Well, yesterday was just about perfect at the lake. Warmer and sunny, but with a cool breeze. Today will be sunny, with a high near 71 and a low around 51.
There is a support program being developed and planned for all those impacted by the announced closing of the Luke paper mill at the end of June. It appears that perhaps up to 100 employees are from Garrett County and a number of suppliers and service people affected are also from Garrett. Local and state agencies are really trying to respond to help those potentially affected and are holding an event on Tuesday, May 14th (see below for more details).
On another negative note, I am sad to report that there was a fatal fire at a mobile trailer home in Swanton yesterday. The fire is under investigation by fire marshal deputies, as is usual, and anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal – Western Region Office at 301.766. 3888.
Here’s some good news: The Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood has awarded 50 grants aimed at serving four-year-olds in high-quality prekindergarten and Garrett County was one of the recipients! Garrett County’s grant is in the amount of $125,000!
The latest Wildfulness podcast and written piece (#51 in her series) on native plants was written in support of, and to coincide with, the upcoming Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival (see the next “blip,” below). Podcaster Lisa Cole provides some interesting factoids and some real insight into the importance of native flora. Be sure to check out the photos of the bees diving for pollen. Thanks for sharing Lisa!
Speaking of the Saturday event: New Germany State Park, in partnership with the Western Mountains Chapter of the Maryland Native Plant Society, is hosting the Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival this Saturday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. There will be native seedlings for sale, information booths, as well as a number of educational programs for those that are interested in preserving habitat and biomass and maintaining homeostasis on their land.
OK, since it was so nice yesterday, I know some of you are thinking of that quintessential summer activity – camping. Here’s a link to a list of “must have” camping supplies from Laura, a lady in Texas, that has a blog I found – Laura en route. I don’t know Laura and no, she is not an advertiser. Just thought I would share her list and let you decide if it covers “everything” you need. She also provides some nice, simple tips.
For those affected by the closing of the Luke paper mill – spread the word:
When: TUESDAY MAY 14, 2019, 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Where: Bruce Outreach Center, 398 Philos Ave, Westernport, MD 21562
REPRESENTATIVES FROM GARRETT COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, GARRETT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT,
COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL
SERVICES, AND OTHER COUNTY AND STATE AGENCIES WILL BE
AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. REGIONAL BUSINESSES
SEEKING TO HIRE WILL ALSO BE IN ATTENDANCE.
Anyone affected by the Luke Mill closure, including those truck drivers,
loggers, and other service providers that would need assistance, are
invited to attend. No registration is required, but individuals may visit
workforceallegany.com to register to receive updates.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Garrett County Department of Economic Development
