Representatives of Habitat for Humanity of Washington County presented an update to HARC members and friends at our May 19, 2026 regular meeting. Watch the recording to learn more about their programs and how the faith community can be involved. Find contact info and more at https://habitat-wc.org/.
HARC Hike brings crowd and joy to Williamsport
Saturday, May 30 nearly 150 people participated in Part 2 of the Ed Poling Memorial HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope, walking or running 5K or 10K hikes on the C&O Canal towpath in and beyond Williamsport, MD to support programs of HARC. We had gorgeous weather, a beautiful route on the towpath, a welcoming community, many joyful spirits who had a great time, and a comfortable, welcoming host church at Zion Lutheran for our check-in and post-hike celebration lunch.
Combined with our May 16 Challenge Hike, the event raised more than $88,000 for Micah’s Backpack, the Refugee Welcome Network and other programs of HARC. This is thanks to the fundraising efforts of numerous participants with a a 2-1 match on all individual fundraising by the God’s Grace Fund. Fundraising continues through June 15 as we try to reach our goal of $95,000 ($2,333 more in fundraising to go with the match!)
To help us reach the goal, donate here to support a participant or donate here (choose HARC Hike) to make a general HARC Hike donation.
See pictures of the event on our Facebook page or in our Dropbox folder. There are tons of great photos!! You can see a handful of them below.
HARC would like to express our deep gratitude to the following for making this event successful:
- The fabulous HARC Hike Team: Ed Maloy, Beth Johnston, Deacon Sue Wert, Kelly Conrad, Ted Howe, Elizabeth Howe, Mary Means, Butch Eigenbrode (ARA), Kyle Powderly and Kathy Powderly
- Zion Lutheran Church in Williamsport – our host!
- The Antietam Radio Association (ARA) for their radio communications and many volunteers
- The God’s Grace Fund for their generous match
- Our Sponsors – see all sponsors here. Top sponsors include Columbia Gas/NiSource Foundation, First Christian Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and The Poole Law Group.
- Churches/organizations who provided buses and (some) drivers for transportation: Christ’s Reformed Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Valley Grace Brethren, Girls, Inc., and Celebration Ministries
- MANY wonderful volunteers who helped on Hike days with food, hospitality, logistics, check-in, set-up, clean-up, photography, and more!
- MANY generous individuals who donated to support the cause!
Nine County Commissioner candidates shared views at forum
As we approach the June 2026 primary elections, HARC and the League of Women Voters (LWV) hosted a free public forum for candidates for the Washington County, MD Board of County Commissioners in partnership with the Washington County Free Library. Nine candidates participated in the forum. Each had an opportunity to share about themselves and their priorities as well as answer questions received from the public, both prior to and during the event.
What happens on a local level has a big impact on our daily lives. Get to know the candidates to be prepared when you vote! Please note that ALL candidates were invited to participate; not everyone responded or chose to participate.
HARC & LWV will host a Board of Education and Board of County Commissioners Meet & Greet at Hancock Town Hall next Thursday, May 28 from 6-8 pm.
HARC is grateful to our HARC/LWV Candidate Forums Team for organizing truly non-partisan, civil and educational forums for Board of County Commissioners and Board of Education primary elections. This team includes Leader Cindy Brown, Richard Willson, Charlotte Trout, Genie Massey, Evvie Williams, and Rachel Nichols. Our gratitude also extends to Tammy Martinez for moderating the Commissioners candidate forum.
Watch the recording
HARC Challenge Hike great day, exceeds goal
Saturday, May 16 twelve hardy souls completed the Ed Poling Memorial HARC Challenge Hike, traversing 10 or 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland. The terrain was tough, but the weather was beautiful, spirits were high, and we were blessed with great support from our hospitality team. We exceeded our fundraising goal for the Challenge Hike with $10,828 raised (and still counting), which becomes $32,484 with the 2-1 match from the God’s Grace Fund!! See more pictures on our Hike Facebook page.
A big thanks to all who participated and raised funds, donated to support hikers and the cause, and/or volunteered: Kyle, Beth, Deacon Sue, and Linda (support team & food prep), Ted (Hike Leader).
We’re not done yet! You can still join the fun with a 5K or 10K hike on the C&O Canal towpath May 30.
HARC Hosts BOE Candidate Forum
On Thursday, May 7, HARC and the League of Women Voters hosted a candidate forum for the Washington County Board of Education primary election. All candidates were invited and five participated. This well-attended event was a great way for the public to get to know the candidates before going to the polls. If you missed it, check out the recording.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGxlAOc3i-k&feature=youtu.be
Meals On Wheels could use your help
The Washington County Commission on Aging is looking for volunteers in the Hagerstown area to help deliver Meals on Wheels. For more information, contact Sandi Brogden – Program Manager, 301-790-0275.
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