Spectacular weather, beautiful scenery on the C&O Canal Towpath and at Shepherd’s Spring, great food, and lots of dedicated hikers made Saturday’s annual HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope the most successful in its history! Many thanks to all who came out to enjoy the perfect weather while supporting a great cause: HARC programs, including Micah’s Backpack and the Refugee Welcome Network. Many thanks to our sponsors and our amazing volunteers, who make this event a success every year. And BIG thanks to God’s Grace Fund for the very generous 2-1 match on our fundraising this year, as well as everyone who did fundraising to make the match count – BIG TIME! This year’s HARC Hike, which included Saturday’s main hike, 11 Virtual hikers, and a 20-mile Challenge Hike on May 18, raised $76,000 (with funds still coming in). Read more

Shepherd's Spring Camp & Retreat Center NEEDS STAFF URGENTLY! They had a number of people back out at the last minute; please help camp happen for 2024! Week of 6/16-21: NURSE! 3 male overnight staff (1 must be 18+, 2 can be 16+) / 2 female overnight staff (1 must be 18+, 1 can be 16+). Will be canceled 6/9 if staff requirements aren't met. Week of 6/23-28: 2 male overnight staff (both can be 16+) / 3 female overnight staff (1 must be 18+, 2 can be 16+). Will be canceled 6/16 if staff requirements aren't met. Email camp@shepherdspring.org to apply or ask for more details.

HARC Interfaith Choir forming this Fall to perform at HARC's annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and downtown during the holidays. Choir director wanted. Contact Sandy Boyer if interested.

Thanks to help from a volunteer, HARC's list of Food, Clothing and Personal Care Resources has been completely updated. There have been many changes, including removing some inactive listings and adding a new pantry. Please replace your old lists with this one and share with anyone in need of these services. If you have any questions or new updates, contact Kathy at director@harccoalition.org.

HARC is once again compiling summer (June-August) calendars of free and low-cost VBS, camps, and other activities for children and families. Find the latest version of JUNE our website (new VBS added). VBS coming up the week of June 17: Bethel UMC, Valley Grace Brethren, Welty Church of the Brethren, Zion & Christ Reformed UCC and Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene. Coming up the week of June 24: First Christian Church, Grace UMC, Hagerstown UMC, and Hagerstown Bible Church (Facebook, Flyer).

If you have a program to include in the July or August calendar, please send info to Charlotte ASAP: harcnewsflash@gmail.com. Please include date(s), times, location, a brief description, ages served, and how to sign up.

Catching dementia and Alzheimer's early allows seniors and those directly affected to play a key role in health decisions, making plans, and accessing tailored treatment and support services. And prevention is even better. Here are flyers from the Asian American Center of Frederick to promote prevention and early detection of these health conditions. Please post in your house of worship or organization and share with friends and family. Early Detection (English & Chinese); Early Detection postcards (English & Spanish); Healthy Brain (English); 10 Warning Signs (English & Spanish)

Friday, June 14, 7:00 - 10:00 pm

City Park Band Shell

Kick-off summer at City Park with the summer outdoor movie series! The Sandlot will be played for FREE at the band shell. Pre-movie festivities begin at 7:00 pm and the movie will begin at dark. Bring your own blanket or a lawn chair and maintain social distance between yourself and others at the event. Treat yourself to concessions, pre-movie entertainment, and a fun evening under the stars! Come early to save a spot! Presented by Maryland Physicians Care. Event hosted by Hagerstown Parks and Rec.

Friday, June 14, 8:00 - 11:30 pm

Cortland Mansion

19411 Cortland Drive, Hagerstown

The Friends of the Doleman Black Heritage Museum Annual Masquerade Ball with a Cotton Club Twist will occur Friday, June 14. Press Release. The FoDBHM Masquerade Ball is seeking sponsors to further the museum's mission. For sponsorship opportunities, please email them directly at saunders@dbhm.org or parson@dbhm.org, purchase tickets from a board member, or through https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/c4c71bb0-f4b9-4f31-9c5f-d8315a6316d0.

Saturday, June 15, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

City Park Train Hub

A fun day for the family at City Park Train Hub. With the price of admission, enjoy kids activities like face painting, balloon creations, and live music. Steam Engine 202 Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony at 11:30 am. This marker is provided by a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. Music provided by Sloan School of Music. Admission: Adults: $5; Seniors (62+), Students (13-17), & Military: $3; Children (6-12): $2; Ages 5 & under: Free. Event hosted by Hagerstown Parks and Rec.

Saturday, June 15, 12:00 - 9:30 pm

Wheaton Park

114 Charles Street, Hagerstown

Doleman Black Heritage Museum will be hosting its annual Juneteenth Celebration. FREE and open to the public. Includes vendors and activities for all ages. You are invited to join a celebration of this momentous occasion with a day filled with activities for the whole family. Event Activities Press Release.

Tuesday, June 18, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church Parking Lot

(Corner of E. Franklin and N. Locust)

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

This is a one-time, food “drop” for our neighborhood. Suggest you bring sturdy grocery type tote bags to carry your food/produce home. Recommended especially for those who fall within the WIC Income Guidelines - (Example: Family of 4 with income less than $40,793). For More Information Call Maryland Food Bank – Western Branch, 301-733-4002 OR Otterbein United Methodist Church, 301-739-9386. Flyer.

Wednesday, June 19, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Antietam National Battlefield

Sharpsburg, MD

10:00 AM: “The Fire of Slavery and Freedom:” Antietam and Emancipation. Join a park ranger at Antietam National Battlefield to learn about the connection between the Battle of Antietam and emancipation. This program will last about 30 minutes and meet in the visitor center orientation room. 11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Tolson’s Chapel and Juneteenth: The Details and Dedication. Join members of the Friends of Tolson’s Chapel to learn about the origins of Juneteeth, the establishment of Tolson’s Chapel, the use of the Chapel as a Freedman’s Bureau School during Reconstruction, and the role of the Chapel among Sharpsburg’s African American community. Free. The park will be fee free in honor of Juneteenth. All programs are free. Tolson's Chapel Brochure.

Friday, June 21, 7:00 pm

St. John's Lutheran Church

141 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

St. John's Lutheran Church is having an Organ Concert by Jeffrey Donnelly. It will feature works by Vierne, Giroud, Peeters and others including the World Premiere of a New Composition by Mr. Donnelly who has composed 30 works and transcribed many to organ. This is to Benefit the Restoration Fund for their 1931 Original Moller Organ. Flyer.

Monday, June 24, 7:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown

13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown

Five members of the Antietam Storytellers Guild compete for laurels and a cash prize while battling for the 2024 Best Liar title. Your vote counts. Come to cheer them on! $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Children 12 & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader. Contact: Fanny Crawford, 301-730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com.

Friday, June 28, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (or until supplies last)

Soul Haven

119 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Fresh Produce Food Drop on Friday, June 28, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (until supplies last). June’s event will Include a limited supply of shelf stable items. Info: 301-790-5054. Flyer.

1st Course: July 6 & Aug. 3, 9:30 - 12:30 pm

2nd Course: Sept. 7 & Oct. 5, 9:30 - 12:30 pm

3rd Course: Nov. 2 & Dec. 7, 9:30 - 12:30 pm

Hagerstown Community College

New Faith-Based Women's Leadership Series - WOMEN AT THE FOREFRONT! Course Names and Descriptions. Learn core competencies for effective leadership in a community of like-minded women. Their training covers a broad range of topics including women leading in male-dominated industries, time management, effective communication, salary negotiation, self-advocacy, conflict resolution, and organizational management. Scholarships and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available to eligible students. Enroll now at www.hagerstowncc.edu/cornerstone. Cornerstone for Women Leaders specializes in faith-based professional leadership development. This series will cover a range of topics, including values-based leadership. conflict resolution, and self-advocacy. Website / Facebook.