2026? How did that happen? Sounds like a date from a science fiction movie. Yet, here we are. After a whirlwind December, I am personally looking forward to some downtime. While many are excited about the opportunities for outdoor adventure this month, I am ready for long nights by the fire with a good book.
The holiday season was magical in many ways. It started with the Thanksgiving holidays and our annual trek to the Festival of Trees and breakfast with Santa. My grandsons were literally trembling with anticipation as Santa and Mrs. Claus walked toward us. Their excitement is truly, to me anyway, what the season is all about. We spent several hours there taking pictures, doing crafts, eating a yummy breakfast (thanks to Brenda McDonnell and her wonderful staff at Traders Coffee House), and visiting with old friends.
I got to visit with Carol and Kevin Bass, whom we’ve known since our kids were all in daycare together. It was also great to see their son Matt and his lovely wife Meg and their two adorable children. I heard a rumor that Scotty Bass was there as well, but I missed him. It’s such a joy to see the kids I watched grow up with their own little ones.
I enjoyed my annual post Thanksgiving brunch with my beautiful circle sisters: Judy Carbone, Judy Sconyers, Wendy Friend, Patty Wells, Linda Fike, Linda Tomblin, and Leslie Noland. We had a wonderful lunch at Harvest House, and even little Juniper Joan joined us for a while. It is rare that we can all be in the same place these days, so the afternoon was a treat.
On December 6th, WKHJ and the amazing Chuck Nolan hosted the 47th annual House of Hope Food and Fundraising Drive in downtown Oakland. What a day that was! Volunteers of all ages stood in the cold for three hours collecting donations for a Garrett County institution.
We collected a truckload of canned food and over $12,000 in cash and checks for the two food pantries run by the organization. As their Executive Director, I can personally attest to how far that money goes to help our neighbors and friends during the holidays and the rest of the year. As I’ve said many times, the people of Garrett County are the kindest, most generous I’ve ever known.
I love our community!
It was fun interacting with donors, many of whom came just to see organizer Chuck Nolan, who has announced it is his last year coordinating the event. Chuck’s entire family was there to wish him well, and we enjoyed some yummy cupcakes made by local Jonna Frazee. A special thanks to him and also to Ben Lawrence and Tony Max of WKHJ, without whom this would have been possible. Ben and Tony have assured me that this event will happen again next year, and we’re hoping we can get Chuck to at least make an appearance.
Speaking of fundraisers, don’t forget the FurBall Auction benefitting HART for Animals. From January 1-10, you can bid on wonderful items online. Just visit https://hartanimals.betterworld.org/auctions/2025-fur-ball-auction for details.
The following weekend found me in New Jersey celebrating my grandson Theo’s fifth birthday. He and 17 of his friends and cousins had a ball at Chuck E Cheese eating pizza and playing games. I can’t believe he’s five already. Time flies.
While the kids spread love and joy at this event, unfortunately, they also spread germs, and I spent a week battling a head cold, which put a cramp in my holiday shopping. A call to Stephen Rodeheaver at Schoolhouse Earth saved the day, and his staff will put together some gift baskets for me. Thank you, Stephen!
Editor Sarah Myers brought me a yummy gift from the Copper Kettle Popcorn Factory that I devoured immediately. Another great last-minute gift idea!
Wisp Resort opened on December 5 for its 70th season, one of the earliest opening dates I remember in quite a while. They took advantage of the December snow and cold temps and made snow round the clock. Cold-weather enthusiasts should have a banner year this year. There are lots of fun events there happening this winter. Be sure to check out their website at www.wispresort.com for details. You can also buy your tickets online, a must for busy weekends.
For more information on more daily happenings, be sure to read our sister publication, www.deepcreektimes.com. Sarahand her team do a great job updating us on the weather, happenings, and more.
It is my sincerest wish that you all have a Happy and Healthy 2026! And whether it’s quiet time or outdoor adventure, enjoy!
Written by Linda “Mrs. Skip” Garr.