Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

We woke up to more snow. Is that a “yay” or “nay” where you’re from?! I’m on the YAY-side… it’s so pretty!

The weather today will be isolated snow showers before 10am. Cloudy early, then gradual clearing, with a high near 39 and a low around 30. West wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Are you managing or assisting with a non-profit related to heritage tourism? The Garrett County Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area has compiled some grant resources.

The online marketplace is happenin’ … we had a bear-proof trash container go REALLY quickly and now we have a really nice looking Subaru Outback under “Vehicles”.

A message from Garrett County Superintendent of Schools:

Also, there is a live stream of the Garrett County Board of Education meeting that was held on April 14, 2020, at 6:00 PM. (slide to about the 10 minute mark)

Make Magazine has put together a list of projects to make to help fight COVID-19 …. maybe you have these materials around your house?

There’s a fun family activity tonight: it’s the Disney Family Singalong at 8 p.m. on the ABC channel.

Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) graphic outlining a few examples of the Dos & Don’ts of Social Distancing. It seems simple but this emergency is not yet over, & it’s very important that we don’t let our guard down yet.

Yesterday was cold and blustery, with snow showers most of the afternoon.  Today will be sunny, with a chance of showers, a high near 42 degrees and a northwest wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. A chance of rain and snow showers before 11:00 pm, then a chance of snow showers. Increasing clouds, with a low around 27.

A recent Seton Hall Sports Poll found that 72% of Americans would not attend a sports event before the introduction of a vaccine to prevent coronavirus. Twelve percent of respondents said they would attend a sports event if social distancing could be maintained. Only 13 percent said they would feel as safe as fans as in the past. Medical experts predict that a vaccine will not be approved before 2021. The poll, conducted among 762 Americans on landlines and cellphones, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.

With declining travel threatening to wipe out 5.9 million US jobs by the end of April and the tourism industry greatly impacted by social distancing, WalletHub yesterday released its report on the States Hit Hardest by COVID-19’s Impact on Tourism, along with accompanying videos. This is an interesting report and all the more relevant to us here based on our tourism-driven economy.

When was the last time you and the family had a nice dinner out?  I know, due to the current situation, it has been a while.  But I have an idea:  Why not check-out our dining guide and order take-out!  You get a break and you help our local establishments and their employees.  You can also buy a gift card to use for a future meal. Please call your favorite restaurant or visit their website to verify that they are open and offer take-out.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and the Garrett County Health Department sent us this list of available resources. It is also important to recognize the stigma that continues to surround alcoholism and reaching out for treatment.  Alcoholism is an illness, and there is no shame in seeking help. There are many resources available, both national and local:

National:

• National Helpline at 1-844-289-0879
• Alcoholics Anonymous at 1-212-870-3400
• National Association for Children of Alcoholics 1-888-554-2627
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at
  1-800-662-4357 (HELP).

Local:

• Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Program – 301-334-7730
• Substance Use Disorder Program – 301-334-7670

Yesterday was wet and very windy.  Today’s weather holds a chance of showers before 2:00 pm, with a high near 40 degrees and a low around 29.  There will be rain showers in the evening before 9:00 pm, possibly changing to snow showers after 11:00 pm.

Building Deep Creek Lake Dam

In partnership with the Ruth Enlow Library, CHIPS Network has installed exterior hotspots to provide free Wi-Fi to local communities throughout Garrett County. Currently available at the Oakland, Friendsville, Grantsville, and Accident libraries with a location coming soon to the Kitzmiller branch! That should really help those of us without connectivity at home.  Please spread the word.

The Garrett County Health Department stresses that the best way to protect yourself and your household is to stay at home during this crisis, but if you need to go out for essential reasons, do your part to protect everyone by wearing a face covering. The internet is full of examples of how to make a face covering from bandanas and t-shirts without sewing (see also past columns of Daily Notes). There are also many patterns and designs to sew your own if you are crafty. This link, bit.ly/diy-masks, will take you to the CDC file that gives several suggested ways to make a face covering, explains how to wear it, and how to take care of it.

Now for a little rant folks.  I had to go out the other day for essentials and I stopped in a local “store” in Oakland.  Well, contrary to best practices and recurring suggestions/orders from the authorities, people in this establishment were not practicing social distancing, did not have face masks on (except for me) and workers handling food and money did not have a mask nor gloves on. Please, please, please stay home, but if you must go out, please take precautions.  I was frankly, surprised at the situation I witnessed and wanted to share so you can help spread the word as well. So, spread the word and not the virus! (Yes, I just made that saying up) Hopefully, things have improved and they are taking more precautions now.  I hope so.

While we remain at four confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Garrett County, the rest of Maryland and other parts of the county continue a mighty strugle. The confirmed coronavirus cases in Maryland had reached 8,936 as of Monday, with the death toll at 262, officials say. Just when we think it is tough, along comes a string of tornadoes Easter Sunday that does serious damage to life and property.  Let’s all keep those in the South that are injured or lost their lives and homes in our thoughts and prayers.  I can’t imagine…

With problems come solutions.  The Garrett County Health Department in partnership with Garrett County Community Action (CAC),  have prepared a website for those seeking ways to help those in need: https://garretthealth.org/community/. Check this site out and use it if you have something to offer or need help. The people and institutions of Garrett County continue to come through!

On a positive and innovative note, Dave Bruffy of Smoke and Mirrors Gallery and Studio in Oakland is putting on a Alone Together Virtual Concert on April 24th featuring Seth Maynard and Rich Norwood.  Dave is trying to support our musicians, provide some entertainment and help the economy.  The cost is only $5.  Here’s the link to purchase a ticket.  Nice job Dave! Thanks…

The weekend had some good weather, though a little snow on Friday! The weather for today will be interesting: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers. Temperature rising to near 61 degrees by 11:00 am, then falling to around 51 during the remainder of the day. Windy, with a south wind 22 to 29 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. The temperature will drop to about 32 during the night.

Even with the mixed weather we have experienced the past week, the trend in temperatures appears upward and that is a sure sign of things to come.  Here’s a photo of a variety of daffodils gathered from my garden Sunday.  They smell great too!

Daffodils a-Bloom

I hope you all had a nice weekend and a nice Easter and a continuing nice Passover.  I know a lot of the Seders and Easter dinner gatherings were smaller this year, but I hope you still enjoyed the time. Here’s a photo of our dear friends Vicki and David’s Seder table for two. Still beautiful setting as always. As a Christian, I hold fond memories of attending seders at the homes of my Jewish friends over the years.

Seder Setting for Two

Garrett County government, the health department and others have been working hard to interpret and communicate guidance from the Governor’s office and elsewhere relative to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been asked to provide some clarification to all, so here it is almost verbatim: Pertaining to commuters to/from adjacent states, and persons transiting Maryland, Governor Hogan stated that persons traveling into Maryland from anywhere outside Maryland are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. This is not expected of: persons who regularly commute into Maryland from an adjacent state or the District of Columbia, or vice-versa, unless such persons should otherwise self-quarantine under applicable CDC or MDH guidance (for example, because of recent travel to the New York/Tri-State area); It is not deemed essential travel to come to Garrett County for the weekend. Visitors, or second homeowners returning for the summer season, should not come to the county unless they self-quarantine for 14 days. This quarantine requirement does not apply to commuters, as referenced above, or to those traveling for essential services. For example, West Virginia residents can travel to Garrett County for food or medicine. Also, Garrett County residents can travel to appointments in West Virginia and will not be stopped by State Troopers unless there is a motor vehicle violation. I wanted to make sure all readers were aware. 

The Health Department has send guidance to retail businesses in the County over the past week to help ensure employee and customer safety. Strategies already being used by some essential retailers, and recommended to those not yet complying include:

• marking floors to ensure adequate distance between customers
• limiting the number of people at one time in the facility or establishing customer flow patterns to avoid contact between customers
• setting up barriers between the employee and the customer when the six-foot minimum for social distance is not possible
• employees wearing a facemask if social distancing and barriers are not sufficient

In addition, establishments were reminded that it is imperative to disinfect surfaces that customers regularly touch, including shopping carts, door handles, checkout areas, and other high-touch surfaces.

Finally today, here’s some information on a request from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency that is asking for donations of masks, boots, protective gear and cleaning supplies to meet the critical needs of Maryland first responders. Give if you can and as you can…

Donations Needed

Have a wonderful Monday folks…

The weather today will be windy — a west wind 21 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph. A chance of snow showers, mainly before 3pm then gradually becoming mostly sunny, High near 38 a low around 28. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Saturday will be sunny, with a high near 48 and a low around 37. Easter Sunday will be a chance of showers, mainly after 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 62 and a low around 50.

A special shoutout goes to Susie Crawford for sharing this spectacular sunset with us!

We miss the lake views and lake life! Hopefully, we all can return to “normal” soon! In the middle of all of this, we are excited about a new way for you to check-in on the lake … stay tuned for an announcement next week.

The Mountain Fresh Farmer’s market has several sellers set-up to sell online and pick up at the market.

There are so many examples of our community joining together to get through these times we can’t mention them all but I wanted to thank Kaycee and Kylee King here: These two sisters collected and donated “go bags” of items for children entering foster care. THANK YOU!

Garrett County remains at 4 residents with positive COVID-19 tests. Here is the local Health Department’s Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

Today we observe Good Friday as part of the Holy Week for Christians:

The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 42 by 3pm. Showers likely, mainly before 5pm. Breezy, with a west wind 17 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 48 mph. Tonight, a chance of rain and snow showers – new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible – low of 28.

Were you able to see the “Pink Supermoon”? I, personally, looked but couldn’t capture much on my cell phone. Note, the moon really doesn’t look pink — according to NBC, Pink moon” is just a nickname from folklore — a reference to the first pinkish flowers in spring. Read more about upcoming Garrett County skies.

Thanks to @lee_foto__ on Instagram for sharing his moon photo:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the wonderful Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville. A severe storm tore through and dropped several trees and caused building damage. Our friend Regina Holliday has started a Go Fund Me to help rebuild if you’re so inclined.

The Garrett County Commissioners released several pieces of news yesterday. A recording of the public meeting is online and more details were released regarding the offer of an Accommodations Tax Deferral for businesses, groups, and individuals who have had to pause vacation rentals due to COVID-19 and the purchase of a building for the Emergency Operations Center.

The Commissioners also are reminding visitors coming to Garrett County, or returning to their home, that all are required to self-quarantine.

The weather for today includes a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9:00 am, then a slight chance of showers between 9:00 am and noon. Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 63. Northwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of more rain in the wee hours over night and a low of about 42.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Garrett County Landfill will continue on the winter schedule. The landfill will remain open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm for residential and commercial haulers and on Saturdays from 8:00 am. until 12:00 pm for residential use only. On Saturdays, the landfill scales and cell are not open; no commercial or large loads will be accepted. Residential users will have access to the refuse and recycling containers at the scale house.

Unfortunately, Tuesday’s announcement of 12 additional COVID-19 deaths brought the state’s coronavirus-related death toll to 103, an increase of about 54% in the past two days. Garrett County remains at four confirmed cases and no deaths.

People report that more folks in the County have been wearing masks while out and about, which is good news.  Our citizens also seem to be heeding the social distancing guidelines, which is also good news.  Hopefully we will remain a low-level outlier COVID-wise.

The Chamber of Commerce did a good job of putting on their coronavirus information webinar for small businesses yesterday morning.  They had speakers from the Small Business Administration as well as state representatives.  There are definitely some programs available and definitely a lot of people needing financial relief to keep their businesses afloat during this crisis.  I did hear that a number of local banks are basically at their current limit relative to accepting and processing Payroll Protection Program loans for small enterprises.  If you are interested, call your lender in advance to see where they are and where they stand on possibly accepting in the future.

With nearly all of the 50 states in some form of lockdown to fight the spread of COVID-19, WalletHub today released updated rankings for the Most Aggressive States Against the Coronavirus, as well as accompanying videos. To see the full report and where Maryland and other states ranked, click this link.

The Manor Steakhouse has several dinner Carryout options available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings that they asked us to share. Their chef has created some excellent dinners for you as they continue their take-out with an expanded menu. Call them at 240.488.1104 for more info or to order in advance.  I can truly say that I have never had a bad meal there and the food quality is excellent. Here’s their menu for you… Tell ’em Deep Creek Times sent ya!

Manor Tavern Take-Out Menu

Have a great Wednesday folks…

The weather yesterday was wonderful.  Today’s weather includes the chance all day for showers and/or thunderstorms.  The high will be near 62 degrees today and the low will be about 53.

I keep hearing stories of people “chipping-in” and helping out others in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Well, I happen to live with one.  She has been making masks for many friends and family members all over the country and also working, with her Oakland Civic Club colleagues, to make masks for local instiutions such as Hospice and Dennet Road Nursing Home.  Here she is in our kitchen showing off some of the face masks she and her buddies in Civic have made.  Thanks ladies!

Helping Out During COVID-19 Crisis

The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling has announced that, due to the COVID-19 crisis, plastic recycling will be suspended. Limited resources have forced the contracted recycling company to no longer accept the #1 and #2 plastics for recycling. Once the roll-off container currently available at each of the county collection sites is filled, the plastic recycling will be suspended until further notice.

Our friends at First United Bank & Trust reached out yesterday to remind people to beware of fraudsters using the COVID-19 crisis to scam consumers.  First United offered the following online suggestions and if you want to learn more about the current types of fraud, check out these helpful resources:

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips
• National Consumers League Fraud website at Fraud.org
• Listen to the latest episode of the First United “What Matters Most” Podcast on Fraud & Identity Theft Prevention

Garrett County Health Department yesterday reported a fourth positive COVID-19 case in the county.  The fourth case is a woman in her 20s who traveled outside of the area. She followed the Governor’s guidelines and has self-isolated since her return, and is currently recovering at home. Total COVID-19 testing numbers for Garrett County residents as of Monday, April 6th, are as follows:

154 – specimens processed

4 – total positive results for Garrett County residents

100 – negative results for Garrett County residents

50 – pending tests results

2 – of the positive cases have recovered and have been released from isolation

1 – of the positive cases remains isolated at home

1 – of the positive cases remains hospitalized

NOTE: The recommendation to wear a cloth face covering was recently added to a growing list of measures the public is asked to take to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Around 68 percent of Americans who observe Easter say their Easter spending will be affected by the coronavirus this year, according to WalletHub’s new Coronavirus Easter Survey, released yesterday. Here’s some key stats from the study:

• Worshippers don’t want to stay home: 56% of Americans who went to church on Easter Sunday last year say they will go to church for Easter this year, if it is open.
• Republicans are more likely to attend services: Republicans are almost three times more likely than Democrats to attend church on Easter this year, if it is open.
• Pandemics make us appreciate family and health more: The coronavirus has made Americans most grateful for their family (40%), followed by health (29%) and then freedom (13%).
• Traditional Easter spending is down: Almost half of Easter-celebrating Americans are skipping out on candy, new outfits and Easter foods this year, in contrast with prior years.
• COVID-19 itself is scarier than financial troubles: 68% of Americans are more worried about the coronavirus than the U.S. economy.
• Many Americans think lockdowns should last: About half of Americans believe that non-essential business, restaurants and travel should not restart for at least 3 months.

Have a great Tuesday folks…

Great weather over the weekend, especially Sunday until mid-afternoon, when some rain came.  Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 61 degrees. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. There’s a chance of showers tonight, mainly after 4:00 am, with increasing clouds earlier, and a low around 45.

Speaking of the weather, the sunny and warm weather has certainly created a “bloom” amongst lake-area flora and fauna. Went for a short hike with my wife Sunday afternoon and I almost stepped on a snake on a gravel road near my house.  It was a juvenile garden snake (certainly non-venemous) but our walks ( and slither?) almost intesected!  All good and s/he went on his/her way and got “lost” in the underbrush shortly thereafter.

Here’s a photo from June Harvey, taken last summer from her family’s cabin. They bought it in 1948 so they are entering their 72nd summer on Deep Creek Lake.  Wow!  Thanks June for sharing and congratulations to your faqmily for enjoying 72 years on the lake.  Summer is on the way!

Cabin View from Last Summer

We have published our monthly Cover Story for April.  This month’s edition is titled “Making the Most of Your Time at Home” and it discusses some options and resources for these times of self-quarantine in and around your home at the lake. There’s even instructions, via a link, on how to build your own cloth mask.  Check it out.  I hope you enjoy!

I want to thank Clint B. for his insightful comments on the “Bear Markets Come and Go” article we posted and I referenced in Daily notes a week or so ago. While all bear markets eventually end, and end “relatively” quickly, there are a number of National, state and local factors that can and likely will come into play with this COVID-19 induced contraction. No one knows for sure what the recovery will look like and when it will come, and there are sure to be some lingering effects from the current situation. While job-1 is taking care of our collective and individual health, the economic future is hard to predict this time around.

Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland have increased to at least 3,609 Sunday, with the death toll now at 67, officials said.  To my knowledge, there are still only three confirmed cases in Garrertt County as I write these Notes.

The Health Department, through the Joint Information Center Team yesterday, made the recommendation for all to wear a cloth face covering in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.  CDC’s studies are showing that people who have no symptoms may still be COVID-19 positive and can unknowingly transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. Locations where these transmissions could happen include places such as restaurants offering carryout or drive thru, grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical settings.

Finally, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on Sunday afternoon issued an emergency order aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes, many of which have been ravaged by outbreaks in the state and across the country. Among the measures, nursing home staff who interact with residents will be required to wear personal protective equipment, which includes a face mask, appropriate eye protection, gloves and a gown.

Stay safe, healthy and happy dear readers and have a great Monday…

The weather today will be sunny, with a high near 51 and a low around 34. Breezy, with a northwest wind 18 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 55 and a low around. 39. Sunday will be scattered showers, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57 and a low around 41.

We had storms roll in late afternoon yesterday.

With the new April edition comes the Featured Photo of the Month; check it out —  it’s a neat view of a downtown Oakland feature.

The “Where Am I?” contest is posted, too. Don’t think too hard on this one!

Yesterday we had posted some guidance on “essential” businesses from the County but, as turns out, there were a few inaccuracies. Our apologies for this — the Federal guidance on “essential” businesses and sectors can be found at https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce.

Our friends at Railey Realty are sharing “Zoom Backgrounds” for your online work conferences. It’s just like you’re here at the Lake! There are more than 10 Deep Creek backgrounds to download.

I’m happy to report I have seen our community working together in so many different ways: there have been so many local restaurants donating food to our first-line workers and essential employers. Also, I saw a generous donation to a local assisted living home, Cherry Hill, when a resident shared a sign that said “I’m doing well – send peanuts” and another sign said, “send chocolate”.

Keep these wonderful humans in your thoughts and prayers. Stay well this weekend.

The weather today will be sunny, with a high near 45 and a low around 31. Northwest wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Despite the recent challenges, there’s a new business in town! Check out our “What’s New Around Town” page for more info on this crazy-good barbeque.

Governor Hogan has recently issued a Stay at Home Directive which has raised some questions. During this COVID-19 crisis, the Garrett County Health Department is the lead agency with the Garrett County Government is working to share community resources and recent news.

Also, several agencies and organizations are working to interpret and clarify the Governor’s orders:

Maryland Department of Natural Resources published a few answers:

Can I go hunting?

Limited hunting is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can I go fishing?

Limited fishing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can I go boating?

Recreational boating is prohibited until the governor lifts the executive order or until the State of Emergency has ended. However, if an individual is boating to seek food for them or their family, boating is permitted. Boats used to transport essential employees or goods as defined in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce are also permitted.

Does kayaking or paddle boarding count as recreational boating?

Since kayaking and paddle boarding are a form of exercise, they are permitted under the executive order. Guidance on social distancing and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

I live on my sailboat – can I still be in my boat slip or moored out?

If your boat serves as your residence, you can remain on the vessel.

Can I go to a state park?

Hiking, biking, and walking are allowed under the executive order but social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed. Most state parks are open but some have been closed or have restricted areas. Please choose a park nearest your home to limit travel and be sure to check our website before you leave for the park and read our guidelines for social distancing in state parks. Natural Resources Police and Maryland Park Service rangers are authorized to enforce the governor’s executive order and will close areas and disperse crowds as necessary.

Can you fish in a state park?

Limited fishing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

The officials say that scammers are knocking on people’s doors and offering to test residents for COVID-19. This is not a standard procedure for EMS; officials urge residents not to answer the door if someone they don’t know is at their residence.

Yesterday was cool but the sun came out for a while.  Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 47 degrees. Calm wind becoming north around 6 mph in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy in the evening, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 30.

Today is April Fools’ Day! While our current crisis has us all focused on some very serious issues, I thought I would share some (light) history for the curious among us. On April 1, 1700, English pranksters begin popularizing the annual tradition of April Fools’ Day by playing practical jokes on each other. Although the day, also called All Fools’ Day, has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, its exact origins remain a mystery. Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582. Now you know…

This came in yesterday from the Garrett County Health Department.  They are doing an excellent job of keeping us informed and also wanted to reiterate some previous points and add some new ones, so here goes.  Please follow these and other communications from County government and the state:

>>Please call 911 only for medical emergencies, not for coronavirus information or questions. yesterday, public safety reported a large number of calls that were not emergencies. Tying up a dispatcher with non-emergency calls keeps them from answering other calls that may be about a life-threatening situation.

>>The Garrett County Health Department has established a COVID-19 Hotline to answer questions about symptoms, and other non-emergency medical questions. Call the COVID-19 Medical Hotline at 301.334.7698.

>>Many are asking what essential businesses can remain open during this state of emergency. The website govstatus.egov.com/md-coronavirus-business helps answer this question and offers many other resources, including new COVID-19 business relief programs.

>>All transient vacation rental units were ordered closed on March 27^th. This category includes individually rented properties such as Airbnb and vacation rental by owner, but does not include hotels or motels. For more information about this issue go to bit.ly/healthorders.

Here’s a photo submitted by Jim Chason showing docks being put in place at the lake thew other day.  A positive image providing some hope for all of us in “isolation” at home.  Perhaps by summer we will be “licking our wounds” but on an upward, healing path as a community and Nation. Thanks for sharing Jim!

Getting ready for summer

Yesterday was quite windy but sunny and nice.  Today will be cloudy, with isolated showers after 2:00 pm, and with a high of 45 degrees. Rain is likely after 8:00 pm with a low around 35.

As of yesterday morning, testing sites located in Garrett County have processed specimens on a total of 113 individuals.  The database of test results for Garrett County residents shows 66 negatives and has held stable at three positives. Of the remaining 44 specimens, most are still pending, but some of these undefined results represent individuals who reside outside of Garrett County.

Accurate COVID-19 information is critical for our Garrett County community. For the most current and accurate information about the situation, please refer to the following, as provided by the Garrett County Health Department.  Note their new FAQ page, as listed and linked below as well:

• Health Department COVID-19 Dashboard: org/covid-19-information/. Local information as well as links to State and National resources.
• Health Department Frequently Ask Questions Page: ly/covid-19-answers
• Garrett County COVID-19 Medical Hotline: 301-334-7698
• Garrett County Government’s COVID-19 Page: org/covid-19

Here’s a link to a strong and clear statement from Maryland Department of Natural Resources that covers use of state parks and related facilities, boating, etc. during the crisis.  It is worth a read for sure.

Sherry at Bear Creek Traders and Perkins asked us to inform readers that both institutions in McHenry are temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 crisis.  Please be sure to support those businesses and all others when they re-open, as they are a core foundational component of the Deep Creek Lake area.  And don’t forget some businesses also have carry-out open at this time, so take a break from cooking once in a while and support our advertisers that make Deep Creek Times possible.

The weather for today will see Increasing clouds, with a high near 49 degrees and a west wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. The evening hours will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Beautiful Deep Creek Sky

Folks, with everyone hunkered down, we have been getting fewer photos submitted the last few weeks.  If you are out and about, and have a photo from around the lake (or your own homestead) that you think other readers would enjoy, please submit to us at info@deepcreeklake.com. Photos can be of natural or man-made features and of people, pets or wildlife.

Some “mixed” news: Heard over the weekend that Maryland had about 1,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with almost 12,000 negative tests conducted. The bad news is we have 1,000 people (at least) with the coronavirus.  On the other hand, assuming those tested feared they were exposed or exhibited symptoms, less than 10% of them actually had the virus (at testing). Maybe that is a good sign?  Maryland officials on Sunday reported that 247 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed since Saturday.  Garrett County still stands at three confirmed cases.

As of Saturday, COVID-19 testing sites located in Garrett County had processed specimens on 109 individuals. These individuals reside mainly in Garrett County, but some have been processed on out-of-county residents. Among specimens collected on Garrett County residents, there have been 50 negative results and three positive results. Of the remaining 56 specimens, the vast majority are still pending.

Reminder: For up-to-date information on COVID-19 visit the Health Department’s website at garretthealth.org where you will find links to both Statewide and National resources. You can also call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301.334.7698. I think the Health Department and other local organizations are doing a great job of keeping all informed.

The Board of Directors of the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake, Inc., announced the election of Bob Sutton as President of the POA on March 26th. Bob has been a resident of Sky Valley since 1971 where for the past many years he has served as the President of the Sky Valley Association.  Good luck Bob!

As we all stay home and self-quarantine, our friends at First United Bank & Trust have come up with an online resource to help families optimize and enhance their time together, while still isolated from the broader community.  Click on this link for more information. Thanks First United!

A newly developed local small business loan program designed to assist Garrett County small businesses through the COVID-19 health crisis has been announced jointly by the Board of County Commissioners for Garrett County and the Garrett County Development Corporation. The goal of the program is to provide small businesses with loans for interim emergency funding (up to $5,000) to help pay legitimate business expenses such as mortgage, rent, utilities, insurance, taxes, etc. in order to remain solvent, continue business operations, or eventually restart the business. There are eligibility requirements. For more information, you can contact Kim Durst at Garrett County Economic Development at kdurst@garrettcounty.org or 301.334.1992.

Have a great and healthy Monday folks…