The Deep Creek Blog

Budget Travel Names Deep Creek Lake One of the Top Summer Lake Towns

Deep Creek Lake and the town of Oakland in Garrett County, Maryland has been selected by Budget Travel as one of America’s Top Summer Lake Towns of 2010.
 
“We are thrilled that Budget Travel has chosen Deep Creek Lake and Oakland for this honor,” said Joyce Bishoff, Interim President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “As one of only eight towns selected in the country, we are honored to be included in this prestigious national listing.”
 
The article notes area eateries, lodging, marina offerings, state park activities and the Garrett County Historical Society along with photographs of Deep Creek Lake and downtown Oakland.  Deep Creek Lake/Oakland is the only town selected from the Mid-Atlantic region and one of only two towns selected on the east coast.
 
For more information about Deep Creek Lake, Oakland, Garrett County, Maryland and to see the full Budget Travel article, please head to visitdeepcreek.com.
 

Help Fight Unwanted Species in the Deep Creek Lake Watershed

From the Friends of Deep Creek Lake:

HELP STOP SPREAD OF UNWANTED SPECIES IN THE DEEP CREEK LAKE WATERSHED

1.       Report sightings to Friends of Deep Creek Lake: contact@friendsofdcl.org or call 301-873-1519.

2.        Reduce nutrient runoff on your property. Report other pollution entering tributaries and the lake.

3.       Check your boat to be sure you are not bringing in or distributing any unwanted species in the lake.

Here are a list of species to look out for. 

Crayfish

Virile Crayfish:

A red-shelled crayfish. Much larger and more aggressive than native species. They will reduce diversity and abundance of native aquatic plants, insect larvae, mussels, snails, frogs, turtles, and native crayfish. They will become the dominant crayfish.
If seen: Remove and destroy (or steam and eat).

Eurasian Watermilfoil:

This plant has slender stems and feathery leaves. It forms a dense canopy that shades out native aquatic plants, reduces fish habitat, and reduces recreational use. Reproducing by fragmentation, it is easily spread by boats, trailers, or bait buckets.

If seen: Pull whole plant with roots from lake bottom. Bag and destroy.
   
Pondweed:

This plant has oval floating leaves. Growth is caused by high nutrient levels and runoff from pastures, lawns, and septic systems. Massive beds support algal blooms, stunt beneficial submerged aquatic vegetation, create dead zones, nasty odor and causes fish kills.

If seen: Pull or rake plants before blooming in mid to late July. Remove dead plants from beaches in late summer.

Farmers Market Starts Tomorrow

The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market starts tomorrow.   Look for asparagus, greens, green onions, home baked goods, crafts and more this week.   For more information visit www.mountainfresh.org.

Rise and Shine

After a great night's sleep in the Hemlock Room, we woke to a quiet morning here at Bear Creek Crossing B&B.   The rain and mist made it very peaceful looking out from the front porch.  The sound of Bear Creek's flowing water can be heard all the way up here at the inn. 

Breakfast consisted of fresh fruit, homemade buttermilk biscuits and omelets.  Since the rain had put somewhat of a damper on the outdoor activities that we had planned, we enjoyed taking our time over breakfast without feeling a need to rush out the door.  It ended up that the meal filled us for the entire day and we never even had to stop for lunch.

Live Blogging from Bear Creek Crossing Bed and Breakfast

The Deep Creek Blog is taking on a new project.  My family and I are spending the weekend at Peggy and Buzz Gosnell's Bear Creek Crossing B&B and I'm looking forward to bringing you the experience via some "live blogging".

This trip was originally scheduled for the weekend of the Snowpocalypse...the first one, early in February.  We finally managed to get it back on the schedule and we are coming, rain or shine!    We are looking forward to some great food, relaxation and general fun around Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County.  The plan was to take in activities such as snow tubing and ice skating, but we'll keep our options open depending upon the weather. 

Check back this weekend for blog posts complete with photos and perhaps even some video. 

Second Annual Festival of Trees Slated for November 25-28th

The 2nd Annual Festival of Trees, Garrett County, a four-day family event presented by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, 104.5 KHJ, 92.3 The Train, 1050 am WMSG and The Dove Center, will be held Wednesday, November 25th – Saturday, November 28th at the Oakland Community Center/Armory.  The holiday event features Family Night, Seniors Day with Holiday Bingo, Kid’s Day including last year’s popular “Breakfast with Santa”, free activities and crafts, plus the “T’was the Night Before” Preview Party and Auction where all decorated displays are for sale.

The Festival of Trees kicks off on November 25 with a special ticketed “Twas the Night Before” Preview Party & Auction” event for designers, sponsors and those looking to purchase one of the themed trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses or home décor items.  The evening also includes sponsor recognition and prizes awarded to designers.  Tickets purchased for this event include free admission to the Festival during regular admission hours.

From November 26 – 28th, guests may stroll through dozens of themed trees lit with thousands of lights, place bids on remaining exhibits to decorate their home or office and enjoy specially themed days and activities.

Proceeds from the First Annual Festival of Trees, Garrett County benefitted the Dove Center, Garrett County’s Domestic Violence Shelter and Resource Center.  The Dove Center provides assistance to those who become victims of domestic violence and assault, along with counseling services for both abused and abusers.  The Center also offers court assistance and counseling to help families, women, men and children.

The Second Annual Festival of Trees is sponsored by Major sponsor Special Olympics Maryland along with: Mountain Top Tree Farm, Sewickley Spa, The Christmas Chalet, Grand Central Home Furniture and Gifts, Susquehanna Bank, DCL Mountain Maids, Sounds Fun Entertainment and First United Bank and Trust.  The Festival is still accepting sponsorships.  If interested call Pam Trickett at 301.334.4272.

For more information on tickets for the Festival of Trees, G.C. and how you can decorate or donate trees, wreaths and gingerbread homes, please visit www.fotgc.com or call 301.334.6255.

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Congratulations Jennifer Burdock Rankin - Maryland Teacher of the Year

Jennifer Burdock Rankin, an 8th-grade language arts, pre-algebra, algebra teacher known for her willingness to collaborate with teachers to improve instruction and integrate technology into content areas at Northern Middle School in Garrett County, has been named the 2010 Maryland Teacher of the Year.

Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick made the surprise announcement at an evening gala that included Congressmen John Sarbanes and Frank Kratovil, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, U.S. Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, State Comptroller Peter Franchot, Chancellor William Kirwan, State Board President James DeGraffenreidt, members of the State Board of Education, and hundreds of educators, parents, business, and community leaders.

Ms. Rankin, a graduate of Frostburg State University and West Virginia University, holds a bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Spanish, a master’s degree in Education in Special Education, and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation in the area of educational leadership, which she expects to complete this year. Ms. Rankin has also achieved her National Board Certification in Early Adolescent Mathematics. She said that having a mother as a kindergarten instructional assistant was a major factor for pursuing teaching as a profession. Ms. Rankin said she learned from an early age that the key to teaching is finding innovative ways to motivate each and every student.

“Jennifer is the teacher all parents want their children to experience,” said Mr. William Carlson, Northern Middle School Principal. “She raises teaching to an art form and has the ability and skills to engage her students, making them feel loved as they are drawn into the magic of learning.”

“Choosing Maryland’s Teacher of the Year is never an easy task, and this year’s nominees were certainly some of the strongest candidates we’ve seen,” said Dr. Grasmick. “Jennifer Rankin exudes the true spirit of teaching through her desire to not only motivate her students to achieve academic success, but also through her desire to collaborate with other teachers on innovative programs and new technology to help them motivate their students and encourage learning. Her natural ability to inspire students and teachers around her is certainly reason to bestow her with this honor.”

“My greatest accomplishment in education is making sure that what I am doing every day, not only follows curriculum, but also motivates and inspires students to learn,” said Ms. Rankin. “The same experiences that would encourage people to get involved in education, whether through tutoring programs, volunteering in the community, or in their own child’s education, one thing is certain – we can all make a difference.”

As the Maryland Teacher of the Year, Ms. Rankin will receive numerous prizes including, $9,000 in cash awards, a week at National Space Camp, a 4-day trip to the Teacher of the Year Conference in Dallas, Texas, a SmartBoard and supporting materials from SMARTer Kids Foundation valued at $16,000, and a $28,000 Nissan Altima from the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association. She also will be honored by the President at the White House in April 2010. Ms. Rankin will now go on to the National Teacher of the Year competition, which will be announced next April.

Presenting sponsors for the Maryland Teacher of the Year program are the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association, McDonald’s® Family of Greater Baltimore, Comcast, and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. Platinum sponsors include: Bank of America, Lockheed Martin, Verizon-Maryland, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Gold sponsors include: The Baltimore Sun, Joe Corbi’s Pizza, M & T Bank, Maryland State Education Association, and State Farm Insurance Company.

Please click on this link to view the 2010 Maryland Teacher of the Year on the Maryland State Department of Education's website, www.MarylandPublicSchools.org.


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CARC Construction Date Slated for April

The Times-News reports on April as the start date for construction of the Community Athletic & Recreation Center. 

Master Gardeners Back at Oakland Farmers Market

On the following Saturdays at the Oakland Farmers Market, the Master Gardeners will be back to answer home lawn and garden questions.  Bring your "sick" plants for a diagnosis and treatment plan, get help in identifying insects and learn how to winterize your plants. 
 
September 19 & 26
October 3, 17, 24 ______________________________________________________________________________________

Garrett County CARC Update

Mike Kennedy at Railey Realty's Blog reports on positive movement towards construction of a Community Athletic & Recreation Center (CARC) in the Deep Creek Lake area.

Landon's Library Encourages Love of Reading in Garrett County

If you're in Garrett County on the first Saturday of the month with a child, discover Landon's Library.  Landon's Library is a not-for-profit organization that Oakland residents Brian and Crystal Roberson-Boal started back in 2006 after the sudden, unexpected passing of their son Landon.  Landon died during a routine afternoon nap in September of 2006 at age two from SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death of a Child).   The Boal's founded Landon's Library to keep his love for books alive in the community.   

A monthly Landon's Library Playdate is held on the first Saturday of each month at the Ruth Enlow Library in Oakland, with a different theme each month.  Children board choo choo trains and visit various activity stations based around themes such as Landon's Fun and Games, Landon's Sing A Long, and Landon's Color Me Purple.  Also, different members of the community including the fire department, policeman, GLAF, band members, teachers, and others are involved every month.  The kid's all leave with a special hardback book related to the theme of the event.  The monthly play date programs are in their third year.    Every event has been booked solid.  The kid's can sign up each month at www.landonslibrary.org

The playdates are just one benefit this group brings to the community.  The organization is dedicated to putting books in the hands of the children of Garrett County.  To date, Landon's Library is proud to have distributed over 10,000 children's books throughout Garrett County. The number is currently growing by over 1,000 books per month now due to the organization's involvement with the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library through the Dollywood Foundation.  Through this relationship, over 1,000 children receive a free hardback book each and every month delivered to their home.  There are 1,500 total eligible children in the County, and they've signed up 1,000 in only 7 months of the program.  The Dollywood Foundation predicted it would take them three years to get to the point they achieved in just three months.   The cost for this program is $30 per child per year.  The public is invited to participate by sponsoring a child for just $30 per year.  
  
Other missions include joining with the Oakland Rotary Club each year to distribute books as a part of their annual Christmas Project and partnering with Waldenbooks and First Book to distribute complete children's libraries to kids of Garrett County.   Over twenty children have each received a complete library of over sixty books each  delivered to their home.
 
Landon's Library encourages volunteers to help with the project and contributions for Landon's Library are accepted at the following address: 
 
Landon's Library
704 Red Oak Circle
Mt Lake Park MD 21550

 
One hundred percent of the money Landon's Library receives goes to serve children in Garrett County.  For more information, visit www.landonslibrary.org. 

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Upcoming POA Meeting Provides First Report on Water Quality Study

John Miller will deliver the first report of the Deep Creek Lake Water Quality Study at the upcoming General Meeting for the Property Owners Association.  The meeting is at the Garrett 8 Cinemas on Saturday August 22nd  at 8:30 am.   

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Garrett County Master Gardeners Table at the Farmers Market

The Garrett County Master Gardeners will be at the Oakland farmer's market every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm through August 26.  Bring lawn and garden questions for the masters to answer.  There will be a plant diagnostic clinic as well.  Bring sick plants and learn how to save them with help from the pros.  
 

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"Who's Who?" in Garrett County: Meet Nancy Jo Fratz!

"Who's Who" in Garrett County is a series of posts highlighting people active in the Garrett County community.

Meet Nancy Jo Fratz, another familiar face at Deep Creek Lake.  Born and raised on a farm in Garrett County, Nancy Jo is an established realtor with Railey Realty, where she started selling real estate in 2002.  Prior to her real estate career, she co-owned a local hardware store while raising three sons.  She loves working with the public, meeting new people, as well as living in Garrett County - so going into real estate was a perfect step for her.

Nancy is involved in many activities in the community and is a member of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.  One of the organizations she enjoys working with is the Dove Center.  The Dove Center works to empower victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, helping individuals to take control of their lives as well as to promote and foster public awareness of these issues.  

In her spare time, Nancy enjoys being on the lake with friends and family.  Her favorite seasons are the summer with warm weather and great sunsets as well as the fall with the beautiful foliage. 

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Easy Living Property Services Rocks!

Easy Living Property Services recently provided us with a Deep Cleaning and Window Cleaning Services and we could not have been happier with their work.  If you are looking for property maintenance or cleaning services, give them a call at (301) 245-4457 or visit www.easylivingforyou.com. 

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