Gettysburg Connection Staff 
St. James Lutheran Church welcomed families from Adams County on Saturday, December 6, 2025, for its annual Breakfast with Santa, part of the Gettysburg Christmas Festival. The free event was open to the public, and church members volunteered to serve a hot meal featuring pancakes, eggs, sausage, and assorted juices. The festive breakfast also included
Biglerville residents turned out in force today for a free prepared turkey dinner giveaway. Cars began lining up well before the noon kickoff at Biglerville Hose & Truck Co. No. 1. Biglerville Mayor Phil Wagner said 525 people came through the line, and the steady stream of vehicles made clear that the community was eager
Upper Adams Intermediate School (UAIS) held its annual Veterans Day program today, welcoming community members, veterans, and families to a morning of reflection and gratitude. As guests arrived, they were warmly greeted and given flag pins before taking their seats in the auditorium. The ceremony began with patriotic performances by the UAIS Sixth Grade Band,
Upper Adams Intermediate School (UAIS) recently held an eight-week Sole Sisters program, designed for fourth through sixth grade girls. Meeting every Tuesday after school until 5:00 p.m., the program combined physical activity with meaningful information about challenges young girls encounter. The primary goal was to build stamina and confidence as the girls trained to run
Fifth-graders from Upper Adams Intermediate School are stepping back in time this fall with small-group visits to Mud College in Littlestown, a restored one-room schoolhouse that hosts the Immersive Living History program. Because the building is a single classroom, classes toured in groups rather than as an entire grade. Inside the 19th-century room, students took
The Thomas Brothers Country Store, located at 4 S. Main Street in Biglerville, welcomed visitors for a soft opening over the past two weekends. The beloved historic store, filled with local charm and nostalgia, plans to open regularly Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., though it will close for the months of
Community leaders, health professionals, and residents gathered yesterday at HACC’s Gettysburg Campus for the 2025 Adams County Community Health Needs Assessment Forum. The day-long event highlighted pressing issues affecting the health and well-being of county residents, while offering opportunities for collaboration and solutions. Kathy Gaskin, Executive Director of Healthy Adams County, opened the event by
The End of Life Committee, an affiliate of Healthy Adams County, hosted an informative Resource Fair today at the Nicarry Meetinghouse in New Oxford. The event, held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., provided practical guidance, resources, and support for individuals and families making important end-of-life decisions. Presentations covered a wide range of topics, including
Adams County residents laced up their shoes Wednesday afternoon for a community walk aimed at promoting health and wellness. The event, hosted by the Adams County Physical Fitness Task Force, began at 1:00 p.m. at the Charlie Sterner Building on Long Lane in Gettysburg. Janelle Gilbert, Fitness Director of the YMCA, kicked things off with
The Biglerville Hose & Truck Company #1 Fall Festival kicked off yesterday with food, rides, and community fun. The celebration continues tonight and tomorrow evenings, offering three nights of entertainment, games, and delicious food. The kitchen opens each night at 5:00 p.m., serving festival favorites, while live music begins at 7:00 p.m. Tonight, Cheap Sneakers
Every fourth Sunday in August, Saint Ignatius Church welcomes the community for its cherished annual picnic, held rain or shine from noon to 7:00 p.m. This year’s gathering on Saturday enjoyed beautiful weather, thanks—many say—to the prayers of Father Howard and the Saint Ignatius parish. The rain, luckily, waited until overnight. Set against the peaceful
Families filled Crouse Park in Littlestown this morning for the second annual Family Fun Fair, held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The free event began with registration, where children received backpacks stocked with school supplies, snacks, and gently used books. Organizers reported that Convey of Hope donated 28,000 pounds of food for the event.
The Adams County Office for Aging, Inc. (ACOFA) is celebrating five decades of service to the community. Established to help older adults maintain independence and dignity within their homes and communities, ACOFA provides a broad range of services for county residents aged 60 and over. A 50th anniversary celebration is scheduled for September 26 at
Chaplain Dennis Weaver of Ira E. Lady American Legion Post 262 has been named the 2025 Chaplain of the Year by the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania. Weaver received the prestigious award during the Legion’s 105th Annual Convention, held July 17 at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg. “I never thought something like this would happen
The South Mountain Fair will return to the fairgrounds at 615 Narrows Road from July 22 to 26, continuing a tradition that spans more than 100 years. Admission is $8 and includes rides, entertainment, and parking. The fair opens at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Tuesday evening
Adams Rescue Mission (ARM) will expand its services into Upper Adams County with the grand opening of a new thrift store in Biglerville on July 21. The opening event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 38 West York Street, the former site of the Adams County Surplus and Supply store, and will
The “Give the Shirt Off Your Back” free shopping event returned to Arendtsville yesterday, drawing over 140 visitors to the Arendtsville Fire Department. The event continues today from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Organizer April Jones emphasized that the event is open to all. Shoppers found a wide range of free items, including men’s, women’s,
The Latimore Valley Fair is back this weekend, marking 40 years of tradition and bringing classic summer fun to the greater York Springs community. The fair continues today and tomorrow, June 21 and 22, at the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds, located at 314 Latimore Valley Road in York Springs. This free, family-friendly event features antique tractor
Biglerville American Legion Post 262, led by Commander Rick Pelc, hosted its traditional Flag Day flag retirement ceremony yesterday. Flags were previously collected at a drop box located by the front door of the Legion, as well as at Representative Torren Ecker’s Abbottstown office. The ceremony took place at the American Legion Post 262 Woods
Mt. Tabor’s annual Memorial Day observance took place on Friday, May 23, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a community parade. Fire companies from Bendersville, Biglerville, York Springs, and Mt. Holly participated, along with local Scout troops and community groups. The event was organized by Cathleen Lerew. Wayne Galloway offered the invocation and benediction, and
Biglerville’s Memorial Day observance was held yesterday at 3:00 p.m. in the Biglerville Cemetery, located across from Biglerville High School. The event was organized by the Ira E. Lady American Legion Post 262 and led by Commander Rick Pelc. The program featured patriotic songs with audience participation, along with musical performances by The M&M’s, a
Healthy Adams County’s Behavioral Health Task Force once again teamed up with the Adams County Farmers Market to host the second annual Mental Wellness Day at the Market, held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Gettysburg Rec Park. The free, community-centered event—celebrated as part of Mental Health Month—offered a welcoming space to promote education,
The 68th annual Color Day at Upper Adams School District brought students, staff, and community members together on Monday, May 12 for a day of spirited competition and celebration. Held at the district’s sports fields, the event featured students in grades 4 through 6 participating in a full slate of physical activities and athletic contests.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Gettysburg Connection is proud to announce the publication of a comprehensive online directory of health care providers in Adams County, now available by clicking here. This new tool, listing over 220 local resources, offers residents and referral agencies an easy-to-use, centralized resource to identify and connect with health
Volunteers at the 12th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser served up delicious soups and a strong sense of community on Friday. The event, held in the Gettysburg College Union Building Ballroom, welcomed attendees between 4 and 7 p.m. Hosted by The Gleaning Project—a nonprofit initiative of South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP)—the fundraiser supports efforts to
Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Holds 99th Annual Convention Nearly 100 women, including 11 from St. Francis Xavier Church (SFX) in Gettysburg, gathered Saturday at the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg for the 99th Annual Convention of the Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (CCW). The event also marked the celebration of 100 years of the
Neither brisk March winds nor cool spring temperatures could stop Adams County residents from enjoying a day of disc golf on March 22, 2025. Dozens of children and adults came out to play 9 holes at Cross Keys Community Park, located at 785 Berlin Road in New Oxford. The free event ran from 10:00 a.m.
St. Francis Xavier Parish offers fish dinners located at Xavier Center, 465 Table Rock Road, Gettysburg on Fridays during Lent. The first dinner this year was held on March 7th. There were also dinners held on March 14 and 21st. They will continue to be held on March 28 and April 4, 2025. To go
Lenten fish fries are popular on Fridays during the 40 days leading up to Easter. On March 7, St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Orrtanna brought back its popular fish dinner after a two-year hiatus. Just over 100 meals were served between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Potato-crusted cod, rolls, coleslaw, applesauce, and fresh-cut fries were served.
Community members gathered at the Historic Rock Chapel in York Springs on Sunday to celebrate the legacy of America’s founding presidents and honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation’s birth. Hosted by the Gettysburg Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the “February Heroes” event paid tribute to
This Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 marks World Marriage Day. It is an observance to highlight the beauty of committed partnership. It honors the couple’s sacrifices, trust, faithfulness, and joy and to love. The couple is the foundation to a family. World Marriage Day is always the 2nd Sunday in February, a fitting month as Valentine’s
Last night, the Healthy Adams County Behavioral Health Task Force joined forces with the “Two Cool Dudes” podcasters to host When the Sun Goes Down, Find Your Light at Gettysburg High School (GHS). Doors opened at 6:15 PM, welcoming attendees to explore over a dozen Health and Wellness exhibitors, which remained available throughout the evening.
Local podcasters, the “Two Cool Dudes” of Anthony Johnson and Lawrence Williams, will collaborate with Healthy Adams Behavioral Health Task Force members to bring the When the Sun Goes Down, Find your light event to Gettysburg High School on Jan. 22 at 6:15 p.m. The duo’s mission is to de-stigmatize mental health issues; the program
Ready to reclaim your space in 2025? If one of your resolutions is to declutter, you’re not alone. Many people feel motivated to clean and organize their homes after the holidays. Decluttering not only frees up space but also offers benefits like reduced stress, greater mental clarity, and less maintenance to worry about. If you’re
Every 25 years, the Pope declares a Jubilee Year. It is a special year in which there is forgiveness of sins and joyful celebration. It is a time to grow in faith with God. Pope Francis offered mass on Christmas Eve at Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. He said, “For everyone, may the Jubilee
Sunny, brisk weather created a festive setting for the 4th annual Arendtsville Christmas Parade today. The parade left the Arendtsville Community Fire Company noon and processed through the small town spreading holiday cheer. The parade included elves, the grinch, ponies, horses, and of course Jolly St. Nick himself. Bags of candy were handed out to
Gettysburg’s Saint James Lutheran Church hosted its third annual Thanksgiving Eve dinner and Bluegrass Worship Service yesterday. The event, offered free of charge, welcomed church members, Gettysburg CARES guests (Combined Area Resources for Emergency Shelter), and members of the surrounding community. The evening began with a bountiful dinner served at 5:30 p.m., featuring a traditional
April Jones, known for her boundless ambition and community-minded efforts, is once again spearheading her popular fall clothing giveaway, “Give the Shirt off Your Back.” Building on the success of last year’s events, Jones has organized the giveaway to take place on Nov. 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Nov. 17 from 10:00
A generous donor again provided funding for a free turkey dinner giveaway. The event was held Sat., Nov. 16, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Biglerville Fire Hall Volunteers, including Mayor Phil Wagner were on-site to direct traffic for the drive-through event. Hot meals with traditional Thanksgiving fixings were served. Roast turkey, mashed
Father Tyler Mentzer, affectionally known as Father Tyler, grew up in Biglerville, PA. He attended church at St. Ignatius of Loyola in Orrtanna and was ordained as a Catholic priest on Oct. 2, 2021, at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass. In a world filled with noise,Tyler heard a gentle and persistent
Nestled in Pennsylvania’s apple country, the annual National Apple Harvest Festival celebrated fall this weekend with handmade crafts, delicious food, and lively entertainment. Visitors enjoyed steam engine displays, live music, antique cars, orchard tours, pony rides, tastings, and artisan demonstrations, ensuring something for everyone. Most of the festival’s proceeds go back to the community and
The Biglerville Fire Company hosted itsannual fair last week. Hot meals were served nightly in the dining hall. Platters include: hot roast beef, hot chicken sandwiches, BBQ sandwiches and fries. Potato soup and cream of crab soup were also on the menu. Also available were games, rides, cash Bingo, small games of chance, raffle prizes,
Sister B. Thelma Steiger, HSF, Ph.D., delivered a mini-retreat at Saint Ignatius Church in Orrtanna this morning. This was the first of three sessions in the series, held in the lower part of Loyola Center from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The hall is wheelchair accessible, and the talks are free and open to the
For the past 25 years, the Upper Adams School District has been bringing the world to its students through its Artist-in-Residence programs. This year, the spotlight was on the vibrant culture of Ghana, as students at Upper Adams Intermediate School immersed themselves in traditional art, fabric, and dance. The culmination of their learning took center
Today is the first observance of 9-8-8 day. It is a national initiative to increase awareness and promote using 988 for suicide prevention or as a crisis lifeline. It’s fitting the day falls in September because this month is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. 988 launched two years ago. Calling or texting 9-8-8 will provide
La Michoacan Paleteria trae el sabor de México a Gettysburg Los residentes de Gettysburg y sus alrededores tienen un nuevo destino para satisfacer sus antojos dulces, ya que La Michoacan Paleteria abre sus puertas en West St. Plaza, en la esquina de West St. y Springs Ave. Esta heladería y paletas de helado mexicanas, inspirada
After more than two decades of serving made-to-order meals in the heart of Gettysburg, Scott Hunt, the owner of Hunt’s Battlefield Fries and Cafe, is looking to pass the torch as he plans to retire at the season’s end. Located at 61 Steinwehr Ave., the beloved local eatery has been a fixture in the community
The Biglerville Fire Department hosted its annual Community Day today. The event educated residents about fire prevention and safety. Both children and adults had the opportunity to to use a fire hose and meet local First Responders. Car seat saftey checks, face painting, and emergency themed ornament painting were also offered. Visitors could touch and
Roughly 840 home cooked family-style meals were served yesterday at the picturesque picnic grove adjacent to St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Orrtanna. Patrons look forward to the annual picnic which is always held on the forth Saturday in August from noon until dusk. They come from near and far to attend. There were visitors
Residents of Gettysburg and surrounding areas have a new destination to satisfy their sweet cravings, as La Michoacan Paleteria opens its doors in the West St. Plaza on the corner of West St. and Springs Ave. This Mexican ice cream and popsicle parlor, inspired by traditional flavors and techniques from Michoacán, Mexico, offers a uniqe
This weekend, Biglerville was abuzz with excitement as Hollabaugh’s Brothers Inc. 34th Annual Peach Festival drew an unprecedented number of visitors. The event saw crowds flock to enjoy the sunny weather and festive activities. “The weather cleared up beautifully and people really took the opportunity to come out and enjoy the day,” said Kay Hollabaugh,
The Bendersville Community Fire Company held its annual carnival on Thursday, Friday, andSaturday. This year marked 105 years for the carnival. Volunteer Kathy Yingling helped with the outside sandwich stand. “Attendance was definitely down because of the heat on Thursday and Friday,” she said. “Also, it was down because of storms on Saturday.” Half Pint
Saturday, August 3, 2024 marked the first ever Home School Festival, held at the National AppleMuseum in Biglerville. The event included speakers and activities. “Attendance was pretty good although the rainstorm caused no one to come for about half an hour and then a family came at the last minute as folks were cleaning up,”
Tom Walter opened his collection of historic tractors, located at 130 Bender’s Church Rd.) last weekend.
There is perhaps no more recognizable shop in Gettysburg than Mr. G’s Old Fashioned Home Made & Soft Serve. Located at the corner of Baltimore and Lefever Streets, across from Unity Park, the shop is continually surrounded by families visiting Gettysburg, playing the challenging ring game, and relaxing, while they cool off with a cone
When first meeting Dr. Michael Sullivan, Chief Medical Director and founder of the Maryland-Pennsylvania Mission of Mercy, one is immediately struck by his warm smile and gentle, generous demeanor. Sullivan’s essence exudes kindness and understanding. For three decades he has dedicated himself to caring for others. Sullivan was treating patients at the mission’s mobile health
American Legion Post 262 held its annual Flag Day flag retirement ceremony yesterday. Flags, patriotic pinwheels, and bookmarks were handed out to the attendees. State Representative Torren Ecker attended the ceremony with his family. Legion Post Commander Rick Pelc spoke about the Flag Day holiday. The Apple Core Band played the Star Spangled Banner and
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, affects nearly 7 million Americans, with projections suggesting this number could nearly double by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Unlike normal aging, dementia includes memory loss and is progressive, evolving through early, middle, and late stages. Living with Alzheimer’sFor those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s,
Over 1,000 devout Christians from local Catholic Churches gathered on the grounds of The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg this week to celebrate the arrival of the first-ever National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Worshippers filled the basilica this morning to participate in the standing-room only mass.The Most Reverend Archbishop William E. Lori was
Parents and caregivers dropped off their 5th grade students on Nawakwa Road at their assigned cabins in Biglerville on May 13, 2024. The rainy morning did not delay the agenda. Campers resided the remainder of the school week at Nawakwa to take part in the Science curriculum. This annual spring field trip takes place for
The annual Biglerville High School Cannerval event returned with a twist on Friday night. The Cannerval-Conectados(connected) event was hosted by the high school Latinx Club with a mission of bringing folks together. It was evening filled with tacos, empanadas, crepes, milkshakes, horchata, popcorn, and hot dogs, as well as games and activities for all ages.
The 2024 Upper Adams School District Color Day was held on Monday as students in grades 4-6 participated in physical education activities and dance. Events included a 1/4 mile run, 50 yard dash, 100 yard dash, sack race, 3 legged race, 200 yard relay, softball throw, foul shots, and jump rope. Tournaments included volleyball, soccer,
Healthy Adams County’s Behavioral Health Task Force, in collaboration with other local agencies, brought the inaugural Mental Health Wellness Day to the Adams County Farmers Market today. “It was a pretty good turnout for the weather and for our first time doing the event,” said Healthy Adams County Executive Director Kathy Gaskin. Exhibitors included AlAnon,
Biglerville HIgh School held its STEM Summit program on April 19. Originally scheduled for Feb. 13, the event was postponed due to inclement weather. Supported by Junior Achievement of South Central, the event included all 261 9th and 10th graders in the day-long activities designed to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Volunteers
Silvershire Farm Horse Carriage and Wagon Rides is the fourth stop along Destination Gettysburg’s scenic Blossom Belt Tour. The farm offers leisurely hour-long ride carriage rides in the Adams County countryside, which is especially stunning this time of year. The company is owned by Bill Kane and his wife Bobbie. The Kanes have raised horses
In 1988, President Reagan declared April as National Autism Awareness Month. More recently, it has been titled Autism Acceptance Month. April is a month in which we can accept those who have autism and advocate for their rights. Autism is a developmental disability that impacts the way people experience their surroundings. It is a spectrum
Despite the dreary weather on Saturday, over 450 children and adults attended the first-ever Easter Egg Roll at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. It was fitting that the White House tradition of the Easter egg roll be held at the Eisenhower Site, because the Eisenhower family loved Easter. 160 eggs were rolled during the event.
On January 2, 2023, Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills football team collapsed on the field after being hit in the chest while making a tackle. He experienced a cardiac arrest. Hamlin immediately lost his heart function, breathing, and consciousness and required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). While recovering from his cardiac arrest, Hamlin challenged everyone to
Biglerville High School is gearing up for an educational milestone as Junior Achievement of South Central PA prepares to host an enriching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) summit on February 13, 2024. The eagerly anticipated event promises an engaging experience for all 9th and 10th graders, with over 260 students expected to immerse themselves
Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program, a beacon of hope for many, has ambitious expansion plans, signaling a vibrant and unbridled future. Program Director Rachel Stoner, a dedicated part of the organization since her days as a volunteer in 2015, shared her enthusiasm about the growth prospects. “The potential for new programs and planning is immense.
The Adams County Arts Council will feature their annual Instructors Show and All County Student Show during the month of February. A First Friday opening reception is scheduled for Friday, February 2, 5-7 p.m. and is open to the public. The shows will remain up through the end of the month. The Instructors Show, exhibited
When the Adams County Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ACSPCA) staff and volunteers found their dog kennels empty over the Christmas holiday, they explained it as a “Christmas miracle.” SPCA Directory Abby Avery said she worked relentlessly with volunteers and staff to empty the almost-full kennels over a two-week period in December. “We
Clergy, parishioners from local churches, and community members gathered together yesterday evening for an annual Christmastime Las Posadas. Las Posadas is a novenario, or extended devotional prayer. It is a re-telling of Joseph (José) and Mary (Maria) looking for an inn for baby Jesus (bebé Jesus) to be born. During the posadas, people go from
Gettysburg Connection has awarded its Outstanding Community Contributor Award to Arendstville family practice Doctor H. Fred Martin. Martin, who is retiring this year, has been a source of healing and humor in the community for over 40 years. “Down-to-Earth,” “caring,” and “on your side” are just a few of the ways community members described the
When Adams County resident Charles Walmer learned he had polycystic kidney disease, he received a kidney transplant in 2009 after waiting about 4 years. It took place at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. Charles also made sure that his three adult children tested for this hereditary disease. His son Bill was the
Mmm! The sweet scent of apples fill the air this time of year, especially during the National Apple Harvest Festival! The festival is held annually during the first two full weekends in October and is hosted by the Upper Adams Jaycees at the South Mountain Fair Grounds located at 615 Narrows Road in Arendtsville. This