News – Gettysburg Connection

PennDOT: Plans to Add Tolls to Nine Bridges ‘Not Definitive’ Yet

February 24, 2021February 24, 2021 by (The Center Square)

(The Center Square) – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said Tuesday specifics about a plan to toll nine bridges across the state remains under development, though drivers may see the fees as soon as 2023. “Nothing is final,” Transportation Secretary Yassmin Gramian said during a House Appropriations Committee budget hearing. “Nothing is definite yet.” The plan – a result of …

How We Lived: Calvin James Gilbert

February 24, 2021February 24, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

Calvin James Gilbert, Sr. of Orrtanna, who died on Feb. 18 at the age of 86, has been added to the Gettysburg Connection Tribute Page, honoring the important contributions he made to our community. Gilbert was a family man with a passion for music, church and his community of Orrtanna. Read Gilbert’s obituary here.

Gov. Wolf: Pennsylvania has Reached a Milestone in Its Plan to Vaccinate Seniors in Care

February 24, 2021February 23, 2021 by Community Contributors

Governor Tom Wolf today marked a milestone in the implementation of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan with the announcement that more than 600 skilled nursing facilities have received first and second doses of the vaccine, and in total more than 315,000 doses of vaccine administered among all long-term care facilities being vaccinated by CVS and …

Criminal Justice: Is Prison Worth Its Cost?

February 23, 2021February 23, 2021 by Harriet Marritz

Each of us has a stake in our criminal justice system, whether we’re a presently or formerly incarcerated person, a family member, a criminal justice employee or administrator, a community member, a business owner, or a tax-payer. Increasingly, people on both sides of the aisle support criminal justice reform, whether it’s to save taxpayer money …

ACAC to Feature Members Show During Month of March

February 23, 2021February 23, 2021 by Community Contributors

The Adams County Arts Council will feature an outdoor themed collection of ACAC member artwork in the Reception Hall of the Arts Education Center, 125 South Washington Street, Gettysburg, during the month of March. A First Friday reception is scheduled for Friday, March 5, 5-7:30 p.m. and is open to the public. The show will …

Adams Faces Rural Broadband Shortages that Challenge Education, Manufacturing, and Agriculture

February 23, 2021February 23, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Speaking at an online meeting of the @Home in Adams County Initiative yesterday, Center for Rural Pennsylvania Director Kyle Kopko said Adams County has only about 197 people per square mile, and that like other rural counties, it ranks below the state average for internet download speeds. Kopko said households without adequate broadband are poorer …

Adams County COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Remains a Trickle

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Moving into the tenth week of vaccine deliveries in the state, opportunities for first-dose shots in Adams County remain limited or non-existent. Neither the Adams Cumberland Pharmacy system nor the Wellspan system currently show any available openings for first-dose appointments. The PA Department of Health said it delivered about 2,000 doses of vaccines during the …

U.S. Congress HR1: For the People Act Would Provide Needed Changes

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by Jeanne Duffy

Are you concerned about the state of our democracy today? — that the majority of people are not heard or are ignored by those who are pledged to represent them? The For The People Act (HR 1) would make a major difference for our democracy. It would enact small-donor funded elections, expand early voting, provide for automatic …

Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf Signs Fourth Emergency Declaration

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by (The Center Square)

(The Center Square) – Gov. Tom Wolf signed a 90-day statewide emergency declaration for COVID-19 on Friday, the fourth such order since March 6, 2020. “COVID-19 vaccinations have begun, but we are still in the early stages of vaccine administration,” he said. “We will continue to prioritize a safe, efficient and equitable distribution process, and expect vaccinations …

The $1 Billion Plan to Close the Gap Between Growing and Shrinking Pa. School Districts

February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by Spotlight PA

Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, non-partisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — When Pennsylvania passed a new formula to distribute money for public schools in 2016, it was hailed as a …

Increases to Pennsylvania Corrections Budget Despite Prison Closures, Smaller Population Lead to Lawmaker Questions

February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by (The Center Square)

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania lawmakers wanted to know this week how the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Secretary could justify seeking more for its annual budget at a time when overall inmate populations are dropping. Corrections Secretary John Wetzel is asking for a 2.5 percent increase, and during Wednesday’s budget hearing before the House Appropriations …

UASD Hears Calls for Charter School Reform * Secondary Reopening Stymied by County Virus Figures

February 18, 2021February 19, 2021 by Charles Stangor

In his legislative report to the Upper Adams School District board on Monday, board member Christopher Fee noted the many burdens charter schools place on school district finances. Fee said 350 school districts across the commonwealth are “calling for charter school reform. There are good charter schools, there are less good charter schools, but the …

Business Profile: Aura Integrative Medicine

February 19, 2021February 18, 2021 by Kathryn Graham

After a career in traditional Western medicine, Dr. Smitha Nair M.D. became interested in providing a more holistic medical approach for her patients — one where she could spend quality time with them and get to the root causes of their problems. Dr. Nair discovered integrative medicine and in 2017 opened the doors to her own …

Healthy Adams County Physical Fitness Task Force Creates Online Library of Local Walks

February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by Community Contributors

The Physical Fitness Task Force of Healthy Adams County, with help from The Adams County Office of Planning and Development, has created an Online Library of local walking maps. Each walk is described in terms of its parking location, length, type of surface, how sunny and flat, and how much traffic each route has. A …

Oil and Gas and Taxes in Pennsylvania

February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by Jeff Colvin

Pennsylvania is the only natural gas producing state in the U.S. without a severance tax. This severely limits the state’s ability to cover the necessary costs of infrastructure development that must accompany any new business development. A severance tax is a tax imposed on an energy company for the natural resource that the company extracts, …

UASD Board Condemns Racism as District Creates Plans to Combat it

February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by Charles Stangor

The Upper Adams School District (UASD) School Board said it was united in its condemnation of any discrimination and racism in the district and committed to ensuring alleged issues recently brought up on social media platforms are addressed going forward. “We must all do our part to eradicate racism, inclusive of all forms of discrimination,” …

Winter Storm Viola to Impact Gettysburg

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021 by Community Contributors

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Gettysburg – effective through 10:00 AM on Friday, February 19, 2021. TOTAL storm accumulations will range from 6 inches if sleet mixes in to 9 inches if the precipitation remains all snow. Mayor Streeter will likely issue a snow emergency for Gettysburg Borough Thursday …

Virtual Community Garden Workshop Scheduled for March 20

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021 by Community Contributors

Join Healthy Franklin County for a FREE Virtual Community Garden Workshop on March 20 that will focus on “Creating Your Own Working Homestead.” There will be a variety of workshops centered around the theme of homesteading that explore foodscaping, foraging, how to build an herb spiral, and more. A keynote presentation by Jessy Varisano, owner …

Gettysburg JROTC Normandy Trip

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021 by Community Contributors

The Adams county Gettysburg High JROTC program will be taking a trip to Normandy, France in June of 2022 for the 78th anniversary of D-Day. Our goal is to bring history to life for 30 Cadets, who will participate in D-Day parades, cemetery ceremonies, and other official duties. We are partnered with the non-profit Historic Programs Group and …

Arts Council Annual Meeting set for March 2, 2021

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021 by Community Contributors

The Adams County Arts Council will hold its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 2, 6pm to 7pm virtually. This year’s hour-long program begins at 6pm. Members and anyone interested in learning more about the organization are welcome to attend this free event virtually by requesting a link to access the meeting. Applause Awards will be presented for …

Gettysburg Foundation Partners with Foursquare Church to Provide Face Coverings

February 18, 2021February 17, 2021 by Community Contributors

The Gettysburg Foundation announced today that it is partnering with Foursquare Church in Gettysburg to provide face coverings in the Adams County community. The Ford Motor Company Fund provided the Gettysburg Foundation with 100,000 medical-grade masks produced by Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company’s mask production is part of its #FinishStrong initiative – encouraging Americans to pull …

IFO: Raising Minimum Wage in Pennsylvania Would Increase Economic Growth, Hike Costs For Employers

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021 by (The Center Square)

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania’s Independent Fiscal Office said Tuesday that raising the state’s minimum wage would stimulate economic growth, even though it increases costs for employers. “It would overall increase economic growth because it is an income transfer from higher income to lower income individuals,” said Matthew Knittel, executive director of the IFO, the state’s independent fiscal …

Opening News and Awards for Ploughman Cider Taproom

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021 by Ben Wenk

When last we spoke, it was early November 2020. But not much has happened since then, right? Seriously, there’s been a lot going on and little of it good. Then today, we were nominated by USA Today’s 10best in a fan poll for America’s Best Cidery. That’s something good that happened recently! If you’re so …

UASD Hires Attorneys to Investigate Alleged Racism

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021 by Community Contributors

The Upper Adams School District today announced the appointment of Fox Rothschild Attorneys at Law of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the third-party investigator to conduct an independent, unbiased assessment of the District’s policies, procedures and response to alleged acts of racism and/or ethnic discrimination recently shared by students and alumni of Biglerville High School on social …

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Pa.’s Frustrating Vaccine Rollout

February 16, 2021February 16, 2021 by Spotlight PA

Ese Olumhense of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, non-partisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Pennsylvania is in the midst of a frustrating vaccine rollout, and that might put it lightly. This has primarily been driven …

County Commissioners Award Grants to Benefit Outdoor Recreation and Mercy House

February 16, 2021February 16, 2021 by Jenine Weaver

The Adams County Commissioners last week approved over $100,000 in grants to assist local municipal parks as well as the Gettysburg Pedestrian-Bicycle Inner Loop project. The specific awards were for the following: Gettysburg Inner Loop-Phase B2 – $25,000.00 Freedom Township Municipal Park- Phase 1 – $25,000.00 Straban Township Recreation Playground Equipment – $25,000.00 Gettysburg Area …

Will Pennsylvania Ban Mail-in Voting?

February 15, 2021February 15, 2021 by Leon Reed

When former president Trump demanded that state legislators in Michigan and Pennsylvania – and undoubtedly other states — step in and steal the election in their state, they frequently replied, “We can’t intervene as the President asks because our state laws give us no role in choosing electors.” Republican efforts to disenfranchise millions of voters …

Pennsylvania Health Officials Place New Demands On Vaccine Providers

February 15, 2021February 15, 2021 by (The Center Square)

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania health officials said Friday vaccine providers must hit new administration benchmarks or risk a cut to their weekly supply. Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam told reporters that providers must administer 80 percent of their supply as first doses to residents covered under vaccination Phase 1A within seven days. The …

CVSD Takes Aim at Charter Schools

February 15, 2021February 14, 2021 by Imari Scarbrough

Following a report by Superintendent Christopher Rudisill saying supposedly “free” charter and cyber schools cost the district $4.2 million, Conewago Valley School District (CVSD) approved a resolution calling for changes to charter school funding. “While you may hear that these schools claim they are free; they really are not free at all,” said Rudisill. Rudisill …

Bermudian Responds to Anonymous Complaint, Deals with COVID-19 Frustrations

February 14, 2021February 14, 2021 by Imari Scarbrough

Bermudian Springs Superintendent Shane Hotchkiss expressed frustration with state pandemic-related regulations and guidance for schools during the school board’s meeting on Monday evening. “Two weeks ago– so there’s an anonymous line that somebody can call and complain about any school district not meeting and following the attestation,” Hotchkiss said. “I received a complaint. I got …

Vaccine Information Update

February 14, 2021February 14, 2021 by Charles Stangor

This is an update about the availability of COVID_19 vaccinations in Adams County. Most generally, there is limited supply of vaccines. Hospitals and pharmacies are prepared to vaccinate thousands of people every week but the state does not have the vaccines. Most residents of nursing homes, however, have received their vaccines. Vaccines for these vulnerable …

Turning Two Years Old, Green Gettysburg’s Book Club Seeks Readers

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021 by Jenine Weaver

The Green Gettysburg Book Club had its first meeting on Valentine’s Day 2019, and two years later continues to grow with about 20 active participants and 100 email recipients. Now gathering on Zoom rather than in person, the group feels the call to make change in these challenging times. The group meets weekly on Fridays …

Matt Callery Explores Gettysburg on Bicycles and in Podcasts [Episode 45]

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

As co-owner of GettysBike Tours and the producer of the Addressing Gettysburg Podcast, Matt Callery is one of the many Gettysburg residents who love sharing their knowledge, thoughts, and ideas about our community with others. In this episode Callery explains how he ended up in Gettysburg and why he loves the borough. I very much …

Gettysburg Borough Council: Announcements and Actions

February 11, 2021February 11, 2021 by Charles Stangor

The Gettysburg Borough Council made announcements and took actions on Monday night: Announcements President Jake Schindel noted that Routes 15 and 30 in Gettysburg are state-owned roads and that the state clears the driving lanes but not the parking spaces on these roads. Schindel said clearing the parking spaces is a borough function “Right now …

Pennsylvania Governor ‘Confident’ Minimum wage Hike Could get Bipartisan Support

February 11, 2021February 11, 2021 by (The Center Square)

By Christen Smith | The Center Square (The Center Square) – Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said he’s confident Republicans may support raising the state’s minimum wage, even if it’s to a rate lower than his proposed $15 an hour. “I think Republicans in the House and Senate have already shown an appetite for raising the minimum …

Department of Health Launches “Your Turn” Vaccine Eligibility Tool to Aid in Vaccination Process Across Commonwealth

February 10, 2021February 10, 2021 by Community Contributors

1-877-PA-HEALTH available to answer questions, provide help Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today launched a new tool called Your Turn to help Pennsylvanians understand where they fall in the vaccine prioritization effort and to be alerted when it is their turn to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. “Since all seniors …

PENNSYLVANIA FORMS LEGISLATIVE COVID-19 TASK FORCE

February 10, 2021February 10, 2021 by (The Center Square)

(The Center Square) – Gov. Tom Wolf said Tuesday his administration will lead a joint legislative COVID-19 task force – including lawmakers from both parties – to improve the state’s vaccine rollout. The decision follows months of complaints from Republican majorities in the House and Senate that center on the administration’s unilateral policymaking on pandemic …

Gettysburg Library Looks to Relocate in the Rec Park

February 9, 2021February 9, 2021 by Charles Stangor

The Gettysburg Branch of the Adams County Library System, currently located at the corner of Baltimore and High Streets, is moving. Yesterday, the library asked the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) to allow them to build a new 27,000 square foot building on three acres in the rec park. Speaking for the library were Library …

Gettysburg College Students, Ending Their Arrival Quarantines, Are Optimistic for a Safe Spring Semester

February 9, 2021February 9, 2021 by Maya Bisram, Peter Byhouwer, Kathryn Graham, Charles Phillips, Rachel Ruffner and Charles Stangor

As Gettysburg College begins the second week of its 2021 spring semester, students who have received two negative COVID-19 tests have been allowed to break their “arrival quarantine” with permission to leave campus. Students, who will be tested twice-weekly throughout the semester, will wear color-coded wristbands to mark their testing status. “Last week was pretty …

Lack of Targeted Outreach, Translated Materials Leaves Latino Community Behind as Pa. Struggles With Vaccine Rollout

February 9, 2021February 9, 2021 by Spotlight PA

Ese Olumhense of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — In the weeks since Pennsylvania began its coronavirus vaccine rollout, the Wolf administration has stood by its localized, do-it-yourself …

Youth Invited to Enter Recyclable Art Contest

February 9, 2021February 9, 2021 by Community Contributors

Adams County youth, grades K-12, are invited to turn trash into treasure and enter the Adams County Arts Council’s 25th Annual Recyclable Art Contest & Exhibit sponsored by OPEN MINDS, McDonalds (JDCS Enterprise) and the Gettysburg Recycling Committee. Public, private, charter, parochial and homeschooled students, Scout troops, youth group members, are encouraged to enter. Local …

Vaccines Roll Out at Local Nursing Homes, but Few Are Available for the General Population

February 9, 2021 by Charles Stangor

“It’s going well. Every resident that qualified got it,” said Transitions Healthcare Gettysburg Nursing Home Administrator Vickie Kilmer, speaking of the first round of COVID-19 vaccines recently received by residents at the facility located just west of Gettysburg. Kilmer said over 270 doses had been administered at an onsite clinic held by Walgreens pharmacy. “We …

Shortages, Chaotic Registration Plague Pennsylvania’s Slow Vaccination Rollout

February 8, 2021February 8, 2021 by (The Center Square)

By Christen Smith | The Center Square (The Center Square) – Shortages of COVID-19 vaccine supply and a “chaotic” online registration process undermine Pennsylvania’s immunization efforts, experts said Monday. Health officials testified before the House Democratic Policy Committee that while the state’s current system needs adjusting, complaints will continue until vaccine supply from the federal government …

Last Chance: New Oxford Library Virtual Valentine Murder Cruise

February 8, 2021February 8, 2021 by Community Contributors

Virtual Valentine Murder Cruise Friday, February 12 at 7:00pm Must register by Tuesday, February 9 https://adamslibrary.org/events/virtual-valentine-murder-cruise-murder-mystery-event Everything is going wrong on the “Valentine in Venice” harbor cruise aboard the Love Bucket. First, the water is unusually choppy so people are feeling queasy. Second, the package deal, priced at $9.99 per couple, went viral as “The …

In race for COVID-19 vaccinations, older residents in rural Pa. face tough obstacles

February 8, 2021February 8, 2021 by Spotlight PA

Jamie Martines of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, non-partisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. SULLIVAN COUNTY — Robert Keen figured his year of dodging the coronavirus was over. At 84, the retired ambulance driver — …

To Cope with a Pandemic? Only Connect!

February 7, 2021February 7, 2021 by Marc Jalbert

“Only connect! That was her whole sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer. Only connect, and the beast and the monk, robbed of the isolation that is life to either, will die.” –E. M. Forster, …

All-County High School Artwork at the Adams County Arts Council

February 5, 2021February 5, 2021 by Community Contributors

The Adams County Arts Council will showcase artwork of high-school artists from across Adams County in February for the tenth annual All-County Student Show. The exhibition will feature the best work of some of the county’s most talented high school artists, as selected by Adams County high school art educators from Littlestown, Fairfield, Gettysburg, Bermudian …

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2021

February 9, 2021February 5, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2021 Local businesses in Gettysburg and Adams County are creating dozens of special offers, both in-person and online, for you and your valentine this week. Whether you are inside or outside of your house, our shops deserve your support. No matter if you are stepping out onto the town or cuddling …

Pennsylvania charter schools face cuts in governor’s education-focused spending plan

February 5, 2021February 5, 2021 by (The Center Square)

(The Center Square) – Gov. Tom Wolf’s $37.8 billion spending proposal prioritizes a $2 billion boost in public education funding to tackle crumbling school buildings, stagnating teacher salaries and dwindling achievement among disadvantaged students. But charter schools and the 170,000 students they serve across the state would see their funding cut under the governor’s plan through policies …

Gettysburg National Military Park & Gettysburg Foundation Partnership Project: Culp’s Hill Rehabilitation

February 4, 2021February 4, 2021 by Community Contributors

Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation are partnering on a Culp’s Hill rehabilitation project. The project will improve the cultural and natural landscape of 18-acres of Culp’s Hill where key battle action occurred on July 2-3, 1863. Work will include the removal of brush and select understory (trees five inches or less in diameter) along the …

ACAC Instructors Exhibition at the Adams County Arts Council

February 3, 2021February 3, 2021 by Community Contributors

The Adams County Arts Council will feature their annual Instructors Show during the month of February. A First Friday reception is scheduled for Friday, February 5, 5-7:30 p.m. and is open to the public.The Instructors Show, exhibited in the Gallery, features 2D and 3D artwork relating to classes offered at the AECenter by Instructor Artists of …

UASD Superintendent Outlines District’s Responses to Alleged Racism, Discrimination, and Bullying

February 3, 2021February 3, 2021 by Community Contributors

In a letter to the school board, Upper Adams School District (UASD) Superintendent Wesley Doll summarized actions the district is taking in response to incidents of alleged racism at Biglerville High School. The alleged incidents have been made public on a Facebook page. The following is the complete text of Doll’s statement: “I know that …

Business-aligned groups pan Pennsylvania’s proposed $3 billion tax hike as more details emerge

February 3, 2021February 3, 2021 by (The Center Square)

(The Center Square) – More details emerged Wednesday about Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposal to hike personal income taxes on the top third of earners, claiming in his annual budget address that the rest would see no increase at all. Wolf said charging “financially secure” residents more to help those with less succeed while directing those …

Proposed changes to the Superintendent’s Compendium

February 3, 2021February 3, 2021 by Community Contributors

The National Park Service (NPS) is pleased to provide the public with an opportunity to provide input on proposed changes to the Superintendent’s Compendium for Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). The …

A Pa. Dept. of State Error Means Some Sex-abuse Victims Will Again Have to Wait for Justice

February 3, 2021February 2, 2021 by Spotlight PA

Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, non-partisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG— Pennsylvania’s top election official will resign after her agency made a mistake that will delay a statewide vote on whether …

UASD Partners with State Agencies to Address Alleged Racism at Biglerville High School

February 1, 2021February 1, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Responding to social media posts alleging racism and an online petition signed by over 2,200 people accusing Biglerville High School of being “complicit in the abuse and harassment of students of color,” PA state officials and the Upper Adams School District (UASD) administration said today they were taking allegations of racism and sexism raised on …

Stress, delays, and confusion still plague jobless in Pennsylvania, and January brought little relief

February 1, 2021February 1, 2021 by Spotlight PA

Rebecca Moss of Spotlight PA Sandra Huffman was cleaning St. Luke’s hospital in Quakertown, gloved and maskless, when she got sick last March. It felt as though a film of spiderwebs had caked her throat, she said. At 54, she was sleeping upright in bed, breathing through a borrowed nebulizer, and drinking an old family …

Office for Aging Helps Seniors Find Housing Shares [Episode 44]

February 1, 2021February 1, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

Meals delivered to senior citizens, tax preparation help, seminars on death and bereavement, and how to navigate Social Security and Medicare. These are only a few of the many offerings from the Adams County Office for Aging that are making a difference for local seniors. And the office has just rolled out a new Shared …

The Rec Park…Your Front Yard…..and Your Back Yard Too!!

February 7, 2021February 1, 2021 by Steve Niebler

Given all that’s going on in the world, now is probably not the best time to ask you topart with some of your hard-earned money. But I’m going to do that anyway! The Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) which operates the GettysburgRecreation Park needs your help. While we receive very generous support from CumberlandTownship and …

Winter Storm Orlena to Bring a Foot of Snow Tomorrow and Monday * Gettysburg Snow Emergency Likely to be Issued Tomorrow

January 30, 2021January 30, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Gettysburg – effective through 8:00 AM on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Snowfall will begin Sunday and become heavy Sunday night into Monday. TOTAL accumulations will range from 8-14 inches. Mayor Streeter will likely declare a snow emergency for Gettysburg Borough Sunday afternoon or evening. …

Gettysburg Borough to Encourage “Best Practices” at Destination Gettysburg

January 29, 2021January 30, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Gettysburg Borough is looking to create more transparency at Destination Gettysburg (DG), Adams County’s Destination Management Organization (DMO). The organization, one of about 50 across the state, is funded by the state’s lodging (“pillow”) tax with a mission of bringing visitors to the county. A committee made up of borough council board members Patti Lawson …

Adams Commissioners Honor MLK and Court Reporters

January 30, 2021January 30, 2021 by Jenine Weaver

With words of praise and appreciation, the Adams County Commissioners unanimously voted January 18, 2021 as “Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday” in Adams County. Commissioner Jim Martin read the proclamation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day by the MLK committee. The commissioners also unanimously proclaimed the week of Feb. 6-13, 2021 as “Court Reporting …

FASD Considers Full Reopening; Honors School Board

January 30, 2021January 30, 2021 by Imari Scarbrough

During its meeting Monday evening, the Fairfield Area School District discussed early preparations for returning kids to school on a more normal schedule, but cautioned that it may be awhile before that’s possible. Superintendent Michael Adamek said that he hopes cases of COVID-19 decline to the point that schools can fully reopen. “I think at …

Shreve to Head WellSpan Board

January 29, 2021January 29, 2021 by Community Contributors

WellSpan Health announced today that South Central Community Action Program CEO Megan Shreve has been appointed as the chair of the WellSpan Board of Directors “I am honored to be selected as chair for the leading health care system in South Central Pennsylvania,” said Shreve. “WellSpan Health continues to transform as an innovative organization with …

WellSpan Health Explains Its Vaccine Policies

January 29, 2021January 29, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Gettysburg Connection talked today with Ryan Coyle, WellSpan Public Relations & Communications Manager, about WellSpan’s past vaccine policies and what the public can expect going forward. Here is an edited transcript of Coyle’s statement during our conversation: “We opened up and began Phase 1A in late December. We started with front line workers and other employees …

COVID_19 Vaccine Update

January 29, 2021January 29, 2021 by Charles Stangor

The PA Dept of Health has reported that small amounts of COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to these locations in Adams County this week: Adams Cumberland Pharmacy Wellspan Family Medicine- East Berlin Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital Wellspan Family Medicine- Herrs Ridge Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital Kennie’s Pharmacy- Littlestown Contact information for these locations is below . Also …

Pa. could become a national outlier in how it elects appellate judges. Here’s why experts are worried.

January 28, 2021January 28, 2021 by Spotlight PA

By Marie Albiges of Spotlight PA This article is part of a yearlong reporting project focused on redistricting and gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. It’s made possible by the support of Spotlight PA members and Votebeat, a project focused on election integrity and voting access. HARRISBURG — A proposal moving through the GOP-led Pennsylvania legislature could soon …

Rediscover Gettysburg in February: Adams County Free Days at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

January 28, 2021January 28, 2021 by Community Contributors

To welcome Adams County residents back to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation invite them to Rediscover Gettysburg each Thursday during the month of February 2021. Adams County residents can enjoy free admission to the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience at the Gettysburg National …

Adams County and SCCAP Benefit Food-Insecure and Frontline Workers Through Operation Restaurant Rescue

January 28, 2021January 28, 2021 by Community Contributors

Operation Restaurant Rescue is a community fundraiser for families facing food insecurity and front line workers. Just buy a restaurant gift card, mark it with whether you want it to go to a food-insecure family or a front-line worker, and send it to: SCCAP Attn: Operation Restaurant Rescue 153 N. Stratton St. Gettysburg, PA 17325 …

Healthy Adams County Offers Winter Fitness Hiking

January 28, 2021January 28, 2021 by Community Contributors

Pennsylvania’s School Choice Debate More Fraught than Ever Amid Pandemic

January 27, 2021January 27, 2021 by (The Center Square)

It’s National School Choice week, and public debate about whether lawmakers should prioritize traditional districts or ease limitations on their public and private alternatives seems more fraught than ever. In Pennsylvania, the discourse targets the same players – teachers unions face blame for fighting to keep in-person instruction limited, parents fearful of the virus want …

UASD Begins Budget Process; Allows Spectators at Sporting Events

January 27, 2021January 27, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Upper Adams School District (UASD) Business Administrator Shelley Hobbs began the school board’s discussion on the 2021-22 budget by focusing on its salary and benefits aspects, saying “these are the parts of the budget we can control.” Hobbs noted benefits paid to employees through the Pennsylvania Public Schools Employee Retirement System (PSERS) system had increased …

Healthy Adams County will Sponsor Connection’s new Health and Fitness Section

January 27, 2021January 27, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

Gettysburg Connection is pleased to announce that Healthy Adams County has agreed to sponsor the new health and fitness section of our website. Executive Director Kathy Gaskin said Healthy Adams County was celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and would provide articles for the section throughout this year. Readers with ideas for the section should …

Upper Adams Deals with Alleged Racism

January 27, 2021January 27, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Upper Adams School District (UASD) is dealing this week with controversy surrounding a Facebook page alleging a history of incidents of racism at Biglerville High School. District Superintendent Wesley Doll said in a letter posted to the district’s website on Sunday that high school principal Beth Graham and assistant principal Nathan Becker would be available …

Pennsylvania’s health indicators brace for impact from COVID-19

January 25, 2021January 25, 2021 by (The Center Square)

A new report finds residents in Pennsylvania struggle with obesity, suicide and racial disparities in health outcomes, and the pandemic’s impact on all three could make the problems worse. The data comes from the 31st annual America’s Health Rankings analysis, compiled by the United Health Foundation. While the foundation decided against providing an overall ranking …

Top Pa. election official calls for end to ‘lies’ as GOP launches 2020 hearings

January 22, 2021January 22, 2021 by Spotlight PA

(By Marie Albiges of Spotlight PA) This article is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan reporting project covering local election integrity and voting access. This article is available for reprint under the terms of Votebeat’s republishing policy. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s top election official spent nearly three hours Thursday defending her handling of the 2020 presidential …

911 Service Restored

January 21, 2021January 21, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

The Adams County Emergency Services Center has reported the 911 outage that began yesterday has been resolved and residents can again dial 911 to report emergencies.

School Closures at LASD Highlight Need for COVID-19 Vaccine

January 20, 2021January 21, 2021 by Imari Scarbrough

After two school closures in two weeks, the Littlestown Area School District (LASD) is eagerly waiting for vaccines for the novel coronavirus to be available to school staff. Superintendent Christopher Bigger said that the district had to close Maple Avenue Middle School and Littlestown Senior High School over a two-week period due to cases of …

Adams Food Support Systems Make a Difference During the Pandemic

January 26, 2021January 21, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Over 85 people from around the state attended an online meeting sponsored by the Penn State Extension Office on Tuesday to learn about the many ways Adams County food-related organizations collaborated in 2020 to provide food resources to local residents during the pandemic. The activities in the county serve as a model for many others …

Pennsylvania Health Officials Launch Provider Map For COVID-19 Vaccinations

January 20, 2021January 20, 2021 by (The Center Square)

Residents now included in Pennsylvania’s expanded first phase of its COVID-19 immunization plan can find available providers through an interactive map on the Department of Health website. The department said last week it is ready to vaccinate residents age 65 or older and those under 64 with preexisting health conditions – including cancer to heart …

Virtual Red Sand Project Raises Awareness of Human Trafficking Victims

January 20, 2021January 20, 2021 by Community Contributors

It is estimated that human trafficking is a $150 billion industry with more than 40 million victims around the globe. You can become part of a growing movement to raise awareness about human trafficking victims and survivors who “fall through the cracks of our social, economic, and political systems, or those of our personal consciousness.” …

GASD Recognizes Board, Voices Concern over Charter School Costs

January 20, 2021January 20, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Noting that January is School Director Recognition Month, Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) Superintendent Jason Perrin recognized board members for their service. “This is a time for us to celebrate and recognize the challenging and vital work boards do on behalf of our students, schools, and families,” said Perrin. Perrin said the impact of the …

Understanding Grief Zoom Meeting

January 26, 2021January 20, 2021 by Community Contributors

COVID-19 Vaccinations Available for Those 65 and Older or with High-Risk Conditions

January 26, 2021January 19, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

The Pennsylvania Dept. of Health has now approved access to the COVID-19 vaccine for all people over 65 years of age and for people age 16-64 with high-risk conditions.* There are several ways to make appointments for vaccination. Eligible individuals can use the MyWellSpan patient portal to schedule a vaccine online. If you don’t have …

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Levine Tapped for Biden Administration

January 19, 2021January 19, 2021 by (The Center Square)

President-elect Joe Biden looked no further than Pennsylvania when selecting his administration’s next assistant secretary of health. He tapped state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine for the role over the weekend, describing her as a “historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administration’s health efforts.” “Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the steady …

Bipartisan Group Encourages Residents to Run for Office

January 19, 2021January 19, 2021 by Charles Stangor

“You don’t have to have political experience. You just have to have the will to help your community,” said Gettysburg resident and borough council member Matt Moon as he described his entry into politics last year. Moon spoke this week at an online, bipartisan, meeting of elected officials and interested citizens sponsored by the local …

Motor Cavalcade Honors Black Community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 18, 2021January 18, 2021 by Charles Stangor

A group of cars gathered at the Peace Light Monument this Martin Luther King Jr. Day afternoon and then traveled together as a cavalcade, visiting Gettysburg neighborhoods where Black residents make their homes as well as sites of historic importance to the Black community including the Bryan Farm, AME Zion Church, and the Jack Hopkins …

PA Dept. of Health Announces Drive-In COVID Testing Site in Adams

January 26, 2021January 18, 2021 by Community Contributors

Free drive-through COVID-19 testing will be available this week in Adams County. The location is the Department of Emergency Services, 230 Greenamyer Lane, Gettysburg. The building is one mile north of Route 30, across from the Adams Rescue Mission and past the Adams County Prison. Testing will be available from Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 …

Letter From a Birmingham City Jail

January 18, 2021January 18, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

In honor of the 26th Annual MLK Day, Gettysburg Connection is today publishing commentary by several local residents. In this post we are also publishing “Letter from A Birmingham City Jail,” an open letter written by King on April 16, 1963 during that year’s campaign in Birmingham, Alabama to bring attention to the integration efforts …

The Time is Now: Thoughts on Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail’

January 18, 2021January 18, 2021 by Susan Russell

A great deal has been and will be written about the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by others far more qualified; however, I am honored to have been asked to share a few thoughts in his honor of his birth, his memory, and above all, his great legacy. I have chosen to examine his …

When I Met Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 18, 2021January 18, 2021 by Judy Pyle

In the summer of 1958, I had just turned sixteen when Ralph and Emmy Tyson—friends of our family—asked me to come along with them and their children, John and Linda, to Cape May, New Jersey for the Philadelphia Friends (Quakers) Annual Yearly Meeting. Cape May was a rundown beach town when we went there. Grey was …

Restoring the Decency and Norms of our Democracy

February 7, 2021January 17, 2021 by Todd Rowley

It was an honor and privilege to be a candidate for Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District. On election night last November 3, I telephoned Congressman Joyce to congratulate him on winning re-election. In our brief, cordial conversation I urged him to utilize his medical background and experience to focus on prioritizing the federal response regarding the …

Laura Mcmahon Leads the United Way Forward [Episode 43]

January 14, 2021January 15, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

For the past 73 years, the United Way of Adams County has helped thousands of residents deal with challenges related to education, income, and food security, through its programs, collaborative projects, and community partnerships. The organization’s new director, Laura Mcmahon, is continuing the mission with a focus on expanding programs and reaching out to new …

Bermudian Springs Addresses Alleged Inappropriate Social Media Activity From Staff Member

January 15, 2021January 15, 2021 by Imari Scarbrough

The Bermudian Springs School District is investigating alleged inappropriate activity on an administrator’s social media account. The school board acknowledged the investigation during its meeting on Tuesday evening. “The district wanted to proactively respond to any questions or comments about the personnel investigation currently ongoing about posted Twitter content,” said Board President Michael Wool. “As …

COVID Closes New Oxford High School

January 15, 2021January 15, 2021 by Imari Scarbrough

Superintendent Christopher Rudisill said New Oxford High School reopened today after switching to remote learning on Tuesday. The high school had six positive or presumed positive cases of the novel coronavirus, prompting Rudisill to close the school to comply with state regulations. The schools have a limit to the number of cases they can have …

Borough Council Members Defend Borough Staff

January 14, 2021January 14, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Gettysburg Borough President Jake Schindel and Council Member Patti Lawson both expressed their support for borough staff members at Monday’s council meeting. The statements published here have been slightly edited. The complete statements can be seen here. Jake Schindel: “We elected officials are elected by the public and we should absolutely take criticism all the …

Two New Developments Proposed in Gettysburg Borough

January 14, 2021January 14, 2021 by Charles Stangor

A three-house residential development near the Lutheran Seminary and a large residential-commercial project at the corner of Water and 4th streets are under review by Gettysburg Borough. Borough Engineer Chad Clabaugh said the Water St. project, proposed by Shippensburg Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, was “one of the bigger land developments we’ve seen in a …

Revised CDC Guidance Shakes up Pennsylvania’s Vaccination Plan

January 26, 2021January 14, 2021 by (The Center Square)

Revised federal guidance that expands the pool of Americans eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine left Pennsylvania health officials scrambling to rethink their statewide immunization plan. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said Wednesday that when the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said residents age 65 or older or with preexisting health conditions …

Gettysburg Borough Council Seeks Volunteers for Board Positions

January 13, 2021January 13, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

The Gettysburg Borough Council seeks community volunteers to help assure continuity in staffing its current committees and to fill new positions in new committees. Board member Matt Moon said the borough has about 55 or 60 seats that need to be filled at any time, which requires the borough to have a deep roster of …

Where are the Vaccines?

January 13, 2021January 13, 2021 by Tom Wilson

During the week of Dec. 14, Adams County locations received 975 doses of COVID-19 vaccinations. During the week of January 4, 2021 an additional 800 doses were received. Assuming there must be 3 weeks between doses (and it could be just 2 weeks), by the end of the week of January 4 there should have …

Gettysburg Mayor Ted Streeter Will Not Seek Re-election

January 13, 2021January 13, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Gettysburg Mayor Ted Streeter officially announced this week that he would not be seeking reelection at the end of his four-year term that expires on December 31. “I want to make a formal announcement of what everybody already knows. I will not be running for mayor this year,” said Streeter. “I’ve put in over …

Land Conservancy Seeks Part-Time Administrative Coordinator

January 13, 2021January 13, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Land Conservancy of Adams County is currently seeking an organized, thorough, and personable Administrative Coordinator to support all of our activities. This part-time position (estimated 25 hours/week) is located in Gettysburg, and will pay between $15 and $20/hour, depending on your experience and qualifications. This position reports directly to our board of directors, providing administrative …

Federal Judge Validates Pennsylvania Senator Jim Brewster’s Election Victory

January 12, 2021January 12, 2021 by (The Center Square)

By Christen Smith (The Center Square) – A federal judge ruled Tuesday that a Pennsylvania state senator won reelection on Nov. 3, tossing out a last-minute challenge from his opponent that delayed his seating in the chamber last week. Sen. Jim Brewster, D-Monroeville, defeated Republican challenger Nicole Ziccarelli in the state’s 45th district by just …

Tributes

February 24, 2021January 12, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

How They Lived This page presents tributes to some of the many Adams Community members who have passed in 2021. If you know someone we should include, please contact us. Calvin James Gilbert was a family man with a passion for Music, Church and his Community of Orrtanna Arlene Lawver was an active member of …

Curbside Pickup Comes to Kennie’s in Gettysburg

January 12, 2021January 12, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Kennie’s Market, located 217 W. Middle St. in Gettysburg, now offers curbside grocery pickup service. “We were looking at offering curbside pickup pre-COVID and were able to get the service up and running at our Gettysburg location,” said Store Manager Ralph Flores. “We wanted to add the service for our busy customers to have another …

Eagle Scout Candidate Will Build a Gaga Pit in the Rec Park

January 11, 2021January 11, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Wil Brubaker from Boy Scout Troop 79 will create a gaga pit in the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) rec park this summer for his Eagle Scout project. The gaga game is played inside a small ring and was described as a “safe version of dodgeball.” The game uses a kickball or volleyball and the …

SCCAP Virtual Winter Celebration and Auction Announced

January 11, 2021January 11, 2021 by Community Contributors

The 2021 SCCAP Winter Celebration and Auction will occur on February 4 from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. The evening will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and invest in the amazing things that are being accomplished in our community. The evening will include presentations from SCCAP leadership, the Rising Phoenix awards to SCCAP …

Positions Open at Adams County Library

January 11, 2021January 11, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

The Adams County Library System currently has three positions open with January Due dates. Please see the positions and job descriptions on our website: https://www.adamslibrary.org/about/employment Teen Specialist @ Harbaugh-Thomas, 40 hours per week, Full Time Benefits available. due 1/8/21 Teen Specialist @ Trone Memorial Library, 34 hours per week, Full Time Benefits available. due 1/15/21 ACLS Marketing Assistant, 20 …

Spotlight PA Template

January 22, 2021January 11, 2021 by Spotlight PA

(by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA) Spotlight PA is an independent, non-partisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Democrats in the Pennsylvania legislature are calling for the state Senate to investigate a Republican member who attended …

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Continues in Adams

January 11, 2021January 11, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Adams County health care providers received 800 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine last week, in addition to the 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine received by the hospital three weeks ago. The vaccines now are available for distribution through the Cumberland Adams Pharmacy, located in the Kennie’s Market in Biglerville, to all people who …

Be the Change: Run For Office in Adams County

January 10, 2021January 10, 2021 by Community Contributors

But how do you go about it? What’s involved? Gettysburg Rising has answers if you are interested in running for a local office, from mayor to school board to county commissioner. Our Zoom presentation will feature local elected officials who will walk attendees through what it takes to get on the ballot and run a …

Gettysburg Connection Seeks Contract Writer(s)

January 9, 2021January 9, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

Gettysburg Connection seeks one or more contract writers for local news stories. Applicants should have an interest in contributing to the the Adams County Community, excellent communication and writing skills, an independent work orientation, and an ability to work on deadline. Compensation is based on experience. For more information, please contact Charles Stangor, publisher, …

Gettysburg Connection Readers Respond to January 6, 2021 Events

January 9, 2021January 9, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

This morning has dawned clear and sunny bringing perhaps some optimism following yesterday’s images of mayhem and anarchy. Many national and state lawmakers have spoken out against yesterday’s violence. Gettysburg Police Chief Robert Glenny said this morning that he was monitoring the situation but has not scheduled any extra officers. Glenny said the department had …

Gettysburg National Park and Eisenhower Site Virtual Winter Lecture Series Runs Jan. 16 to March 27

January 8, 2021January 8, 2021 by Community Contributors

On Saturday, January 16, 2021 Gettysburg’s popular Winter Lecture series begins. These free digital programs will be broadcast every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. from Jan. 16 through March 27 via the Gettysburg National Military Park Facebook page. All presentations will also be archived on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/gett. Featuring National Park Service rangers and …

State Encourages Schools to Resume In-Person Learning after Jan 25

January 8, 2021January 8, 2021 by (The Center Square)

State officials encouraged districts across Pennsylvania to resume in-person learning for elementary students on Jan. 25 as they see fit. “This is not mandatory,” Acting Education Secretary Noe Ortega said Thursday. “It’s up to school leaders whether or not local factors permit kids to return to in-person instruction.” The guidance comes after many schools transitioned …

Gettysburg Hospital Nurse Eric Gagné Describes Conditions on His Ward

January 9, 2021January 8, 2021 by Charles Stangor

“It’s kind of like riding a bike. It’s still the same job and the same bike but I feel like I have flat tires,” said Gettysburg Hospital Registered Nurse Eric Gagné as he described his work since the pandemic began. Gagné works in Ward A2 where he monitors the conditions of four or five …

Adams County Farmers Market 2021 Vendor Application Portal Now Open

January 7, 2021January 7, 2021 by Community Contributors

The Adams County Farmers Market Association (ACFMA)’s 2021 Vendor Application is now available online at www.acfarmersmarkets.org/become-a-vendor. ACFMA invites vendors of all types to consider applying, including fruit and vegetable growers, dairies and cheesemakers, and vendors specializing in shelf-stable items such as jams, jellies, pickles, and preserves. Hot and prepared food vendors are also welcome to …

PA Department of Health Confirms First Case with the Faster-Spreading COVID-19 Variant

January 7, 2021January 7, 2021 by Gettysburg Connection

Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today announced the first confirmed case of the COVID-19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, in Pennsylvania. The confirmed case is in Dauphin County. This variant is the same one that was first discovered in England in December. This individual tested positive after known international exposure. A case investigation and contact tracing …

Special Program in the “An Evening with the Painting” Series: “A Photographic Journey of the Gettysburg Cyclorama”

January 6, 2021January 6, 2021 by Community Contributors

Join Sue Boardman, Licensed Battlefield Guide, author and historian, on the Cyclorama platform Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, at 3 p.m. for A Photographic Journey of the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a special program in the An Evening with the Painting Series at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. The Gettysburg Cyclorama, painted in the …

GASD Passes on Auxiliary Gym Update

January 6, 2021January 5, 2021 by Charles Stangor

After considering the project for many months and getting requisite bids, the Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) declined to spend $915,487 for an update to the school gym that was to be rolled into a $16.5 million renovation of the building’s heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system. The HVAC system update itself, deemed necessary …

New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Winners of Scavenger Hunt, Business Decorating Contest, and Residential Decorating Competition

January 5, 2021January 5, 2021 by Community Contributors

The New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of New Oxford Holiday Hunt, which wrapped up at the end of December. The winners of the scavenger hunt, business decorating contest, and residential decorating competition were shared on the Chamber’s Facebook page. The three winners of the scavenger hunt were drawn from the …

Pennsylvania Senate Delays Seating Member Over Last Minute Election Challenge

January 5, 2021January 5, 2021 by (The Center Square)

By Christen Smith (The Center Square) – Pennsylvania state Sen. Jim Brewster, D-Monroeville, who won reelection in November by just 69 votes, won’t be sworn in with the rest of his colleagues Tuesday after his November opponent filed a last-minute challenge against the certified results. Republican challenger Nicole Ziccarelli petitioned Senate President Pro Tempore Jake …

Wellspan Says COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Running Smoothly in Gettysburg

January 5, 2021January 5, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Wellspan spokesperson Ryan Coyle today said that over half of the 975 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine that had been received at the Gettysburg Wellspan Hospital in December had been administered and that more front-line workers would be vaccinated in the coming days. “We have the coordination and the [administration] pods set up. It’s …

Last Week Brings Largest Increase in COVID-19 Cases, Deaths, and Hospitalizations to Adams

January 4, 2021January 4, 2021 by Charles Stangor

Even as the Pennsylvania Department of Health has allowed restaurants and gyms to reopen and has reinstated sports activities in county schools, the number of COVID-19 cases in the county continues to grow in record numbers. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Adams County increased by 15 percent this week, increasing the cases by …

Gettysburg Borough Wraps up its Year with a Skimmed Down 2021 Budget

December 31, 2020December 31, 2020 by Charles Stangor

It’s been a tough 2020 for all of us, and Gettysburg Borough has not had it any easier. The borough has powered through the year, dealing with a huge drop in revenue, a major hit to local businesses, a series of political protests, and difficulties and criticism related to its decisions about the police department. …

New State Vaccine Dashboard Shows only a Third of Available Adams County Vaccines Have Been Used

December 30, 2020December 30, 2020 by Charles Stangor

The newly-released Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine dashboard, which reports the number of vaccinations administered by county, shows that only 336 people have been vaccinated in Adams since the FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine almost three weeks ago. The Department of Health reported last week that 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine had been delivered …

Indoor Dining, Gyms, and School Sports To Reopen on Monday

December 31, 2020December 30, 2020 by Community Contributors

Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced today that the temporary COVID-19 restrictions issued on Dec. 12 will expire as originally planned at 8:00 a.m. on Jan. 4. Activities that will gain be allowed after Monday include in-person dining, child-care, hair salons and barber shops, theaters, clubs, and gyms, and extracurricular …

Restaurants in Pennsylvania find creative ways to survive amid pandemic restrictions

December 30, 2020December 30, 2020 by (The Center Square)

By Christen Smith | The Center Square It’s been two weeks since Gov. Tom Wolf banned indoor dining and alcohol sales at restaurants statewide amid an alarming spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations. And for many owners, abiding by the rules – devastating as they may be – remains a top priority, even if it challenges everything …

Our 2020 Podcasts

December 30, 2020December 30, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

From Girl Scout Leaders to Eighth Grade Dancers to Emergency Room Front-Line Workers, it’s been a full year for our podcasts. Click on the link and then play the story right in your browser. Or find the Gettysburg Connection Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and other apps.

Gettysburg Connection 2020 Annual Report

December 28, 2020December 30, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Dear Friends, It is my pleasure to share Gettysburg Connection’s 2020 annual report with you. I direct this letter to all of you who read the Connection, who subscribe to the Connection, who sponsor the Connection, and who participate with the Connection in so many other ways. I am happy to report that Gettysburg Connection …

Adams Leads All Pennsylvania Counties in Hospital COVID-19 Admission Rate; Places Second For Percent Positivity

December 30, 2020December 29, 2020 by Charles Stangor

As the number of COVID-19 continues to surge, Adams County has achieved the dubious status of having the second highest percent positivity rate – at 26.3 percent – of all 67 Pennsylvania counties. Only Perry County is higher – at 33.1 percent. The positivity rate measures the percent of people tested who have positive results. …

Department of Health says Pennsylvania COVID-19 Cases Waning After Latest Restrictions

December 29, 2020December 29, 2020 by (The Center Square)

By Christen Smith | The Center Square The latest round of COVID-19 restrictions helped slow Pennsylvania’s skyrocketing infection rate, health officials said Monday, though residents must “stay the course” to see rules relaxed in the coming year. “It’s critically important to continue our mitigation efforts and really not to get together in gatherings on New …

Local Residents Share Thoughts of Gratitude

December 28, 2020December 29, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

Thanks to the many people who contributed thoughts of thanks in this holiday season. Those of you who contributed may be interested to know that research has found that expressing gratitude leads to changes in brain activity, releases negative emotions, and creates better mental health. But the benefits of gratitude take time. Like exercise, practicing …

Slideshow: Holiday Lights, 2020

December 27, 2020December 27, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

Here are some photos of decorated holiday houses — these are from Springs Ave. in Gettysburg. Please send us your photos — we’ll add them to the collection

As Legislators and Front-Line Workers Receive Vaccines, Adams County Residents Wait Their Turns

December 26, 2020December 27, 2020 by Charles Stangor

As of today only 975 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Adams County and these are being administered to employees at Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital. These doses are all of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and no shipments of the Moderna vaccine have yet been received. The Pfizer vaccine was approved for distribution by the U.S. Food …

Gettysburg College Introduces PEEPS: A New Peer Counseling Program

December 26, 2020December 27, 2020 by

Gettysburg College Counseling Services has addressed the need for additional support and student resources on campus by creating the “Peers Educating and Supporting Peers to Succeed” (PEEPS) program. The program was spearheaded by Olivia Coyle, MS, NCC, counselor and suicide prevention coordinator for the campus Counseling Services, and Daisy Chebbet, staff psychologist for Counseling Services. …

Ten of our Most Popular Posts from 2020

December 26, 2020December 26, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

It’s been a tough year for news in Adams County, honestly. Not because there hasn’t been a lot to report — there really has — but because the content of the reporting was often — well — awful. But whether it is COVID preparedness, school policies, tourist information, new business openings, or demonstrations on the …

Christmas Tree Collection Begins Today

December 27, 2020December 26, 2020 by Community Contributors

Gettysburg Borough will begin collecting Christmas trees today. Residents are urged to place them on top the curb, not in the street, or along the alleys for collection. There will also be a drop-off spot with a sign in the rec park parking lot to drop off trees. Residents can also drop off trees at …

2020 in Photos: Congratulations to the Winners of Our Weekly Photography Contest

December 26, 2020December 26, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

So many readers have shared their photos with us this year. They are each contributing to the Connection’s mission of sharing. Each monthly winner received a $25 gift certificate from the Adams County Arts Council. Submit your entry here or email it to [email protected] Weekly Winners November 2020 October 2020 Weekly Winners September 2020 Weekly …

A Message from the Publisher

December 31, 2020December 25, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Dear Gettysburg Connection Readers, No matter how you are celebrating, I hope you find this 2020 festive season a time of family, caring, sharing, reflection, and renewal. We’d normally be gathering together in joy and laughter, but this year is different. The darkness of the outdoors has moved indoors and the season will long be …

Eighth Grader Ellen Cadigan Says Hybrid Learning Allows Flexibility, Builds Independence [Episode 42]

December 24, 2020December 24, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

Although many students struggle with online learning, it very much suits others. Eighth Grader Ellen Cadigan found it so beneficial she wrote a letter to the Gettysburg Area School Board asking them to keep it in place even after the pandemic ends. You can read her letter here. In this podcast I talk with Ellen …

Gettysburg Police Save “Lifeless” Man

December 23, 2020December 23, 2020 by Community Contributors

On December 21, 2020 at 9:24 p.m. Gettysburg Police along with Adams Regional EMS were dispatched to a residence in the first block of Baltimore Street in the Borough of Gettysburg. An officer with the Gettysburg Police Department arrived on the scene immediately upon dispatch and found a 22-year-old male lifeless, with no pulse and …

Obituary: Frederick “Fred” Snyder

December 21, 2020December 21, 2020 by Adams County News Sources

Frederick C. Snyder, 76, of Carroll Valley, passed away Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 at the York Hospital. He was born March 1, 1944 in Baltimore, the son of the late E. Curtis and Rose Hess Snyder. Fred is survived by his wife of 20 years, Betty Marie Heffernan Snyder. Fred was a graduate of …

Adams Economic Alliance to Host “Evergreen” Workshops for Small Businesses

December 21, 2020December 21, 2020 by Community Contributors

The Adams Economic Alliance will join with the the Small Business Development Center at Shippensburg University, our region’s U.S. Small Business Administration office, to host three “Be an Evergreen” Workshops in the new year. Evergreen businesses are those with the resourcefulness to create enduring, market-leading skill using the seven principles of: PurposePerseverancePeople FirstPrivateProfitPaced GrowthPragmatic Innovation …

New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce Names HART Center as 2020 Business of the Year

December 18, 2020December 20, 2020 by Community Contributors

The HART Center, a non-profit organization located in New Oxford, has been named the Chamber Business of the Year by the New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce. The HART Center provides a variety of work training experiences for adults with disabilities in Adams County and York County. The Center celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019 …

After Gettysburg Approves LGBTQ-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Ordinance, The Connection Talks with Carr, Goodman, Heyser, and Lawson [Episode 41]

December 22, 2020December 19, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

After over a year of discussions, the Gettysburg Borough Council voted unanimously on Monday to approve an LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance. Although the document bans discrimination based many social categories, the document significantly expands the definition of sex discrimination. In addition to sex as defined at birth, the ordinance also protects people on the basis of …

HGAC Grants Help to Preserve 11 Adams County Barns in 2020

December 19, 2020December 18, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Every year, the Historic Preservation Society of Gettysburg Adams County (HGAC), through its Barn Preservation Project and Grant Program makes grants of money available to owners of historic barns within Adams County. This year, a record setting number of 11 barn owners were able to take advantage of this unique program that helps to extend …

Gettysburg Mounted Police Escort Santa

December 18, 2020December 18, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Gettysburg Horse mounted officers escorted Santa Claus through town this evening.

First COIVD-19 Vaccines Administered at Gettysburg Wellspan Hospital

December 18, 2020December 18, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Wellspan Health announced today that the first round of Pfizer COIVD-19 vaccines have arrived at Gettysburg and its six other hospitals and are being administered to front-line staff. Wellspan infectious disease doctor Eugene Curley III said the vaccinations began at 6:00 a.m. this morning and were being given to a wide variety of hospital staff, …

Gettysburg Borough Moves Forward On Emergency Restaurant Zero-Interest Loan Program

December 18, 2020December 18, 2020 by Charles Stangor

“With the changes we’ve seen, it occurred to me we could use some money from our revolving loan fund to keep some of our restaurants open,” said borough council vice president Wes Heyser as he proposed a new zero-interest program from Gettysburg Borough to help local restaurants. Heyser said restaurants are suffering due to a …

LASD Debates English Curriculum

December 18, 2020December 17, 2020 by Imari Scarbrough

Members of the Littlestown Area School District (LASD) board disagreed over whether to approve two new books to the list for English 11 during the board’s meeting on Monday evening. Some felt the overall material was too “heavy,” that other titles may be replaced, and that there may be too many titles from Africa. The …

Online Events Coming this Weekend: Civic Chorus Virtual Concert; Gettysburg Community Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol”

December 16, 2020December 16, 2020 by Community Contributors

It is time to gather safely at home together around your television or computer to enjoy local holiday traditions that have been moved to a virtual format this year. The holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” will be streamed on the Gettysburg Community Theatre’s YouTube Channel beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. The production has a …

Adams Commissioners Praise County Staff and Volunteers as Final FAIR Grants Are Distributed

December 16, 2020December 16, 2020 by Charles Stangor

The Adams County commissioners today praised the work of county employees for their efforts over the past six months in awarding grants through the Fund for Adams Investment and Recovery (FAIR) program. The FAIR program, which has now awarded all of its allocated funds, was used to distribute money from the Federal CARES Act to …

Adams County Historical Society to Build new $5 Million Complex in Cumberland Township

December 16, 2020December 16, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Adams County Historical Society (ACHS) has launched a $5-million-dollar capital campaign to fund a new 29,000 square foot exhibition complex, scheduled to open by Fall 2022, to be built just north of Gettysburg at 625 Biglerville Rd. The new building will house an exhibit gallery, archives, and an education center. The society has already raised …

Gettysburg Declares Snow Emergency

December 16, 2020December 16, 2020 by Community Contributors

Gettysburg Mayor Streeter has declared a snow emergency for Gettysburg Borough effective at 10:00 a.m. today. The snow emergency will remain in effect until 10:00 p.m. tomorrow unless extended. Snow rates may exceed 2” per hour at the height of the storm. The impacts of this storm are expected to be severe with dangerous travel …

With Three of its Five Schools Closed Within the Past Week, GASD Goes Virtual Until January 4

December 14, 2020December 14, 2020 by Community Contributors

Admitting the difficulties the district has had keeping students safe, Superintendent Jason Perrin announced today the entire Gettysburg Area School District will move to fully remote learning on Wednesday, and that all extra-curricular activities are cancelled. Both changes will last until at least Jan. 4. “We have reached a point now in December where positive …

Gettysburg Hospital to Receive First COVID-19 Vaccines This Week

December 14, 2020December 14, 2020 by Charles Stangor

WellSpan Health announced today that seven of its hospitals would be among the first in the state to receive Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines and would serve as distribution centers for immunizations. A Wellspan spokesperson said Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon would receive vaccines first, probably tomorrow, and that other hospitals, including Gettysburg, would receive their first …

Bermudian Springs School District Updates COVID-19 Policies

December 13, 2020December 13, 2020 by Imari Scarbrough

Bermudian Springs School District Superintendent Shane Hotchkiss told the district’s school board last week that the district would account for positive COVID cases differently going forward and present the case counts on a newly-developed online dashboard. “I will share with you that we’re very clear today that in order for a student to count, which …

Forty and Eight Veterans Club Sells Christmas Trees to Benefit Nurses

December 12, 2020December 12, 2020 by Community Contributors

It does not seem there could be a more relevant mission this year than to fund scholarships to train nurses. And with many people staying home, the need for Christmas trees is great. Members of the Forty and Eight service club are meeting both goals in Gettysburg, selling trees in the parking lot near the …

ACCF Giving Spree Announces Recipients of $2.14 Million in Charitable Donations

December 11, 2020December 11, 2020 by Charles Stangor

The Adams County Community Foundation’s (ACCF) 2020 virtual Giving Spree broke new ground in this year of social distancing, as donors nearly doubled the amount they gave in 2019. The giving benefited 95 local nonprofits. The biggest winner was the Adams County Historical Society with over $½ million in gifts. The society is in the …

CVSD Unveils COVID Dashboard; Approves New Courses

December 11, 2020December 11, 2020 by Imari Scarbrough

Conewago Valley School District Superintendent Dr. Christopher S. Rudisill introduced the school district’s updated website and COVID-19 tracking information to the school board on Monday evening. The website now has a dashboard with information about the novel coronavirus. It includes updates on the number of cases of COVID-19, with the ramifications of the numbers listed. …

Where is the GASD School Board?

December 11, 2020December 11, 2020 by Jenine Weaver

Dear Editor, In response to your Nov. 7 COVID and school districts article, I would like to address Gettysburg Area School District’s (GASD) health and safety plan, transparency, and opportunities. On Monday Dec. 7 a group of concerned GASD parents and taxpayers collaborated on a letter to Superintendent Perrin and the GASD school board about …

Centennial Conference Statement Regarding Fall and Winter Sports

December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

GETTYSBURG COLLEGE – With the health and safety of its student-athletes, campus communities and the general public of paramount importance, the Centennial Conference Presidents Council has decided to cancel conference competition and championships for all fall and winter sports during the 2020-21 academic year. Sports impacted by this decision include men’s and women’s cross …

COVID Closes James Gettys Elementary

December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 by Community Contributors

Gettysburg Area School District’s James Gettys Elementary School has closed and moved to remote learning following two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the school. All extra-curricular activities are also cancelled. In-person instruction for the school is currently expected to resume on Wednesday, Dec. 16. The district said anyone who has been in “close contact” with …

Pennsylvania Ramps Up COVID-19 Mitigation, Imploring People to Stay Home and Banning Many Activities Until Jan. 4

December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Amid an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases and a severe stress on hospitals, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf today issued new mitigation orders and implored Pennsylvanians to step up against the virus by staying home. “Each of the last two days reported the highest number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Health Secretary Rachel …

Pop-up Gift Festival at the Farmers Market Location on Saturday

December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 by Community Contributors

The Adams County Farmers Market will be partnering with friends from Waldo’s & Co. for a very special event THIS SATURDAY, December 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the same outdoor location as our regular farmers market. Come visit an awesome cast of farmers market vendors as well as many local artists to …

Bullets Teams Challenge Results

December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

GETTYSBURG COLLEGE – The Gettysburg College volleyball and women’s soccer programs rose to the top of the list in donor participation following the conclusion of the 36-hour Bullets Teams Challenge that took place from Dec. 1-2. The Bullets Teams Challenge is Gettysburg’s largest fundraising effort in support of the intercollegiate varsity athletic program. Despite …

Centennial Conference Statement Regarding Fall and Winter Sports

December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

Centennial Conference logo With the health and safety of its student-athletes, campus communities and the general public of paramount importance, the Centennial Conference Presidents Council has decided to cancel conference competition and championships for all fall and winter sports during the 2020-21 academic year. Sports impacted by this decision include men’s and women’s cross …

GASD School Board Focuses on Athletics; Does not Discuss COVID-19

December 9, 2020December 9, 2020 by Charles Stangor

With a round of applause from the Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) school board, current president Kenneth Hassinger was unanimously elected on Monday evening to remain in his position for another year. Al Moyer was unanimously voted to remain as vice president. Solicitor Bob McQuaide was also reappointed for another term and board member Amy …

FASD Votes to Keep Secondary Grades Online Until January 28

December 9, 2020December 9, 2020 by Charles Stangor

After a lengthy, careful, and detailed discussion, the Fairfield Area School District (FASD) Board of Directors voted Monday to keep its fifth through twelfth grade students in a 100 percent online environment until January 28. The motion, which passed on a 5 to 4 vote, followed the recommendations of the school administration to keep students …

Local Health Crisis Becomes Critical as Cases Spike, Hospitals Fill Up, and Staff Burn Out

December 8, 2020December 8, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Anthony Aquilina, Executive Vice President at WellSpan Health said yesterday that the number of COVID patients in Wellspan hospitals has increased by over 600 percent over the past few weeks and that things were likely to get a lot worse. “Over the next two weeks, we expect hospital cases to double,” he said. Currently, one …

County School Districts Struggle with COVID, but Remain Mostly Open for Now

December 7, 2020December 7, 2020 by Charles Stangor and Imari Scarbrough

If you enjoy this article will you please help the Connection provide more like it by subscribing? Your contribution will help us keep new stories about our children’s education on the front page in 2021. Thanks for your support. YES, I’LL SUPPORT GETTYSBURG CONNECTION’S COVERAGE OF EDUCATION IN ADAMS COUNTY The county’s six school districts …

Federal Government Supports Adams Organizations with $3.7 Million More in COVID-19 Money

December 5, 2020December 5, 2020 by Charles Stangor

The Adams County Commissioners have awarded another $3.7 million in federal grants to over 80 county organizations. The funds come from the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was passed by the U.S. Congress in March, 2020. The $2 trillion economic relief package helps protect the American people from the public …

Laurel Holthause Wins Monthly Photo Contest

December 5, 2020December 5, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

This winner of the Gettysburg Connection photo contest for November is Laurel Holthause, for her photo of a kitten in a window. The photo contest is taking a break in December but we are already collecting entries for the January competition. Please check out all of the past winners, and send us your pics! Gift …

Upper Adams School Board Elects Bruce Hollabaugh to Replace Elaine Jones

December 5, 2020December 5, 2020 by Charles Stangor

A strong group of four candidates, bringing years of experience in education, service, and business, applied for the Upper Adams School District (UASD) board position being vacated by Elaine Jones. In the interviews the candidates stressed their dedication, their love of learning, and their dedication to the mission of UASD. The temporary position is for …

New Oxford Holiday Hunt To Provide Free, Family-Friendly Events

December 4, 2020December 5, 2020 by Charles Stangor

New Oxford Holiday Hunt, brought to you by the New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor Members 1st Federal Credit Union, officially kicks off on Saturday, December 12. The event features a scavenger hunt, business decorating contest and residential decorating competition. This is the first year for the event, which is similar to …

YWCA Seeks Lead Lifeguard

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection and YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County

The YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County is hiring for a Lead Lifeguard position! This is a full-time position that comes with benefits. The Lead Lifeguard will assist with facility operations, facility maintenance, administrative task, staff trainings and all other duties as necessary or required. Interested? Please click the link below for more information and/or to …

Ken Burns, Stephen Lang, and Jeff Shaara join Adams County Historical Society to Announce Fund Drive for a New Home

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020 by Community Contributors

Join Ken Burns, Stephen Lang, Jeff Shaara, and other special guests for an exclusive announcement from the Adams County Historical Society. Whether you’re a lifelong area resident or a Civil War enthusiast living miles away, you won’t want to miss the big news. Learn more about millions of rare artifacts and our exciting plans to …

Get Your Picture Taken With Santa Tomorrow at the YWCA

December 3, 2020December 3, 2020 by Community Contributors

Santa will be in town tomorrow, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the YWCA Gettysburg Adams County. The photos are $1.00 if you bring your own camera and $5.00 if you want a professional photographer to take them for you. No reservations are needed. If you have any other questions or would like more …

Wellspan Health Adapts as COVID-19 Cases Surge in the Region

December 3, 2020December 3, 2020 by Charles Stangor

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Adams and nearby counties has soared over the past two weeks, forcing the Wellspan Health system to close clinics and relocate staff to cope with the influx. Please See our Coronavirus Update Page for Local Conditions In Adams, there were 510 new COVID cases in the past two …

#ShopLocalinAdams: Thomason’s Old Thyme Herb Farm

December 2, 2020December 3, 2020 by Gettysburg Area Organization Directory

Herbal dips, pottery, country gift items, collectibles, unique jewelry &purses, scarves, loose tea & tea accessories,garden items and much more! Garden shed full of birdhouses and feeders, garden stakes and markers and much more Website: https://www.facebook.com/Thomasons-Olde-Thyme-Herb-Farm-152152848148867/ Address: 170 Stoney Point Road East Berlin Telephone: 717.624.1527 Email: [email protected]

Gettysburg Borough Post Drafts of 2021 Budget and LGBT Nondiscrimination Ordinance

December 2, 2020December 2, 2020 by Community Contributors

The Gettysburg Borough Council has authorized the advertisement of the Borough’s DRAFT 2021 Budget for public inspection The draft 2021 budget can be viewed by clicking here. The Borough Council has announced its intention to adopt the 2021 Budget at its next regular business meeting set for Monday, December 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. The …

Gettysburg College Students React with Concern as Fall Semester Closes

December 2, 2020December 2, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

The Gettysburg College students who had remained on campus during the fall semester returned home over the Thanksgiving weekend to take their final exams online. In the days before they left the college administration announced that sophomores, juniors, and seniors would be allowed to return to campus in the spring semester, which will begin on …

Gettysburg Borough Nixes New Year’s Fireworks; Will Inspect Tent Structures

December 2, 2020December 2, 2020 by Charles Stangor

The Gettysburg Borough Council has denied a request from the Gettysburg Area Merchants Association (GARMA) to allow them to provide New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Gettysburg rec park. The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA), which leases the park from the borough, had already indicated they were not willing to host the fireworks due to …

#ShopLocalinAdams: Medical Marijuana Certifications, LLC

December 2, 2020December 2, 2020 by Gettysburg Area Organization Directory

It’s Time to #ShopLocalinAdams Medical marijuana certifications, LLC is a family owned and operated business which started out of an opioid tragedy. We are committed to providing a healthy and natural alternative to dangerous street and pharmaceutical medications. Not everyone wants to get high. Some people just want to get better! Schedule your appointment today …

Locally-Sourced Holiday Cards?

December 2, 2020December 2, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Hello, I’m looking to support local enterprises by buying some holiday mailing cards locally. Any thoughts where I might find them? Thanks!

Adams Passes 2,000 COVID Cases, With a Quarter of Them in the Past Two Weeks

December 1, 2020December 1, 2020 by Charles Stangor

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Adams County has soared over the past two weeks, bringing the total cases to 2,003. This means that almost two percent of the county has been diagnosed with COVID. There were 510 cases reported in the last two weeks. The last two weeks also brought eight new deaths, …

Adams County Festival of Lights Map

December 19, 2020December 1, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

There are hundreds of holiday light displays in Adams County. Here’s a list of some of the most popular. Click here to share your favorite house, storefront, or apartment display. Here are some of the favorite light displays: Address City 105 E. Middle St. Gettysburg 1 Lincoln Square Gettysburg 18 S. 4th St. Gettysburg 36 …

Will you Support the Connection on #Giving Tuesday?

December 1, 2020December 1, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Dear friend of Gettysburg Connection, Yes, 2020 has been quite a year. From the toll of the coronavirus to an escalated political scene in Gettysburg and an intense presidential election, to the sadness we endure when we see so many businesses shuttered and so many people hungry and homeless, we have endured unprecedented turmoil. Throughout, …

JOB-SEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT: Main Street Gettysburg President

November 30, 2020November 30, 2020 by Community Contributors

Main Street Gettysburg is seeking qualified candidates for the position of President. This position requires proven leadership, nonprofit organizational management, strategic planning, and written and verbal communications skills, as well as a strong desire to contribute to the economic development and historic preservation of the Borough of Gettysburg. Equal Opportunity EmployerAll applications and resumes must …

It’s Time to #ShopLocalinAdams

November 30, 2020November 30, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

As the holiday shopping season approaches it is time to think local. The more we all spend in Adams County, the more opportunities we will all create for our economy to recover. And with many businesses hurting, our businesses desperately need a boost this year. Purchasing from one of the thousands of locally-owned businesses in …

Read moreIt’s Time to #ShopLocalinAdams

ACAC’s 14th Annual Gingerbread Celebration Moves Online Beginning Friday

November 25, 2020November 29, 2020 by Community Contributors

Adams County Art Council’s 14th Annual Gingerbread Celebration moves online this year with three great ways to get into the holiday spirit! 1. Bid on a wonderful selection of gift baskets. Auction ends on Sunday, December 6 @ 12 noon: Gift Basket Auction 2. Starting Friday, December 4, at 10 am, bid on a festive …

LOCAFLORA Design Opens in Gettysburg this Weekend with Local Flowers, Arrangements, Plants, and Botanical Gifts

November 28, 2020November 28, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

Adams County resident Becca Muller is bringing her floral arranging skills and her love of natural and sustainable products to a new shop called LOCAFLORA Design in downtown Gettysburg. The shop is located across from the Rabbit Transit Center at 201 Carlisle St., Gettysburg. The warm and inviting boutique carries local flowers, plants, soaps, candles, …

“Season of Wishes” Will Bring the Holiday Spirit to Gettysburg [Episode 40]

November 27, 2020November 27, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

The annual Gettysburg Christmas Festival has been reconceptualized in this time of COVID-19 as a six-week long “Season of Wishes,” running from now until January 1, 2020. The online calendar for the event describes a smorgasbord of online and in-person opportunities for tourists and locals alike to enjoy the “Hallmark Card” feel of Gettysburg at …

Gettysburg Majestic Cancels Classic Movie Showing through the End of the Year

November 27, 2020November 27, 2020 by Community Contributors

Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater has canceled all remaining classic films scheduled as part of the Celebrating 95 Years of Majestic Movies Series. This action is taken out of an abundance of caution in light of rising COVID-19 case numbers in Adams County and Pennsylvania, and increased gathering restrictions announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Health …

Join the Gettysburg Virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday at 5:45 p.m.

November 25, 2020November 26, 2020 by Community Contributors

The Gettysburg Area Retail Merchant’s Association (GARMA) is sponsoring the 2020 Virtual Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday November 27. The event will be streamed on GARMA’s Facebook page beginning at 5:45 p.m. and will last about 25 minutes. GARMA encourages everyone to stay home and celebrate in warmth with family and friends. This live …

National, State, and Local Health Agencies Urge People to Stay Home and Practice Health Safety on Thanksgiving

November 26, 2020November 26, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Noting the urgency of the health crisis, the following statement have been made in recent days by federal, state and local agencies. The Wellspan Health statement about the surge of cases in Gettysburg Hospital is particularly concerning: The U.S. Center for Disease Control: More than 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported in the United States …

Adams County Arts Council Welcomes New Director and Officers

November 25, 2020November 25, 2020 by Community Contributors

At its November meeting, the board of directors of the Adams County Arts Council welcomed new Executive Director Leona M. Rega and elected its 2021 officers. They are President Roger Lund, owner of The Christmas Haus, 1st Vice President Nicole Bucher, co-owner of Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium, 2nd Vice President Pauline LeVan, …

Laurel Holthause Wins Weekly Photo Contest

November 24, 2020November 24, 2020 by Gettysburg Connection

This week’s winner of the Gettysburg Connection photo contest is Laurel Holthause for her photo of an attentive kitten in an antique window. It’s a great moment and a well-crafted snap. Congrats to Laurel! Please check out all of the past winners, and send us your pics! Gift certificates awarded for monthly winners thanks to …

Adams Office for Aging Announces New SHARE Program – Recruits Finance Director

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 by Community Contributors

The Adams County Office for Aging has announced an exciting new housing program in the county. The SHARE (Shared Housing And Resource Exchange) program is designed to safely match seniors who wish to age in place and maintain independence in their homes with other seniors, or non-seniors, who are seeking affordable housing. Seniors (hosts) who …

Upper Adams Schools Cope with COVID

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 by Charles Stangor

All schools in the Upper Adams School District remain open as of today, as the district continues to monitor cases and follow state guidelines Superintendent Wesley Doll said there were currently four COVID cases in the district and that 32 people were currently in quarantine out of a total of 1,700 students in the district. …

UASD Carefully Monitors Student Learning, Finding Some Concerns but Also a Rebound

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 by Charles Stangor

The Upper Adams School District School Board heard on Tuesday from administrators in each of their schools about student learning during the pandemic. Overall the administrators reported there had been some decreases in learning from last year and that although these were concerning many students were now improving. Biglerville Elementary School Principal Jamie Kerstetter said …

Chamber Honors Business Leaders and Updates its Board

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 by Community Contributors

The Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce honored business leaders at their 101st annual award ceremony on Thursday, and named four new people to their executive board. The award winners were: Darlene Resh – Community Educator of the Year Bethany Austin – Classroom Educator of the Year (10:50) Graphics Universal Incorporated – Family Owned Business of …

UASD Approves Winter Sports Plan, but Competition is on Hold

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 by Charles Stangor

As sports at the Upper Adams School District (UASD) move indoors, the district is taking extra precautions to keep athletes, coaches, referees, and spectators safe. District Athletic Director Anthony Graham said winter sports practice is beginning now and that competition, should it be allowed, will begin the second week of December. But competition can only …

UASD accepts Resignation of Longtime Board Member Elaine Jones; Makes Plans to Sell the Bendersville Elementary School Building

November 22, 2020November 21, 2020 by Charles Stangor

Upper Adams School District (UASD) school board member Elaine Jones has retired after 16 years of service. The board voted to accept her resignation on Monday. “Thank you so much for your long and steadfast and diligent service. You have really been a role model and I’m going to miss you,” said board member Christopher …

Thanks and Gratitude 2020

November 24, 2020November 21, 2020 by Charles Stangor

As Thanksgiving 2020 arrives in a year where there are some things we are not completely thankful for, I’d like to hear from each of you about the things you are thankful for. Gratitude is a human emotion that brings people together, provides support for families and communities, and improves our well-being. Gratitude can be …

As High School Closes and Sixth Graders Return, FASD Teachers and Staff Scramble to Cope with Escalating COVID Cases

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020 by Charles Stangor

The Fairfield Area School Board held a “boardshop” on Monday night in which they discussed with district staff members the many issues facing their schools during the recent COVID surge. The importance of keeping on top of the quickly-evolving situation has been made clear as all sixth grade students were sent home between November 12 …

Gettysburg and New Oxford Gettysburg Christmas Haus Shops Provide a Unique Christmas Experience

February 1, 2021November 20, 2020 by

With the holiday season approaching, Adams County’s two Christmas Haus shops are busy bringing the authentic spirit of German Christmas to locals and tourists alike. The two shops are located at 13 Baltimore St. in Gettysburg and at 110 Lincoln Way W., on the New Oxford Square. Shop owner Roger Lund said the first shop …

The Future Is Worrisome, but Adams County Taxes will not Increase in 2021

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020 by Charles Stangor

“No Tax Increase! Those are 3 words we love to hear,” said County Commissioner Randy Phiel after the Adams County Commissioners reviewed and tentatively adopted the proposed 2021 budget yesterday. The budget is available for viewing and public comment is welcome. The commissioners expect to vote on the budget at their meeting on December 16. …

More COVID Grants Awarded by Adams County, Bringing the Total to Over $3 Million

November 18, 2020November 19, 2020 by Community Contributors

The Adams County Board of Commissioners today approved a further $1.08 million dollars in Fund for Adams Investment & Recovery (FAIR) grants to 34 county organizations. The awards bring the total awarded to a total of $3.7 million. The awards, from the Federal Coronavirus Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), are being awarded …

Remembrance Day Illumination is Cancelled

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 by Community Contributors

Gettysburg, Pa. (Nov. 18, 2020)—The Gettysburg Foundation has announced the 18th AnnualRemembrance Day Illumination event on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, is canceled. The Remembrance Day Illumination, a commemoration of the Gettysburg NationalCemetery dedication in Nov. 1863, will not be rescheduled. This year’s commemoration will feature a virtual tribute with a reading of the fallen that …

Adams U.S. Census Ends with an Estimated 99.9 Percent Completion Rate

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 by Community Contributors

The 2020 U.S. Census Complete Count Committee (CCC), made up of Leon Reed, Michele Garnes and Lili Peña from SCCAP; Sarah Weigle and Carly Marshall from Adams County, Yeimi Gagliardi from Wellspan Community Health, Census partnership liaison Francine Stephens, as well as many other county residents, has finished their work and the 2020 U.S. Census …

Gettysburg College to Bring Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors Back to Campus in February.

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 by Community Contributors

Saying the college has “an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and community,” President Bob Iuliano announced today that that the college’s current plans are to “open at limited residential capacity, utilizing primarily single bedrooms, and to invite the sophomore, junior, and senior classes back to campus for the …