September 17, 2025

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In the Spotlight

Homeless Coalition presents at September HARC Meeting

At HARC’s September meeting, members of the Washington County Homeless Coalition shared valuable information about the collaborative work being done in our county to reduce homelessness and how the faith community can help. Mayor Bill McIntire and Chief Paul Kifer of the Hagerstown Police Department also shared why there is a new ordinance prohibiting sleeping in public places and how it’s helping. Read more and download stats

Watch Meeting Video

"What the Loneliness Conversation Misses"

By Kathryn Ryken

Christianity Today

"I’d imagine few Americans are so lucky as to be unaware of our cultural afflictions. We know everything that’s wrong with us, don’t we? We see the headlines. We understand our fatal flaws. We’re addicted to our phones, scrolling away to our doom. We’re unable to maintain thriving social lives or strong work ethics, overall incapable of contributing to the “real world” in meaningful ways."

Updated Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resource List

HARC's Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources list for Washington County has new updates, including removing a soup kitchen that closed and adding the new Manna Project at St. Mark's Episcopal. Please delete your old lists and use this one instead! If you know of any other changes, please contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.

English / Spanish flyer downloads

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 John Marsh Cancer Center. Some volunteers are already lined up to help with this, but more are needed for a rotation. The Cancer Center is finding 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.

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HARC & Member Events

Redistricting, Representation, and Reform: A Conversation with Walter Olson

Thursday, Sept. 25 | 5:00 pm social | 6:00 dinner | 6:30 presentation

Jeovani's Pizzeria

21 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Join the League of Women Voters of Washington County for an evening focused on how redistricting shapes our democracy — and how we can strengthen fairness and transparency in the process. Our featured guest is Walter Olson, senior fellow at the Cato Institute and a nationally recognized voice on election law and gerrymandering.

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Taste of the Town

Sunday, Sept. 28 | 5:00 pm

Maryland Theatre

21 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Showcase the culinary talents of local chefs at this year's Taste of the Town, benefiting Reach of Washington County. All food is generously provided by local restaurants and caterers, so all ticket proceeds go directly to Reach’s programs. Purchase tickets at mdtheatre.org/taste-of-the-town or call the local Box Office at 301-790-2000.

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Stories in the Round: National Association of Black Storytellers

Monday, Sept. 29 | 7:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church

13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown

Four storytellers from the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) will showcase their storytelling genres - from historic portrayals to African folktales as a fundraiser for the national association - with the goal of helping to replace the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants, which were cancelled in 2025 due to new White House anti-diversity policies.

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Save the date: Prepare Him Room - Free Virtual Event

Saturday, Nov. 15 | 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Benevola United Methodist Church

19925 Benevola Church Road, Boonsboro, MD

Set aside this time to prepare your heart and mind for the Christmas season. A little worship and some shared wisdom from Bible Teacher, Author, Kelley Minter. RSVP Deadlilne: Nov. 8. Questions: 240-625-7358. Click on pic for downloadable flyer.

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Community Events

Fresh Food Drop

Friday, Sept. 26 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Soul Haven

119 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Office of Consumer Affairs and Maryland Food Bank Fresh Food Drop. Until supplies last. Info: 301-790-5054. Click pic for downloadable flyer.

September Calendar

Women's Club Fundraiser

Friday & Saturday, Sept. 26 & 27 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Women's Club of Hagerstown

31 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown

Bargain Sale - Low low prices on clothing for the family, housewares, collectibles, jewelry, and small furniture pieces. Proceeds help support our housing for low income women and women in recovery. Great selection of merchandise and unbeatable prices. Info: Elise Weber 240-269-4488. Click pic for Facebook page.

Website

"Stepping On" Workshop

Fridays, Oct. 10 - Nov. 7 | 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Senior Activities Center

535 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Don't let a fall cramp your style. One in four people age 65 or older has a fall each year. You don't have to be one of them. Seven week program starts Fri., Oct. 10. Contact Curt at 301-790-0275 or email cmiller@wccoaging.org to register or more information. Click pic for downloadable flyer.

Save the date: 2025 Potter's Bowl

Sunday, Nov. 2 | 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Elks Lodge

11063 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown

Be part of one of Hagerstown’s most beloved traditions—an evening of handcrafted bowls, delicious soups, raffle prizes, and community spirit. Every dollar raised helps the Community Free Clinic continue providing free medical care and prescription services to uninsured residents of Washington County. $55. RSVP deadine: Oct. 30. Email Suzanne Menard for more info.Website. Click pic for downloadable flyer.