At the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority’s (GARA) June board meeting, Executive Director Erin Pedigree was able to report on a number of successful activities during the months of May and June including the following:
The Adams County Farmers Market reports that it has seen a noticeable increase in visitors since it moved to its new location at the Rec Park. Customers have commented on the great layout and accessibility, and vendors reported being pleased with both the location and the resulting increase in business.
The Adams County Library FunFest in early June was also hugely successful, with an estimated 4,000 folks coming through to participate.
Little League season is over but softball season and Girls Fast Pitch activities will continue through the end of August.
The library storywalk has had great reception and seems to attract folks of all ages. This month’s book displayed is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” presented in both English and Spanish.
Planning for the renovations of the Skate Park is in full swing and has already reached the money-raising phase. On June 24th, the planners will hold a “Get Out and Skate Late” event from 4–7 pm, which will feature live music and skating demonstrations.
GARA continues to contribute to the maintenance of Lincoln Cemetery by mowing, weed-whacking, and, on holidays, placing flags at the graves. Cemetery managers received a grant of $2,000 which will be used toward cleaning existing gravestones and purchasing a ground penetrator to find some of the older graves that have sunken (some underneath the road) and perhaps place markers for unmarked graves.
The Summer Concert series will kick off on June 25th with the band Vertigo Vultures as its first act and will continue every Sunday through August 15th.
Blueberries from the Kiwanis Club Blueberry Sale will be ready for pickup on June 30th at the rec park. Proceeds will benefit a variety of local charities.
Plans for the 4th of July Celebration are underway, which will include activities for kids; music; food trucks; fireworks; a cash raffle; a beer garden, and much more.
GARA is planning a Day in New York City bus tour this year on December 9th. More information on how to register will be forthcoming.
Since the board meeting did not meet a full quorum, certain business matters were postponed to next month. The full agenda of the meeting and previous meeting minutes can be found at: GARA Meetings and Holidays.
Donate Gardner is a freelance writer and journalist who came to Gettysburg from Montgomery County, Maryland. A former linguist-turned-legal professional, Donate recently retired and is eager to support her new community in a variety of ways. She currently serves as the news communicator for the Adams County migrant outreach program, Pasa La Voz and supports various pro bono legal services to migrants in the area.
An immigrant born, raised, and educated in Western Europe, Donate uses her multi-lingual background to maintain connection to other cultures, both as a writer, historical researcher and advocate.
Donate is also an active musician, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter, enjoying the rich music and arts community in Gettysburg, and supporting traveling musicians coming through the area. Donate can be reached at: dvbgardner@gmail.com.