Franklin County, PA

The Franklin County Area Agency on Aging is seeking volunteers to serve at its senior activity centers as well as volunteers for its Home Delivered Meal Program. If you are interested in learning more or lending a hand, please visit https://bit.ly/3zBjNQI

In a recent survey, 60.7% of participants indicated that natural beauty and outdoor recreation are what make Franklin County a great place to live, work, learn and play. So what recreational opportunities are available? Franklin County, in conjunction with Healthy Franklin County, offer the Franklin County Recreational Facilities map to better publicize opportunities for recreation in our area. To learn more or see the map, visit https://lnkd.in/e8fx3Juw

On Monday, Franklin County will launch its Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team to serve as an internal confidential support group of trained county staff who offer debriefing services and “emotional first aid” to individual employees or groups of employees after they experience or witness some type of difficult event or upsetting situation on the job or in their personal lives. “We know that some of our employees, through their positions with the county, are sometimes exposed to incredibly difficult situations,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Being involved in those types of situations at any level can have an impact on one’s mental health, and we want to make sure our employees have a safe space to talk and that they have access to resources to cope and process what they’re experiencing.” To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3XHbPQ2

Last summer, crews installed two two-story murals in the Franklin County Judicial Center. Both murals were painted by local artists and coordinated by the Council For The Arts Chambersburg. Have you seen these murals in our Judicial Center? Do you want to know more? Learn more about this 27-month-long, community-led art project through an online interactive StoryMap here: https://bit.ly/47FIZ56

Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst and other members of the Franklin County Conservation District Board commemorated the 103rd birthday of Conservation District Associate Director and former Commissioner Sam Worley (center) earlier this month. Among his many accomplishments and decades of service to his country and Franklin County, Mr. Worley served two terms as commissioner from 1988-1996.

How does Franklin County's Children and Youth Services serve our community? A few of our caseworkers explain how they work with Franklin County families to help them succeed.

On Friday, Franklin County held its annual Bring Your Child To Work Day. County employees were invited to bring their children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces to work to learn about what services the county provides and what careers might be available to them when they get older. Kids participated in a getting-to-know-you ice breaker competition before learning more about specific roles in county government. They then participated in a mock election - including voting for their favorite dogs and favorite beaches - before ending the morning with ice cream.

The Franklin County Commissioners have issued the following statement regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) plans to terminate its lease of the South Mountain Golf Course: “The Franklin County Commissioners have heard from many residents and organizations who support preserving the South Mountain Golf Course. We have also heard from a number of individuals and groups who are in favor of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) decision to repurpose the property to accommodate a visitor and resource center to serve those recreating in Michaux State Forest. Both sides have presented compelling arguments and there is merit to both groups’ positions. “We respect DCNR’s authority to not renew its lease on the golf course. However, we urge DCNR to listen to feedback from both sides of this issue to reach a solution that will accommodate all parties. The commissioners have sent a letter communicating this position to Governor Shapiro and have encouraged his administration to take the fervent public outcry into consideration before making any additional decisions regarding the future of the South Mountain Golf Course. “With proper planning and considerations, we are certain DCNR can achieve a compromise that will accommodate both sides of this matter, allowing outdoor recreation enthusiasts of varying interests to continue enjoying and utilizing the natural beauty of Franklin County, Michaux State Forest and the South Mountain region.”

On Wednesday, four residents at the Chambersburg Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center graduated from the PEER program. The PEER program is sponsored by the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. The program trains residents of long-term care facilities to become advocates to work with facilities, staff and other residents to enhance quality of care and quality of life for their "peers." Participants attend five, two-hour training sessions, which include topics like The Focus is on YOU, Building Self-Resolution Skills and PEER the Sky's the Limit. Facility staff also participate in a two-hour training session to become familiar with the program. PEER participants celebrate completing their training during a graduation ceremony where they receive a certificate, a starfish pin, a door sign and a badge. Franklin County Ombudsman Tressia Day conducted the training sessions, and the new graduates are Deanna Strait, Ephriam Neuder, Arlene Strausbaugh and Donald Rexrode.

Franklin County is hiring! There is currently an opening for custodial workers in the county's facilities management department. For details, visit https://bit.ly/4bbiCF0 #hiring #HR #jobs #career #jobseekers #nowhiring #jobinterviews