Did you know that dementia in its many forms affects more than 3,000 people in Washington County, Maryland along with their caregivers? Learning more about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment can help, as well as having access to support. At our October 2024 HARC meeting, we heard from representatives of Dementia Friendly Washington County (DFWC) about their efforts to make Washington County a dementia-friendly place to thrive. We also heard from a couple about their Alzheimer’s journey. Watch the recorded program on our YouTube channel. Dementia Is Everyone's Business flyer Memory Cafe flyer

The Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources list for Washington County has new updates, including new requirements for a couple of big pantries and an additional diaper resource. Please delete your old lists and use this one instead!  Updated Resource List: English Version / Spanish version.

St. Ann Church is seeking a part-time (5-10 hours/week, flexible schedule) Facilities Assistant for weekly classroom and multi-purpose room set-ups and maintenance for parish events and activities. For more information contact David Matera, Director of Operations at 301-733-0410 ext. 102 or dmatera@stannchurch.com. Candidates must be able to handle physical workload (lifting and moving tables, chairs, etc.) with some evening and weekend availability.

Friday, October 18, 7:00 pm

Saint John’s Episcopal Church

101 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown

Saint John’s Concert Series presents Dr. Brennan Szafron, organist. Works of Bach, Pachelbel, Dubois, Vierne, Santos, Bales, Bédard, and Cooman will be performed. The program may be viewed live at Facebook, after the concert on the church’s website, under the FB & Worship tab (click link for Szafron Organ Concert). Reception. Ample parking in the church lot at the corner of Walnut and Antietam Streets. Info: 301-733-2560 x 108. Flyer. Concert Program.

Saturday, October 19, 1:00 - 3:30 pm

Hagerstown Church of the Brethren

15 S. Mulberry Street, Hagertown

Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat. Everything Free - while supplies last. Food, Kid's Carnival Games, Kid's Crafts, Moon Bounce, Balloon Man, Bingo, Cake Walk, Trunk or Treat Children come in your costumes for Costume Parade and Contest!! Everyone Welcome!! Flyer. Facebook. Website.

Saturday, October 19, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Welty Church of the Brethren

13465 Greensburg Road, Smithsburg, MD

Family Fun & FREE! Decorate your own pumpkin! Pumpkin Bowling! Hayrides! Apple Cider! Hot Dogs! Make your own kid-size scarecrow! Easy Kid’s Crafts! Candy! Give-Aways! Live Music! See Adorable Miniature Farm Animals. Bake Sale. 100% of the proceeds from the Welty Church bake sale table will benefit Children In Need, Inc., a non-profit organization serving Washington County children. Donations of items for Children In Need, Inc. will also be accepted during the Fall Fest. See the Welty Facebook Event for suggested items. Website. Flyer.

Saturday, October 19, 4-6 pm / 5-7:30 pm

Zion Reformed UCC

201 N. Potomac Street Hagerstown

You and your faith community members are invited to Zion’s Fall Fun Frenzy! For 5th graders and under, there will be snacks, crafts and games in the Fellowship Hall. For the “older and brave,” the older youth are hosting a Haunted House in the parsonage from 5-7:30 pm. YOUR older youths and adults are invited to come through and be kindly frightened. Please RSVP or ask questions via pastorwinnette@gmail.com.

Friday, October 25, 8:30

Robert W. Johnson Community Center

109 W. North Ave nue,Hagerstown

Volunteers are needed every 4th Friday of the month. The Pantry on the Go food drop serves the community fresh fruits and vegetables. Volunteers begin packing boxes at 8:30 am. Food distribution begins at 10:00 am. RWJCC welcomes volunteers for all its activities. Flyer. Facebook / Website. Contact info: ej@rwjcc.org or 301-790-0203.

Friday, October 25, 10 am - 2 pm (or while supplies last)

Soul Haven

119 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Fresh Produce Food Drop on Friday, October 25, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (until supplies last). Info: 301-790-5054. Flyer. October Schedule

Saturday, October 26, 9:30 am

Washington Monument State Park

6620 Zittlestown Road, Middletown, MD

Every year, Prime Time for Women honors the incredible legacy of Grandma Gatewood, the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail at 67 years old! She didn’t let anything hold her back, overcoming domestic violence and the expectations of others to conquer 2,091 miles from Georgia to Maine. Now it’s your turn to embrace that same spirit of adventure! Choose from a variety of hikes tailored to all skill levels, explore the stunning autumn foliage, make new connections, and be inspired by the legacy of Grandma Gatewood. A portion of the proceeds will support The Elder Group, a nonprofit dedicated to ending elder abuse and providing essential services to seniors and displaced persons. Grandma Gatewood Web page. / Prime Time For Women Website. (P.S. Men and children are welcome to join too!)

Monday, October 28, 7:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown

13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown

Renee Spears Emanuel, native Baltimorean and now proud citizen of Hagerstown, member of the MD Griots’ Circle and the National Association of Black Storytellers, recipient of the 2023 “Women in the Arts Award” whose love for the spoken word inspired her career as a speech-language therapist and fuels her performances in libraries, schools, festivals, home concerts, and conferences - returns for her second appearance at Stories In The Round and an evening of folk tales, fairy tales and original stories. $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.

Wednesday, October 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

In the Salvation Army Gym

525 George Street, Hagerstown

The Salvation Army is hosting their annual Hallelujah Carnival on Wednesday, October 30. It's a safe and fun-filled evening! All children must be accompanied by an adult or will not be permitted to enter. No scary costumes, please. They ask that you keep costumes family-friendly. Please feel free to share this with the community. Everyone is welcome. Flyer.

Thursday, October 31, 6:30-8:30 pm

Trinity Lutheran Church

15 Randolph Ave, Hagerstown - Back Parking Lot

Family fun event! Treats, hot dogs, coffee, hot chocolate.

Everything free & everyone welcome! Flyer