We would like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to

Pam Jasper for her exceptional efforts in planting and nurturing the breathtaking flowers throughout our Town and at the entrance of the Community Park.

Friendsville, Maryland has been bestowed with the esteemed title of "Banner City" by the Maryland Municipal League (MML). This prestigious recognition by the league acknowledges the exceptional commitment and involvement of the town's elected and appointed officials.

The Banner City/Town program, as outlined by MML, cultivates an environment where officials genuinely believe that their efforts have a meaningful impact. Municipalities that earn the designation of banner cities or towns:

1. Earn distinction among their peers by actively showcasing the functioning of municipal government.
2. Collaborate as a municipality to fortify their membership in the league.
3. Promote goodwill by educating young individuals about municipal government.
4. Optimize their MML membership by actively participating in league programs and activities.
5. Ensure effective representation of their municipality's interests on matters of legislative priorities and issues relevant to the league's membership.

The towns and cities that have received this esteemed designation in the current year will be honored during MML's annual summer conference, scheduled to be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 in Ocean City.

The Friendsville Elementary School was abuzz with excitement as the Mayor, alongside Sheryl MacLane and Melissa Custer from the Tree Committee, presented awards for the Tree Poster Contest. The ceremony, held on Friday, June 7th, recognized the artistic efforts of the 5th Grade class in promoting environmental awareness.

The 1st place award, a $25.00 McDonald's gift card, was presented to Olivia Hinkle. Abigail Artice took home the 2nd place prize, receiving a $20.00 McDonald's gift card. The 3rd place award, a $15.00 McDonald's gift card, went to Aleis Waligorski.

In addition, each participant in the contest was rewarded for their participation and creativity with a $10.00 McDonald's gift card. The Tree Poster Contest aimed to engage students in learning about the importance of trees and environmental conservation through artistic expression.

The Mayor and the Tree Committee praised the students for their outstanding contributions and encouraged them to continue their efforts in protecting and appreciating nature. The event highlighted the Town of Friendsville's commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among its youngest members.

Do you want to learn how to grow traditional warm season vegetables so that you can be more self-sufficient? Now is your chance to be a part of a demonstration vegetable garden site at a garden area at Friendsville Town Hall. University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners will be leading this project to work hands-on with 5-8 people/families that want to experience all aspects of home gardening. Learn and observe different techniques for weed control, insect management, and how to utilize small spaces for maximum vegetable production. All items needed for the garden will be provided and produce will be divided among participants. For more information or to sign-up, please call or email Ashley at 301-334-6960/abachtel@umd.edu.

They are pleased to announce that the 2023 Consumer Confidence Report is available. The annual report is a summary of last year's water quality produced at the Town of Friendsville's Water treatment plant. Included are details about where your water comes from, water quality tests results, how they compare to standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and answers to frequently asked questions about drinking water.

Friendsville Water System

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.

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!

The 43rd Annual Friendsville Days will be held Friday, August 16th through Sunday August 18th, 2024.

Congratulations to our 2023 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!

"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, 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 "

👀 Stay Informed: Follow the Friendsville Community Watch Facebook Page for updates on our upcoming meetings. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us! As always, the community is invited to attend the Friendsville Community Watch Meeting at the Friendsville Senior Center. Check our FB page for the latest details on time and date. (We will soon be writing a grant to secure funds for the next fiscal year, so this is a perfect opportunity for community input.)

🍎 Mobile Food Market: Catch us at the Friendsville Mobile Food Market at the Library on June 12th and July 10th 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 June 12th from 10:30am to 12:30pm, & 2:00pm & 4:00pm at the Friendsville Library offering complimentary blood pressure checks for all interested attendees.

📅 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!

Jaime Spano

Garrett County Health Department

Community Health Outreach Worker

301.334.7777

Click on pictures below for additional information.

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

friendfamilyassociation.com

The Friend Family Association of America Museum and Library is now displaying photos taken by Russell McWilliams of the Churches of Friendsville. Russell's pictures were made into a calendar in 2020. Also on display are three china plates depicting Blooming Rose Church, Rush Baptist Chapel and Sand Springs Church.

The Churches of Friendsville have a rich history woven into numerous families who lived here 100 + years ago and their descendants living here today.

Friendsville United Methodist Church is built on the west side of the Youghiogheny River on land donated by John and Pricilla (Friend) Garey in 1879. The first trustees of the church were Thomas Cuppett, William Steel, L. A. Friend, David Kent and J. T. Garey. When the church was destroyed by fire in 1920, F. G. Fox & Sons was awarded the contract to rebuild the church. Work was completed in 1922. Fred Fox contracted with Von Gerichren Ecclesiastic Studios of Columbus, Ohio to design and install the stained glass windows that are still enjoyed today.

Mill Run Mercy Chapel an historic Carpenter Gothic-style church located at the village of Selbysport and was built in 1874. Elizabeth Fike donated the land and John Miller sawed all the lumber on his water powered reciprocating sawmill and made the lectern, pews and altar rail at a cost of $300.00.

The interior of the chapel is a fine example of local craftmanship and is virtually unchanged since the 1870's. On the southeast pediment is a small shield with "M. R. Mercy Chapel 1874" in Gothic print. Mercy Chapel is one of the most architecturally sophisticated octagonal buildings in the State of Maryland. Its unusual features, not found in other octagonal buildings, consist of the vertical plank construction, unique roofing system and windows with pivoting window sashes. A true treasure right here in Friendsville.

James Rush Missionary Baptist Church (Rush Chapel) was organized at a meeting in the Castle Hall of the Knights of Pythias Lodge in Friendsville. Lucian Frazee, Hiram Griffith, Milton Rush, Orval Welch and Kimmel Frazee were named trustees. On October 5, 1908 Milton Rush sold 1/4 acre of land adjoining the James H. Rush School to the trustees for $5.00 with the provision that it be used only for church purposes. Rush Chapel located on Old Morgantown Road was originally a mission church along with Big Crossing Church at Frazee Ridge and First Baptist Church of Markleysburg, Pa.

Today there are still members of the Rush family who support and attend this small country church. Rush Baptist Chapel has been a lasting symbol of prayer and dedication to its growing congregation.

Article and photos provided by Friend Family Association.

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!

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.

Birds provide beauty, excitement, and a vital link in our backyard ecosystem. Come on an adventure with us to learn how to identify birds through song interaction, plants and flowers to add to attract birds naturally, and explore food chains and how important birds are in our backyard habitat. Receive seeds to plant and make a birdfeeder to take home and add to your landscape!

Register for this program and all Summer Reading Club events at: https://www.relib.net/src-register

What could be better in your summer adventures than tie-dying and ice cream? Tie-dye a bandana to make your very own adventure explorer pack. We’ll also be using a bit of science to learn how ice cream is made. You’ll get to eat your very own summer science experiment!

Register for this program and all Summer Reading Club events at: https://www.relib.net/src-register

Calling all horse lovers! Gallop over to the Friendsville Library to learn more about the adventure of horseback riding! You’ll not only learn some awesome horse facts… but also great information about basic horse care, riding gear, safety tips, and helpful riding skills to make your future horseback riding adventures the best they can be!

Register for this program and all Summer Reading Club events at: https://www.relib.net/src-register

Add a cozy glow and a bit of whimsy to your home or outdoor space! Join us at the Friendsville Library to create one of these enchanting pressed flower lanterns of your own! All materials will be provided.

To register, please contact the Friendsville Library at 301-746-5663 or email Melissa Custer at melissa@relib.net

Nature is full of wonderful adventures just waiting for us to explore! Learn more about the exciting activities of hiking, camping, and kayaking through this fun-filled outdoor adventure program. You’ll even receive your own S’mores kit to enjoy at your next outdoor adventure!

Register for this program and all Summer Reading Club events at: https://www.relib.net/src-register

If you enjoy cooking, trying new recipes, and eating with friends...then this is the book club 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!

All branches closed

Juneteenth 2024 & Independence Day 2024

We are pleased to announce that we will soon be accepting bids for Phase 1 of the concrete slabs for the Memorial. A Statement of Work is currently being prepared to facilitate the bidding process for interested contractors.

Additionally, we are seeking donations of items or baskets to be raffled off at upcoming events where we will have a booth for the Friendsville Veterans Memorial. These events include Grantsville Days, Accident's 4th of July celebration, Friendsville Days, and the Big Truck Show at Friendsville Park in the fall.

We are still awaiting approval from the Maryland DGS on the bid submitted by Matthew’s Granite for the centerpiece of the Memorial.

At this time, we need 33 more veterans' brick orders to complete the next brick wall.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Hinebaugh

President

Friendsville Veterans Memorial Committee

279 Maple Street, P O Box 245, Friendsville, MD 21531

Email: cwohinebaugh@hotmail.com