Please be advised that, although we've recently received some rain, the burn ban remains in place. Conditions are still not safe for open burning, as it takes more sustained rainfall to reduce fire risks. Per the Maryland Department of Natural Resources: a statewide ban on open air burning, remains in effect in all Maryland counties. Extremely dry conditions persist across the state and have led to an above average number of wildfires statewide, and conditions are not expected to change in the near future. The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forest Service determines the state has received enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires statewide.

Read more: https://ow.ly/EMiF50TYgN

Questions can be directed to Environmental Health of the Garrett County Health Department by calling 301-334-7760 or by emailing environmental.health@maryland.gov.

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 Friendsville Community Park, located at Old River Road, Friendsville, MD 21531. ** Market will be held in the rear parking lot on Lions Circle Drive**.

Let us make your day brighter with our one-stop-shop for your essential needs.

The Garrett Soil Conservation District will be holding a Fruit Tree and Fruiting Bush Fundraiser Sale again for 2025. Orders are being accepted now through April 1, 2025, but individuals are encouraged to order early because it is not likely the District will be able to get more of many of the varieties once they are sold out. There are several heirlooms this year in addition to more current varieties. All of the trees and bushes have been customized to the Garrett County climate. They are all super-cold hardy, and many are on enhanced rootstocks designed specifically for increased tree sturdiness, cold hardiness, and drought tolerance. For trees, there are Semi-Dwarf, Short Semi-Dwarf, and Dwarf sizes. Varieties include: Apple, Cherry, Plum, Northern Peach, Pears, Blueberries, Elderberries, Black Raspberries and Red Raspberries.

For more information and to order go to https://garrettsoilconservation.org. Funds raised go to support GSCD's outreach and conservation efforts. Pick-up will be mid-April 2025.

The Mayor and Town Council are delighted to once again sponsor the Annual Holiday Decorating Contest for both town residences and businesses. This heartwarming tradition encourages the community to showcase their festive spirit and creativity during the holiday season.

Independent judging will commence at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024. Participants can look forward to the eagerly awaited winners.

Prizes will be distributed as follows:

• First Place in the Residential Category: $100.00
• Second Place in the Residential Category: $75.00
• Third Place in the Residential Category: $50.00
• First Place in the Business Category: $100.00
• Second Place in the Business Category: $50.00

It's important to note that a residence or business is not eligible to win in two consecutive years, ensuring a fair chance for all participants.

The Mayor and Town Council extend their warmest wishes for a

Merry Christmas to the entire community as we usher in the holiday season with this joyful event.

Tri-County Council for Western Maryland is offering qualified businesses that are located in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties low interest financing through Summit Financing Solutions Revolving Loan Fund Program.

Apply now through December 31, 2024!

• Interest rates 5% for the first five years
• Loan amounts from $10,000 to $1,000,000
• Eligible purposes include: business acquisition, owner occupied commercial real estate and equipment purchases, and business start-up costs

• Terms up to 15 years
• Loan under $25,000, quick turnaround time & flexible terms

• The business must be a business entity in good standing with the State of Maryland
• Principal place of business must be in Allegany, Garrett, or Washington County

By securing a loan through our program, your business is eligible to apply for a technical assistance grant up to $7,500, while funds are available. Grants can be used to provide professional services such as website and social media development, industry specific training, and financial consulting.

Start the Conversation Today!

Contact Chris Funk, Business Development Loan Officer, at 301-689-1300 or cfunk@tccwmd.org.

There will be voter registration for the citizens of the Town of Friendsville at the municipal building (Town Hall) in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Town of Friendsville residents will cast their ballots for three Council Members at the February 11, 2025, election. The terms of office for three Council Members will expire in March 2025.

Robin Sines, Election Board Chairperson

Board of Elections

Town of Friendsville

945 Community Drive

Friendsville, MD 21531

Any resident of the Town of Friendsville who is registered with the Garrett County Board of Elections or the Town of Friendsville Election Board, have attained the age of twenty-one (21) years by the date of the election and have resided within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Friendsville for at least six (6) months prior to the election may file a Petition for Office for one of three Town Council Members positions in the February 11, 2025, municipal election. They must submit a PETITION of OFFICE form with the Clerk/Treasurer by 12:00 noon on Monday, January 13, 2025.

The Clerk/Treasurer will be available at the Town Hall Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Members of the current Town Government who are eligible to seek re-election are Council Members James M. Hook, Sheryl A. MacLane and Robert H. Sines. The term runs for a period of two years, expiring the first Monday of March 2025.

If additional information is required, please contact the Clerk/Treasurer at
301-746-5919.

As per the provisions outlined in the Charter of the Town of Friendsville Section 5-103:

• The election of the Mayor and three (3) members of the Town Council, whose terms shall expire on the first Monday in March in the second year (even year) of their term, shall be held on the second Tuesday, in February, and those elected shall hold office for a term of two (2) years from the date of their election and qualification.
• If during the even year only one candidate runs for Mayor and no more than three candidates for Town Council, then there will not be an election and they will be declared elected.
• The election of three (3) members of the Council whose terms shall expire on the first Monday in March in the second year (odd year) of their term, shall be held the second Tuesday in February and those elected shall hold office for a term of two (2) years from the date of their election and qualification.
• If during the odd year, no more than three candidates run for Town Council, then there will not be an election and they will be declared elected.

The Mayor and Town Council play crucial roles in decision-making, policy implementation, and representing the interests of our diverse community. As we move forward, it is essential to have dedicated individuals committed to serving Friendsville with integrity and vision.

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!

Our next meeting is November 14th, 6pm at The Root Cafe. This is our annual meeting where elections will take place. Members are encouraged to attend and nominations can be sent to GFBAinfo@gmail.com.

Nominations must be an active member.

Garrett County Public Schools

SUBSTITUTE TRAINING

November 13, 2024

8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Dennett Road Educational Complex - Community Room

For additional information, please contact Angela Flanigan, GCPS Human Resources Manager at 301.334.8904 or angela.flanigan@gcps.net.

The annual breakfast with Santa and Christmas craft bazaar will be held Saturday December 7th breakfast beings held 8:30-11 and craft bazaar 9-12 featuring 21 vendors so far!

Christmas bingo will be held that evening on December 7th, doors open at 5:00 early bird begins at 6:15.

Admission $25 extra pack $10 early bird $3. If anyone would like to bring an ornament for our tree they will be entered to win a homemade Christmas wreath!

🍎 Mobile Food Market: Catch us at the Friendsville Mobile Food Market at the Library on November 13, 2024 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 November 13, 2024 from 10:30am to 12:30pm, offering complimentary blood pressure checks for all interested attendees.

😷GCHD Community Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

(Grantsville)11/22/2024, 12/13/24

(Oakland) 11/18/24, 12/9/24

Follow this link to schedule an appointment:

https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/85a3e4f8-fc1f-45a4-94f6-91eb289cbfb6

🦃Penn Alps Thanksgiving Buffet 11/28/2024, 11am-6pm (flyer attached with menu)

📅 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.

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 Wednesday 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 Wednesday 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 Wednesday 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!

261 MAPLE STREET, FRIENDSVILLE, MD

WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

AS OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2024

ALL OPENINGS DEPEND ON AVAILABILITY OF VOLUNTEERS

INQUIRIES OR REQUESTS FOR A SPECIAL OPENING CAN

BE DIRECTED TO CAROL SQUIRES.

THANKS TO THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL AND

TO ALL OUR VISITORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

friendfamilyassociation.com

Fred Fox and his cousin Barbara Bull recently visited Ina Hicks at the museum, where Barbara made a generous donation of significant items from the Fox family history. These artifacts, including memorabilia from the F.G. Fox store, provide a fascinating glimpse into the family’s legacy. Among the items on display are photographs of Fred G. Fox, Sarah (Forsyth) Fox, Godfrey Fox, and Magdalena (Culp) Fox, offering a personal connection to the Fox family’s rich history. The museum is excited to showcase these new additions, which will enrich the ongoing narrative of the Fox family's contributions to the community. Be sure to check out the exhibit and read the accompanying article for more details on this treasured collection.

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. Please note: If Garrett County schools are canceled due to inclement weather, this outreach event will not be conducted.

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.

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.

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!

• Thanksgiving Eve - November 27, 2024 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Thanksgiving Day - November 28, 2024

In observance of Thanksgiving, the town hall office will be closed on

Thursday, November 28, 2024