Friendsville Newsletter

Greetings, Friendsville Residents,

As summer arrives, our town is once again filled with the sights and sounds that make Friendsville such a special place to call home. June brings longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy our parks, trails, and local businesses while spending time with family, friends, and neighbors.

The Mayor & Town Council would like to thank everyone who volunteers their time, supports community events, and helps keep our neighborhoods welcoming and beautiful. Your commitment to our community is what makes Friendsville a wonderful place to live.

As you begin your summer activities, we encourage everyone to:

• Be mindful of increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic throughout town.

• Help keep our streets and parks clean by disposing of litter properly.

• Support local businesses and organizations whenever possible.

• Stay informed about upcoming town meetings and community events.

The Town Council is committed to continuing projects that enhance our community while preserving the small-town character and natural beauty that make Friendsville unique. We appreciate your continued involvement and welcome your ideas and participation. We hope you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable start to the summer season. Thank you for being part of our Friendsville community.

Sincerely,

Spencer R. Schlosnagle, Mayor and Town Council Members

Yesterday, the Town of Friendsville Town Hall was treated to a very special delivery from Friendsville Girl Scout Troop 10249! Amelia and Emmy Lou Reams proudly presented Girl Scout cookies to our staff and elected officials as a token of appreciation for all they do for the community.

We are incredibly grateful for this thoughtful gesture and for the kindness, generosity, and community spirit these young Girl Scouts represent. Your support and smiles made our day a little brighter—and a little sweeter!

Thank you, Amelia, Emmy Lou Reams, and Girl Scout Troop 10249, for reminding us that small acts of kindness make a big difference. We are proud to have such outstanding young leaders in our community and appreciate the time and effort they put into serving others.

Thank you for your support, and we wish you continued success with your Girl Scout adventures!

A big thank you to Pam Jasper who helped plant and care for the beautiful flowers that now welcome visitors to Town Hall! 🌺🌼

Your time, hard work, and generosity have added a bright splash of color and community pride to the entrance of our building. The vibrant planters create a warm and inviting first impression for residents and visitors alike, reminding us all of the beauty that comes from working together.

Thank you for helping Friendsville bloom! 🌿💐

The Quilters had the difficult task of judging this year's poster contest and were impressed by the creativity and talent displayed by all of the participants. After careful consideration, they selected the following winners:

🥇 1st Place: Camber Rizer
🥈 2nd Place: Cecilia Yoder
🥉 3rd Place: Lila Hayhurst

Because the competition was so close, the Quilters also chose to recognize two additional students with Honorable Mentions for their outstanding artwork:

⭐ Emaley Mayle
⭐ Bella Wolf

Congratulations to our winners and honorable mentions, and thank you to every student who participated. Your creativity and hard work made this year's contest a wonderful success!

🌟 Welcome to your one-stop-shop for free healthy foods and resources! 🌟

Enjoy a variety of boxed dry goods and a “pick your own” produce selection—offered while supplies last. 🥦🍎

Mark you Calendar

Maryland Food Bank's Mobile Market will be visiting Friendsville!

• June 10, 2026 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• July 8, 2026 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Volunteers Needed! 🛒❤️

We're looking for caring volunteers to help our senior community members during the Mobile Market. Volunteers will assist with shopping, carrying groceries, and making the experience easier and more enjoyable for those who may need a helping hand. Even an hour of your time can make a meaningful difference. If you're interested in lending a hand and supporting our neighbors, we'd love to have you join us! Together, we can help ensure everyone has access to fresh food and a friendly face.

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 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 Community Park Rental Fees.

Weather permitting, adult co-ed volleyball pick-up games will be held at the Friendsville Park sand courts.

We’ll meet every Tuesday from 4:00–6:00 PM, beginning June 2nd, weather permitting.

All are welcome—we look forward to seeing you there!

August 31 - First Day for Students - three hour early dismissal.

September 7 - School Closed for Labor Day

Our Town Theatre, as a part of their Northern Outreach Program, will present the Sondheim musical "Into the Woods, Jr." on June 18, 19, 20 at the Friendsville Park stage. This is a free performance for all ages. "Into the Woods, Jr." follows classic fairy tale characters Little Red, Jack, Cinderella, and the Baker & his Wife as they journey into the dark woods for something they desire- Money, a prince, Granny, breaking a spell, and more. But will they succeed and will they get the fairytale ending they desire? Come and see "Into the Woods, Jr." to find out!

Join us for our monthly GFBA Member Meeting! It’s a great opportunity to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Friendsville and the surrounding area, connect with fellow business owners, share announcements, collaborate on ideas, and have a voice in shaping our growing business community. Whether you're a current member or thinking about joining, attending helps you stay informed, involved, and supported.

Friendsville Days Parade & Vendor Applications Are Still Open!

There’s still time to be part of this year’s Friendsville Days celebration!

Friendsville Days Parade

Participation in the parade is completely FREE! Whether you’re a local business, organization, sports team, community group, or just want to join in the fun, we’d love to have you join us.

Parade Application:

https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScbZzj-F4.../viewform

Vendor Applications

If you’re interested in showcasing your products, crafts, services, or food, there’s still time to sign up as a vendor for this year’s festival.

Vendor Application:

https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScf0Tc4cAqsWd.../viewform

Prefer a paper application? Just send us a message right here on our Facebook page, and we’ll be happy to get one to you.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Friendsville’s favorite traditions! We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone and make this year’s Friendsville Days bigger and better than ever.

The concession stand will be open

• June 13, 2026
• June 27, 2026
• July 18, 2026
• August 13, 14 & 15, 2026
• September 19, 2026

Doors open at 5

Early Bird starts at 6:15

WE WILL POST UPDATES IF ANYTHING CHANGES ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.

261 MAPLE STREET, FRIENDSVILLE, MD

Open Friday from 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m.

The Museum has on display three china plates depicting Blooming Rose Church, Rush Baptist Chapel and Sand Springs Church also photos taken of the Friendsville Churches by Russell McWilliams. Russell’s pictures were made into a calendar in 2020.

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 Toughener 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.

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.

There are two small cemeteries on either side of the church. The oldest grave is dated 1867, before the construction of the church.

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.

friendfamilyassociation.com

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.

Who loves digging & bones?? You guessed it- DOGS!

Join the staff of HART for Animals, along with their very adorable staff pups, as they share a “bark-tastic” story about dogs & dinosaurs! Learn more about pet adoption and animal care.

You’ll even have an opportunity to select and adopt your very own dinosaur to take home! Don't forget to visit with the pups to give them some pets and puppy love before you leave.

Do you love books and nature? Friendsville is hosting a book club for nature lovers! Come out and join the group to discuss the book club selection of the month, each with a connection to nature and science. The group plans to meet on the fourth Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 am.

The book selection for June's meeting is The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmere

Mushrooms... they're quite fascinating! We encounter them in everything from gourmet foods to folklore and fairy tales.

Join us to add a touch of mushroom whimsy to your home with this beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop. You will use air dry clay to sculpt your own decorative mushrooms. Learn how simple tools can be used to add texture and design.

You will also learn a bit of mushroom folklore as you use acrylic paints to decorate an ornament.

A sweet "mushroom themed" refreshment will be served.

Please register online or by contacting Melissa at melissa@relib.net or calling the Friendsville Library at 301-746-5663.

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!

Only non-alcoholic beverages, please.

Disclaimer(s)

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Programs, events and classes may be photographed or videotaped for library promotional purposes. Your participation in programs signifies your permission for us to use any photos that we take of you. Please speak to a librarian at the event if you would prefer your photo not be taken.

Stop in anytime during this event to spend some time with a Master Gardener. You'll complete a hands-on activity to take home to support your gardening initiatives for 2026!

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

• Memorial Day - May 25, 2026
• Juneteenth - June 19, 2026
• Independence Day - July 4, 2026
• Labor Day - September 7, 2026
• System Staff Day - October 12, 2026
• Veteran's Day - November 11, 2026
• Thanksgiving - November 25, 2026 5:30 p.m. - November 27, 2026
• Christmas - December 24-25, 2026

📅 Check out our flyers below.

Let's come together to make a positive impact in our community!

Jaime Spano

Garrett County Health Department

Community Health Outreach Worker

301.334.7777

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 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!

On Monday, June 8, 2026, the six veterans monuments were successfully placed at the site. With this milestone now complete, preparations can move forward for the installation of the remaining five flagpoles.

The next phase of the project will include construction of the concrete slab, followed by the installation of blue stone around the monuments. These finishing touches will help complete the surrounding area and properly frame the memorial space.

The Town Hall office will be closed June 15–17, 2026, while our town officials attend the annual Summer Conference of the Maryland Municipal League.

If you need immediate assistance during this time, please call 301-746-5919 and leave a message. Voicemails will be monitored, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Normal office hours will resume on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as our town officials participate in this statewide training and networking conference, bringing back valuable information and resources to better serve our community.