On behalf of the Mayor and Town Council, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful Christmas and a peaceful holiday season. May this time be filled with happiness, togetherness, and cherished memories with family and friends.

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 16, 2024. Participants can look forward to the eagerly awaited winners' announcement.

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.

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 at the Friendsville Community Park, located at Old River Road, Friendsville, MD 21531.

Market will be held in the rear parking lot on Lions Circle Drive .

Let us make your day brighter with our one-stop-shop for your essential needs.

Garrett County Department of Public Works – Solid Waste & Recycling Division has announced the holiday schedule for the landfill and the six waste collection sites.

The landfill is currently operating on the winter schedule of Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. with the following holiday closures:

Christmas Holiday Hours: Closed Wednesday, December 25, 2024

New Years Holiday Hours: Closed Wednesday, January 1, 2025

The holiday waste collection schedule is also included on the county calendar located on the Garrett County Government website homepage at http://www.garrettcountymd.gov/.

As a reminder, the 2025 residential waste permits are now available. Current permit holders can renew on the county website (https://www.garrettcountymd.gov/public-works/solid-waste-recycling/refuse-site-permits) with no need for a new sticker. A $85 fee applies.

Also, the Christmas Tree recycling program will resume this season. More information can be found on our website at https://www.garrettcountymd.gov/public-works/solid-waste-recycling/christmas-tree-recycling

For any questions or additional information, please contact the Solid Waste & Recycling office at 301-387-0322.

Garrett County Government, in partnership with the Ruth Enlow Libraries, continues to offer free Chromebooks to income-qualifying households in Garrett County. This program seeks to bridge the digital divide by providing families with essential tools for educational and professional success.

To date, the Garrett County Government Broadband team has distributed over 1,400 of the 1,900 available Chromebooks to eligible families. The Chromebooks are available while supplies last. Limit one Chromebook per household address in Maryland.

"We believe that access to technology is essential in today's digital world. Through this effort, we want to connect Garrett County residents with the means to enhance their educational, professional, and personal opportunities," said Cheryl DeBerry, Broadband & Energy Manager for Garrett County Government and program coordinator.

To be eligible for a free Chromebook, households must have at least one full-time resident whose income falls within the income guidelines of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The income qualification levels are based on household size, ranging from $30,120 for a single-person household up to $94,680 for a seven-person household. Documentation such as government-issued identification, proof of residence, and income verification is required at the distribution sites. Income can be verified by participation in various federal programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, etc.

A simple application form is also required. Paper copies are available at the libraries or for download and print here: https://bit.ly/46DjMrM

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 10, 2024 and Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Town of Friendsville residents will cast their ballots for three Council Members in the February 11, 2025, election. The terms of office for the three Council Members will expire in March 2025.

Board of Elections

Town of Friendsville

Robin Sines, Election Board Chairperson

Any resident of the Town of Friendsville who is registered with the Garrett County Board of Elections or the Town of Friendsville Election Board, have attained the age of twenty-one (21) years by the date of the election and have resided within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Friendsville for at least six (6) months prior to the election may file a Petition for Office for one of three Town Council Members positions in the February 11, 2025, municipal election. They must submit a PETITION of OFFICE form with the Clerk/Treasurer by 12:00 noon on Monday, January 13, 2025.

The Clerk/Treasurer will be available at the Town Hall Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Members of the current Town Government who are eligible to seek re-election are Council Members James M. Hook, Sheryl A. MacLane and Robert H. Sines. The term runs for a period of two years, expiring the first Monday of March 2025.

If additional information is required, please contact the Clerk/Treasurer at
301-746-5919.

As per the provisions 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 in the second year (even year) of their term, shall be held on the second Tuesday, in February, and those elected shall hold office for a term of two (2) years from the date of their election and qualification.
• If during the even year only one candidate runs for Mayor and no more than three candidates for Town Council, then there will not be an election and they will be declared elected.
• The election of three (3) members of the Council whose terms shall expire on the first Monday in March in the second year (odd year) of their term, shall be held the second Tuesday in February and those elected shall hold office for a term of two (2) years from the date of their election and qualification.
• If during the odd year, no more than three candidates run for Town Council, then there will not be an election and they will be declared elected.

The Mayor and Town Council play crucial roles in decision-making, policy implementation, and representing the interests of our diverse 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!

Title I Night December 10 from 5:00-7:00 for all Friendsville Elementary Families

Join us on Wednesday, December 11, with performances at 9:30 AM and 1:15 PM. In case of inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled for Monday, December 18, at the same times.

All community members are invited to attend the annual Hickory Environmental Education Center Holiday Open House on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 5 to 7 PM. Visitors can tour the nature hall and view a short program in the planetarium. Light refreshments will be provided, and the event is free of charge. Hickory is located at 604 Pride Parkway, Accident, MD 21520. For additional information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Mr. Jason Shank at 301-746-8461 or jason.shank@gcps.net.

Congratulations to The Burk Family (Dave, Valene, Blake, and Gentry) for winning Best Vehicle, and to Maci and Kendal Beachy and Wanda, Molly, and Anna, who tied for Best UTV/ATV/Golf Cart!

We can’t wait to see your creative entries again next year, so start getting your vehicles ready!

🍎 Mobile Food Market: Catch us at the Friendsville Mobile Food Market at the Library on December 11, 2024 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 December 11, 2024 from 10:00am to 12:00pm, offering complimentary blood pressure checks for all interested attendees.

😷GCHD Community Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

(Grantsville) 12/13/24

Follow this link to schedule an appointment: https://garretthealth.org/flu-2024/

📅 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

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!

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.

friendfamilyassociation.com

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.

Please join us, for a delightful afternoon, as we celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy delicious cookies, fresh popcorn, and hot cocoa while listening to festive holiday tunes. Kids can enjoy a variety of crafts and activities. Be sure to enter our door prize drawings for both kids and adults. We look forward to seeing you as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

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.

• Christmas - December 24 & 25, 2024
• New Year's Day - January 01, 2025

In observance of Christmas & New Year's Day,

the town hall office will be closed on

Wednesday, December 25, 2024 & Wednesday, January 1, 2025 .