Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

The weather today will be patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy early, then gradual clearing, with a high near 47 and a low around 31. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.

There’s a newly listed poker/game table in our online marketplace. Comes with four chairs. Contact Mark at 301-245-4493 or email mlwhalen1 at verizon.net.

Considering a different holiday getaway? Maybe a road trip on one of Maryland’s Scenic Byways? There are numerous points of interest to customize your own pace, geography, and activities. There are several trips listed here but this one, with Cranesville Swamp, I recommend as something new.

Wisp Resort is elated to announce OPENING DAY! Tomorrow, Wisp will be open for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and the mountain coaster. Please note the COVID-19 guidelines in place before your arrival.

We mentioned last week Mountain State Brewery was closed for a week due to COVID-19 concerns — but! they will be back open tomorrow as promised! Have you seen their new igloos?! They look very cool *badum tiss* ha ha no pun intended.

We are sorry to report that, as of December 14th, 2020, Penn Alps Restaurant and Craft Shop will be TEMPORARILY closing due to extremely low customer numbers. There is a 25%-off sale from now until December 13. Try to make it out to Penn Alps and support all of our local small businesses.

The weather for today will be more of the same. We have a slight chance of snow showers before 1:00 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36 degrees and a west wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight, we have a slight chance of snow showers before 1:00 am, mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. West wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Yesterday I posted a colorful winter sunrise photo submitted by Mark Richards.  Here’s another photo from him, this time a “bird’s eye” view of the mountain.  Thanks for sharing and nice job Mark. Readers, what “landmarks” can you identify?

Lake-Area Aerial View

Here’s the December issue of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Newsletter.  It is filled with all sorts of interesting information including updates on COVID restrictions, arbor day photo contest submissions, mentoring for junior hunters, first weekend hikes and lots more.  Definitely check it out.

So you are tired of staying at home during the pandemic.  Not much to do.  Feeling very isolated. Why not get mariied! We currently have a very nice wedding dress for sale on our Online Marketplace. OK, even if you are already married or do not want to get married, there’s lots of other good stuff for sale on our site. Check the dress and other items out here.

Here’s something interesting and free.  Maryland Public Television is offering one of their Freeview Screenings on Friday, December 18th at 7:00 pm.  This Freeview is actually a “double feature” that includes a music video and that deals with “food deserts” in the state.  Here’s the link to more information and sign-up

Civic Club Cookbook for Sale

The Legacy Business Transition Program, a collaboration between Frostburg State University and Western Maryland Small Business Development Center, was designed as a resource for those looking to sell their businesses due to retirement or for other reasons. The goal of the program is to keep local businesses open and ongoing to provide direct employment and continue to offer goods and services to local communities. The program is free and will assist sellers with generating a business analysis of valuation and selling price, creating a confidential marketing package, listing service and introducing businesses to potential buyers. Buyer services include assisting with due diligence, structuring letters of intent and purchase agreements, financial qualification and post-purchase support. Interested parties can contact Mark Prave at 888-237-9007, ext. 8 or mjprave@frostburg.edu, or visit www.frostburg.edu/legacybusiness for more information.

We just received information about a new report from Outdoorsy looking at the long-term capacity for remote work across the United States. This appears timely in light of the current pandemic, especially as Garrett County is an excellent remote work location. The report found that just over one third of all U.S. jobs could be carried out remotely and ranked states according to the percentage of workers in remote-friendly jobs. In Maryland, 39.6% of all wage and salary workers have a remote-friendly job, defined for the purposes of this analysis as being a job that can be performed entirely remotely. Out of all U.S. states, Maryland has the 2nd highest percentage of workers in remote-friendly jobs.

Yesterday was overcast and cool – great weather to watch football or read a book.  Today,  we had another dusting and have a slight chance of snow between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 31 degrees and a calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight we have a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Woke up yesterday to a slight dusting of snow around the lake.  Here’s a photo submitted by Ed O’Connor showing the light snow and his pups by water’s edge. It looks like the pups have picked up a scent of a local critter… Thanks Ed.

Dusting at the Lake

As reported previously, Western Maryland has been experiencing a serious surge in COVID-19 cases recently, and the Garrett County and Allegany County Health Departments have sent some additional information out over the weekend. Considering the burden a 14-day quarantine places on individuals, the CDC has published two new options for people who must get back to the essential activities in their lives. Each of the other options increases the chances for further transmission of the virus, and because of this, individuals are still required to use meticulous masking, distancing and sanitizing, etc. for the entire 14-day period.

Quarantine Chart

The Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board is holding a virtual meeting on Wednesday December 9th, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. The online meeting will be held using protocols established by the Office of the Attorney General. This meeting is open to the public, and the public may participate virtually by Google Meet here or by telephone at 917.946.1943 (PIN: 973 175 405#).  Please visit the Deep Creek Lake Natural Resource Management Area website for more information on how to participate. A meeting agenda can be viewed here.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a virtual briefing on December 15th, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am., to discuss what to expect with the upcoming session of the Maryland General Assembly that convenes at noon on January. 13. Chamber lobbyist Dennis Rasmussen of the Rasmussen Group will discuss the new protocols and procedures put into place due to COVID-19, how the chambers and committees will review and vote on legislation, and the priority issues of the legislative leadership. Steve Green, Chair of the Garrett County Chamber’s Legislative Affairs Committee, will review the Chamber’s 2021 Legislative agenda and discuss our priorities. he briefing is free to attend and open to the public but attendees must register to attend.  Register on Chamber’s website at visitdeepcreek.com or by contacting Holly Lane at 301.387.6171 by 3:00 p.m. by December 14 to receive the link.

The Ruth Enlow Library is thinking outside the box, or book, to help patrons that may not be able to get to a library during the pandemic. Here’s the scoop: Starting December 15th the library will deliver requested materials and pick-up returns from patrons signed up for the library’s new home delivery service.  Patrons can sign up for this free service by calling the Main Library at 301.334.3996 during normal business hours. Patrons may request materials by signing in to their account at www.relib.net or by calling the Library.  Materials will be delivered contact-free to their doorstep. There are some limitations, including the inclement weather, so be sure to get the details from the good folks at the library.

Have a great Monday dear readers…

The weather today will be rain and snow likely. Patchy fog after 1pm. High near 42 and low around 29. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow and sleet accumulation during the day and new snow accumulation of less than a half-inch overnight. Saturday will be a chance of snow showers, mainly before 1pm and cloudy with a high near 33 and low around 21. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 30 and a low around 20.

We all know that many small businesses and non-profits have had to pivot due to the coronavirus.

GLAF,  the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, is one local non-profit that is getting creative in these times. First up, they will be auctioning off local art each month. A cadre of talented local artists has donated their works to support performing arts and programming. Each month a different artist will be featured and up for bidding. This month please consider placing a bid an oil painting by Rob Michael.

Secondly, GLAF is offering the “Sofa Series” of virtual performance events.

“Expect average flows for most Maryland rivers and streams…” from the MD DNR Fishing Report.

And, speaking of rivers, have you made your guess in the December 2020 “Where Am I?” contest! You can win a $25 Ace’s Run gift card! Congrats to Linda List for winning the November contest!

The Garrett County Commissioners have announced a revised agenda for the public meeting on December 7.

The Deep Creek Lake Policy Review Board will hold its final meeting for 2020 at 4:00 pm on December 9, 2020.

Mountain State Brewery is going to be closed for at least a week due to coronavirus concerns. Thank you MSBDC for your abundance of caution!

The weather today will be partly sunny with a high near 41 and a low around 32. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Another weather system has the potential for another storm this weekend. Let’s see if it pans out…  I’d love to get more snow! A group of us are going biking this morning!

Note that the Garrett 8 Cinemas movie theater has posted their schedule but, after this weekend, it will be closing again indefinitely. I may be able to get there to watch one of the greatest Christmas movies – Elf – this weekend.

Learn about local birds that visit backyards in winter and ways to create wildlife-friendly habitat for birds and other wildlife from MD DNR. It’s Dec 10 and free but registration required.

Grant the Grantsville Elf moves each day in December to a new building in town and around Grantsville, MD. Have you spotted him? He was masked up and distancing on Tuesday evening at the Casselman Inn — do you spot him?

Have you stopped in at McHenry Beverage lately? Here are the December specials:

Yesterday was snowy, with windy conditions and with accumulations of a few inches.  Today we have a chance of snow showers before 10:00 am. Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 30 degrees. West wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 23.

Snow emergency in effect: Starting 10:30 am yesterday, the following State Highways in Garrett County have been designated Snow Emergency Routes (meaning, no parking, and snow tires or cleats required):

Interstate 68                    Maryland Route 38                   Maryland Route 495

U.S. Route 40                 Maryland Route 39                   Maryland Route 546

U.S. Route 50                 Maryland Route 42                   Maryland Route 560

U.S. Route 219               Maryland Route 135                 Maryland Route 669

Because of safety concerns, the Town of Oakland is modifying Christmas Events in downtown Oakland this year.  However, Town representatives refuse to allow the coronavirus pandemic to dampen the Christmas spirit celebrated through Oakland this December. Town officials and committees have put extra thought and preparation into creating safe, socially-distanced events that will allow people to experience the beauty and joy of the holiday season. Follow this link for the whole story!

Be sure to check-out the December Cover Story now posted as part of our December edition.  It is a bit different based on the challenging pandemic-related environment we find ourselves in.  I hope you like it and find it useful.

HART for Animals is very happy to share two distinctions that they were awarded in 2020: the Great Nonprofit Badge and the GuideStar Platinum Participation Level award. Read more here about these two distinctions and why it’s an honor to be endorsed by these organizations. HART continues to do great work for our community.

Now that leaves have fallen, many lake-area property owners will prepare for winter by trimming live trees or removing dead trees. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a few important suggestions that homeowners should follow before hiring a contractor to do the work. First and foremost, only Maryland Licensed Tree Experts should be hired to trim branches and remove trees – they are the only tree care professionals who lawfully can perform this work in Maryland. Anyone who believes that they’ve been approached by an unlicensed business advertising or practicing tree care services in Maryland can file a complaint online or contact the Maryland Forest Service at 410.260.8511.

Please keep an eye (or two) open for two new local advertisers in Deep Creek Times. U-Store is locally owned and operated in Oakland, Maryland.  Tees Me T’s is Garrett County’s top custom clothing and print shop that can print literally anything for you and that is also located in Oakland.

new advertisers

Six Marylanders lost their lives to fire in recent weeks, with hoarding conditions discovered in three of the instances during the course of the investigations. Hoarding is defined as collecting or keeping large amounts of various items in the home due to strong urges to save them or distress experienced when discarding them. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshall, if you know someone who struggles with hoarding disorder, there are several ways that you can help:

• When speaking with someone who hoards, match the language of the person, and avoid using derogatory terms, such as “junk” or “trash.” Focus on safety issues and small steps for addressing those issues instead of immediate, overwhelming cleanup.
• Help the resident make a home safety and escape plan. Stress the importance of clear pathways and exits.
• Contact your local fire department to alert them of your concerns. They may be able to connect you with a hoarding task force for additional help.
• Install working smoke alarms in the home. Test them at least once a month.
• Make a home safety and escape plan. Stress the importance of clear pathways and exits. Practice the plan often, and keep in mind that exit routes may change as new items are brought into the home.

Happy December folks!  We are in the “stretch run” to the end of 2020, and many, including me, are hoping that 2021 will be much better. By the way, December has marked the end of the year and the coming of winter since the ancient Romans established their first calendar. As its etymology indicates, December is formed from the Latin root decem- which means “ten” … but December is our twelfth month.  The discrepancy is due to the addition, in 45 bc, of January and February to the beginning of the calendar year, which bumped all of the original months (and their originally assigned names) back by two. Now you know…

The weather for today includes snow showers, with a high near 29 degrees. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. . New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Tonight, snow showers, mainly before 1:00 am. Low around 22. Breezy, with a west wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Our weather will be a part of a multi-faceted storm hitting the mid-west and northeast.  Here’s more information and be sure to check it out if you or a loved-one are travelling in the next day or so.

Thanks very much to all those that purchased a Deep Creek Times “Turkey Day 5k” t-shirt. We can still take orders up until this Thursday at Noon, so if you didn’t get a chance to do your run and/or order, there’s still time. We want you to make a commitment to staying active and enjoying the wonderful outdoors around the lake! Buy a black DCT “Turkey Day 5k” t-shirt for $22 and we will donate 15% of the profits to the upcoming House of Hope Food Drive. They, and all local non-profits, really need our support. Message us today to order your t-shirt – info@deepcreektimes.com.  We’ll order it and invoice you for the amount.

Yesterday, Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh today joined a coalition of attorneys general representing 43 states, the District of Columbia, and 5 U.S. territories, urging Congress to extend the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economy (CARES) Act funding until the end of 2021. I am a fiscal conservative, but I am also sensitive to the pain being experienced by small businesses and many citizens during the pandemic.  I hope Congress can figure out a way to get something done and implemented before the end of the year.

And, speaking of those in need, today is Giving Tuesday, which is definitely appropriate this year. GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

The theme of those in need reminds me of a good movie I just saw on Netflix.  The movie is called “Hillbilly Elegy” and is about the life of an Appalachian youngster (J.D. Vance) who penned a book by the same name.  The book and movie cover the travails of growing-up in a certain household and then making it to Ohio State and then law school at Yale.  The book, and now the movie, has generated some backlash about how Appalachia is depicted, but since Deep Creek is in Appalachia and we have a sophisticated readership, I will let YOU decide for yourself.

The Garrett County Health Department has received 76 additional positive COVID-19 results as well as notice of one additional death due to COVID-19 complications since the last report on Friday, November 27th, bringing the current county total positives to 778 and the total deaths to 5.

Good news: Garrett County Health Department and its partners will hold Free COVID-19 testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning today.These testing events will be held at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park, located off Bumble Bee Road between Hart for Animals and the Garrett County Airport. There is no out-of-pocket cost to get a test at this site, and appointments and doctors’ orders are not required. Testing times for each day are as follows: Tuesdays – 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and Thursdays – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Yesterday was about perfect until the clouds came in during the afternoon.  Today we expect rain before 10:00 am, then showers after 10:00 am. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 47 degrees, with an east wind 8 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Tonight we will have rain and snow showers likely before 10:00 pm, then snow showers and a low around 26. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

I went to a number of local small businesses on Saturday in an effort to jump-start my holiday shopping. Got some nice goodies for gifts. Local enterprises are all hoping for a good season, so please shop local over the next month. Our local, small businesses are such an important part of the lake-area and give so much back to the community.  Please support them.  Here’s a list of our retail advertisers for some ideas.

Congratulations on a national level are in order: Sarah Fuller became the first woman to play in a Power 5 football game on Saturday when she delivered the opening kickoff of the second half for Vanderbilt against Missouri. Fuller, a senior goalkeeper on Vanderbilt’s SEC championship soccer team, sent the low kick to the 35-yard line where it was downed by Missouri. Pretty cool. Go Ms. Fuller!

Here’s a very nice photo of the full-moon as seen through bare trees thanks to Dot Sisler. I believe I see the local lake werewolf amongst the trees.  No, really…

Full Moon

The Garrett County Health Department received 18 additional positive COVID-19 results since the last report on Wednesday, November 25th, bringing the current county total positives to 702 as of Friday. The current comparison of Garrett County to state numbers is as follows:

• 7-day positivity rate among Garrett County residents is 12.93% (Maryland rate is 6.3%)
• 7-day case rate per 100,000 among Garrett County residents is 122.6 (Maryland rate is 37.21)

For those interested in free community testing for COVID-19, local testing events are being planned and will be announced as plans are finalized. Additional COVID-19 resources:

• Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.
• To schedule a COVID-19 test or an Influenza vaccination call 301-334-7697.
• For all other COVID-19 related questions, or to report a COVID-19 compliance issue, call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301-334-7698.

Yes, I am tired of reporting the grim COVID-19 counts, but I think people are really tracking and care about the local numbers and update information.  Hopefully, we will start seeing some relief in the near future.

There’s a special meeting of the County Commissioners this afternoon at 3:00 pm.  The meeting will be live streamed.  Go to this link for details on how to connect and for the agenda.

Uno at the lake is holding a Dough Raiser today in support of Garrett County Celtic Festival. Uno will donate up to 20% of your check to the Celtic Festival, but you must present this coupon when you go to pay. It is good for both dine-in or take-out.  The Celtic Festival is always good fun for the whole family, so your effort will be helping a great cause.

Celtic Festival Dough Raiser Tonight

Finally, have a great, safe and healthy Monday dear readers…

The weather today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 49 and a low around 35. Isolated showers before 2pm, then scattered sprinkles after 2pm. West wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 45 and a low around 30. West wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Sunday will be sunny with a high near 53 and a low around 39.

I hope you each had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! I have to admit, I’m a little disappointed we don’t have the traditional Black Friday sales… not so much for lack of the stuff or sales available but because “the girls” in the family had some good memories and laughs when we were up at all hours.

Nearby Alpine Lake Resort is holding their “most wonderful savings of the year” event at the pro shop, today and tomorrow from 10am – 3pm. The best-price for golf memberships and 30% off in the pro shop!

Also, MD DNR has exclusive products available in their online store. Black Friday deals! They have great prices on their 2021 calendar, “the gift of trees” and more!

Savage River Lodge is offering their annual gift card sale. For every $200 purchased now through midnight on Monday, November 30th, receive an additional $20 bonus*. That’s an extra $100 if you spend $1000! Tell ’em Deep Creek Times sent ya!

The weather today will be scattered showers before 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52 and a low around 40. West wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

By the way of local COVID-19 updates; the county currently has 684 Confirmed Positive Test Results (Garrett County Residents) with 246 Isolating (Garrett County Residents), and a 53% Occupancy Rate at Garrett Regional Medical Center.

On November 25, 2020, The Garrett County Board of License Commissioners / LCB formally adopted Temporary COVID Directives. Failure to comply will bring fines and a potential suspension of the liquor license.

Yesterday was nice – cool and sunny.  Today we have a chance of showers after 1:00 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 53 degrees. South wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50% during the day. Tonight expect rain with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

I can’t believe it is already Thanksgiving week and the month of November is just about over.  Anybody else feel that way?

We want you to make a commitment to staying active and enjoying the wonderful outdoors! Buy a black DCT “Turkey Day 5k” t-shirt for $22 and we will donate 15% of the profits to the upcoming House of Hope Food Drive. Message us today to buy your t-shirt! (And, keep an eye out for more virtual DCT fun!)

Unfortunately and understandably, the Allegany Arts Council has decided that it is necessary to cancel their 2020 Holiday Market. Although disappointed to let go of this fun and festive tradition, they assure us that they will be hard at work planning new ways to keep the arts alive in our region during these challenging times. For those who have already submitted information, refunds and arrangements will be made directly with the individual artist.

The Garrett County Health Department has been notified of an additional death due to COVID-19, bringing the total county deaths to four. Please be careful over the Thanksgiving holiday and beyond. Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information. Additional local testing events are being planned and will be announced as plans are finalized.

This recent cartoon in the Wall Streey Journal actually makes some sense during these crazy times!

This cartoon is right-on in 2020!

Don’t forget that this Saturday, November 28, is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Please join the SBA and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping at a small business. Please start with small businesses in Garrett County., including those that advertise and support Deep Creek Times.

And speaking of local small businesses, Deep Creek Lake Concierge says you still have time to decorate for the holdiays…and they can help.  Check out their site and spend time with your family instead of shopping/decorating.  Check out their site for an impressive list of services, from shopping, to excursions, to decorating for you.

OK, so you’re not going out and about much for the holiday and/or have some extra time on your hands. Something different to do as you stay home would be nice, right?  Check out this Census site showing all sorts of cool graphs, visualizations and infographics. There will be a test…

Thank you Lions.  Did you know that the Grantsville Lions have been installing the Grantsville Town Christmas decorations for the past 40+ years. The first decorations were plastic Santa Clauses, and the Lions Club has upgraded the decorations at least three times in the immediate past.  One of the upgrades resulted from a community fund drive which raised enough money to install new decorations and permanent electric hookups. This is another of the many service projects done by the Grantsville Lions Club. For more information about joining the club, contact membership chair, Lion Mike Downton at 301.895.3168 or assistant secretary PDG Gerry Beachy at 301.707.7200.

In keeping with our regular weekly schedule, Sarah will be penning Daily Notes for Thursday, so I want to wish all of our readers and their families a Happy, Healthy and Safe Thanksgiving. Gobble, Gobble…

The weather for today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 42 degrees. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 32

I took a dip in the CARC pool the other day and as usual, it was great.  But, I found out they are closed today, Wednesday and Thursday for the holiday, and will reopen on Friday.  Just wanted to make sure readers were aware of that.  Call the CARC for details and to verify.

Just Like You! is a Garrett County Health Department designed to remind all adults how important it is for them to be a positive role model for the children and youth in their lives. This year’s Just Like You campaign is administered by the Garrett County Health Department through funding from MDH and SAMHSA. For more information visit copycatfun.com or call Health Education and Outreach at 301.334.7730 or 301.895.3111. And of course, be a good role model for our youth now and throughout the year.

Hey there all you outdoor enthusiasts, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wants to hear from you on a survey they have developed. The results of this survey will be used to improve their ability to provide the opportunities and services that fit the needs of their customers. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Click here to take the survey. This survey is designed to gather information and preferences from outdoor enthusiasts that access Maryland’s public lands and waters. All individual results will be kept confidential and used only by the Department of Natural Resources.

As the holidays approach, and as bad as 2020 has been for everyone, it is exponentially worse for our beloved seniors. According to Senior Care, seniors have accounted for 80% of COVID-19 deaths, 27% of seniors live alone and in a normal year nearly one-third experience sadness during the holidays. This year, it is expected to be even harder with many unable to spend the holidays with their families because of COVID-19. SeniorCare.com today released a report Top Holiday Gifts and Gestures For Seniors in 2020 after surveying more than 10,000 seniors and asking for their input on what gifts and personal gestures would bring them joy during the holidays. Below you will find the top 10 gifts, gestures, and key takeaways and the report contains a more extensive list.

Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas Most Liked by Seniors:

1. House Cleaning Service: 88% of seniors like this gift idea
2. Chocolate: 87%
3. Fruit Basket: 83%
4. Cash: 79%
5. Everyday Items (stamps, shampoo, etc.): 79%
6. Meal Delivery Service (Uber Eats, Grub Hub): 78%
7. Snacks: 78%
8. Cheese and Crackers: 77%
9. Gift Cards: 76%
10. Automotive Service: 76%

Honorable Mentions: Flowers (72%), Streaming Subscription (60%), Spa Day (56%).

Top 10 Personal Gestures Most Liked by Seniors:

1. Homecooked Meal: 90% of seniors like this idea
2. Invite to Restaurant for Dinner: 81%
3. Help with Technology (tablet, phone, kindle): 80% of seniors like this idea
4. Phone Calls: 80%
5. Help Around Home: 78%
6. Declutter Garage or Basement: 78%
7. Handwritten Cards: 78%
8. Go Grocery Shopping: 77%
9. Revive Family Traditions: 75% of
10. Go for a Walk: 74%

Honorable Mentions: Clean the Car (66%), Watch a Movie (61%), Review Finances (58%).

And, speaking of the holidays, on Thanksgiving Day, many activities are occurring with friends and family in the home. “Holidays are a time of celebration. Please follow these simple guidelines to ensure a fire-safe Thanksgiving Day meal,” states Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci, who offers these following tips:

• Make sure your smoke alarms are working properly by testing them. Additionally, ensure your guests are aware of all available exits if a fire would occur and have them meet at a designated location outside.
• The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop to keep an eye on the food.
• Establish a 3′ foot “Kids & Pets Free Zone” around any area where hot foods or drinks are prepared. Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Provide games, puzzles, books, etc., outside of the kitchen to keep them busy. Kids can also be involved with preparations with recipes that can be made outside of the kitchen area. Just in case, ensure you turn handles inward on the stove and countertop to avoid spills.
• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the burner, and then leave the pan covered until it has cooled.
• Keep anything combustible – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, etc., away from the stovetop.
• Eliminate clutter in the kitchen. A clean work area allows for better efficiency and fewer chances for mishaps.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of curious children’s hands.
• Do not leave lit candles unattended or in places where children or pets could knock them over.

Turkey Fryer Safety

• Many turkey fryer appliances can be easily tipped over, allowing for hot oil spillage. Ensure you place them on a hard, level, and non-combustible outdoor surface.
• Do not place a turkey fryer under an overhang or temporary roof. A flare-up can easily ignite materials above the appliance.
• Partially frozen turkeys can cause a spillover and result in a flare-up. Thoroughly thaw the turkey before cooking.
• Turn off the burner before placing the turkey in the container. Re-ignite the burner after you are sure it is safe to do so.
• Always monitor the temperature of the oil. It can easily reach temperatures to the point of combustion.
• Be careful not to overfill the fryer. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for proper filling levels.
• The handles and lid will get dangerously hot. Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts.
• Never leave the fryer unattended while cooking. Keep an all-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher on hand. Do not use water in an attempt to extinguish a grease fire.

Following these simple guidelines for fire and life safety will help to ensure a tragedy free holiday meal. Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

And, speaking of gifts, and since I seem to have a lot of “lists” in today’s Daily Notes, here’s a listing of components and some information on a new non-credit course at Garrett College for those aspiring to become an administrative assistant: This multi-faceted course includes a bundled suite, where students will learn the skills needed to excel as an administrative professional or executive assistant. All courses are online.

• Administrative Assistant Fundamentals- 1/13/21- 3/5/21
• Administrative Assistant Applications- 1/13/21- 3/5/21
• Effective Business Writing- 1/13/21- 3/5/21
• Customer Service Fundamentals- 2/10/21- 4/12/21
• Keys to Effective Communication- 3/17/21- 5/7/21

The weather was cool and moist most of the weekend.  Today we have a chance of rain and snow showers, mainly before 8:00 am. We actually got a dusting of snow overnight. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36 degrees. West wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

My wife and I went down to the Cumberland fair grounds last week where they offer drive-through COVID-19 testing for free (note: they are only open on certain days/times) .  It was quick, easy, and the whole process was very well organized and professional.  We were out of there in 15 minutes. Still waiting for results, and we are fine, but thought it would be good to get tested.  I know there was also testing in Garrett on Friday and likely more coming up. I believe, as do many health specialists, that testing, masks and social distancing are keys to getting the pandemic under control!

Came a across a dwelling fire in Swanton off Glendale Road on Saturday.  It was a controlled training burn by the fire department of an old cabin. I must say, even though it was a relatively small structure, the fire was “intense” and I could feel the heat even from a distance.  My thanks to all those first responders that put themselves in harm’s way to protect us all.  Here’s the photo:

Training Fire

The Garrett County Health Department reported Friday that it has received notification of 112 additional COVID-19 positive cases since the last report on Wednesday, as well as two deaths attributed to COVID-19. Both of the deceased were living in Allegany County long-term care facilities, but their official residency was Garrett County. As a general rule, COVID-19 cases are counted in the jurisdiction where they lived when infected, but deaths are attributed to the county of official residence. These additions bring the total cumulative case count in Garrett County to 511, and the total deaths to 3.

Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) reached out over the weekend via a press release to make sure residents know that with the rise in COVID-19 in the region, GRMC stands ready to meet the health care needs of the service area.  The 55-bed acute care hospital has both the staff and capacity to care for COVID patients as well as the ability to care for patients diagnosed and hospitalized with other conditions. I believe we are truly blessed to have a great hospital like GRMC in our rural county and I put this in to make sure readers know GRMC is ready, willing and able to help should the need arise to help a given citizen.

A firm called Filterbuy recently conducted a study of ashma and other issues that could prove important relative to a COVID-19 diagnosis.I have not evaluated the firm or the methodology, so I leave that up to our readers. In summary, here’s the results:

The analysis found that in Maryland, 9.0% of adults report having asthma. The analysis also revealed a 32.2% obesity rate in Maryland. According to the CDC, obesity is associated significantly with the development of asthma. Here is a summary of the data for Maryland:

• Percentage of adults with asthma: 9.0%
• Percentage of adults who smoke: 12.7%
• Percentage of adults in poor physical health: 10.0%
• Obesity rate: 32.2%
• Poverty rate: 9.0%

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

• Percentage of adults with asthma: 9.7%
• Percentage of adults who smoke: 16.0%
• Percentage of adults in poor physical health: 12.6%
• Obesity rate: 32.1%
• Poverty rate: 12.3%

For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Filterbuy’s website: https://filterbuy.com/resources/cities-with-most-asthma/

Here’s a closer view of the “practice” fire off Glendale on Saturday.  It was still smoldering a bit on Sunday:

A Closer View

Have a great Monday dear readers…