The weather for today will be scattered showers, cloudy, with a high near 57 and a low around 32. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Saturday will be partly sunny, with a high near 34 and a low around 25. Sunday will be partly sunny, with a high near 39 and a low around 33. Chance of precipitation after 5am.
On Saturday, the Oakland Branch of the Ruth Enlow Library will be holding a Board Games event open to all from Noon until 4:00 pm. There will be many old and new games available or you can bring your own. Sounds like a fun way to play games and meet new people.
There are some good high school sports events at our local high schools this weekend. Check out our Events calendar for a listing of home and away events, including the Snowball Classic Basketball Tournament at Southern High School on Friday.
HART for animals is holding their Fur Ball Casino 2018 on New Year’s Eve at Dutch’s from 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm. These are great events and always a good time AND proceeds go to help support the great work HART does on behalf of our furry friends.
Here’s something different: Deep Creek Lake-based A Touch of Class Limousines has a Holiday Lights Group Tour leaving from the Marriott in Frederick on Saturday evening. The tours cover Seneca Creek State Park, Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple and the National Christmas tree at the Ellipse. You can find more information on their website or by calling them at 301.845.5059.
The Maryland Department of Planning has sent a reminder and an apology for the broken links they had in their December 21st announcement, all pertaining to their Better Maryland Plan feedback and listening sessions. They have two online listening sessions scheduled for January 10th. Here’s the link to their page that covers the whole program including the updated links to register.
We are really lucky to have such great State Parks in Garrett County. Caroline Blizzard has sent over programs for Deep Creek Lake State Park for the remainder of this month and the beginning of January and I am listing them here. They are open every day through the holiday and have some nice programming planned:
Friday December 28
11:00 a.m. Snowshoeing for Beginners
Learn the basics of snowshoeing and join the Naturalist for a trek around the Discovery Center. Snowshoes are provided. Free—please call for reservations.
1:00 p.m. Hungry Critters
Meet us inside the Discovery Center as we feed the critters! You will be given a chance to touch a live reptile or amphibian!
Saturday December 29
11:00 a.m. Tracks and Trails Walk
Join the Naturalist for a 1-hour walk looking for animal tracks and signs of wildlife. Dress for the weather!
2:00 p.m. First Impressions
Some animals are born with a bad reputation. This interactive program shows that even creepy crawlies have their own important role in nature. Get the opportunity to meet one of the animals behind the misconceptions!
Sunday December 30
11:00 a.m. What’s that Reptile?
Come to the Discovery Center to learn about the reptiles and amphibians in the center and you may have a chance to touch these amazing cold-blooded creatures!
2:00 p.m. Aviary Feeding
Join us to learn some interesting facts, hear each bird’s story, and watch these amazing raptors eat!
Monday December 31
11:00 a.m. Hungry Critters
Meet us inside the Discovery Center as we feed the critters! You will be given a chance to touch a live reptile or amphibian!
1:00 p.m. Self-Guided Scavenger Hunts
Take this self-guided trip around the Discovery Center to answer questions like “What color eyes does a Box Turtle have?”.
Tuesday January 1
10:00 a.m. First Day Hike
Get outside and hike on this national day of hikes and walks for a guided hike of our Beckman’s Loop and finish off your experience with complimentary hot chocolate. Hike is approx. 2.5 miles and will take 2 hours.
