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Committee formed to celebrate Deep Creek Lake’s 100th anniversary

 At a recent meeting of its Board of Directors, the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake (POA) formed a committee to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the lake, which will occur in 2025.

The POA invited representatives from a variety of organizations to participate in this committee, and on Nov. 28, the first meeting of the Deep Creek Lake 100th Anniversary Committee was held. Along with the POA, representatives from the following organizations participated in the meeting: Brookfield Renewable, Deep Creek Watershed Foundation, Garrett County Board of Realtors, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, Garrett County Government, Garrett County Historical Society, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Deep Creek Lake Yacht Club and the Deep Creek Lake Sailing Association (aka the Turkey Neck Yacht Club).

“We had an extremely productive initial meeting with a lot of enthusiasm for this celebration,” said Committee Chair Chris Nichols, “Just getting this many people and organizations engaged really shows the level of interest in this initiative.”

After the initial introductions, the committee discussed a number of potential projects and events, according to Nichols. One of the first projects discussed was the development of informational kiosks at various places with maps, historical information and personal stories of lake memories.

Plans also included the creation of a commemorative coin, publishing a special commemorative book, commissioning a video and creating a dedicated website to store all of the photos, information and stories gathered for the project.

“One theme that committee members kept bringing up was the importance of engaging with county residents, second homeowners and visitors to help us tell the full story of Deep Creek Lake,” Nichols said. “We’ve already identified a number of other groups to reach out to in support of these projects, especially our local schools. One really great idea was to encourage a ‘Foxfire-style’ initiative where students engage with the family members to record stories of what the lake was like ‘back in the day.’”

for more information Committee formed to celebrate Deep Creek Lake’s 100th anniversary | Garrett News | wvnews.com

Dave Ramsey says it’s time to buy a house; mortgage rates decline

Ramsey first advises people considering the big decision to keep in mind that it’s not for everybody all the time.

“Ever heard someone say everyone should buy a house? Or that renting is a lot like flushing a whole bunch of money down the toilet every month?” he asked on Ramsey Solutions. “Yeah, we’ve heard that stuff too. And it’s nonsense! The truth is, not everyone should buy a house.”

The bestselling author is not being pessimistic. But he is setting up the financial reality for people who want to purchase a home. And now may well be the time to do it.

“If you sign the dotted line on a new home when you aren’t prepared financially and emotionally, the house will wind up being a curse instead of a blessing,” Ramsey suggested. “It will wind up owning you instead of the other way around. When you are prepared to buy a house, though, it can be a wonderful blessing for your family and a great way to build wealth.”

Ramsey offered a list of the critical things to consider when making the determination that the major financial opportunity is in order.

for more information Dave Ramsey says it’s time to buy a house; mortgage rates decline – TheStreet

Water & Sewer Master Plan Accepting Public Comment

The Garrett County Water & Sewer Master Plan is a document that supports the continued development of water supply and wastewater disposal in Garrett County, on a ten-year cycle. This plan is amended as needed, as systems are expanded, and improvements are proposed to better serve the County.

Thus far, three previous amendments have been made and a fourth amendment request was presented at the December 4, 2023 public meeting:

Map, Table and text update to add the Wisp Mountain Water Storage Tank-

1. To meet the source water storage and pressure needs of businesses and residents in the Deep Creek Lake Water System, a key area for heritage tourism in Garrett County.?

2. The Deep Creek Lake Water System currently serves 1,621 residential and 141 commercial customers, with an anticipated addition of 725 more customers.?

3. The existing Wisp Mountain Water Storage Tank, installed by a private developer, provides insufficient pressure and fire protection for some areas.?

4. The new tank will provide additional pressure (approximately 20 psi more) and storage capacity, allowing for further development and enhanced fire protection in the McHenry area?.

The details of the proposed amendment can be found in this presentation.

Comments will be accepted until December 18, 2023?. Email gccomments@garrettcounty.org or swigfield@garrettcounty.org? / 301-334-7477?.

US Mortgage Rates Slide Sharply, Reinvigorating Housing Demand

US Mortgage Rates Slide Sharply, Reinvigorating Housing Demand

(Bloomberg) — US mortgage rates dropped sharply, capping the biggest four-week slide in nearly a year and spurring a fresh round of applications to purchase homes.

The contract rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage tumbled 20 basis points to 7.41% last week, data from the Mortgage Bankers Association showed Wednesday. The index of home-purchase applications increased 3.9% in the week ended Nov. 17, the most since June.

Since reaching a 23-year high of nearly 8% in mid-October, mortgage rates have plunged nearly half a percentage point. The effective rate, which includes fees and compound interest, dropped to still-elevated 7.59%. In contrast, the five-year adjustable rate increased.

Mortgage rates tend to move in tandem with Treasury yields. The 10-year Treasury yield has fallen steeply this month after hitting a 16-year high in October, helped by signs the economy is cooling along with inflation.

The overall index of applications, which includes purchases and refinancings, rose for a third week, and refinancing activity picked up.

The MBA survey, which has been conducted weekly since 1990, uses responses from mortgage bankers, commercial banks and thrifts. The data cover more than 75% of all retail residential mortgage applications in the US.

for more information US Mortgage Rates Slide Sharply, Reinvigorating Housing Demand (yahoo.com)

Boomers Throw a Wrench Into Housing Market

With mortgage rates soaring and fewer homes for sale, Baby Boomers are dominating the housing market like a real-life game of Monopoly. The shifts in who is buying homes have been trending in that direction for quite some time, but it was confirmed this month by data released from the National Association of Realtors. As the Washington Post puts it, “grandparents have been edging out younger buyers who are struggling to get into the market for the first time.” The stats show that first-time buyers make up only 32% of home sales, down from 38% since 1981. Today first-time buyers are older—more likely to be in their mid-30s on average, as opposed to their mid-20s in the 1980s.

On top of that, repeat buyers, or people who have already purchased a home or two in the past, have a median age of 58 (it was 36 in 1981). These repeat buyers tend to have more money on hand because they sold past homes, with the typical seller in 2023 being age 60. (The youngest Boomers are 59.) “We are still talking about an incredibly difficult market for first-time buyers to enter, even if there’s slightly less competition,” Jessica Lautz of NAR tells the Post. “If there’s a multi-offer situation, an all-cash buyer or someone who has a lot of equity is likely to win. And that person is going to be older.” Along with older buyers being more likely to have generated wealth from recently selling a home, they also probably have great credit in their favor, and can make more attractive offers, throwing in cash sales or large down payments.

“They have the appearance of being more stable,” realtor Jennifer Dodd says, “and a sense of them being more able to complete this purchase.” CBS News reports that Boomers are buying more homes than originally expected—creating unexpected demand in an already competitive market. Reasons why older adults want to move include divorce and a spouse’s death, when they go on to form new households. In these situations, they are often in competition with first-time buyers, who are looking for similar types of homes: those with fewer bedrooms and minimal upkeep. NAR data also showed that 70% of recent homebuyers did not have children under the age of 18 (in 1985, that number was 42%). (Read more real estate news).

Oakland Embraces the Festive Spirit with Small Town Christmas Delight

Mark your calendars for the enchanting Small Town Christmas celebration in Oakland on December 8th, 9th, and 16th, 2023. Downtown Oakland is set to host an array of delightful, family-friendly activities that capture the essence of the holiday season.

The festivities kick off with a mesmerizing Light Up Night on Friday, December 8th, at the Oakland B&O Museum. The highlight of the evening is a charming Walking Holiday Light Parade, led by none other than Santa Claus himself, commencing from the Town Parking Lot at 5:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to join this festive stroll, culminating at the B&O Museum for the official tree lighting. This year, there’s a delightful new addition – Santa Paws! Dress up your furry companions in holiday-themed attire and let them be part of the parade. Indulge in complimentary cookies and cocoa courtesy of the Order of the Eastern Star, and treat yourself to a special surprise from Santa. The merriment extends to free sleigh rides for all attendees.

Continuing the jubilation on Saturday, December 9th, is Soup N’ Santa from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Numerous nonprofits will be serving up heartwarming soups (donations appreciated), providing an opportunity to mingle with Santa, engage in kids’ activities, enjoy live music, take sleigh rides, explore local shops with exclusive discounts, and much more. Once again, your furry friends are invited to join in the festive atmosphere and have a memorable encounter with Santa.

In tandem with Oakland’s Great Small Town Christmas Event, the House of Hope presents the Bucks for Hope Drive on Saturday, December 9th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN. Show your support for this noble cause by making cash donations on Second Street in downtown Oakland. While cash donations are preferred, non-perishable food items are also accepted. Originating in 1978 by Chuck Nolan, this food drive has garnered over $65,000 in donations and more than 80 pickup loads of food.

On Saturday, December 16th, immerse yourself in the sweetness of the Cocoa Crawl from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, featuring delectable treats as you wrap up your holiday shopping at select downtown businesses.

And don’t miss out on the Lucky Elf promotion, running through Monday, December 19th. With every $25 spent at participating stores in Oakland, you stand a chance to win a variety of enticing local gifts.

For a comprehensive list of Christmas activities and further details, check out the Town of Oakland, MD Facebook page or visit www.oaklandmd.com. Join us in creating lasting memories and spreading holiday cheer throughout Oakland!

County Commissioners Announce December 4, 2023 Public Meeting Agenda

PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA
Monday, December 4, 2023
Agenda Session Times are Approximate

Meeting will also be Live Streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/

Agenda Session Times are Approximate

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.

 *To comment on agenda items – please send to comments@garrettcounty.org

3:00        Administrative Session

  • Mr. Null will review a number of administrative and managerial matters under his authority and jurisdiction with the Board of County Commissioners

4:00       Call to Order of Public Session, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance

              County Administrator – Additions/Deletions to Public Meeting Agenda

              Approval of Public, Administrative, and Executive Meeting Minutes

4:05       Resolution – USDA – ReConnect Program Grant and Security Agreement – Rt. 135 Broadband

Project  

4:10       PUBLIC HEARING – 2014 Garrett County Water and Sewer Plan Amendment

4:20       Public Commentary

ADJOURNMENT

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 Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 PM.

Jay Ferguson
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