Author: Staff Reports

CHAMBERSBURG- The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed March to be Red Cross Month in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are celebrating the humanitarian spirit of American Red Cross volunteers in area communities and their commitment to ensuring no one faces a crisis alone. By declaring March to be Red Cross Month, the commissioners are recognizing the contributions of local Red Cross volunteers. In Franklin County, there are 17 volunteers who support the mission of the Red Cross by helping to provide emergency shelter, food and comfort to families affected by home fires or natural disasters; by donating blood…

CHAMBERSBURG- Luminest Community Development is excited to announce it is moving forward with the renovation of eight apartments in Downtown Chambersburg.  The project is being made possible through a HOME grant of $1,518,270 from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) which was announced earlier this week, as well as funding from the Franklin County Commissioners. “We look forward to working with the Borough on another improvement project,” said Dave Keller, Executive Director for Luminest. “This program will continue our mission – Dedicated to Building Stronger Neighborhoods, Better Homes and Brighter Futures.” DCED Secretary Rick Siger recently announced the…

Christopher Vaccari, M.D., an experienced cardiologist, says he regularly encounters three main issues with his patients’ heart health: coronary artery disease, irregular heart rhythms and congestive heart failure. And all can be improved with lifestyle choices. The cardiologist has some tips to help. “The keys are three-fold,” he said. “Diet, exercise and avoiding behaviors we know are bad for the heart.” What should you avoid for a heart-healthy diet? Eating healthy includes limiting sugar, salt and high-calorie foods. To get a handle on these, Dr. Vaccari suggests checking the labels on foods. There are also apps that help track the…

More than 65 tourism partners from across Franklin County attended the Franklin County Visitors Bureau Tourism Breakfast on Tuesday, March 12, at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center. The event provided an opportunity to overview the visitors bureau’s work, the current state of tourism, and recognize partnership and impact with a series of tourism awards. FCVB formed in December 2006 as a department of Franklin County, became a 501(c)6 at the end of 2013. In December 2016, FCVB purchased 15 South Main Street, home of Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center, which opened on Small Business Saturday, November 2018. After a…

Immerse yourself in a Celtic Celebration of Folk Dances from Ireland and Scotland at the Franklin County Visitors Bureau on Friday, March 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join the Celtic Ceilidh for St. Patrick’s Day featuring popular Irish and Scottish folk and country dances set to traditional music. Local instructors Nancy Walker and Jef Savage will guide participants through the dances, welcoming beginners with no prior experience needed. From basic dance steps to lively group participation, this event is open to individuals aged 12 and above, with singles encouraged to join in the festivities without a partner. Head to…

MONT ALTO- Penn State Mont Alto is set to host a thrilling entrepreneurial event akin to a local, small business version of Shark Tank with the upcoming LION Tank competition scheduled for March 19th at 5 p.m. This exciting event will see five small businesses vying for the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas and vie for up to $2,000 in seed money to kickstart their entrepreneurial dreams. LION Tank promises to be a showcase of creativity, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit as these aspiring business owners present their visions to a panel of judges and the audience. The competition not…

CHAMBERSBURG- The Cumberland Valley Business Alliance (CVBA) extends an invitation to the local community for an upcoming cruise to New England and Canada this fall, organized by Cruise Planners. Set sail on the Celebrity Eclipse from September 30 to October 11, 2024, and immerse yourself in the stunning autumn colors of New England and Canada.Embark in Boston and witness the mesmerizing color palette as you journey to Rockland, Maine, and beyond. Rockland, known as the lobster capital of the world, offers attractions like the Rockland Harbor Trail and Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. Explore Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital, with highlights such as…

HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Washington County Division of Permits and Inspections announces new minimum requirements for all residential plans, effective March 25, 2024. These requirements are crucial to maintaining the safety and quality of residential construction projects throughout Washington County. Key Changes and Requirements: Effective March 25, 2024, the following minimum requirements will apply to all residential building permit submissions: Policy Document Link: Click here to view the complete policy document. The Division of Permits and Inspections emphasizes the importance of adhering to these minimum requirements to ensure compliance and promote safety in residential construction projects. For further information or…

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – F&M Trust is pleased to announce the following recent hires and promotions. Jim Kellum has been hired as Senior Commercial Services Relationship Manager. Kellum will develop and manage a commercial lending portfolio in Berks County; pursue new commercial lending opportunities from current and prospective customers; and maintain ongoing relationships with current customers. Kellum previously was a team leader for Univest Financial Corporation. Kellum is based at F&M Trust’s regional headquarters in Harrisburg. Richard Scott has been hired as Senior Mortgage Loan Officer. Scott will develop and manage a mortgage portfolio and pursue new mortgage opportunities from current…

GREENCASTLE- In a celebration of local flavors and community spirit, the inaugural Grand Feast and Ribbon Cutting event is set to take place on Saturday, March 30, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Setas Mushrooms located at 7189 Hege Rd. in Greencastle, PA. This exciting event promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, a diverse array of two dozen farmers market vendors, engaging tours, and a cash bar to enhance the festivities. The highlight of the event will be the official ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m., marking a significant moment for Setas Mushrooms and the local community. Additionally,…