November: National Epilepsy Awareness Month

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Theodore Roosevelt. Neil Young. Prince. Vincent van Gogh. Florence Griffith Joyner. Danny Glover. Chances are, you didn’t know that these famous figures lived or are living with epilepsy. But chances are that you also have come into contact with someone who has epilepsy, whether you realize it or not, as 1 in 26 people worldwide

Gettysburg College presents enhanced Fortenbaugh Memorial Lecture on Nov. 19 as part of ‘Lincoln at Gettysburg’

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GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Gettysburg College’s Department of History and Civil War Institute will present the 64th Annual Robert Fortenbaugh Memorial Lecture at the historic Majestic Theater on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. The event, featuring a special performance by the Sunderman Conservatory’s Wind Symphony, is part of “Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish,” a

Nov. 21st Ukrainian Gift Display Set in Emmitsburg 

The Emmitsburg-[Lutsk] Ukraine Sister City Committee is sponsoring a Pre-Christmas Ukrainian Relief Gift Display on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Emmitsburg Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., from 10am-11:30 am.  The public is invited to view displays of Giving Opportunities for Ukraine, while partaking in coffee and cookies on offer. Giving Opportunities include Ukrainian art sites and

Community partners exceed holiday food drive goal

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A small idea quickly grew into a community-wide effort to help neighbors in need when Kennie’s Market partnered with the South Central Community Action Program to collect food for the holiday food give out program. Quickly the idea gained momentum. Kennie’s Market donated some much needed items. Manos Unidas also jumped into action to lend

Scout Troop 75 honors veterans through community service project

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On Saturday, November 7, 2026, Scouts and adult volunteers from Gardeners Scout Troop 75 conducted a Veterans Day service project at the Bendersville Cemetery. Working in conjunction with the Bendersville Cemetery Association, approximately 10 scouts and adult volunteers reviewed veteran records and surveyed the cemetery’s 260 veterans to identify those missing flag markers indicating the

East Berlin Welcomes the Holidays

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As the breeze cools, the East Berlin Area Community Center (EBACC) is still heating up for the end of the year! We ring in November with our last Indoor Clearance Sale of the year. Visit us November 11-14 for over 50 tables of clothing, toys, shoes, linens, cookware and more. Our prices and hours are:

What is Veterans Day?

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By Stan Clark Veterans Day is the day set aside to honor those who have served our Country’s fighting forces. It was originally called Armistice Day in commemoration of the temporary cessation of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany at the close of World War One. This occurred on the eleventh hour of the

Biglerville Mayor Seeks Donations for Bank Clock Restoration

By Phil Wagner “UPPER ADAMS COMMUNITIES COMING TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250TH” Biglerville Borough33 Musselman AvenueBiglerville, PA 17307717-677-9488www.biglerville.us OFFICE OF THE MAYOR November 5, 2026 Dear Community Friends and Neighbors; For more than 3 years Mr. Dick Unger, a former resident of Biglerville, has enlisted my help to get our Bank Clock on the square

Gettysburg’s AI Workshops Need a Judgment Test

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By Gleb Tsipursky Gettysburg College described its new AI initiative at a September faculty meeting https://gettysburgian.com/2026/09/faculty-meeting-9-10-center-for-student-success-and-writing-center-updates-ai-policy-and-committee-motions/: the first year focuses on learning and exploration, after more than 30 summer workshops. That’s a sensible start. Now students and local employers need a way to tell whether that learning leads to better judgment. An October Gallup study

Adams County to Offer Master Watershed Steward Information Session

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An upcoming information session will introduce the spring 2027 Master Watershed Steward training program and outline how to apply to become a Master Watershed Steward, one of Penn State Extension’s fastest-growing volunteer initiatives making measurable impacts across Pennsylvania. This workshop is geared toward prospective applicants in Adams County. Organizers also can assist individuals in connecting

Post-Election Community Forum Set for November 10

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What will the election on November 3 mean for America’s future and for us here in Adams County? On Tuesday, November 10, just one week after the November 3 midterm election, Gettysburg Democracy for America, Blue Storm Action and the Adams County Democratic Committee are sponsoring a “Post-Election Community Forum” focused on examining election results

Entries Now Open for Annual Gingerbread Celebration

The 2025 Best of Show gingerbread house by Dawn and Garry Bollinger, one of 28 entries at the Adams County Arts Council’s 2025 Gingerbread Celebration.

The 17th Annual Gingerbread Celebration & Holiday Market, presented by the Adams County Arts Council (ACAC) with event sponsors Kennie’s Market, Enbridge, and Destination Gettysburg, will take place December 4–6 at the Arts Education Center, 125 S. Washington St., Gettysburg. The event is held in conjunction with the annual Gettysburg Christmas Festival. The gingerbread house

Notes from GARA

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Greetings from the Rec Park. As the youth sports season and farmer’s market winds down we are looking forward to two significant events. First, please be reminded of the GIVING SPREE and their culminating event on November 5 at the Wyndham. GARA will be represented as in the past. We are # 43 on the

A Librarian’s Work to Defend the Freedom to Read

ACLS Gettysburg Library

By Kiely Fisher, Eastern Regional Manager, Adams County Library System I’ve recently been considering why I chose to become a librarian. It’s not entirely a love of books, although that definitely inspired the decision. Running a story time stresses me out and program-planning is not my passion. Collection development – the process of selecting and

Care on the Square: A Community Sleep-Out to End Homelessness

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October 24th-25th• 5pm – 12pm (noon) Join Good Samaritan Lodge #336 for a night of community, compassion, and action. Make a donation and perhaps spend the night outdoors on Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square with us. You’ll stand in solidarity with neighbors experiencing homelessness while helping raise funds for local organizations that provide housing assistance, food security,

New Brass Band Festival Director

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The Gettysburg Brass Band Festival Steering Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Steven Marx as its new president. Founder and President Emeritus Ben Jones says “Steve displayed exceptional organizational skills this past season as he assumed the role of building a schedule, issuing contracts, and communicating with performing bands. He has gained

What the Library Finds Between the Pages

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by Sophia Holt, Adams County Library Public Services Assistant. As a public services assistant at the library, I consider myself more of a background character in terms of who you see working here- one of the many people operating behind the scenes and doing their best to make sure everything is running smoothly. While you

Bestselling Author Lois Romano to Discuss Mary Todd Lincoln at Lincoln Fellowship Annual Meeting and Dinner

Cover of An Inconvenient Widow: The Torment, Trial, and Triumph of Mary Todd Lincoln

Mary Todd Lincoln’s life, losses, and contested legacy will take center stage when the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania welcomes bestselling author and national political journalist Lois Romano to its Annual Meeting and Dinner on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Hotel Gettysburg ballroom. Romano will discuss her New York Times

Hanover Area YMCA Earns Praesidium Accreditation, Reinforcing Commitment to Child Safety

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The Hanover Area YMCA is proud to announce that it has officially earned Praesidium Accreditation, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to creating and maintaining safe environments for the children, families and individuals it serves across all four branches—North Hanover, South Hanover, Littlestown and Gettysburg. The Hanover Area YMCA officially completed the Praesidium Accreditation process on September

Utility Pole Work Planned on Route 30 and Route 94 (Carlisle Pike) in Adams County

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There will be lane restrictions under flagging during work hours through November. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that utility pole replacement work is scheduled to begin next week on sections of Route 30 and Route 94 in Adams County. This work will be conducted on the following routes: Weather permitting, this work

Cumberland Township Authority wins communications award

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Cumberland Township Authority has received a 2026 Municipal Authority Community Engagement Award from the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association for its electronic and print communications. The award recognizes the authority’s quarterly newsletter, The Flow Zone, and its website, which provide information about wastewater operations, projects, billing, conservation and community activities. The association presented the awards at

Republican Party has abandoned its principles

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I have been a Republican my entire adult life. With the exception of Donald Trump in 2024, I have voted for every Republican candidate, supported conservative causes and believed deeply in the principles that traditionally defined the Republican Party. Over the past decade, however, I have watched the party drift away from those principles. Today,

Single Women’s Shelter opening this month

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Adams Rescue Mission is excited to announce the opening of our new Single Women’s Shelter. The shelter will provide a safe and supportive environment for up to 36 women experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or escaping human trafficking. Through on-site counseling, compassionate care, and individualized support, we will walk alongside each woman as she begins

Gettysburg College hosts Homecoming Events, including Drone Show, Oct. 16-18

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Gettysburg College will welcome alumni and their families back to campus for Homecoming and BOLD Weekend on Oct. 16-18. The weekend’s festivities include the College’s public launch of its comprehensive campaign to support and enhance educational opportunities across all areas of campus. Approximately 1,000 alumni and their families will return to campus and the local

A Home in the Minds of Men

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By Glenn H. Ivers The American Cemetery just outside of Margraten in the Netherlands is the final resting place of 8,291 of our boys who went off to World War II and never made it home. An additional 1,722 who went missing and were never found are memorialized as well. These words are inscribed on

Gratitude

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The weather here in Adams County has been October perfect. Chilly nights and sparkling days are just warm enough to be comfortable. My friend and I walked this morning, both of us soaking in the glorious day, the flowers and trees and gentle mountains that encircle our little town. After she left, another friend stopped

Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center announces fourth annual Brighter Tomorrows for Children awardees

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The Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center board of directors is proud to host the 4th Annual Brighter Tomorrows for Children Awards on Thursday, October 15, 5:30-8 pm at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel. The Brighter Tomorrows for Children Awards is an annual event that honors individuals in our community who have made a significant impact for

Eisenhower Society to hold birthday commemoration Oct. 17

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Eisenhower Society Hosts Birthday Commemoration Join the Eisenhower Society Saturday, Oct. 17, to commemorate the 136th anniversary of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s birth. At noon, the Society will hold a short program and wreath-laying at the Eisenhower statue outside Eisenhower House, President Eisenhower’s retirement office at 300 Carlisle St. at Gettysburg College. The Dwight D. Eisenhower

Canner Foundation funded 28 Upper Adams education projects last school year

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Upper Adams students benefited from 28 education-enhancement projects funded by the Canner Educational Foundation during the 2025–26 school year, the foundation said in a recent update. The projects supported opportunities for students and teachers that are not covered through the school district’s traditional budget. All 28 began as ideas from teachers. Among the projects were

Upper Adams students explore STEM through racing lesson with Mickley Motorsports

Upper Adams Intermediate School student examines a race car engine with Brayden Mickley

Students in the Life Skills Classroom and Behavior Intervention Classroom at Upper Adams Intermediate School (UAIS) recently swapped their traditional classroom setup for an exciting, high-speed STEM lesson. Students ranging from first grade to sixth grade participated in an interactive mathematics and science activity exploring forces, speed, velocity, and resistance with local racing team Mickley

Spotlight on Nonprofit Partners: Community Media, Waldo’s & Co. Join The PEOPLE Project™ 2026

Community Media Release

GETTYSBURG, PA — The PEOPLE Project™ returns this fall as part of Adams County’s yearlong America250PA celebration with an extensive list of partners comprised of individuals, local businesses, and nonprofits. The Project’s producers, ChrysaLis Communications and Celebrate Gettysburg magazine, are particularly excited to announce a partnership with Community Media of South Central PA, which will

Adams County Farmers Market To Host Breadfest

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The Adams County Farmers Market (ACFM) will host its first-ever Gettysburg Breadfest on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gettysburg Rec Park. The event will celebrate bread, cookies, pastries and other baked goods with additional bakery vendors, a tasting ‘passport’ activity, a Community Cookie Contest, activities for children, and prizes.

Music Gettysburg! presents Jeremy Huw Williams, baritone

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On Saturday, September 26th at 4:00 pm in the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary Chapel, internationally acclaimed Welsh baritone Jeremy Huw Williams will return to Gettysburg for a powerful and varied concert created especially for this historic setting. Williams and pianist Scott Crowne will present William Bolcom’s moving “Gettysburg, July 1, 1863”—performed on the very site of

Abigail Disney to headline 20th anniversary of Gondwe Lecture at Gettysburg College

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Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, philanthropist, and activist Abigail Disney will visit Gettysburg College Sept. 30-Oct. 1 for a series of public programs exploring economic inequality, storytelling, philanthropy, and the potential for structural change. Disney’s visit will culminate on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 5:15 p.m. in the College Union Building Ballroom with the 20th anniversary of the

“Radium Girls”: UASD had a better way

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Dear Gettysburg Connection, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about the discussion surrounding Radium Girls at the September 15 Upper Adams School Board meeting. I am writing not because I believe profanity belongs in our school plays, nor because I object to anyone holding deeply felt religious beliefs. I am writing because

Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

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The Adams County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame wishes to announce the inductees for the class of 2026. The recipients of this honor are:  Sarah Gates-Adams, one of the best volleyball players the area has ever seen. She also played basketball and competed in track and field for Delone Catholic High School;

Mideast experts explain: How did we get here?

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By Rev Sandra R Mackie Editor’s note: This is a contributed announcement from the Middle East Justice and Peace Group. The views and characterizations expressed are those of the author and sponsoring organizations and do not necessarily reflect the views of Gettysburg Connection. Gettysburg Connection has not independently verified every claim in this submission. Today,

35th Annual Heritage Festival will be on Sunday

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The 35th annual Adams County Heritage Festival will take place on Sunday, September 20, from 12 noon to 4 p.m., in the Gettysburg Area Recreation Park. The theme of the festival is “sharing and appreciating the cultures of Adams County through Music, Food, and Art . . . A Celebration of Unity in Our Community.”

Pennsylvania Ag Discovery Center names Amanda Gietka as its new Executive Director

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The Pennsylvania Ag Discovery Center has named Amanda Gietka as its new executive director. In this role, Gietka will lead the organization as it advances the development of a landmark educational destination dedicated to celebrating Pennsylvania agriculture and inspiring future generations to explore the industry’s diverse career opportunities. “Amanda brings the leadership, energy, and nonprofit

Paragon Ragtime Orchestra returns to the Majestic Theater accompanying “Safety Last”

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The critically acclaimed Paragon Ragtime Orchestra (PRO) returns to the Majestic Theater to open their season with a live performance of the music set to the silent film classic, Safety Last! (1923) on Thursday, September 17. PRO is one of the world’s foremost silent film accompanists, leading the industry in designing, producing, and performing silent

Swap your subscriptions for a library card

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by Victoria Freeny Monthly subscription costs add up very quickly. Consider how many streaming services, music platforms, magazines, and other services you currently subscribe to. Can you even list them all? Do you know how much they all cost you each month? Through the library, you can access most of the same services at no

Adams County Arts Council and Gettysburg History Will Dedicate New Mural at Beyond the Battle Museum

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The Adams County Arts Council (ACAC) and Gettysburg History will dedicate a new large-scale mural on the exterior of Beyond the Battle Museum on Saturday, October 24 at 3:00 p.m. The public dedication ceremony will celebrate the completion of the artwork, created by Littlestown-born artist Sarah Jacobs in collaboration with Adams County community members as

Pennsylvania Department of Health Confirms 624 Measles Cases in 37 Counties

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Getting vaccinated is the best protection against the measles virus; the vaccine is 97 percent effective at preventing measles after two doses.  Pennsylvanians can stay up to date on confirmed measles cases, counties with cases, hospitalizations, deaths, community transmission, and vaccination efforts on the DOH’s dashboard at pa.gov/measles. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) today

Adams County Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour Offered by Penn State Extension

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Local residents, volunteers, or professionals who work in conservation fields interested in exploring the wastewater treatment process can attend a tour hosted by Penn State Extension. The “Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour” will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 30 at the Gettysburg Municipal Authority Wastewater Treatment Plant, 601 E. Middle St., Gettysburg. Participants

ACAC Announces Three Art Openings

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The Adams County Arts Council will feature Mike Sanni, Gretchen Shultz and Breaking Silence: A Mental Health Exhibit in our Gallery spaces. A First Friday reception is scheduled for Friday, September 4, 5-7 pm and is open to the public. The shows will remain up through the month of September at the Arts Education Center.

Heritage Festival Bike Parade Announced

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The 2026 Adams County Heritage Festival Bicycle Parade will be held Sunday, September 20, at 1 p.m. at the Rec Park. It will feature both a Kids Bike Parade and a community walk along the Biser Trail. The entire day will be filled with great entertainment and wonderful food, making it a terrific community-unity event.

Don’t kick the can

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“Kick the Can” was a popular game during the ’40s and early ’50s. The game reminds me of what could happen with the Adams County trade school discussions. I had the pleasure of working on a county trade school committee during the early ’70s, representing Gettysburg Area School District. After approximately 18–24 months of discussion

Kick off a good read: soccer books at the library

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by Sherrie DeMartino Although this summer certainly hasn’t been a bad one, the cooler fall weather is very welcome. Fall also brings another soccer season. Right now, boys’ and girls’ high school soccer and AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) games are in full swing.  AYSO is a non-profit organization that was founded by a small

Adams County Arts Council Announces New Executive Director

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The Adams County Arts Council (ACAC) Board of Directors and staff proudly announce Jessica Boyer, Ph.D., as the organization’s new Executive Director as of August 24, 2026. “After a thorough search, the Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Jessica Boyer as the new Executive Director,” said Board President Scott Coyle. “Her extensive leadership background

Eisenhower National Historic Site Hosts World War II Weekend that Commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the United States

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Experience history firsthand at Eisenhower National Historic Site during the 2026 World War II Weekend, taking place September 18-20. This year’s programs and activities will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring how the ideals of America’s founding inspired Americans and Allies during World War II. The weekend will feature a living history

Gettysburg restaurants and coffee shops rise above plastic by offering sustainable dining options: featuring Waldo’s and Company

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Gettysburg Rising’s Rise Above Plastic campaign recognizes Waldo’s and Company for their efforts to reduce Single Use Plastic and provide a more environmentally sustainable beverage experience. Waldo’s mission is “to educate and benefit the Gettysburg community through the arts while advocating for local artists and providing a substance-free, creative environment.” Located at 17 Lincoln Square

Gettysburg Bicycle Ride to Benefit Trail Development

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Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian, Inc. (HABPI) will host its 11th annual Ride for Trails bike ride on Saturday, September 26, to raise money for trail development in Adams County. Three routes are offered to accommodate riders of all experience levels: 13 miles, 26 miles, and 43 miles. All rides begin at the Gettysburg Rec Park, 545

Stories and more: Storytime at the library

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by Barbara Buckley School buses will be rolling through the county soon as school begins. This is a sign there will be a shift in activity at our public libraries, too. Some kids have been attending weekly storytimes at the library since they were babies, and now they will be in kindergarten. This is a

Music, Gettysburg! Presents Free Haunted Halloween Concert Featuring Internationally Acclaimed Organist Peggy Haas Howell

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Music, Gettysburg! invites audiences to celebrate Halloween with an evening of mystery, drama, and spectacular organ music when internationally acclaimed organist Peggy Haas Howell presents a Haunted Halloween Concert on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary Chapel. Joining Ms. Howell will be Music, Gettysburg! Chair Mark Oldenburg as narrator,

Gettysburg’s The Barn Resort to Host Inaugural Fields of Praise Christian Music Festival Featuring Rachael Lampa

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The Barn Resort in Gettysburg will host Fields of Praise, a new Christian music and worship festival on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 3:00–10:00 p.m., bringing nationally recognized Christian recording artist Rachael Lampa to South-Central Pennsylvania for an evening of music, worship, community and family fun. The event is designed to bring together families, churches

Breaking Silence Art Exhibit Opens During Sept. First Friday Featuring Community Mental Health Program

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Opening during National Suicide Prevention Month, the Breaking Silence Art Exhibit opens on First Friday, September 4, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at the Adams County Arts Council’s Arts Education Center. The goal is to bring our community together through art and encourage conversations about mental health to reduce stigma. The exhibit will be on display

Going for the Global Seal: Vida Students Excel in English and Spanish

2026 Biliteracy Awards

As the new school year commences, Vida Charter School (Vida) is celebrating achievements in biliteracy among their graduating sixth graders. Before summer break, nine graduates earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy (Global Seal) for Functional Literacy, and 12 graduates earned Pathway Awards, which indicates their progress toward attaining the Global Seal. In most school systems,

Gettysburg College’s First-Year Walk set for Aug. 20

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Gettysburg College will welcome the class of 2030 into the greater Gettysburg community during its annual First-Year Walk on Thursday, Aug. 20. The tradition offers new first-year students an opportunity to connect with the history, people and places that surround the College as they begin their Gettysburg experience. After hearing opening remarks from College President

Supports ACTI land purchase

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I support the proposed Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI) Land purchase. This effort was not done in a vacuum, ACTI and the ACTI Authority have been working together since 2024 to identify a suitable plot of land. At the ACTI meetings I have attended in the last 18 months they would report the number of

Two Unique Experiences Take the Stage This August at Totem Pole Playhouse  

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August is bringing something for every kind of live entertainment fan at Totem Pole Playhouse. Whether you’re looking for a beloved Broadway classic or an afternoon or evening of nostalgic pop hits, Totem Pole offers two unforgettable experiences this month. Currently on stage through August 16, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific continues to captivate audiences

Historic Gettysburg Seminary Lands Nearly $2 Million State Grant for Campus Overhaul

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United Lutheran Seminary has been awarded a $1.974 million grant from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to renovate its historic Gettysburg campus, part of a nearly $4 million project that will be matched by institutional and private support. The project’s centerpiece is a renovation of the seminary’s historic Refectory, along with upgrades to visitor accommodations,

Dobbin House Tavern announces reenactment of the 1776 Dobbin House consecration and dedications of “Dobbin House Square,” the Pennsylvania “Semiquincentennial Liberty Bell” and the “Charters of Freedom”

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In celebration of the 250th birthday of one of Gettysburg’s cherished landmarks, the 1776 Dobbin House Tavern, and the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the public is invited to two free once-in-a-lifetime events. At 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 250 years to the day, a reenactment of Reverend Alexander Dobbin’s

Find your community at the library

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by Victoria Freeny Finding community isn’t always easy. Whether you are new to the area, looking for a new hobby, or simply hoping to meet people with similar interests, the library offers opportunities to connect. Here’s a simple guide to the recurring programs at the Gettysburg Library. Book clubs offer lively conversations and a chance

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