EPISODE 11:

Harm Reduction & Hope

In this episode of the Hope Healing Recovery Podcast, Jeff O'Neal speaks with Vicki Sterling, the Behavioral Health Program Director at the Washington County Health Department, who is also a leader of the Washington Goes Purple movement. Together, they discuss the efforts to address the opioid crisis and the importance of harm reduction, which meets individuals where they are in their recovery journey. They also explore the connection between substance use and mental health, particularly in the context of National Recovery Month, and highlight the critical role peer support plays in helping individuals enter and maintain recovery.

The Herald Mail

"The BCTCares Foundation, a nonprofit group founded and operated by employees of BCT-Bank of Charles Town, raised a record $90,000 through its annual Pack The ‘Pack program.

Since its inception, the BCTCares Foundation has donated $405,000 targeting local food-insecurity.

The program’s mission is to support four in-market backpack food charities focused on providing nourishing food to food-insecure children, individuals and families." Read more.

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.

In every community across our nation where the League of Women Voters has a presence, volunteers have asked candidates to respond to questions related to their races and those responses are available to you at https://www.vote411.org/. On the Vote411 website you can find out what is on your ballot and also see where you are to vote, register or check on your voter registration. In October the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring candidate forums for Board of Education, Hagerstown City Council, Mayor of Hagerstown and 6th Congressional District and the videos will be available on the website of the Washington County League of Women Voters.

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.

Thursday, October 10, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Brook Lane Community Room

13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach adults how to help adolescents (age 12-18) experiencing mental health challenges or crises. The free course helps adults recognize the signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Individuals will learn how to support those experiencing a mental health crisis and connect them with appropriate help. The youth class is beneficial for parents, teachers, pastors and volunteers working with adolescents. To register on learn more about Youth Mental Health First Aid, visit brooklane.org/events. You never know when the skills you learn in the training may just save a life!

Thursday, October 10, 5:30 - 8:00 pm

Cortland Mansion

19411 Cortland Dr, Hagerstown

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County for their Fourth Annual Starry Night for Kids’ Sake to celebrate their mission of DEFENDING the POTENTIAL of kids in our community. This gala-style, elegant evening is an opportunity to enjoy the company of friends and colleagues while partaking of a fine dining experience and entertainment. Individual Tickets: $75 (General Public) & $50 (Volunteers). Table of Eight: $550. Please contact Tom Kline at t.kline@bbbswcmd.org or 301.739.4711 for more information! Webpage. Purchase tickets link.

Friday October 11, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Office of Consumer Advocates

121 East Antietam, Hagerstown

Washington County Health Department, Free HIV/STI Testing, MAT Clinics, R&R Recovery, Survival Recovery, Serenity, QCI, Ladders To Leaders, Family Health Care and More .... Lunch will be provided, Hygiene Products, Clothes. Community Partner and Sleeping Bag Raffle. Only 18 Years & Older. Info: (301) 790-5054. Flyer. Community Partners Flyer.

Saturday, October 12, 7:30 am

Sunday, October 13, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 6:00 pm

Hub City Vineyard Church

17805 Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown

HCV announces a Compassion weekend. The weekend begins with the 1st annual Tie Dye Run for Freedom on Saturday, with ALL proceeds from the run going to Compassion (more info). The weekend continues with Compassion Sunday at HCV on Sunday morning at 9:00 & 11:00. The weekend concludes with a Community Worship night on Sunday evening at 6:00 that includes worship leaders from five different churches. Their goal for the weekend is to see 200 children sponsored through Compassion International. Don’t miss out on all that God is doing through Compassion & help them bring an end to child exploitation & poverty. Run Flyer / Compassion Sunday Flyer.

Saturday, October 12, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

KIDS’ CLOTHING FOR SALE! Most items for sale are 25 cents! (Infant, toddler, through teen sizes available.) For the best selection of gently used (clean) clothing for boys and girls, be here when the doors open at 10:00 am. Bring a friend! Items for Sale - Limited number of items may be purchased, including new underwear, socks, diapers, pull-ups, and wipes. “Diaper Den” – Diapers for sale at a discounted price (limit of 1-pack/baby). NO LARGE BILLS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please pay with small bills (less than $20) when making payment. Download flyer with English and Spanish notices. Enter in door at back of the church. Follow signs.

October 14, January 13 and March 10 at 7:00 pm

St. John's Episcopal Church

101 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown

(in Saint Mary's Chapel, enter from the parking lot behind the church at Antietam & Walnut Sts)

Do you find yourself wondering why the world seems crazy? Do you question the truth and what is YOUR truth? Do you find that big, complex ideas baffle your mind? Perhaps you are not alone. Join this discussion group to explore some important issues with others who are also on a journey for insight and understanding life's moral and ethical dilemmas. October and January discussions led by Rev. D. Stuart Dunnan. March discussion led by Dr. Orville Browne. Flyer with more details

Tuesday, October 15, 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.

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, 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, 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

Friday, October 25, 5:00 pm

Cortland Mansion

19411 Cortland Dr, Hagerstown

31st Annual Dinner Auction - “Ghostly Gala”. Don’t miss this fun-filled evening with dinner, mingling, silent and live auctions, and games! Step into a night of mystery and enchantment at the Ghostly Gala Dinner Auction, where Halloween meets elegance for an unforgettable evening! Dress in your most creative or spookiest costume and join us for a night of delicious dining, live entertainment, and exciting auction experiences. As the eerie ambiance sets the stage, you’ll have the chance to bid on exclusive items and one-of-a-kind packages during our silent and live auctions, all while supporting a great cause. Tickets $75 each. Sponsorships Available.  Flyer. Sponsorship Levels.

Friday, November 1, 12:00 pm

Zion Baptist Church

61 Bethel Street, Hagerstown

Church Women United of Washington County MD Celebrates WORLD COMMUNITY DAY. Lunch Cost: $15. Please pay at the door. Meal made by Zion Baptist Church Women. Program begins at 1:00 pm. Reservations are due by Thursday, October 24. Please call or text Tammy Coyle at 240-409-2410 or email (preferred) to tammy.coyle93@gmail.com. Flyer.

Saturday, November 9, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Robinwood Professional Center

Atrium & Suite 142 (Blue Entrance Parking)

11110 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown

Meritus Health FALL INTO BETTER HEALTH SENIOR EXPO! Light refreshments, Raffles & giveaways, Vendor presentations with a variety of information for seniors, Cooking demo and samples, Workshops: 9:30 - 10:00 am - Advanced Directives; 10:15 - 10:45 am - Caring for the caregiver; 11:00 - 11:30 am - How to Age Boldly. Churches/organizations interested in setting up a table can contact Cindy Missling. (Vendor Form) Questions? Call 301-790-8964. Flyer.

Sunday, November 24, 9:30 am

St. John's Lutheran Church

141 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Come hear Guest Speaker Joshua Long from Interfaith Power and Light. The mission of this national organization is to "inspire and mobilize people of faith and conscience to take bold action on climate change." Interfaith Power and Light works with faith communities to save energy, create "green teams", and respond to climate change. Intergenerational Education and Conversation at 9:30 am. Temple Talk and special music during worship at 11:00 am. Questions and Conversations at a brief reception following worship at Noon. More info: Ann Shilling - 301-302-5810.