Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers before noon and a chance of showers after 3pm. Patchy fog before 10am. High near 66 and a low around 48. Southeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Governor Larry Hogan announced the end of the statewide mask mandate, aligning Maryland with new CDC guidance. This order took effect Saturday, May 15, along with the lifting of all capacity limits and restrictions that the governor announced earlier last week.

I pulled some ramps from the yard yesterday (literally we had some rogue ramps growing in the yard outside the flower bed) …. then I added them (raw) to pepperoni rolls from the Spent Grain Cafe. YUM.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) welcomes a new Federal Co-Chair: Gayle Conelly Manchin. ARC works with 13 member governors, program managers, and a network of local development districts to strengthen economic growth throughout Appalachia.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: 2021 Summer Schedule is here.

In order to help make its services and materials as useful as possible to those learning at home, the Ruth Enlow Library is conducting a series of open discussions. The first in the series is a Community Conversation for Home Learners at the Oakland Library.

Today marks TWENTY YEARS that Brenda’s Pizzeria has been providing DCL with the best New York-style pizza! And, there’s tonight and May 24th for the last half-price pizza for the season!

The weather today will be isolated showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny with a high near 61 and a low around 38. Calm wind becoming north around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday will be slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 63 and low around 42. Sunday will be a chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61 and a low around 47. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

This photo from YurSkyGuy:

This booklet showcases the activities of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources related to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. Usually, this newsletter is highlighted but due to COVID-19 limitations this update covers the full year’s efforts.

Don’t forget crappie fishing is very good at Deep Creek Lake, the Youghiogheny Reservoir, and Broadford Lake. At Deep Creek Lake anglers are enjoying good fishing for walleyes by casting sinking Rapalas or silver flutter spoons tipped with nightcrawlers. Largemouth and smallmouth bass will also go to these presentations. Smallmouth bass can be found under floating docks right now in a pre-spawn pattern.

I saw this Sheetz gas tanker in Oakland last night ????

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh issued a statement on the issue of price gouging in Maryland.

Maryland Vaccine Equity Task Force COVID-19 Vaccination Sites: Friendsville Volunteer Fire Department from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Rabies Vaccination Clinics Schedule: Oakland, Garrett County Health Department today from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

There’s live music tonight!! Jason McDonald at Sipside Lounge from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

The Cindy’s Fund Walk-A-Thon is this Sunday. Register in person at 12-noon and the walk will start at 01:00 PM from the Oakland Town Parking lot. There are three courses to choose from: three-mile, two-mile, and one mile.

The weather today will be areas of frost before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 59 and a low around 35. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 8 mph in the morning.

Here’s a story about an “An Imaginary Line” from the Washington Post. “That unseen line snaked south, through Steuben County, N.Y.; Clearfield County, Pa.; Garrett County, Md.; and Grant County, W.Va.” On the west side, a sugary carbonated beverage is “pop” and on the east side of the line, it’s called “soda.”

This reminds me of my favorite course at WVU; it was a course that discussed the regional cultures of the United States. Each morning, class began with a map of the US — by county. It was really fascinating to me. Like this map:

There is a “Dictionary of American Regional English,” published by Harvard University Press if you’d like to read more.

There is now a Little Free Pantry in Friendsville! The pantry and library are located outside of the town hall/library. Anyone in the community is invited to add unexpired, non-perishable items to the pantries. Kid friendly items are helpful, and things that can become meals.

Governor Hogan had a press conference yesterday and has lifted the capacity limits on all indoor and outdoor venues and all remaining restrictions on indoor and outdoor dining as of May 15. According to the Governor, the Maryland indoor mask mandate is to be lifted after 705 of adults receive the vaccine.

I was in town (Oakland) yesterday and there were gas shortages nor lines for the pumps. I cannot forecast for certain that we won’t run out of gas here in Garrett County but the latest news is that the Colonial pipeline has restarted.

There are a few opportunities for vaccines today: MEDCO Vaccination Site (McHenry/Accident Clinic) and at GCC Technologies (Oakland Clinic).

Rabies Vaccination Clinics Schedule: Accident MEDCO Building from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Baseball/Softball Session: Makeup Day is also tonight beginning at 7:00 pm.

Make your plans to see opening night of Southern High School’s Legally Blonde The Musical at 8:00 pm.

The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 55 and a low around 32. North wind around 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph; becoming calm overnight. Areas of frost after 2am.

This month is called May. It may rain, it may snow, it may be 70 degrees, it may be 32 with frost.

The Garrett County Roads Dept will be paving Sang Run Road (near Slopeside Market) on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Please be prepared for delays and exercise caution in and around the work zone. Questions? Please call the Oakland Roads Garage at 301-334-9337 or the Accident Roads Garage at 301-746-8156.

Did you know exceeding speed limit in posted school zone will double your fines? If the speeding contributes to an accident, the fines and points are increased. Stay safe and slow down. Here’s a quick breakdown — exceeding posted speed limit by:
1 to 9 mph: $120.00 and 1 point
10 to 19 mph: $140.00 and 2 points
20 to 29 mph: $270.00 and 2 points
30 to 39 mph: $ 540.00 and 5 points
40 mph and over: $1000.00 and 5 points

It looks like the rocket launch — that has been postponed several times this week — is a go tonight. Launch time is now 8:36 p.m. EDT. Tune in to the NASA live stream and remember there is a 20-30 second delay. The maps show that we should be able to see the rocket go across the night sky in Garrett County about 30-60 seconds after launch.

The Virtual Brunch & Learn on Deep Creek Lake is today, May 12, beginning at 10:00 am.

Rabies Vaccination Clinics Schedule: Friendsville Fire Department is also today, May 12, from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Tomorrow make plans to attend the Garrett County Celtic Festival Fund Raiser at the Greene Turtle — all day! Present the flyer and donate 20% of your purchase to the Celtic Festival.

The weather today will be partly sunny with a high near 53 and a low around 31. Scattered showers, mainly after 11am. Light west wind increasing to 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

From the National Weather Service: Sub-freezing temperatures and/or frost conditions are likely late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning and again late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Cold conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

Have you heard the new Victorian Chautauqua song? A fun kick-off to the events planned for July 10 & 11 this year.

The Garrett Chamber is now accepting applications for 2021 Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. The deadline is May 21.

Be mindful of school busses on your commute. Maryland State Police advise that if you’re unsure of what to do, it’s best just to wait until the bus continues.

We have a first in the DCT Online Marketplace: Genuine Bearskin Rugs!

We did check into it and see that the Maryland DNR has requirements for “fur trader” licenses. It looks like personal use is exempt from the licensing requirements but please verify your purchase is legal under Maryland laws.

Rabies Vaccination Clinics Schedule: Gorman Fire Department today from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Here’s your reminder! Grantsville Town Elections are today.

There are several opportunities for COVID-19 vaccinations today: Moderna from 9am to 12 noon in McHenry, Johnson & Johnson from 12:30pm to 3pm in McHenry or Johnson & Johnson from 11:00am to 7:00pm in Oakland.

Good Luck to the Garrett Lakers Baseball team in the NJCAA REGION XX DIV II Baseball Tournament that continues tomorrow Wednesday, May 12, 2021 @3:30 pm. Lakers Vs. Cardinals – Winner Advances to Game #5 to play Loser of Game #3 Friday, May 14, 2021 (@ TBD).

Good Morning!

The weather today will be patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 53 and a low around 36. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.

What’s New Around Town: both public high school graduations will be held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, instead of the CARC, this year.

It looks like this HUBZone Council is a non-profit group is working to connect employees with HUBZone opportunities. Most of Garrett County is a “redesignated” HUBZone area from the Small Business Administration.

We took a wild ride with the weather this weekend — sleet, rain, sun, hail … I captured this from the 219 bridge during a sunny-spell.

Are you feeling adventurous? This list compiled Maryland locations for adventure: number 9 is close to our hearts!

There’s an AAUW Free Little Library at the Train Station in Oakland. Check it out: Take a book and leave a book (for free)!

The weather today will be likely be showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 50 and a low around 35. Light and variable wind becoming west 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and snow showers before 11am, then a chance of rain showers. High near 47 and a low of 35. West wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Sunday will be rain likely with a high near 57 and a low around 45. Light south wind increasing to 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Here’s a story from Julie Carrick Dalton: “This is 10-year-old me in the creek at my grandparents farm in the Appalachian corner of Maryland. We didn’t have a phone, TV, hot running water, or even a shower or bath tub. We heated water on the stove to bathe in a galvanized steel tub on the back porch. The only heat was from a wood stove. Our water came directly from this creek via a pump into the house. We chilled food such as fresh corn, watermelons, soda, and my dad’s beer directly in the ice-cold, mountain-fed creek. (Note the corn chilling in the background.) The farmhouse was rustic and simple, but in my mind it was the most luxurious, decadent place on earth. Although my novel Waiting for the Night Song is set in New Hampshire, the sense of childhood wonder and love of the forests and waterways that emerges in my book is based, in part, on my childhood years in Maryland. I named a main character Garrett in homage to Garrett County, MD, where my grandparents’ farm was.”

A 16-foot bass boat was recently listed in our Online Marketplace.

Local rabies clinics begin next week — this spring’s low-cost rabies clinics for the vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets at six locations.

A great springtime hike is the Meadow Mountain Trail. Here’s a link to 360-degree photos of the view and more information on finding the trailhead.

There are several opportunities for COVID-19 vaccines today, tomorrow and next week.

Swanton Community Center: Mother’s Day Special tomorrow from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there! I’m going to count myself in to celebrate on Sunday as a proud fur-momma, too! ????????

The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 55 and a low around 38. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph.

Check out the May Cover Story on the local delicacies ramps and morels.

Deep Creek Vacations shared a “summer fun” itinerary with us:

Deep Creek Lake Summer Fun – Family Vacation Itinerary

There is another boat recently added for sale in our online marketplace. This one is a 2005 Sun Catcher LX20 Pontoon boat!

The Friendsville Days Poster Contest deadline has been extended to May 14.

The Garrett County Judy Center: Playgroup wlll be at Yough Glades Elementary and Friendsville Elementary today from 9:45 am – 11:00 am. FREE!

There are several community COVID-19 vaccination clinics today. See them all (and other things to do) on our Events page.

The weather today will be showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then scattered showers. Temperature falling to around 50 by 5pm. Northwest wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Overnight low around 34.

A mission to explore energy transport in space using a NASA suborbital sounding rocket is scheduled to be conducted the evening of May 7 from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The Black Brant XII can reach altitudes more than 200 miles above Earth’s surface and, because of this and weather permitting, the eastern U.S. states have a chance to see the rocket passing over when the window opens.

Today is the last day to make your Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet reservation at ALR.

GoVAX COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in Bloomington, MD from 12:00 pm -6:00 pm and in Oakland at GCC Technologies from 11am to 7pm.

HART for Animals has announced they will be offering their Level I Volunteer training and orientation online!

As of the end of April, HART has done 162 Low-Cost Spays & Neuters, 116 Rescue & Transports: 116
Adoptions: 30

A 1993 Cobalt Model 206 Bow Rider has been listed in our online marketplace.

I know I’m ready for some sunny, easy-going days on the lake….

The weather today will be a chance of showers before 2pm then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74 and a low around 51. West wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

McHenry Beverage Shoppe has a few May specials:

On Sunday, May 2nd, at approximately 7:28am, officers responded to the Oakland Golf Course, for the report of a burglary that had occurred in the early morning hours. Anyone with information about the suspects or the burglary is asked to contact the Oakland City Police Department at 301-334-2100 or the Garrett County Sheriff’s Department at 301-334-1911.

“Celebrate Your Mom with a Great Gift from Bear Creek Traders!”

Girl Scout Troop 55004 cleaned the Town Parking Lot/Mtn Fresh Pavilion on Sunday April 25th to celebrate Earth Day! Trash from around the pavilion, the playground and along the river was removed. In addition to the trash, the troop pulled a non-native invasive species called Garlic Mustard from along the river bank.

Garrett County Dept of Social Services will begin accepting reports for child protective services and adult protective services on their hotline: During business hours of 8:00-4:30 please reach out to 301-533-3005 to make a report. After business hours dial 301-759-0568 or call 911.

Greene Turtle – Preakness Special: Order a featured drink at The Greene Turtle now through May 15 and receive a numbered card to claim a horse in the race. If your horse wins, you’re entered to win a VIP experience to next year’s Preakness!

GoVAX COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic is today from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Also, there is a Community Vaccine Clinic at the Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department from 12:00pm – 8:00pm today.

The Department of Public Works Utilities Division’s contractor will begin installing the McHenry-Thayerville Water system connection line on Deep Creek Drive tomorrow. Please refrain from utilizing Deep Creek Drive for through traffic from The Boardwalk Bar to Rock Lodge Road from Monday through Friday from 7am to 5pm. Questions or concerns can be directed to the Utilities Division Administrative Office at 301-334-6976.

The weather today will be showers with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. High near 68 and a low around 57. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Overnight wind gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

There is a hazardous weather outlook for an isolated threat for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening with damaging wind being the primary threat.

The hospital weather station has reported 3.72″ of rainfall and 1″ of snowfall for the month of April. Ms. Hauger has also reported April’s average temperatures: an average high temperature of 62.4 and an average low temperature of 36.5.

There is a 2000 Bayliner 1850 Capri, 18’4″ bowrider listed for sale for $7,800 in our Online Marketplace in the “boats” category.

Here is some light reading related to the funding guide for the American Rescue Plan Act (from Maryland Senator Cardin’s office). Also, the State Supplemental Budget Analysis outlines how ARPA funds will be spent in Maryland.

Fewer than 1,000 Marylanders are hospitalized Sunday with the coronavirus for the first time in more than a month, and the Maryland Department of Health reported a continued decline in other key metrics.

Congrats to Hannah Brown for winning the April “Where Am I?” contest! Check out May’s challenge here.

Learn how to make Bird Friendly Backyards on May 5 at 10:00 am – 11:00 am.

Inspired by Dr. Douglas Tallamy’s books and research, the Maryland Park Service launched the “Create Your Own State Park​” Program in 2020. A virtual session will be held on May 5 to help you Create Your Own State Park at Home.

I had an opportunity to meet several DCT readers at an event on Saturday — thank each one of you so much for reading. A special “HELLO!” to Lisa, Miguel, John, Barry, Lynn, Anne, and Scott!

The weather today will be scattered showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 50 and a low around 31. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Saturday will be sunny, with a high near 58 and a low around 48. Northwest wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Sunday will also be mostly sunny, with a high near 71 and a low around 54. West wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Fishing at Deep Creek Lake is beginning to evolve as waters warm up. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, walleye and trout can all be found at this time of year.

A virtual launch event for the New Era PAC will be tomorrow, May 1st.

The Maryland Transportation Authority has launched DriveEzMD: the new home for all road-toll programs in Maryland. While we don’t have any toll roads in Garrett County, I often travel the roads near Baltimore and Washington, DC. and I know our readers do, too.

If you encounter a fawn in the wild, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises the public to avoid disturbing it and resist the urge to feed or handle it in any way. Keeping a deer in captivity is against the law in Maryland.

Be sure to make your guess in the April “Where Am I?” contest! It’s an easy chance at a $25 Ace’s Run Gift card!

???? You heard it here first: I will be aiming to launch a revamped Deep Creek Times web design by the end of May! My focus is to make your favorite pages easy to find and easy to read. Stay tuned for more on this over the next few weeks – I will be sure to keep you, dear readers, in the loop!

Note: Some of the DCT website content is pulled in from other sites. One example is the National Weather Service for the radar. Unfortunately, NWS changed their site so I am limited to how I can pull the radar videos onto Deep Creek Times.

Keep Mom in mind! Mom’s Day Giveaway continues with Cashmere Clothing Co through the weekend.

Also, Alpine Lake Resort for Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet: Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Roasted Vegetable Frittata with Feta Cheese, Braised London Broil with a Red Wine Reduction, French Toast Bread Pudding Topped with Bourbon Caramel Sauce and more.

Are you planning to attend the Oakland Civic Club’s Everything Goes! Flea Market? TOMORROW at the Pavilion at the Town Parking Lot in Oakland.

The weather today will be showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 3pm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds. High near 67 and low around 44. Southwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New daytime rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible and a half and three quarters of an inch overnight.

Maryland Governor Hogan has lifted the emergency order to require masks outdoors (for non-ticketed events). Also, bar standing service is allowed outdoors… the Governor’s updated emergency order from April 28, 2021 is linked here.

Here are two videos related to COVID-19 vaccinations. The first one answers vaccine questions from the Maryland Department of Health and the second one reviews the local mobile vaccination unit from the Garrett County Government:

This morning at 11:00 AM, Maryland’s SNAP-Ed program will be taking a tour of Crellin Elementary School’s garden via live stream. During the live session, the principal and students will showcase the grow bag project and Crellin garden.

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. Contact Chris Funk, Business Development Loan Officer, at 301-689-1300 or cfunk@tccwmd.org.

The Trout stocking continues! Muddy Creek received 500 golden and rainbow trout, the Youghiogheny River received 1,500 golden and rainbow trout and the Yough in Oakland received 1,500 golden and rainbow trout.

The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. High near 73 and a low around 58. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

“High temperatures soaring to levels more typical of June will put some long-standing records in jeopardy across the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic, but forecasters say the summer preview will come to an abrupt end as the calendar flips to May.”

Garrett Baseball reaches 25 wins.

In other Garrett College news, the college’s natural resources and wildlife technology degree program received positive attention across the state. This unique program offered a virtual mock interview scenario with professionals in the natural resources industry.

Maryland DNR has issued a new map that shows the locations of all Maryland State Parks. The reverse has information about the amenities available at each park. We will add this information to our State Parks page as well.

Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. is seeking a part-time Site Manager for the Swanton Senior Nutrition Site on Mondays & Tuesdays. This is a permanent part-time position 12 hours per week at $ 11.75/hr.

Habitat for Humanity is raffling off the chance to win a $1,000 gift card to Nemacolin. There are a 100 raffle tickets at a cost of $50 a chance. Email Steve Bortz (and tell him Deep Creek Times sent you): stevebortz@garrettcountyhabitat.org.

I made it to the Vagabond group bike ride last evening. What a great ride through Pleasant Valley! It was the perfect “summer” weather and now the AccuWeather report above has me nervous for the weekend…