Friendsville Newsletter
February 2026

Mayor & Town Council News
Swearing-in Ceremony Held for Friendsville Officals
William L. Bittinger, Clerk of the Garrett County Circuit Court, administered the Oath of Office to Spencer R. Schlosnagle as Mayor of Friendsville. Following this, Mayor Schlosnagle administered the official Oath of Office to council members Michael Artice, Pamela Humberson, and Edward Kelley. Humberson was elected Council President for the upcoming term.
Welcome Brandon Schmidt to the Town of Friendsville!
The Town of Friendsville is pleased to welcome Brandon Schmidt as our newest Laborer/Maintenance employee, beginning February 2026. Brandon joins our team with a strong work ethic and a commitment to serving our community. In his role, he will assist with the maintenance and upkeep of town facilities, streets, and community park, helping ensure that Friendsville remains a safe, clean, and welcoming place for residents and visitors. Please join us in welcoming Brandon to the Town of Friendsville and wishing him great success in his new position.
What an educational and exciting day for our Friendsville Elementary 4th-grade class!
On Monday, March 2, 2026, Mrs. Patterson’s fourth-grade class from Friendsville Elementary School enjoyed a special visit with Mayor Schlosnagle at Town Hall.
During their tour, Mayor Schlosnagle introduced students to the responsibilities of local government. The class learned how Town Council meetings operate, discussed the role of the Mayor and Council, and explored interesting highlights from the Town of Friendsville’s history.
A highlight of the visit was a mock Mayor and Town Council meeting. Rather than simply observing, the students stepped into leadership roles—sharing ideas, discussing issues, and offering thoughtful suggestions on ways to continue improving our community.
We applaud these young citizens for their enthusiasm and engagement and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make as future leaders of Friendsville.
Friendsville Honors Carol Rasmussen Squires
Mayor Schlosnagle presented a certificate to Carol Rasmussen Squires, formally recognizing her selection as a 2026 Woman in History by the Youghiogheny Glades Chapter, NSDAR. This prestigious honor celebrates women who have made significant contributions and lasting impacts within their communities. Mrs. Squires exemplifies this distinction through her dedicated leadership and service as a lead volunteer at the Friend Family Association of America museum and library in Friendsville. Her commitment, generosity, and steadfast support of community initiatives have strengthened the Town of Friendsville and enriched the lives of its residents.
NOTICE OF MAILING ADDRESS CHANGE
Effective immediately, the Town of Friendsville will no longer receive mail at P.O. Box 9.
All mail will be serviced by street delivery at the following address:
Town of Friendsville
945 Community Drive
Friendsville, MD 21531
Please update your records to reflect this change and ensure that all future correspondence is sent to the new street address.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Maryland Food Bank's Mobile Market
🌟 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!
- March 11, 2026 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
- April 8, 2026 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
Zoning Ordinance Work Sessions
The Friendsville Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a monthly Work Session with Dan Bowling of Mackin Engineers & Consultants to review and update the Town of Friendsville Zoning Ordinance.
When: Second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers, Friendsville Town Hall, 945 Community Drive, Friendsville, MD
PLEASE NOTE the next monthly meeting will be held on April 14, 2026.
These meetings are open to the public. Citizens and media are welcome to attend as observers. Participation is limited unless individuals are specifically invited to contribute as resource persons.
Update Email or Sign Up - Newsletter
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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 Community Events & Happenings
Friendsville Elementary School
📢 Important School Dates & Announcements
March 14 - Arts Fair at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College
9:00 am-3:00 pm
March 21 - PTO/Fire Department BINGO Doors Open at 5:15 pm
GCPS Now Accepting Applications for Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs for 2026-27
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is now accepting online applications for the Pre-Kindergarten 3-year-old (PK3), Pre-Kindergarten 4-year-old (PK4), and Kindergarten programs for the 2026–27 school year. Applying as soon as possible is strongly encouraged, as it will ensure timely communication regarding program placement and registration appointments. Click on the link below to learn more about enrolling your child into the GCPS system.
2025-2026 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.
Our Town Theatre
Into The Woods, Jr June 18, 19, & 20, 2026
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! Auditions for this play will take place at Our Town Theatre March 29 & 30 from 6-8pm for ages 6-18.
Greater Friendsville Business Association
Our mission is to encourage and uplift businesses throughout the area..
2026 officers
President: Jennifer Uphold
Vice-President: Mike Robinson
Treasurer: John Crosky
Secretary: Kelsey Artice
Communications Coordinator: Alea Donahue
March Member Meeting ~ March 26, 2026 6:00 p.m. at Anchor Church
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
Save the Date: Friendsville Days 2026!
Mark your calendars for August 14–16, 2026, and get ready to celebrate Friendsville Days! Join us for a fun-filled weekend of community, activities, and local traditions. If you are interested in being a vendor or participating in the Friendsville Days Parade, please email friendsvilledays@hotmail.com for more information. We look forward to celebrating
Friendsville Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department
BINGO - April 4, 2026
Doors open at 5
Early Bird starts at 6:15
WE WILL BE MONITORING THE UPCOMING FORECAST AND POST UPDATES IF ANYTHING CHANGES ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
Friend Family Association of America Museum & Genealogy Library
261 MAPLE STREET, FRIENDSVILLE, MD
WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
ALL OPENINGS DEPEND ON AVAILABILITY OF VOLUNTEERS, INQUIRIES OR REQUESTS FOR A SPECIAL OPENING CAN BE DIRECTED TO CAROL SQUIRES.
Celebrating Carol: 2026 Women in History Award Recipient
The Youghiogheny Glades Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has honored Carol with the prestigious 2026 Women in History Award—a recognition well deserved for her dedication to preserving history and serving the community.
Volunteers and colleagues at the Friend Family Association of America (FFAA) Museum and Library are overjoyed to celebrate this achievement.
Ronn Friend, past museum volunteer, shared: "What a joy to collaborate with Carol during my time volunteering at the FFAA. Her creativity and attention to detail are truly amazing. I am pleased that her dedication and tireless commitment to the FFAA and the community has been formally acknowledged. My heartfelt congratulations!"
Beverly Railey Robinson, former Regent of the Youghiogheny Glades DAR, added: "I have had the pleasure of working under Carol’s strong leadership as Volunteer Coordinator of the Friend Family Association of America Museum and Library. She is very welcoming to people seeking to learn about their heritage. Her dedication to preserving history is certainly worthy of the national Women in History award."
Longtime FFAA volunteers Ron and Linda Nair also praised Carol’s contributions: "We have had the pleasure of volunteering alongside Carol at the FFAA for several years, and we can attest that she deserves this award. Carol is the key person who keeps the museum on track and running smoothly. The cheerful smile and laugh she shares with others is only one of the qualities that makes her a valuable member of the Friend Family Association Museum and the Friendsville community. Congrats!"
This award highlights Carol’s unwavering commitment to history, heritage, and community service. The FFAA family and Friendsville community are proud to celebrate her inspiring accomplishments.
Click on link below to explore and stay connected with the University of Maryland Extension.
Garrett Soil Conservation District
Friendsville Ruth Enlow Library
GC Dept. of Social Services Assistance Program ~ 03/11/2026 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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.
Culinary Connections Cookbook Club ~ 04/01/2026 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
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.
Garrett County Health Department Mobile Insurance Clinic ~ 04/02/2026 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
LEGO Club ~ 04/13/2026 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Calling all LEGO lovers! Join the LEGO Club at the Friendsville Library! We meet on the second Monday of each month from 4:30-5:30 pm. Join us for some LEGO building fun based on an exciting challenge or theme each month. You can also free-build using your own creative ideas!
LEGO and Duplo blocks will be provided. LEGO Club is designed for children ages 4 and up.
Community Watch
Promote wellness and the prevention of risky behaviors so that Garrett County residents live longer, healthier lives.
📅 Check out our flyers below.
Let's come together to make a positive impact in our community!
Garrett County Health Department
Community Health Outreach Worker
301.334.7777
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 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!
Garrett County Board of County Commissioners
Attached are seven images offering a preview of what the memorial will look like in the near future. We are still working to raise the remaining funds needed to complete this important project.





