May 8, 2024
The weather today will be mostly cloudy, with scattered showers in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon–highs in the lower 80s except in the mid-70s at the higher Elevations. West winds of around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. The chance of rain is 50%.
REMINDER: The May “Where Am I?” contest is posted! Enter your guess to win a $25 gift card to Espresso Alley!
Did you know there is a new wellness business in town? Welcome Mary and Perfect Pear Nutrition!
Garrett County is collaborating to enhance youth engagement through the ECHO (Exploring Careers in Health Occupations) program by AHEC West. ECHO introduces students to various healthcare disciplines through facility tours and professional interviews, fostering experiential learning. Learn more in the linked article.
GLAF introduces its “Pick 4 Subscription”, an excellent opportunity to secure prime seats for the performances you’re passionate about. Reserve yours now and look forward to all the excitement to come!
Don’t miss the Garrett County Historical Society’s annual meeting and dinner on June 7th at 5:00 PM! Enjoy a tasty turkey dinner at Pleasant Valley Community Center for $25.00. Nominate yourself or someone else for the board of directors—forms available in the Glades Star or at the history museum. Deadline is on May 29.
Get $2 off any Large Wedgie at Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakland for Wedgie Wednesday! Also, don’t forget to visit Cashmere Clothing Co’s Facebook page for Want It Wednesday deals!
Also at Fox’s in Oakland and Deep Creek Lake: It’s Teachers and Nurses Appreciation Week so enjoy one wedgie half-off for the educators or healthcare workers (please show your badge)!
Help protect regional plants! Bring gloves and tools to remove weeds from the garden. Learn about native plants and why they’re important for wildlife. Meet in the garden near the Lake House. Remember your water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
Support HART for Animals with the guest bartender challenge at Mt State Brewing DCL from 6:00-9:00 PM! There will be auctions, a chance to win the 50/50 drawing, live music by Heart 2 Heart, and good company. Every tip at the bar helps rescue homeless animals! Meet guest bartenders from Taylor-Made Real Estate & Rentals for an unforgettable evening.
May 8, 2024
Firewater Kitchen + Bar, situated on the widest point of Deep Creek Lake, is your go-to spot for fresh craft cocktails, beers, and exceptional dining. With its rustic ambiance featuring natural wood, stone, fireplaces, and stunning lake views, Firewater offers great food, custom drinks, and top-notch service in a relaxed, contemporary setting. Joining Ace’s Run, Brenda’s Pizzeria, and Trader’s Coffee House, it’s your new neighborhood hangout!
May 7, 2024
Garrett County is working together to foster opportunities for local youth to become more engaged with the ECHO (Exploring Careers in Health Occupations) program coordinated by AHEC West. ECHO is designed to expose students interested in future health careers to multiple disciplines and promotes experiential learning through facility tours and interviews with professionals across the spectrum of healthcare services.
The cost to participate is $150; however, scholarship opportunities are available for students from Garrett County. The STEPS Committee, known for its role in coordinating the Garrett County Health Fair, has agreed to sponsor three students from Garrett County, and an anonymous donor has agreed to sponsor another ten students.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity for students to explore careers in health occupations, and the generous support provided for Garrett County students improves equitable access to future career opportunities in highly rewarding careers in health-related fields,” said Bob Stephens, Garrett County Health Officer.
Students participating in the program will have the opportunity to explore careers in nursing, dentistry, and other fields that are key to combating the health provider shortages observed in Western Maryland.
According to the Garrett County Health Department’s Director of Nursing, Jennifer Lee-Steckman, “this opportunity provides students, 14 through 18 years of age, with a firsthand look into the diverse world of healthcare.”
Registration information for the ECHO program is available on the Garrett County Health Department’s website at: https://garretthealth.org/echo-registration-form-now-available/.
In addition to this opportunity, multiple programs and committees meeting at the Garrett County Health Department are actively expanding access to opportunities for Garrett County youth through continued and expanded scholarship and experiential opportunities. Please follow the Garrett County Health Department’s website at https://garretthealth.org for additional information about future opportunities as they are announced.
May 7, 2024
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. The Board will meet at Northern Middle School in the Cafeteria. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed for public review.
Public comment for the May Board Meeting will begin at 3:00 PM after which time the Board goes into executive session until 5:45 PM. The Board of Education will reconvene for public sessions from 6:00 PM – 8:10 PM. Time is set aside during the public session for the hearing of constituents at approximately 7:00 PM. Please note, that this time is approximate, and public comment may be adjusted based on the timing of the presentations.
Topics excluded from Public Comment include:
- Individual personnel issues
- Comments identifying individual students or staff members
- Matters that are on appeal or may be appealed
- Topics for which the Board schedules formal public hearings
- Advertising or solicitation for products and/or services
The agenda for the Public Session can be accessed at BoardDocs. The agenda is not considered final until the Board takes action to accept it at the start of each meeting.
Part or all of the meeting may be closed pursuant to the General Provision §3-305 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
May 7, 2024
Mapping a Personalized Health Journey This spring, Mary Geffroy introduces Perfect Pear Nutrition, a new coaching service at Deep Creek Lake designed to promote a lifestyle of overall wellness. This service is founded on the Nutritious Life Studio’s “8 Pillars of Nutrition and Wellness,” aimed at guiding clients towards a more balanced and healthy life:
- Eat Empowered
- Sleep Deep
- Drink Up
- Nurture Yourself
- Live Consciously
- Sweat Often
- Love More
- Stress Less
Perfect Pear Nutrition offers tailored coaching sessions in packages of 6, 8, or 12, available both in-person and virtually, making it accessible to clients regardless of their location. The client experience at Perfect Pear Nutrition begins with a thorough intake assessment, including a review of their current eating habits and a discussion of their wellness goals. This consultation sets the stage for a customized coaching plan that incorporates and expands upon the eight core concepts of nutrition and wellness. Throughout the coaching process, Mary provides as-needed support via text and phone, ensuring that clients receive the personalized guidance and encouragement needed to achieve their health objectives. “Everyone’s journey to wellness is unique, and at Perfect Pear Nutrition, we’re here to provide guidance and support, no matter where you’re starting from,” said Mary. “I am inspired to help you embrace a healthier lifestyle at your own pace and on your own terms”. In addition to its core coaching services, Perfect Pear Nutrition will also host Movement and Mocktails events this summer. These sessions will offer a fun mix of physical activity and healthy mocktail-making designed for small groups. Also, consider joining Mary at the Garrett College Community Aquatic and Recreation Complex gym on Thursday evenings for an invigorating spin exercise class. 
Mary Geffroy, the owner of Perfect Pear Nutrition, is an ACE certified group fitness instructor and a certified Clarity Catalyst Instructor. Through her Clarity Catalyst program, she teaches an 8-week course on mindset transformation that enhances creativity and emotional intelligence. Her teachings encourage clients to shift their perspective on eating from self-criticism to nourishment and self-care, thus fostering confidence and a positive relationship with food and body. Mary’s diverse background enriches her coaching, providing clients with insights into both physical activity and emotional intelligence. She is also currently enhancing her academic credentials through the Developing Healthy Communities program at Tufts University. For more information about Perfect Pear Nutrition or to enroll in the upcoming Movement and Mocktails sessions, please visit https://www.theperfectpearnutrition.com/ or contact Mary at mary.perfectpear@gmail.com.
TODAY’S WELLNESS TIPS:
- Eat nutrient dense foods at EVERY snack and meal.
- If you decide to have some apple slices for a snack, consider adding a handful of nuts alongside the slices or top the slices with natural peanut butter. Simple steps such as using spinach instead of iceberg lettuce in a salad, or drizzling olive oil over vegetables instead of butter, can improve your nutrient intake with little additional effort.
- Read nutrition labels.
- Look at serving size and the Daily Value (DV). Older adults should look for foods with a higher percentage DV of dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, and potassium. They should also look for foods with a lower %DV of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. Generally, 5% or less of a nutrient per serving is considered low and 20% or more of a nutrient serving is considered high.
Consider having your provider run blood work to determine if you are deficient in any nutrients.
- Exercise regularly.
- This can improve your brain health, lessen the risk of disease, help build and maintain bone and muscle strength, help manage your weight, and enhance your ability to do day-to-day activities.
- Older adults should perform 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) of moderate-intensity activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week — or an equivalent mix — plus two days/week of strength training.
- Remember that some exercise is better than none.
- Avoid being inactive — still engage in regular activity and be as physically active as your abilities and conditions allow.
Always consult with your health care provider before starting a new exercise regime. If you have any health conditions or chronic diseases consult with your health care provider to determine what is appropriate for you.
May 7, 2024
GLAF is offering a PICK 4 SUBSCRIPTION package. This is a great way to get the best seats for the four performances on the schedule that interest you. Purchase today and have something to look forward to!
PURCHASE YOUR PICK 4 SUBSCRIPTION
May 7, 2024
The weather today will be patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon–highs in the upper 70s. Except in the lower 70s at the higher elevations. Southwest winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 50%.
Despite a rainy Saturday, the third annual Garrett County Fish with a Cop event on May 4, 2024, was a hit! Law enforcement agencies paired children with officers for a day of fishing, food, and fun at Accident Pond.
On May 15, Carolyn Sheaffer will lead a webinar with the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation. Discover the “10 in 10” conservation landscaping program, aiming to plant native flora along 10% of the lakeshore buffer strip within a decade. Learn how this initiative prevents erosion and fosters living shorelines naturally and economically. Register in advance for this essential meeting!
Don’t miss the Garrett Choral Society’s annual Spring concert, “The Sound of Water: An Afternoon of Water Music,” on Sunday, May 19th at 3:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center in McHenry. Directed by Debi & Dr. Sean Beachy, this concert promises an eclectic blend of musical styles, including Native-American sounds, African-American spirituals, modern compositions, and hits by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, & Toto. Purchase your tickets today!
This week, Espresso Alley honors inspiring teachers with a special offer: 15% off purchases all week!
It’s 10 for $10 Tuesday’s at The Greene Turtle (Deep Creek)! Enjoy 10 Bone-In Wings for just $10! Plus, $2 Drafts.
Discover practical AI applications for business today! From 10:00 AM – 12 noon, join us at Allegany College of Maryland or attend virtually. Explore insights and practical applications shared by a panel of Western Maryland companies leveraging AI within their organizations.
May 7, 2024
Garrett College student Musulyn Pinney participated in Giant Jenga during GC’s “Exam Jam” last Wednesday.
It’s no secret – final exams are a stress-inducing activity for most college students. Garrett College is using research-based strategies to try to reduce some of that stress level.
“The main purpose is to give students an opportunity to participate in fun, stress-relieving activities so they can prepare for final exams,” GC Learning Commons Director Ashley Ruby said of “Exam Jam”, which took place last Wednesday.
“Exam Jam” featured therapy dogs, games, food, wellness strategies, stationary mountain bikes, and even reptiles courtesy of the College’s Wildlife Club. The College’s student-run Campus Advisory & Activities Board and community partners included the Garrett County Health Department and the Dove Center were among the organizations that collaborated with GC’s Learning Commons on the event.
“There’s research and science behind the value of having students let loose a little bit and not think about academics,” said Ruby. “An event like this hopefully refreshes the students and gets them ready for finals.”
Ruby noted that the Learning Commons hosts a similar event – the Laker Launch Party – at the start of each fall and spring semester.
“That event has some of the same activities,” added Ruby. “It’s intentionally designed to bring students into the space and introduce them to the academic support services provided by the Learning Commons – tutoring, advising, research assistance, testing, career and transfer guidance – early in the semester.”
Garrett College’s spring semester final exams start May 9th.
May 7, 2024
Despite the rainy weather, the fish were still biting and the officers, along with their partners had an enjoyable day!
On Saturday, May 4, 2024, law enforcement agencies in Garrett County organized the third annual Garrett County Fish with a Cop event at Accident Pond. This event aimed to strengthen the bond between the police and the community by pairing children with police officers for a day of activities. The day included officers picking up the selected children, providing transportation to the event, engaging in fishing, enjoying food, and games, and receiving gifts before safely returning them home. The event proved to be highly successful and rewarding! We extend our gratitude to all the children and parents/guardians who participated or granted permission for their children to take part in this event. Furthermore, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the organizations listed below for their unwavering commitment and generosity in ensuring the success of this event. Without their invaluable assistance, this event would not have been possible. Our thanks go to the Garrett County Department of Social Services, Garrett County Schools, Town of Accident, Zion Lutheran Church (Accident), Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Fisheries, Nicklow’s Wholesale Tackle, Willow Spring Wholesale Bait, Deep Creek Shop and Save, Arrowhead Market, Subway (Deep Creek Lake), RM/June Bugs Party Rentals, American Rent-All, Bruce Opel, Tees Me T’s (TMT), Savage Design, Trophies Unlimited, G&W Lumber, Garrett County Emergency Services, and all the dedicated officers and volunteers who contributed their time and efforts.
May 6, 2024
The weather today will be cloudy. Areas of fog in the morning. Numerous showers, with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon–highs in the lower 70s and a low of 57. West winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 70%.
Take a look at this month’s Taylor Made real estate listings!
On April 30th, 2024, the Garrett County Envirothon competition took place at Hickory Environmental Education Center. Teams from Northern and Southern Garrett High Schools, along with their teachers and coaches, competed in conservation challenges to earn points.
Looking to support our community? Donate to GCPS’s Lunch Angel Fund. It helps cover lunch costs for students facing financial difficulties, ensuring no child goes hungry.
Learn about credit with First United Bank & Trust today at 5:30 PM in the First United Oakland Community. Discover more in their Finture Financial Education Series.
The Garrett County Board of Education is having a special closed-door meeting today at 7:00 PM over Zoom to discuss an appeal.
