Announcements

Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464) was one of the leading intellectual figures of the fifteenth century. Born at Kues (in Latin, Cusa) in Germany and often known by the Latin name Cusanus, he was a philosopher, theologian, and eventually a cardinal of the Catholic Church. An exemplary Renaissance man, he also made contributions in mathematics, natural science, and political theory. His best-known works are On Learned Ignorance (1440), a philosophical treatise, The Vision of God (1453), a work of mystical theology, and The Peace of Faith (1453), a work arguing for the underlying harmony of all religions. He is often seen as a forerunner of modern philosophy as well as a pioneer of interreligious dialogue. Nicholas will not put in a personal appearance in Gettysburg, but he will be present in spirit through the American Cusanus Society. A scholarly society founded in 1983, the society seeks to promote the study of Nicholas of Cusa and his times. While the majority of its members are historians, philosophers, and theologians, the membership extends as far afield as mathematics, architecture, and political science, representing the range of Nicholas’s interests. Since 1986, the Cusanus Society has met in Gettysburg, more or less every two years. The connection between Nicholas and Gettysburg is largely the work of Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Christianson, Professor (now Professor Emeritus) of Church History at the Lutheran Seminary and a founding member of the Cusanus Society. According to Christianson, “The Gettysburg Conference was created to bridge the ironic gap between a provincial Lutheran seminary and a highly specialized society focused on a medieval Catholic cardinal.” Christianson notes that among the distinctive features of the Gettysburg conferences “are the working sessions that allow intense exploration of a specific Cusan [or related] text using an English translation, often rendered especially for the conference.” This year the Society continues its partnership with United Lutheran Seminary with its nineteenth biennial conference, which will take place from Friday, September 29, to Sunday, October 1, preceded by a public lecture on Thursday, September 28. The conference title is “War and Peace in the Late Middle Ages.” According to conference co-chair Dr. Christopher Belitto, Professor of History at Kean University, New Jersey, “We seem to be living in a country and a world tottering between war and peace. These are the times where history is a good teacher.” At the conference, Bellitto says, “We’ll take our lessons mostly from the Middle Ages to see how Christians fought each other and how Muslims and Christians tried to negotiate peace, though there was extreme violence too, of course. Our medieval friends wondered whether peace was the only alternative or whether there were times when throwing a punch could be justified. We’ll ask, too, what people think about justified violence today–or whether it’s a path to nowhere.” While the conference is open to registrants only, several lectures are open to the general public, free of charge. The first takes us almost to the present time. On Thursday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m., Dr. Jill Ogline Titus, Associate Director of the Civil War Institute, Gettysburg College, will deliver a pre-conference presentation titled “A New Birth of Freedom?: Civil Rights and Black History in 20th Century Gettysburg.” This lecture is co-sponsored by the American Cusanus Society and the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center. There will be two public events on Friday, September 29. At 3:00 p.m., Dr. Anne Marie Wolf, Professor of History at the University of Maine-Farmington, will deliver the Kyomi Koizumi Watanabe Lecture, “Learning about Peace from the Middle Ages: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Insights.” At 7:45 p.m., Dr. Phillip Stump, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Lynchburg, will deliver the Morimichi Watanabe Lecture, “The Intersection of Peace and Unity at the Council of Constance and Beyond.” All of these lectures will take place in Valentine Hall Auditorium at the United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg. Parking is available behind Valentine Hall off Springs Avenue or on the west side of Seminary Ridge, next to the United Lutheran Seminary Library. For further information about the conference, please contact Dr. Vincent Evener at VincentEvener@MissouriState.edu. Featured image caption:This portrait of Nicholas of Cusa, dating around 1460, belongs to the triptych altarpiece in the chapel of the St.-Nikolaus-Hospital that he founded in Kues (Cusa). From www.americancusanussociety.org.

On May 7, 2023, motorcyclists across the U.S.A. embarked on our fourth Coast to Coast Motorcycle Relay carrying copies of the United State’s most sacred documents: ·        The Declaration of Independence ·        The Bill of Rights ·        Our Constitution, including Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation & the 13th,14th, & 15th Amendments. This year, our relay also raises awareness of the continuing at-risk status of the Equal Rights Amendment. On September 9, the relay will conclude when we arrive at Gettysburg Battlefield to pay respect to all patriots whose sacrifices inspire continued aspiration toward the More Perfect Union our forebearers envisioned. With a nonpartisan emphasis on equality, liberty, and justice for all, our mission serves as a reminder of the democratic principles laid down by our Founding Fathers. Since August of 2020, hundreds of patriotic motorcyclists have been riding to promote equality, one of our core values. To unite rather than divide, throughout the summer, we relay the founding documents, hand to hand, across state borders. This demonstration promotes acceptance and diversity. “We the People” is our common ground as the pursuit of happiness may look different to each citizen and ally. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” We ride for Liberty and Justice for All Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RideforLibertyforAll and for additional information go to libertyrides.org

The tournament will be held Sep 15, 2023 at Gettysburg National Golf Course.

GETTYSBURG, PA – Beginning Tuesday, September 5, park roads west and north of Gettysburg (Day 1 Battlefield) and the East Cavalry battlefield will be repaved. This three-month project will address road surfaces and parking areas that are at the end of their lifespan.   Road closures during this phase of paving will largely occur at night from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday to Thursday. Friday will be held as a rain date.   These closures may temporarily interrupt the ability to visit portions of the battlefield while work is ongoing. No work will occur on weekends or federal holidays.   Roads to be repaved at night from 6 pm to 6 am, Sunday to Thursday (Friday will be held as a rain date) include:  The roadwork at East Cavalry battlefield will occur during the day and will require full closures.  Scheduled paving dates are subject to change due to weather or other impacts. Every effort will be made to complete the work as expeditiously as possible as well as minimize disruptions for park visitors. Full details on the schedule of road work will be made available on the park website and social media platforms as details become available.  www.nps.gov  About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 424 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at [http://../www.nps.gov]www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.  

The 2023 Adams County Heritage Festival will feature a children’s bike parade and community walk along the Biser Trail in Rec Park. The whole day is packed with entertainment and wonderful food, making it a great community unity event. Bike decorating starts at 12:30 backstage, or you can decorate your bike at home. Helmets are required, and riders receive a free can of Lucky Leaf apple juice, courtesy of Knouse Foods, just for wearing their helmet! Children 12 and under, sign up to win a $350 incentive for Gettysburg Bicycle & Fitness! When your child registers for the Festival near the stage and bikes in the Parade, they will automatically receive five raffle tickets to win a $350 Gettysburg Bicycle and Fitness incentive. If you ride a bike before the event and inform habpi2021@gmail.com with the child’s name, age, adult contact email/phone number, and ride date, you will win an additional ticket! If the weather cancels the event on September 17, the $350 prize, chosen from those who registered via email, will still be awarded. The Adams County Heritage Festival celebrates the many ethnic and cultural traditions of our county through sharing foods, arts and crafts, and music. The Festival is jointly sponsored by the Interfaith Center for Peace and Justice and the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County, and in recent years around 1200 people have attended it. The 32nd annual Adams County Heritage Festival takes place on Sunday, September 17, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Gettysburg Area Recreation Park. The Festival is jointly sponsored by the Interfaith Center for Peace and Justice and the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County.

Harrisburg, Pa., Aug. 15, 2023 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, invites people from across York and Adams counties to fight heart disease and stroke one step at a time at the 2023 York Heart Walk and Adams County Heart Walk on Saturday, Sept. 9. Both the York and Adams County Heart Walks will be held at new locations this year. The York Heart Walk will take walkers on a 1.5-mile walk through the York College campus. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. and the walk will step off at 9 a.m. starting at Graham Field, 899 S. Richland Ave., York. The Adams County Heart Walk will feature a 1-mile walk through Gettysburg Recreation Park, 545 Long Ln., Gettysburg. Festivities will start at 12:30 p.m., and the walk will step off at 1:30 p.m.,The Heart Walk raises funds to support the mission of the American Heart Association and save lives from heart disease and stroke, the nation’s no. 1 and no. 5 killers. It is also an opportunity for families, workplaces, and communities to come together to participate in a heart-healthy activity while honoring those who have been affected by heart disease and stroke, including 43-year-old heart transplant survivor Asheley Walters of Dillsburg. Asheley learned at just 11 years old that she had a genetic heart condition, which turned into heart failure. At a young age, she was battling persistent breathlessness, a declining quality of life, and atrial fibrillation, which eventually led to her having a stroke when she was 30. By the time she was 38, her heart function was so compromised that her healthcare team determined that a heart transplant was her best chance at survival. She is now five years post-transplant, full of energy, and ready to share her story to kick off the Heart Walks. The York and Adams County Heart Walks are co-chaired by Brent Doores, vice president of finance at Family First Health, and Michael Cogliano, Sr., president of WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital. Brent Doores joined Family First Health as vice president of finance in April. In this role, Doores oversees all day-to-day financial operations and strategic fiscal initiatives for the organization. He previously served as CEO for Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of York and in leadership roles across a variety of service lines and specialties for fifteen years at WellSpan Health, including urgent care, heart and vascular services, and revenue management. Michael Cogliano has served WellSpan Health for the past 25 years, 22 years of which has been at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital. He began his career as a registered cardiovascular invasive specialist, giving him an appreciation for the impact of heart disease on individuals, families, and communities. Cogliano has volunteered for numerous organizations and community boards, including the past chair of the Adams County Economic Development Corporation. He also served as chair of the York and Adams County Heart Walks in 2022. To learn more or sign up to participate, visit heart.org/yorkwalk. From there, participants can stay up to date by downloading the Heart Walk mobile app and encourage friends and family to join in via e-mail or social media.  The York and Adams County Heart Walks are sponsored by WellSpan Health, UPMC, and UPMC Health Plan, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of York, Glatfelter Insurance, and other local supporters. The funds raised from the Heart Walks go towards research, advocacy, CPR training, and to promote better health in support of the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to healthcare access and quality. Visit heart.org to learn more.   About the American Heart AssociationThe American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.    For Media Inquiries:Larissa Bedrick, larissa.bedrick@heart.org, 610-547-5530 (cell)  For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)heart.org and stroke.org

The Gettysburg Choral Society is now actively seeking new singers for the fall season. Auditions are being held by appointment on Saturday, August 12th, from 11 am-1 pm and on Monday, August 21st, from 6-8 pm. The group will perform two Christmas concerts. The first is on December 1st at the United Lutheran Seminary Chapel in Gettysburg at 7 pm. The second concert is on December 9th at the Seton Basilica in Emmitsburg, MD, at 3 pm. There is a special need for tenors and basses; however, all interested persons are encouraged to audition. The audition process is not difficult. Each singer will sing a familiar song and be tested for vocal accuracy, tone, blending, and range. All persons auditioning must be at least 18 years of age and able to read music. Choral experience is a plus. Rehearsals begin on Monday, September 11th, and take place on subsequent Monday evenings from 7 P.M. to 9 P.M. at Trinity UCC, 60 East High Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325. For further information or to schedule an audition, please contact our director or visit the Gettysburg Choral Society website, or contact John McKay, Director The Gettysburg Choral Society (717) 476-1054 {Call or Text} zoemckay@aol.com

The “Historic Barns Tour of Gettysburg and Adams County” will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Presented by Historic Gettysburg Adams County (HGAC), this event will be held rain or shine. The Tour includes privately owned barns that are not usually open to the public. One of the barns on the Tour served as a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. The Tour begins at the historic Round Barn at 298 Cashtown Road, Biglerville, PA. Participants should check in between 10 a.m. and noon and will receive a booklet and map showing the locations of the barns on the Tour. After exploring the Round Barn and Farm Market, participants can then drive to any barn on the Tour, in any order, and stay as long as they wish. The Tour ends at 4 p.m. This Pennsylvania bank barn is one of the barns included in this year’s HGAC’s Historic Barns Tour of Gettysburg and Adams County. It is barn #185 on the Adams County Barn Registry. This Tour is a family-friendly event; all kids under 18 are free and must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are $35 in advance and $40 on the day of the event. There will be a windshield scavenger hunt called “Barn Quest” for students to identify architectural details of Pennsylvania barns. “We hope that parents and grandparents will bring their kids to see inside these great old barns, “ said Event Chair Bob Mcilhenny. “Photographers, bring your cameras!” Advance tickets may be purchased online until September 14 through Eventbrite or visit HGAConline.org and click on the Barn Tour link. For additional information, contact Bob Mcilhenny at (717) 420-6500 or RMcilhenny@comcast.net Each barn on this unique Tour will feature activities throughout the day that are fun and educational. There will be a cider press and cider tastings, demonstrations of timber framing techniques as well as the use of a shaving horse and draw knife. Local artist Bobbie Becker, wood carver Frank Rauscher, and members of the Foothills artists will be displaying and selling their artworks. The Panera Tatters will demonstrate tatting and lace making, and Civil War living history characters will tell of life in the mid-1800s when the barns on the Tour were built. There will also be live music and dance performances from the 19th century. Information about state-wide barn preservation efforts will be presented by members of the Historic Barn and Farm Foundation of Pennsylvania (HBFF). Ceramic artist Tom Starr will describe traditional brick-making techniques and talk about living in an old brick barn. Learn about these icons of Adams County’s vernacular architecture. All the barns on the Tour except for the Round Barn are of a construction style known as the Pennsylvania Barn, and they all share two distinctive details. First, the front of a Pennsylvania barn features an extension of the upper floor of the barn known as a forebay, built to overshoot and shelter the entrance to the stables on the lower level. The second common feature is a bank of earth built up against the rear wall of the barn to provide access for wagons to enter the upper floor of the barn. Proceeds from this event will benefit the award-winning HGAC Barn Preservation Project and Grant Program. In 2020 the “Henry A. Jordan Award” was presented to HGAC by Preservation PA for its “outstanding historic preservation efforts at the local level.” HGAC Preservation Committee chair Curt Musselman noted, “HGAC has provided matching grant funding to over 40 owners of historic barns in Adams County since 2013.” Historic Gettysburg Adams County (HGAC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 1975 to foster the preservation and interpretation of culturally significant structures and sites in Adams County, Pennsylvania.

Gettysburg Community Theatre (GCT), the non-profit 501c3 organization currently in its 15th year at 49 York Street within the first block of Lincoln Square in Gettysburg, PA, will present its production of Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing August 4-13, 2023 with performances at 7 pm Fridays & Saturdays, and 2 pm Sunday matinees. Limited reserved seating tickets are available now at www.gettysburgcommunitytheatre.org  A playful comedy layered with all the rich complexity that comes with Shakespeare’s work, Much Ado About Nothing is a snappy, surprisingly timely meditation on gossip, gender, and the follies of romance. Don Pedro, Claudio, and Benedick arrive in the Sicilian port town of Messina after a decisive victory on the battlefield. As they join in the post-war celebrations at the Governor’s estate, Claudio takes a liking to their host’s daughter, Hero. Meanwhile, Benedick engages in a different sort of battle with Hero’s cousin, the quick-witted Beatrice. Cupid-like characters conspire to bring our quartet of lovers together while darker forces seek to drive them apart. Can love truly conquer all when the combined powers of deception, betrayal, and envy stand in its way? Much Ado About Nothing is comedic yet cautionary, elegant yet down to earth, mischievous, and undeniably merry. The comedy the director has chosen to set in the 1920s is suited for ages 10+ and is approximately two hours with intermission.  Director Samuel Eisenhuth and cast member Joan Crooks discussing a scene and costume pieces for the upcoming comedy Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, which will perform on weekends August 4-13 at Gettysburg Community Theatre. The cast of actors includes Kyle Tirak from Frederick, Holly Landis from Dillsburg, Roger Dalrymple, Mike Krikorian, Elizabeth Pellegrino, and Elizabeth Smith from Gettysburg, Abbie Mazur-Mummert from Hanover, Michaela Odian from Taneytown, Cory Abrecht and Alyssa Byers from Walkersville, Lorraine Durbin and Rye Love from Carlisle, Caitlin Cutright from Shippensburg, Sarah Eisenhuth from New Cumberland, Dan Griffin from York, Jim “Bluto” Fisher and Becky Winter from Shiremanstown, Joan Crooks from Westminster, and Bethany Malykh from Mechanicsburg. The production is under the direction of Samuel Eisenhuth from New Cumberland, with Stage Management by Julie Carlin from Harrisburg and Costume/Props Design by Elana Farace from Middletown. GCT also has upcoming youth productions of The SpongeBob Musical with performances September 8-14, and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer December 1-10, as well as adult productions of Jekyll And Hyde the musical in October and Senior Moments (a comedy with Senior actors) in November. GCT hopes to see YOU at the theatre this year. The public can subscribe free to the theatre email list to be kept up to date on all educational, volunteer, and performance opportunities. Additionally, on their website, you can order tickets, register for classes, and make donations. GCT Mission Statement: To inspire creativity and confidence, provide cultural enrichment, and instill a love of the theatre arts in people of ALL ages and abilities through quality education and performance.

The Adams County Office for Aging is now able to issue Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks to qualifying senior citizens after statewide delays, which started in June. Gettysburg, PA – The Adams County Office for Aging is excited to finally be able to distribute Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks to qualifying senior citizens after logistical issues at the state level resulted in delays. The Senior FMNP program is issued to senior citizens who meet certain income guidelines. The program grants senior citizens paper checks that they can spend on locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Households of 1 elderly person that makes $26,973 or 2 people that make $36,482 combined are eligible to receive Senior FMNP checks. No proof of income is required when signing up, but a photo ID with proof of residency within Adams County is required. Individuals must be aged 60 or older by December 31, 2023, in order to qualify. While the delay of the program this year has presented challenges, the Senior FMNP program has also had some improvements made for 2023. This year, the value of Senior FMNP checks has increased from $24 last year to $50 in 2023, thanks to increased funding of the program. This means eligible senior citizens will receive more than double the value.           Senior FMNP checks are available to be picked up at the Adams County Office for Aging at 318 W. Middle Street during office hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Additionally, qualifying seniors are also encouraged to attend the Adams County Farmers Market (ACFM) on Saturday, July 15, from 8 am-1 pm at the Gettysburg Rec Park to receive their FMNP checks and begin spending right away if they wish. Staff from the Adams County Office for Aging will be on-site at the farmers market and hope to distribute as many checks as possible to the community. “We are always excited to be at the market and help distribute checks,” said Linda Thompson, Community Services Director for Adams County Office for Aging. “We receive more checks from the state than we are able to give away, so partnering with the farmers market helps us get as many FMNP checks out as possible. We want people to spend them.” Senior citizens who spend their FMNP checks at ACFM will be able to double their value thanks to the market’s special tokens. Each FMNP check spent at ACFM will be matched dollar-for-dollar with $1 wooden tokens. While there are many farm markets in Adams County that will accept FMNP checks, the Adams County Farmers Market is the only location in the County that will double their value. Shoppers using Senior FMNP checks are encouraged to talk to ACFM staff for more information. The market’s FMNP doubling program has been made possible by a partnership with Healthy Adams County and will be available for all FMNP checks spent at the market throughout the year. “This is a great program for the community,” said Reza Djalal, Market Manager for ACFM. “It is a vital source of income for local farmers and a vital source of healthy foods for senior citizens. We encourage all eligible seniors to sign up for this program, it’s basically free money.”

This year’s Friends of the Adams County Library System’s Summer Book Sale Bonanza promises to be one of our biggest and best in several years.  The reason it is going to be so special comes down to how our patrons and supporters of the library have been so generous with their donations.  A rough estimate of the number of books we have this year comes close to 45,000 volumes.   If you are a parent or grandparent, of note is our much larger than previous year’s selection of children’s, elementary and young adult books.  Every child who attends gets five free books each day of the sale, and teachers can choose up to 15 free books for their classroom use on Friday.  Need a good “beach read” or just looking for an escape for a few hours?  We have that covered too, including an excellent selection of recent mystery and romance novels.  Just be sure to come early on the first day for the best selection!   The early bird catches the worm! Once again, we are holding the sale at Redding Auction House at 1085 Table Rock Road, Gettysburg.  This year’s dates are Thursday, July 27 from 9 am to 7 pm, Friday, July 28 from 9 to 7 pm, and Saturday, July 29 from 9 am to 2 pm.  If shopping for bargain books helps you work up an appetite, the Friends of the New Oxford Library will once again be sponsoring the “Food Adventures” truck on Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Friday from 9 am to Noon.  This is our largest fundraiser,  but don’t forget that we run a Used Book Store in the basement of the Gettysburg library throughout the year.  Book Store hours are posted on the library website.  All proceeds from the Summer Bonanza and the Used Book Store help support Library Programs.  Posted by Catherine Dischner, President, Friends of Adams County Library System

Gettysburg Community Theatre (GCT), the non-profit 501c3 organization located at 49 York Street within the first block of Lincoln Square in Gettysburg, PA, has begun its annual Penguin Project (theatre for actors with special needs) but needs at least 10 more volunteer peer mentors ages 10+ without special needs to help the actors with special needs during this rewarding program that meets weekly on Mondays 6-7 pm now through November 27, with dress rehearsals 6 pm November 27-30, and performances weekends December 1-10, 2023. No experience is necessary as GCT provides free training with this program. Some schedule conflicts can be worked around, but many volunteers are needed to get this program going strong again post-pandemic. Sign up for this free program for ages 10+ with and without special needs is available online at https://gettysburgcommunitytheatre.org/the-penguin-project/ The Penguin Project gets its name from the fact that penguins are birds with special needs, they cannot fly, but they thrive equally as well as any bird in their own environment. Students from last year’s GCT Penguin Project production of the musical HONK! “Our penguins (actors with special needs) may not be able to fly,” says GCT Founding/Executive Director Chad-Alan Carr, “but we see their spirits soar on stage through the love and joy of theatre arts.” The Penguin Project began in Illinois over two decades ago and is now being replicated in over 15 different States across the country. GCT was the first to replicate the program and started producing an annual musical featuring young actors with special needs and their peer mentors side by side with them back in 2014. GCT’s Penguin Project has performed at the high school auditoriums of Gettysburg and Hanover, as well as at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center and, of course, at the GCT stage. The program took a break during the pandemic but returned to the GCT stage last year with Honk! (the ugly duckling musical). This year’s production will be the classic musical based on the animated special Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and will perform at the Gettysburg Community Theatre this December. Tickets are already on sale for this popular title, and seating is very limited, so ordering in advance is highly encouraged. “Though many of our young actors with special needs include everything from Autism, Down Syndrome, CP, cognitive delays, and other neurological disorders,” says Carr, “with GCT’s Penguin Project, we celebrate their abilities to shine on stage together with singing, dancing, and of course lots of smiles when the audience cheers for them. In our small intimate theatre without a bad seat in the house, it is truly magical, so bring tissues. It is life-changing.” GCT’s Penguin Project 2023 is made possible by generous support from The Cultural Alliance Of York County, Adams County Community Foundation and their wonderful Giving Spree, The Robert C Hoffman Charitable Endowment Fund, The Marie Keese Lelash Foundation, The Forward Fund, Sharon Magraw, Danny Sebright, Kiwanis Club Of Gettysburg, The Optimists Club Of Gettysburg, The Eagle Riders Of Gettysburg, Gettysburg Eagles, The Christmas Haus, and The Gettysburg Chocolate Market. GCT hopes to see YOU at the theatre this year. Subscribe free to the email list to be kept up to date on all educational, volunteer, and performance opportunities. Additionally, on the website, you can order tickets to in-person or streaming shows, register for classes, and make donations. GCT Mission Statement: To inspire creativity and confidence, provide cultural enrichment, and instill a love of the theatre arts in people of ALL ages and abilities through quality education and performance.

The Board of Directors of the YWCA of Gettysburg & Adams County has selected Melissa Leathery as their next CEO, effective August 7, 2023.  “On behalf of the YWCA Board of Directors of Gettysburg and Adams County, we are privileged to welcome Melissa to the position of Chief Executive Officer,” said Board President Lyne Aurand. “We are excited to work with Melissa, who brings much experience with her. We look forward to focusing on growing our mission and programs with Melissa’s vision and leadership. Together we will bring about meaningful, positive change for all in our community.” Leathery is a Licensed Social Worker with 27 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She is skilled in leadership/culture, strategic planning, child development, mental health, advocacy, and networking and previously served as President and CEO of Hoffman Homes for Youth, a nonprofit organization where she spent most of her professional career in multiple roles. She has a clinical background and has worked primarily in the mental health field with children/adolescents. Under her guidance, YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County aims to continue its mission of empowering women and eliminating racism. She brings her leadership skills, commitment, and passion for wellness to the organization and the community. She looks forward to joining the Gettysburg community while leading the organization in program enhancement, community awareness, and overall growth to support the mission. “I am both honored and excited to have this opportunity to lead such an amazing organization and advance the mission of the YWCA,” said Leathery. “This nonprofit organization is a tremendous asset to the community, and there are skilled employees ready to make something great turn into excellence. As the website consistently states, ‘Bring about meaningful change in yourself and in your community,’ which is something I plan to embrace.” Nancy Lilley, longtime YWCA Advocacy Director, will continue as Interim CEO until Leathery arrives, at which time she will resume her previous leadership role. In making the announcement, the Board thanked Lilley for her many years of service to the YW, particularly for her crucial guidance since accepting the interim position in early February.  The YWCA of Gettysburg & Adams County began as the vision of two sisters, Annie and Irene Danner, who saw the community’s need for such an organization. They were inspired by the national YWCA and willed their estate on Lincoln Square to be used for a YWCA facility. In 1926, the Gettysburg chapter of the YWCA became a formal member of the national organization and was incorporated in 1929. Nearly 100 years later, today’s YWCA remains a vital part of the community, dedicated to YWCA USA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

The late Dick Selby created The Bernard, Mary, and Richard Selby Family Memorial Fund as a permanent charitable endowment to honor his parents, Mary and Bernard, and the family’s commitment to their hometown of Littlestown. Each year the Fund distributes charitable grants to nonprofits serving Littlestown, including three organizations that were important to Bernard and Mary Selby during their lifetime, and other grants to meet evolving community needs. Thanks to the Community Foundation’s careful investment in long-term growth, this year’s grants for Littlestown total $58,200. The Fund will continue for generations to come, a permanent reminder of the Selby family’s community spirit and generosity. Since its inception in 2019, the Selby Family Memorial Fund has granted $190,000 to Littlestown nonprofits. Below: Members of the Adams County Community Foundation board, staff, and Fund for Littlestown Grants Committee, along with representatives from Littlestown nonprofits supported by the Selby Fund at the May 30, 2023, Selby Fund Grant Announcement. The 2023 grants for Littlestown include: Adams County Office for Aging, Littlestown Area Senior Center – $4,800 The senior center offers adults aged 60+ a place to socialize, exercise, and participate in educational programs and the arts. This grant will pay to install energy-efficient windows. Adams County Library System, Littlestown Library – $1,000 The grant will expand the children’s nonfiction book collection, providing Littlestown area residents with a wider range of titles and subjects. Borough of Littlestown, Community Park – $5,000 Pavilion roof replacement will be supported by this grant, as one of multiple Community Park improvements is underway. Littlestown Area Historical Society – $2,500 This grant will assist with site permits and excavation for a new structure to preserve and display items of local historic interest. Littlestown Area Historical Society – $1,000 This sponsorship will add attractions during the 2023 celebration of Good Ole Days. Littlestown Band Booster Association – $4,200 This grant will purchase a scissor lift podium for the Littlestown Area School District marching band. New Hope Ministries – $5,000 New Hope staff and volunteers work with people in need to achieve food security and housing stability. This grant supports emergency assistance with food, rent, utility bills, and transportation. Ruth’s Harvest Littlestown – $5,000 This grant supports the packages of healthy food that income-eligible K-8th grade students receive for the weekend, and items not usually available in the clothing bank, such as socks and undergarments. Redeemers United Church of Christ – $5,000 Upgrades to Redeemer’s social hall and kitchen for use by multiple community groups. Thunderbolt Foundation – for Littlestown FFA – $ 1,500 This grant will cover expenses related to planting and growing sweet corn so Littlestown FFA students can educate their younger peers and distribute corn to students and the community. The Bernard, Mary, and Richard Selby Family Memorial Fund designates three Littlestown organizations for annual grants. This year they received: Alpha Fire Company #1 – $5,800 St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church – $11,600 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – $5,800 About the Adams County Community Foundation The Adams County Community Foundation promotes and facilitates charitable giving and builds a permanent civic endowment for Adams County, the Fund for Adams County. The Community Foundation provides a home for a variety of charitable funds, some created to support changing needs in Adams County, others established by donors, including endowments directed to a specific organization or purpose, scholarship funds, and donor-advised funds, which may make distributions anywhere in Pennsylvania or across the country. More information is available at www.adamscountycf.org

With generous support from The Cultural Alliance Of York County, Adams County Community Foundation and their wonderful Giving Spree, The Robert C Hoffman Charitable Endowment Fund, The Marie Keese Lelash Foundation, The Janet & Edward Riggs Charitable Endowment, Danny Sebright, Sharon Magraw, Kiwanis Club Of Gettysburg, The Optimists Club Of Gettysburg, The Eagle Riders Of Gettysburg, Gettysburg Eagles, and more, Gettysburg Community Theatre (GCT), the non-profit 501c3 organization located at 49 York Street within the first block of Lincoln Square in Gettysburg, PA, announces its 15th Annual Summer Children’s Theatre Series of theatre camps and children’s performances.Having originated as a children’s theatre in 2009 but quickly understanding the community’s desire for more inclusive programming, GCT became a creative safe place not just for the young but also for the young-at-heart and people with special needs as well. GCT’s Education & Outreach Program has grown to include its children’s theatre productions, after-school programs, and summer day camps for grades K-12, a Senior Citizen production for ages 55+, and a special needs theatre program for ages 10+. Education & Outreach makes up 75% of GCT’s entire operations and currently serves over 2,000 volunteers, audience members, students, actors, directors, artists, and musicians from 5 different counties.The 2023 Summer Children’s Theatre Series includes theatre day camps in July, where each week is a different play to learn with performances open to the public. There are still a few spots left in some of the K-12th Grade camps, which include Stories From Under The Big Top camp week July 10-14, with performances at 7 pm July 14 & 15 and 2 pm July 15, Pan! camp week July 17-21 with performances 7 pm July 21 & 22 and 2 pm July 22, Broadway Teens Concert 2 pm July 23, The Fairy Tale Network camp week July 24-28 with performances 7 pm July 28 & 29 and 2 pm July 29, and Hello, Shakespeare! camp week July 31-August 4 with performances at 4 pm August 4 & 2 pm August 5.GCT hopes to see YOU at the theatre this year for any of their performances or classes. Subscribe free to the email list to be kept up to date on all educational, volunteer, and performance opportunities. Additionally, on the website, you can order tickets to in-person or streaming shows, register for classes, and make donations.www.GettysburgCommunityTheatre.org GCT Mission Statement: To inspire creativity and confidence, provide cultural enrichment, and instill a love of the theatre arts in people of ALL ages and abilities through quality education and performance. Students from last summer’s camp production of Junie B Jones Jr

United Way of Adams County has been chosen to receive approximately $20,000 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The federal funds are made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter national board program. The selection was made by a national board chaired by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency consisting of representatives from the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and United Way Worldwide. The local board was charged with distributing funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country. The board is coordinated through the United Way of Adams County and will determine how the funds awarded to Adams County will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program. Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds may request information and an application at efspadamspa@gmail.com. The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. on July 14, 2023.

The Adams County Farmers Market is holding its first-ever Farmers Market Fairy Festival on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 8 am-1 pm at the Gettysburg Rec Park. Gettysburg, PA – The Adams County Farmers Market (ACFM) is excited to launch a new Farmers Market Fairy Festival event at the Gettysburg Rec Park on Saturday, June 17, from 8 am-1 pm at the Gettysburg Rec Park. This event will be held in conjunction with the normal farmers market and will feature magic-themed items, family-friendly entertainment, a variety of new vendors, face painting, a wand-making craft for children, fairy garden workshops, and much more. The event is free to attend. The Adams County Farmers Market hopes to tap into the enthusiasm and excitement around fairy festivals to create a fun, unique experience for the Gettysburg community. “Pennsylvania and Maryland have a rich history of fairy-themed festivals, like the May Day Fairie Festival in Glen Rock,” said Market Manager Reza Djalal. “Lots of fairy festivals in our area take place on farms, so there is a natural connection between this kind of event and local agriculture.” Event coordinators have lined up some fun entertainment for this event to help capture the spirit of traditional fairy festivals and Renaissance fairs. Appearing at the Farmers Market Fairy Festival this Saturday will be Gingersnap the Mermaid, named Miss Mermaid PA for three years running, traditional Irish fiddle player Keith Engle, a magical selfie station by Melissa Ring Photography, and free-to-participate activities by new local business Highland Games Academy and Chieftain Aaron Zipp, plus much more. In addition to entertainment and activities, the market is also welcoming many event-specific vendors, including Etheric Connections, Imagine Mary Alice, Rabid Llama Creations, Dancing Pig Pottery, Forest Fae Treasures, and Someday Creations, among many others. To help make this event even more fun and exciting, the Adams County Farmers Market is offering $3 in market tokens to children who come to the event dressed up in a costume. “Our hope is to make this fairy festival experience accessible to everyone,” continued Djalal. “We always want kids and families to come away from the market having had a really positive, memorable experience.” The Adams County Farmers Market hopes that their Farmers Market Fairy Festival will become an annual event and continue to foster a sense of whimsy for children and adults alike. “The energy this event has generated already has been really astounding; I think we can make it better and better every year,” continued Djalal. This event is supported by a generous grant from the Robert C. Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust.

The Gettysburg Brass Band Festival is pleased to welcome the All-Star Brass and Percussion of Columbus, Ohio.  Dr. Eric Aho, Director of Bands and Orchestra at Independence High School, founded the group in 1986. Students involved in the band must receive a nomination and successfully complete an audition process.  Young musicians from over 40 schools and eight Central Ohio counties currently participate in the organization. While some All-Star students pursue musical careers, most continue with music as an avocation.  In 2009, 2014, and 2019, the ensemble fulfilled the opportunity of a lifetime by participating in the New York Band & Orchestra Festival with performances in Central Park and Carnegie Hall.  The All-Star Brass and Percussion is the first and most awarded youth honors brass band organization in North America. The ASBB will perform at the Heritage Center on Friday, June 9 at 8:00 pm, Hollabaugh Bros. Family Farm on Saturday, June 10 at 11:00 am, the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival on Sunday, June 11 at noon, and the Gettysburg Visitors Center on Monday, June 12 at 10:00 am. Everyone is welcome to enjoy two days of outstanding brass music on Saturday, June 10 from noon-7:00 pm and Sunday, June 11 from noon-5:00 pm at the United Lutheran Seminary Pavilion.  All performances are free and open to the public.  A complete schedule is available at www.gettysburgbrassbandfestival.com.  

Nearly one million dollars in agriculture and youth grants were awarded recently, making Jesse Brant and the Littlestown Area School District very happy. Last fall, he applied for a grant from the PA Department of Agriculture to purchase a new tractor for the Littlestown FFA. The group received a matching grant of $25,000. The other $28,000 was funded through the FFA. “We use tractors here on school property to plant our sweet corn project and field corn for educational purposes and other fundraisers,” said the Littlestown High School agriculture teacher. The tractor was on display Monday night for viewing between school board meetings. FFA vice president Kaden Eyler was the first to drive the new John Deere 5075E tractor. The LHS junior is also a member of the tractor restoration team. “No Littlestown tax money was used to make the purchase,” Brant added. The Littlestown FFA funded it by selling crops, a small tractor, and fundraisers. Brant has been the agricultural teacher at the high school for 19 years. When Brant learned the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture was offering money for projects, he applied since the FFA needed a larger, more modern tractor. “You cannot win a competition you never enter, so that’s why I wrote the grant,” he said. The LASD FFA members manage 10 acres of school property and a greenhouse for educational purposes, fundraising, and community service.  They also restore tractors and enter area and state competitions.   This year marked the 25th time the Littlestown FFA won the Adams County Envirothon.   Brant explained that the corn raised at school is used for educational purposes in numerous ways. “I document the growth stages of the crop each year online through the Littlestown FFA Facebook page and teach along the way about what is happening.  Last year, I discovered “Tar Spot” (a fungal disease) in our sweet corn field.  It was the first time it was seen in Adams County.    The plant Science class learns about disease and nutritional deficiencies, stand count, and corn yield estimation in the fall. “Each of the past three years, our FFA raised and harvested 2,000 dozen cobs of sweet corn to give out to the community.  We do this as our Community Service project for the year,” Brant added.    The FFA students also teach elementary students lessons on the life cycle of corn, corn Biology, and corn products during “Sweet Corn Day” at school. The food service department cooks 80 dozen cobs of student-raised sweet corn and serves it to all students and staff for free at lunch.  FFA is an intra-curricular agricultural student leadership organization for ag students. It is a national organization from Hawaii to Maine and Alaska to the Virgin Islands.  FFA started in 1928 and was known as the “Future Farmers of America.”  Originally it was just for males.  In 1969, females were able to join.  The FFA changed its name to the “National FFA Organization” in 1988, embracing all agricultural pursuits, not just farming. It is also for students who want to be business managers, mechanics, crop consultants, veterinarians, foresters, food processors, or anyone else who feeds or clothes people across the globe.  Featured image caption: Littlestown High School junior Kaden Eyler smiles before driving away in the new LASD John Deere tractor, purchased with a matching fund grant from the PA Department of Agriculture and money earned through FFA fundraisers. 

by Patti Robinson Daily, we are bombarded with “fake “news” declarations, from both sides of the political spectrum and from all forms of media. We know it can’t all be fake, and honestly, we want to believe our own trusted sources, not theirs! So, what do we do? We can’t ignore these calls of fake news because believing them can have far-reaching effects and ultimately have serious implications for individuals and society. Reading this, you may say to yourself, “I’m not the problem…so and so is!” This may be true, but they are also saying it about you! How can we, once and for all, learn how to glean the truth from all news sources? It can be done. We want to show you how. Mediation Services of Adams County Inc, along with Urban Rural Action, are holding a workshop that might help us better learn how to navigate these muddy media waters. We believe that the spread of false information through social media and other media platforms can contribute to the polarization of society and can be used to incite violence against specific individuals or groups. Our agencies also believe that promoting conflict resolution skills and peaceful means of resolving disputes can also help prevent and reduce violence. To that end, Mediation Services of Adams County Inc and Urban Rural Action are bringing The News Literacy Project to Gettysburg for one night for the first 50 people who register. The News Literacy Project aims to teach participants how to critically evaluate news sources and identify reliable and trustworthy information. The evening’s event will cover topics such as media bias, fact-checking techniques, source evaluation, and online verification tools. Participants will learn how to identify red flags that indicate unreliable news sources, such as sensational headlines, unsupported claims, misleading images, AI, and commentary versus news writing. You are invited to attend: “Empowering the Public: Building Critical News Literacy in a Digital Age.” Wednesday, June 14, 2023 7:00 pm-9:00 pm The United Lutheran Seminary Valentine Hall Room 206 Registration and Refreshments will be served at 6:30 pm. Please fill out the form on our website Patti Robinson is Mediation Services of Adams County Board of Directors President

by Ian LeVee The YWCA cordially invites you to join us for the 21st Annual Benefit Tennis Tournament on Saturday, May 20, at the Gettysburg College Tennis Courts. Proceeds benefit the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County and our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. This tournament is organized by the YWCA and a committee of local tennis enthusiasts. Rice Fruit Company is the lead sponsor of the event held in memory of Arthur and Muriel Rice, local philanthropists committed to the support of healthcare and education. At the YWCA, we work hard to honor our larger mission, as noted above. We are all about being and growing into our best – and healthiest – selves. When body and mind work together, it’s a beautiful thing contributing to individual and community goodwill and happiness. It sometimes sounds so simple, but exercise is a crucial component of all that. Tennis, everyone? Long considered the ultimate lifetime sport, tennis is not only great exercise but “the leisure-time sports that inherently involve more social interaction, like the racquet sports, (are) associated with the best longevity,” according to a British Journal of Sports Medicine study that included over 80,000 UK adults at least 30 years of age. People who played tennis and other racquet sports also had a 56 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. Whether you play regularly, occasionally, rarely, or haven’t picked up a racquet in years, please consider joining us for one of our very favorite “lifetime” events. You’ll have a great time among some wonderful people. The individual entry fee for the event is $75, $25 for high school students, and includes entry in the round-robin tournament, refreshments, and lunch. Guests are welcome to attend and join the celebration luncheon for $15 per person. You can get more information or register online very easily. Of course, we are always delighted to have you stop in at the YWCA, 909 Fairfield Road, pick up a tennis tournament brochure, and register in person. Got questions? Please give me a call at 717-334-9171 ext. 120. Ian LeVee is Director of Membership and IT at YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County

Join Adams County fair housing organizations and coalitions to highlight the importance of fair housing at a Fair Housing in Action seminar on Monday, April 3. The program will include an overview of fair housing rights and how local agencies are working to advance housing opportunities in the county. The program will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Valentine Hall in the United Lutheran Seminary, Gettysburg Campus, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg. Program: 5:30 pm: Welcome 5:35 pm: Fair Housing Fundamentals  – Adrian Garcia, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) 6:00 pm: Working Together: Landlord & Tenant Partnerships – Marc Unger, Tenfold 6:10 pm: Local Fair Housing Resources Janet Riggs, Gettysburg Human Relations Commission                 Kierstan Belle, Adams County Advisory Council to the PHRC                 Gail Hull, Adams County Human Relations Council                 Robert Thaeler, Fair Housing Officer, Adams County 6:30 pm: Realtor Association of York and Adams County (RAYAC) – Shanna Terroso 6:40 pm: Adams County Housing Authority – Suzanne Glover and Laura Yohe  6:50 pm: Q&A Light refreshments and informational tables with housing resources will be available. Questions? Contact Brittany Mellinger: bmellinger@pa.gov 717-649-4824 Event Partners: Adams County Housing Authority Adams County Human Relations Council

Got vintage? The HGAC Architectural Salvage Warehouse holds its opening day this Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the historic Daniel Lady Farm, 986 Hanover Road in Gettysburg. Come browse the eclectic inventory of vintage and repurposed items for sale. The warehouse will be open in 2023 on the first and third Saturday of each month, April through October. What can the savvy shopper find at the warehouse? HGAC has an inventory that includes: Grandma’s cast iron kitchen sinks, washtubs and buckets, multi-paneled doors, shutters, wavy glass, Civil War era windows, glass insulators, fireplace mantles, lamp parts and globes, mirrors, restored and caned maple dining chairs, wooden beds and vintage woodworking tools. HGAC receives a steady stream of donated and salvaged items for the warehouse, and many are sold as soon as a price is fixed. The inventory is fluid, so visit often to discover the many unusual items the warehouse acquires, as the stock rotates quickly. Historic Gettysburg Adams County (HGAC) has operated the Architectural Salvage Warehouse since 2006. HGAC is a non-profit organization formed in 1975 to spearhead and coordinate efforts to preserve and restore the historic heritage of Adams County’s townships and boroughs. The warehouse was established to encourage the reuse of items that otherwise might end up in a landfill, and originally operated out of a brick building on Washington Street in downtown Gettysburg. Operations were moved to the Daniel Lady Farm in September 2017. In addition to the generous donors who contribute to the warehouse’s inventory, HGAC volunteers often receive permission to conduct salvage operations at older homes, barns and other buildings that are either undergoing renovation or slated for demolition. Salvage items include everything from old wooden flooring and mantelpieces, to antique doors and windows, to hardware such as hinges, doorknobs and cast-iron locks, along with many unique items. So if you’re seeking an old door or window to match your home renovation project, or if you have a passion for vintage items, stop by the Daniel Lady Farm on the first and third Saturdays of the month and check out the warehouse inventory! ​ The Architectural Salvage Warehouse is coordinated by volunteers Kendra Kaufmann and Andie Donahue. All proceeds from sales and additional donations help fund HGAC’s preservation efforts in Adams County, as well as the upkeep of the HGAC headquarters at the historic G.A.R. Hall at 53 Middle Street in Gettysburg. Period donations to the warehouse are always welcome. Those wishing to donate items or arrange a salvage operation can email HGAC at histgettyac@aol.com. Can’t make it to the farm? Email HGAC at histgettyac@aol.com and volunteers will help you make an appointment to view the warehouse inventory. Visit the HGAC webpage at www.hgaconline.org for more information on the warehouse and to view HGAC’s other upcoming events and

Gettysburg, PA – The Adams County Farmers Market (ACFM) will launch its 2023 farmers market season on Saturday, April 29, from 8 am-1 pm. The farmers market will be newly located at the Gettysburg Rec Park, at 545 Long Lane in Gettysburg. Adams County Farmers Market organizers anticipate an excellent market season at the new location. “The Rec Park has lots of amenities that will greatly benefit customers and vendors alike,” said Market Manager Reza Djalal. “There will be shady areas to sit and eat, plenty of parking, newly refinished restrooms, and tons of great vendors!” The Gettysburg Rec Park is located approximately ⅓ of a mile from Lincoln Square and features playgrounds, a dog park, a skatepark, and a fitness trail. Plans for a successful 2023 farmers market season include many family-friendly events, educational resources, and cooking demonstrations. Some new events planned for this year include a Farmers Market Fairy Festival, a Mexican Street Food Festival, and an event for Hunger Action Day. Many of the Adams County Farmers Market’s signature events, such as Kids Day and Young Entrepreneurs Day, will also be returning bigger than before, thanks to the Rec Park’s ample green space. ACFM has invested additional resources to promote the new 2023 location. “We have more than doubled our marketing budget in order to make sure we reach as many people as possible,” said ACFM Marketing Committee Chairperson Angela Sontheimer. “We also have some awesome events and promotions planned and can’t wait to showcase our new location with both our regular customers and new visitors.” Many vendors have signed up to participate at the Adams County Farmers Market this year, including fan favorites like Boyer Nurseries & Orchards, Maggie’s Farm Gettysburg, Deer Run Farm, Weikert’s Egg Farm, Ziggy Donutz, and The Mexican Food Truck. Vendor applications are still being accepted for the 2023 farmers’ market season. Fruit and vegetable growers are invited to apply, as well as vendors who make and sell other unique items like cheeses, jams, jellies, pickles, candy, or kombucha tea. ACFM offers resources for first-time farmers market vendors that are just beginning to launch their businesses, and ACFM’s annual vendor fees are much lower than other markets in the region. The vendor application can be found at www.acfarmersmarkets.org/become-a-vendor Fans of the Adams County Farmers Market are encouraged to spread the word about the start of the market season as widely as possible. “You don’t want to miss the start of the farmers market season by going to the wrong place,” continued Djalal. “Please be sure to tell your friends we’ve moved to the Rec Park and come out to see all the exciting changes when the market opens on April 29th.” Anyone with questions about the Adams County Farmers Market is welcome to contact Market Manager Reza Djalal at manager@acfarmersmarkets.org.

Gettysburg Major Rita Frealing has recognized March as American Red Cross Month in Gettysburg. Frealing presented a proclamation to American Red Cross Central PA Chapter board member Jason Bugg.

Adams County residents are invited to enjoy complimentary admission to the Gettysburg Heritage Center Monday, January 16th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  The museum is open to visitors from 10 am – 4 pm, with the last entrance into the exhibit area at 3:00 pm.  The invitation is extended to all residents living within the county, not just those with a Gettysburg address. “This is our way of saying ‘Thank You’ to the Adams County community and allows us to share all we have to offer” explains Heritage Center Executive Director, Stephanie Lightner. “Our facility has grown over the years, while our museum continues to offer a glimpse into the civilians of Gettysburg, including an award-winning orientation movie, we became part of the non-profit, the Gettysburg Nature Alliance and it has expanded our mission and vision. We are excited to share this with the community!” Upon entering the Heritage Center, local guests should be prepared to show proof of residency. The Gettysburg Heritage Center will continue to offer complimentary admission year-round to Gettysburg residents with a 17325 zip code.  The Gettysburg Heritage Center offers visitors a visual and interactive orientation to the town and the three-day battle.  The story of Gettysburg unfolds for guests through various displays, 3-D programming, and historical artifacts.  The non-profit Gettysburg Nature Alliance educates about and preserves Gettysburg’s habitat and heritage; it operates the Gettysburg Heritage Center at 297 Steinwehr Avenue and an educational “learning barn” near historic Sachs Bridge. For more information, visit www.GettysburgNature.org and www.GettysburgMuseum.com.