Community Events
Chessie Federal Credit Union
Chessie Federal Credit Union lobbies will be closed until further notice
Standard Bank
Standard Bank lobbies will be closed until further notice
Lonaconing Ship Program and Free Food Program
Due to Covid-19 the Lonaconing Ship Program and the Free Food Program is cancelled until further notice.
WMHS Auxillary Cancels Snow Ball 2021
The WMHS Auxiliary, serving UPMC Western Maryland, has announced the cancellation of this year's Snow Ball event. In its 65 years, this has marked a first for the region's premiere black-tie affair. "We faced a difficult decision in 2021," claimed Julie Davis, Auxiliary president and co-chair of the event. "Though needs are ongoing, we could not justify a large gathering while COVID continues to plague us. The committee felt stong that this was not a year to host a celebration or risk the spread of infection." The Snow Ball raises more than $80,000 annually towards projects that support UPMC Western Maryland. In 2019, Auxiliary leadership made a $1 million pledge over six years toward the new Center for Hope and Healing, a substance abuse and behavioral health facility dedicated to patients struggling with opioid and other addictions. To date, Snow Ball contributions have helped the Auxiliary meet half of that goal. Mirjhana Buck cultivates corporate sponsorships for Snow Ball. As cancellation notices are mailed in the coming weeks, she said donors will have an opportunity to support the Center this year through a special fundraising initiative. "Our donors make a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction," said Buck. "In lieu of Snow Ball 2021, we are coordinating a virtual strategic effort to connect our sponsors with the life-changing work at the Center of Hope and Healing, so that patients there will know they are not forgotten". For more information or to add your name to the mailing list, contact the Auxiliary by phone at 240-964-8051 or by email at cosgrovesr@upmc.edu
Allegany County Library System
After careful consideration, the Allegany County Library System regret to announce that they will be postponing the reopening of the county libraries. Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the community, the library administration and staff feel that the time and circumstances are no longer right to move forward into Phase 4 and continue with the reopening of the libraries. Library staff will continue serving you safely through Sidewalk Service until a new date is scheduled to move to Phase 4. The library administration will be monitoring local metrics closely to determine a new date to reopen the libraries. Please visit www.alleganycountylibrary.info for updates on reopening plans and information about library services.
Allegany County Library System Community Blue Bookshelves
The Allegany County Library System is partnering with local businesses and organizations to provide free books to children living in underserved neighborhoods in Allegany County. Seven blue bookshelves will be placed in community spaces aroung the county and stocked with children's picture books. The library will also be stocking children's picture books in the Little Free Libraries located at the Banneker Gardens and Jane Frazier communities. Children will be able to select books to keep and read at home. Through this program, the library hopes to increase access to books for children and families that are not able to regularly visit a library building. Promoting early literacy is a key objective in the Allegany County Library System straregic plan. Research shows that having books at home has a positive effect on literacy and academic success. Reading with your children helps develop vocabulary and comprehension, and encourages a love for reading. Community bookshelves will be stocked while supplies last by the Allegany County Library System. For more imformation about this program please contact Program Specialist, Kate Metzger at 301-777-1200 or kmetzger@alleganycountylibrary.info.
Resources for Independence
Resources for Independence is excited to announce an additional program that Western Maryland community members with disabilities can now benefit from. Through the current pandemic, the staff at RFI are dedicated to making resources available for individuals with disabilities during emergencies, or when their consumer's normal routines are disrupted. With this mission in mind, they have collaborated with local food banks and other agencies to create and dispense emergency preparedness kits to help families feel more secure when facing the unknown. Kits provided by the Emergency Preparedness Program from Resources for Independence include: First aid-basic antiseptic, bandages, gloves, and masks, Water, Non-perishable food, Manual can opener, Flashlight batteries, Soap, toilet paper, toothpaste & toothbrush. These kits filled with home essentials can be delivered directly to individuals with disabilities and their families upon request. If you would like to inquire about the Emergency Preparedness Program and would like to sign your family up to receive a kit, please reach out to Resources for Independence by calling 301-784-1774, or by filling out the contact page at http://www.rficil.org/. Resources for Independence (RFI) is a Center for Independent Living (CIL). Centers for Independent Living are grassroots, advocacy driven organizations run by and for people with disabilities. They focus on civil rights, the indenpendent living philosophy, and inclusion. If you would like to learn more about the services RFI provides to the community, and how you can get involved, visit hhtp://www.rficil.org/, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin.
Hounds Around Town
Looking for a day filled with furry friends and fun? Then look no further than the Allegany County Animal Shelter's "Hounds Around Town" program, which allows individuals to sign a shelter dog out for the day. Being situated in the beautiful mountains of Western Maryland presents a great opportunity for our shelter dogs to experience the joy of a long walk, hike or run in many of the area's scenic locations. Looking for something more low-key? No problem, we have many pups that would enjoy an afternoon of lounging on a couch, a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood or maybe a trip for ice cream. The most important thing is you are giving an adoptable shelter dog a much-needed break from the kennels and providing enrichment and socialization. For more information on the "Hounds Around Town" program, contact the shelter at 301-777-5930
NextReads Newsletters
For those that love reading the latest and greatest books but have a hard time keeping up with all the new great titles that come out, the Allegany County Library System had started a new perfect service, NextReads Newsletter! Patrons can now sign up to receive monthly emails with a list of new books in your favorite genres! The best part is that the list is linked to the library catalog so you can instantly place a request and be one of the first to read all those new books! It's super easy to sign up, just go to their website www.alleganycountylibrary.info/nextreads, select the genres or topics of your reading interest, enter your email, and you are all set!
Let's Get Lit!
From the staff of the Allegany County Library System another great service for the book and movie lovers out there, a new podcast/video series from the ACLS staff called "Let's Get Lit!". In this series, library staff discuss and give a surefire reading, listening, and watching recommendations. There is a mixture of new and old titles from their collection that patrons will enjoy. New episodes are released every second and fourth of the month and are available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcast.
JANUARY
Sunday, January 11, 2021 – February 25, 2021
Virtual Story Time
Your favorite Story Time librarians will be broadcasting live Story Times straight to your computer! Beginning the week of January 11, virtual Story Times will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays and on Wednesdays at 2:00PM on the Zoom Webinar platform! Story Time LIVE will run through the end of February. The Virtual Story Times will use the Zoom webinar platform, which will only show the friendly faces of Miss Kate, Miss Stacy, and Miss Misty – that means pajama attire and bad hair days are welcome! To join the event, please visit the Allegany County Library System Facaebook page, www.facebook.com/alleganycounty library, 10 minutes before the start of the event to obtain the Zoom link for the day. Looking for more Story Times? Bring Story Time on-demand to your living room! Visit our YouTube channel and check out our Virtual Story Times playlist to wiggle and giggle with your favorite Story Time friends, Miss Kate, Miss Stacy, and Miss Misty any time of the day! For more imformation about Story Times and other library programs, please visit our website at www.alleganycountylibrary.info
Friday, January 29, 2021
Allegany Arts Council Emergency Grant Funding
The Allegany Arts Council is pleased to again offer emergency grant funding to local arts organizations in order to mitigate losses suffered due to COVID-19. Agencies are permitted to request any amount up to $1,000 per organization. Grants will be distributed until funding is depleted. Agencies which have continued to operate during the pandemic will be given priority consideration. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 29th, 2021. To submit an application, visit the Arts Council's website at www.alleganyartscouncil.org/grants/.
FEBRUARY
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Murray the Groundhog – Groundhog Day
Will Murray the Cumberland Groundhog see his shadow? Come out Tuesday, February 2nd 2021 at 7:00AM at City Hall, 57 N. Liberty Street, as we welcome the furry prognosticator, to see if he can tell if there will be an early spring or 6 more weeks of winter. The Mayor and City Council will lead the celebration as Murray emerges from his cozy tree stump to predict whether we are heading into an early spring or if winer is sticking around. The event will live-streamed. Masks required if attending in person.
Thursday, February 11, 2021
AHEC West-Mental Health and Suicide Risks in Later Life: Prevention & Early Intervention Virtual Conference
A virtual conference will be held courtesy of AHEC West, Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 8:30AM to 12:45PM. This half-day interactive conference will explore why suicidal ideation in older adults is often missed while examining rish factors and warning signals. Contact Meredith Hockman, Central Maryland Area Health Education Center, MeredithHockman@centralmarylandahec.org
Friday, February 12, 2021
7th Annual Allegany National Photography Competition & Exhibition
The Allegany Arts Council is now accepting entries for the 7th Annual Allegany National Photography Competition & Exhibition (ANPCE). The deadline for entries is February 12th 2021 and can be entered at https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=8258. Now entering its 7th year, what began as a small, regional competition has grown to cover more than 18 states. In 2020 with more than 800 entries, an outstanding class of photographers were selected, once more raising the bar. With more than $5000 in prizes, you won't want to miss entering your best work in this highly recognized competition. Entries are being accepted in three categories: Black & White, Color, and Photography as Sculpture. They will be hosting a series of virtual, photography-related workshops in the months ahead, so get those cameras our and start shooting.
Sunday, February 14, 2021
A Sonnet for Your Sweetheart
Looking for a unique gift for your special someone this Valentine's Day? Look no further because this year the Embassy Theatre has just what you need. Introducing "A Sonnet for Your Sweetheart" That's right for just $20 (or 2 for $30), you can send a unique declaration of love and admiration to your sweetheart, mother, father, sister, brother, best friend or favorite enemy! Ordering is simple. Visit the webpage at https://embassytheatrecorp.org/ and click on the "A Sonnet for Your Sweetheart" button on the main page. From there, you will be directed to an order form where you will select your favorite of the poem options provided and plug in your payment and delivery information. You can even choose customizations like a special note or a song request. All messages are personalized and recorded by one of our talented actors from the Embassy Theatre. Messages are delivered to the recipient via email on Valentine's Day, Sunday, February 14th. The deadline to place orders is Friday, Febuart 12th, 2021 at 12:00 noon, so don't wait until the last minute. Ensure your sweetheart receives a memorable gift from you this Valentine's Day.
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Community Development Block Grant Project Deadline
The City's Community Development Block grant application packages are available, the deadline to submit a project request is Wednesday, February 17, 2021. The City of Cumberland solicits for Community Development Block Grant Project Requests for the 2021 Annual Action Plan, which begins July 1, 2021. The City will be receiving approximately $750,000 in CDBG funds this coming year. Project requests must be developed to meet one of the following national objectives: 1) primarily benefit low-income persons, 2) be of an urgent and otherwise non-refundable need, or 3) address slum/blight. The City's Consolidated Plan has identified needs for the area's low-income and special needs populations, and must also address at least one of those priority goals/objectives described in the 5- year plan. Eligible activities may include acquisition, blight removal, housing, neighborhood improvements, recreation, beautification, job creation activities, public facilities, public services, and infrastructure improvements. Project requests are rated and ranked based on initial eligibility, ability to address an identified goal in Consolidated Plan, agency capacity/experience, project complexity, matching funds, and funding availability. Contact Ms. Lee Borror, Department of Community Development, 301-759-6437 or TDD# 1-800-735-2258, lee.borror@cumberlandmd.gov.
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Working in Harmony: Exploring Visual and Thematic Connections
A discussion will take place Saturday, February 20th, 2021 with West Virginia University Painting Professor, Hannah K. Freeman and Frostburg State University Photography Professor, Robert Hein, will discuss the visual and thematic connections between Freeman's exhibit, on display at the Allegany Arts Council February 6-27, and the work of contemporary photographers. The talk will focus on finding meaningful and relatable points between the two mediums, and to explore how the two can interconnect in the creation of new work. Cost for Non-Members is $15.00 and Free for Members. To register, please contact art@alleganyarts.org or 301-777-2787. Advanced registration is required and a Zoom link will be sent to participants the day prior or the event.
MARCH
Monday, March 1, 2021
City of Cumberland Department of Parks & Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Department has begun accepting applications for seasonal employment for life guard. Application Deadline is Monday March 1st, 2021. Individuals will be needed to operate the Constition Park pool, open approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day. These employees will be required to serve as lifeguard and work in the admission and basket checking sections. All applications must be at least 15 years old and have a current Lifeguard Certification issued by the Red Cross or the YMCA. Applications for employment are available at the Cumberland Parks & Recreation Department Office, in the lower level of City Hall, 57 N. Liberty Street Cumberland, or may be mailed out by request. Additional questions may be directed to Diane Johnson, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department at 301-759-6636 or diane.johnson@cumberlandmd.gov. Hiring is based on experience, personal qualifications, and maturity.
Monday, March 15, 2021
City of Cumberland Department of Parks and Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Department has begun accepting applications for seasonal employment for Day Camp Staff. Application deadline is Monday, March 15th, 2021. Position include senior counselors, with specialty areas of arts and crafts, tennis instructor, sports coordinator, and camp administration. Applications must be 18 years of age or older and have experience working with children. This is for an eight or nine-week period Monday to Friday from June through August. The camp is operated at Constitution Park. Applications for employment are available at the Cumberland Parks & Recreation Department Office, in the lower level of City Hall, 57 N. Liberty Street in Cumberland, or may be mailed out by request. Additional questions may be directed to Diane Johnson, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department at 301-759-6636 or diane.johnson@cumberlandmd.gov. Hiring is based on experience, personal qualifications, and maturity.
