Friendsville Newsletter

As we welcome the new year, the Mayor and Town Council extend our sincere appreciation to every resident, business, and community partner who contributes to the growth and success of our town. Your involvement, ideas, and commitment are what make our community strong.

In the year ahead, we will continue focusing on responsible growth, infrastructure improvements, community safety, economic development, and quality-of-life initiatives. Through collaboration, thoughtful planning, and continued communication, we look forward to advancing projects that reflect our shared vision for the future.

We appreciate your continued support and engagement, and we encourage you to stay involved, attend meetings, share feedback, and participate in community events throughout the year.

Wishing everyone a prosperous, healthy, and inspiring start to the new year.

The Mayor & Town Council

The Town of Friendsville would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dred Lowdermilk, a valued member of our Maintenance Team, on his upcoming retirement.

Dred officially retired effective January 1, 2026, after years of dedicated service to our town. His hard work, reliability, and commitment have made a lasting impact on Friendsville, and we are grateful for all he has done to keep our community running smoothly.

Please join us in thanking Dred for his service and wishing him a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement!

The Town of Friendsville is seeking a full-time Maintenance Worker to help keep our community safe, clean, and beautiful. Duties include grounds and building maintenance, street and sidewalk repairs, equipment operation, and seasonal services such as snow removal. Applicants must be at least 18, have a valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation. Pay is competitive and based on experience, with benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Applications are available at Town Hall or by email request.

Deadline: Monday, January 26, 2026, at noon.
📧 town@friendsvillemd.gov

📞 301-746-5919

🌟 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!

• January 14, 2026, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Mobile Market cancelled today due to inclement weather)
• February 11, 2026 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

PLEASE NOTE that the meeting for the month of JANUARY has been changed to January 15, 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.

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!

📅No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no school on January 19.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parent Conferences – January 29
Parent Conferences will be held on January 29 from 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
There will be no school for students on this day while conferences are in session.

Thank you for staying informed and supporting our school community!

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

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

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

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.

Don't let cabin fever set in! Come out and join us at the Friendsville Library to learn the art of basic paper quilling. Create a beautiful greeting card for any occasion, while enjoying some creative comaraderie and light refreshments.

To register for this program, please email Melissa Custer at melissa@relib.net or call the Friendsville Library at 301-746-5663.

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.

• 01/19/2026 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

📅 Check out our flyers below.

Let's come together to make a positive impact in our community!

Jaime Spano

Garrett County Health Department

Community Health Outreach Worker

301.334.7777

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!

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.