News
Twenty-Eight Grant Awards Will Help Local Organizations Meet Needs and Create Opportunities for Franklin County Residents
More than $288,000 in grants will support nonprofit organizations working to meet Franklin County residents’ needs and strengthen communities across the county. The Franklin County Community Fund, Palmer Family Foundation Fund and Harold L. and Dolores K. Brake Legacy Fund made 28 grant awards totaling $288,156.58 in 2026. The organizations and their work were celebrated Sept. 17 during the Franklin County Community Foundation’s annual celebration, which brought together nonprofit leaders and community
MANHATTAN SHORT Screens Ten Films from Ten Countries Global Audiences Vote for Best Short Film and
Sept 25, 2026: Film lovers in Franklin County will join over 100,000 film enthusiasts around the world on September 25th, when the 29th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival screens at Waynesboro Theater at 7pm. MANHATTAN SHORT 2026 screens simultaneously across the world during a one-week period, with the Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue. By virtue of their selection by MANHATTAN SHORT, each short film is automatically
Franklin County Visitors Bureau Hosts Learn & Explore Weekend: Road to Freedom; Launches Statue Campaign to Honor John Brown & Frederick Douglass History
Chambersburg, PA — The American Semi-quincentennial has been the centerpiece of 2026 as Franklin County Visitors Bureau highlighted the county's deep contributions to American history. Throughout the year, initiatives have explored the Road to Freedom—from frontier and colonial America, through raids and invasions of the Civil War, and into World War II with Letterkenny Depot. One essential story remains-- Franklin County’s role in the Underground Railroad, the relationship of John Brown and Frederick
“The Wonderful Illustrator of Franklin County” Bus Tour Tickets On Sale “Wizard of Oz” Illustrator W.W. Denslow Franklin County’s Drawings Explored
Franklin County, PA – The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites the public to experience the “wizard of illustration’s” view of Franklin County from the comfort of a guided bus tour on Sunday, October 25. The “Wonderful Illustrator of Franklin County” tour departs from the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center in downtown Chambersburg. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., with the tour returning between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $80 per person or $150 for two people. This tour includes a buffet lunch, a
Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business Announce 2026 Best Places to Work in PA
Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business have named SEK, CPA & Advisors as one of the Best Places to Work in PA for 2026 in the medium employer category. The awards are held in partnership with Best Companies Group. Best Places to Work in PA identifies, recognizes and honors the best places of employment in Pennsylvania in three categories: small employer (15-99 employees), medium employer (100-249) and large employer (250 or more). To be considered, companies must be a publicly or privately
Early lung cancer detection with robotics at Meritus
State-of-the-art robotic technology enables physicians to safely reach small, hard-to-access lung nodules, providing earlier and more precise diagnoses. HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world, and early detection gives patients the best chance of survival, said Dr. Mohammad Jafferji. The thoracic surgeon with Meritus Surgical Specialists uses the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy system to examine the smallest, most difficult-to-reach areas of the lung, helping physicians diagnose
Franklin County Seeks Community Input on Substance Use Treatment Services
The Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol Program is inviting Franklin County residents to participate in an anonymous survey focused on improving services for individuals with substance use disorders and their loved ones. Community feedback will help identify opportunities to create more respectful, effective care throughout the county. Residents, family members, people with lived experience, service providers and community partners are all encouraged to participate. The survey is being conducted as part of
WellSpan names Dr. David Gasperack senior vice president and chief medical officer of WellSpan Medic
YORK, Pa. (Sept. 8, 2026) – WellSpan Health has promoted Dr. David Gasperack to senior vice president, WellSpan Health, and chief medical officer, WellSpan Medical Group, effective Sept. 6. In this role, Gasperack will provide physician leadership for WellSpan Medical Group, partnering with clinical and operational leaders to advance quality, safety and physician engagement. His appointment follows more than two decades of service to WellSpan as a family physician and physician executive. Over the
Waynesboro Seventh-day Adventist Church to Host Labor Day Yard Sale
The Waynesboro Seventh-day Adventist Church will host a Labor Day Yard Sale on Monday, September 7, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1 State Hill Road, Waynesboro, PA 17268. Held indoors in the church’s fellowship hall, the sale will feature a wide variety of donated items, including tools, clothing in a range of sizes, household furnishings, unique finds and more. Proceeds from the yard sale will support the church’s community service efforts benefiting neighbors in need throughout the Waynesboro
Meritus Emergency Department earns national recognition for older adult care
Recognition ensures older adults in the region have access to age-friendly emergency care. HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The Meritus Medical Center Emergency Department has been recognized by the American College of Emergency Physicians for providing excellent care for older adults. The Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation gives emergency doctors, nurses and hospital leaders clear goals to help them provide better care for older adults. The accreditation program includes more than 24 best practices for caring
Salzetti Named Franklin County's August Employee Of The Month
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (September 3, 2026) – The Franklin County Commissioners proudly presented the August Employee of the Month award to Brannon Salzetti during the board's Sept. 2 public meeting. Salzetti has been employed by Franklin County since July 2025 and serves as a probation officer in the county's adult probation department. August's Employee of the Month recipient was determined by the Special Thanks and Recognition (STAR) Committee, which received 19 nominations for the July award, three of
Bethany House Brings Its Story to Life
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) and Wakeen & Company recently celebrated the completion of the first Stories That Serve, featuring Bethany House of Cumberland County. The program was created to help local nonprofits build their communications capacity through professional storytelling. As the first recipient, Bethany House worked with Wakeen & Company to create a feature video and a shorter version for digital use, giving the organization new tools to share its mission and connect with
Gallery 50 hosts opening reception for “Between Worlds” art show on Aug. 7
WAYNESBORO—Gallery 50 hosts an opening reception for a new art exhibition, “Between Worlds: Art from the Seen to the Imagined” on Friday, Aug. 7 from 5:30–8 p.m. at 50 West Main Street in downtown Waynesboro, PA. The evening will showcase the new artwork and includefree refreshments in addition to live music from BBD Trio in the adjacent Music Makers space. The 10 featured artists are Cindy Baker, Melissa Hook, Eric Hyne, Paul Ingraham, Brian Laurich, Amélie Lavenant-Wink, Toni McGraw, Mariam
Used Book Sale seeks donations to benefit Habitat for Humanity
Used Book Sale seeks donations to benefit Habitat for Humanity in partnership with St. John’s UCC and sponsored by BCM Payroll ServicesHabitat for Humanity and St. John’s United Church of Christ have again partnered to host a used book sale to benefit Habitat’s housing ministry in Franklin County. The sale is sponsored by BCM Payroll Services. Online details can be found at: www.sjucc1811.org/book-sale. From Aug 31 - Oct 10, materials can be donated in five ways:At any of the Patriot Federal Credit Union
Creating Stronger Futures Through Stable Housing
Across South Central Pennsylvania, new opportunities are emerging to help people find safe, stable housing.Why Housing Matters Housing affects health and daily stability. It also influences whether families and individuals can look ahead with confidence. When housing is out of reach, people often face added pressure in other parts of life, from basic needs to transportation to overall well-being. That strain can make it harder to stay healthy, feel secure and plan for a successful future. “When housing
Adobe Firefly: A Digital Design Guide for Local Trade and Home Service Businesses
What Is Adobe Firefly? Adobe Firefly is a generative artificial intelligence application that creates images, videos, and design elements from text descriptions. It works by converting written prompts into visual media using advanced machine learning models trained on licensed content. The primary output specifications include high-resolution digital files that are fully cleared for safe commercial use. Small business owners running home services or trade operations in the Waynesboro area face unique
TFEC Earns the 2026 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has earned a 2026 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, reinforcing the trust donors and community partners place in the foundation to steward charitable resources with integrity. The Platinum Seal is Candid’s highest level of transparency. To earn it, nonprofits provide information that helps the public better understand their mission, programs, finances and results. For TFEC, this recognition reflects values that guide its work across South Central
Investing in Housing Solutions Across South Central Pennsylvania
Housing shapes every part of community life. When people have a safe and stable place to live, families are stronger, health improves and communities are better positioned to grow. That is why The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has committed to supporting safe, stable housing for all. Through its Equitable Access to Housing initiative, TFEC is working to expand options for affordable and accessible housing across its footprint. The effort is focused on building long-term community stability.
Why Direct Mail Outperforms Digital Advertising for Waynesboro Businesses
Direct mail consistently delivers higher recall, stronger emotional response, and better ROI than email, paid search, and social media — and the research backing that claim keeps getting stronger. For businesses in Waynesboro, where local reputation and repeat customers drive a large share of revenue, a personalized letter or postcard reaches people in a way digital ads simply can't replicate. Here's what the data shows and how to put it to work.The Science Behind Why Physical Mail Sticks Most business
Why Cash Flow Kills Profitable Businesses — And What Waynesboro Business Owners Can Do About It
Financial literacy isn't a credential — it's a survival skill. Nearly 45% of small business owners have lost at least $10,000 in profits due to low financial literacy. For businesses in the greater Waynesboro area, the gap between knowing your revenue and truly understanding your finances can be the difference between growth and closure.How Review Frequency Predicts Whether a Business Survives Imagine two Waynesboro businesses — similar size, similar revenue, opened the same year. One owner spends 30
The Sales Pitch Mistake Most Waynesboro Business Owners Don't Know They're Making
A strong sales pitch leads with the customer's problem, not the seller's story. For small businesses in Waynesboro, where community relationships and word-of-mouth referrals do a lot of the heavy lifting, how you pitch can determine whether a conversation turns into a client — or just stays a conversation. The SBA treats defining your competitive edge as non-negotiable in any sales strategy — whether your advantage is a better product, a lower price, or a customer experience that no one else in your
Hiring Smart: Building the Right Team for Your New Business
Hiring employees is one of the most important decisions a new business owner will make. The first people you bring into your company help determine how work gets done, how problems are solved, and how your business grows. Because small teams carry significant responsibility, thoughtful hiring practices can help attract strong candidates while reducing staffing risks. A structured hiring approach helps founders avoid rushed decisions and build a team capable of supporting long-term growth.Quick
How Local Businesses Turn Raw Numbers Into Real Advantages With Data Visualization
For many Greater Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce members, growth depends on understanding what’s happening inside the business — and explaining those insights to employees, partners, and customers. Data visualization turns everyday operational data into clear pictures that guide better decisions and reveal opportunities that might otherwise stay hidden. Learn below: How visualizing data helps small businesses understand performance faster and communicate more effectively. Where visual tools make the
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities Welcomes Kim Alvarez as Vice President of Philanthropy
Expanding its capacity to support charitable giving and nonprofit capacity across south central Pennsylvania, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has named Kim Alvarez vice president of philanthropy. Alvarez brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership to TFEC, helping donors and organizations turn generosity into lasting community impact. In her role, Alvarez leads TFEC’s Philanthropy Team and works closely with donors, professional advisors and nonprofit
Creating a Digital Marketing Plan on a Shoestring Budget
Small businesses in Waynesboro and Franklin County often share one challenge: limited marketing budgets. Yet, digital marketing doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to be intentional. With a clear plan, the right tools, and consistent effort, even the smallest team can achieve remarkable local reach.TL;DR You don’t need deep pockets—just a clear map. Focus on free or low-cost platforms (social media, email, SEO). Reuse content across multiple channels. Build local partnerships for mutual
Smart Investments to Set Up a New Business for Success
You’ve just launched your business — or you’re on the brink. This early phase is critical. Decisions you make now will echo into every customer experience, process, and dollar earned. Whether you’re opening your first storefront, building a digital brand, or formalizing a freelance hustle, the right early investments can determine whether you struggle or scale. Below are essential areas where intentional investment early on helps new businesses thrive — supported by tactical tips, helpful resources, and
How Small Businesses Can Build a Social Presence That Feels Legit
You don’t need a full production team or a six-figure budget to make your small business look sharp online. A professional social media presence is more about rhythm and resonance than polish and perfection. Most small businesses get stuck trying to mimic big brands—churning out generic posts that feel hollow. That’s not what works. Real traction comes from showing up consistently, speaking with clarity, and looking put-together without overextending. Every move you make can build trust, signal intent,
Savvy, Not Spammy: Harnessing AI to Amplify Small Business Marketing
Small business owners often walk a tightrope between wearing too many hats and making enough time for meaningful marketing. That’s where artificial intelligence, far from being the stuff of science fiction, has begun to feel like a loyal assistant. AI tools today aren’t reserved for tech giants or Silicon Valley prodigies—they're practical, approachable, and, more importantly, affordable. What matters now is understanding how to use them without losing the personality that makes a small business feel
Tools Rewriting the Rules of Small Business
For small businesses trying to do more with less, the traditional toolkit—paper planners, spreadsheets, scattered emails—no longer keeps pace with modern demands. But the wave of available digital tools isn’t just about speed; it’s about shifting how people work, collaborate, and scale up with clarity. There’s a difference between merely keeping things afloat and actually steering the ship with purpose, and today’s platforms help anchor that shift. Rather than simply digitize old habits, these tools
How Small Businesses Can Connect Online Buzz with Real-World Presence
It used to be enough to hang a sign in your window and print up a stack of flyers. Now, it’s hashtags, geo-tags, paid ads, and maybe a sponsored video or two. That doesn’t mean the old ways stopped working, it just means they work better when paired with the tools people use every day. Small businesses that manage to blend physical presence with digital reach tend to carve out stronger relationships, not because they’re everywhere, but because they’re everywhere with purpose. This is no longer about
