Author: Staff Reports

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – As the United Way of Washington County embarks on its 33rd annual Day of Caring, it does so with more volunteers among its ranks than in previous years. Nearly 1,100 volunteers are registered to tackle 85 projects around the county Thursday, Sept. 19. Heather Guessford, the president and CEO of United Way of Washington County, recalls a 2023 project replaced the air conditioning in a paralyzed veteran’s home. The veteran expressed that the project made a big difference in his quality of life. “That’s what drives us,” she said. “That’s what fills our love tank.” With the encouragement…

CHAMBERSBURG – Wilson College is seeking entries for its annual ArtsFest celebration, which will take place on campus the week of April 7-11, 2025. The theme for ArtsFest 2025 will be “ART IS…SHARED STORIES.”  The College’s ArtsFest Committee is seeking artists and arts educators (visual, performing and literary) from Chambersburg and the surrounding area to share their experience, expertise and work at ArtsFest 2025. Appropriate events include a presentation/reading, performance, project, workshop/class, exhibition, immersive experience or other types of arts-based events. Interested parties should complete the proposal form AVAILABLE HERE on the College’s ArtsFest webpage by Nov. 8 (www.wilson.edu/artsfest). All…

CHAMBERSBURG – United Way of Franklin County will kick off its annual community campaign, “Ignite Giving,” on Sept. 20. This year’s campaign emphasizes the power of community engagement and philanthropy to spark lasting change and hope for a brighter future. The campaign kickoff will be held at The Eugene C Clark Jr. Community Center (Chambersburg Recreation Center), beginning at noon. The event will bring together community leaders, local organizations and residents to celebrate the spirit of giving and rally support for the campaign’s goals. Registration for the event is available at www.uwfcpa.org/events . “Our theme, ‘Ignite Giving,’ represents our commitment…

World Polio Day, recognized on Oct. 24, is a time for Rotary Club members, public healthadvocates and all who want a world free from polio to come together, recognize progress inthe fight to end this disease and talk about the actions needed to take to end polio for good. Every year, the Rotary Club of Waynesboro joins in the worldwide recognition of World PolioDay by hosting “The World’s Greatest Meal to Help End Polio.” Attendees of the Oct. 15meeting are asked to forego their meal, pack a lunch and donate the cost of a meal to thePolioPlus efforts. This symbolic…

CHAMBERSBURG – Martha Ami Hawes Plessinger has been included in Marquis Who’s Who for both her success in art and in the retail business. Ms. Plessinger, owner of Northwood Books, has made significant strides in maintaining the “company’s legacy as a family-owned and operated business since 1988,” Who’s Who officials said. The bookstore, owned by she and her husband, Dwain, focuses on providing customers with a vast array of genres, heavily focused on classics, history and historical fiction. The inventory includes mysteries, romance, science fiction, horror, war, fine bindings, collectibles and Pennsylvania history. Many items are available both in store and…

FAIRFIELD, Pa. – The Jack’s Mountain Bridge, the one-lane covered bridge outside Fairfield, will be closed to traffic for two weeks from Aug. 23 to about Oct. 4, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials announced. They said signs were posted early to alert the motoring public, so that alternate routes can be planned. The bridge closure was needed to ensure public safety, officials added. The closure to will be perform maintenance and perhaps beam work on the one-lane bridge, one of just 1,600 covered bridges remaining in the world. Jack’s Mountain Bridge is the only covered bridge in Adams County that…

GREENCASTLE, Pa. – Two area businesses were selected for special honors when the Franklin County Area Development Corporation hosted its 36th Annual Industry Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Green Grove Gardens. FCADC President Mike Ross explained, “We do this each year because it is an opportunity to show respect to all businesses in Franklin County which make up the foundation of the community.” A total of 416 people attended this year’s event representing county businesses; county, township and borough leadership; and others interested in and essential contributors to the economic wellbeing of the county. In addition to entertainment…

CHAMBERSBURG – A new chief information officer has been announced for Patriot Federal Credit Union. Joe Lombardi, the new CIO, has more than 28 years of experience in information technology. His experience includes AI governance, machine learning and operational efficiency strategies. “We are excited to welcome Joe to Patriot Federal Credit Union,” said Ron Celaschi, president and CEO. His extensive experience and knowledge of aligning technology with business goals will help Patriot drive organizational excellence into the future, Celaschi said. Before joining Patriot, Lombardi served as the chief information officer at Marine Federal Credit Union in Jacksonville, N.C., where he…

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – A painting that captures the horrors of a fire won the People’s Choice Award for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ “Cumberland Valley Artists” exhibition. Museum visitors named Lesa Cook of Burkittsville, Md., the winner for her oil painting “House on Fire.” Cumberland Valley Artists Exhibition was on display June 15-Aug. 25. Cook’s piece was among 65 pieces of art by 62 artists in this year’s juried exhibition.  An annual tradition since the 1930s, the “Cumberland Valley Artists” exhibition showcases, celebrates and supports artists of the Cumberland Valley region. This year’s exhibition juror was Lise Dubé-Scherr,…

MONT ALTO – Penn State Mont Alto will host its annual Penn State Day, an open house designed for high school students and their families on Oct. 12. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., providing attendees with an opportunity to explore the campus, learn about academic programs and engage with current students, faculty and staff. Prospective students will have the chance to inquire about admissions and financial aid, as well as discover various resources available for career development and student engagement. Penn State Mont Alto offers over 275 majors, with options for students to complete…