Welcome to Franklin
County, a part of the beautiful Cumberland
Valley, located in Southcentral Pennsylvania, with easy
access from major highways.
The Cumberland Valley region stretches from Carlisle,
Pennsylvania to Winchester, Virginia. There's something
for everyone: fairs, festivals and lots of fun, unique
antique shops and specialty shops, historic areas, golfing,
hunting, fishing, skiing, professional theaters and more.
Because of its strategic location in the heart of the
Cumberland Valley, the area was the target of three major
Confederate cavalry raids: Stuart 1862, Jenkin 1863, and
McCausland 1864, as well as one full-scale invasion, the
Gettysburg Campaign of 1863. These events incurred severe
destruction and economic hardship on the population. The
final visitation by McCausland's cavalry left the county
seat, Chambersburg, a smoldering ruin, the only northern
town burned by regular Confederate forces during the war.
At least 19 separate military engagements, most of them
skirmishes, occurred in the county. This is more than
any other county in the north.
Come, explore our heritage, enjoy our countryside.
(From the website of the PA Vistas
Network)
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For our chapter 2011 was a year that we can look back upon with a sense of pride and satisfaction. Much was accomplished for our organization, chapter, members, and community. None of this would have been possible without the dedicated commitment of our members to do their part and make a difference.
Truly, I have been blessed to be chapter president because it has afforded me the opportunity to work with such a fine group of people. My wish is that we all recognize just how fortunate we have been that this group has been thrust together at just the right time and just the right place. My goal, if you will, is that we strive to keep our focus and challenge ourselves to meet any and all the responsibilities that may be faced in the new year. With God’s help, I believe we will be successful.
Still, at this season of the year, we must not lose sight of what is most important about our service. As our past state president John Nye stated, “Our goal is to serve – not to be served.” There is no greater gift we can give than to care enough to share of ourselves in the hopes of making a difference. I am reminded of a Christmas song that is sung by Johnny Mathis entitled “The Secret of Christmas”. Some of the words are as follows: “The little gift you send on Christmas Day will not bring back the friend you turn away. So may I suggest that the secret of Christmas is not the thing you do at Christmas time, but the Christmas thing you do all year through.” I believe that says it all. May God bless you with a most joyous New Year.
Frank Gaugler
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