Author: Staff Reports

CHAMBERSBURG- Celebrate the arts at Wilson College as it hosts the second annual ArtsFest from April 1-5. The theme for this year’s event is “Art is…Transformation,” which highlights how art transforms human experience. ArtsFest is a week-long event that includes theatre and dance performances, a fashion show, open mic readings, and visual arts workshops. One highlight of the week will be a UNITY project, which will allow members of the community to help create a structure of intertwined yarn that will represent their interconnectedness. All events are free and open to the public. For a detailed schedule and event descriptions,…

CHAMBERSBURG – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed March 17-23, 2024, to be Pennsylvania 4-H Week in Franklin County. 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, supporting nearly 6 million children and adolescents across the U.S. Its network provides youth with opportunities for leadership development, career exploration, problem solving, friendships, community involvement, passion and purpose. In Pennsylvania, the Penn State Cooperative Extension oversees 4-H programs in all 67 counties, reaching more than 77,000 youth between the ages of 5 and 18. A network of staff members and over 6,000 adult volunteers engage these young people in learning activities and…

HAGERSTOWN, MD – Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) Fire Department (Station 35) has announced the acquisition of a 2004 Crimson Spartan Unit. This highly specialized vehicle features a wide array of on-board rescue tools and equipment. Known as “Unit 35”, this truck is expected to greatly enhance HGR’s ability to respond in a timely manner to on-airport fires and medical emergencies, aircraft incidents/accidents, airport area-motor vehicle accidents along with mass casualty events affecting the local community. In the past, the fire station utilized a pull-behind box trailer to transport equipment and supplies to mass casualty incidents, which proved to be time-consuming and inefficient. With…

WAYNESBORO- The Rotary Club of Waynesboro submitted the following club news: Last Meeting’s Program (3.19.24 bulletin) The scheduled program had been postponed, so a Rotary Assembly program was held. Members were presented with a slate of nominations for the club’s 2024-2025 officers, which was approved by voice vote. Officers for the coming year include: Matt Gunder, president; Jeff Rock, president-elect; Jeb Keller, president-elect nominee; Pat Fleagle, secretary; Brian Shook, treasurer; Jon Fleagle, sergeant at arms, Derek Furry, immediate past president, (in place of Brian Lucas, who is moving from the area); Bob Zimmerman, 10-year past president; Paul Gunder, 5-year past…

WAYNESBORO- Music enthusiasts and jazz aficionados are in for a treat as Destination JAZZ! gears up to take center stage at the Waynesboro Area Senior High School on Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28. This two-day event promises a captivating musical experience featuring the renowned Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano and his Quartet. Stellar Lineup The highlight of the event will be the performance by Joe Lovano and his Quartet, an ensemble comprising some of the most talented young musicians in the world. The Quartet includes Patrick Bartley, Georgia Heers, and Alexander Claffy, who are all recognized for their…

HARRISBURG- UPMC in Central Pa. has launched an in-house medical assistant trainee program. Through the paid training program, students enrolled in the UPMC Medical Assistant course undergo clinical rotations, didactic skills modules, cost-free MA certification exam and an externship placement at a UPMC in Central Pa. outpatient clinic, along with support in applying for and beginning a permanent position. A pilot class started in late fall of 2023. The inaugural class of the Medical Assistant Trainee program graduated after completing the 16-week session and passing their Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exams. The three graduates committed full-time to gain key…

HAGERSTOWN, MD – An old proverb once said, “The goal of the teacher is for the student to surpass the teacher.” For this year’s Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ Cumberland Valley Photographers Exhibition, the student did indeed surpass the teacher. Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) sophomore Taylor Brown, 16, of Hagerstown, won first place in the juried competition, while her teacher Kristen Green came in second place. For this year’s competition, 40 photographs by 27 artists were accepted for the exhibition, which runs March 23—June 2, 2024, at the museum. An opening reception Saturday, March 23, 1…

WAYNESBORO—The Institute’s spring lecture series, Enjoy Franklin County, PA concludes on Tuesday, April 2 with “Foraging in Franklin County.” The free program is at 7 p.m. in the social room at Church of the Apostles in Waynesboro. Presented by Dr. David Foster, professor of biology & environmental science at Messiah University, the illustrated talk will explore how to forage legally and safely in the backyards, woods, and parks of Franklin County, and talk about some of the edible plants you are likely to find. Foster has more than 20 years experience in our forests and will take us through a…

CHAMBERSBURG- A wildlife species native to Pennsylvania but long missing is back home again. The Pennsylvania Game Commission released 50 bobwhite quail on the grounds of Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County. That brings to 76 the number of bobwhites planted on site in recent weeks, with one more release to go. The birds – which should increase their numbers exponentially over the course of the spring breeding season – are the final brick in a foundation the Game Commission began laying more than a decade ago. “This is an exciting time, the next chapter in a story of wildlife…

CHAMBERSBURG–Franklin County Commissioners will meet, March 20, beginning at 10 a.m. in the administration building. The agenda is as follows: Meetings are also live streamed on Franklin County’s YouTube channel and at http://bit.ly/BOCCLiveStream at scheduled meeting times. ● MOMENT OF SILENCE ● PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ● APPROVE AGENDA ● CHAIRMAN’S TIME ● PUBLIC COMMENT ● APPROVE VOUCHERS ● REVIEW AND APPROVE MINUTES – March 13, 2024 ● NEW BUSINESS o REVIEW AND APPROVE BOARD ACTIONS – See attached listing o PERSONNEL – The Board will consider the approval of job description for Project Manager o PRESENTATION – 4H Proclamation o…