Tag: maryland
What's Happening In Garrett County-Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce
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County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda
County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda
PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA
Monday, May 5, 2025
Agenda Session Times are Approximate
Meeting will also be Live Streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/
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 @garrettcountymd.gov
3:00 Administrative Session
Board Appointment: Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc.
Petition for the Opening of a Public Roadway – McHenry Business Park Drive
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 Proclamation – Garrett Regional Medical Center – 75th Anniversary
4:10 Garrett County Department of Financial Services – Appalachian Regional Commission Proposed Projects:
Garrett County Public Schools – Northern Garrett High School Culinary Arts Lab
Town of Oakland – Water Street Revitalization Project Planning
Reflection House – Pathways to Purpose: Workforce Development for Addiction Recovery and Reentry
Garrett College – Continuing Education & Workforce Development Program Expansion: Welding
Garrett County Department of Public Works – GC Water & Sewer SCADA Modernization Project
4:25 Public Commentary
ADJOURNMENT
4:30 FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET PRESENTATION:
Garrett County Department of Public Works – Road Division
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 on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 PM.
April 21 - April 27, 2025 Events- Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce
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Grants Given To State Parks
April 14th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
Friends of Maryland State Parks has awarded 22 grants totaling over $37,000 to state parks across Maryland. Funding through the non-profit’s “Small Grants, Big Impact” program will support projects that enhance cultural history education, protect dunes, expand recreation, and promote conservation. Grants range from $900 to $2,000. Deep Creek Lake State Park received funding to expand a rain garden, and plant native species around the park’s aviary.
What's Happening In Garrett County-Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce
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Public Hearing Set For Solar Facility
April 8th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
More than 1,800 acres along Route 36 near Westernport and Barton may be used to build a 300 megawatt solar project. A virtual public hearing on the project is scheduled for April 15 and will include a presentation by Jade Meadow LLC, the applicant for the facility along with statements by the Department of Natural Resources and the Office of the People’s Counsel, the state’s ratepayer advocate. The project also touches a portion of Garrett County. To sign up for the hearing, visit psc.state.md.us.
Projected Population For Each Maryland County in 2030
The U.S. Census Bureau conducts its decennial national census every 10 year. The census directly shapes federal funding allocations and congressional representation. According to 2020 data, Maryland’s population stands at 6,177,224, ranking it 18th nationally. The state has maintained steady growth of at least 7% per decade, positioning it as the 22nd fastest-growing state relative to population size. Below, we’ve listed Maryland’s 23 counties from smallest to largest projected 2030 population based on current trends.
23. Kent County: 20,900
22. Somerset County: 27,450
21. Garrett County: 30,250
20. Dorchester County: 35,160
19. Caroline County: 37,700
18. Talbot County: 39,650
17. Queen Anne’s County: 56,320
16. Worcester County: 57,150
15. Allegany County: 72,150
14. Calvert County: 97,900
13. Cecil County: 112,050
12. Wicomico County: 115,700
11. St. Mary’s County: 131,260
10: Washington County 164,900
9. Carroll County: 174,150
8. Charles County: 184,470
7. Harford County: 271,860
6. Frederick County: 300,580
5. Howard County: 356,860
4. Anne Arundel: 608,990
3. Baltimore County: 846,590
2. Prince George’s County: 940,960
1. Montgomery County: 1,124,790
Information courtesy of Maryland State Archives
Big Log Lodge-Vacation Rental In Biltmore At Lodestone
Big Log Lodge is a newly built, charming log home in North Deep Creek Lake, MD, offering a perfect blend of rustic appeal and modern amenities. With 4 bedrooms (each with its own full bath), it comfortably sleeps 12 guests, making it an ideal choice for families or groups of friends. The home features a spacious great room with cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace, and large windows with scenic woodland views.
Key Features:
Accommodations: 4 bedrooms with queen beds and smart TVs; a queen-size futon in the loft.
Amenities: Private hot tub, sauna, pool table, dart board, and a well-equipped kitchen with stainless appliances.
Outdoor Space: Wrap-around deck, two rear decks, fire pit, and BBQ grill.
Activities: Located near Lodestone Golf Course, Wisp Resort (skiing, tubing, ziplining), and Swallow Falls State Park. Sledding hill available on the property during winter.
Additional Info: A 4WD vehicle is required in winter.
Ideal for a mountain retreat, Big Log Lodge offers both comfort and adventure for an unforgettable vacation experience.
Amenities
View
Wooded View
Location
On Mountain
Lake Area
Golf Course
Ski Area
Pool
Hot Tub - Private
Pet Suitability
No Pets Allowed
Property Features
Air Conditioning
Balcony
Cable/Satellite
Deck
Patio
Fireplace
Iron & Ironing Board
Linens Provided
Pool Table
Wireless Internet
Washing Machine
Grill - Gas
Heating
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Dryer
Smoke Detector
Private Entrance
TV (s)
Fire Extinguisher
Fire Pit
Laptop Friendly
Living Room
No Smoking or Vaping Allowed
Private Sauna
Self Check-in (Keyless Lock)
TV (s) - Smart
Hot Water
Dining Room
Elite
Partial/Mid-Week Stays
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee Maker
Keurig Coffee Maker
Cookware
Dishwasher
Full Kitchen
Ice Maker
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stove
Toaster
Dishes and Utensils
Mini Fridge
Bathroom
Hair Dryer
Bath Towels Provided
Walk In Shower
Parking
Parking Available - Free
Parking /Access- 4WD Required for Winter
Resort/Shared Amenities
Gated Community
Sauna
Community Lake Access
Fitness Room
Nearby Activities
Boating
Restaurants
Fishing
Golf Course(s)
Miniature Golf
Hiking
Snow Skiing
State Parks
DCL Lakefront Real Estate History Explored
Interested in lakefront property for $500?
No problem – you just need to time travel back to 1925.
Local Realtor Karen Myers explored the history of Deep Creek Lake waterfront lots – including average cost through the years – last Thursday night in a lecture at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College in front of a packed conference center audience. Myers served as the fourth and final presenter in a month-long lecture series celebrating Deep Creek Lake’s 100th anniversary.
While Myers said you could indeed buy lakefront property for $500 in 1925-35, she also sought to put that in context.
“In 1925, $5,425 was the average income for people with a high enough income to submit a tax return,” said Myers, noting “$5,425 in 1925 had the same buying power as $99,000 in 2024.”
One reason the initial cost of lakefront property was so affordable was the lake’s somewhat murky reputation. Myers said many people simply weren’t impressed with the man-made body of water: “ ‘It’s an artificial lake . . . it’ll never amount to anything,’ ” was a fairly common point of view, according to Myers.
Lakefront prices actually declined over Deep Creek Lake’s first few years in existence. That phenomenon had a clear cause – the Great Depression that started in 1929. Myers highlighted a five-lot parcel that sold for $500 in the 1930s – three of which she and her brother purchased in 2003 for $675,000.
While lots remained relatively affordable for decades – they could still be had for $20,000 to $35,000 in the mid-1970s – Myers said wily developers could still make money with the right deal.
“Eastern Land Corporation sold 1600 acres of land in two tracts for $38,000 in 1938. The buyers re-sold the 400 acres in the second tract that same day for $50,000 – but ‘with no title or interest in the artificial lake or pond,’ ” said Myers, noting both transactions had payment terms over a number of years.
Myers noted that the early lakefront owners lacked a lot of things that 21st-century people would consider basic necessities.
“In the ’30s, the Deep Creek Lake Association reported there were 139 private cottages and 80 cottages for rent. There were also 81 sanitary privies – outhouses – and 52 unsanitary privies,” said Myers, who then asked the question everyone was thinking. “What in the world is an unsanitary privy?”
Some of the biggest changes around the lake have taken place during its second 50 years. Those changes have included the implementation of zoning ordinances and more stringent regulations for onsite septic systems.
“Homesites had to be pre-perked before they could be sold,” Myers said of one significant change.
In the 1980s, under Sanitary Commission Administrator Wendell Beitzel, a sanitary system was created that dealt with a potentially serious problem. Myers said it would have been “a huge black mark if we had septic-contaminated water,” which had become a distinct possibility. The first phases of the Deep Creek Lake sewer system were completed in 1984-86.
Meanwhile, the 26-year project to create Interstate Route 68 transformed Deep Creek Lake into a highly attractive tourist destination.
“In 1990, on the old Route 40, it was normal to take 5½ to six hours to get to Baltimore or Washington. Once 68 opened, that time was cut to about three hours,” said Myers, noting that positioned Deep Creek Lake as a prime vacation option.
“Studies have shown that most people want their vacation destination to be between two and four hours from their home,” Myers said. “After Route 68 opened, we had five of the wealthiest counties in the country less than four hours away.”
Myers summarized the history of lakefront lots in the Deep Creek area, showing the highest lot sale price rising to $1.75 million in 2024 – an increase of nearly 3500 percent in a century.
Talk about a great return on investment!
Notes: Chris Nichols, chair of the Deep Creek Lake 100 Committee, summarized the list of upcoming DCL 100 events. Those events include a day of free admission to Deep Creek Lake State Park and a boat parade on the lake (both June 21); a sailboat regatta (July 5); the DCL 100 Bash festival at the Garrett County Fairgrounds (July 19); and the Deep Creek Lake Centennial Gala at the Wisp Resort with a “Roaring ’20s” theme (August 23). For more information on DCL 100 events, go to https://dcl100.com/events.
Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce
Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce
 March 31 - April 6, 2025   April Lunch N Learn: Bereavement at Work - April 3Downstairs @ UNO Pizzeria & Grill - 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm.Enjoy a light lunch and hear from Dr. Kent Tonkin, Associate Professor at Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA, on the topic of bereavement in the workplace. Lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees thanks to the generous sponsorship of C&S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A. One size does NOT fit all: Integrating employee preferences into workplace bereavement leave and communications policies. The Family Medical Leave Act guarantees most American workers up to 12 weeks of leave for a medical condition, but most employees can expect four days of bereavement time…if their employers offer it. This session will explore the impacts of leave policies on work-life balance during personal loss and the power that supervisors have in managing employee bereavement. Best practices for flexible workplace policies will also be discussed in the context of today’s work environment. Dr. Tonkin will apply the results of his qualitative research alongside trends and practices in the modern workplace to suggest ways in which managers and employers can create more grief-literate (and compassionate) workplaces. The purpose of this presentation is to: 1. Identify problematic managerial practices regarding grief in the workplace.2. Present the author’s qualitative research and seminal sources to provide nuanced details about the challenges faced by grieving employees.3. Suggest flexible best practices for better reintegrating and serving bereaved employees into their work environments. 4. Identify potential national policy changes which could assist employees and employers in creating more fair and equitable employment practices. Learning objectives:1. Create conversation regarding interaction with bereaved employees, including information sharing. 2. Discuss training and policy options for companies to better serve bereaved employees.3. Classify and explain best practices in creating compassionate workplaces. For more information and to register, click here  April Business After Hours 2025 - Pawn Run Bar & KitchenThe Chamber is pleased to announce that Pawn Run Bar & Kitchen will be hosting our April Business After Hours on Thursday, April 10th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Nestled in the mountains and off the beaten path; Pawn Run's vision of a laid back, outdoorsy environment to enjoy craft cocktails, craft beer, wine and signature small plates has come to life. No matter the season, whether you are coming by car, bike or snowmobile - they are happy to have you! They love this land and the roots they have planted along the way. The owners of Pawn Run were presented with an opportunity to revitalize and protect the business and that is just what they did. Their passion for the history of the building has been the driving force behind their mission to keep the good times rolling for the community in this small corner of Maryland! Enjoy delicious food and drinks as you mingle with fellow Chamber members and Chamber staff at our monthly networking events. Don't forget your business card to enter to win prizes. $10.00 in advance for members$15.00 for members at the door and non-membersTo register, click here.  Vote in the 2025 Board of Directors Election!Please be advised that official ballots for the 2025 Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors election are in the mail and will be delivered to all primary representatives of in-county Chamber members. The Chamber is governed by a 15-member volunteer Board of Directors and 1/3 of Board is up for re-election each year. Primary representatives of in-county members will receive a Board ballot, bio, and a return envelope. Please review the candidates, select five, and have your ballot delivered to Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541 no later than April 9, 2025. New Board members and officers will be announced at the Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Cross Ireland Off Your Bucket List With Our 2026 "Shades of Ireland" Chamber TripThe Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce an exciting new bucket list trip! We are partnering with the award-winning travel agency, Collette, to offer “Shades of Ireland” March 22-31, 2026. We will be holding a special Trip Preview Presentation on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, to give prospective travelers a taste of what’s in store during this life-changing tour and answer any questions you may have regarding the process, itinerary, and the lauded Collette Difference. Click here to download the "Shades of Ireland" flyer. Click here to register for the Preview Presentation.  Now Accepting Applications for 2025 Autumn Glory RoyaltyPlease help spread the word that the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is inviting all those Garrett County students currently in their junior year of high school to submit an Autumn Glory Royalty application for consideration. We will be choosing a King and a Queen to represent the 58th Annual Autumn Glory Festival at a variety of events throughout the summer and fall of 2025. Both the King and Queen will receive an educational contribution. As part of the application, you are required to submit a 300-word essay on why you think you should be selected to be part of the Royalty Court. In an effort to give all qualifying students a chance to become Autumn Glory Royalty we have eliminated the application fee. Interviews will be conducted by appointment in May and we hope to complete the process by June 1. Please click here to download the application. If you have any questions, please contact Nick Sharps at nick@garrettchamber.com or call (301) 387-8745. Help Address Your Workforce Issues with the Updated Work Ethic Diploma Program!After 5 successful years we feel it is time to make some changes to the Work Ethic Diploma (WED) Program to keep the it relevant and take it to the next level. The concept of the program was originally put forward to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce by employers who felt students were not learning the soft skills necessary to become productive members of the workforce.With the input of area educators, business leaders, and post-secondary representatives, we developed standards to evaluate the work ethic of our students. These standards are not being changed. Based on feedback from employers participating in the program and discussions with our stakeholders we have decided to replace the hourly pay incentive with a more tangible sign-on bonus to be rewarded after a qualifying length of employment. Another exciting change we are implementing is a Worth Ethic Diploma Reception that will recognize and celebrate students receiving the honor and our business partners participating in the program. This will be a great opportunity for you to network and recruit prospects. More details on this event will follow. Whether you are a current WED partner or looking to join the program, we ask that you please review and sign the new form and return it to holly@garrettchamber.com or 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541. You can also click here for the criteria and business commitment form updated with changes highlighted for your convenience. We appreciate your participation and look forward to working with you to grow and enhance the Work Ethic Diploma Program to better meet Garrett County’s workforce challenges.  Office Depot - April Monthly SpecialsThis April, enjoy members-only exclusive specials with discounts of up to 84% off folders, desk accessories, sticky notes, and more. Take advantage of these monthly specials when you shop online for office, school, and home essentials at ODP Business Solutions. Click here to view the April 2025 Monthly Specials. Click here for more information on the program and to register. |
