Friendsville Newsletter

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Garrett County Department of Business Development, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Mountain Peak Soap Company on Monday, October 27. The event was attended by Chamber representatives, town officials, community members, and local business leaders. Mayor Schlosnagle joined owner Kelsey Artice in cutting the ribbon, signifying the start of a new chapter for both the business and the town. Residents gathered to show their support, enjoying refreshments and tour of the new store. Kelsey expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome, emphasizing her excitement to serve the community and contribute to Friendsville’s local economy.

Mountain Peak Soap Company is located at 254 Maple Street Suite A, Friendsville, MD 21531and specializes in artisan goat milk soaps, lotions, bath bombs and other handcrafted body products.

The Town of Friendsville extends its best wishes to Mountain Peak Company for a successful future and thanks everyone who attended the ribbon cutting to celebrate this exciting new addition to our community.

YOU'RE INVITED

WEBINAR: Garrett County Property Tax Credits
November 21, 2025

12:00 PM EST

Register

Thousands of dollars in property tax savings go unclaimed every year in Garrett County—don't let yours be one of them. Join tax attorneys Tina Azarvand, Esq., LL.M. and Candice Miller, Esq. for this informative webinar designed specifically for the Garrett County community to discover the property tax credits and exemptions available right here in Garrett County. Garrett County residents often don't realize the full extent of property tax relief programs available to them. Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner who owns real property in the county, there may be tax credits or incentives that could significantly reduce your tax burden.

We'll explore both statewide Maryland property tax credits and Garrett County's local programs, including the Maryland Homeowners' Property Tax Credit (HOTC) with Garrett County's supplement, Garrett County's notably low 3% Homestead Property Tax Credit cap, and the County Business Property Tax Incentive Program for new and expanding businesses. We'll also discuss what the Homestead Property Tax Credit can mean for first-time homebuyers and how it protects all homeowners from dramatic assessment increases.

Don't leave money on the table—discover how Garrett County's property tax relief programs can work for you!

Fees/Admission

FREE to attend!

Location

Zoom link provided at registration

🌟 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!

November 12, 2025, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
Holiday items are available on the truck this month!
This includes stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and other similar items.
December 10, 2025, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (weather permitting)

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

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.

Any resident of the Town of Friendsville who is registered with either the Garrett County Board of Elections or the Town of Friendsville Election Board, is at least twenty-one (21) years of age by the date of the election, and has lived within the corporate limits of the Town for at least six (6) months prior to the election, is eligible to file a Petition for Office for the position of Mayor or one of the three Town Council Member seats in the municipal election scheduled for February 10, 2026. They must submit a Petition for Office with the Clerk/Treasurer by 12:00 noon on Monday, January 12, 2026.

The following members of the current Town Government are eligible to seek reelection: Mayor Spencer R. Schlosnagle and Council Members Pamela S. Humberson, Edward B. Kelley, and Michael E. Artice. Their current two-year terms will expire on the first Monday of March 2026.

As per the provision outlined in the Charter of the Town of Friendsville Section 5-103. The election of the Mayor and three (3) members of the Town Council, whose terms shall expire on the first Monday in March will be held on Tuesday, February, 10, 2026. The Mayor and Town Council play crucial roles in decision-making, policy implementation, and representing the interests of our community. As we move forward, it is essential to have dedicated individuals committed to serving Friendsville with integrity and vision.

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!

This a friendly reminder that we have a secure, locked drop box available for after-hours use. If you need to drop off any important documents or items outside of office hours, you can find the drop box located near the main entrance of the Friendsville Town Hall.

Please note that the Town of Friendsville has updated its official email addresses.

Going forward, all correspondence should be sent to:

📧 Town Inquiries: town@friendsvillemd.gov

📧 Mayor Correspondence: mayor@friendsvillemd.gov

The mayor will no longer be using his personal email for Town of Friendsville matters, so please update your records to ensure smooth and uninterrupted communication.

11/18/2025: K/1st students will spend the day at the Hickory Environmental Center in Accident, exploring and learning about nature and space.

11/25/2025: Pre-K and 5th grade students will prepare food to share with their families as part of a Thanksgiving celebration.

Our mission is to encourage and uplift businesses throughout the area.

Next meeting will be held on

November 20, 2025 6:00 p.m.
at The Anchor church Conference Room.

2026 officers

President: Jennifer Uphold

Vice-President: Mike Robinson

Treasurer: John Crosky

Secretary: Kelsey Artice

Communications Coordinator: Alea Donahue

Join us Friday, December 5th | 3–7 PM for a magical evening filled with holiday cheer!

The streets of Friendsville will come alive with twinkling lights, festive music, and the spirit of the season.

What to Expect:

• One-of-a-kind handmade gifts

• Delicious local food & drinks

• Cozy holiday atmosphere

• Fun for the whole family

Vendors Wanted!

We’re seeking talented makers, crafters, food vendors, and local businesses to help make this year’s market our best yet.

Questions or vendor sign-up: Email GFBAinfo@gmail.com or scan the QR code to apply!

Let’s celebrate the season together and support our amazing local community.

Come out and decorate your vehicle and bring in the Christmas spirit, end with fires, hot cocoa and fellowship at the fire hall!

Bring a Christmas ornament to bingo to hang on our tree to be entered in a chance to win a $25 gift card!

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!

Click on link below to explore and stay connected with the University of Maryland Extension.

Please join us to play Mah Jongg at the Friendsville Library on Tuesdays from 1:30-4:00pm. Meet new friends and exercise your brain! If you don't know how to play, we'll teach you!

For more information, please contact the Friendsville Library at 301-746-5663 or email Melissa at melissa@relib.net.

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.

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.

No registration required

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.

Paula Thomas is a certified etiquette consultant with a specialty in Afternoon Tea etiquette. Join her as she shares the fascinating history of tea, its journey from ancient China to the drawing rooms of Georgian and Edwardian England, and the ancient rituals that defined the art of taking tea. Paula brings to life the refined world of manners, conversation, and grace that would have been familiar to Jane Austen herself. Discover the differences between white, green, oolong and black tea. Learn the proper etiquette for serving tea and taking tea, and understand the social meaning behind Afternoon Tea, High Tea, Cream Tea and more. Whether you are a Jane Austen devotee, a tea enthusiast, or simply curious about the customs of a more gracious age, this presentation offers a charming and educational journey into the genteel tradition that continues to enchant the world today.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a cup of tea can make any company more agreeable." There will be light refreshments to enjoy, as well as Jane Austen themed trivia. Add to the fun by dressing in afternoon tea attire (optional)- feel free to dress the part or simply come as you are!

Seating is limited. Please register online for this program or contact the Friendsville Library at 301-746-5663 or email Melissa at melissa@relib.net.

Join us for SuGO™, the not-so-ancient art of building Sumo Wrestling Robots using Lego Mindstorms. Participants will construct a SuGObot and then test their designs in a knock-down double-elimination SuGO™ tournament.

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 at 301-746-5663 or email melissa@relib.net to register

• Veteran's Day November 11, 2025
• Thanksgiving Eve November 26, 2025 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Thanksgiving Day November 27, 2025

🍎 Mobile Food Market: Catch us at the Friendsville Mobile Food Market at the Library on November 12, 2025 from 2pm to 4pm. We'll be there to connect with the community and provide information on our initiatives.

📅 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!

Jaime Spano

Garrett County Health Department

Community Health Outreach Worker

301.334.7777