cocktails and food…

Katarina Knezevic and her friends visited Deep Creek Lake in November and to quote her, “fell in love” with the area.  Here’s a photo she sent that shows the vastness (and beauty) of the Deep Creek Lake area.  Nice photo and thanks for sharing with us Katerina.  We look forward to you and your friends returning in the future.

November View of the Mountains

The Governor announced yesterday that two cases of the more contagious COVID-19 variant have been confirmed in the State. As of yesterday, the Garrett County health Department had reported a total of 1,634 confirmed cases among County residents, 54 deaths, a 15% 7-day positivity rate and a 7-day case-rate of 53.2 per 100,000.

Here’s something for your consideration.  I know lots of readers are looking for something cost-effective and different to do during their stay at home sequester, so here goes: There’s a panel on January 19th to help attendees explore their “roots.”  This online workshop features a panel of experienced Maryland genealogists who will give tips on how to get started with your family research and will provide an overview of both online genealogy sites and Maryland-specific resources. The panel will discuss the importance of DNA as a tool and will highlight African American research. Learn more about the panel here. 

FYI, we heard that In an effort to enhance customer service capabilities at a time of increased demand, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will offer extended hours at all E-ZPass^® Maryland Customer Service Centers (CSCs) beginning Saturday, January 16. Under these temporary extended hours – which will be in place until further notice – E-ZPass Customer Service Centers will add Saturday service hours from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and will expand Thursday hours from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

We received a save-the-date message from the Community Development Network of Maryland. This year’s Community Development Day in Annapolis takes place online from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm on February 17th. You can attend and talk to your representatives. There will be a nice program including the opportunity to meet with legislators from both the Maryland Senate and House.  We’ll share more when in formation becomes available.

A recent study by Spanning (using US Bureau of Labor Statistics, see the link for methodology) found that out of all U.S. states, Maryland has the 3rd most computer and math jobs per capita (only DC and Virginia ranked higher). That doesn’t surprise me based on the concentration of those-type jobs around the Baltimore-DC area.  I sure wish we had more of those good-paying jobs up here in Garrett County!  Here’s a summary of the findings from the research:

Out of all U.S. states, Maryland has the 3rd most computer and math jobs per capita.

• Share of employment in computer & math occupations: 4.9%
• Total employment in computer & math occupations: 133,600
• Median annual wage for computer & math occupations: $99,750
• Median annual wage for all occupations: $45,970
• Computer & math wage premium: +117.0%

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

• Share of employment in computer & math occupations: 3.1%
• Total employment in computer & math occupations: 4,552,880
• Median annual wage for computer & math occupations: $88,340
• Median annual wage for all occupations: $39,810
• Computer & math wage premium: +121.9%

For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Spanning’s website: https://spanning.com/resources/industry-research/cities-with-most-technology-jobs-per-capita/

Today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 36 degrees. West wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tonight we can expect partly cloudy, with a low around 24 and with a west wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Here’s a wonderful photo of a recent sunrise at the lake, as submitted by one of our readers.  My three year old grandson took a peek at my laptop as I loaded this and said, “wow fire.”  It’s not fire, just the winter sun come alive one recent morning.  Stunning sun and note the thin ice cover on the lake. Thanks for the wonderful submission.

Winter Sunrise

Here’s an update on that polar vortex I mentioned in yesterday’s Notes.  Expect much colder weather throughout the East later in the week.

Oh, and what the heck exactly is a polar vortex you ask?  Here’s the scoop according to AccuWeather. Now you know…

And, speaking of weather, here’s a photo of a “sunbow?” (with no rain) as recently taken and submitted by reader Mary Freese.  Interesting composition and I am not sure what part of the effect is the atmosphere (perhaps ice crystals?) and what part is due to the lens, etc. of the camera.  Anyway, a neat photo on a number of fronts.  Thanks for sharing Mary!

Winter “Sunbow”

The County Commissioners have announced the agenda for their next public meeting which will be held starting at 4:00 pm on January 19th.  The meeting will be held virtually.

The Maryland State Board of Education continues to seek public input to help identify characteristics and develop a leadership profile for the next Maryland State Superintendent of Schools. According to a recent communication, members of the public are invited to:

• Complete the Online Public Survey: https://bit.ly/397Ta5e
• Register at https://www.greenwoodsearch.com/registration-day-3 today by 5 p.m. to provide comment during the following virtual public forum. The forum will be facilitated by Greenwood/Asher & Associates and will be live-streamed and open for public viewing this evening, Thursday, January 7, 2021 beginning at 6 p.m. View the livestream at: https://bit.ly/3hRPo3E
• For accommodations or questions regarding the survey or forum registration process, please contact msde@greenwoodsearch.com or 850-650-2277 and ask for Ms. Julie Holley.

Based on the past few months on the national scene, especially this past week, and NOT with any political position/agenda at all, I offer the following to remind all that we are all in this together and very blessed to live in the greatest nation in the world.  I am hoping, and in fact confident, that we are making progress to get over this pandemic and that we will all come together again as the great nation we are.

America

We had a nice, sunny weekend.  Today we can expect to be partly sunny, with a high near 37 degrees and a west wind 5 to 9 mph. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. West wind around 8 mph.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), winter weather kills more than twice as many Americans as summer heat. Since readers may want to go outside and get out of “isolation” during the pandemic, I wanted to share that insight from AccuWeather since their forecasters say signs are pointing toward cold air outbreaks that will begin during the third week of January. Check out the scoop here.

NeuBeam is pleased to announce the opening of its new Garrett County headquarters office in Oakland, Maryland. NeuBeam delivers affordable, high quality Internet services to Garrett County, helping customers “connect to what matters.” The new office is located at 89 Pleasant Hill Drive, Unit 1B in Oakland, and it will create a full-service facility staffed with local sales, service, technical support and operational personnel responsible for the Garrett County market area.

New NeuBeam Office in Oakland

Maryland has updated their COVID-19 vaccine priority groups and added a 1C group. Currently, Maryland is in stage 1A for vaccine distribution. The 1C group includes thos 65 – 74 years of age and essential workers in laboratory services, agriculture, manufacturing, mail delivery, etc.

As of Friday, COVID-19 statistics for Garrett County include: A total of 1,584 COVID-19 cases; A total of 52 deaths due to COVID-19 or its complications; A 7-day case rate of 51.7 per 100,000 Garrett County residents, compared to Maryland’s case rate of 45.4; A 7-day positivity rate of 15.4%, compared to Maryland’s rate of 9.2%

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources received more than 14,500 responses to a survey sent via email to people who access Maryland’s public lands and waters.  They also estimate that over 16,000 hikers came out to Maryland State parks for the “first day” hikes early this month.  Get more details on those factoids and more from the Januray DNR newsletter here.

This past Friday marked the 50th anniversary of the enabling legislation being signed that created the C&O Canal National Historical Park. This achievement marked the culmination of years of effort from people who loved the C&O Canal to preserve and protect it in perpetuity. I know lots of folks that hike, bike and/or camp along the canal’s 180+ miles.  Check this out for more info on the 50th anniversary and related.  Congratulations to all involved.

Hey there entrepreneurs, the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland (TCCWMD) is offering businesses located in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties low interest financing through Summit Financing Solutions Revolving Loan Fund Program. You can apply now through January 31st, or while funds remain available! Interest rates are as low as 0% for the first 12 months, with loan amounts ranging from $10,000 to $500,000. Contact Chris Funk, Business Development Loan Officer, at 301.689.1300 or cfunk@tccwmd.org.

Have a great Monday dear readers and talk to you again tomorrow…

Mike

The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 36 and a low around 20. Light and variable wind. Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 31 and a low around 21. West wind around 8 mph. Sunday will be sunny with a high near 36 and a low around 21. West wind around 6 mph.

Looks like Mike is getting what he asked for this weekend (…finally, some sun)!

Make your guess in the monthly “Where Am I?” contest — a big congratulations goes out to Francis Martin for guessing December’s photo location!

The Garrett College Wildlife Club is fundraising with its 2021 calendar! For just $10, help the club pay for future activities including (if circumstances allow) a May trip to Arizona. Contact Kevin Dodge at 301-387-3328 or email kevin.dodge@garrettcollege.edu if you would like to order a calendar.

On January 15 at 9:00 a.m. the Garrett Chamber is hosting a special webinar on the coronavirus relief legislation recently passed by Congress and signed by the President. Click here to register or contact Holly Lane at holly@garrettchamber.com.

Thank you to Michelle Brubaker Duez for sharing her photo at Deep Creek Lake, MD:

The Ruth Enlow Library is offering online gaming using the Jackbox Party Pack on January 11 from noon to 1pm. You can participate using your computer or phone and enjoy a night of trivia and fun!  Register for free.

Have you seen the video series from the Garrett County Health Department? “Jennifer and Jessica Explain It All” offers to answer your questions on the COVID-19 vaccine: https://mygarrettcounty.com/category/jennifer-jessica-explain-it-all/

The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 32 and a low around 21. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph during the day.

Have you noticed the new weather widget for radar? It’s going to take some getting used to for us, too. The National Weather Service (NWS) has upgraded its forecasting system and has “broken” our old weather widget. We have been in touch with NWS but we cannot get the weather preview to work as it had.

Local artist Annie Simcoe, with ABPH art, is raffling off a handcrafted piece of her work. For every $10 donated you will receive an entry to win “New Day” (below). This is a framed, original ABPH Art quilted collage. The artwork is 12″x24″, the frame is 18″x30″, and has a retail value of $595. She donating the frame, artwork, and shipping or delivery. This means that every dollar donated will go to purchasing coats for those in need. I am in awe of this piece… the detail is amazing (as per usual for ABPH)!

We need some sunny weather! Today we will have scattered snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32 degrees and a northwest wind of 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Tonight we will experience scattered snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22 and a northwest wind around 6 mph.

We received the climate summary report from Glenda at Garrett Regional Medical Center the other day.  Based on GRMC’s readings, we had an average high temperature of 37.8 degrees and an average low temperature of 20.9 degrees in December.  They also recorded 1.54 inches of rain and 17.0 inches of frozen precipitation during December.  Thanks Glenda.

We are very sad to hear of the passing of Jim Shaffer, long-time radio personality at local radio station WKHJ.  Jim was in hospice for treatment and lost his battle over the weekend.  He was a nice guy and true icon in Garrett County for many years and will be missed by WKHJ listeners and the community, as well as his family and colleagues.  Our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.

HART for Animals continues to do great work for the “fur balls” (and humans) among us.  As of December 2020, HART had the following yearly results: Spays & Neuters – 690; Rescue & Transports – 706; Adoptions – 137.  HART is also currently holding its no show Fur Ball  Casino and Auction through 1/10.  Go to the site and check out their auction items.

If you are a local, second homeowner or vacationer, check out the services of Deep Creek Lake Concierge.  They can really help you with everyday or unique needs relative to getting things done: shopping, delivery, local errands, home maintenance, event planning, etc. Owned by long time entrepreneurs Jen and Kevin Cuozzo (A Touch of Class Limo), they have a great work ethic, team and service focus.

COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of yet another popular event in downtown Oakland.  With great disappointment, the Town of Oakland and the Greater Oakland Business Association (GOBA) were compelled to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Oakland Winter Fest Event, originally scheduled for Saturday, February 13^th, 2021.  The cancellation was due to fears realted to the pandemic.  Next year…

Finally today, here’s a follow-up photo on my post on the Deep Creek Lake LIONS artwork.  In November, the club completed and installed a plastic bottlecap mosaic of a hunter surveying a mountaintop sunset.  The bottlecaps were provided by the Oakland Green and Clean Team who had collected them for their mosaic project in the Oakland Pocket Park and had leftover supplies. The mosaic was assembled by community members who attended the unveiling of a previous art project at the park in September. The Club mounted the mosaic on its maintenance barn at the trailhead, making it highly visible to visitors approaching the Meshach Browning History Center. Nice job to my fellow LIONS!

Meshach Browning Bottlecap Mosaic

Yesterday was very “gloomy” with scattered snow showers.  Today we will have scattered flurries before 1:00 pm, then scattered snow showers, mainly after 4:00 pm. Patchy fog before 1:00 pm. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 34 degrees and calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 30%. This evening we will have scattered snow showers before 1:00 am, then scattered flurries after 1:00 am. Cloudy, with a low around 25.

Garrett Regional Medical Center welcomed Rosanna Marie Schissler as the first baby of 2021 born at 5:02 p.m. on Sunday, January 3rd.  She was delivered by Marlana Bollinger, MD of Wellspring Family Medicine. Rosanna weighed in at 6 pounds, 12.5 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. She is the daughter of Ariel Butcher and Steven Schissler of Crellin Maryland. Congratulations to the parents and welcome to Garrett County little Rosanna!

LIONS New Cutout

As promised yesterday, here’s the latest numbers on COVID for the County. The 7-day case rate for Garrett County is currently below the rate for the state with a rate of 40.4. Garrett County is now ranked 14^th out of 24 jurisdictions and a bit below the 42.8 rate for the state. Garrett County’s reports for today include: A total of 1,515 COVID-19 cases; A total of 52 deaths due to COVID-19 or its complications; and A 7-day positivity rate of 11.9%, compared to Maryland’s rate of 9.5% – tied for 6^th with Prince George’s County.  Things may be looking a little better…

Free COVID-19 testing will be held at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park on Tuesdays (including today) from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Preregistration is recommended to speed up the process on the testing day. Visit garretthealth.org for preregistration information. The site also provides information on other testing locations.

The Garrett County Health Department reports that they have made very good progress to-date in vaccinating essential medical and public safety professionals.  The Health Department will soon be announcing that they are able to move to Phase 1B of the vaccine plan, which will be available for all residents of Garrett County who are 75 or older.  When the announcement is made, it will include specific instructions on how to schedule an appointment. There will be no charge for vaccinations. Proof of age and Garrett County residency will be required.

Recently, the Oakland Community Heritage Foundation Clean and Green Team took part in the annual Tucker Community Foundation “Run for It” event to raise money to enhance the Oakland Dog Park. The Foundation challenged participants to raise team support for the community cause of their choice and then run or walk for that cause in a 2k/5k event during the month of September. Congratulations to all those on the Clean and Green team as they raised over $700.  As part of the team’s mission to assist the town with projects to maintain and add to the uniqueness of Oakland, the $700 plus award will be used to improve the Oakland Dog Park.  Well done folks! Here’s a photo of the snow-coverd dog park:

Oakland Dog Park

Here’s a esoteric factoid on Maryland for you:  People coming to Maryland in one-way U-Haul trucks in 2020 decreased by 9% year-over-year, while departures dropped 8% over 2019. Arrivals accounted for just over 49.5% of all one-way U-Haul traffic during 2020 to make Maryland the No. 46 state for netting DIY movers, sliding one spot from its No. 45 ranking the previous year. Maryland’s leading growth city is Frederick. Other notable net-gain cities include Westminster, Aberdeen, Highlandtown, Baltimore, Bel Air, Lanham, Owings Mills, Gaithersburg, Landover, Odenton and Cumberland. Find the complete 2020 U-Haul Growth States rankings at uhaul.com.

Yesterday rained a good part of the day after some ice over night, so please watch for ice on the roads.  Today we can expect patchy fog before 1:00 pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 30 degrees and a west wind around 7 mph. Tonight we will have patchy freezing drizzle and patchy fog between 1:00 am and 4:00 am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Drive safe folks.

And, speaking of ice, we got about a 1/2 inch of ice Friday, making travel hazardous.  Here’s a not-so-great photo of my front yard that illustrates the ice cover, especially on the ground. It was even weighing down Santa and Frosty! I took this shot Friday afternoon so those out of town might have a sense of the ice coating, at least on the ground.

After the ice

Ice aside, I hope all had a great weekend and New Year, as I sure did, albeit a quite one.  Friday night my wife and I drove down to Alpine Lake Resort just South of Oakland for an early prime rib dinner prepared as a special by chef Debbie,  It was some of the best prime rib I have ever had, and Alpine was not too busy and had some nice distance between tables.  After that, we came home, watched some football and were in bed before midnight.  Another wild evening at Jean and Mike’s place! 🙂

Maryland reported 2,148 new cases of the coronavirus and 27 more deaths Sunday as the state’s average testing positivity rate rose above 9% for the first time since June. I will let you know Garrett County’s latest in Tuesday’s edition after I hear from the County.

Just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any worse, a late evening fire in Oakland on New Year’s Eve resulted in a total loss of building and contents – about $600,000 total – to the owner, Maryland Minerals, as reported by the State of Maryland Fire Marshal.  We wish the owners the best and for a speedy operational recovery, and a better 2021. Thanks to our firefighters and team for their efforts in controlling the blaze.  Here’s a photo:

Fire in Oakland

Don’t forget to check out the January 2021 Cover Story.  It is an insightful, practical article on taxes and tax preparation for 2020 that should benefit all readers.  It was provided by our friends at Boal and Associates in Oakland.

Please also continue to send in your photos of people, places, critters and experiences from around the lake.  It really helps us bring the area “to life” for our readers and is MUCH appreciated. Send your photos in to info@deepcreektimes.com and let us know when taken and where around the lake it was taken. We always do our best to get them published.

Finally, have a great Monday dear readers and Happy New Year to you and your families…

HAPPY NEW YEAR! ????

The weather today will be freezing rain before 5pm, then rain or freezing rain. High near 36 and a low around 34. Southeast wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Total daytime ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.3 of an inch possible. Overnight precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Saturday will be a chance of rain, mainly before 11am then cloudy with a high near 41 and a low around 30. A chance of snow, sleet and freezing rain overnight. Little or no ice accumulation expected but new snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half-inch possible. Sunday will be rainy with a high near 38 a low around 27.

Garrett County is currently under the snow emergency plan as of 0915 this morning.

Yesterday Herrington Manor State Park reported their cross country ski trails had “Less than one inch of hard snow and ice. Bare in places”. Note as of 12/18/20 The park has suspended its ski rentals for at least two weeks, per Governor Hogan’s most recent order in regards to the temporary suspension of in-person customer service operations.

It still may be worth venturing outside (after the ice) to enjoy a “First Day Hike”

Thank you to Jen Thomas for sending in this wonderful winter sun photo (which is also the cover photo for our January 2021 edition!)

The Mountain Fresh Winter Farmer’s Market Season 2020/2021 continues tomorrow, 11 am to 1 pm at the Simon Pierce facility on Rt 135 (behind the Patriot Dodge vehicle dealership.) Remember to please appropriately wear a mask at our market and try to distance yourself from others as best you can.  Masks should cover both your mouth and nose.

Happy New Year’s Eve!

The weather today will be snow showers before 11am, then rain and snow showers likely. High near 35 and a low around 26. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

This week the Garrett County Health Department and Garrett Regional Medical Center ramped up their COVID-19 vaccination distribution as additional vaccine shipments reached the county. Following CDC recommendations, Garrett County’s frontline health care workers are the first ones receiving their first of the two-dose COVID-19 vaccinations.

For Garrett County, there is a currently reported total of 1,439 COVID-19 cases and a total of 46 deaths due to COVID-19 or its complications.

Free COVID-19 testing will continue today at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park.

Note that Maryland Governor Hogan’s current COVID-19 orders do not allow any dine-in foodservice after 10pm – no exceptions were made for the holiday.

Nearby Alpine Lake Resort is offering two dinner specials for the holiday. Tonight is a prime rib, salad, two sides, and dessert for $26. Dine-in or to-go. Tomorrow is a New Year’s Day brunch for $15 (dine-in only).

A 2021 reading challenge is being offered by the Ruth Enlow Library. Check out this log for “challenges” such as reading a book with a green cover and a book with a three-word title. It looks fun!

Today we have a slight chance of showers after 1:00 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 46 degrees. Southeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight we have a chance of rain showers before 1:00 am, then rain and snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Southwest wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

With the snowfall we have had in the past week, I am guessing many critters missed their daily meals.  As a result, I think a bunch of them (deer) decided to converge on my yard and eat my long needle pine trees.  They picked about half a dozen small- and mid-size ones clean, which is surprising since they had never touched them before.  They left the short needle pines alone.  Interesting. Here’s a photo documenting “the theft.”

Tree Picked Clean

With the pandemic has come additional participation in outdoor recreation such as hunting and fishing.  According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation hunting license sales are up more than 12% since last year, translating to more than one million more hunters this year. Fishing has also seen greater interest, with a 14% increase in fishing license sales nationwide.  Those statistics mirror increases in such activities as golfing and hiking, all of which align with what the Deep Creek area has to offer.

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners will not conduct a Public Meeting on Monday, January 4, 2021, as previously announced.  The next scheduled Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

Olivia Tennant took advantage of the weather and went ice skating here on Deep Creek Lake.

Today we will have scattered snow showers before 10:00 am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 28 degrees. West wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tonight we will see increasing clouds, with a low around 17.

Garrett County’s COVID-19 case report as of yesterday includes:

• A total of 1,421 COVID-19 cases
• A total of 43 deaths due to COVID-19 or its complications
• A 7-day positivity rate of 11.8%, compared to Maryland’s rate of 7.4%
• A 7-day case rate per 100,000 of 53.2, compared to Maryland’s rate of 38.7

The first doses of COVID-19 vaccine began reaching the county last week, with both Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) and the Garrett County Health Department receiving their initial shipments of vaccine. Additional shipments are expected this week. “Garrett County’s vaccination plan was put into action last week as GRMC began vaccinating their frontline workers,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “We are following the CDCs recommendations for phased distribution of the vaccine. We have been informed that Garrett County will initially be receiving 600 doses per week.

Sunday, President Trump signed into law the new COVID Relief bill which includes reforms to the PPP program and additional funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has prepared a new resource guide to help you understand these changes and how they can benefit your business. If you were unable to participate in the Garrett Chamber’s recent call with the U.S. Chamber explaining the changes to the PPP and EIDL programs, and providing other details of the new relief bill, you can listen to the recording here.

Herrington Manor State Park yesterday reported trails with 2-3 inches of packed snow and ice, with some bare spots in places.  Ski rentals are still suspended due to the pandemic. Please call them at 301 334-9180 for more information.

This could be YOU! Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is looking for volunteers who are passionate about land conservation to work in the field as Volunteer Land Stewards. Two virtual training classes are being offered in January and February. Registration is available via online form. Interested volunteers should email met.info@maryland.gov for more information.

A few people were burned over the weekend in Frostburg when they attempted to add isopropyl alcohol to a candle that burns that fuel.  Since some candles and fireplaces are equipped with ethanol/isopropyl alcohol storage and readers may be using them, I thought I would repeat the following tips from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Please be careful!

• You should always store your ethanol or isopropyl alcohol in the container sealed and in a safe location that is away from kids.
• Ethanol burns clean; therefore, it can be difficult to see if the flame is still lit. Be sure to double-check before you attempt to move or refuel your fireplace.
• Only use approved fuel in your fireplace or candle. Using un-authorized types of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol can result in personal injury as well as fire damage to your personal property.
• Always clean up spilled ethanol or isopropyl alcohol immediately. You don’t want to have flammable liquid spilled on your possessions.
• Use a long match or lighter to get your fireplace lit. This is important as in some scenarios, your fireplace or candle can light on fire in a flash that can burn your hands.
• Never move a lit ethanol fireplace or isopropyl candle. This is such an important tip to follow as any spilled fuel could ignite a much larger fire that could put your home and self at risk.
• Never refuel your fireplace or candle while it is still lit.
• Never leave your fireplace or candlelit and unattended.