Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

The weather today will be showers likely, mainly between 8am and 2pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 56 and a low around 40. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

From the Garrett County Health Department; COVID-19 vaccination appointments are currently being scheduled for individuals in Phase 1 (including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities), Phase 2, and Phase 3. Garrett County residents who are 18 and older are now eligible at Health Department COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Other sites that have the Pfizer vaccine may be able to vaccinate 16 and 17-year-olds.

The Garrett County Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine equity plan is 11 pages and discusses significant challenges with the vaccine in Western Maryland. “Garrett County is geographically separated … [and] there is no public transportation to reach that site,” the plan states. “The entire county (614 square miles) has been designated a Medically Underserved Area … [and] has a “low income” designation.”

“The median household income is $52,617 compared to $84,805 in Maryland. The population density is 41 persons per square mile as compared to 594 for the State of Maryland.”

This tool can be used to see all Maryland vaccination sites.

The raffle by Maryland Public Television (MPT) is drawing to an end: purchase your tickets before 4pm on April 15 for a chance to win $10,000! Those who purchase 2 or more tickets will receive a one-year MPT membership, including access to MPT Passport for an on-demand library of public TV programming.

The Maryland State Parks annual State Parks and Trails Passport grants unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals. The pass is $75 for Marylanders and $100 for out-of-state visitors.

This lovely photo was shared by Michelle Duez. WOW!

The Western Maryland Food Council’s virtual conference was recently held and three western Marylanders engaged in a follow-up session to discuss their roles in regional food accessibility. Charles DeBerry, president of Garrett Growers Cooperative, spoke about the co-op’s 11 member organization, established in 2010. “We try to make buying local food as easy as possible,” DeBerry said.

The weather today will be patchy fog before 9 am, otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 61 and a low around 43. West wind 5 to 9 mph.

Garrett County Public Works will continue flushing fire hydrants on the Mt. Lake Park and Loch Lynn water systems from April 12th through April 23rd, weekdays between the hours of 7am and 3pm. Please check your cold water for discoloration before doing laundry or dishes and allow the cold water to run until clear if discolored.

Lebanese Taverna will be making a Deep Creek DELIVERY! Pick-up will be at 3:30 pm on Saturday, April 17 in McHenry.

West Virginia officials unveiled a new program on Monday to attract outdoor enthusiasts with remote jobs to the state; starting with the nearby City of Morgantown. After moving to the state, participants in the Ascend WV program will receive a package valued at over $20,000. The package includes a no-strings attached $12,000, outdoor recreation, coworking space and social events.

April 5th through 11th was National Public Health Week — a special “thank you” goes out to the public health practitioners protecting and improving the health of everyone in our community.

April is also Flood Safety Awareness Month. More details can be found on page 48 of the Garrett County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Did you know? In 2020, the median price per square foot in Maryland increased by 5.93% in 2020 to $175.58 per square foot? According to Inspection Support Network, Maryland has the 16th most expensive homes per square foot. As always, we did not confirm the methodology for collecting this data but we thought it was interesting. Locally, and despite the significant increase in price, there has been a limited inventory available for purchase in Garrett County.

The weather today will be cloudy with a high near 53 and a low around 43. A chance of showers. West wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%.

The Friendsville Days Committee is hosting a Poster Contest. Your poster must be/include:
● 22” by 28”
● Theme of RIVER WILD
● Name(Friendsville Days) year (2021)
● 40th anniversary
● Prefer use of color pencils
● Your name, and grade on the back of the poster
● Contact info on an attached paper( a way for us to contact 1st, 2nd & 3rd place
winners)

The Highland Thrift Shop is asking requesting Shop n Save bags for their bag sale (as these bags don’t split) and/or egg cartons (for the farmers). They are open 10 to 4 today and the sale this week is 75% off of books, records, VHS tapes, and audiotapes.

Dans Mountain State Park is now accepting applications for lifeguards. These are full-time or part-time, seasonal positions. Candidates must apply by April 20 at JobAps.com/md.

If you have a healthcare background and would be available to help vaccinate individuals for COVID-19, please contact us,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “We are interested in speaking with current or retired nurses, paramedics, EMTs, physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, dentists, etc. who have a desire and the time to assist us with our vaccination efforts.” Anyone interested in discussing the possibilities of helping with the community vaccination program should call the Health Department at 301-334-7700.

The American Red Cross and the Garrett County Health Department will host a blood drive on Friday, April 16, from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad at 200 Baltimore Avenue, Oakland, MD.

The weather today will be partly sunny, with a high near 66 and a low around 47. A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then patchy drizzle after 4am. Southeast wind 7 to 9 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday will be patchy drizzle before noon, then a slight chance of showers between noon and 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Patchy fog before 7am. Sunday will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 68 and low around 52. Sunday will be partly sunny with a high near 64 and around 45. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Drive around this rainy weekend and visit the 41 Garrett County barn quilts.

Congratulations to Commissioner Paul Edwards and High Mountain Sports’ Owner Steve Green! Both gentlemen were recently appointed to the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission (MORE) by Governor Larry Hogan. This commission is responsible for developing strategies and making recommendations to the governor to strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation industry and help ensure increased investment in our state’s outdoor recreation resources.

Help Hunter Get Outside! event will be held tomorrow April 10 @ 11:00.am

Plan for Friendsville Volunteer Fire Department Wing Night Drive -Thru tomorrow April 10 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

FREE! Baseball/Softball Sessions for players coming up in developing their baseball/softball skills. This is for age groups 8-10 and 11-13 boys and girls.

The weather today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 71 and a low around 48. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm.  Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Have you made your guess in the April “Where Am I?” contest? You can win a $25 gift card to Ace’s Run Restaurant.

Speaking of “Where Am I?”, do you know where this photo canvas is hanging? It’s at the Cumberland MVA – I recognized it as Deep Creek Lake right away! It’s not a view I have seen very often.

There’s good news today! NeuBeam announced the launch of service for their Table Rock Tower that allowed for the expansion of broadband internet to hundreds of previously unserved households.

Three Garrett County artists: Caroline Blizzard, Sonia Pratt, and Annie Simcoe were recently awarded the 2021 Independent Arts Award from the Maryland State Arts Council.

Penn Alps is back open for business! 11am – 7pm everyday! The buffet is back, too, for $17.99!

Have we mentioned the Mom’s Day Giveaway by Cashmere Clothing Co.? Submit your nominations for a special mom to get what she really wants for Mother’s Day – a family photo session in a flower field! The winner will receive a shopping experience with Cashmere Clothing Co, a cupcake bouquet by Mountain Flour Bakery, flowers, and photoshoot at Three Sisters Farm.

The weather today will be sunny with a high near 69 and a low of 48. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Light southwest wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Have you seen our chart that measures the surface temperature and ambient air temperatures towards the North end of Deep Creek Lake?

Mike and I are teaching a class with Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development. If you find yourself wearing the “marketing hat” for your business but don’t really feel prepared, this class is for you! Call 301-387-3069 and ask for more information on the scholarships available.

The Garrett County Health Department invites you to participate in a brief survey on medication storage and disposal. You may participate in this survey if you are 18 years of age or older and live or work in Garrett County.

Watch how to “Level Up Your Meals” (part 2) with Haley Gillespie: Breaking away from the status quo diet that leaves most Americans prone to obesity and chronic disease doesn’t have to be an overwhelming feat. Small changes can add up to big health and wellness gains over time…

Join the Ruth Enlow Library on the second Thursday of each month as the library’s Adult Book Club gathers to discuss their latest read. Newcomers are always welcome! Please contact the Accident Branch Library at 301-746-8792 or email Kim at kcecil@relib.net for details.

The weather today will be increasing clouds with a high near 63 and a low around 46. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Planning your summer getaway? Railey Vacations just updated their summer featured rental homes list.

I thought this was really cool: I saw this artist, Lauren Kaplan Rutley, on Instagram. She painted a wonderful piece from a reference photo of Deep Creek Lake from an ad in Southern Living Magazine.

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) asks you to share how your transportation behavior has been altered by the pandemic. Individuals over the age of 18 who have lived or worked in the state of Maryland since January 2020 are eligible to participate.

NOTE: all coronavirus vaccines are free. Please see this Maryland Insurance Administration advisory for more information and how to report potential fraud.

If you’re a regular reader, you know that Mike Tumbarello and I (Sarah Myers) started the Power of Possibilities initiative when we worked together at Garrett College. Wow… I believe that was in 2014…  Anyway, this business education, training and mentoring program is very near to my heart. The annual “POP” conference is this Thursday.

Today will be mostly cloudy with Snow showers likely, mainly in the morning. Total snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible, with highs in the lower 30s and northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of snow 70 percent. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers in the evening. Cold with lows around 18. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph in the evening. Chance of snow 40 percent. Bundle up folks!

Happy April to all our readers! And, that’s no joke… April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, the fifth in the early Julian, the first of four months to have a length of 30 days, and the second of five months to have a length of less than 31 days. Its name is derived from the Latin word aperit, which means to open. It is considered that April is the month of the growing season and when trees and flowers begin to “open”.

Here’s a nice photo submitted by regular reader and contributor Chip Mathieson.  Great photo before the snows come and we appreciate your sharing Chip.  Thanks!

Reflection in Orange

Speaking  of growing and opening, Sarah and I are both opening up to new challenges.  I have sold my share of Deep Creek Times to Sarah and she will take over full operations, including Daily Notes, going forward. I know she will do a great job and has some great plans for the future. We will still be partners in GeoComm Media Group (marketing and strategy consulting) and I will be guest blogging here on the Notes from time-to-time.  I must say, writing Daily Notes for almost four years has been fun and rewarding and I hope you have enjoyed reading my musings and news items.  Thanks for “tuning in” and I wish you all the very best…

Put-and-take trout anglers had their day last Saturday — no matter what your pursuits are, there is nothing like opening day. Here’s a link to the latest State of Maryland Fishing Report, which is produced by Maryland DNR.

Here’s a good deal for you for today only: The Lodges at Sunset Village in McHenry is holding their biggest sale of the year offering 25% off any new reservation in 2021. Today only, rates will appear online starting at 12:01AM, 1/01/21 and will close 24 Hours later at 12:01AM, 1/02/2021. Any date, any stay! Don’t miss the sale of the YEAR! You can call them at 301.387.2227 or go to their website to check availability.

Don’t forget that this afternoon is the cutoff to order your complete Easter Dinner tray for take-out at Alpine Lake Resort.  Chef Debbie has assembled quite a “package” of goodies for 6-8 people and a la carte.  Here’s the scoop.

If you have questions about COVID-19 or the the vaccines available for COVID-19, consider attending this free, online webinar this evening from 5:00 – 6:30 pm.  It is sponsored by the Ruth Enlow Library and includes some insight from some very good health authorities.

If you, or someone you know, is looking for a job in food services, Brenda’s Pizzeria, Ace’s Run, Trader’s Coffee and Firewater are holding a job fair for a variety of positions this Saturday, from 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon. I know that Brenda and team are a cohesive group that treat one another very well and have quite a good retention rate among employees.  But visit the job fair and engage and inquire for yourself if interested. Good luck.

Have a great one dear readers…

Yesterday was clear, warm and quite nice.  Today we are expecting showers, with highs in the upper 50s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Chance of rain is 90 percent. Rain showers will continue in the evening. Snow showers after midnight. Cooler with lows in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

For those planning to travel this week, note that a blast of cold air that is projected to slash temperatures by 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit in much of the Northeast is coming by April 1st. And AccuWeather forecasters say the winterlike weather is “no joke.” Snow is forecast to fall and accumulate in part of the NE region as cold winds add to the winterlike feel late this week.

Wow! Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals in the United States in the annual ranking of rural hospitals compiled by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The rankings are based on a rigorous assessment of patient data from hospitals across the country using the Hospital Strength Index. Congratulations to the GRMC team!

Hey there fishermen and fisherwomen! Maryland DNR just added 2,500 brown, golden, and rainbow trout to the Youghiogheny river in Friendsville and Oakland! Now you have no excuse not to catch one in Garrett County…

And, speaking of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, they caution homeowners to be alert for non-licensed tree contractors who take money for work that never gets done.

The Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission (recreational fisheries) and Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission (commercial fisheries) have membership seats expiring June 30, 2021. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for a seat, please apply online by May 1, 2021. The commissioners are appointed by the governor and they advise Fishing and Boating Services on all matters brought to the commissions.

As mentioned in previous Daily Notes, Sarah and I are offering a workshop on Real Marketing (sm) at Garrett College starting April 15th from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm for a total of eight sessions (ending June 3rd).  Real Marketing (sm) for Small and Non-Profit Enterprises is a hands-on workshop series that is designed to help small businesses and non-profits better understand and practice effective marketing. Too often smaller enterprises (and some larger ones) focus on “just” the latest campaign or social media posts, but effective marketing requires much more. Contact Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 301.387.3069 for more information and to register.  FYI, there is scholarship money available!

Finally today, here’s some interesting “factoids” from a recent study conducted by WalletHub on Easter-related spending:

• $21.6 Billion: Total Easter-related spending expected in 2021 ($180 per person celebrating).
• $3 Billion: Projected Easter spending on candy.
• $49,000: Price of the world’s most expensive chocolate Easter bunny.
• 78%: Share of people who eat chocolate bunnies’ ears first.
• 60%: Share of parents who plan on sending Easter baskets to their children after they’ve moved out.

Today’s weather will be sunny, with a high near 66 degrees. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Tonight we have a chance of showers after 2:00 am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 46. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

As I mentioned yesterday, early blooming plants such as daffodils are emerging with their vibrant colors.  Here’s a (bit blurry) photo of another, smaller plant that has begun blooming on the mountain.  I don’t know the name of these fellows but they are all around and a sign of what is to come!

Spring Wildflower

Jean and I went for a nice dinner at Ace’s Run Saturday evening.  From our window seat we could see the “action” at Firewater, with lots of folks waiting in the neat outdoor waiting area.  It was a constant flow of folks coming to the site and then being seated. From the crowds it looks like Brenda has another winner on her hands.  Well done!

March Madness is taking place at Cashmere Clothing Co. in McHenry! Stop in and grab a deal! It is also the Military March, and the shop is a very proud supporter of all active and veteran military members! Show your ID for your special savings.

Maryland providers have administered a total of 2,564,507 COVID-19 vaccines and are averaging a new record-high 49,732 shots per day. According to the CDC, 37.9% of Maryland’s population age 18 and older has received a vaccine, including 73.9% of Marylanders 65 and older.

Join CCPL and A Likely Story Bookstore for New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray, in conversation with author Karen White. Stephanie’s new book, The Women of Chateau Lafayette, is an epic saga based on the true story of an extraordinary castle in the heart of France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy. This is a virtual event starting at 7:00 pm this evening.

With Spring upon us, the traditionally busy real estate sales season gets under way.  While real estate is hot these days and inventory is down due to demand, here’s some interesting data-driven tips from Zillow that show features and verbiage that impact home sales and prices realized.

With April being Stress Awareness Month and America’s biggest stressors in 2021 being money problems and the COVID-19 pandemic, the personal-finance website WalletHub yesterday released its report on 2021’s Most & Least Stressed States, as well as accompanying videos. Maryland came out pretty well.  To see Maryland’s and other states’ rankings check out the report.  And, don’t get stressed over it…

Got a serious thunder storm in the wee hours Sunday morning after a really great Saturday. Sunday night we got a slight dusting of snow! Expect today to be partly sunny through mid morning, then becoming sunny, with a high near 48 degrees. Breezy, with a west wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tonight should be clear, with a low around 32. Calm wind.

Thinking of all of our readers and friends celebrating Passover this week… God bless…

Even after a somewhat harsh winter, plants of all types are starting to emerge.  These daffodils in my yard were just a small “shoot” a few days ago and then they bloomed Saturday.  The lake area is transforming for Spring.

Spring’s First Flowers

The latest Action Group created on the Garrett County Planning Tool found @ mygarrettcounty.com originated as a collaborative effort of medical providers in the community who have an interest in reducing childhood obesity. The group is just beginning to lay out the goals, strategies, and how they will measure their progress. Check out the brand new Healthy Weight Workgroup here: https://mygarrettcounty.com/groups/increase-adolescent-well-child-checks/healthy-weight-workgroup/

Monoclonal antibodies appear to be a viable early treatment for COVID after some administration to patients and evaluation of results. Maryland moved quickly to offer the antibodies, the same thing used to treat then-President Donald Trump’s infection in October. And the state has been working since to promote and expand access to the lab-made immune system builder — the lone therapy for those who are not hospitalized. The Baltimore Sun has an article on the topic.

Make a commitment to get more physical activity this month! For practical advice on how to get started check out the blog post titled, Haley’s Top Ten Tips at https://gogarrettcounty.com/haleys-top-ten-tips-3-prize-points/

A new report by Outdoorsy looking at the U.S. states that generate the most revenue from RV parks and campgrounds and ranked states according to annual sales at RV parks and campgrounds. On average, Maryland generates $54,997,000 from RV parks and campgrounds each year, or $90,969 per year for every 10,000 residents. RVing has certainly caught on during the pandemic and with all of our area’s natural beauty, the Deep Creek Lake region will likely be a prime destination.

And, speaking of Maryland, with participation from dozens of citizens across the Free State, Maryland Public Television has created an American Portrait TV special showing what makes you and your fellow citizens uniquely Maryland. Join the virtual premiere screening event to get a sneak peek of the PBS American Portrait – Maryland Special. It is tonight at 7pm.

Finally today, here’s a photo submitted by reader and regular contributor Dee Dave of a “local” exploring the area as Spring emerges.  It is the simple natural, unplanned experiences like these that make our area so neat to live in and visit.  Thanks for sharing Dee.

Exploring

Have a wonderful Monday and rest of the week dear readers…

The weather today will be partly sunny with a high near 59 and a low around 43. Windy, with a west wind 23 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. A high wind warning is in effect until 5pm this evening. Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Saturday will be mostly sunny with showers likely after 2am. A high near 67 and a low around 51. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the morning. Sunday will be showers before 11am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of showers after 2pm. High near 62 and a low around 29. Sunday night will be a chance of rain showers, mixing with snow after 1am, then gradually ending.

Yes, snow.

The total snow accumulation for the year (so far) was….. drumroll, please….

Our friend Tina is holding a Swing into Spring Market tomorrow at her store Shabby Patina. She is really great at refinishing and repurposing items and it will be worth checking out!

For the fishermen and women, nearby West Virginia is holding a “Gold Rush“! Between March 23 and April 3, an estimated 50,000 golden rainbow trout will be distributed to 42 lakes and 20 streams throughout West Virginia. Those who real in a golden with a numbered tag are entered to win prizes. Here’s a list of the stocking locations!

The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club is seeking comments and support for Garrett County’s first pump track planned for the Club’s community park in McHenry, MD. A pump track is a looped sequence of rollers and banked turns for bicycle riders designed to be ridden completely by riders “pumping” – generating momentum by up and down body movements –  instead of pedaling or pushing.

Here’s an interesting article about how to pump your bike according to physics. Did ya know?!

According to Club spokesperson Chris Nichols, “Pump tracks are accessible for bikers of all skill and age levels and provide a place to build skills and muscle memory that riders can take to more advanced trails. They become focal points for future recreational development and for community socialization.” Read more details here.

Save the Date: A fundraising bike rodeo is planned for June 26, 2021. Organizer Brooke McConnell told me there will be a planning meeting at the DCL Lions club park on Wednesday, April 7th at 6pm for anyone interested in getting involved with the rodeo.

Also, in nearby Cumberland, MD there is a petition to build a skatepark. You know I love biking so I’m all for giving our kids (and adults) options for activities to get outside!

Place your Alpine Lake Resort: Easter Dinner Takeout order by April 1.

We’re compiling Easter Activities at Deep Creek Lake! Please share and send us any community activities we don’t have listed! Have a great weekend!