March is Women's History Month

The National Women's History Alliance has announced the 2026 Women's History Month theme as "Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future".

This theme honors women who are driving innovation, environmentalism, social justice, and economic equality to create a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable world for future generations.

Key Details for 2026:

• Focus: The theme highlights women in leadership roles across various fields, including environmental, economic, and social sectors.

• Goal: The focus is on recognizing both historical figures and contemporary women who are building a sustainable, equitable future.

• Significance: It emphasizes that sustainable development requires the active, equal participation of women.

• Context: While the main theme focuses on sustainability, local celebrations (such as in Detroit) are also incorporating, or focusing on, themes like "The Power of Her" to spotlight everyday leaders. 



For organizations looking to engage, the National Women's History Alliance offers a 2026 toolkit with resources, honoree profiles, and programming ideas.

https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/

February was TEACHER APPRECIATION MONTH

at the United Way of Washington County.

The United Way was excited to spread some LOVE to our amazing teachers in Washington County elementary schools with delightful goody bags! It was our way of saying thank you for all the hard work and dedication they put in every day. We appreciate you!

Thank you from Greenbrier Elementary. We appreciate all you do for students and staff!

Chamber of Commerce

Boots to Suits

February's presenter was our own Richard Rutherford.

Richard shared his life experiences in the Air Force Law Enforcement in 1982, his service as a Tech Sergeant in the West Virginia Air National Guard, and his return to civilian life.

Richard has over 40 years of experience in multiple sectors of business operations, ranging from Department/Store Management to receiving his Bachelor of Biblical Studies. He served as a pastor for 20 years and is currently the Finance Manager at the United Way of Washington County, MD.

The United Way of Washington County, MD

We Are Champions For ALICE

Essential, Working, Struggling.

ALICE earns just above the Federal poverty level, lives on a modest household survival budget, yet struggles to afford basic essentials. We all know ALICE. 

ALICE ECONOMIC VIABILITY DASHBOARD

Measuring Economic Well-Being for ALICE

The ALICE Economic Viability Dashboard reveals the economic and community conditions of people who are struggling financially - those below the ALICE Threshold. This includes people in households with income below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and those who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), with income above the FPL but below the cost of the basics.

By studying ALICE households as well as those in poverty, United For ALICE research shows the true extent of financial hardship across the country. The ALICE Economic Viability Dashboard builds on this research, exploring why so many households are struggling, with new data on ALICE work, housing, and community resources.

Live United

Urgent Needs Grant Awards

Each month, the United Way of Washington County

is pleased to partner with various organizations that provide critical services to our community.

Our Urgent Needs Grant is a low-barrier grant designed to assist nonprofits facing unexpected costs due to unforeseen program needs, emergencies, or underlying situations.

For additional information contact Kelli Tencer at 301-739-8200 ext.104

Applications are due on the 27th of the month.

Holly Place - Senior Living Alternative

It is always a good day to spread a little love …

A Live United Urgent Needs Grant was awarded to Holly Place - Senior Living Alternative, Inc. to make repairs to its heating system.

The United Way of Washington County, MD, provided $715 to help with repair costs through its Live United Urgent Needs Grant program.

Pictured, Kelli Tencer, Director of Community Impact and Investments for the United Way, and Melanie Davis, Executive Director of Holly Place.

Senior Services Network



We are proud to announce that United Way of Washington County, MD, has awarded a $1,900 Live United Urgent Needs grant to Senior Services Network!

This funding will support critical upgrades to its grocery delivery system, including a new platform truck, a replacement tailgate lift control panel, and an expandable conveyor system.

These improvements will make it safer and more efficient for volunteers to distribute groceries to seniors throughout Washington County.

As demand grows and more seniors need access to food, we are committed to supporting organizations that help our community’s most vulnerable thrive. Congratulations to Senior Services Network for its dedication and impact!

For more information or to apply for an urgent needs grant, visit:

https://www.unitedwaywashcounty.org/community-impact-grants-investments

Grant applications are due by the 27th of each month.

Pictured: United Way President and CEO, Heather Guessford (center); Ruth and Paul Brown with Senior Services Network.

Spotlight ~ Success Story

Community Free Clinic

Addressing Health Disparities

For many uninsured Spanish-speaking residents in our community, accessing healthcare has never been just about affordability. Language barriers, fear, past discrimination, and uncertainty about navigating the healthcare system have kept families from seeking care until conditions have become urgent or unmanageable, leading to a reliance on emergency services for manageable conditions. 

Prior to this initiative, patients who speak Spanish as a primary language often relied on ad hoc interpretation, delayed care due to communication barriers, or avoided healthcare altogether. These barriers contribute directly to worse health outcomes and preventable emergencies. 

Since launching our Health Equity program, the clinic has seen a measurable and meaningful change. We have seen an increase in utilization of clinic services by Spanish-speaking patients, improved continuity of care, earlier engagement in seeking healthcare services, and stronger patient trust, reflected in referrals by word of mouth within the community. Hispanic or Latino patients have increased from 14% of the patient population during this time period last year, to more

than 22% and are reporting higher levels of satisfaction with their care. 

Patients who avoided care are now establishing primary care relationships, often for the first time. By investing in culturally and linguistically responsive care, we are improving the health of the community, strengthening trust, and ensuring that access to care is not determined by language. 

This program demonstrates that small, targeted investments in equity can produce large returns. Not just for our patients, but for the healthcare system as a whole, benefiting the entire region of Washington County. 

Submitted by Jo Chiotos, Development Director

So...why donate to United Way?

Did you know that your United Way actively supports or partners with over 90 organizations and many individual Washington County residents annually?

• Community Impact:

United Way aims to improve the overall well-being of our community by addressing the most urgent, essential needs of our residents, including inequities, lack of access, and limited resources. 

• Focus on Key Areas:

United Way's initiatives are centered around building blocks for a good life, including education, financial security, and health. 

• Local Focus:

Donations are invested in local community impact programs and nonprofits that directly benefit local residents in your community.

• Broader Reach:

United Way's approach is broader than that of individual specialized nonprofits, addressing a wider range of community needs. 

• Partnering with Agencies:

United Way partners with local health and human service agencies to support individuals in need. 

• Financial Stability:

Our financial stability education helps individuals and families achieve financial security through education and job training. 

• Health and Wellness:

United Way promotes healthy communities by improving access to nutritious food and healthcare.

• Community Resiliency:

United Way Worldwide supports communities in preparing for and responding to challenges, including disaster relief.

• Joy of Giving:

Donating to United Way can bring a sense of happiness and well-being, knowing you're contributing to positive change. 

Remember...All donations made here stay here.

Our donors, partners, and volunteers

make it possible for us to have a

major impact on our community!

If you would like to help the United Way

make a difference in Washington County, please click the DONATE button today!

Thank you so very much for your continued support!

Planned Gift

What will your legacy be? By remembering United Way of Washington County, MD, in your will and estate, your legacy will make a difference for a very long time. Contact United Way of Washington County today at 301.739.8200 for more information on how you can continue to help the community you love.

Securities

Giving long-term (owned more than a year) appreciated securities may provide greater benefits to you.

• You may save current income for day-to-day needs because a gift of security does NOT come out of your cash flow.
• You may save taxes in two ways: Income tax and Capital Gains tax.
• You may lower the "cost" of your gift.



In-Kind

United Way of Washington County gladly accepts in-kind gifts for our hygiene closets, literacy programs, office supplies, and special events. Donating products and services enables us to reduce expenses and dedicate more funding to direct programming. For more information, please contact us at 301.739.8200.

Purchase Items for Our Hygiene Closets

If you prefer to purchase items for our Hygiene Closets, please use this link to our 

Amazon wish list.

Donate Items

Agencies are always looking for office/ computer equipment, furniture, and household items.

Businesses and individuals are encouraged to give in-kind donations and can be assured that United Way of Washington County will connect you to local agencies that are:

• Tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organizations by the Internal Revenue Service
• Serve Washington County
• Have a health and human resources focus

United Way of Washington County, Maryland, Inc. has been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator, and earned a 100% Four-Star Rating! This is the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator. 

Charity Navigator’s third-party accreditation validates our organization’s operational excellence.

You can learn more about Charity Navigator and our rating here:

https://charitynavigator.org/ein/520691704. 

The United Way of Washington County earned a 2025 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency!

Check out our nonprofit profile to keep up to date with our impact. 

https://

www.guidestar.org/profile/52-0691704

Keep this link handy; we want to ensure you always have the information you need to support our work with trust and confidence.

Check out these links for information on non-profits in Washington County.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED



United Way of Washington County, MD is currently seeking additional members of the community to serve on both the Revenue and GIVE (Give. Invest. Volunteer. Educate) Committees. We ask interested parties to commit to at least once-a-month hybrid committee meetings in return for having a voice in how UWWC can maximize our reach within our community. 

For more information, please reach out to Heather Guessford at heather@uwwcmd.org or 301-739-8200 ext.102.

Please share this with all your friends.

2-1-1 Maryland - Supported by our local United Way, this is the state's most comprehensive health and human services resource database. With approximately 7,500 resources, individuals with essential needs can connect to local help 24/7/365.

You can dial 2-1-1 on your phone to speak with someone, or visit https://211md.org/.

Hagerstown Area Religious Council has also compiled the following resources:

Food & Clothing Resources - https://harccoalition.org/resources/food-and-clothing/

Housing/Shelter - https://harccoalition.org/resources/housing-shelter/

Washington County Mental Health Authority has a listing of mental health providers at https://wcmha.org/provider-directory/.

United Way of Washington County, Maryland

Many of us take the ability to get from Point A to Point B for granted. For many Washington County residents, transportation is a significant challenge. If you cannot drive yourself and are unable to secure a ride, transportation can be an overwhelming barrier to your job, your doctor, your school, and more. The Ride United Network (RUN) program provides a temporary solution to transportation barriers that prevent the residents of Washington County, MD, from accessing their most basic needs. Transportation has proven to be a key issue for many individuals seeking services to gain financial stability and independence.

What is Ride United?

Ride United is a program with a clear mission: to fill the gap in transportation assistance. United Way of Washington County now offers this option when no other transportation options are available, ensuring that all community members have access to the critical services they need. 

In collaboration with Lyft and Community Partners, Ride United provides convenient round-trip, on-demand Lyft rides. These rides connect community members to essential services such as education, employment, healthcare, and legal assistance, providing a reliable, stress-free transportation solution.

The program is open only to Washington County residents. It covers up to $54 round-trip; the individual is responsible for expenses beyond $54 ($27 each way). There are different provisions for each ride. All rides must originate in Washington County, MD. Requests for trips taken to other states or counties will be denied. 

Ride United is supported by the generous contributions of the City of Hagerstown through the Community Development Block Grant, the Community Foundation of Washington County, and the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation.

RIDE UNITED MAY BE UTILIZED FOR: 

Our Books United program, launched in May 2022,

currently has 36 active partners. Since its inception,

we have collected and redistributed over 83,000 books!

In addition to book distributions, we also host multiple reading clubs,

including one at Coffman Nursing Home and

Lasting Change Recovery Solutions for Women.

From our reading club at Coffman Nursing Home...

A heartfelt thanks to United Way of Washington County, Maryland! Their reputation for impacting and improving Washington County dates back decades, and their history of caring for our residents is also long-standing!



Their "Books United" program includes twice-monthly visits from longtime volunteer Stacey Abeles, who spends about an hour reading and interacting with the residents! For so many, it's become a regular highlight, and the bonds that Stacey has formed with our residents are so meaningful!

United Way of Washington County also supplies large-print books and books on CD to our residents on a regular basis. They've also purchased multiple CD players to allow them to listen to these audiobooks in the comfort of their own rooms!

This month, visits included some reminiscing about Valentine’s Day from past eras, some fun Valentine’s trivia, educational tidbits about owls, and even some furry guests!

Visit www.unitedwaywashcounty.org to learn about some of the important initiatives that United Way of Washington County facilitates - and how you can give back to this beautiful community we call home!

As always, a special thanks to our wonderful volunteers,

John and Tara (Book Nook), Sharon Giles,

Beth Johnston, Jo Ellen Allenberg, and Vicki Willey!

United Way of Washington County's Books United Program

Invites You to Visit the BOOK NOOK!

We invite all community members to visit the Book Nook, ensuring that every child has access to the reading materials they deserve. Your engagement and support are vital in fostering a brighter future for our children through literacy!

You can find the Book Nook at the Valley Mall, just outside JCPenney. It serves as an essential resource for families looking to inspire a love of reading in their children.

The Valley Mall has been part of our community for over 50 years!

Ladies for Lasting Literacy Reading Club

Books United is pleased to partner with Lasting Change Recovery Solutions for Women,

We're proud to be able to share the transformative power of reading with these incredible women!

Since July 2024, we have impacted over 7,000 people, and our numbers are GROWING by the day.

Our on-campus closets discreetly benefit low-income students and their families who lack transportation and/or those wishing to keep their demonstrated needs private. Our most requested hygiene items include shampoo, deodorant, and body wash. We have experienced growing requests for laundry pods, feminine pads, and liners.

Requests for specialty items include lice kits and body wipes for those living in our rural communities who lack sufficient running water...yes, there are many!

If you wish to learn more about either program or become a partner location, please contact Stacey Abeles - stacey@uwwcmd.org or Kathy Harple - kathy@uwwcmd.org.

United Way has 15 active hygiene closets 12 located within schools, and currently collaborates with 9 organizations throughout Washington County:

From our Hagerstown Community College Hygiene Closet...

"Thank you to the United Way of Washington County, Maryland for providing the HCC Care Cupboard with a generous donation of hygiene items this month!"

We depend heavily on volunteers at the United Way of Washington County.

We couldn't do what we do without the people who dedicate their time and make themselves available to help with the day-to-day

responsibilities of maintaining our programs.

Vicki Willey is one of those volunteers! She helps with the sorting and shelving of products in our hygiene closets and helps to make deliveries to our in-school closets throughout Washington County.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Stacey Abeles at stacey@uwwcmd.org

or

Kathy Harple at kathy@uwwcmd.org

We'll be happy to work around your schedule.

The United Way is proud to collaborate with the ENOUGH Initiative,

uniting our efforts to uplift and empower families in the

Bester Community of Hope area. Together, we are making a

meaningful difference in their lives.

The United Way of Washington County hygiene closet/warehouse

is situated at the drive-thru/walk-up area on Court Place

at the rear of our offices at 83 W. Washington Street.

Working with several community organizations through our voucher-based hygiene closet, we have served over 1400 people at this location since its inception in 2024.

Our "closet bags" contain essential hygiene supplies supporting the needs of those who visit the walk-up window, as well as our partners located throughout the County.

On occasion, the United Way receives miscellaneous items from our partners that don't necessarily fall under our Hygiene Closet. So when items become available, we've created our Kindness Korner.

Visitors to our Hygiene Closet window on Thursday mornings are able to select 2 items from our bin, ranging from snack and light food items to pet food. The Kindness Korner is not always available, but it's a great way for us to offer a little something special from time to time.

What some of our visitors have shared...

"Thank you for the can of soup. I'm going to find a place to heat this up, and my family will have a nice meal tonight." 

" God Bless you United Way. This window has been such a blessing to my family." 

If you have events, volunteer opportunities, or other information

you would like to include in our monthly newsletter please contact

Kathy Harple at kathy@uwwc.md.org

From Our Partners...

Congratulations to The Salvation Army Hagerstown, MD Command!

Team United attended their open house on Wednesday and was very impressed with the beautifully renovated Women and Children’s Shelter. The renovations were made possible by a Lowe's Home Improvement Hometowns Grant. The shelter will provide a safe, supportive emergency space for women and children in need.



Thank you, The Salvation Army Hagerstown, MD Command, for continuing to answer this community need.

Volunteer Drivers Needed

Meritus Health needs volunteers that are willing to help with long distance transportation. They have a person with 3 upcoming appointments at Johns Hopkins that has no transport. Contact 301-790-8624 for more info.

The Hagerstown Housing Authority is currently in need of volunteers/groups to help provide lunches to low-income seniors and disabled residents residing at Potomac Towers in Hagerstown. The Potomac Towers Lunch Program operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteer groups assist by providing either grab and go bagged lunches, serving a hot meal onsite, assisting with making and distributing the lunches or providing donations of items. The volunteers normally provide meals or drop them off at the Towers around 11:30 am. The Lunch Program currently is without regular volunteer groups. If interested in assisting, please contact Deena Holder via email at dholder@hagerstownha.com or via phone at 301-733-6911 x163. 

Use JustServe for your volunteer needs

and opportunities!

Looking for volunteers to serve in your ministry? Or are you looking for volunteer opportunities for yourself and/or your group? JustServe is a website where volunteer needs meet volunteers. All nonprofits, houses of worship and faith-based organizations are welcome to use this service to post your volunteer needs - just contact Ashlee Harris to get started at jon2ash@gmail.com or text 801-860-1301. Those searching for volunteer opportunities can simply search the database by city, state or zip code or even look for ways to volunteer by remote.

Mentoring Closes the Opportunity Gap

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America recently shared the findings of a study that proves that mentored youth have greater enrollment in higher education, increased salaries, reduced dependency on social services, and improved behavioral outcomes over time. This groundbreaking study demonstrates the transformative power of mentoring in shaping young people’s educational, economic, and social trajectories, and explains how mentoring programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters can serve as scalable solutions to reduce socioeconomic disparities. To learn more, find the summary HERE. To learn more about mentoring with BBBS of Washington County, visit bbbswcmd.org

Hagerstown Area Religious Council is a HUGE hub for resources in Washington County

Homeless Street Guide

The Homeless Street Guide (January 2026) is a quick reference to give out to homeless individuals and families in Washington County. 3-per-page for a small helpful resource.

Shelters in Washington County

See list of Shelters in Washington County for a more detailed list of shelters, their requirements, and what they offer.

Rapid Rehousing & Homeless Outreach

The Homeless Coalition is providing a new and dynamic service in the community. If you are homeless and are interested in housing, please contact one of these providers for additional information:

Community Action Council: 301-797-4161 x131 (serves homeless families)

REACH: 301-733-2371 x103 or x106 (serves homeless individuals)

Horizon Goodwill: 301-733-7330 (serves homeless individuals, unaccompanied youths)

Washington County Housing Case Management

Useful links and guides from Community Action Council. Contain information on emergency shelter/housing, public housing, low-cost rental housing, senior housing, and various housing programs. Great to use as reference. See Community Action Council’s Housing Case Management web page for updated versions of these guides

Hagerstown Home Store

Hagerstown Home Store offers a wide range of housing counseling and resources, including down-payment assistance.  Brochure   Visit website.

The Women’s Club

The Women’s Club at 31 South Prospect St., offers housing for ladies of low income that is not time-limited. They have single bedroom rooms with beds, dressers. The ladies share a common kitchen and bathrooms. It is a safe, secure building. The rents vary from $230/mo to $295/mo, depending on whether the room has a bathroom attached. If interested, please contact Linda at 301-739-0870, Monday through Friday 9 am to 1 pm.

Habitat for Humanity of Washington County

Habitat for Humanity offers a variety of programs to support the various needs of current and future Washington County homeowners.

• New Home Building
• Home Renovations
• Home Preservation Program
• A Brush with Kindness
• Weatherization
• Critical Repairs

For additional information about any of these programs, including how to apply, call (301) 791-9009.

Energy Assistance

Community Action Council manages local energy assistance programs. Past due bills up to $2,000 are covered once in 5 years for eligible households. Also, apply for a subsidy (discount) on your monthly energy bill to reduce the cost to an amount you can afford. Learn more on CAC’s website, call 301-797-4161, or apply in person at 117 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown (or one of CAC’s rural locations).

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Founded in Kimberly, Idaho, in 2012, Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing hand-made bunk beds to children who don’t have beds of their own. Not only do they deliver these beds to children in need, but they partner with organizations, churches, businesses, and individuals to build them at events called Build Days! Learn more and request a bed on their website.

Help with Diapers and Home Supplies

for Refugee Families

The Refugee Welcome Network is actively working with ten families and still offering some support for others struggling this month with reduced hours at Amazon and FedEx. Some families have babies and can't afford diapers, formula, and other supplies. We've connected them to all community resources available, but it's not quite enough. Donations of gift cards from Walmart, Target, or another source of baby supplies are wanted to help lighten the load of these new Americans as they work hard to build a life here. If you can give a gift card, please email director@harccoalition.org. Monetary donations are also a blessing to help with various needs.

https://harccoalition.org/programs/refugee-welcome-network/

The Boys & Girls Club of Washington County is seeking volunteer reading tutors to help elementary aged youth strengthen their literacy skills. Volunteers can commit to as little as twice a month for 30–60 minutes per session. This small investment of time can make a meaningful impact on a child’s confidence, academic growth, and love for reading. Our club and community would be deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with caring individuals who want to make a difference.

To learn more, contact Kal Desta, Unit Director, kaldesta@bgcwc.org or 240-866-5101

Walking 2 Wellness - Wednesdays

Every Wednesday, 12:00 pm

The Athletic, Recreation and Community Center (ARCC)

Hagerstown Community College

11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown

Trying to fulfill your New Year's Resolution in getting healthier? Let's get healthy together! Be part of Prime Time For Women's "Walking 2 Wellness" community … meet new people, connect with longtime friends, and develop a regular exercise regime that is good for you. Even better, it’s fun! Prime Time For Women Website / Facebook.

FREE Community Resources

Here are Resources that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers, either online or in person. They have specialists over each category who are willing to individually help people that might be interested in these programs. Please share this with anyone you feel it could be valuable/useful for.

Make sure to keep up to date with everything going on in Hagerstown by following our announcements and staying connected with the pulse of the city. Whether it's festivals, concerts, or important announcements, we'll keep you in the loop. Don't miss out - stay connected and be part of the vibrant Hagerstown community!

Main Street Hagerstown

Main Street Hagerstown is a volunteer-driven, downtown revitalization program of the City of Hagerstown. We aim to protect our historic character, strengthen our business community, respect the environment, promote gathering spaces for friends and family, and hold outstanding events.

RADIO FREE HUB CITY

News, events, and entertainment for Hagerstown, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

 https://www.facebook.com/RadioFreeHubCity/

Volunteers Drivers Needed

Meritus Hematology Oncology has a patient who needs treatments 5 days/week for 6 weeks and needs rides each day from Martinsburg, WV, to and from the John Marsh Cancer Center. We also have patients who need transportation to other hospitals in Baltimore and DC as well.

Some volunteers are already lined up to help with this, but more are needed for a rotation. The Cancer Center is finding that there are more patients who need this kind of help who are living or have appointments outside of the radius of available services. So even if you can't help with this, you may be able to help with another need.

If you have time to give to drive a patient, please contact Brandi Zeigler at 301-665-4710.

Sats. in Mar. | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Zion Reformed United Church of Christ

201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

The Cinderella Shop at Zion will be open every Saturday in March selling gently used prom gowns. All gowns are priced at $25 each payable in cash or check made out to R.E.A.C.H. All proceeds go directly to R.E A.C.H. Access to the Shop and parking is via the alley at the rear of the church.

SECOND SATURDAY - St. Patrick's Day Festival

FREE

It can’t be just luck that the St. Patrick’s Day Festival is back at Hub City Brewery this year!

This iconic event will once again feature:

• Live Music from Poor Man’s Gambit
• Drinks from Hub City Brewery with Downtown Hagerstown Drink Cups
• Fun for the whole family!

Sat., Mar. 28 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Church of the Nazarene

141 N. Edgewood Drive, Hagerstown

A Kids Easter Egg Hunt will feature candy, face painting, family games, crafts & thousands of eggs to find. Questions: 301-797-4524 or visit Website. 

Save the Date

Being Peace in Challenging Times

Sun., Apr. 19 | 5:00 pm



A HARC event hosted by Hebron Mennonite Church

13315 Highlane Street, Hagerstown

The Interfaith Team of HARC invites you to a sacred gathering where people of different religious and spiritual traditions come together with a shared intention: to cultivate peace within themselves and extend it outward into a troubled world. Hymns, chants, mantras, (all a cappela) along with readings from sacred texts will create space for reflection and connection. In challenging times, this service becomes more than a ceremony. It becomes a living witness and reminder that unity does not require uniformity, and that peace is not passive—it is an active, daily practice grounded in humility, courage, and love. Light refreshments will be offered after the service. 

MUSIC IN THE PLAZA

FREE

Enjoy an evening of classic cars and music in Downtown Hagerstown!

The Alsatia Club will be hosting Thunder in the Square and Downtown Hagerstown Main Street will have music from local favorite, The Cruisers at University Plaza. Music is FREE and open to the public!

HAGERSFEST MUSIC & ART

FREE

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Downtown Hagerstown Main Street and A&E Districts largest event of the year is back! Hagerfest Music & Art Festival 2026 is bringing you more live music and bigger names, more art, and plenty of community to enjoy it with! Join us for Hagerfest this year and experience the heart and heritage of Downtown Hagerstown. It will truly be a celebration of the arts and entertainment offerings we have locally!

Save the Date

4th Annual Health Summit

Sat., May 9 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Zion Baptist Church

61 Bethel Street, Hagerstown

This year's theme is "Struggles of Addiction & Mental Health". This collaborative event will unite healthcare providers, behavioral health specialists, community organizations, faith leaders, and local residents to promote awareness, share prevention strategies, and facilitate access to vital recovery resources. If you are interested in participating as a vendor or a speaker contact Linda Brooks, (301) 739-5616. Event Info. Invite to participate.

Save the Date(s): HARC Hikes 2026

Challenge Hike: Saturday, May 16

Canal Hike: Saturday, May 30

NEW LOCATION! C&O Canal Towpath in WILLIAMSPORT & Zion Lutheran Church

Registration coming soon. The Ed Poling Memorial HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope is a non-competitive fundraising event open to all ages. The Canal Hike on May 30 is a fully supported 5K or 10K hike on the beautiful C&O Canal towpath. Enjoy scenic water views, water & Gatorade refills and snacks along the way, and a hearty lunch with fellowship. The Challenge Hike has 10-mile or 20-mile options this year on the Appalachian Trail. This is a one-way, fully supported hike with breakfast, lunch, drink refills and snacks along the way. Both hikes raise funds for HARC programs, with a significant portion going to Micah's Backpack and the Refugee Welcome Network.