The Mayor and Town Council of Friendsville, Maryland recently sent AW an open letter of thanks in response to an outpouring of donations and support for their development of a new public take-out for the Upper Youghiogheny River in their Town.  AW helped collect donations from the paddling community, and we are pleased to pass this thank-you on to the many paddlers that contributed to this cause - your donations were greatly appreciated!  The full text of the letter is copied below:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mayor and Town Council

Town of Friendsville

P.O. Box 9      

Friendsville, MD 21531

Founded 1765

June 5, 2012

Mark Singleton, President

American Whitewater

“A Big Thank You from the Friendsville Mayor and Town Council”

Just a few short months ago paddlers from across the country were asked to give contributions to help the Town of Friendsville develop a new 4-acre parcel of land that was gifted to the town for a parking lot.  WOW! What an overwhelming response from individuals and companies from all over this great land who have had the thrill of paddling on the beautiful Upper Yough in our little town.  We received many very generous donations from all walks of life, no matter how large or small the donations are greatly appreciated. I can assure you the town council and myself are very grateful for your generosity. 

The town is applying for additional grants for a restroom, changing room facilities and for parking lot development.  The state and county is working side by side with the town to help move this project forward.  We are currently waiting on two agencies in order to begin the next phase of our journey together.   As we continue to develop the Kendall Trail many more of you can spend additional time hiking and biking throughout our quaint little town.  Our business community really comes to life when the various paddlers come to town and we get to showcase everything we have to offer. 

As of today we have received $22,000 + in donations.  Again, I am just amazed at the amount of support each and every one of you have graciously given to our town and community.  Let us continue to work together to make this a reality that will be beneficial to so many people.

Sincerely,

Spencer R. Schlosnagle

Mayor