By Jasmine Garsd

NPR

"President Trump is enacting a mass deportation campaign promised to be the largest in U.S. history. New data is giving a clearer picture of exactly what that looks like: at least 56,000 immigrants are being held in ICE detention.

According to the Deportation Data Project, a group that collects immigration numbers, about half the people in detention don't have criminal convictions. That's close to 30,000 people in detention, without a criminal record — the group that has grown the most in recent months." Read more.

John Wesley UMC connected with other United Methodist Churches to operate a cooling center every Saturday through the end of August! The John Wesley Cooling Center includes restrooms, cold drinks. phone charging stations, TV, games, tables and chairs. Please refer anyone needing to escape the heat to the drop-in centers on the street guide, the soup kitchens, and the Hope Center (Mission). In addition to these resources, the downtown library is open to everyone every day except for the Federal holidays. For your quick reference, attached you will find a flyer to share for the new cooling station, an updated list of all cooling/water stations, and the Homeless Street Guide that includes the drop-in centers and shelters.

HARC has once again compiled summer calendars (June-August) of free and low-cost VBS & other activities for children and families. You can find all three calendars on our website.

Meritus Hematology Oncology has a patient who needs to get to Johns Hopkins for a consultation to see if he is a candidate for surgery. They've tried every option available to get him a ride, with no success yet and the patient cannot afford to pay for a ride. Is someone able to give this man a ride? No date has been set yet as it is dependent upon his ability to get there. If you can help, please contact Brandi Zeigler at 301-665-4710 (Hematology Oncology dept). If you're told she's unavailable, please tell them to get her anyway and she will drop what she's doing for your call!  She is praying hard for a solution and has faith that God will provide - perhaps through you. 

Washington Goes Purple is gearing up for Recovery Month and calling on the incredible community to help make it unforgettable! Whether you're an organization ready to share resources or a community member looking to give back — there's a place for YOU. They're inviting community organizations, recovery resources, wellness providers, and local businesses to join them. Vendor Call!  They’re also seeking dedicated community members and students to support their events. Volunteers Needed!

ValorExcel, a leading provider of personal and professional coaching and training services is proud to announce that Mark Appenzellar has been appointed as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The leadership transition reflects the organization’s continued growth and commitment to empowering startups, small businesses, and nonprofits through practical support and innovative strategies. (press release)

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Hub Bubbles Laundromat

151 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Maryland Physicians Care is hosting a Free Laundry Day for one wash and one dry per family. Community families can wash and dry one load of laundry per household and receive a free bag. Kids can enjoy a coloring station, photo booth, and more! Flyer.

Friday, Aug. 8, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

OCA & Soul Haven

119-121 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Resources: Housing, Employment, Expungement, Mental Health Servicdes. Free: Walking Tacos, Drinks, Prizes, Community Partner Prize, Door Prizes, Games. Info: 301-790-5054. Flyer. August Calendar.

Wednesday, Aug. 13, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

WCHD Behavioral Health Services

925 N. Burhans Blvd., Hagerstown

Learn what your role is in the prevention of suicide. Light refreshments will be provided. Contact washcohealth.org, 240-313-3310. Scan code on flyer to register.

Friday, Aug. 15, 7:00 pm

City Park Band Shell

501 Virginia Avenue, Hagerstown

Free & Open to the Public. Fun activities planned before 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. 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, Aug. 16, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Washington County Free Library

Conference Rooms 308/309

100 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Join the Washington County NAACP Youth Council in collaboration with Our Hub Collective for a free Conflict Crushers Workshop! Facilitated by: Former Mayor Tekesha Martinez. Interactive games, activities, and conversations! Lunch will be provided! Any youth, 12 and under need to be accompanied by a parent or adult. All participants will receive a Peace Ambassador Certificate! Please register using the QR code (flyer) or this link.

Friday, Aug. 22, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (or until supplies last)

OCA & Soul Haven

119 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Office of Consumer Affairs and Soul Haven's August Fresh Produce Food Drop. Questions: 301-790-5054. Flyer.

Saturday, Aug. 23, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Games, Food, Fire Truck, Dunk Tank, face painting, backpacks, school supplies, popcorn, ice cream, cotton candy, and more .... Your donations are greatly appreciated. (List of items needed) Summer shopping is the BEST time to get the bargains. Drop off your donations at the church Monday - Friday or on Sunday morning. More info. Flyer.

Saturday, Aug. 23

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

1253 Mt. Aetna Road, Hagerstown

"Let's Make A Difference". School Supplies Drive. Bring backpacks and supplies to church by August 10. Help us provide 100 backpacks for children in need! Event date: August 23. Contact Ashlee Harris: 801-860-1301. Flyer.

Saturday, Sept. 6, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

American Red Cross

1131 Conrad Court, Hagerstown

The American Red Cross will be offering a Babysitter's Training Class at our Hagerstown office to help prepare youth 11-16 to safely and confidently care for children. Cost is $99. Click on the link to register.

Friday, Sept. 12, 6:00 pm

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

10813 Donelson Drive, Williamsport, MD

Church Women United of Washington County presents a Human Rights Celebration. Dinner cost: $15. Please pay at the door. Catered by St. Andrew Presbyterian Women. Reservations are due by Thursday, Sept. 5. Please call or text Tammy Coyle at 240-409-2410 or email (preferred) to tammy.coyle93@gmail.com. Program begins at 6:45 pm. Guest Speaker: Kathy Powderly will share about HARC’s ministry. Flyer.

Saturday, Sept. 20, 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Various locations

Learn about different faith traditions while sampling culturally relevant food and uniting to celebrate the International Day of Peace. To honor the International Day of Peace, an Interfaith Progressive Dinner will be held at three different local houses of worship with four faith traditions participating. Different portions of a meal will be served at each location as we progressively move as one group from place to place. Event is limited to 100 people. Info and tickets. Flyer.

A letter from Chris Schlotterbeck, Lead Pastor, Hub City Vineyard

Friends, Revival is a word that followers of Jesus use often. We may even drive by a church building and read their sign announcing a “revival”: Revival—this week only. Monday through Friday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. They may have some great meetings, but a genuine revival is not something that we start or stop. It is something God does supernaturally.  In Hagerstown, Meritus Park has been billed as the stadium that will “revive” downtown bringing new life to an area that has been stagnant and dying. Read more.  Tie Die Fun Run flyer