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What’s Up Deep Creek for May 2023

What’s Up at Deep Creek? Glad you asked! Here’s the scoop on area happenings for May 2023.

One. Last. Chance. at Sipside Lounge

May 3, 5-9PM
Hosted by Barb and Pat Franc, this fundraiser benefits the Garrett Regional Medical Center Foundation. Open to the public, is supports the GMRC’s Behavioral Health Center. There will be a cash bar, drink specials, and live music.

Fletcher’s Spring Fling
May 5, 6:30PM
Join us for a Fun Filled Celebration of Fletcher’s Miracle Journey! Fletcher’s Spring Fling is a fundraising event to benefit Fletcher Layne Fazenbaker’s family. She was born with a rare congenital brain tumor and received treatment at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Her family is experiencing financial burdens due to the time away from home, work and their business. There will be live music by the Remedy, food by Goehringer’s Catering, bouquet bar by Jeffries Farm, The Travel Mug Coffee Trailer, games, prizes & more!

The Meadow Spring Kick Off Event 2023
May 6, 8AM-4PM
Halian Landscapes and Mosser Meadow Nurseries invite you to their 2nd annual spring kick off. There will be plants, artisans, food, and fun!
-ABPH Art
-Bearded Bee
-Fernwood Soap
-Mountain Magic Candle Company
-Pleasant Valley Woodcrafts
-Spruce Knob Maple
*FOOD: Coffee Bar, Wildom Farm and Sweitzer’s BBQ
*LIVE MUSIC: by Terah Crawford
*FREE Kettle Corn and Face Painting

Team Trivia
Every Thursday, 6:30-8:30PM
Mountain State Brewing Company hosts team trivia every Thursday throughout the year!

Team Bingo
Every Sunday, 1PM-3PM
Mountain State Brewing Company hosts team bingo every Sunday throughout the year!

Mountain Fresh Spring Farmers Market
Every Saturday in May, 10AM-1PM
Held at the pavilion off 2nd Street in Downtown Oakland by the town parking lot, local vendors offer farm fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more.

HART for Animals Guest Bartender Challenge
May 10, 6-9PM
Taylor-Made real estate is your host at Mountain State Brewing Co. for the annual Have a HART Guest Bartender Challenge! Stop by for a drink and help support a great cause!

Plant Your Own Herb Planter
May 11, 18, and 25, 6:30PM
Three Sisters Farm will provide several varieties of culinary herbs, a strawberry pot to plant them in and soil. Cost is $5 and includes food from Big Dogs Deli. Bring a beverage of choice. Space is limited and you must be pre registered.

Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival
May 13, 10AM-3PM
New Germany State Park is the location for this celebration of native plants. There will be native plants for sale, family friendly activities, nature walks, and educational displays.

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Savage River Lodge
May 14, 10AM-2PM
Reservations are recommended for this Lodge tradition that features made to order omelettes and waffles, a carving station, and assorted side dishes and desserts.

Mothers Day Buffet at Wisp Resort
May 14, 11AM-2PM
Wisp Resort offers a delicious buffet and complimentary photos for you and your mom. Reservations are required. Call 855-990-0304.

Dutch’s Wine Pairing Dinner
May 18, 4-9:30PM
Dutch’s at Silver Tree offers a special wine pairing dinner menu with Garrett Mentors, a local children’s mentoring organization, receiving funds from the sales. Please call Dutch’s to make your reservation: 301-387-0525!

National Road Festival Yard Sale
May 20, 8AM-1PM
Held throughout the town of Grantsville, the National Road Festival Yard Sale has become one of the biggest events of the National Road Festival. Other events going on during the yard sale include:

Free appraisals provided by Blue Moon Antiques
Car Show, Grantsville Town Park
Food Trucks, Grantsville Park
Live Music in the afternoon sponsored by the Grantsville A&E District
Kids’ games provided by JTF

Growing and Caring for Lavender
May 20, 10-11:30AM
Deep Creek Lavender Farm’s owner, Anne Davidson, teaches you about growing, propagating, and caring for Lavender. Learn about the history and uses of lavender. Plants and lavender items can be purchased after the class.

Make a Wood Wick Dough Bowl Candle
May 20, 10:30AM
Head to The Studio at Marsh Hill to learn to make a triple wood wick candle. Mix scent into the wax and pour into a rustic wooden dough bowl. The class cost is $52.

2nd Annual Deep Creek Lake Memorial Weekend Craft Show!
May 26 3-7PM and May 27 10AM-6PM
Held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, this event includes numerous craft vendors along with great food.

Mountains and Museums
Memorial Day Weekend
All seven of the county’s museums will be open during Memorial Day weekend for the Mountains and Museum event, on Saturday, May 27, 2023. The Oakland Museums will be open on Friday and Saturday, May 26-27,2023, 11-4 and Sunday, May 28, 2023, 12-3

Marketing Roundtable: Garrett County’s Big Funky Blues Festival

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce invites all Chamber members to the next Marketing Roundtable on Wednesday, May 10 from 11 am – 12 pm in the Chamber conference room.

The meeting will feature the owners of OMG Relax, LLC, Christine and Randy Anderson, providing an update on their new summertime event, Garrett County’s Big Funky Blues Festival. Slated for Saturday, August 12 from 10 am – 9 pm at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, the festival includes live music from nine bands, food, crafters, artisans, axe throwing, glass blowing, blacksmithing, kid’s zone and more. A portion of each ticket sale will benefit Camp Caring of Garrett County, a summer day camp for children with special needs. This is a terrific opportunity for area marketing professionals and Chamber member businesses to learn more about this exciting new family-friendly event in Garrett County.

You can attend the Marketing Roundtable in-person or virtually via Zoom. The event is free to attend but is limited to Chamber members and registration is required as space is limited. The meeting will be held in the Chamber’s conference room at the Visitors Center. To register, click “Register” above right to reserve your spot!

Date and Time
Wednesday May 10, 2023
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM EDT

Location
Chamber Conference Room
15 Visitors Center Drive
McHenry, MD 21541

Fees/Admission
FREE but registration is required

Contact Information
301.387.8746
Send Email

Garrett County Diversity and Inclusion Committee Meeting Scheduled

Garrett County Government

The Garrett County Diversity and Inclusion Committee is having a meeting on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 3 PM until 4:30 PM at Garrett College in the Offutt STEM Building in Room 211.

Call for Art: County Collector Coin Project

Call for Art: County Collector Coin Project

The County Collector Coin for 2023 will celebrate the National Road in Grantsville. The Casselman River Bridge, which
was apart of the road was erected in 1811 and travel over the bridge began in 1813. The stone arch bridge was the
largest single span bridge in the US at the time. This area holds a tremendous amount of history from George
Washington’s troops marching through this area to the National Road it is certainly worthy of a celebration. We
encourage you to share with us your vision for this collector coin.

Eligibility:
Anyone living in Garrett County is eligible to enter art to be considered for the county collector coin.

Deadline:
All submissions must be received by May 1
st. Submissions can be emailed to kim@garrettchamber.com
All artwork should be provided in the following format files: .jpeg, .png, .pdf

Rules:

Any medium can be used but a digital copy must be submitted as the final product.
Artwork must commemorate the National Road in Grantsville.
Artist must provide name, address and how long they have lived in Garrett County.
Judging:
All art will be judged by the Heritage Area Board of Directors. The board is comprised of 15 local members that
represent various areas of business and government agencies within Garrett County. The entire board will vote on
submissions based on the following criteria:
How well the art depicts the history of the National Road. Does it celebrate the history?
Will the art present well on a small coin.
How creative is the design.
Marketability of the art on a coin
Each item will be worth 10 points. Making the maximum score available 40. The winner will be notified via the email
used to submit the original artwork. The artwork will be on display with the coin at the Visitor Center during the sale of
the coins. The artist will be credited in all marketing materials. Including press releases, sales flyers, social media posts,
etc.
For questions contact kim@garrettchamber.com

Two Minute Deep Creek Market Update

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales

Here’s a quick overview of the Deep Creek Lake real estate market as of April 14, 2023.

Average sold price lake area residential – Average: $1,002,723, Median: $639,500
Number of sales pending for Garrett County – 55 (28 went under contract in March)
Number of homes for sale Garrett County – 133 (51 were listed in March, down from 5 year average which is 66)
Number of sales closed Garrett County – 37, down from 5 year average of 46

Written by Admin on April 17, 2023. Posted in Deep Creek Lake Real Estate, Market

Line Stripe Work to Begin on County Roadways 4-19-23

Department of Public Works – Roads Division

The Garrett County Department of Public Works – Roads Division advises that Alpha Space Control Contracting will be initiating line stripe work this season on various County roadways. Line stripe work will begin on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 and is expected to continue into the summer months.
The public is advised to be aware of the line stripe work crews and be cautious when approaching the line stripe machinery and wet paint areas on County roadways. The public is urged to adhere to line stripe crews’ warning signs and flashing signals.

April 3 Board of Garrett County Commissioners Public Meeting Summary

Garrett County Government

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners held its recent public meeting on Monday April 3, 2023.

PUBLIC MEETING OPENED

In the public meeting session, Paul Edwards served as Chairman. The following items were discussed:
Proclamation: April 2023 is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Proclamation: April 5, 2023 is Arbor Day in Garrett County
The winners of the 5th Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest were announced:
1st Place County Winner, 3rd Place State Winner: Emma Secrist
2nd Place County Winner: Codyn Alvarado
3rd Place County Winner: Elodie Morel
Resolution Approval of the 2023 Garrett County Online Tax Sale Dates & Times
Registration opens May 1, 2023 and closes May 19, 2023
Bidding begins on May 22, 2023 and ends on May 26, 2023
Payments must be completed by May 26 at 4:00 PM
Bid # 23–0316 for precast concrete box culvert for a culvert replacement on Bethlehem Road was awarded to Concrete Pipe and Precast in the amount of $63,684. This project is within budget.
Bid # 23–0302 for the purchase and installation of ceramic tile at the courthouse was awarded to Success Floor Covering in the amount of $74,920.98; selecting Option 1. This project is within budget.
Bid # 23–0309 for the Friendsville Wastewater Treatment Plant roof and gutter replacement was awarded to Rough Roofing and Sheetmetal in the amount of $39,030. The project is within budget.
The 2023 Garrett County Transportation Priority Letter was approved.
Public comments were accepted.
PUBLIC MEETING CLOSED

A complete recording of the meeting can be found here.

OUTSIDE ORGANIZATION BUDGET PRESENTATIONS:

Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens presented the budget (beginning at 40:40 in the recording) on behalf of the Garrett County Health Department (GCHD)
Mission: To promote, protect and improve the health of citizens and visitors of Garrett County.
Vision: Garrett County, a healthier place to live, work and play
Total GCHD operating budget is $16,707,797 and the request from the county government is $2,436,815
Due to fee-for-service programs, GCHD can return money to the county
Maryland Department of Health reconciled 2022 figures and GCHD will return $915,429 to the county
Sheriff Bryson Meyers presented the budget (beginning at 56:02 in the recording) on behalf of the Garrett County Sheriff’s Department
Public safety and law enforcement is an ever-challenging environment.
Overall, the increase to the budget is $15,335
There are mandates the office has to support financially but they have found grants thus far
Body cameras aren’t mandated until 2025 but were grant funded so they are implemented
Requesting department cell phones to utilize the full functionality of the body cameras
Medicated-Assisted Treatment is now mandated; hopefully can continue to be funded by grants
Alison Sweitzer, CPA, Director of Finance and Dr. Nicole Miller, Chief Academic Officer, presented the budget (beginning at 1:04:05 in the recording) on behalf of the Garrett County Public Schools.
Many changes are occurring because of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation
“To transform Maryland’s education system from early childhood through secondary education to enable performance and ensure all students receive a world-class education”
Pillar 1: Early Childhood
Pillar 2: High Quality & Diverse Teachers and Leaders
Pillar 3: College and Career Readiness
Pillar 4: More Resources for Students to be Successful
Pillar 5: Governance and Accountability
MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) is calculating some of these formulas for the first time so it is a bit of a moving target to develop the budget request.
FY 2024 local share (county budget requirement) is $28,584,423. The complete meeting can be viewed here.
Public issues or concerns that are to be presented to the Board of Garrett County Commissioners during any Public Meeting should be scheduled with Carol A. Riley-Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator, by 11:00 p.m. on Monday one week prior to the Public Meeting Day.

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners next scheduled Public Meeting will be Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 p.m.

FSU awarded $250K grant for outdoor recreation economy

Greg Larry, Cumberland Times-News, Md.

Apr. 4—FROSTBURG — Frostburg State University has been awarded a $250,000 grant for educational programs designed to support a regional approach to growing Western Maryland’s outdoor recreation economy.

The grant, from the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism in conjunction with the federal Economic Development Administration, will fund initiatives in workforce development, training and certification in Allegany and Garrett counties, and will be administered by FSU’s Division of Regional Development and Engagement.

“DRDE is very excited to be leading this regional initiative to collaboratively address the immediate outdoor recreation workforce needs in Mountain Maryland and create a pipeline of students interested in enjoying the outdoors and with the skill sets necessary to adequately support our local businesses,” said Al Delia, FSU’s vice president for regional development.

The projects will be a collaborative effort between FSU, Allegany College of Maryland, Garrett College and local outdoor recreation businesses. Supporting partners include the Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation and county government offices in Allegany and Garrett counties.

“DRDE is uniquely situated to lead this initiative and we look forward to growing our partnerships with our community colleges and local small businesses in the outdoor recreation economy,” said Jennifer Walsh, regional initiatives coordinator for the Division of Regional Development and Engagement, and executive director of The Greater Cumberland Committee.

Funds will be used to support a bicycle mechanic program at ACM and a marine mechanic program at Garrett College, while FSU will purchase outdoor recreation equipment to support its Center for Advancement of Natural and Outdoor Experiences, led by Natalia Buta. A paid internship program will also be created to place students with local outdoor recreation-related businesses.

“The bicycle repair training through ACM will immerse students into a 4-day experience in bicycle mechanics, covering all the essential maintenance material in greater detail with hands-on training,” Cynthia Bambara, president of Allegany College of Maryland, said. “Students who complete the program will earn an Apprenticeship Bench Tool Kit and will be prepared to further their studies and participate in a paid internship with a local bike shop.”

Garrett College will partner with Deep Creek Lake-area marinas and boat companies to provide an introductory marine mechanic program.

“Upon completion of the proposed 100-hour training, a student will receive a non-credit certificate of completion from Garrett College,” Julie Yoder, the school’s dean of continuing education and workforce development, said.

According to Yoder, once a student has completed two years of experience, they will be eligible to take a certification exam through American Boat and Yacht Council to become a certified technician. Paid internships with local companies will also be available.

Ashli Workman, director of tourism for Allegany County, said Western Maryland has much to offer the sector.

“Allegany and Garrett counties are gateway communities, home to 31% of the state’s public land,” she said. “With over 600 miles of developed trail systems, one national park, three state forests and 12 state parks, our region’s outdoor recreation economy and access to natural resources offers the opportunity for sustainable economic and community development.”

Greg Larry is a reporter at the Cumberland Times-News. To reach him, call 304-639-4951, email glarry@times-news.com and follow him on Twitter @GregLarryCTN.

Maryland Park Service Graduates 20 New State Park Rangers

Southern Maryland Chronicles

The Maryland Park Service recently graduated 20 new State Park Rangers after they completed four weeks of training. The graduation ceremony took place on February 24, 2023, at Elk Neck State Park and NorthBay Adventure Camp. This is the 13th class of new State Park Rangers since the modern ranger school program was established in 2009.

Ranger school focuses on the primary jobs of the Maryland Park Ranger, which include operations, maintenance, interpretation, and customer service. During the four-week training, students participated in intensive practical exercises and written exams. The training was designed to simulate real-world scenarios, allowing rangers-in-training to execute emergency response, park operations, search and rescue missions, resource management, and more.

To become fully certified, rangers must also complete one year of operational experience. The new rangers will work in different regions, and they are as follows:

Central:

Nicole Staab, Rocks/Susquehanna State Park
Margaret White, Rocks/Susquehanna State Park

Eastern:

Brian Bokulic, Janes Island State Park
Ashley Brown, Pocomoke River State Park
Kirby Brown, Assateague State Park
Michael Fray, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
Erin Swale, Assateague State Park

Southern:

Samuel Behrens, Point Lookout State Park
Matthew Gregory, Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Aubree Moore, Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Calvin Ogburn, Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Riley Schwertz, Point Lookout State Park

Western:

Travis Anthony, Cunningham Falls State Park
Emily Hendershot, Rocky Gap State Park
Ryan Keller, Herrington Manor State Park
Noah Manges, New Germany State Park
Cecilia Melton, South Mountain Recreation Area
Scott Offutt, Cunningham Falls State Park
Andrew Ogle, Deep Creek Lake State Park
Christine Smith, Deep Creek Lake State Park

“Maryland Park Rangers represent the vanguard of the Park Service mission – ‘to manage the state’s natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources, to provide for wise stewardship and enjoyment by people,’” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “I thank each of them for their commitment to their duties, sharing and preserving our most treasured lands and waters now and for future generations.”

The Maryland Park Service takes pride in their ranger school program, which ensures that their rangers are highly skilled and competent in their duties. With the graduation of the 13th class of new State Park Rangers, the Maryland Park Service continues to maintain the quality of service they provide to the public.

The 5 Best Maryland Lakes For Swimming

a-z Animals

What’s better than swimming to get great exercise while having fun and staying cool with your family and friends during the summer? Swimming is not only a fun activity, but it is a great way to exercise the entire body and improve your fitness. Swimming is also an activity all ages can find ways to enjoy, especially if you visit the best Maryland lakes for swimming!

There are over 100 lakes within the state of Maryland today. Each one of those lakes is, however, a man-made reservoir (either for recreation, utility, or both). Deep Creek Lake, for example — with its nearly 4,000 acres of lake water — powers a hydroelectric dam that has operated since 1925, but also offers recreational activities for residents and vacationers.

So, let’s take a look at five of Maryland’s lakes that are the best lakes for swimming!

Greenbrier Lake
Deep Creek Lake
Lake Habeeb
Cunningham Falls
Kilgore Falls

Deep Creek Lake (Deep Creek Lake State Park)

Most Maryland lakes are much smaller than Deep Creek Lake, with many covering less than 50 acres. Deep Creek Lake, on the other hand, is known for being the largest lake in Maryland. It covers nearly 4,000 acres! The park gets its name from the lake. The Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company created a 1,300-foot-long dam in the 1920s for a hydroelectric project.

So why go swimming at Deep Creek Lake? Is it more than just a hydroelectric dam project? Yes!

With its mile-long shoreline and two swimming beaches, along with 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking, campgrounds, and an enormous Discovery Center, Deep Creek Lake State Park offers year-round activities for everyone.

The natural beauty of Deep Creek Lake is only matched by its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. With deer, bald eagles, ospreys, black bears, and more, visitors can expect to see a wide range of nature’s creatures while they swim and explore.

It’s a Maryland State Park, so the lake’s water is well-kept, and convenience factors are much more amenable. There are public restrooms, places to stay overnight that are close by, and convenience stores.

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