Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

The weather today will be sunny with a high near 58 and a low around 44. West wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Satuday will be mostly cloudy, a chance of showers before 1pm, with a high near 50 and a low around 38. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Sunday will be mostly cloudy, A chance of rain or drizzle, with a high near 48 and a low around 35.

According to AccuWeather: Friday and Saturday will likely end up being perfect days for residents across the region to participate in a variety of outdoor activities or to complete any last-minute yard work. However, another dramatic shift in the weather is in store for the Northeast to end the weekend.

There are some nice light fixtures listed for sale in our Online Marketplace — here’s a peek:

The state of Maryland has launched the “Ask the Question” campaign; an effort to connect military service members with resources.

Here’s a preview of the GLAF 2021 Season:

Thanks for sharing this sunrise with us, Dot!

There’s a Community Information Gathering Session today from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm to discuss the Yough River Watershed.

From the Garrett County Health Officer: “Because of the large number of positive cases across the region, if you test positive for COVID-19 it is important to immediately isolate yourself and remain in isolation for 10 days,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “Contact tracers are having a hard time keeping up with the volume of cases. If you test positive, do your part to reduce the spread by calling your close contacts and asking them to quarantine for 14 days from their last contact with you. We all need to take personal responsibility to help keep others safe.”

With a rise in COVID-19 cases locally, don’t forget your options for Thanksgiving Dinner. I know the deadline for placing your order for Chef Debbie’s homemade specialties is today but you can order from MoonShadow or Cornucopia Cafe through Sunday.

Stay safe!

The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 56 and a low around 43. Southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is conducting a survey deigned to gather information and preferences from outdoor enthusiasts. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.

We heard that the 17th annual black bear hunt in Maryland is over and there were 117 black bears harvested with the largest weighing 537 pounds:
83 from Garrett County
23 from Allegany County
8 from Washington County
3 from Frederick County

Wisp Resort’s Mission: Four’dable is back — a four-pack of lift tickets are just $229 through Nov. 29th. Also, up to 2 unused Mission: Four’dable tickets from the 2019 – 2020 season can be utilized for the 2020.21 season. Read up on the options if this applies to you!

A socially distanced holiday? What better way to see allllll of Garrett County than taking a barn tour?

As promised, this page has the local Thanksgiving offerings — both in-person and to-go options.

The Maryland DNS is offering a webinar on the history of wild turkeys in North America and in Maryland as well as the biology and ecology of these fascinating birds. Also, learn more about how turkeys are a conservation success story in Maryland. The zoom presentation is November 26.

The owner of Ledo’s Pizza at Deep Creek Lake is opening a second location in LaVale. The LaVale Ledo’s will be at the former site of Pizza Hut along National Highway.

As of this morning, the local health department is reporting 399 COVID-19 cases. Garrett County continues with one of the highest COVID-19 positivity rates in the state. The local government announced that Garrett County Emergency Services, the Garrett County Health Department, and other local health care organizations have been working with each other to collaborate and organize response efforts in the community in the midst of the pandemic and are prepared for a surge in cases. Currently, the Garrett County Health Department is reporting three hospitalized cases of COVID-19 in Garrett County and Garrett Regional Medical Center is operating as normal with no capacity issues.

From the CDC:

It snowed most of yesterday, but with limited accumulations.  Today we will have isolated snow showers before 1:00 pm. Mostly cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 33 degrees. West wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 25.

Here’s a photo of my front yard yesterday afternoon:

A Dusting

Speaking of the weather, Garrett County now has weather forecasts, advisories, and alerts handled by a different National Weather Service (NWS) office beginning yesterday, November 17th. Garrett County will move from the NWS Pittsburgh Weather Forecast Office to the NWS Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office in Sterling, VA. This change means that NWS Baltimore/Washington will now handle NWS forecasts and warnings for all Maryland counties west of the Chesapeake. Here’s more details.

Yesterday, the governor announced that, effective this Friday at 5:00 pm, all retail businesses and religious institutions statewide will revert back to the Stage Two 50% capacity restrictions. The 50% capacity limitation includes all retail, religious, personal services, indoor recreation facilities including social & fraternal clubs (VFW, Legions, etc.), any place that serves food and alcohol, fitness centers, indoor gaming facilities, indoor theaters (50% or 100 persons) and outdoor theaters (50% or 250 persons). Also effective 5:00 pm on Friday, all bars, restaurants, and facilities in Maryland where food and/or alcohol are served will be required to close by 10 pm. Takeout and delivery services are encouraged to continue, but in-person dining operations will not be permitted between 10 pm and 6 am. You can read the Governor’s amended order at https://t.co/vlbgCzvVDZ?amp=1 Thanks to the GC Chamber for this synopsis, which I edited down a bit.

For all you skiers and snowboarders out there, here’s a report on the expected ski season forecast across the country from AccuWeather.  It looks like a mixed-bag for the various regions according to this report.

Thinking about the holidays?  Well, personal finance site WalletHub just completed one of their studies that actually calculated planned holiday spending for a number of cities and towns and that also provides some additional national insight in this COVID-impacted world.  For example, merchants are still optimistic, and 54% believe holiday sales will increase “somewhat” or “significantly” compared to 2019, though they expect far more of those sales to be online than usual.

That’s all for today folks.  Stay warm and safe and have a good “hump-day” today and enjoy the downside slope of the hump the rest of the week…

Yesterday was sunny, but quite windy.  As I get ready to publish these notes this morning, we are getting a light snow, with no accumulations so far. Today we will see snow showers with a high near 35 degrees. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Tonight we will have scattered snow showers, mainly before 1:00 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

We will be in a transitional, somewhat unique weather pattern across the county this week.  AccuWeather is calling it a “weather flip” and here’s the scoop.

This is quite concerning:The Garrett County Health Department has received 90 additional positive COVID-19 results since the last report on Friday, November 13th, bringing the current county total positives to 357. The three counties in Western Maryland have the highest 7-Day Case Rates Per 100,000 in the state. Compared to Maryland’s rate of 28.2, Allegany’s is 112.6, Garrett’s is 61.05, and Washington’s is 40.29. Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.

Also relative to the pandemic, health officials continue to urge the public to avoid gatherings big or small, wear a mask in all public places, and maintain social distancing of at least six feet at all times. Frequently wash and disinfect hands and frequently touched surfaces, and stay home if you are not feeling well. “Our entire region is currently experiencing a huge spike in COVID-19 cases,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “It is critical that we all stop exposing ourselves to the virus. At this point, the virus is all around us and we need to keep our guard up. Do not have family and social gatherings or attend high risk events where you cannot have social distance. It is a fact that this virus spreads when there is a break in protective measures. Although removing a face covering for eating and drinking is allowed in public settings, it is nonetheless risky to yourself and others.”

And also related to the pandemic: Effective today GRMC will be going to RED visitation status. This means NO visitors with the exception of OB patients who may have one person with them throughout the birth process, pediatric patients may have a parent or guardian accompany them, and patients who are in life’s end stages may have very limited visitation with immediate family.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is reminding recreational anglers that they must have a valid license and any required permits or stamps to fish in Maryland. Due to the pandemic and the temporary closure of DNR’s licensing centers, a grace period was in place for existing license holders whose recreational fishing licenses expired during the state of emergency. That grace period will end on January 1, 2021. Licenses, permits, and stamps can be obtained at Maryland Department of Natural Resources Licensing Centers by appointment only, by visiting a retail sport license agent, or by using the department’s online COMPASS portal.

The MD DNR also wants to hear from you! The results of a new 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.

Alpine Lake Golf Course in nearby Terra Alta, WV (about 15 minutes south of Oakland) is holding a special Black Friday (and Saturday) golf membership sale in their pro shop.  The prices look very attractive and this is a really nice course, so I wanted to share with our readers on a budget or seeking to get some good old West Virginia style social distancing next year. Here’s the information.

Finally today, don’t forget that the commissioners are holding their monthly open public meeting virtually starting at 4:00 pm.  Here’s a link to the agenda.

Yesterday was warm, but it actually looked like winter – gray, very windy, cloudy with some rain.  Today will be partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high only near 41 degrees. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Tonight we have a chance of snow showers after 1:00 am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 32. West wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Bundle-up folks.

Garrett County on Friday announced a new relief program to help restaurants in the county that have been impacted by the pandemic.  This sounds really helpful and should be welcome news for local food service establishments.  Here’s the scoop.

Here’s an interesting, heart-warming story about “Uncle Jimmy” and his move cross country to be with relatives during the age of COVID.  I know of some local friends and families, including some readers, that have or are considering combining households due to the pandemic and thought this might be useful.  Enjoy.

Here’s a cool and unique photo from Debbie Workman taken on one of our county roads in the last few days. Thanks for sharing Dot.  Nice work.

Fall Road

Mary Callis at Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) invites all to GLAF’s virtual annual meeting on Nov 19th, at 5:00 pm: Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98473583803?pwd=OEpkYk1aOWhKb2NuOG5aT3JNZW84UT09 Meeting ID: 984 7358 3803 Passcode: 374961

Calling all data geeks (like me!): You can now get the latest information on the most recent updates made to the U.S. Census Bureau’s new data platform, data.census.gov. Join them for this brief and highly focused webinar where their presenter will cover code releases, new available data sets, new features and functionality, and where you can find helpful resources. Here’s the link for more information on this short webinar scheduled for 2:00 pm on November 19th.

Have a wonderful, safe and productive Monday dear readers…

The weather today will be gradually becoming sunny with a high near 49 and a low around 27. West wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 46 and a low around 37. West wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Sunday will be showers. High near 53 and a low around 32. Breezy, with a south wind 13 to 20 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Garrett 8 Cinemas has published their schedule for the weekend if you’re so inclined: Now Showing at the Movies

Planning your holiday at the lake? We’ll be compiling dinner options for you as several locations are offering complete meals to-go. Nearby Alpine Lake Resort being one prepared by a chef with a delicious-sounding menu. We’ll get the complete list by the beginning of next week!

As we mentioned, the annual Festival of Trees, as we know it, is cancelled due to COVID-19. However, they plan to keep the spirit alive and to raise crucial funds for the Dove Center, by offering a virtual tree decorating contest.  See the details here!

MD COVID Alert has just been rolled out to pair with Maryland’s traditional contact tracing efforts by using Exposure Notifications technology. This will notify users who may have been exposed to an infected person (you’ll have to opt-in).

A reminder of the St. Peter the Apostle Fall Fish Dinner held today! CARRY OUT ONLY from 11:30am to 1:30pm for lunch and 4:00pm to 6:00pm for dinner. Masks and social distancing required as per health guidelines.

Wisp Resort Job Fair is tomorrow November 14 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Explore a seasonal job for this winter!

Your opinion is wanted! Discuss the future of the Yough River watershed.

The weather today will be patchy drizzle and fog before 11 am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 49 and a low around 38. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.

The local schools have released several news items in the last 48 hours…

First, the Garrett County Board of Education voted on November 10, 2020, to move students to a red, fully virtual learning model beginning today, Thursday, November 12, and continuing until at least Thursday, December 10, 2020. GCPS is also canceling all in-person extra-curricular activities and athletic events and practices effective immediately. This decision was based on the significant increase in COVID-19 cases throughout Garrett County and the number of GCPS employees and students who are currently quarantining or isolating due to possible COVID exposure.

Click here to see a recording of that most recent BOE meeting.

FYI – schools and teachers will be communicating specific schedules for individual classes and/or students. Parents and students should reference school media sites, Schoology pages, and email for more information about specific schedules. As a reminder, the IT helpdesk can be reached by email at helpdesk@garrettcountyschools.org or by calling 1-888-285-7254.

There is also a statewide dashboard available to see COVID-19 outbreaks in the schools.

The Maryland State Department of Education presents its 2019 Maryland School Report Card for Garrett County Public Schools.

Dave Taylor, Coach of the Southern Garrett High School Wrestling Team, has been named the MPSSAA Coach of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year. Congratulations, Dave!

The Maryland Historical Trust announced several webinars over the next three months to learn about $600,000 in available funding for historic preservation grants through the Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program. Six webinars will be held ; applications for the grant funding can be submitted beginning February 2021.

Southern Squad Basketball (not affiliated with any school) is still planning to have their tryout next Monday at the Oakland Armory. Boys 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will go from 5-6 pm. Girls 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will go from 6-7 pm. Parents will be asked to come to the Armory lobby to fill out contact information and a waiver form. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Landon at southernsquadbball@gmail.com.

This is an amazing capture of how this November has been going so far…. Thanks to Dan Cullather for sharing!

Thank You Veterans!

Happy Veterans Day to all that have served our country and it’s citizens!  We appreciate you and yours and recognize we are the land of the free because of the brave! Thank you all for your service and I especially wish to recognize those that sacrificed all.

Yesterday was another great day weather-wise.  Today we can expect patchy fog in the morning with rain and highs in the mid 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent. Tonight we will have rain with lows in the 40s.

Did you know that on November 11, 1918, president Woodrow Wilson declared Armistice Day on the one-year anniversary of the end of combat in World War I? Armistice Day evolved into Veterans Day. The ending of the first world war over 100 years ago, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, is the reason this day is used by our nation as a holiday to honor our veterans. Now you know.

With coronavirus cases rising, sending more Marylanders to hospitals and intensive care units, Gov. Larry Hogan on Tuesday afternoon announced a tightening of restrictions on restaurants and sought to discourage large family gatherings and parties. Here’s a link to a Baltimore Sun article with the scoop.

If you know Sarah and I, or are a long-time reader, you know we are both very passionate about entrepreneurship.  We have worked separately and together to help support entrepreneurs and small business formation in Garrett County and the region.  That is one reason this study caught my attention and I am sharing it: The study by Self, Inc. found there  are 112,760 female business owners in Maryland, which amounts to 41.4% of all business owners in the state. Out of all states, Maryland reports the 5th highest percentage of female business owners.

While you are out and about shopping on Black Friday weekend (or any time), please be sure to visit and shop all our local retail establishments.  Our advertisiers are listed here.  Shop local and support the Deep Creek Lake area and please tell them Deep Creek Times sent ya!

Finally today, here’s a nice fall Kayak photo submitted by Eric Williams.  Not sure who the subject is, but it is well framed and shows the autumn light perfectly.  Thanks Eric.

Fall on the Lake

Yesterday was sunny and bright.  Today will be sunny, with a high near 69 degrees and a south wind 5 to 7 mph. Tonight we have a chance of rain after 1:00 am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 56. South wind around 7 mph.

Observation:  Folks around the lake are getting lots of mail from real estate companies letting them know there is significant demand from buyers seeking lake-area properties.  In my small sub-division, we have been seeing quite a lot of new listing and also sales activity.  This can be attributed to low interest rates, the pandemic and of course, the Deep Creek Lake area’s attractiveness to prospective buyers.

Here’s one of the reasons folks LOVE the Deep Creek Lake area.  Here’s a nice early morning photo of the lake (and Fido enjoying same) submitted by regular contributor (and early riser) Ed O’Connor.  Thanks for sharing Ed.

Fall Morning at the Lake

In addition to the natural beauty of the Deep Creek Lake area, it is the people that reside, and also those that visit here, that make it a special place.  Here’s a link to a short release on one of those people, Deb Clatterbuck, who was honored this weekend by HART for all of her years of work in the county helping animals in need.  Congratulations Deb and THANK YOU!

Wednesday is Veterans Day and Pine Lodge Steak House in McHenry has a pretty sweet special for vets that day.  Here’s the scoop:

Specials for Veterans

The County Commissioners have their next public meeting scheduled for next Wednesday at 4:00 pm.  Here’s the latest, revised agenda and a link to additional sign-in information.team-up with a local child and provide

Every year, the Police Providing Presents program helps provide funding for our county police to team up with a local child to provide help to buy presents and other things for the child and their family in need during the holidays.  While things might change a bit this year due to the pandemic, they are still needing and accepting financial donations from the community. If you wish to make a donation, please mail or place in the Department of Social Services drop box at 12578 Garrett Highway, Oakland, MD 21550.  Please make checks out to GCDSS and note in the comments “for Police Providing Presents.”

The Garrett County Health Department has received 24 additional positive COVID-19 results since the last report on Friday, November 6th, bringing the current county total positives to 226. Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.

The weekend was warm and sunny here at the lake.  Absolutely awesome.  Today will be much of the same: Sunny, with a high near 70 degrees. Light and variable wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Here’s a nice fall photo submitted by Mark Richards.  Thanks Mark!

Fall Foliage

The Garrett County Health Department has received eight additional positive COVID-19 results since the last report on November 4^th. This brings the current county total positives to 202, with 42 people isolating due to positive results. The new positive COVID-19 cases include: 3 females in their 20s, 1 female and 1 male in their 30s, 1 female in her 40s, and 2 females in their 60s.  We hope all are recovering.

During a press conference Thursday, Governor Larry Hogan gave some updates on the COVID-19 situation in the state. “Our statewide metrics do not yet warrant taking drastic immediate actions,” he said. “However, the upticks in some of our metrics here and the spiking numbers in other states do place us once again at a pivotal moment in the spike.” Hopefully, things in Garrett County and statewide will level-off so we do not need additional measures to be taken.

Congratulations to president-elect Biden (and team), who has won the hotly contested election for president of the US. While there are still some legal challenges going on, and nothing would surprise me in 2020, Biden has been declared the winner by major news organizations. We now need to move forward as one nation.  I reference our November Cover Story on kindness as a read (or re-read) for all.  Here’s the link.

Two quick things relative to our Online Marketplace:  First, please check out the Marketiplace from time to time, as there are always some nice deals there.  Second, if you have listed something for sale, please remember to let us know when it sells so we can remove the item.  Thanks.

To honor our vererans on Veterans Day, and in partnership with MGM National Harbor, The United States Air Force Band welcomes country music stars, Chris Janson and Kellie Pickler, for a free, online concert paying tribute to all American veterans. ESPN’s Malika Andrews will host “A Salute to Service: Honoring America’s Heroes.” Wednesday, November 11 at 7:00 pm,  EST; Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/USAFBand; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheUSAFBand Amidst a global pandemic, this event highlights the service of Americans across all branches of the military and will include stirring video tributes to the men and women in uniform who serve or have served around the world.

Here’s an important message from the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation. I had a little trouble copying what they sent over, so please forgive the quality of my post, read and if you can, act on their request.

Have a great Monday dear readers…

The weather today will be sunny with a high near 61 and a low around 42. West wind 3 to 6 mph. Saturday will also be sunny with a high near 66 and a low around 44. Light southeast wind. Sunday will also be sunny with a high near 67 and a low around 46.

Katarina Knezavic shares a photo of paddling at Deep Creek Lake, MD in the “off-season”… this looks so peaceful!

“Mr. Besley’s Forest,” a documentary about Maryland’s first state forester and the huge impact he had during his 36-year career (1906-1942), will make its broadcast premiere on Maryland Public Television on Sat., Nov. 7 at 9 a.m.

During the month of November, the GCHD Education & Outreach Unit is hosting a No-Soda November Challenge! Soda has no nutritional value… choose water instead!

Wisp Resort is holding a Virtual Job Fair this weekend! November 7 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Gear up next week for the Trader’s Coffee House 6th Annual Holiday Cookie Party: November 10 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm!

A big Deep Creek Times welcome to our newest advertiser, Deep Creek Lake Concierge! This new business offers personalized concierge services to residents and vacationers in Deep Creek Lake. From running errands, to grocery and restaurant pick-up, to holiday decorating, event planning, and more, call or text Jennifer at 301-501-8177.

Woodmen of the World Chapter #11 recently made a gracious $500 donation to Little Free Pantries of Garrett County (LFPGC). LFPGC accepts donations of non-perishable, unexpired food (with some examples listed below) to help those in need. Items can be placed directly in the pantries at Oakland City Hall, Crellin Elementary, or Deep Creek Lion’s Club Park on Mosser Rd:

As of publication Friday morning, Garrett County Health Department is reporting 194 COVID-19 positive test results for Garrett County residents.

The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 61 and a low around 43.

Did you know? Nearby Alpine Lake Resort golf season has officially ended but they invite you to enjoy walking and playing their course on these warm days! Bring your own clubs and golf balls and get outside! Note, the pro shop won’t be open but the restaurant will be on Wed-Sat starting at 4pm.

Thanks to our dear reader, Marcia, for letting us know there was a bug on our lake temperature gauge. It is working now but, note, that it’s in shallow water so it’s fluctuating significantly with the air temperature.

Drop off your old cellphones at any Ruth Enlow Library branch to thank military members as part of the Cell Phones for Soldiers initiative.

FYI – there is funding available (ranging from $10,000 to $50,000) to early-stage businesses and/or businesses that are expanding within an opportunity zone in Maryland. Applications will be accepted online starting Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 12PM.

Largemouth and smallmouth bass are targeting crayfish and soft plastic craws on a ned rig or similar rigging is a shore (????)  fire way to catch them…  Learn more from the MD DNR Fishing Report from Nov 4.

Bear Creek Traders has DEALS! Get ready for the cold weather to return and shop early for Christmas!

The weather for today will be sunny, with a high near 60 degrees and a southwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 42.  Enjoy the sun folks!

According to Jeannie, who keeps official precipitation records for the county at Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC), the average high temperature in October was 66.7 degrees, with the average low being 40.4 degrees, with 3.17 inches of rain being recorded.

I hope you all voted… 🙂  Votes are still being tallied nationally as I write these Notes Wednesday morning.  Here’s a link for local results, which are still unofficial as well, but perhaps provide a clearer picture than the national results situation.

The Garrett County Health Department has received nine additional positive COVID-19 results, bringing the current county total positives to 176. The new positive COVID-19 cases include individuals ranging from 10 years of age up to one individual in his 70s.  Currently in the county, 67 persons are isolating due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Correction: Oakland’s St. Peters Church is participating in Operation Christmas Child this year by building shoeboxes online. Fill a box from the comfort of your home and spread the Good News to children worldwide. Visit  www.garrettstpeter.com and click on the “Build a Box Online” link to help them reach their goal of 50 shoebox gifts and note the corrected website address.

Making sure all of our readers are aware of HART’s Vaccines for Life program for dogs and cats that offers core vaccines for free, along with a 10% discount on other vaccines and services, and is good for the lifetime of your dog or cat. This program lasts as long as you have your pet and as long as your pet gets an annual Wellness visit exam every year at the Bredel Clinic. A nice way to take care of Fido!

Speaking of HART, here’s a rundown of their key statistics year-to-date through October: Spays & Neuters: 558; Rescue & Transports: 584; Adoptions: 125.  The folks at HART have been busy and continue to do really good work for our furry friends.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce invites all Chamber members to join them November 11th at 11:00 am for their November Marketing Roundtable: Consumer Media Engagement Habits 2020. Mike DeAnzeris of Meredith Publishing will be leading a deep dive on today’s media trends, what consumers want and how their actions are showing the reality of media engagement. Learn more about myth vs reality and how to build marketing plans that drive results. Free to attend but limited to Chamber members. Register to attend this webinar here .

Speaking of the Chamber, their next Business Before Hours on Tuesday, November 17th will feature a presentation by West Virginia University (WVU) on the results of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s year-long tourism survey of Garrett County visitors. The Tourism Update program, sponsored by Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales, will be held virtually on Zoom 8:00 am – 9:30 am. Reservations can be made by online at visitdeepcreek.com or by contacting Holly at the Chamber at 301.387.6171 or holly@garrettchamber.com. The cost to attend for members is $10; the cost for non-members is $15.

If you are up for some brisk fall hiking and want to check out areas a little farther afield than our great trails here in Garrett County, consider the C&O Canal.  Here’s a link to a story about attractions within five miles of the canal from Cumberland all the way “down east.”

Well, my message above says it all for today.  Please vote.  It is a right and a very important part of our democracy.  And, whomever you vote for, please leave the voting booth with a certain peace and a determination to support whoever our next president is, even if it is not who you voted for. We are all in this together…

And, for when you go out to vote, here’s what to expect weather-wise: Today will be sunny, with a high near 46 degrees. West wind 11 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Tonight will be clear, with a low around 36.

That’s it for today.  Let’s all focus our energies and thoughts on our democracy and the issues at hand this election day… Please have a great day dear readers, and may your favorite candidates win…