Telescope Clinic—Learn How to Use Your Telescope! The Institute
In partnership with the Tri-State Astronomers Club, The Institute is hosting a telescope clinic on Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the social room at the Church of the Apostles, 336 Barnett Avenue in Waynesboro, Pa.
The clinic is designed to help sky watchers maximize their use of a telescope.
Participation is free, but registration is required to reserve a consultation time.
“We can learn so much using telescopes, but they are not much fun if you don’t know how to use them,” said astronomy club member Andy Smetzer.
“If you have a telescope and you’re not sure what to do next, bring it to the clinic for some guidance.”
Club members will teach telescope owners how to view the stars with their own telescopes, including hands-on help with alignment, various eyepieces, focus and mechanical adjustments.
“If anyone has an old—or new—telescope, they should bring it in,” Smetzer said, “and also bring user manuals and any accessories like lenses, spare parts, etc., that came with the telescope.”
To pre-register for an appointment, email Dave Graff at: dave@natureandcultureinstitute.org, or call The Institute at 717-762-0373.
Wine Weekends with Sommelier Marc Supsic at Mercersburg Inn
Friday arrival & 2 nights stay required
Relax and learn, as Diploma-Certified wine expert and, “Traveling Sommelier,” Marc Supsic comes to Mercersburg to lead a series of private wine tasting events, created just for the guests of the Mercersburg Inn. Marc’s approach is easygoing, non-judgmental, and simple; and whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned Epicurean, you’ll find yourself a bit more inspired and savvy.
Marc has been conducting these events for over five years now, and they’ve created quite a following in other locations. Many Wine Weekend attendees become close friends and return every year to catch up and, “wine-down,” with Marc.
For more information or to book this event, click here
Spring Into History April 2020
Franklin County has more than 300 years of American History. Take a moment and look back throughout history and browse the Spring into History web page. Check out the timeline. Explore a critical period of American history through the lens of Franklin County.
- Underground Railroad of Franklin County
- Franklin County as John Brown’s northern headquarters
- America’s Civil War comes to Franklin County.
Discover more about Franklin County’s chapters of American history. Peruse the Spring into History booklet online and step back to a time when natives roamed the land of current Franklin County hunting and foraging. Take a virtual visit to sites of famous forts, a presidential birthplace, and a community devasted by Civil War retaliation.
Check out the Spring into History Cryptogram puzzle below. Answer on Wednesday with another Spring into History puzzle.
Spring into History Crytogram April 13
CTA Prgoram Grows To 100 Strong
As 2019 begins, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau recognizes the growing CTA Program and reflects on a year of progress toward expanding the mission of both the FCVB and the CTA Program.
The Certified Tourism Ambassador Programis a multi-faceted program that seeks to increase tourism by inspiring front-line employees and volunteers to turn very visitor encounter into a positive experience. When visitors have a positive experience, they are more likely to return and share their experience.
In the beginning of 2017, Doug Harmon, Certified Tourism Ambassador Director with the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, began training members of the community and staff. 2018 has continued to be a busy year, with now over 100 CTA’s trained and promoting Franklin County.
“We are extremely happy with the results we’ve gotten from participating in the CTA Program for 2018,” Harmon said.
Franklin County Visitors Bureau would like to thank the many generous local organizations that have opened their doors for training and have joined the Franklin County CTA’s including Quincy Village, Ragged Edge Inn, Penn National Golf Community, Coyle Free Library, Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce and Holiday Inn & Express in Chambersburg.
“This remains a great networking opportunity,” said Harmon. “It provides great growth for individuals and for our local businesses.”
Franklin County CTA’s have continued to do many outreach events, the most recent, serving as ambassadors at the Franklin County 11/30 Center, where they have assisted members of the public about what to do, where to dine and where to stay in Franklin County. They have also done a bus tour to Waynesboro, a hiking and nature walk to Caledonia State Park and meet and greets at local wineries and breweries.
Dudley Gayman, 2018 Franklin County CTA of the Year, was involved with early stages of the program and its development in 2017.
“My experience has been both positive and rewarding for a host of reasons. The training and learning experience is a benefit as well as actively reaching out into the communities in Franklin County,” Dudley said. “Meeting and mixing with individuals and businesses is an excellent way to increase your knowledge about our surroundings. Promoting and educating locals and visitors about the rich history we have right here in Franklin County is the “icing on the cake.”
Tyler Baum, CTA, said he has extremely enjoyed representing his community in public, with friends and participating in events. Baum has served at the CTA informational desk at the new 11/30 Visitors Center, attended meet and greets and has spoken widely about the program.
“Being a CTA has given me the opportunity to meet people,” he said, which has helped his own work in sales and in getting to be a part of the community. “The CTA Program has an emphasis on face-to-face communication. I love it!”
Upcoming classes for Certified Tourism Ambassador training will be held on:
- January 15 at the Cumberland Valley School of Real Estate
- February 26 at the Orchards Restaurants
- March 26 at Menno Haven Retirement Community
- April TBD at the new 11/30 Visitors Center
If interested in learning more about becoming a member of this growing community-oriented program, contact Doug Harmon 717-552-2977 extension 106.