Brrrr…
Very Good News: It appears that the Luke Mill in nearby Westernport, owned by Verso Corp., and which closed down in May of 2019, may be close to being sold to a new organization. In addition to a couple of hundred new jobs, the new enterprise will really help the local economy and citizens, as well as the regional logging industry. That’s a great way to start the new year. We’ll let you know more details when they are available and confirmed.
The Garrett County Health Department’s Just Like You! Program reminds all adults that youth are always watching what you do. “Remember, it’s not just toddlers who follow our examples,” said Linda Costello, Prevention Specialist at the Garrett County Health Department. “Never increase your dose, or share your prescriptions with someone else.” The campaign is 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.
Garrett College has a great program coming in February – All In: Business Plan Writing Series and Power of Possibilities Competition. If you or someone you know is considering starting their own business, or have a pursuable idea, but are unsure of how or where to start, this is a great opportunity. Participants will be provided with various mentors and receive viable business coaching from start to finish in creating a business plan.
Speaking of Garrett College, the college just announced their December graduates. We offer our congratulations to all of them. I especially want to give a shout-out to one of my former students – Sandy Fazenbaker, of Grantsville – as she persevered to complete her degree as a non-traditional student. Sandy is an entrepreneur (who went through Power of Possibilities, see above) and who owns The Rooster’s Nest restaurant in Grantsville and deserves a hearty “congratulations” if you happen to visit her business or see her around town.
As the Deep Creek Lake area real estate market remains “hot” during these cold winter months, creating curb appeal is important and can increase the value of a home by as much as 17 percent. But it can be challenging to achieve great curb appeal in the cold weather months. Here is a checklist from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association, that I thought readers would find of value. This list can help sellers create a good first impression, even when the temperatures drop.
• FOCUS ON SAFETY – Make sure buyers can safely get into your home by keeping the walkways, stairs and driveway clear of snow, ice and wet, slippery leaves. Your snow thrower can clear away snow.
• SHOWCASE WINTER PLANTS – Utilize evergreen and cold weather plants like holly, pansies and witch hazel in patio pots and flower beds to add life to the landscape. A live wintergreen wreath is also a nice touch.
• GIVE THE LAWN SOME LOVE – Keep leaves and debris cleared off the lawn. A carpet of dormant grass gives a better impression than dead leaves and twigs. It also hints of what is to come in the spring!
• CLEAN GUTTERS – Clean gutters and downspouts signal to potential buyers that your home is well-maintained.
• UTILIZE OUTDOOR LIGHTING – Showcase your home on short, grey days with strategically placed outdoor lighting to light up the driveway, pathways and front porch.
• PRUNE SHRUBS & TREES – Don’t wait until an ice or snowstorm hits to tend to the trees in your yard. Prune your plants, trees and shrubs now for a tidy look that will also keep branches from snapping off due to snow and ice. Your pole pruner or chainsaw can help remove any damaged limbs.
• ORGANIZE THE GARAGE – Store your outdoor power equipment neatly in the garage, declutter the space and give it a good clean. A tidy garage looks bigger and more inviting.
• ADD BIRDFEEDERS – Create a natural, serene scene (and support pollinators at the same time) by installing a bird feeder or bird garden. A blue jay or cardinal makes a striking image against a winter scene.
As is usual, Sarah will be taking over Notes for the rest of the week. Please have a safe, happy and healthy rest of the week and “talk” again on Monday…
