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Friendsville Newsletter
September 2023
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August 2024
Mayor & Town Council News
Community Garden
We're happy to share that the community garden is thriving! Thanks to your collective efforts, it's brimming with fresh produce. Recently, Lionel, Senya, and Viola had a wonderful evening harvesting potatoes, tomatoes, and beans—an experience they thoroughly enjoyed. We encourage everyone to visit the garden, take home some of the harvest, and enjoy a delightful afternoon or evening with your family.
🛍️ **Maryland Tax-Free Week is Here!** 🛍️
Get ready to save big! From August 11th to 17th, enjoy Maryland’s Tax-Free Week and shop for clothing, footwear, and backpacks without paying the 6% sales tax! It’s the perfect time to stock up on back-to-school essentials or treat yourself to something special.
Here’s what you need to know:
📅 Dates: August 11-17, 2024
🧥 Clothing & Footwear: Up to $100 per item is tax-free
🎒 Backpacks: Up to $40 per item is tax-free
Don't miss out on these savings and happy shopping! 🛒✨
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
On June 3, 2024, the Mayor and Town Council members approved the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Starting July 1, 2024, we will implement this budget for the new fiscal year. Real estate taxes will remain at $0.41 per $100, personal property taxes at $0.50 per $100, and utility taxes at $1.64 per $100. The Council's approval of the budget demonstrates a thorough understanding of the town's needs and a dedication to responsible fiscal management.
Community Park Update: Court Resurfacing Complete!
We are excited to announce that the resurfacing of our tennis and basketball courts is now complete! The courts have been upgraded to provide a better playing experience for everyone.
Additionally, we are thrilled to introduce a brand-new pickleball court for you to enjoy! Pickleball is a fun and fast-growing sport that’s perfect for players of all ages and skill levels. We encourage everyone to come out and give it a try.
Thank you for your patience during the resurfacing process.
We hope you enjoy the enhanced facilities!
Business After Hours ~ September 12, 2024 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
We are excited to invite you to an exclusive networking and social event hosted by the Town of Friendsville. Join us for the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event on Thursday, September 12th, from 5-7 PM at the Friendsville Community Park.
This event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase yourself, your products, and your business. We encourage individuals and businesses to bring business cards to enter door prize drawings which will be featured throughout the evening and information to share at our networking table.
As a community we also want to explore new ideas for potential business growth in the Town of Friendsville. All Garrett County Chamber members, potential members, and community businesses are welcome to attend.
Businesses are also invited to contribute door prizes, which will be drawn throughout the evening.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments from local “Town of Friendsville” businesses, included with your ticket. Registration will be coordinated through Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.
Ticket/Admission
$10.00 in advance for members
$15.00 for members at the door and non-members
For those interested in attending, please feel free to call the Friendsville Town Hall at 301.746.5919 or Holly Lane at Garrett Chamber at 301. 387.6171. To register online, click here.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
Event Planning Committee
Kelsey Artice, Tammy Humberson, Susan Johnston, Alea McClintock-Donahue, Carol McMahon-Calhoun, & Wanda Guard
Garrett County Calls on Residents for Water Service Line Inventory
Garrett County Government is urging all residents to participate in an important inventory of water service line pipes connected to our public water systems. This initiative aims to identify and replace any lead pipes.
Your involvement is essential for several reasons. Completing this inventory will allow the government to apply for the necessary funding to replace any hazardous lead lines that may be discovered. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of all residents and meets Federal and State government requirements.
Please check for lead pipes within your home. Guidance on how to identify pipe materials, including lead, is available here:
- Locate Your Water Service Line: Check the lowest level of your home—this could be the on the exterior, basement, a utility closet, or a crawl space. Look for a pipe entering through the floor or low on the wall.
- Test with a Magnet: Hold a magnet near the pipe. A magnet will not stick to lead pipes, but it will stick to galvanized steel, which is a different material.
- Penny Scratch Test: If the magnet did not stick, scratch the pipe with a penny. If the scratched area reveals a shiny silver metal, it may be lead. Lead is a soft metal and scratches easily.
- Complete the Survey: Visit this link to access and complete the online survey: GarrettCountyMD.gov/WaterLine. Please provide information about the types of pipes present in your home, regardless of the material.
Your participation is vital and will directly impact the improvement of our public water infrastructure.
For more information or for any questions, please contact Siera Wigfield at swigfield@garrettcountymd.gov or 301-334-7477.
Riverside Community Park
Our Community Park is esteemed within the local community, with dedicated efforts to maintain its pristine condition. It serves as an excellent setting for hosting picnics of varying sizes, providing a relaxing environment for an hour, two hours, or an entire day.
Explore this superb outdoor rental venue for a range of events, including picnics, weddings, reunions, family gatherings, as well as club and organization events.
Access the Park Fact Sheet for rental rates and a map.
Update Email or Sign Up - Newsletter
To update your email or to sign up for the newsletter, please fill out the digital 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!
Upcoming Events & Happenings
Friendsville Days
The 43rd Annual Friendsville Days will be held Friday, August 16th through Sunday August 18th, 2024.
Friendsville Days Co Mayors, Princess & Prince
Congratulations to our 2024 Friendsville Days Co-Mayors, Kendall Beachy and Dominick Ashby, and Princess Paislyn Meyers, and Prince Reed Haggerty! You can catch them in the Friendsville Days Parade 2024 and on stage at the opening ceremony of the Friendsville Days Festival 2024! We can’t wait to celebrate our community with you!
Floatilla Water Parade, Friday August 16th, 2024
"The Friendsville Days committee would like to invite you to come get wet and wild as we kick off the annual Friendsville Days Celebration with the Floatilla
Water Parade, Friday August 16th, 2024!
This is your opportunity to create your very own craft to float down the Youghiogheny River, from the Maple Street bridge to Friendsville Park. Awards will be given for most creative floats and best costumes. Some of the categories include Best use of Natural Materials, Best use of Recycled Materials, most Creative, Silly, Classy Float, and Best costume. Rules for entry
Craft must be able to float safely down the river. Craft must be respectful (i.e. no hate symbols, please use family friendly themes) Remember there are some class I/II rapids, fast moving water and some shallow spots, so build your craft appropriately. Participants must be 14 years of age or older and have a parent sign waiver if under 18. If participants or vessels are deemed unfit, we have the right to disqualify the craft from entering the Flotilla. If you have any questions or want to stay up to date on all the amazing things coming to Friendsville Days this year please follow us on Facebook at Friendsville days or on Instagram at @friendsvilledays
Any questions about the Floatilla, please contact Ryan Ayers at Ryanayers330@yahoo.com "
Friendsville Elementary School
2024-2025 School Calendar
Garrett County Public Schools
Building Strong Partnerships: Fostering Education and Collaboration Among Garrett County Schools, Families, and Communities.
Friendsville Elementary School
We invite you to explore the school website, where you can access a wealth of information and resources designed to keep you informed about your child's education and our school community.
Friendsville Volunteer Rescue & Fire Department
BINGO Night Alert! ~ September 7, 2024
Join us for BINGO at the Friendsville Volunteer Rescue & Fire Department on September 7, 2024!
Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for fun, prizes, and community spirit. Don't miss out on the chance to shout "BINGO!" and win big!
Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase. All proceeds go towards supporting our local rescue and fire services.
Come early to get a good seat and your lucky cards. Visit Friendsville VFRD Special Events Committee Facebook page for additional details.
Community Watch
Have a Healthy, Active Summer!
🍎 Mobile Food Market: Catch us at the Friendsville Mobile Food Market at the Library on August 14th from 2pm to 4pm. We'll be there to connect with the community and provide information on our initiatives.
🏥 Blood Pressure Check-Up: Mark your calendars! I will be at the Friendsville Senior Center on August 21st from 10:30am to 12:30pm, offering complimentary blood pressure checks for all interested attendees.
🚌Learning Beyond the Bus: The bus will be at the Friendsville Town Park on August 19th. The week of August 19-23, they will continue their Summer of Science with Water Play Fun.
📅 Event Flyers: Check out our flyers below for this month's events.
Let's come together to make a positive impact in our community! See you there!
Garrett County Health Department
Community Health Outreach Worker
301.334.7777
Click on pictures below for additional information.
Friend Family Association of America Museum & Genealogy Library
261 MAPLE STREET, FRIENDSVILLE, MD
OPEN EVERY FRIDAY FROM MAY 3 TO NOVEMBER 8, 2024
NOON TO 3:00 PM
TOURS & FAMILY HISTORY CONSULTS AVAILABLE
Town of Friendsville Mayors
Everyone knows Spencer Schlosnagle as Friendsville's longest-serving mayor, but how many of you are familiar with the other dedicated citizens who have also served as mayor of our community over the years?
John Walker McCullough became the first mayor of the Town of Friendsville in 1902, though, unfortunately, records from 1902 to 1910 are unavailable.
Article and photos provided by Friend Family Association.
Senior Center
Our Senior Center is here to make your Mondays and Wednesdays more enjoyable.
Are you looking for a place to connect with wonderful people, enjoy delicious food, and engage in exciting activities? Look no further! .
✨ Here's what you can expect:
🍽️ Lunch Served at 12:00 p.m.: Indulge in a tasty meal and relish great company. Our delicious lunches are the perfect midday treat.
🎂 Birthday Celebrations: Join us on the 2nd Wednesdays of each month as we celebrate the birthdays of our amazing seniors. Cake, laughter, and good times are guaranteed!
🃏 Morning Card Games: Get your competitive spirit going with some card games in the morning. It's a fantastic way to exercise your mind and have fun.
🎉 Bingo After Lunch: After a scrumptious meal, try your luck at bingo. Exciting prizes await those with a winning card!
🎤 Special Speakers and Programs: On the last Wednesdays of every month, we host special speakers and programs that are both informative and entertaining. It's a great opportunity to learn something new.
🩺 GCHD Blood Pressure Checks: Your health matters to us. Join us on the third Wednesdays of each month for complimentary blood pressure checks by the GCHD. Stay on top of your health and well-being.
Come be a part of our vibrant and welcoming community at the Senior Center. Don't miss out on these wonderful activities and connections. See you on Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. We can't wait to see you there!
Maryland Food Bank ~ August 14, 2024 & September 11, 2024
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.
Culinary Connections Cookbook Club ~ September 4, 2024
If you enjoy cooking, trying new recipes, and eating with friends...then this is the bookclub for you! It's Friendsville Library's 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!
STEAM Kids ~ September 10, 2024
STEAM Kids programs are happening here at the Friendsville Library! Join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:00pm, 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.
Garrett County Dept. fo Social Services Assistance Program ~ September 11, 2024
Occurring on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Friendsville branch, representatives from the Garrett County Department of Social Services will be in the library to serve the community through their assistance outreach program.
Customers can come see a DSS staff person at any of these locations to pick up paperwork, drop off paperwork, apply for services like SNAP, CASH Assistance and Medical Assistance, or just to ask questions about the programs and services offered by our agency. Staff can also provide referral to other community agencies if we do not have a program to address the person’s needs. ANYONE can access ANY of these locations. This schedule provides flexibility to our customers who may be working in communities away from their home, or who may be facing transportation challenges.
These locations also provide support to our customers by making DSS forms available to customers during the location’s open hours of business. Customers can look for the file box labeled “DSS FORMS” to pick up forms, information or a pre-paid envelope in which to return completed forms to our office for processing.
Please note: Please note: If Garrett County schools are canceled due to inclement weather, outreach activity is canceled for that day. For more information on the outreach program, please contact Garrett County DSS at 301-533-3000.
LEGO Club ~ September 24, 2024
Calling all LEGO lovers! Join the LEGO Club at the Friendsville Library! We meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:00pm. Join us for some free-building fun based on an exciting theme each month or your own creative ideas! LEGO and Duplo blocks will be provided. LEGO Club is designed for children ages 4 and up
Friendsville Branches Closed
Friendsville Days 2024
08/17/2024
Labor Day
09/02/2024
Friendsville Veterans Memorial Committee
Veterans Memorial Update
We are excited to share that the Veterans Memorial has successfully paid the down payment for the center monument! The contractor has begun work on it, and we'll be receiving pictures throughout the building process. While it will take approximately 18 months for the monument to arrive at our site, we are thrilled to see this important project moving forward.
In the meantime, we invite everyone to visit the Friendsville Veterans Memorial’s booth during Friendsville Days. We'll be taking orders for memorial bricks and selling raffle tickets for some fantastic items, including gift baskets, a wooden bear, and a quilt. Your support helps us honor our veterans and continue building this special memorial. We hope to see you there!
Kenneth Hinebaugh
President
Friendsville Veterans Memorial Committee
279 Maple Street, P O Box 245, Friendsville, MD 21531
Email: cwohinebaugh@hotmail.com
Friendsville Town Hall will be closed on
Labor Day - 09/02/2024
Friendsville is Garrett County’s oldest settlement established in 1763. It is a hub for Adventure, Nature and History. Friendsville is enjoying new energy with a vibrant outdoor lifestyle centered around its riverside location with a restaurant/pub, pharmacy, liquor store, healing oil boutique and more. Come for a day of water sports or a gentle walk along the river followed by a stroll through town or a family picnic in the park. You’ll want to stay for a lifetime.