Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

The weather today will be partly sunny with a high near 80 and a low around 63. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. West wind 6 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Mike’s wife, Jean, is the President of the Civic Club of Oakland and they have this message to share:  “Some UN-happy news…We have cancelled the Antique & Maker Market this year. We know it is an Autumn Glory tradition for many people but we had to make the safety of our visitors, vendors and members a priority. This event is our main fundraiser. All of the money we raise goes back to local non-profits. If you would like to donate to this cause, visit our web site and click on the ‘donate now’ button https://civicclubofoaklandmd.com/about-us. Any funds donated this way will be earmarked for non-profit donations. Thank you for your understanding and support. See you next year!”

Also, the Garrett County Festival of Trees planning committee has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Festival of Trees. Please follow their Facebook page for updates and ways to donate to keep the festival going. I know everyone is anxiously awaiting the return of the festival on November 26 and 27, 2021.

Not all is cancelled — Skyhoundz is back!! This weekend the Skyhoundz Disc Dog Competition takes place at the Lion’s Club Ball Field next to the HART Animal Center on Saturday, July 25 from 9am – 4pm. You can learn tricks of your own with your pup Friday, July 24 at 4:30 for a $5 donation! Please remember social distancing!

There are no specific plans for school reopening just yet…. Superintendent of Maryland Schools, Dr. Karen Salmon, announced that MSDE will extend flexibility to local school systems to determine re-openings while instituting guardrails and protocols for in-person instruction.

The Garrett County Health Department received a positive COVID-19 result for one additional person yesterday, bringing the current county total to 35.

Funds remain available in the Garrett County COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant program and the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Grant program.

Have you completed the 2020 Census? Take a few minutes and save a visit, please!

There are a few more items that have had the price lowered in our online marketplace. Treat yo’self! ????

Today’s weather includes a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5:00 pm. Sunny, with a high near 83 degrees and a mild southwest wind of 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. There’s a chance of evening showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3:00 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.

I thought I would start you off with a nice sunrise photo today.  It was submitted by Elizabeth DeVoss and taken in the Wisp area.  Nice job and thanks for sharing Elizabeth!

Sunrise at the Lake

Good news for Garrett College and our community. Garrett College’s accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), one of six regional accrediting bodies across the nation. MSCHE’s accreditation decision covers the next eight years, with Garrett College’s next reaccreditation visit set to take place in 2028.  The Commission granted reaccreditation with no additional requirements.

The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market is open today at the pavilion in downtown Oakland from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.  They are following some specific precautions due to the pandemic.  Click here for details.

As of yesterday afternoon, the Garrett County Health Department received positive COVID-19 results for three additional people, bringing the current county total to 34. The new positive COVID-19 cases include:  An asymptomatic female in her 50’s, staff member at Dennett Road Manor Nursing Home, isolating at home; A male in his 50’s, with symptoms, isolating at home; A female in her 20’s, with symptoms, isolating at home.

Here’s a link to a great Deep Creek Lake vacation video as submitted by Karl Schmitt.  Looks like Karl and his family had a GREAT time!  Thanks for sharing Karl.

Here’s a link to another video, this time to a video of a bear and a lady with the bear really close.  This video is not from the Deep Creek Lake area, but I thought it was interesting.  I am not sure I could or would be so calm if a bear came right up next to be like that.

Finally today, the 2020 People’s Choice Challenge is starting soon.  This is Deep Creek Times’ exclusive and original celebration to recognize Deep Creek Lake area attractions, organizations, products/services and professional favorites. Nominations will be from July 29th through August 12th and voting will take place from August 17th through September 7th. More to follow in coming Daily Notes.

Yesterday proved to be a nice day at the lake.  Today we have a slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 11:00 am. Partly sunny, with a high near 81 degrees. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorns in the evening, with a low around 67.

Here’s a great photo of some “docked” sailboats as submitted by Kellie Zbignewich yesterday.  Thnks for sharing Kellie!

Sailboats

Congratulations are definitely in order here: Garrett Regional Medical Center’s Subacute Unit has won its sixth Best Nursing Home award from US News & World Report, receiving a five out of five-performance rating for short-term rehabilitation care. Winning this award means of the 226 nursing home facilities in the state of Maryland, Garrett Regional Medical Center is one of only 67 to achieve a top performance rating. This year the Short-Term Rehabilitation Ratings incorporated several measures of quality including consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs and success in preventing falls. Way to go GRMC!

This is an interesting tidbit from State Attorney General Brian Frosh: Although around 160 million “stimulus” payments have been made to eligible U.S. residents, a recent report estimates that 12 million people, including 147,000 Marylanders, are missing out on receiving a payment. The payments yet to be distributed add up to around $12 billion, $157 million of which is owed to Maryland residents.

According to an online post by the Baltimore Sun, The rise in coronavirus cases in Maryland slowed a bit on Monday, when the state reported 554 new cases.

The Garrett County Health Department, in cooperation with state and local partners, tested 527 participants at a community COVID-19 testing event in Oakland on Friday. Of the 527 persons who participated in testing, 443, or 84% were from Garrett County. Marylanders from outside of Garrett County and West Virginia residents each made up a total of 25 participants. A few of those tested were from Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the rest were from across the U.S. All tests are currently pending.

Here’s another nice photo as submitted by regular contributor Dee Dave.  Thanks Dee!

A young local fellow

The weekend was just about perfect weather-wise, with the thermometer at my home registering 86 degrees yesterday. Today we have a slight chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 81. West wind around 7 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

While rain has been somewhat scarce lately, we have been treated to some interesting summer cloud formations. Here’s a photo taken Friday afternoon showing the fluffy lower clouds and the higher cirrus (I think) whispy clouds. We tood this from the car on Chestnut Ridge Road.

Summer Clouds

The lake was crowded over the weekend and I heard there were some fender benders and accidents on the roads, so please be especially careful, as we are in peak season. As a contrast to the busy roads, here’s a serene scene as submitted by Ed O’Connor showing a very early morning at the lake. Thanks Ed.

Early Morning at the Lake

I heard over the weekend that Manor Steakhouse in Oakland has closed.  Not sure of the exact situation (and hopefully it is not permanent) and will let readers know when we hear more.  I also heard that Festival of Trees has been cancelled.  Frankly, I am concerned about our small businesses as well as our non-profits that benefit from some of our wonderful events.

Here’s a link to the latest newsletter update from State Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon.  There are embedded links to a number of previously reported items, including the reopening matrix.  Note there are also special grants available to schools and groups submitting projects that work to help students succeed during these challenging learning times. Lots of information.

The third of four Deep Creek Lake hydrilla herbicide treatments is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. During the treatment process, boaters are asked to stay clear of the treatment boat so that the proper dosage can be administered. Once applied, there are no recreational restrictions associated with the herbicide. Dive teams will also be on the lake periodically throughout the summer, with divers in the water monitoring the hydrilla emergence and response to the herbicide. If you see red and white dive flags, please stay at least 100 feet away as divers are in the water.

The weather today will be partly sunny with a high near 80 and a low around 63. West wind around 8 mph. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 86 and a low around 65. Calm wind. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 85 and a low around 69.

Dr. Dana McCauley, Principal of Crellin Elementary, has been named as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.

Also, Joyce Flinn, Vice President and Information Security & Disaster Recovery Officer at First United Bank, has been named to the Cyber Risk Institute Board of Directors. Congratulations!

A last-minute reminder that the free COVID-19 testing is today from 7:00am – 1:00pm.

Plan to get your veggies at the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market tomorrow from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. View the guidelines for shopping.

Also, Monday, the Ruth Enlow Library is cohosting Ibram X. Kendi event on “How to Be an Antiracist” (Virtual Event) from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The MD DNR fishing report: Most trout streams are running low and clear this week … fishing at Deep Creek Lake has settled into a summertime swing where largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found holding under thick grass … feisty bluegills always offer plenty of fun to vacationers and a mix of yellow perch and walleye can be found along deep grass edges … the upper Potomac River is also running low and warm …

A second overdose alert in 8 days has been issued in Garrett County. Signs of an opioid overdose may include constricted pinpoint pupils, a limp body in a person who does not wake up or respond to touch, low, shallow breathing, slow or faint heartbeat, and choking, gurgling or vomiting. Call 911 if you witness someone experiencing an overdose.

The Garrett County Board of Education has voted to delay the first date of school until September 8, 2020 at their most-recent board meeting. A FAQ document on the reopening situation can be found here.

Happy 95th Anniversary Deep Creek Lake!

The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 80 and a low around 66. A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am.

Who had a chance to order from Lebanese Taverna for the DCL stop this week?! I can’t wait for my delivery! 🙂

The Garrett County resident COVID-19 count is up to 26.

“Young adults have been fueling a sharp rise in coronavirus cases around the country…newly confirmed infections among those in their 20s and 30s in Maryland is alarming health officials and experts… in recent days they have contributed up to 55% of new cases, according to an analysis by The Baltimore Sun.”

A “thank you” to Frank S. for sending us this awesome Deep Creek sunset photo:

The Garrett County Public Schools have teamed up with the Garrett County Government: “In an effort to help us better understand the challenges and areas of need, we invite you to visit the page below to fill out the Garrett County Internet Coverage and Quality Survey within. This data will be used to help us target our efforts to provide quality, equitable instruction for the upcoming 20-21 school year: https://www.garrettcounty.org/gcgov/speedtest”

The Board of County Commissioners Public Meeting previously scheduled for July 21, 2020 has been cancelled.  The next scheduled Public Meeting will be held on Monday, August 3, 2020 beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Community COVID-19 Testing will be tomorrow, July 17, from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm in the parking lot between Garrett County Health Department & Mountain Laurel Medical Center at 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland. This free testing is for those who are asymptomatic.

Yesterday was very nice and today should be even nicer, with a high of 83 degrees and a low of around 65.  There will be a light south wind, sunny during the day and partly cloudy in the evening. Enjoy.

For the month of June, the average high temperature in Garrett County was 76 degrees. The average low was 55.8 degrees and we had a total of 4.53 inches of rain.  We could actually use a nice rain soon, as the ground is getting a bit parched in some areas. Thanks go to Glenda Chandler at Garrett Regional Medical Center for compiling the results and sharing with us.

Here’s a great photo submitted by Maggie Shubert as taken by her husband. It is of an early morning water skier on July 4th from their dock in the Pergin Farms area of the lake.  Very well done and thanks for submitting for all to enjoy.

DCL Water Skier at Dawn

Today is tax day. So, if you haven’t submitted your taxes, you need to get that extension filed. And, if you have any $$$ left over, please consider sending a donation to one or more of our local charities or non-profits.  They do great work and can use funds, especially during this crazy pandemic.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s Daily Notes, Lebanese Taverna is coming to town JUST ONE DAY to deliver pre-ordered meals Thursday afternoon.  Orders must be in today.  If you are from the DC, Northern Virginia area you may be familiar with their food. I personally love Lebanese food, especially the kabobs and desserts.  Also, Lebanese dishes tend to be healthy, so that is an added plus.

Here’s a somewhat sobering “reminder” from a press release received from Governor Hogan yesterday.  I have included in its entirety here.  We are all in this together.  Let’s all do our part and stay safe and healthy.

Governor Hogan Presses Local Leaders to Enforce Public Health Requirements In Bars and Restaurants
State Health Officials Have Connected An Increasing Number of COVID-19 Cases to Non-Compliance. Local Leaders Must Enforce Physical Distancing and Capacity Restrictions at
Bars and Restaurants. Penalties Should Include Fines, Actions Against Licenses, and Closure. Positivity Rate Among Younger Marylanders Continues to Rise

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today directed local leaders to step up enforcement of public health requirements in bars and restaurants across the state. State health officials have connected an increasing number of COVID-19 cases to non-compliance with face covering and physical distancing rules.

“The vast majority of bars and restaurants in our state are in compliance, but some are flagrantly violating the law and endangering public health,” said Governor Hogan. “You have the responsibility to enforce these laws. Violators should be warned, fined, have actions taken regarding their licenses, or closed if necessary. Local health departments, local liquor boards and inspectors, and local law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure public health is protected.”

Read the governor’s letter to county leaders.

As of today, the positivity rate among Marylanders under 35 is now 84% higher than it is for Marylanders 35 and over.

Under Executive Order 20-06-10-01, which was issued on June 10, and accompanying directives from the Maryland Department of Health:

• Bars and restaurants are open for seated service only with physical distancing and capacity restrictions. Customers must be seated at least six feet apart from other guests. Standing and congregating in bar areas is strictly prohibited.
• All staff must wear a face covering while working and interacting with customers.
• For facilities with booths, every other booth must be closed.
• No more than six people may sit at a table.

In recent weeks, at least 12 other states have moved to re-close bars and restaurants statewide or in targeted localities following COVID-19 spikes and outbreaks.

“Our continued economic health and recovery depend on the active and aggressive local compliance and enforcement of these critical public health measures,” continued the governor. “We cannot allow a small segment of willful violators to squander the collective efforts of the overwhelming majority of Maryland citizens and businesses.”

The state continues working to further increase the convenience and accessibility of COVID-19 resources and testing. Learn more about COVID-19 in Maryland, or make a plan to get tested at one of more than 220 testing sites, by visiting coronavirus.maryland.gov.

Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Garrett County, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has decided to transition their Annual Membership Meeting to a virtual event on Thursday, July 30, 2020 from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The Chamber’s annual Membership Meeting will feature the announcement of the Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winner, Volunteer of the Year Award winner and Diplomat of the Year award.

Thanks to Jay Ferguson for sharing this photo of the Neowise Comet in the night sky over Deep Creek last night.

Finally, today, don’t forget that the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market will be in downtown Oakland as it is every Wednesday and Saturday.  Eat your vegetables…

Yesterday was a nice day until the clouds moved in  and then some localized light rain hit late afternoon, with clearing in the evening, which was very nice.  Today will be sunny, with a high near 77 degrees. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning. We will have a low of about 57 tonight.

Oysters on the full shell anyone?  I know there are no oysters in the lake, but I have two little factoids I thought I would share here: First, an adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day!  That’s the good news.  The bad news is that we have lost about 85% of oyster reef habitat over the past 130 years.  Fortunately, projects in the Chesapeake and other areas are creating habitat and seeding oyster beds with some good success. Now you know.

And, speaking of Molluscs, in this instance the bad kind, zebra mussels, we are happy that our launch stewards caught the boat that was about to launch in the lake with zebra mussels attached on July 3rd.  According to the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation, the terribly destructive zebra mussels have sharp shells that are a danger to swimmers who step on them, they clog hydroelectric dams such as the one at Deep Creek Lake, and they have a toxin that has killed thousands of birds. “If the zebra mussels begin to propagate here, our lake, which is the cornerstone of this beautiful area, can be lost as a practical matter,” stated David Myerberg, President of the Foundation.

Be sure to check out all the new updates added to the Ruth Enlow Library website! They’ve revamped the layout for downloadable materials under “Books and More” to make things easier to find, their online databases are now found under the “Learning and Research” tab where everything is organized into different sections, and you can try their new “Find Something New” service to get personalized recommendations from library staff based on things you like (and don’t like) in your reading materials. To use this feature, you can either visit a physical library branch, or use our form at https://www.relib.net/content/find-something-new to fill in your preferences. Sounds like the library team has been busy.  Good stuff.

As of July 1^st, Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has resumed limited visitation. The new policy follows guidelines from state and federal public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to slow the spread of COVID-19. The new guidelines have been put into place in order to protect the health and safety of the hospital’s patients, staff, and the community.

I have heard that the Garrett County Farm Bureau will host an educational tour of Cove Pastures Farm in Accident on July 26th at 6:00 pm.  Chester and Trish Yoder of Cove Patures have done a great job planning and growing their Branch Bender Cidery at 1202 Harmon Road.  You can text or call Arlene Lantz at 240.321.8205 with questions or for more information.

Here’s something different for you: Lebanese Cuisine is coming to the lake! Lebanese Taverna, from the DC area will be delivering their food at the lake on Thursday, July 16th. You pre-order and then pick up in the afternoon. Click here for more information and the pick-up order form!

FInally, we have had some price reductions from sellers on a few items on our Online Marketplace.  Check out the new prices of these items and the rest of the marketplace as well.  Happy shopping.

Yesterday was a very nice day until clouds and some localized weather moved in in the late afternoon hours.  Today we have a slight chance of showers before 9:00 am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 75 degrees, with a chance of precipitation at 20%. The evening will be mostly clear, with a low around 56.

My wife and I took advantage of the nice weather yesterday to take a hike to Meadow Mountain Trail Overlook.  Here’s a photo I snapped.  Even with a  bit of summer haze, we could see well over 10 miles.

Meadow Mountain Trail Overlook

The weather today will be warm! Mostly sunny with a high near 83 and a low around 65. Saturday will be partly sunny with a high near 75 and a low around 62. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 79 and a low around 61. A chance of showers and thunderstorms each day after 2pm.

A special thanks to Jean Tumbarello for sharing her campfire visitor last night:

I’ve had a few people contact us looking for fishing recommendations and lake water temperatures:

We do have a temperature gauge at the north lake and here are the experts from the Maryland DNR with the July 8th fishing report: “The fishing scene at Deep Creek Lake and similar western region reservoirs has transitioned into a typical summer pattern of fish behavior. Trout can be found deep along the dam face; walleye and yellow perch are deep along grass edges; and smallmouth and largemouth bass are holding under or near floating docks and moored boats, seeking cool shade.”

Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack responded to Accident, Maryland for five (5) signs with derogatory statements. Anyone with information about the suspect responsible should contact the Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack at 301-387-1101. Callers may remain anonymous.

The first rabies case of 2020 was reported in Garrett County.

Our local Health Department has also shared an alert for opioid overdoses and a federal warning on hand sanitizer.

The Manor Steakhouse has new extended hours on Fridays: 4pm – 9 pm. Reservations recommended.

Garrett College students were recently responsible for preventing two different types of invasive species from entering Deep Creek Lake! Good work to the students, the DCL Property Owners Association, and other watershed groups for their diligence, cooperation, and good work!

As of publication this morning, we have 19 positive COVID-19 cases here in Garrett County.

The weather today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 84 and a low around 64. Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. East wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Here is the Garrett County Superintendent of Schools updating us on the reopening plan:

We reported earlier in the week a news note from Meet the Press. This figure has been corrected by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce:

On July 5, Meet the Press reported that Garrett County has experienced a 579% increase in travel spending since 2019 based on data from AirDNA. However, this number, as reported is not accurate and was misrepresented by the graphic used on Meet the Press.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce spoke with AirDNA for clarification on the 579% as it would not be feasible to see that type of increase without building hundreds of new vacation rentals. Please note that the increase included in the Meet the Press report is strictly an increase in Airbnb bookings for the July 4th, holiday week. Here is the specific data provided by AirDNA:

From Elyce Behrsin, PR Associate & James Kinnersly, International Sales Manager, AirDNA:

“Just to clarify, the 579% increase in Bookings for Garrett County, MD compares New Bookings made for the days July 4 – 7, 2019 with July 3 – 6, 2020 as of June 25 in the respective year. So the growth is a comparison of year-over-year bookings for the 4th of July National vacation.

The percentage increase compares the below data points:

• As of June 25 2019, there were 128 Airbnb reservations for Garrett County, MD, with a check-in date during July 4 – 7, 2019.

• As of June 25 2020, there were 869 Airbnb reservations for Garrett County, MD, with a check-in date during July 3 – 6, 2020.”

The report on Meet The Press referred to “short-term rentals” but did not specify the data was based only on Airbnb which makes the number misrepresentative of how vacation rentals are faring. The report also used a graphic that showed it was an increase in travel spending which is completely inaccurate. The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has contacted Meet the Press with the corrections.

Garrett County Sheriff Rob Corley shared a message.

New 2020 Maryland Park Quests have been added:

• Western Maryland Rail Trail Exploration Quest
• Sang Run State Park Year of the Woman Quest
• Deep Creek Lake State Park Quest Options

Neighboring West Virginia’s governor is requiring facemasks in any public area as of July 7; similar to Garrett County’s requirement for stores and restaurants. Here’s a graphic shared by the Preston County Health Department:

Today’s weather includes a chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2:00 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81 degrees and a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60%, mainly before 8:00 pm.

Here’s a nice photo of one of our Deep Creek Lake locals near Beckman’s Peninsula, as submitted by reader Lynn Murphy.  This fellow is kinda bald, just like me, but we are BOTH good looking (at least my wife thinks so)!

DCL Bald Eagle

According to the Baltimore Sun, Maryland confirmed 492 new cases and 19 new fatalities from the coronavirus Tuesday, pushing the state’s caseload beyond 70,000 as daily counts of new infections trend downward.

WalletHub just updated a study of all 50 states and the District of Columbia ranking least to most coronavirus restrictions, based on over a dozen parameters.  Click here to see the report and find out where Maryland (and other states) ranked. Hint: If you think more restrictions are good, we did well…

The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market is open today from 10:00 am – 1::00 pm in downtown Oakland.  Here’s the link.

Just a reminder that many local restaurants are now open for indoor/outdoor seating .  Here’s a release from Mountain State Brewing Company. It’s also Pasta Night at Ace’s Run. The Manor Steakhouse is also open for carry-out, inside dining and outside dining this evening through the weekend.  Other restaurants open as well, call to confirm hours.

A little bragging for Deep Creek Times Online Marketplace here: We posted a boat for sale in our Online Marketplace the other day.  It was a 1992 Cobalt 206. Well, we just heard from the seller and it already sold.  I was going to highlight it in today’s Daily Notes but now it is a moot point.  Here’s a link to Online Marketplace and other “stuff” for sale.  Check ’em out…

Finally today, a special guest blog,  courtesy of Sarah Sackett, eight years old, from Carroll County, along with a photo taken by her Mom, Amanda:

“Are you looking for an escape from the stresses of coronavirus and a reward for surviving homeschooling?  If so, I highly recommend visiting Deep Creek Lake. The slower pace of sitting on the dock, dipping my feet in the water while watching all the wildlife was exactly what I needed.  My six-year-old brother Stephen says, ‘spending time relaxing with friends and family is my favorite part.’  What is your favorite thing about Deep Creek Lake?”

“Sitting on the Dock of the Lake”

The weather was nice yesterday, with the showers holding off until around dinner time.  The weather for today will include scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1:00 pm, with Increasing clouds throughout the day and with a high near 84 degrees and a low of around 66.  Chance of rain during the day is about 50%.

Well, if it seems busier this year on and around the lake, recent “numbers” back that up.  Here’s a link to a report on NBC that shows an over 500% increase in visitors to Garrett County-DCL this year.  Not sure of the methodology, but it makes sense, with COVID-19-related restrictions and concerns.  I like to say we are ‘close-by, but a world away’ to big population centers such as DC, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

First United Bank & Trust yesterday sent out a nice update on various facets of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including insight into loan amount tranparency by the SBA, loan forgiveness developments and other related resource items.  Click here to go to First United’s page for a lot more details.

True confession: I will be very glad when COVID-19 news is not front and center and the pandemic is a thing of the past, but for now, we try to provide county- and sometimes state- level updates to our readers.Yesterday, the Garrett County Health Department received notification of another positive COVID-19 case which brings the county’s total positive cases to 15. This positive case is a female Garrett County resident in her 60s who presented with symptoms at a local health care facility. She did not need to be hospitalized and is isolating at home. Feel better…

Here’s a great photo of the full moon and fireeworks taken from the lake the evening of July 4th, as submitted by Louann Eadie.  Thanks for sharing Louann.

Fireworks and Moon on July 4th

Finally, we really appreciate getting all of the great photos our readers submit.  Please make sure you include your name, location (just mention which part of the lake/area) and date, so we can best describe setting and give our photographers the credit they deserve.  Thanks!

The weather over the weekend was wonderfull!  Today we have a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2:00 pm and before 8:00 pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84 degrees and a low around 64.

The Garrett County Health Department/Joint Information Center announced the county’s 14th confirmed case of COVID-19 on Saturday.  The individual, a male in his 20s is self isolating at present.

Needless to say, the lake area was abuzz with individuals, couples and families enjoying the great weather and the lake and surroundings over the holiday weekend.  Rather than use our community dock and “beach” my wife and I took a jaunt over to the DCL State Park Friday for a dip. People were enjoying themselves and it was nice, even if a large crowd for the holiday weekend. Here’s a photo I took of the beachgoers.  Very nice!

State Park Beach 7-3-20

Note the “No Lifeguard on Duty” sign in the above photo.  I bring that up because it is incumbent on all of us to treat safety as a prime concern as we enjoy outselves.  I saw that a pontoon boat apparently capsized over the weekend.  Accidents happen, and I do not pass judgement on anyone (or boat or marina) involved, as I do not know the details, and regardless, I am sure they did not wish to capsize. As a little reminder here, as I heard some not-so-kind comments posted online, please be kind to one another – locals, second homeowners and tourists alike – as we are all part of, and enjoying, the Deep Creek Lake area together.

I have learned that many of our readers enjoy and savor many different ecosystems both near and far, so here’s a link to some interesting insight and statistics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) focusing on July as Celebrating Habitat Month: Reconnecting with Habitat.  Some good stuff from NOAA as usual, even if a bit focused on salt water habitats.  Check it out.

OK, speaking of safety and salt water habitats, here’s something we do NOT have to worry about at Deep Creek Lake: “The NOAA Fisheries Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline received a report that a recreational boat traveling on the west side of Coghlan Island collided with a humpback whale, just outside Auke Bay, north of Juneau, Alaska. The U.S. Coast Guard relayed information that the family in the vessel immediately returned to shore and some members were transported to Bartlett Regional Hospital with serious injuries.” I hope all are OK.

Closer to home, congratulations are in order: Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Jamie Rodeheaver of the Western Regional Office has been named the recipient of the 2019 “James C. Robertson, Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year” award. “Master Deputy Rodeheaver exemplifies the overall desire and commitment our investigators embrace to ensure the safety of Maryland’s citizens,” stated State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci. Nice job and way to go Jamie!

Here’s a nice submission from June Harvey of what looks like dusk at the main part of the lake.  Nice photo June and thank you for sharing. I like the orangish/yellowish layers toward the bottom of the sky and wonder if that can be attributed to the dust that came over the ocean from Africa a few days ago.  It definitely “softens” the scene, regardless.

Summer at the Lake by June Harvey

And, here’s another photo taken on July 4th by Ed O’Connor.  It certainly has the same color hues as the one above. Thanks for sharing Ed and nice job.

Summer at the Lake – Ed O’Connor

Have a great Monday folks…