The weather over the weekend included sun, clounds, snow and rain, with Friday and Saturday having some serious wind gusts at times. Here’s a photo from my front porch Friday afternoon:
Friday Afternoon Snow
After a warmer and sunny Sunday, the weather for today will be cooler and hold a chance of rain and snow showers before 1:00 pm, then a chance of rain showers, with a high near 40 degrees. West wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. There’s a chance of snow showers in the evening, with a low around 31.
Even with the cooler temperatures and staying pretty much at home the last two months, my wife and I still do carry-out once a week or so. And Saturday, we wanted some great Italian food, and that means Brenda’s Pizzeria. Here’s an “action photo” of the carry-out team (and my order ready to go) as I was ready to take the goodies home for us. We had chicken parm and eggplant parm, which not only tasted great but got us thinking of the simple pleasure of dinner out, hopefully in the near future. Can’t wait to get back to “normal.” Thanks to Brenda, JB, Jeanne and the whole team for offering carry-out during these crazy times!
Saturday Night Carryout at Brenda’s Pizzeria
Don’t forget that us locals (and second homeowners and visitors) need to support our local small businesses. Here’s the link to our shopping and food establishments, many of which are open (and/or online) during the pandemic. Please check out the list and support our community! Thanks.
And, along those lines, here’s a very positive piece on Deep Creek Lake by the NBC affiliate in Washington DC. Looks like Railey, Wisp and a lot of other local enterprises have a good plan and are ready to open. Check it out!
Even as we plan for better times, Maryland officials reported Sunday that the state has confirmed 1,053 new cases of COVID-19, which brings the total for Maryland to 32,587 known cases. Twenty-eight more people died due to complications from the illness since Saturday, bringing the state total up to 1,538 fatalities.
The Chamber is hosting a member webinar on Wednesday, May 13th, at 9:00 am on Understanding the Employee Retention Tax Credit and Work Share Unemployment Programs. While most of the disaster loan and grant programs are close to maxed out, these two programs could provide additional financial assistance for your business. The webinar is free to attend but registration is required. REGISTER HERE to receive the link or contact Holly Lane at 301.387.6171 or holly@garrettchamber.com.
Bob Sutton of the Deep Creek Lake Property Owners Association sent out a reminder and nice summary of the Governor’s order that went into effect last week. I know we have reported on it, but it is important, so here’s the POA’s summary, pretty much verbatim for your reference and review (and see below for a nice photo of the result at the lake):
“As of 7:00 am May 7th, 2020 Governor Hogan lifted the recreational boating ban for Maryland. The following link gives additional information: Click Here. A summary of the current rules are:
BOATING
Recreational boating activities, including motorized and non-motorized vessels and personal watercraft, are permitted, however:
• Boaters must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside. o No more than 10 people can be on a boat at one time, including captain and crew.
• Boats must be distanced from each other by at least 10 feet and are prohibited from rafting up, beaching, or having rendezvous events.
o Boats are prohibited from docking at restaurants or bars. Marinas can reopen to recreational boaters, but must adhere to Maryland Departments of Commerce and Health guidelines.
BEACHES
The state park beach will be opened and outdoor exercise such as walking, jogging, running, swimming, and fishing will be permitted, however:
• Guidance on social distancing must be followed.
• The prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed. Chairs, blankets, and picnics will be prohibited.
CAMPING
DNR will begin accepting reservations for overnight tent and RV camping in state forests, parks, and other campgrounds, however:
• Campers must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside.
• Guidance on social distancing must be followed.
• No parties or reservations for more than 10 people will be granted for any one site.
FISHING
Recreational fishing activities, including catch-and-release, are allowed, however:
• When fishing from a boat, one must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside.
o No more than 10 people may be on a boat at one time, including captain and crew.
• When fishing from onshore or at a dock social distancing guidelines must be followed.
• Fishing tournaments remain prohibited at this time.
IMPORTANT—The Maryland stay-at-home order remains in effect. If folks come to Garrett County from elsewhere in the State, they are still expected to self-isolate for 14 days in order to prevent spread of the COVID19 virus.”
Finally, here’s a nice photo as submitted by Tammy Cross, of a happy young fisherman and his catch taking advantage of the restrictions being lifted. Nice photo and nice job young man! Better times and a great summer season are on the way! I feel it coming…
First Catch of the Season!
Have a great Monday folks!
