Halloween Happenings in Garrett County

October 30   First Peoples Trick or Treat  6:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Grantsville Plaza, 321 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Grantsville, MD 21537. Children ages 13 and under are invited to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes and participate in a costume contest. After the contest they will go trick or treating from business to business throughout the plaza. 6:30 costume registration, 7:00 costume judging, 7:30 winners announced, 8:00 trick or treating through the plaza.  Contact Information: Molly Park 301-784-3034, www.Firstpeoples.com

 

November 1  Trunk or Treat   6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. GCC Technologies, LCC, 65 Enterprise Dr., Oakland, MD  21550. In the Southern Garrett Business & Technology Park across from 84 Lumber Co. GCC Technologies, LLC is sponsoring a Trunk or Treat on Friday, November 1st.  Trick or Treating for kids 12 & under. Halloween games, contest, DJ and much more. Want to participate, decorate your Car Trunk, Truck Bed, or a Table & Provide TREATS for Approx. 300 Children Ages 3-12. NO Homemade Treats. All individuals that plan on bringing a decorated car to distribute candy. Must arrive by 5:00 to set up. Food & Refreshments for sale, Halloween Themed Bake Sale, Best Trunk & Costume Contest. All proceeds to benefit Relay for Life, Garrett County United Way, Community Action Food Pantry & GCC's 1st Annual Coat Drive for Charity.

 
 

November 1 Black Bear Tavern's Annual Halloween Party & Costume Contest  6:00 pm. Black Bear Tavern, 102 Fort Dr., McHenry, MD  21541. Black Bear's Annual Halloween Party & Costume Contest. Great prizes, giveaways & drink specials. Featuring live music by Paul Burger & DJ Logan. Contact Information: www.blackbeartavern.com. FREE

Mailbox Damage Prevention During Snow Removal Operations

Winter Mailbox Tips

As the Garrett County Roads Department is gearing up for the winter season ahead they offer these tips to prevent mailbox damage during snow removal operations.

It is unfortunate that mailboxes are occasionally damaged by Garrett County Roads Department efforts to maintain safe roads during the winter. Plowing of snow can push snow against or in front of mailboxes, limiting access and perhaps causing damage to mailboxes and supports. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure their mailbox is firmly supported so it will be able to withstand snow moved aside by the plow. Check your mailbox and support often, clearing snow from it and depositing the snow properly to maintain proper sight distances.

• Homeowners should make mailboxes as visible as possible for snow plow operators by placing a six-to-eight-inch piece of reflective tape and/or small, brightly colored flags on the mailbox.
• Remove snow from around the mailbox but avoid throwing it back onto the road.
• Homeowners may consider temporarily replacing mailboxes with standard mailboxes for the winter.
• Homeowners may want to consider relocating the mailbox if previous damage occurred.
• Make sure the mailbox is firmly supported in the ground to withstand the snow moved aside by the plow.

Remember the homeowner is responsible for making their mailbox and support visible and stable.

These tips can also be used toward preventing other road frontage property damage such as fences and entry/lamp posts.

For additional information on the County’s policy for handling claims for damage to property resulting from the County’s snow removal activities please visit Snow Removal Claims Policy on the Garrett County website.

Thayerville Water System

Last week contractors were busy on Mountainside digging up property to lay new public water lines from the street connection to houses. The water system was turned on early in the week and all the new fire hydrants are functioning. This is particularly welcome in the Mountainside neighborhood where a number of homeowners have had well water problems. 

It looks like the last piece of the Thayerville System is being completed with the line being installed for Laurel Brook Condominiums under Rt. 219.

Please note, if you want to keep your well it has to be separated from the domestic water supply and may only be used for non-potable purposes such was lawn irrigation, car washing, etc.  If it is not converted to these purposes it may be considered abandoned and you may be required to fill the well housing.  Check with County Department of Public Utilities (DPU) for requirements.

A further note, DPU requires that you pay the $2,000 connection fee before they will install your meter.  Be sure to plan the timing so your contractor can hook up the meter at the same time they are laying your line.

First Snow for Garrett County

This photo at Carmel Cove was taken two days ago (10/21)

How quickly things change - First snowfall of the Season today

REMINDER - Day Light Savings Time ends 11/2 - change your clocks back one hour - It is also good time to do the semi-annual replacement of the batteries in smoke detectors.