"Christmas waves a magic wand over the world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." Norman Vincent Peale

Wishing you the splendor of this glorious season.

Since 2003, the remarkable and cherished assembly of women known as the Friendsville Library Quilters have woven together threads of generosity and dedication, hand-quilting, and hand-embroidering magnificent quilts with unwavering devotion year after year. Their tireless efforts, enthusiasm, and commitment have served as an enduring beacon of support for the Ruth Enlow Library, Friendsville Branch.

With steadfast determination and boundless creativity, these extraordinary women have orchestrated an annual quilt raffle, crafting exquisite pieces of artistry that transcend fabric, encapsulating the essence of community spirit and generosity. Through their passion and collective endeavors, they have seamlessly stitched together a legacy of generosity and goodwill.

It is with immense pride and admiration that we celebrate their unwavering dedication, as they have diligently raised over $27,000 through their selfless contributions. These funds, a testament to their generosity, have proven instrumental in enriching our library’s resources, enabling the purchase of DVDs, books, and essential equipment that have enhanced the cultural and educational offerings within our community.

Their unspoken kindness, their nimble fingers meticulously weaving stories within each stitch, and their unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving literary haven deserve boundless commendation and acknowledgment.

To the Friendsville Library Quilters: Your immeasurable generosity, steadfast commitment, and unyielding dedication to giving back to our community demonstrate the very essence of unselfishness. You stand as a beacon of inspiration, igniting the spirit of generosity and unity within our midst. Your profound impact resonates far beyond the threads of each quilt, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

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 18, 2023. Participants can look forward to the eagerly awaited winners' announcement at 7:30 p.m. on the same evening.

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.

In the spirit of the season, it is with immense gratitude that we extend our heartfelt thanks to Councilwoman Sheryl MacLane, Dred Lowdermilk and Clint Suter behind the stunning holiday decorations that have brought an extra dose of joy and warmth to the Town of Friendsville, our Town Hall and Council Chambers. We are incredibly fortunate to have such passionate individuals among us, whose commitment to enhancing our town's spirit during the holidays shines through in every meticulously placed ornament and sparkling light. Their dedication to crafting an inviting and festive atmosphere for us all to enjoy is truly admirable. Let us take a moment to express our gratitude to them for their hard work and dedication in adorning our town with the spirit of the holidays. Their contributions have significantly enriched our community and made this festive season all the more magical for everyone.

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 12, 2023, and Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Town of Friendsville residents will cast their ballots for Mayor & three Council Members in the February 13, 2024, election. The terms of office for the Mayor and three Council Members will expire in March 2024.

Board of Elections

Town of Friendsville

Robin Sines, Election Board Chairperson

As valued members of our community, we wanted to inform you that the monthly Mayor & Town Council meeting agenda and the approved minutes are easily accessible on our website.

You can access the relevant information by visiting https://www.friendsville.org/. We encourage you to stay informed about the decisions and discussions taking place in these meetings. Your engagement and participation are crucial in shaping the future of our town.

The Mayor & Town Council meetings serve as an excellent opportunity for transparency and open dialogue about matters impacting our community. Your feedback and involvement are highly appreciated as we work together to enhance the quality of life in Friendsville.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for your continued support and active participation in making Friendsville a wonderful place to live.

Dear Residents,

Your safety is our top priority, and in light of recent safety concerns, we would like to inform everyone about a change regarding access to our meetings.

To ensure the security and well-being of all attendees, we kindly request that the Council Chamber Door be used as the designated entry point for all meetings held within the premises. This change is being implemented as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a secure environment for everyone involved.

Using the Council Chamber door will allow us to better monitor access and ensure that proper safety protocols are followed during meetings. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but believe that this precautionary measure is essential for the safety of all participants.

Your cooperation and understanding in this matter are greatly appreciated. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at the Town Hall at 301.746.5919.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Mayor & Town Council Members

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 Friendsville Elementary School Presents: A Christmas Program

Date: December 12, 2023

Time: 9:30 AM & 1:00 PM

Get ready for a joyful extravaganza as we celebrate the spirit of Christmas with heartwarming performances by our talented students! You're invited to join us for a special Christmas Program filled with music, drama, and holiday cheer.

Mark your calendars and don't miss out on the fun-filled festivities! The program will take place at Friendsville Elementary School. Come and witness the magic of the season as our students showcase their talents and spread the joy of Christmas.

In the event of inclement weather, our snow date is scheduled for December 19, 2023. Stay tuned to our school announcements for any updates regarding the schedule.

We look forward to sharing this magical time of year with our school community. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Christmas!

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!

We're excited to announce our upcoming 50/50 & Christmas basket drawing event on December 13, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Friendsville Senior Center, 947 Community Drive, Friendsville, MD 21531.

Participate in our 50/50 drawing for a chance to win big! Additionally, don't miss the chance to take home the fabulous Christmas gift basket filled with delightful surprises.

Tickets for the drawing can be purchased at the Senior Center every Monday or Wednesday. The cost of the tickets is one (1) for $1.00 or six (6) for $5.00. Get your tickets early to secure your chance at these incredible prizes! Mark your calendars and gather your friends for this special holiday event. Your support helps us continue providing wonderful programs and services for our seniors. For additional information, call Cathy at the Senior Center on Monday or Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at 301.746.5300.

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.

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.

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.

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!

• Christmas - December 25 & 26, 2023
• New Year's Day - January 01, 2024

In observance of Christmas & New Year's Day, the town hall office will be closed on Monday, December 25, 2023 & January 1, 2024 .