Deep Creek Lake MD News and Local Resources: Daily Notes

The weather today will be cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers; high near 30 and a low around 23. West wind around 8 mph.

Wednesday’s snowstorm left us with a lot of the pretty white snow but, at least in my neck of the woods, we “only” received about 8″ to 10″ of accumulation.

Send us your photos and snow accumulation totals!

Forecasters say the snowfall that has piled up and ended the snow drought in many areas of the Northeast will be in no hurry to melt away as more cold days than not are likely to persist into Christmas Day.

Testing at the Garrett County Community COVID-19 testing site at the MEDCO building at the McHenry Business Park is canceled for Thursday, December 17th due to inclement weather and safety concerns. Persons who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms may call 301-334-7697 to schedule a test at the Garrett County Health Department office in Oakland. The next COVID-19 testing event at the McHenry site will be on Tuesday, December 22nd from 9 am – 12:30 pm.  Please visit garretthealth.org for additional testing information.

What’s New Around Town? Elite Appalachian Development is a training service focused on improving the overall performance and athleticism of Youth Athletes. Individual and group training services will be offered at a new centrally-located spot! Message Logan and tell him Deep Creek Times sent you!

The Board of Directors of County United Way unanimously appointed Michele Walker as interim executive director of the organization earlier this week. Walker has been with County United Way since 1997.

A panel discussion will be broadcast on Friday, December 18, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. to answer frequently asked questions on the local response related to COVID-19. The event will be the broadcast of a recorded session on the Garrett County Government’s Facebook page.

Garrett County leads the state in 7-day positive rate with 15.3% compared to the state rate of 7.5%. The county 7-day case rate per 100,000 is 71.4 compared to the state rate of 45.8. The total positives COVID-19 tests for Garrett County residents is 1,292, with 52 news cases being added since the last report on Monday, December 14^th. The total county deaths due to COVID-19 or its complications is now 28, an increase of 8. The age range of the 28 local deaths is from 59 to 99.

We are under a Winter Storm Warning today! We will have snow, mainly after 10:00 am. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 25. East wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible. This evening we will have more snow, mainly before 1:00 am. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 22. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Early Care Programs at the Garrett County Health Department has a new case management service designed to help woman who are at risk for substance use disorder or opioid use disorder. Healthy Moms and Babies Case Management is a free service that helps connect clients to valuable resources. The program is available to mothers and women of child-bearing age who either are at risk for, or have a history of substance use disorder or opioid use disorder. Assistance can extend to the client’s families, children, and caregivers.

Don’t forget to check out the Christmas light display this evening at the Armory in downtown Oakland or at Broadford Park.  A great way to generate some traditional holiday experiences during these interesting times. Note that the Armory light show is free and the Broadford show costs $10, which goes to help local organizations, including Southern Garrett High School.

An interesting new store is opening-up at the Fort in McHenry on Thursday.  Here’s a link to A Mountain Fix, which will offer a mix of gifts, watches and jewelry, etc.  Tell them Deep Creek Times sent you!

A panel discussion will be broadcast on Friday, December 18, 2020, at 9:00 am to answer frequently asked questions on the local response related to COVID-19.  Leaders from Garrett County Government, Garrett County Health Department, Garrett County Public Schools, Garrett County Sheriff’s Department, Maryland State Police, Garrett County Emergency Management and Garrett Regional Medical Center will respond to frequently asked questions via a pre-recorded session. Leaders will also share their respective organization’s plans for the continued management of the COVID-19 response.

Lebanese Taverna is coming into town again to deliver their wonderful Lebaese cuisine all the way from the Washington DC area.  They will be delivering the food outside Taylor-Made this Saturday @ 3:00 pm.  Not sure of order deadline but I would get your order in before Friday for sure and we will post any new information when we get it. Here’s a link to their menu and order form.  Go there to verify all details.

Yesterday was a nice, snowy day that created some really beautiful landscapes.  Today we can expect it to be partly sunny, with a high near 31 degrees and calm. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. East wind 3 to 8 mph.

Here’s a photo of my yard yesterday afternoon to give folks not at the lake an idea of the snow.

After the Snow

Winter storm watches and advisories have been issued across the Northeast for what is shaping up to be the most significant winter storm in several years. Even with travel being limited amid the coronavirus pandemic, the storm, which has yet to fully take shape, could potentially become highly impactful and disruptive as the first round of coronavirus vaccines continue to be shipped around the country. Check it out here. Hint: Garrett County is in the “heavy snow” band!

Garrett County’s current total positives for COVID-19 is at 1,240, with the addition of 50 news cases since the Garrett County Health Department’s last report on Friday, December11^th. Total county deaths due to COVID-19 or its complications is now 20, an increase of 6. The age range of the local deaths is from 61 to 99.

The current comparison of Garrett County to state COVID-19 numbers is as follows: 7-day positivity rate among Garrett County residents is 15.7% (Maryland rate is 7.5%); 7-day case rate per 100,000 among Garrett County residents is 87.2 (Maryland rate is 46.4)

There has been some uncertainty among members of the public surrounding the news of the vaccine rollout; however, the Maryland State Department of Health is well-aware of our local situation in Garrett County. The Board of Garrett County Commissioners has been working with our local delegation and has reached out directly to the Governor’s office. Here’s the full, updated press release for you.

GLAF just announced a great virtual concert available to all. The Maryland Symphony Orchestra will present a virtual “Home for the Holidays” concert free of charge to the community on December 20th at 3:00 pm.  Here’s the scoop and sign-up information.  The Maryland Symphony Orchestra always does a great job when they come out to Garrett County, so I expect this will be another great show.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invite all Maryland fifth-graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest.  The theme for 2021 is: “Trees are Terrific…and Forest Products are Too!” The top three winning artists will receive tree plantings at their schools.

The County Commissioners have announced their next public meeting agenda for the meeting to be on Monday, December 22nd.  The agenda includes a section on a COVID-19 update from Health Commissioner Bob Stephens.

Yesterday was overcast and a bit rainy.  Today we are under a winter weather advisory and look to have snow, mainly before 1:00 pm with a high near 34 degrees. Light west wind increasing to 9 to 14 mph in the morning with wind gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 19. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Here’s a photo of my front yard this morning:

Morning Snow

According to AccuWeather, we could also be facing a major snow and ice storm later in the week.  Details still need to be developed, but here’s the link for the latest scoop.

Had a great meal and overall experience at the lake’s new Firewater Kitchen and Bar the other day.  It looks like local super-entrepreneur Brenda McDonnel and her team have another hit to their credit.  The decor is great, the food (I had seafood stew) was wonderful and the drinks were fine.  Check it out on the water behind  Ace’s Run.

Speaking of the hospitality industry, Alpine Lake Resort in nearby Terra Alta, WV – about 15 minutes south of Oakland – is looking for a new General Manager.  Alpine Lake is a great place with golf, a restaurant, hiking trails, hotel, lodge, indoor pool and a nice lake. This could be a great opportunity for the right local or not-so-local looking to move to the beauty and serenity of the mountains.

On a negative note, we heard local long-time DJ at WKHJ, Jim Shaffer, has left the station as he continues a long health battle. He is a good fellow and integral part of our community and we wish him the very best.

The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling announces that the 2021 Residential Refuse Permits are available for an annual $75 fee. The 2020 permits will expire on December 31, 2020 and the 2021 permits will be valid from the date of purchase through the end of 2021.

The Garrett County Health Department received 60 additional positive COVID-19 results since the last report on Wednesday, December 9^th, bringing the current county total positives to 1,190 as of Friday. The current comparison of Garrett County to state numbers is as follows: 7-day positivity rate among Garrett County residents is 17.8% (Maryland rate is 7.5%); 7-day case rate per 100,000 among Garrett County residents is 108.8 (Maryland rate is 48.3).

Remember that the Garrett County Health Department, with the help of local partners and volunteers, is conducting free COVID-19 testing on Tuesdays (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and Thursdays (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), 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. Be prepared for a possible wait.

Send us your ideas and content!  As you know, we publish a new edition of Deep Creek Times every month.  With the new edition comes a new Cover Story, which deals with a variety of topics over a given 12 month period, including local attractions, issues, people, locations, or simply musings on topics we deem noteworthy.  Well, we want to hear from you on any suggested lake-related topics you would find interesting.  We would also consider publishing, as we do from time to time, a guest Cover Story from you or your organization.  Think about it and let us know any thoughts at info@deepcreektimes.com .  Thanks!

Have a great Monday and week dear readers…

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The weather today will be sunny with a high near 58 and a low around 37. Saturday will be a chance of showers, mainly after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 55 and low around 38. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 43 and a low around 30. A slight chance of showers before 1pm. West wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

AccuWeather meteorologists are alerting snow lovers and those hoping for a white Christmas about the potential for a possible snowstorm in the Northeast around the middle of December. The storm is far from set in stone, but forecasters are recognizing some early signals that a storm could come together and tap enough cold air to produce snow across part of the region during the middle of next week (Wednesday – Thursday).

I know I could use a nice snow… fingers crossed! 🙂

My husband Ken, Mike, and I were able to enjoy a preview of the new Firewater Kitchen & Bar last night! They will be open today at 4pm for reservations. Please email reservations@firewaterkitchen.com and try it out. Note: all mask and social distancing mandates are followed.

The Great Christmas Light Fight premiers on ABC tonight. This season features Allegany County resident, Scott Pennington, and his annual Christmas light display. This year’s display “A Haunted Christmas.” can be visited at 11417 Kreighbaum Road NW, Corriganville, MD 21524.

Two weeks after Thanksgiving, Maryland reported the highest number of COVID-19 deaths at 49.

Locally, the Garrett County Health Department received 86 additional positive COVID-19 results on Wednesday, December 10 bringing the current county total positives to 1,130. The Health Department was also notified of the death of 5 county residents which brings the total county deaths due to COVID-19 or its complications to 14.

The health department reports the updated numbers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays so we can expect another update after publishing these Daily Notes morning.

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…