Author: Staff Reports

Get Creative — Saturday, Aug. 17, the Council for the Arts in Chambersburg will host the “Artsy Chaos Club” led by artist Barbara Randall. The event allows children from elementary to teenage years to engage in creative and “chaotic” art projects. Known for her innovative repurposing projects, Randall encourages participants to wear clothing suitable for artistic messes. The session will run from 10 a.m. to noon at the Council for the Arts, 103 N. Main St., Chambersburg. Discover bow technology. The Conococheague Institute in Mercersburg will host an event focused on arrowheads and bow technology used by indigenous hunters in…

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Allegiant Airlines’ upcoming fall and spring schedules will give travelers more options and increased convenience, officials of Hagerstown Regional Airport have announced. Key highlights from the updated schedule include: For more information about Hagerstown Regional Airport and to book your flights, please visit www.flyHGR.com.

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The United States Army Blues concert, originally scheduled for Aug. 9 at Hagerstown Community College, has been rescheduled to Friday, Sept. 6, at 6:15 p.m. This change came in response to unfavorable weather forecasts for the original date. The concert, which is free of charge, is sponsored by the HCC Alumni Association and will take place at the HCC Alumni Amphitheater on the college campus. The U.S. Army Blues, renowned as the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army, is part of the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Established in 1970, the ensemble became an official unit…

With one in eight people seriously overweight around the world, it’s clear obesity is an epidemic in the U.S. and elsewhere, according to physicians at Meritus Health. “Losing weight is the best thing you can do for your health,” said Brian Cantor, M.D., a bariatric surgeon with Meritus Surgical Specialists. “It’s an underlying cause for health problems including high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea.” But losing weight is easier said than done. While diet and exercise are the logical routes, they often aren’t successful on their own, Cantor said. If that’s the case, there are steps…

WAYNESBORO — As the new school year approaches, the Waynesboro Area YMCA has announced a new initiative aimed at middle school students. The Middle School Engagement program is designed to address the unique social and physical needs of adolescents in a safe environment after the school day ends. It aims especially to address national statistics that show one in five middle schoolers lack supervision after the class day. The program offers a variety of activities tailored for students aged 13 and older, ensuring they remain active and engaged during critical after-school hours. Key features of the program include: The program…

SMITHSBURG. Md. — The town of Smithsburg has been allocated $137,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act, an allocation approved by the Washington County Board of Commissioners. These funds will be used to upgrade the town’s outdated wastewater pumping stations. These improvements are crucial for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of Smithsburg’s sewer system, which has faced challenges due to its aging facilities. The improvements are expected to enhance the overall functionality and sustainability of the town’s wastewater management. Local officials expressed gratitude to the Washington County Commissioners for their commitment to improving the community’s infrastructure. The allocation is part…

BOONSBORO, Md. — The annual Augustoberfest is set to take place on Aug. 17 and 18 at 7313 Sharpsburg Pike. This marks the third year that the festival has been held in its new location, continuing its tradition of celebrating the area’s rich German heritage while supporting local educational initiatives. Organized by the Augustoberfest Charitable Foundation, the festival aims to raise scholarship funds for students participating in the Hagerstown-Wesel Sister City foreign exchange program. Additionally, it supports foundational endowments for various nonprofits within Washington County. The Foundation’s board includes local business leaders who volunteer their time to ensure the event’s…

FORT LOUDON– The Fort Loudon Peach Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Fort Loudon Community Center Grounds, 142 Mullen St. This annual event promises activities for all ages, celebrating the local peach harvest. Visitors can look forward to a variety of arts and crafts vendors. The festival is designed to be family-friendly, offering free entertainment for both adults and children throughout the day. Food enthusiasts will be treated to an array of peach-themed delicacies, including peach pie, peach cobbler, peach sundaes,and peach ice cream. Additionally, several food trucks will be present,…

GREENCASTLE — Three educators and one student from the Greencastle-Antim School District were honored recently by the Franklin County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees. This event rotates among the five school districts in Franklin County. This year, those honored were from the Greencastle-Antrim School District. Among the honorees was Mary Stander, who received the 2024 Lauretta Woodson Support Professional Award. As a paraprofessional at Greencastle-Antrim High School, Stander has been pivotal in motivating students to surpass their own expectations, especially those facing academic and social challenges, association officials said. Amy Wilson was awarded the 2024 Lauretta Woodson…

WAYNESBORO — Buttonwood Nature Center presents its 33rd annual Jazz Festival on from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at The Wharf, a park-like property at 10141 Wharf Road. The concert is offered free to the public. Rain location is Waynesboro Area Middle School. Re-named the Buttonwood Jazz Festival, the concert features 2024 Grammy Award-winner Nicole Zuraitis (vocals), Don Braden (saxophone and flute), Dan Pugach (drums) and Luques Curtis (bass). Returning this year is perennial favorite, Paul Bollenback (guitar). Zuraitis is a New York-based bandleader, jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger. She won the 2024 Grammy Award for best vocal jazz album for…