Page 3 of the Shepherd’s Spring June Update contains a nice tribute to Ed Poling as well as a short history of the HARC Hike. Be sure to look over the whole issue for information about programs and needs as the center.
Ed Poling Memorial HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope raises spirits and more than $80,000
Saturday, May 31 around 115 people turned out for the Ed Poling Memorial HARC Hike for Hunger and Hope, undeterred by reports of muddy ground or possible rain. Spirits were high as participants enjoyed a 4K, 10K or half marathon hike on the beautiful C&O Canal Towpath and the trails of Shepherd’s Spring Camp and Retreat Center followed by a delicious meal prepared by the 19th Hole/Harambee54, music, fellowship, prizes, and an on-screen tribute to Hike founder Ed Poling. We were especially honored by the presence of Ed’s sister, Beckie.
Between this event and the May 17 Challenge Hike, the event raised more than $80,000 for Micah’s Backpack, the Refugee Welcome Network and other programs of HARC! This was in great part thanks to many participants seeking donations for their hike paired with a 2-1 fundraising match from the God’s Grace Fund. The top fundraising individuals for this event were Christine Fink and Becky Fritts (Challenge Hike) and Mary & John Means (Canal Hike). Top fundraising teams were Hebron Mennonite for Ed Poling (Canal Hike) and Otterbein UMC (Challenge Hike).
We are incredibly grateful for everyone who made this event possible and successful, with special thanks to our amazing HARC Hike Team: Kelly Conrad, Beth Johnston, Ed Maloy, Deacon Sue Wert, Bill Pike, Butch Eigenbrode, Ted & Elizabeth Howe, and Kathy Powderly. We also could not do this without incredible sponsors, including God’s Grace Fund (lunch sponsor), Columbia Gas/NiSource, First Christian Church, and the Poole Law Group (see all sponsors listed here) or without our generous church and nonprofit vans & drivers – Girls Inc., Christ’s Reformed Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Valley Grace Brethren Church.
Check out select pictures from the May 31 hike below, with many more posted on our Facebook page!
14 Finish the Ed Poling Memorial HARC 20-Mile Challenge Hike
Saturday, May 17 was a beautiful day for a hike! That day, 14 people got out and hiked 20 miles on the Appalachian Trail to support programs of HARC, including Micah’s Backpack and the Refugee Welcome Network. The hike took 9 to 10 hours, with participants hiking at different speeds, and included breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks at “hospitality stops” along the way.
This hardy group hiked from Caledonia State Park in Pennsylvania south to Pen Mar Park. Parts of the trail were flooded from the rain earlier in the week, but all were grateful for an overall nice day. More than $9,000 was raised with this part of the hike; with a match from the God’s Grace Fund, the total will be approximately $24,000! We think Ed Poling would be proud, and was smiling from above.
Check out the pictures in Dropbox or on Facebook, and see who hiked on our Wall of Fame.
New Refugees are here! Home goods needed!
The Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) continues to welcome new families to Washington County and the United States! Several individuals and families have arrived in the last month and the RWN warehouse is sparse, with some needs unmet. RWN is in need of the following: Towels, queen & full sheets. electric kettles, microwaves, pressure cookers/Instant Pots and other kitchen gadgets, televisions (especially smart TVs), Rugs (we never have enough rugs!), dining table and chairs, baby mattress and sheets. If you have new or very gently used items to donate. please contact refugeewelcome@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.
Emily Keller speaks at May HARC meeting about overdose response
On Tuesday, May 13, HARC welcomed Emily Keller, Special Secretary for Overdose Response for Maryland to speak at our meeting with faith leaders and community members. Emily shared the great progress her new department is making with overdose response, treatment for addictions and prevention and answered questions from audience members. We are truly grateful for her time with us and for all she is doing for our community and state! Watch the recording HERE.
Hiring: Technical Support Associate
Position available for Technical Support Associate at Christ’s Reformed United Church of Christ in downtown Hagerstown, MD. The person best suited for this position must be available from 8:30-11:00am Sunday mornings. They must be able to run the sound system, PowerPoint slides, and Zoom while recording the service for YouTube. We would appreciate some experience but are willing to train. Compensation commensurate with experience. If interested, please contact Rev. Norville at reverend.norville@gmail.com.
Church support wanted for Habitat for Humanity
For the month of May 2025 , Habitat for Humanity Washington County is asking churches to take a special offering to support their work. In addition, June 19, 2025 will be a Church build day with Habitat at McCleary Hill
- Flyer attached to use as a bulletin insert (or as desired)
- If a church is willing to participate in either of these activities, they can contact Melanie Watts at melaniewatts@habitat-wc.org or they can contact Bill Wyand at pastor@broadfording.com.
- For the June 19 build day, churches can come for the whole day or part of the day. They are still working out the details for that day.
Shepherd’s Spring needs Camp Counselors! (other positions available)
Paid 6-week commitment from the end of June to the beginning of August ($500/wk). Responsible for leading approximately 8-10 campers each week with a co-counselor (or CIT). Must be an enthusiastic leader, active listener, positive role model, and nurturer to each camper. Must possess a mature and active faith in Christ with the ability to creatively lead Bible studies and devotions, and a passion for selflessly investing in children and youth. CPR and First Aid required (these trainings will be completed during staff training). Must be at least 18 years of age. Send resume and cover letter to info@shepherdsspring.org or apply here. Other positions available, including NURSES – learn more HERE.
Volunteers wanted for Refugee Welcome Network
The Refugee Welcome Network is currently working with 12 families including a new family with 3 children who arrived just over a week ago from Afghanistan (really!!). We are blessed to have many generous volunteers and donors, but we need more help! Interacting with Network members is fun, and we enjoy meeting new refugee friends. Please consider joining us!
Allies to work with families are especially needed – walking side-by-side with a new friend isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding, and we’ll train and walk beside you. There is also a special Ally “light” role to fill when more established families only need light support. We also need volunteers to transport furniture, and if you have a truck or trailer, that would be a huge help.
If you are interested in joining the RWN Team, please contact refugeewelcome@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272. A financial gift is a HUGE help as well, and you can donate here (select Refugee Welcome Network).
HARC Welcomes Elizabeth Howe!
Elizabeth Howe has joined HARC as Executive Assistant, starting in this role in January. Born in Kentucky, Elizabeth grew up in Los Angeles and moved north of San Francisco to Napa Valley in her early teens. She met her husband, Ted, in college in northern California. He’s originally from Maryland, so the couple eventually moved back to Maryland after they got married.
Elizabeth home-schooled their three children for 13 years, then graduated in 2005 with a Master of Library Science degree, with a specialization in Archives from the University of Maryland. She became a Certified Archivist.
After earning her masters, Elizabeth worked at the Washington County Free Library for 17 years as an adult reference librarian, and as an archivist/reference librarian in the Western Maryland Room. Three years ago, she began working at Washington County Community Action Council to help implement a poverty alleviation program called Circles Washington County, Md., a chapter of Circles USA.
In early 2025, Elizabeth was hired as Executive Assistant to HARC’s Executive Director, Kathy Powderly. “I enjoy the flexibility of my work schedule,” Elizabeth says, “and I’ve met many interesting and successful leaders from the local faith community. I love working for an organization whose mission and values I wholeheartedly support.”
Husband Ted is a geriatrician and wound care specialist, and was the Medical Director of Williamsport Retirement Village for 35 years. He currently works part-time as a staff and wound care physician at the Maryland Correctional Institution – Hagerstown (MCI-H). Ted and Elizabeth’s three kids – son, Evan; daughter, Ansley; and son, Alban – are grown and have careers of their own.
“Hiking and mountain climbing are my favorite outdoor activities,” Elizabeth says. “I’ve summited 47 of 50 state highpoints, as well as the highest point in South Korea, and a couple of highest points in the Canadian Maritimes. Ted and I have completed the HARC Challenge Hike each of the past five years and hope to succeed again this year on May 17. What’s not to love about an organization whose largest fundraiser each year is hiking?”
Welcome, Elizabeth, we’re glad to have you!
