Community Events
Health Themed Story Time
The Allegany County Library System is partnering with Mountian Laurel Medical Center to offer special health-themed Story Times during the months of November and December. Staff from Mountain Laurel Medical Center will read stories of Diggory Doo and Drew adventures that cover health topics such as overcoming the fear of going to the doctor, controlling emotions, and more. Following Story Time, participants can enjoy a craft and healthy snack. These special Story Times are appropriate for children ages 5 and under. Mountain Laurel Medical Center Story Times will follow the schedule below: December 14 at 10:30AM – Washington Street Library December 15 at 12:30PM – Frostburg Library December 19 at 11:00AM – LaVale Library
Mountain Laurel Medical Centers are primary clinics located in Oakland, Granstville, and Westernport. MLMC's mission is to provide high-quality healthcare regardless of ability to pay. MLMC is always accepting new patients.
Little Free Library
Little Free Library has opened in Historic downtown Cumberland. The Minecraft-themed Little Free Library is located at the corner of Merchants Alley and South Liberty Street. Take a boo, leave a book. If you see a book you would like to read, feel free to take it with you. Return it to the Little Free Library when you have finished. Give a book and help keep this Little Free Library operating by leaving a book for others to read.
WV Parenting
There are currently 6,900 children in the state care in West Virgina, many of these children need a home. Burlington United Methodist Family Services is requestiong your help. They are in need of Foster Parents and loving homes. For more information on becoming a Foster Parent, please call 1-877-23-CHILD (24453), their friendly stasff are ready to talk to you!
Medication Take Back
The Allegany County Sheriff's Office will once again be conducting medication take back event, times and locations to be announced in the near future. Currently, home pickups are available to be scheduled at your convenience. To schedule a home pickup contact Sgt. J.M. Dowden by calling or texting at 301-876-2419 or email jdowden@alleganygov.org. Unused medications will be picked up by Allegany County Sheriffs Deputies and destroyed by the Allegany County Health Department. This initiative aims to prevent the misuse of old or surplus medication as well as prevent the improper disposal of medications into landfills and the environment. No personal information is asked or obtained. The Sheriff's Office operation is made by grant funding sponsored by the Allegany County Health Department and the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Population Health Improvement-Opioid Misuse Prevention Program. For more information on the proper starage and disposal of medications, visit www.prescribechangeallegany.org.
Kids Learn About Nutrition & Grocery Shopping at the Library
The Allegany County Library System is partnering with the Western Maryland Food Bank and UPMC Western Maryland to offer 12 mini market events for kids in the coming months. Staff & volunteers from the Western Maryland Food Bank will talk with each child about nutrition and help guide them in choosing foods that are right for them. Kids will get to take home the food they select from the mini market, also stocked by the Western Maryland Food Bank. Each shopping expience takes about 15 minutes and pre-registration is required. Shopping bags will be provided by UPMC Western Maryland and include information for adults about prediabetes screening and diabetes prevention and self-management programs available at UPMC Western Maryland. Find out more about these programs at www.UPMCWesternMaryland.com/FindOut. The mini-market will start on August 1 at the Washington Street Library and run at alternating libraries through August and September. To see a full schedule and to register for a mini-market experience, please visit www.alleganycountylibrary.info/myminimarket.
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Western Maryland Chapter
The Western Maryland chapter of the National Federation of the Blind is seeking new members as it starts its local membership drive! Are you blind, visually impaired or know someone who is or maybe you work with the visually impaired? Consider joining the state's fastest growing chapter here in Western Maryland. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles betwen blind people and our dreams. For more information about the Western Maryland chapter and the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland please call 443-426-4110 or email at info@nfbmd.org.
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. 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
NOVEMBER
Friday, November 25 – Saturday, December 31, 2022
Holiday Market
The Allegany Arts Council is pleased to again host a Holiday Market, which will run Friday, November 25th to Saturday, December 31st. The Holiday Market will showcase the original work of local artists and makers. The theme of this year's market is "A Few of My Favorite Things" and will open on Black Friday just in time for holiday shopping and will be open during the downtown Cumberland Christmas Tree Lighting.
Saturday, November 26 – Saturday, December 17, 2022
Breakfast with Santa Saturdays
It's time for one of the kiddos' favorite events of the year, Breakfast with Santa kicks off Saturday, November 26th and takes place every Saturday through Saturday, December 17th. Reservations are required, please check visitcumberland.org for times and locations.
DECEMBER
Friday, December 9 – Sunday, December 11, 2022
"Schoolhouse Rock Live" – Embassy Theatre
The Embassy Theatre is proud to present "Schoolhouse Rock Live", Friday, December 9th to Sunday, December 11th. The performaces open at 8:00PM on Friday & Saturday and 2:00PM on Sunday. "Schoolhouse Rock Live" is based on the animated musical educational series created by David McCall. Teacher, Tom is nervous for his first day of teaching, when he turns on "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" the characters come alive and help him prepare for his lesson. It features popular songs including "I'm Just a Bill", "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly", and "Do the Circulation". Directed and Musical Direction by Sawyer Jenkins, Choreography by Denise Adams. Admission for the performace is $18 for adults amd $16 for seniors and students. Advanced tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite, or at the box office until sold out. For more information, visit facebook.com/embassytheatrecumberland, or call the office at 240-362-7183 to make reservations
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Photos with Frosty the Snowman
Bring your camera or cell phone, your fur baby and get a picture of two with Frosty the Snowman, Saturday, December 10th, 10:00AM-1:00PM at the Barkin' Basement Thrift Shop on the Downtown mall. Frosty will be waiting in front of the shop, kids and adults are welcome too!
Allegany Arts Council Annual Open House
The Annual Holiday Open House is a way for the Arts Council to thank the community for an incredible year and revel in an afternoon of festive spirit, Saturday, December 10th, 3:00PM-5:00PM. Visitors will enjoy warm drinks and holiday goodies, hear festive music and shop the Holiday Market, featuring handmade gifts created by local artists and artisans. This event is free and the public is invited to attend.
The Loft 129 Christmas Gala
The Loft 129 Christmas Gala is back, Saturday, December 10th, 8:00PM-10:20PM. Vocalist Barry Gurley and Beau Hartman, with support from some of the finest musicians in the region, highlighting a special evening of holiday music. Classic songs from artists such as Nat King Cole, Brenda Lee, Donny Hathaway, Andy Williams, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, and more will fill the Loft with the sounds of the season. This event also serves as their annual fundraiser to support the arts in downtown Cumberland. Last year's gala sold out, so get your tickets early. Advance tickets – $20, at the door -$22 www.tickettailor.com/events/loft129/799057.
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Highland Arts Unlimited – "Home for the Holidays"
Come home for the Holidays as Highland Arts Unlimited welcomes back West Virgnia's own Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., the 2011 winner of America's Got Talent, Saturday, December 3rd at 3:00PM in the Church-McKee Arts Center at Potomac State College. Celebrate with Mr. Murphy for his 12th annual "Home for the Holidays" Christmas Tour by doing 12 performaces in 12 different towns across West Virgnia. The 2022 Christmas tour will feature Murphy crooning his way through an all-new showed filled with Christmas classics and fan favorites. Tickets for the performace are $35 and can be purchased at the door of on Eventbrite.com. Admission is free to HAU members and Potomac State Cologe students. Area students under 18 are admitted free and younger children are admitted free with a paying adult. For more information call 304-788-3066 or 304-788-9465.
Christmas Crafting
Cumberland area Seniors are invited to join in at The Kensington, Wednesday, December 14th, 4:00PM-6:00PM, One Baltimore Street, as they decorate Christmas ornaments, enjoy hot chocolate and snacks and celebrate the holidays! A special prize drawing will be held. Kindly RSVP to Becky by 12/7, 301-777-8800, rdonnellan@kensington-evergreen.com.
Friday, December 16 – Sunday, December 18, 2022
"Schoolhouse Rock Live" – Embassy Theatre
The Embassy Theatre is proud to present "Schoolhouse Rock Live", Friday, December 16th to Sunday, December 18th. The performaces open at 8:00PM on Friday & Saturday and 2:00PM on Sunday. "Schoolhouse Rock Live" is based on the animated musical educational series created by David McCall. Teacher, Tom is nervous for his first day of teaching, when he turns on "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" the characters come alive and help him prepare for his lesson. It features popular songs including "I'm Just a Bill", "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly", and "Do the Circulation". Directed and Musical Direction by Sawyer Jenkins, Choreography by Denise Adams. Admission for the performace is $18 for adults amd $16 for seniors and students. Advanced tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite, or at the box office until sold out. For more information, visit facebook.com/embassytheatrecumberland, or call the office at 240-362-7183 to make reservations
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Jingle Run
Frankfort High School's cross country teams will sponsor their 18th annual Jingle 5K run and kid's mile on Saturday, December 17th, beginning at 9:00AM at Fort Ashby Primary School. Registration is from 7:30AM to 8:40AM. The race will start at Fort Ashby Primary School and proceed on down Dan's Run Road. A Kid's mile will immediately follow the 5K. Registration is $20. T-shirts are available to all pre-registered participants and while supplies last. Awards are given to top three runners in each age group and ribbons given to all children 10 and under. For more information and registration form, go to the Queen City Striders Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/266896242009/ or runsighup.com/Race/WV/FortAshby/Frankfort5KJingleRun or pick up a registration form at Frankfort High School. For questions contact Coach Phillips at jcphillips@k12.wv.us or call Frankfort High School at 304-726-4767. All proceeds go to help support Frankfort Cross Country Program.
Allegany County Animal Shelter's Presents for Paws
Come out and celebrate Christmas with the Allegany County Animal Shelter's Presents for Paws, Saturday, December 17th, 11AM-8PM. Celebrating Christmas with the animal shelter is an amazingly rewarding experience for elves of all ages. ACAS invites everyone to come see all the positive changes they've made and continue to make and help bring Christmas to the animals with donations of supplies, toys, blankets and pet food that will help the shelter succeed with their lifesaving mission. Light refreshments will be served. Located at 716 Furnace street or call 301-777-5930, or www.alleganyanimalshelter.org.
Sunday, December 18, 2022
Mountainside Baroque
A Festival of Lessons and Carols/Favorites Old and New, Sunday, December 18th at 5:00PM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Cumberland. An annual gift to the community from Mountainside Baroque, the program will feature the Scholars of St. Cecilia, Mountainside Baroque's resident chamber choir. The celebration will encompass six centuries of Christmas music, including traditional carols and readings by local clergy and officials. Mountianside Co-Artistic Directors, Ryan Mullaney and Lyle Nordstrom will lead The Scholars. This favorite holiday tradition is not a ticketed event, but donations will be welcomed.
First Congregational Church of Frostburg Christmas Cantata
The Choir of First Congregational Church of Frostburg will present it's Christmas Cantata, "I'll Be Home for Christmas", Sunday, December 18th, at 10:45AM. This popular song is just one of the incredible songs of the season featured in this captivating cantata which also includes classics and hymns containing narration of heartfelt Christmas stories that will warm your heart. Also presented are a few new songs that are sure to entertain. Please join them for this festive musical tribute to the birth of our Savior, Jesus. The church is located at 103 Bowery Street, Frostburg, MD. All are welcome.
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Annual Ball Drop & Fireworks
The final event of the year on the Downtown Mall, the Annual Ball Drop and Fireworks Spectacular will be Saturday, December 31st from 9:00PM to 1:00AM. Cumberland's New Year's Eve Party will begin at 9:00PM and culmiate with the annual ball drop at midnight. Festivities include music by DJ Jimmy Hook from 10:30PM to midnight, giveaways, a street party with music, and the ball drop at midnight with fireworks. Join your friends for an fun evening, ringing in the New Year!
