We are excited to share a remarkable moment of patriotism and community involvement that took place at the Town Council meeting on September 18, 2023. At the meeting, the Woodmen Life Chapter 45 presented our town with a symbol of unity, pride, and national identity—an American flag. The American flag is a cherished emblem of our nation's history and values, and its presentation by Woodmen Life is a testament to their commitment to our community and their support for the principles that our country holds dear. This generous gesture serves as a reminder of the importance of community partnerships and the shared values that bind us together. It represents the enduring spirit of collaboration that makes our town a special place to call home. As we proudly display this flag in our community, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Woodmen Life for their dedication to our town and their recognition of the significance of the American flag in our lives. Let us all take a moment to reflect on the unity, strength, and resilience that the American flag represents and continue to work together to build a brighter future for our community.

Mayor Schlosnagle had the pleasure of meeting Heather McDorman and Jodi Blake on September 27, 2023. They are the creative minds behind the blog 'Friendsville Square' (www.friendsvillesquare.com), which they launched approximately one year ago. To celebrate their one-year milestone, they embarked on an adventurous journey - visiting all six Friendsville cities and communities across the United States from September 25th to September 30th.

1. Friendsville, Illinois
2. Friendsville, Maryland
3. Friendsville, Michigan
4. Friendsville, Ohio
5. Friendsville, Pennsylvania
6. Friendsville, Tennessee

Their mission was simple yet exciting: explore each town, briefly connect with its local leadership, snap a photo, and gain a deeper understanding of the unique character of every Friendsville. The image above showcases Heather McDorman, Mayor Spencer Schlosnagle, and Jodi Blake during their visit to our Town Hall.

We're thrilled to report that our recent gathering was an outstanding triumph, with an impressive turnout of 31 attendees who signed in at the front door.

Now, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get down to work. Mackin will commence the analysis of all the valuable information gathered during the meeting, embark on the initial draft of our plan, and subsequently engage with the steering committee to refine our strategy.

As we move ahead, the adoption process is set in motion, which includes an important 60-day public comment period. This will be followed by a significant public hearing. Once all public comments have been thoughtfully addressed, we'll be poised to take the next steps towards adopting the plan. Your participation and support are essential as we navigate this exciting journey together.

The Town of Friendsville invites qualified contractors to submit bids for the construction of a concession stand and ADA restroom facility at the Friendsville Community Park.

Pre-Bid Meeting:

Date: October 23, 2023

Time: 2:00 PM

Location: Town Hall, 945 Community Drive, Friendsville, MD

Bid packets will be distributed during the pre-bid meeting to provide interested parties with essential project information.

Bid Submission Deadline:

All bids must be securely sealed and clearly marked "Friendsville Concession Stand and ADA Restroom" on the outside of the envelope and submitted to the Town of Friendsville, P.O. Box 9, Friendsville, MD 21531 on or before Wednesday, November 1, 2023, by 12:00 noon.

Bid Open & Review Meeting:

Date: November 6, 2023

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Mayor and Town Council meeting

The Mayor and Town Council will open, and review all submitted bid/proposals during this meeting. Please be advised that the Mayor and Town Council reserve the right to reject any or all bids. For inquiries or additional information, please contact the Friendsville Town Hall at info@friendsville.org or call 301.746.5919.

By authority,

Mayor & Town Council of Friendsville, MD

Wanda M. Guard,

Administrative Assistant, Clerk-Treasurer

The Garrett County Local Management Board, Garrett Roundtable of Homelessness, Garrett Workforce Housing Alliance, and Pepburn, LLC are working together to address the shortage of workforce housing in Garrett County. We are committed to helping develop effective solutions to this important issue.

They are conducting surveys to assess the actual workforce housing needs, the current workforce housing inventory, and employer statistics.

Please visit https://www.pepburnllc.com/garrett-county-housing-survey to complete our survey!

In today's fast-paced digital world, it's easy to overlook the treasures right in our backyard. Our vibrant community thrives not only due to its people but also because of the invaluable services offered by our local Post Office and Bank. A friendly reminder of the convenience and support they provide.

Our Local Post Office:

1. Our Post Office continues to serve as a hub for all things mail-related. Whether you're sending heartfelt letters or eagerly awaiting packages, this is where connections happen.

2. When you need to send a package, rest assured that our local Post Office has a variety of shipping options to suit your needs, making it the go-to place for personal and business deliveries.

3. Need a secure mailbox? Our Post Office offers private PO boxes, ensuring your mail and packages stay protected and accessible.

4. Let's not forget the convenience of purchasing stamps, envelopes, and packaging materials right at the Post Office. Everything you need is within reach.

Our Local Bank:

1. Our local bank is committed to personalized service. They offer an array of personal banking services, including savings and checking accounts, loans, and investment opportunities, all with a personal touch.

2. For our local businesses, the bank provides tailored solutions, including business accounts, merchant services, and expert guidance to help them thrive.

3. With ATMs accessible around the clock, you can withdraw cash and check balances at your convenience, even when the bank doors are closed.

Why Choose Local?

By embracing our local Post Office and Bank, you're not just accessing services; you're contributing to the well-being of our community. These institutions employ your friends and neighbors, bolster our local economy, and add to the unique charm of our town.

So, next time you're contemplating mailing a package, need to handle a banking transaction, or seek financial guidance, consider taking the short journey to our local Post Office and Bank. Their dedicated staff is eager to serve you, and your support ensures the enduring vitality of our community.

Thank you for being the cornerstone of our Town of Friendsville family. We look forward to seeing you at our local Post Office and Bank soon.

The Mayor and Town Council of Friendsville are thrilled to announce our annual Door to Door Trick or Treat on October 31, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It's going to be a ghoulishly good time, and we can't wait to see all your amazing costumes!

🕯️ Remember, only visit homes that have their porch light on! Safety first, folks!
Don't forget to bring an adult with you as you embark on your candy-collecting adventure. Together, we'll make this Halloween a memorable and safe experience for everyone.

👻🦇 Have a spooktacular time and a Happy Halloween from the Mayor and Town Council of Friendsville! 🦇👻

To update your email or to sign up for the newsletter, please fill out this Google Form at https://forms.gle/p5ZyiNmbPE5YPqPd8.

The form will only take a few minutes to complete and will ensure that you are added to our mailing list. Don't miss out on all the exciting things happening in Friendsville! By subscribing to our newsletter, you'll be the first to know about town events, community news, and more. Thank you for your interest in staying connected with the Town of Friendsville!

Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and other partnering agencies promote and host events and webinars spotlighting pedestrian safety, health, and commuting options in current walk programs and initiatives. Throughout October, MDOT and the Maryland Department of Planning, in coordination with several state agencies and other partners, will sponsor a series of 90-minute webinars, or Walkinars, to highlight how we can rally collectively around walking, an activity that is both central to Active Transportation efforts and a critical component promoting public well-being.

We are excited to announce our upcoming Community Watch meeting, and we invite you all to join us.

Date: October 19th, 2023

Time: 5:45 p.m.

Location: Senior's Center, 947 Community Drive, Friendsville, MD

At this meeting, we will discuss various matters related to community, and share updates on recent events. Please mark your calendars for October 19th, and spread the word to your neighbors and friends. We look forward to seeing you there!

Mark your calendars, invite your friends and family to the BINGO event on November 4th. It's an opportunity to have a blast while supporting your local Fire Department.

Ho Ho Ho! It's that magical time of year again, and we are thrilled to invite you and your loved ones to a delightful morning filled with festive fun. Mark your calendars for December 2, 2023, because Santa Claus is coming to town, and he's bringing his jolly spirit and a sack full of joy! Get a head start on your holiday shopping at our Craft Bazaar. Discover unique, handmade gifts and decorations created by talented local artisans. You'll find the perfect presents to make this holiday season extra special. Spread the word, share the love, and let's make December 2nd, 2023, a day to remember. We can't wait to celebrate the holiday season with you!

For more information email: fvfrdauxilary@gmail.com

Friendsville Elementary PTO is hosting a gourmet apples and pretzels sale to raise funds for our school. This delicious opportunity runs from Tuesday, October 10, 2023, to Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Simply fill out the order form that was sent home with the students. If you should have any questions please email Sophie Fost at friendsvillepto@gmail.com.

Support Friendsville Elementary School on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 for some amazing food at their spirit night at Friendsville Public House! 10% of all proceeds will go to the Friendsville PTO.💙💛

The holiday season is just around the corner, and we are thrilled to announce that our much-loved Santa Shop will be returning on December 4th and 5th, 2023! This heartwarming event has become a cherished tradition in our school, and we can't wait to spread the joy once again.

Volunteers Needed for Santa's Workshop:

Santa Shop simply wouldn't be the same without the smiling faces of our volunteers. We are looking for individuals who can spare some time to assist with wrapping presents, ensuring that each gift is beautifully adorned and ready to bring delight to its recipient. Whether you're a seasoned gift-wrapper or a first-timer, your contribution will be greatly appreciated. By volunteering your time, you'll be helping to create lasting memories for families in our community and spreading the holiday spirit to those who need it most.

If you're interested in volunteering for Santa Shop, please email friendsvillepto@gmail.com.

Let's come together and make Santa Shop 2023 a truly unforgettable experience for all!

STEAM Kids programs are happening here at the Friendsville Library! Join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:00 p.m., as we engage in exciting hands-on activities based on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math! This program is designed for ages 5 and up.

Join us for a convenient solution to your grocery needs with the Maryland Food Bank's MOBILE MARKET! We extend a warm invitation to everyone to partake in this opportunity to access nourishing food items and valuable resources. On these special days, we offer a selection of boxed dry goods and the freedom to choose your own fresh produce, all while supplies last. It's all completely free, both the food and the resources, as we aim to deliver hope and support to our neighbors in need. Don't miss out! Visit us on the second Wednesday of each month between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM at the Ruth Enlow Library of Friendsville, located at 315 Chestnut St, Friendsville, MD 21531. Let us make your day brighter with our one-stop-shop for your essential needs.

If you enjoy cooking, trying new recipes, and eating with friends...then this is the bookclub for you! It's Friendsville Library's new Culinary Connections Cookbook Club! Join us on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6pm. Each participant will choose a recipe from a selection of cookbooks to prepare at home and bring to share at the next meeting. We'll have fun trying new foods, discussing our culinary successes (or disasters), and sharing cooking techniques and tips. We'll have a different theme each month and a prize will be awarded at each meeting for the tastiest dish!