As the autumn breeze ushers in cooler temperatures and the leaves begin to turn, one beloved tradition returns to the scenic Cove area of Accident, Maryland. Cove Run Farms Corn Maze, a staple of the community, is set to open its gates for its 23rd season on Saturday, September 9th. This year, the maze takes on a special theme, focusing on Dementia Awareness, which promises an engaging and enlightening experience for all ages.
Cove Run Farms Corn Maze is located at 596 Griffith Road, Accident. The maze is open from 4-9 p.m. on Fridays (excluding Sept. 8), noon to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2-6 p.m. on Sundays. Special arrangements can be made for groups outside of these hours.
Admission is $8 for ages 11 and up, $4 for ages 3-10, and free for children aged 2 and under. Additionally, pavilions and fire rings are available for rental for various gatherings.
Teachers interested in arranging field trips or anyone looking to make reservations can call 301-616-6111 or use Facebook Messenger for inquiries and bookings. Cove Run Farms Corn Maze also offers delightful baked goods, refreshing drinks, and the chance to witness the thrilling Rubber Duck Races.
In a significant development for education in Maryland’s Sixth District, Congressman David Trone has recently unveiled an infusion of $43,428,936 in federal funding through the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program. This program, a product of the American Rescue Plan backed by Rep. Trone, seeks to bridge the digital divide by addressing the homework gap faced by students lacking reliable broadband and computer access. The funds, allocated during the third application window, will bolster schools and libraries in Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, and Garrett counties, ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed academically.
Closing the Homework Gap
Congressman Trone’s dedication to his constituents is evident as he emphasizes the importance of equitable access to education. He highlights the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program as a crucial step in breaking down learning barriers that many lower-income students encounter. As the son of a public school teacher, Rep. Trone understands the significance of this funding in providing high-quality education to the nation’s future leaders.
Allocation Breakdown
The latest round of funding, known as “Window 3,” includes the following allocations for schools and libraries in Maryland’s Sixth District:
Frederick County Public School District: $1,165,644
Frederick County Public Libraries: $40,440
Garrett County Public School District: $457,506
Montgomery County Public Libraries: $22,784,400
Montgomery County Public School District: $13,660,946
Washington County Public School District: $5,320,000
Moreover, previous allocations from “Window 1” and “Window 2” have further fortified educational institutions in the district:
Ivymount School in Rockville: $88,223
Frederick County Public School District: $5,022,279
Gaithersburg Community Support Services: $20,890
Garrett County Public School District: $472,745
Head Start of Washington County in Hagerstown: $14,038
Montgomery County Public Libraries: $15,975,170
Washington County Public School District: $391,680
YMCA of Frederick County: $101,034
The Impact of the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program
Launched in 2021, the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program has been instrumental in supporting off-campus learning, including nightly homework and summer online learning programs. This initiative ensures that students have the necessary resources to stay on track with their education.
To date, this funding has made a significant impact by providing support to approximately:
18 million students
11,100 schools
1,050 libraries
120 consortia
The program has also distributed:
Approximately 13 million connected devices
Over 8 million broadband connections across the country
Remarkably, this has resulted in $145,091,619 in federal funding being channeled into the state of Maryland alone, underscoring its immense value in bolstering education and closing the digital divide.
Adam Finzel, a native of Grantsville, is set to make a captivating appearance on the popular Food Network show “Chopped” airing at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5th. The competition offers an enticing prize of $10,000.
Hailing from Northern Garrett High School’s class of 2011, Finzel’s culinary journey led him to Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he pursued his passion for the culinary arts. Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in food service management, his quest for culinary excellence took him to Paris, France, where he completed his college degree at the prestigious Alain Ducasse study abroad program.
Currently, Finzel has established himself in the vibrant culinary scene of Tampa, Florida, where he holds the position of Senior Sous-Chef at Lilac, one of the three Michelin-starred restaurants in the region.
Speaking about his inspiration for joining “Chopped,” Finzel credits his girlfriend, Jada Vidal, who herself has competed in various culinary shows. Vidal’s encouragement pushed him to take the plunge into the culinary competition world. The audition process was no cakewalk, involving several Zoom calls. Finzel’s excitement peaked when he received the final call confirming his selection for the show.
To prepare for the competition, the couple immersed themselves in the world of “Chopped.” They meticulously studied numerous episodes to gain insights into the show’s challenges, the placement of ingredients, and the use of kitchen equipment.
“Being on the set was surreal, reminiscent of my high school sports competition days,” Finzel remarked, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere created by the Chopped team.
The experience also opened Finzel’s eyes to the vast opportunities in the culinary industry beyond restaurant kitchens. He expressed enthusiasm for the exciting and challenging world of television cooking competitions, which can offer a refreshing change for chefs who may sometimes feel weighed down by the demanding nature of the restaurant business.
When asked about his plans for the $10,000 prize, Finzel revealed his dream to visit Tokyo, where he is eager to explore the vibrant cuisine and immerse himself in a new cultural experience.
Regardless of the outcome on “Chopped,” Finzel remains resolute in his culinary journey. His unwavering goal is continual improvement in his craft, acknowledging the ever-evolving nature of the culinary arts. He aspires to shape his own unique culinary style and make progress with each passing day.
In a heartfelt message, Finzel expressed his pride in representing Garrett County and conveyed his deep appreciation for the overwhelming love and support he has received from his hometown.
The Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) Transportation Department has made multiple updates to bus routes throughout the county for the coming school year. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of students are encouraged to review the transportation page of the GCPS website to determine bus route information for the 2023-24 school year. Once on the transportation page, navigate to the “Transportation Bus Schedules and Bus Routes” link. This will take you to Infofinder i app and allow you to insert your address to determine student-specific information. Additionally, parents may simply log into the PowerSchool parent portal to obtain this information.
Anyone who experiences any issues or is in need of assistance may contact the Transportation Department at 301.334.8907 or transportation@gcps.net.
As the warmth of summer gently fades, Garrett County gears up for a spectacular end to the season with a lineup of exciting events that are sure to captivate both locals and visitors alike. Here’s a rundown of the week’s activities to help you make the most of these final days of summer.
Kick off your week with a trip to the Friendsville Farmers Market, a delightful event that offers a variety of locally sourced produce, crafts, and artisanal goods. Enjoy the community atmosphere and support local businesses as you explore the market’s offerings.
Tuesday, August 29: Bumble Bee Beatnik Poetry Night
Get your creative juices flowing at the Bumble Bee Beatnik Poetry Night, hosted at MoonShadow. This open mic event promises an evening filled with spoken word performances and artistic expression. Join fellow poetry enthusiasts and let your words come to life.
Tuesday, August 29: Full Moon Kayaking
Time: 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: New Germany Lake House, 403 McAndrews Hill Road, Grantsville, MD
Experience the magic of a full moon from the tranquil waters of New Germany Lake. Limited to 16 participants, this kayaking adventure offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the serenity of the lake under the moonlit sky.
Wednesday, August 30: Cashmere Clothing Co.: Want it Wednesday
Location: Cashmere Clothing Co., 1550 Fort Drive, Suite H, McHenry, MD
Indulge in some retail therapy at Cashmere Clothing Co.’s Want it Wednesday event. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for special offers and exciting deals on fashion finds.
Wednesday, August 30: Women’s+ Beginner Group Trail / Mountain Bike Ride
Time: 5:45 pm – 7:15 pm
Location: Broadford Lake Park
Calling all biking enthusiasts! Join this beginner-friendly group trail ride at Broadford Lake Park. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the world of biking, this ride offers a supportive and non-competitive environment to hone your skills.
Thursday, August 31: Mountain State Brewing DCL Trivia Night
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Mountain State Brewing Co. (Deep Creek Lake), 6690 Sang Run Rd, McHenry, MD
Put your knowledge to the test at Mountain State Brewing DCL’s Trivia Night. Gather your friends, enjoy some cold brews, and see who emerges as the trivia champion.
Thursday, August 31: Karaoke at Honi-Honi Bar
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Honi-Honi Bar, 19745 Garrett Hwy, Oakland, Maryland
Sing your heart out at Honi-Honi Bar’s Karaoke Night, a fun-filled evening of music and entertainment for the whole family.
Friday, September 1: Deep Creek Lake Farmers Market
Time: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Deep Creek Lake Farmer’s Market
Experience the Deep Creek Farmers Market, a vibrant gathering of local vendors offering high-quality food, crafts, and family-friendly events. Explore the diverse range of offerings and connect with the community.
Friday, September 1: 2023 Little Yough Summer Music Festival
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Oakland Mountain Fresh Pavilion, Town Parking Lot, off 2nd Street, Oakland, Oakland, MD
Enjoy live music at the Little Yough Summer Music Festival. Held at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion, this event promises a night of music, camaraderie, and the celebration of local talent.
Saturday, September 2: Labor Day Corn Roast
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Sang Run State Park, 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD
Celebrate Labor Day with the Labor Day Corn Roast at Sang Run State Park. Indulge in delicious roasted corn and enjoy a day of outdoor fun and festivities.
As summer winds down, Garrett County comes alive with a diverse range of events that showcase the community’s spirit and creativity. From farmers markets to live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we bid farewell to the warmth and welcome the autumn breeze.
The Garrett County Arts Council has opened a Pop-up Gallery Shop in Grantsville at the Grants Mercantile building, located behind Penn Alps Restaurant.
Within the Grantsville A&E District, this shop is opening to better serve the artists on the northern end of the county.
“Not only can artists bring their art to market at our Grantsville shop, but the location can act as a pass-through to getting their artwork to the Oakland Gallery as well, without driving to Oakland,” said Anthony Wroten, A&E District coordinator.
The shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas, and possibly after. Classes and other events are also planned.
The Board of County Commissioners may close a portion of this public meeting and move into Executive Session to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicial requirement that may prevent public disclosure about a particular proceeding or matter.
4:10 Garrett County Department of Financial Services – Purchasing Division
Bid Award – Town of Mountain Lake Park Sanitary Sewer System Improvements Phase 4A
The County participated in this cooperative bid with Mountain Lake Park. The County portion of the project was for a waterline replacement (approximately 1,010 LF including meters, valves, and valve boxes) at the request of Garrett County Department of Public Works – Utilities Division. The Town of Mountain Lake Park will manage the project with the assistance of Highland Engineering & Surveying, Inc. The County will reimburse Mountain Lake Park for the cost of water line alternate included in the project.
4:20 Public Commentary
Adjournment of Public Session
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.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners next scheduled Public Meeting will be Monday, September 11, 2023 at the Deer Park Town Hall beginning at 6:00 PM.
A trail enhancement and maintenance project will temporarily close the Fork Run Recreation Area from August 17 through August 25, 2023. This brief interruption is necessary to ensure the safety of all visitors during construction and maintenance activities.
A new beginner loop will be created utilizing sections of the Red and Yellow Trails near the parking area and will expand access to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts. Also, rock armoring and realignment of the Silver Trail will improve drainage and prevent erosion.
During this temporary closure of Fork Run, the Garrett Trails organization invites visitors to explore other fantastic outdoor destinations in the area:
For hiking, the Meshach Browning Trail System located at 1249 Bumble Bee Rd, Accident, MD 21520 is recommended. The suggested trails are the blue, green, and red trails totaling a distance of 2.5 miles.
For hiking and mountain biking, Deep Creek State Park located at 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD 21561 is an alternative trail system. Signed interpretive walks are available from the Discovery Center and on the Brant Mine Trail. Plus, longer, rocky loop trails ascend to the top of Meadow Mountain, providing an excellent bike adventure with a view of Deep Creek Lake.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this temporary closure but we look forward to welcoming you back to Fork Run Recreation Area on Saturday, August 26 when the new and updated trails will be ready to explore.
For further updates and information, please contact Siera Wigfield, Senior Planner, at swigfield@garrettcounty.org or 301-334-7477.
