Come and participate in the Friendsville Mayor & Town Council meetings. These are scheduled for the first Monday of January, February, March and December. From April to November, the meetings will take place on the first and third Mondays. The meetings will take place at the town hall located at 945 Community Drive, Friendsville, MD 21531, starting at 6:00 p.m.

These meetings will cover a range of topics pertinent to our community, providing updates on ongoing projects and addressing various matters crucial to our town’s well-being.

We extend a warm invitation to all members of the Friendsville community to attend and actively engage in these discussions. Your valuable opinions and ideas play a vital role in shaping the future of our town.

Make a note on your calendars and join us at the town hall on March 4, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. We eagerly anticipate your presence and appreciate your continued support.

Best regards,

Mayor Spencer Schlosnagle & Friendsville Town Council

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.

Guess what? It's that time again—Leap Year is upon us! In 2024, we're treated to the rare bonus day known as February 29th.

But why all the fuss over one extra day? Let's break it down. Earth takes about 365.25 days to orbit the Sun, which we call a solar year. However, since we can't exactly have a quarter-day on our calendar, we round it down to 365 days.

Over time, those quarter-days add up, throwing our calendars out of sync with the cosmos. That's where leap years come in. By adding an extra day every four years, we realign our calendars with the celestial rhythm.

So, what's in it for you? Well, besides getting an extra 24 hours to make memories, it's a reminder of our quest to synchronize our lives with the universe.

Whether you're seizing the day, embarking on an adventure, or simply relishing the joy of an additional day, let's celebrate the marvels of leap year together!

Until next time, keep those calendars marked and your days extraordinary!

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!

In a significant contribution to the local history archives, a rare movie booklet associated with a landmark contest during the screening of "Gone with the Wind" has been generously donated to the Friend Family Association of America (FFAA) Museum. The prized artifact belonged to Mary Gnegy, a resident of Friendsville, MD.

The movie booklet, accompanied by captivating pictures and a trove of local history, sheds light on a memorable contest held during the showing of "Gone with the Wind" at the Grand Movie Theatre. This cherished piece of memorabilia offers a glimpse into the rich cinematic heritage of Friendsville and the vibrant community spirit that defined the era.

As part of the Walking History Tour of Friendsville, Eleanor Nicklow Fearer vividly recalls the contest organized by Mr. Gonder, the owner of the Oakland and Friendsville theatres. The competition aimed to find the individual who could sell the most tickets to the iconic movie. Louise, Eleanor's sister, emerged victorious, clinching the grand prize – a brand new Plymouth car.

The Friendsville Opera House building, transformed into the Grand Movie Theatre, served as the backdrop for this historic contest. The opera house, now etched into the town's cultural fabric, played a crucial role in bringing cinematic experiences to the local community.

Eleanor Nicklow Fearer, a key figure in the community, narrates the fascinating tale during the Walking History Tour, allowing residents and visitors alike to connect with the past. The story adds another layer to Friendsville's narrative, emphasizing the deep ties between the community and the cultural events that shaped its identity.

The donation of Mary Gnegy's movie booklet is a valuable addition to the FFAA Museum, enhancing its mission to preserve and share the rich history of Friendsville. The artifact not only celebrates a bygone era but also honors the enduring spirit of community participation and achievement.

Below are select images from the booklet, offering a visual journey back in time to the Grand Movie Theatre's heyday.

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that our 4th and 5th-grade students recently showcased their exceptional skills and teamwork at the 18th Annual Garrett County FIRST LEGO League Challenge (FLLC) Maryland State Qualifier event on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

Not only did our school send not just one but two amazing teams to the competition, but they also left a lasting impression on everyone present. With a total of 21 participating teams, our students demonstrated creativity, innovation, and teamwork, making us incredibly proud of their accomplishments.

While neither of our teams secured a spot for the States this time around, it's important to highlight the remarkable progress and success they achieved, especially considering it was their first year participating in such a challenging event. The dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work exhibited by our students are truly commendable.

The event, hosted at Northern High School, brought together young minds passionate about robotics and technology. It provided an excellent platform for our students to learn, grow, and showcase their skills. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as teams competed in various challenges, fostering a spirit of collaboration and friendly competition.

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to both teams for their outstanding efforts and achievements. Your commitment to learning, problem-solving, and teamwork has set a high standard for future participation. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination!

Let's give a big round of applause to our young innovators, mentors, and everyone who supported them in this exhilarating journey. We can't wait to see what incredible feats our teams will accomplish in the coming years!

Thank you, Friendsville Elementary community, for your unwavering support. Here's to nurturing the next generation of leaders and thinkers!

Attention parents! GCPS Pre-K and Kindergarten applications for 2024-25 school year open February 12, 2024, 8:00 a.m.* Give your child the gift of education and apply today. Our programs build a strong foundation of academic and social skills, and our dedicated educators create a safe and engaging learning environment. Apply now and join us in building a brighter future for your child

There is free Ice skating event being offered at JTF Ice Rink in Grantsville on February 15, 2024 4pm-6pm, and 7pm-9pm.

This is the link to sign up. https://gogarrettcounty.com/free-skate-sign-up-today/

We're thrilled to announce that the Garrett County Steps to Better Health Committee has set Saturday, April 6, as the date for the much-anticipated Garrett County Health Fair and Family Fun Festival of 2024! Join us at the CARC (Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex) located at Garrett College in McHenry from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for a morning filled with health-centric activities and family-friendly fun.

This free community event is designed to boost health awareness and showcase the plethora of health-oriented resources available within our local community, catering to all ages.

The Health Fair and Fun Festival will feature informational booths, complimentary health screenings, exciting door prizes, and a variety of giveaways. Stay updated by liking the Garrett County Health Fair on Facebook or visiting garretthealth.org/health-fair.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to prioritize your health and have a blast with your loved ones! See you there!

Don't forget to mark your calendar and bring a friend along! Our upcoming Bingo event is scheduled for March 2nd. Doors open at 5:00pm sharp! Get in early to catch the Early Bird games starting at 6:15pm, followed by the regular games at 6:30pm. Admission pack is $25.00, and if you want an extra pack, it's just $10.00. Don't miss out on the Early Bird special for just $3.00!

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.

Calling all LEGO lovers! Join the LEGO Club at the Friendsville Library. We will meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:00pm. Join us for some free-building fun based on an awesome new theme each month! Your creative build will even be displayed in the library for others to enjoy! Lego and Duplo blocks will be provided. LEGO Club is designed for children ages 4 and up

Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffie or blanket and join us for a special evening children's story time! Enjoy stories, songs, movement, and rhymes during this fun-filled evening. This program is geared towards ages 2-5, but younger and older children are welcome!

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!

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.