Friendsville Newsletter
September 2023
April 2025
Mayor & Town Council News
At the Mayor and Town Council meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, Tommy Gooch and Randy Humberson representing the Woodmen Life Chapter 45 proudly presented two American flags to the Town of Friendsville.
Environmental Resource Management Open House
Environmental Resource Management will have open house on May 6, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. - 7 :00 p.m. at the Friendsville Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department located at 122 Walnut Street, Friendsville, MD 21531. The open house is intended to provide the public with an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback on the proposed Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) power transmission line project by NextEra Energy, which may pass through Friendsville, Maryland.
📢 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!
- May 14, 2025 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- June 11, 2025 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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 Events & Happenings
Friendsville Elementary School
Pre-K and K Application Notice!
Attention parents! GCPS Pre-K and Kindergarten applications for the 2025-26 school year are now open. Give your child the gift of education and apply today. Our programs build a strong foundation for 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.
Summer Programs
Friendsville Elementary community school is sponsoring summer programming in June, July, and August. These programs are open to current 2nd - 4th graders, and registration is open now!
Click the link below or scan the QR code on the flyer your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grader will bring home today to register. Questions? Contact Mrs. Roth by calling the school or via email @ heather.roth@garrettcountyschools.org
2024-2025 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.
Greater Friendsville Business Association
📅Member Meeting - April 24, 2025 6:00 p.m. at The Root Cafe
📅Member Meeting - May 29, 2025 6:00 p.m. at The Root Cafe
Friendsville Days
Lunchtime Food Gardening Series
Take your lunch break and learn how to grow a garden in 2025! Mostly aimed at the beginner gardener, but anyone that wants to learn more about the topics are encouraged to register. Attend in person at the University of Maryland Extension Office in Garrett County or join virtually during the live session or watch the recorded lesson. An option to meet everyone's desire! Free gardening incentives at every class! Register HERE
Master Gardener Minute Extended!
Master Gardener Minute Extended will provide information on several gardening topics the first Thursday every month from 11-11:30.
To register click HERE.
Easter At the Airport
The Garrett County Airport is opening its doors for a fun-filled, family-friendly Easter celebration on Saturday, April 12, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. This free event, presented in partnership with Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales, welcomes guests of all ages to enjoy an afternoon of activities, crafts, and sweet treats.
Families can take part in egg coloring with TEAM 1629 Robotics, create paper airplanes from coloring sheets, and snap pictures with the Easter Bunny. Kids will also receive free candy eggs while supplies last. Adding to the excitement, HART for Animals will be on-site with adoptable puppies looking for their forever homes.
The Garrett County Airport invites the community to come out, celebrate the season, and enjoy a unique Easter event in a one-of-a-kind setting.
For more information about the event, please contact Adison Wyer, Garrett County Airport Manager, at 301-746-8599 or awyer@garrettcountymd.gov.
Garrett County Paper Gaming Application Now Available
Garrett County is now accepting applications for Paper Gaming Licenses. Available to non-profit charitable, civic, volunteer fire/rescue, ambulance, youth activities, and similar organizations wishing to use paper gaming devices such as tip jars, pull tabs, bingo, raffles, and 50/50 drawings to raise funds.
An online and printable application forms are available at https://www.garrettcountymd.gov/community-development/paper-gaming/application.
Licenses are issued for one (1) year and will automatically renew unless suspended by the County. There is no cost associated with obtaining a license.
“Our goal in offering the Paper Gaming Permit is to ensure compliance with regulations, not to act as enforcers. We want to provide a straightforward process that helps organizations raise funds while following the state law,” said Commissioner Ryan Savage. “If you're in doubt, it’s better to apply for a license. Our staff is here to assist with that process."
If you are uncertain whether you need a license, you are encouraged to apply.
The local application and permit process has been established following the discovery of a Maryland state law, enacted in 2006, that requires the Garrett County government to issue permits for paper gaming.
Questions and requests for more information can be emailed to emailed to gaming@garrettcountymd.gov.
Friendsville Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, Inc.
Spring Bazaar @ Friendsville Firehall
We are hosting a Spring Bazaar on April 12th from 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Interested vendors can contact Jennifer Cook at 681.412.8084 to arrange for a table.
Community Watch
Have a Healthy, Active Spring!
🍎 Mobile Food Market: Catch us at the Friendsville Mobile Food Market at the Library on May 14, 2025 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 May 14, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., offering complimentary blood pressure checks for all interested attendees.
📅 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!
Garrett County Health Department
Community Health Outreach Worker
301.334.7777
Please spread the word and share the class details with your friends and family.
❗ Important Notice: If school is canceled, classes will not be held.
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!
Friend Family Association of America Museum & Genealogy Library
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.
Chauncey Mason Friend February 6, 1904 - November 26, 2007
Chaucey was a 5th generation decendent of John Friend Sr. (Old John)
Chauncey was a devoted volunteer at the Friend Family Association and served as manager of the friendship gift shop from 1984 when the Association was moved to Friendsville.
Chaucey was liked by all visitors to the museum for his knowledge and easy going nature. Volunteers who worked with Chauncey amired his dedication to the FFAA and his willingness to help in any way.
Chauncey seved as Mayor of Friendsville from 1970 to 1972 and was instrumental in establishing the Senior Center in Friendsville.
Chauncey served as a school teacher in Garrett County for 47 years. He taught in one room school houses and at both Friendsville and Northern High.
Chauncey was once quoted as saying " It was a great time to be born, four years into the 20th Century" he was once asked about his longevity which he replied "I never drank, smoked or chased wild women. The Dear Lord granted me with this long life during which I have seen many changes, some good, some not so good"
Friendsville Ruth Enlow Library
Gardening Classes: Vegetable Gardening 101- On a Budget 04/17/2025 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Calling all gardening enthusiasts! Join us as we learn about growing perennial food crops and easy small fruits for your garden.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Please contact the Friendsville Library to register or email Melissa Custer at melissa@relib.net for more information.
LEGO Club ~04/22/2025 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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.
Culinary Connections Cookbook Club ~ 05/07/2025 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 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.
STEAM KIDS! ~ 05/13/2025 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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.
Student Discovery Series: Make A Pizza Garden
Do you love pizza? Join us to learn how to grow everything you need to make your own pizza sauce/toppings! You’ll get to plant a selection of herbs/plants or seeds in your very own grow bag to create your own “pizza garden”. You’ll even get to enjoy a slice of pizza when you’re finished!
Note: This program will be held at the Friendsville Riverside Community Park, Pavilion #2.
This program is a part of Ruth Enlow Library's Student Discovery Series. Our volunteer presenters offer a wide variety of enrichment programs for K- 12 students and their families. Space is limited and registration is required.
Please contact the Friendsville Library or email Melissa Custer at melissa@relib.net to register.
GC Dept. of Social Services Assistance Program ~ 05/14/2025 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.
The Friendsville Veterans Memorial will be setting 8 of the 13 Flagpoles, in the month of May. This will make the memorial visible for interstate route 68. We are looking at the September, October timeframe for the center Monument to be delivered to the site.
Friendsville is Garrett County’s oldest settlement established in 1765. It is a hub for Adventure, Nature and History. Friendsville is enjoying new energy with a vibrant outdoor lifestyle centered around its riverside location with a restaurant/pub, pharmacy, liquor store, healing oil boutique and more. Come for a day of water sports or a gentle walk along the river followed by a stroll through town or a family picnic in the park. You’ll want to stay for a lifetime.
