By Rabbi Or Rose, Rabbi Aaron Portman

Interfaith America

"In November 2023, shortly after the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel and the beginning of the ensuing war, two young Muslim women (not university students) entered the Ohio State University Hillel building, took Israeli flags, shouted at staff, and discarded the flags before leaving the premises. The incident occurred during heightened tensions and left the Jewish campus community feeling vulnerable, leading to increased security measures." Read more.

Tuesday, June 10, 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Congregation B’nai Abraham

53 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

HARC is excited to present the Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments and Households (ENOUGH) initiative at our June meeting. This unique Maryland state grant-funded initiative is a collaborative effort to alleviate poverty for children and families in the south end of Hagerstown, led by San Mar/Bester Community of Hope. Learn how this initiative aims to strategically address generational poverty and promote a legacy of economic mobility through critical support and resources in the following areas: Housing & Spaces / Mental Health & Substance Abuse / Poverty & Concrete Resources / Childcare & Workforce Development. Join us for lunch and fellowship along with the presentation. Thanks to Congregation B’nai Abraham for hosting and providing food (a free will offering basket will be out for donations toward the meal). RSVP requested by Friday, June 6 at noon so we can get a count for lunch and other activities. More info.

Saturday, May 31

Shepherd's Spring Retreats, Global Village and Camp

16869 Taylor’s Landing Road, Sharpsburg, MD

It's not too late to register! 4K, 10K and Half Marathon on the C&O Canal towpath. Register online by Friday, May 30 at 5:00 or in person the day of the hike.

A fun time outdoors to benefit programs of HARC, with a significant portion of proceeds to Micah's Backpack and the Refugee Welcome Network. Includes a 2-1 fundraising match from the God's Grace Fund! Find all the details and a registration link at www.harccoalition.org/hike.

The Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) continues to welcome new families to Washington County and the United States! Several individuals and families have arrived in the last month and the RWN warehouse is sparse, with some needs unmet. RWN is in need of the following: Twin bed, tall chest of drawers, electric kettles, microwaves, pressure cookers/Instant Pots and other kitchen gadgets, televisions (especially smart TVs), area rugs (8x10 and larger), kitchen table (2x4, 3x3 or 3x4), dining table and chairs, baby mattress and sheets, towels and queen-sized sheets. If you have new or very gently used items to donate. please contact refugeewelcome@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.

HARC is once again working with area congregations and children's organizations to compile a summer (June-August) calendar of free and low-cost VBS & other activities for children and families. Here is the JUNE Calendar and you can find any updated versions on our website.

We want to include your program(s) in July and August calendars! Please send information to Charlotte at harcnewsflash@gmail.com as soon as possible, including date(s), times, location, a brief description, ages served, and how to sign up.

Friday, May 30, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Soul Haven

119 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Office of Consumer Affairs. Fresh Produce Food Drop. 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, or until supplies last. Info: 301-790-5054. Flyer. / Calendar.

See dates in posting

HCC Alumni Amphitheater

Hagerstown Community College

11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown

Sunday, June 1, 3:00 pm - U.S. Navy Commodores

Sunday, June 15, 3:00 pm - U.S. Navy Sea Chanters

Thursday, July 3, 6:15 pm - 229th Army Band

Saturday, August 16, 6:15 pm - U.S. Air Force Celtic Aire

Friday, September 19, 6:15 pm - U.S. Army Blues Band



All concerts are FREE and open to the public, and no tickets are required. Concerts are subject to change by the U.S. Military. Concessions are available; no outside food or drink is permitted on the amphitheater grounds. For more information, call 240-500-2346. Website. Facebook Event. Flyer.

How churches can partner with Habitat for Humanity: During the month of May, take a special offering to support the work of Habitat for Humanity Washington County. June 19 - Church build day with Habitat at McCleary Hill. If a church is willing to participate in either of these activities, they can contact Melanie Watts at melaniewatts@habitat-wc.org or Bill Wyand at pastor@broadfording.com. For the June 19 build day, churches can come for the whole day or part of the day. They are still working out the details for that day. Bulletin Insert.Website.Facebook.

Sunday, June 8, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm & Between 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Congregation B'nai Abraham

53 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

A Jewish Food Festival To Go. Order Deadline: Wednesday, June 4. See Flyer for Food Selections and payment instructions. EZ Order & pay online: www.bnaiabraham.net/donations/.

Friday, June 6, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Washington County Public Safety Training Center

18350 Public Safety Place, Hagerstown

The Annual Harm Reduction and Peer Recovery Conference is a great opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and learn more about harm reduction and peer recovery efforts. A full day of inspiration and connection featuring dynamic speakers, interactive workshops, and valuable networking opportunities.CEU's are offered for this year conference to Peers and Counselors. Cost: Free but only open to 125 registrants. Food will be provided by Honey Ham. Questions? Call: 240-313-3310 or dial 711 for MD Relay TTY. Email: wchd.bhs@maryland.gov. To register and for more information about the conference, please click: Conference Registration Link

Friday, June 6 , 7:30 pm

The Maryland Theatre 

21 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Ricky struck his first chords on a mandolin over 60 years ago, and he continues to do his part to lead the recent roots revival in music. Clearly his passion for it puts him in the position to bring his lively, distinctively American form of music out of isolation and into the ears and hearts of audiences across the country and around the world. In the past decade, he has been honored with inductions into the Gospel Music Association’s Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame. Ricky Skaggs is always forging ahead with cross-cultural, genre-bending musical ideas and inspirations. Facebook Event. Website.

Summer Camp - Overnight Camp Week June 29-July 2, Day Camp Harambee July 7-31. A camp where Christ, Culture and Community Unite. For ages 5-13. Overnight camp $75, Day Camp Harambee $50/wk per child. Register now. Registration deadline is June 7. Website. See revised cost flyer for more info.

Saturday, June 7, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Hebron Mennonite Church

13315 Highlane Street, Hagerstown

School is OUT! Come on over to Hebron Outdoors! Music – Hot Dogs – Ice Cream – Petting Zoo – Bounce House – Paramount Fire Company Hands-on Demo – Games and More! Door Prizes every 15 minutes! Games: Core Hole, Basketball, Foursquare, Kickball, Badminton, Rock & Stone Painting and Sponge Throwing. Also – Community Garden Tour and Nature Hike. Free Event! Download a flyer here!

Saturday, June 7, 6:00 pm

Flying Boxcars Game - Flyer

Meritus Stadium

50 W. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

Friday, June 13, All Day

Jersey Mike's Fundraiser - Flyer

18015 Garland Groh Blvd. & 1370 Dual Highway, Hagerstown Locations

Friday, June 13, 5:30 - 9:00 pm

Sober Prom Night - Flyer

University Plaza

50 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown

Sunday, June 8, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Zion Reformed UCC

201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Venerable Temm Bikle, Buddhist Monk, is hosting the 2nd annual Japanese Noodle Slide in memory of Thích Quảng Đức. It’s a unique and fun experience where you can catch noodles with chopsticks as they slide down a chute. Add some broth and toppings and enjoy noodle soup! This and and other Japanese and Vietnamese food will be served. Vegetarian friendly and fun for all ages! Enjoy raffle prizes and more. Cost to register is $10. Maximum 45 people. This event is a fundraiser to support Temm as he brings more peace into this world. Additional donations before and during the event are gratefully accepted. Event is sponsored by HARC’s Interfaith Team and hosted by Zion Reformed Church. To register or donate, use the online form, or send a check to HARC, P.O. Box 1158, Hagerstown, MD 21741-1158. Flyer

Friday, June 13, 7:00 pm

City Park Band Shell

501 Virginia Avenue, Hagerstown

Free & Open to the Public. Fun activities planned before each movie starting at 7:00 pm. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, or enjoy the band shell benches, and treat yourself to concessions and a fun evening under the stars! Movie STARTS AT DUSK. June 13, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 PG /// June 27, Moana 2 PG /// July 11, Twisters PG-13 /// July 25, Inside Out 2 PG /// August 15, Wicked PG. Keep up-to-date with potential weather cancellations on Facebook! For more information, contact: Hagerstown Parks and Rec, 301-739-8577 x 180,

Parks&Rec@hagerstownmd.org

Saturday, June 14, 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Stalls at Fairgrounds Park

521 North Cannon Avenue, Hagerstown

The City of Hagerstown Parks & Recreation Division is hosting. Enjoy shopping outdoors for bargains along a stretch of 72-yard sale vendors and find new treasures for your home. Website. For more information, contact: Cathy Beach, 301-739-8577, ext 169, cbeach@hagerstownmd.org.

Annual Interfaith Progressive Dinner. Learn about different faith traditions, build community and enjoy a great meal! More details coming soon.