Tuesday November 24

The weather for today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 42 degrees. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 32

I took a dip in the CARC pool the other day and as usual, it was great.  But, I found out they are closed today, Wednesday and Thursday for the holiday, and will reopen on Friday.  Just wanted to make sure readers were aware of that.  Call the CARC for details and to verify.

Just Like You! is a Garrett County Health Department designed to remind all adults how important it is for them to be a positive role model for the children and youth in their lives. This year’s Just Like You campaign is administered by the Garrett County Health Department through funding from MDH and SAMHSA. For more information visit copycatfun.com or call Health Education and Outreach at 301.334.7730 or 301.895.3111. And of course, be a good role model for our youth now and throughout the year.

Hey there all you outdoor enthusiasts, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wants to hear from you on a survey they have developed. The results of this survey will be used to improve their ability to provide the opportunities and services that fit the needs of their customers. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Click here to take the survey. This survey is designed to gather information and preferences from outdoor enthusiasts that access Maryland’s public lands and waters. All individual results will be kept confidential and used only by the Department of Natural Resources.

As the holidays approach, and as bad as 2020 has been for everyone, it is exponentially worse for our beloved seniors. According to Senior Care, seniors have accounted for 80% of COVID-19 deaths, 27% of seniors live alone and in a normal year nearly one-third experience sadness during the holidays. This year, it is expected to be even harder with many unable to spend the holidays with their families because of COVID-19. SeniorCare.com today released a report Top Holiday Gifts and Gestures For Seniors in 2020 after surveying more than 10,000 seniors and asking for their input on what gifts and personal gestures would bring them joy during the holidays. Below you will find the top 10 gifts, gestures, and key takeaways and the report contains a more extensive list.

Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas Most Liked by Seniors:

1. House Cleaning Service: 88% of seniors like this gift idea
2. Chocolate: 87%
3. Fruit Basket: 83%
4. Cash: 79%
5. Everyday Items (stamps, shampoo, etc.): 79%
6. Meal Delivery Service (Uber Eats, Grub Hub): 78%
7. Snacks: 78%
8. Cheese and Crackers: 77%
9. Gift Cards: 76%
10. Automotive Service: 76%

Honorable Mentions: Flowers (72%), Streaming Subscription (60%), Spa Day (56%).

Top 10 Personal Gestures Most Liked by Seniors:

1. Homecooked Meal: 90% of seniors like this idea
2. Invite to Restaurant for Dinner: 81%
3. Help with Technology (tablet, phone, kindle): 80% of seniors like this idea
4. Phone Calls: 80%
5. Help Around Home: 78%
6. Declutter Garage or Basement: 78%
7. Handwritten Cards: 78%
8. Go Grocery Shopping: 77%
9. Revive Family Traditions: 75% of
10. Go for a Walk: 74%

Honorable Mentions: Clean the Car (66%), Watch a Movie (61%), Review Finances (58%).

And, speaking of the holidays, on Thanksgiving Day, many activities are occurring with friends and family in the home. “Holidays are a time of celebration. Please follow these simple guidelines to ensure a fire-safe Thanksgiving Day meal,” states Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci, who offers these following tips:

• Make sure your smoke alarms are working properly by testing them. Additionally, ensure your guests are aware of all available exits if a fire would occur and have them meet at a designated location outside.
• The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop to keep an eye on the food.
• Establish a 3′ foot “Kids & Pets Free Zone” around any area where hot foods or drinks are prepared. Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Provide games, puzzles, books, etc., outside of the kitchen to keep them busy. Kids can also be involved with preparations with recipes that can be made outside of the kitchen area. Just in case, ensure you turn handles inward on the stove and countertop to avoid spills.
• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the burner, and then leave the pan covered until it has cooled.
• Keep anything combustible – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, etc., away from the stovetop.
• Eliminate clutter in the kitchen. A clean work area allows for better efficiency and fewer chances for mishaps.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of curious children’s hands.
• Do not leave lit candles unattended or in places where children or pets could knock them over.

Turkey Fryer Safety

• Many turkey fryer appliances can be easily tipped over, allowing for hot oil spillage. Ensure you place them on a hard, level, and non-combustible outdoor surface.
• Do not place a turkey fryer under an overhang or temporary roof. A flare-up can easily ignite materials above the appliance.
• Partially frozen turkeys can cause a spillover and result in a flare-up. Thoroughly thaw the turkey before cooking.
• Turn off the burner before placing the turkey in the container. Re-ignite the burner after you are sure it is safe to do so.
• Always monitor the temperature of the oil. It can easily reach temperatures to the point of combustion.
• Be careful not to overfill the fryer. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for proper filling levels.
• The handles and lid will get dangerously hot. Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts.
• Never leave the fryer unattended while cooking. Keep an all-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher on hand. Do not use water in an attempt to extinguish a grease fire.

Following these simple guidelines for fire and life safety will help to ensure a tragedy free holiday meal. Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

And, speaking of gifts, and since I seem to have a lot of “lists” in today’s Daily Notes, here’s a listing of components and some information on a new non-credit course at Garrett College for those aspiring to become an administrative assistant: This multi-faceted course includes a bundled suite, where students will learn the skills needed to excel as an administrative professional or executive assistant. All courses are online.

• Administrative Assistant Fundamentals- 1/13/21- 3/5/21
• Administrative Assistant Applications- 1/13/21- 3/5/21
• Effective Business Writing- 1/13/21- 3/5/21
• Customer Service Fundamentals- 2/10/21- 4/12/21
• Keys to Effective Communication- 3/17/21- 5/7/21