Celebrate Gettysburg

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a Day of Service

2012-01-16T09:00:00.005-05:00

While many of you may be off from work today for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, are you planning on using today as a day of service?

This year, the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County is using today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as a day of service. You can drop off items at the YWCA at 909 Fairfield Rd., Gettysburg, to fulfill wish lists for local nonprofits. This initiative is sponsored by the United Way of Adams County. You can view wish list requests on the YWCA's website.

Also this week, the Adams County chapter of Project Linus is meeting on Friday, January 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Fairfield Mennonite Church, 201 W. Main St., Fairfield. Project Linus members make blankets for children ages 0-18 who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need. Blankets are donated to Gettysburg Hospital and other agencies in the Adams County area. For more information, contact Priscilla Storrs at 717-642-6771.

Learn more about the MLK Day of Service.

This Pumpkin's Not Meant for Pie: Martin Grenchik's Giant Pumpkin Harvest

2011-11-25T07:55:00.010-05:00

Every year, dozens of pumpkin growers from across Ohio and Pennsylvania travel to Salem, Ohio, to compete in the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers (OVGPG) Weigh-Off, one of OVGPG’s most popular events. The competitors aren’t just big—they’re behemoths, most weighing in at more than 800 hundred pounds. In fact, this year’s winner, grown by Dave and Carol Stelts, tipped the scales at 1,807.5 pounds.

Adams County pumpkin grower Martin Grenchik, 16, of Fairfield, was one of the contestants in this year’s OVGPG Weigh-Off. His giant pumpkin weighed in at approximately 1,018 pounds. Grenchik has grown ‘Atlantic Giant’ pumpkins before, but this year’s specimen was the largest the teenager has grown. Grenchik esimates he spent approximately 15 to 20 hours a week, from April to September, cultivating his pumpkin patch.

The process began in early spring when Grenchik obtained 3 cubic yards of alpaca fertilizer provided by Helen and Larry Hornbake, owners of Alpacas of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Rental Center, for his 600-square-foot pumpkin patch. In April, Grenchik started the seeds indoors, and a few weeks later, in early May, he transferred the plants to the fertilized garden. (Each plant, he says, will normally grow one main vine with several side shoots coming off the main vine on which several pumpkins can grow.) Since pumpkins do best with minimal rain and sun exposure, the 2011 growing season in Adams County proved to be challenging. With record rainfalls recorded in the area, Grenchik protected his pumpkin by covering it with sheets and a large tarp.

Grenchik estimates that during the pumpkin’s most active period of growth, it put on about 48 pounds in a 24-hour period. In September, the pumpkin was harvested by Grenchik and a team of men. “It was a nerve-wracking experience,” Grenchik says of the process. The pumpkin was harvested by Grenchik and a team of men who carefully cut the pumpkin from the vine, lifted into onto a tarp with a special lifting strap, transferred it onto a tractor and eventually transported it to Salem for the big day.

MORE INFORMATION

Don Langevin
How-to-Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins

Annedawn Publishing
Norton, MA 02766508-222-9069

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES

BigPumpkins.com

Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers

Dedication Day, Remembrance Day Activities

2011-11-18T12:43:00.021-05:00

On Saturday, November 19, Gettysburg commemorates the 148th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address during Dedication Day. This year, Remembrance Day (the Saturday closest to Dedication Day) is also held on November 19. Here's a list of highlights for Dedication Day commemorations:

148th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address — Soldiers' National Cemetery, 97 Taneytown Rd., Gettysburg: The Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania, Gettysburg National Military Park and the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College are sponsoring the annual observation with a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by brief memorial services. The wreath laying begins at 9:30 a.m. Stephen Lang offers the keynote address, while Jim Getty (Gettysburg's resident Abraham Lincoln) will recite the Gettysburg Address. A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony is also part of the event.

Graveside Salute to the U.S. Colored Troops — Soldiers' National Cemetery, 97 Taneytown Rd., Gettysburg: A commemoration of the sacrifices of the U.S. Colored Troops during the American Civil War will take place immediately following the Gettysburg Address commemoration ceremony. Millicent Sparks, who portrays the famed escaped slave and abolitionist Harriet Tubman, is the featured speaker.

Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremonies — Downtown Gettysburg: Sponsored by the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, this annual event is held in conjunction with the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. The parade begins at 1 p.m.

Ninth Annual Remembrance Illumination — Soldiers' National Cemetery, 97 Taneytown Rd., Gettysburg: This luminary ceremony commemorates the soldiers who lost their lives in 1863 and to all those who made sacrifices at Gettysburg. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.

On Sunday, November 20, a headstone dedication for Sadie Shriver will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery, 799 Baltimore St., Gettysburg. Sadie Shriver was 7 years old when she witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg. She died in 1874and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, but her gravesite was never marked with a headstone.

On November 20, 2011, 137 years after her death, a headstone will be placed on Sadie's grave to commemorate the life of Sadie Shriver. Meet at the Shriver House, 309 Baltimore St., at 10 a.m. to join a procession to Evergreen Cemetery. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m.

Remembering Our Veterans

2011-11-12T15:47:00.006-05:00

In the November/December issue of Celebrate Gettysburg, writer Jen Esposito and photographer Casey Martin share the stories of military families from the Adams County area in "A Legacy of Service."

This Veterans Day weekend we take time to honor those individuals in our communities that have made personal sacrifices in service to the United States. They may be members of your family, coworkers, neighbors, church members or your golfing partners.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that in 2010, there were approximately 995,135 veterans living in Pennsylvania.

The men and women who answered the call to serve our country have made tremendous sacrifices. They've left behind loved ones—not knowing when, or if, they will return home. And those who come home are often faced with trying to assimilate back into the patterns of everyday living.

On this Veterans Day weekend, we should take time to not only thank those who have served but also remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedom.

Seventh Annual Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival set for Sept. 10-11

2011-09-07T09:16:00.008-04:00

The flavors of hundreds of Pennsylvania wines will be available for wine enthusiasts this weekend at the Seventh Annual Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival. The event will take place Saturday, September 10 through Sunday, September 11 from noon to 6 p.m. each day at the Gateway Gettysburg complex at the intersections of Routes 15 and 30, Gettysburg.

Tickets for the event are available by calling the Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce office at 717-334-8151 or visit www.gettysburgwineandmusicfestival.com.

Gettysburg Wine and Fruit Trail and Uncork York Wine Trail

If you want to learn more about how local wineries in Adams and York County produce their fines wines, take a field trip along the Gettysburg Wine and Fruit Trail and the UnCork York Wine Trail.

The Gettysburg Wine and Fruit Trail is an approximately 20-mile corridor located north and west of Gettysburg that is home to farm markets, nurseries, orchards and wineries. Trail maps are available at participating businesses and online at www.gettysburgwineandfruittrail.com.

The UnCork York Wine Trial contains 14 family-owned wineries spread across an approximately 200-mile area encompassing York and Lancaster counties, in addition to Harrisburg and Gettysburg. Brochures and trail maps are available at participating businesses and online at http://www.uncorkyork.com/.

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

2011-09-06T09:57:00.010-04:00

With the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Gettysburg Fire Department is hosting a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The event will take place Sunday, September 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gettysburg Warrior Football Stadium, 37 Lefever St.

Participants will walk the stairs at the stadium, taking the same number of steps as those contained in the stairways comprising the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers in New York City. Registration for the walk begins at 11:30 a.m. The walk begins at noon. To register to become an active participant in the event, go to: http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=989641

All proceeds from the event benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Gettysburg's Green Businesses, Internships and More Featured in September/October Issue

2011-09-01T09:48:00.013-04:00

It’s September again, and we can hardly believe it. The children are back in school. Summer vacations are coming to an end, and there’s much to do to get ready for the autumn months. In the September/October issue of Celebrate Gettysburg, we’re sharing practical ideas and useful information for transitioning from summer into fall.

But first, the Gettysburg-Hanover area will join with communities across the nation in pausing to reflect on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Locally, Gettysburg College will offer a religious service beginning at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 11, on the lawn north of Pennsylvania Hall. During the service, bells will toll to honor the more than 3,000 individuals who lost lives during the attacks. At 6 p.m., the College will hold a secular remembrance event on the lawn north of Pennsylvania Hall with special guests Gettysburg Mayor William Troxell, Sen. Richard Alloway and Rep. Dan Moul. Following the remembrance event, a candlelight vigil will take place at Quarry Lake, west of the College’s athletic facility.

The Exchange Club of Hanover will host the September 11 Memorial Healing Field at West Manheim Township Elementary School, 2000 Baltimore Pike, Hanover, from September 9-12. More than 3,000 American flags will be flown on the school property in memory of the victims of the 2011 terrorist attacks.

In this issue…

Emergency services personnel in New York, Washington D.C. and Shanksville sacrificed much on September 11. In Gettysburg, members of ACVESA (Adams County Emergency Services Association) do the same for our communities. Writer Adam Kulikowski and photographer Noel Kline share the story of this volunteer service organization in “United to Serve.”

Gettysburg businesses are integrating the latest in environmental “green” practices into their establishments. Writer Kim Weaver and photographer Anastasia Tantaros explore how Gettysburg is investing in the environment in “Growing Green Business.”

Are you a college student looking to land that coveted internship? Writer Chris Little and photographer Casey Martin reveal what college career services experts and seasoned college interns have to say about finding and making the most of an internship in “Testing the Waters.”

Other highlights of the September/October issue include:

· Fall planting advice from Gardening Guidance columnist Steve Zimmerman
· First Person with the Adams County Arts Council’s executive director Chris Glatfelter
· Back-to-school lunch ideas for the kids in Edible Enlightenment
· Adams and York County poets in Artisan
· On the Menu features Scozzaro’s Steel City Pub

A Note from the Editor

I am pleased to be able to write to you as the new editor of Celebrate Gettysburg magazine. As a contributing writer for Celebrate Gettysburg since 2008, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to share stories of the people, places and events that make Adams County and Gettysburg a unique place to call home and to visit. And, I am thrilled for this opportunity to take on a larger role as editor on the remarkable Celebrate Gettysburg team.

All of us at Celebrate Gettysburg appreciate you, our readers, for your support of Celebrate Gettysburg over the past five years. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your homes and communities.

—Michael Vyskocil, editor

editor@celebrategettysburg.com

Introducing Celebrate Family

2011-08-01T11:57:00.006-04:00

The publishers of Celebrate Gettysburg, Gettysburg’s premier lifestyle publication, has announced the launch of a new annual publication titled Celebrate Family. Celebrate Family is created for families in York and Adams County, Pa., with children ages 0-18, featuring how-to information and local resources for parents. The premiere issue will be distributed free to schools, grocery stores and recreation facilities in Adams and York counties beginning September 2011.

Celebrate Gettysburg advertisers in both counties will also receive complimentary copies of the publication.

Each issue of Celebrate Family will include features devoted to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, elementary and middle-school age children and teens, as well as a general interest story for all ages. Additional content will highlight local family attractions, recipes, events and recreation opportunities in Adams and York County, Pa.

“We dreamed of creating a magazine that offers parents useful advice for caring for their children and their families. The magazine will appeal to all families—whether you are parents of a newborn or have school-aged children,” said Celebrate Gettysburg Creative Director Jessica Dean. “Celebrate Family is a natural extension of Celebrate Gettysburg’s lifestyle brand. Celebrate Family will have the same quality of research, high-quality content and stunning photography that readers of Celebrate Gettysburg have come to expect from our publications.”

Celebrate Family will also appear as a digital edition accessible at www.celebrategettysburg.com/family. Celebrate Family is multi-advertiser supported and will have an initial distribution of 35,000 copies per issue, reaching a readership of more than 100,000 and bonus distribution to the more than 800 subscribers of Celebrate Gettysburg, schools, grocery stores and recreation facilities in the Adams and York County region.

To advertise or to learn more about Celebrate Family, call 717-334-1050, e-mail sales@celebrategettysburg.com or visit www.celebrategettysburg.com/family.

Celebrate Gettysburg is Gettysburg’s premier lifestyle publication. Published by Graphcom Inc. of Gettysburg, Pa., the bimonthly publication explores the facets of life that make Adams County, Pa., a special place to call home and to visit.

Celebrate Dining and Entertainment Guide, a publication produced by the publishers of Celebrate Gettysburg, is a regional guide that includes sample menus, an annual events guide for the Mason-Dixon region and related editorial content.

Celebrate Family is a new annual publication produced by the publishers of Celebrate Gettysburg. With articles and information for families with children ages 0-18, Celebrate Family highlights family attractions, recipes, events, recreation opportunities and more in Adams and York County, Pa.

For more information or to view digital editions of these publications, visit www.celebrategettysburg.com, www.celebratedining.com and www.celebrategettysburg.com/family.
To advertise in Celebrate Gettysburg, Celebrate Dining and Entertainment Guide or Celebrate Family, call 717-334-1050 or e-mail sales@celebrategettysburg.com.

To subscribe to Celebrate Gettysburg, Celebrate Dining and Entertainment Guide or Celebrate Family, call 717-334-1050 or e-mail subscribe@celebrategettysburg.com.

GG Best Hotel Winners Omitted

2011-06-30T16:33:00.003-04:00

We hate making mistakes. But we made a big one in our July/August Gettysburg's Greatest feature. We omitted the Best Hotel winners.

The winners are:
First Place
Gettysburg Hotel
1 Lincoln Sq., Gettysburg
717-337-2000
www.hotelgettysburg.com

Second Place
Wyndham Gettysburg
95 Presidential Circle, Gettysburg
717-339-0020
www.gatewaygettysburg.com

Our apologies to the Best Hotel winners and our readers for this oversight. A complete version of the feature can be found in our digital edition: http://digital.graphcompubs.com/publication/?i=73440&p=44)

Battle Events

2011-06-21T11:41:00.001-04:00

In addition to the annual Battle of Gettysburg reenactment organized by the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee, (www.gettysburgreenactment.com), the National Park Service (www.nps.gov/gett) has a variety of events commemorating the battle:
Park rangers at Gettysburg National Military Park are offering special anniversary battle walks on July 1, 2 and 3, to explore key events of the battle and its aftermath. These free, in-depth programs are three hours in length.

In addition to these longer anniversary battle walks on July 1, 2 and 3, rangers are also offering an extensive list of “real-time” programs that follow and explain the battle in chronological order and as close as possible to the real time when the events described took place. The programs range in length from 30 minutes to an hour. “Real-time” programs involve minimal walking, although visitors will need to make short drives by vehicle between program locations.

On June 30, the seventh annual Battle of Hunterstown walking tour will take place, presented by the Hunterstown Historical Society. The event will feature a live encampment; reenactment/living history by the 16th PA Volunteers, Company G, Hanover, PA; music, Civil War authors and artists; speakers; and more. It will start at 11 a.m. at the Historic Tate Farm, Route 394, Hunterstown. For more information, visit www.hunterstown-hhs.org.

Are you planning on attending any Civil War-related events this summer?

Farnsworth House debuting new attraction this weekend

2011-06-20T11:46:00.002-04:00

Looking for something spooky to do this weekend? The Farnsworth House is hosting its grand opening of “Gettysburg’s Haunted Address,” Gettysburg’s only walk-through haunted attraction next to the inn at 415 Baltimore St. on Saturday.

Rene Staub, set designer and director of ACTS of Kindness Theatre Company, designed the attraction to not only scare, but educate with its elaborate settings that indicate customs and trends of the Civil War era, according to a news release detailing the opening.

Visitors will make their way through several detailed scenes complete with figures, sound and special effects. See a Civil War-era viewing parlor and a makeshift hospital. Witness an exorcism, poltergeist activity and a séance. Special effects create such experiences as a starlit sky of Devil’s Den to a hanging at Sach’s Bridge.

To make the attraction come to life, York theater technical director Joe Kress and his team used hydraulics and electronics. Think breathing bodies and floating objects. And New Oxford resident Lori Baker created Civil War dresses and outfits using historical patterns.

The grand opening takes place from 4-11 p.m. June 25. Tickets are $7.50 for adults and $5.25 for children 10 and younger.

Do you think you’ll visit this attraction? Let us know your impressions if you go!

The PA Road Show in Gettysburg This Weekend

2011-06-10T08:46:00.002-04:00

A 53-foot tractor trailer containing exhibits featuring Pennsylvanians’ Civil War experiences is in Gettysburg through Sunday. This traveling museum, the Pennsylvania Road Show, is a major initiative of the Pennsylvania Civil War 150, a statewide effort to coordinate and promote events for the Civil War's sesquicentennial.

Explore the interactive exhibits and discover the stories of how Pennsylvanians were affected by the war--from the battlefield to the home front. The Road Show is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center is at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg; the exhibit is in parking lot 2.

For more information, call 717-334-1124, ext. 8023.

RabbitExpress offering new route from Gettysburg to Harrisburg

2011-06-05T10:53:00.000-04:00

On Monday, June 6, commuters from Gettysburg to Harrisburg have another transportation option.

RabbitExpress, York County's public transportation system, is offering the service.

Stops include the Gettysburg Transfer Center, Gettysburg Gateway, the Route 234 park and ride lot (fire station)and a Park and Ride location in Dillsburg. The Gettysburg to Harrisburg option is offered weekdays. A one-way cash fare is $3.50, with discounted rates for passholders. View the fare chart at www.rabbittransit.org/express/pages/cashfarechart.html

The service includes WiFi access on the vehicles and an Emergency Ride Home Program that guarantees registered participants who commute to work at least twice a week a free ride home, up to six times per year, in case of an emergency. The service is a reimbursement program.

To see the complete schedule/route, visit www.rabbittransit.org/express/pages/fifteen.html

Do you think you might try out the new commuter service to Harrisburg?

2011-05-03T15:55:00.002-04:00

Looking for some activities to do in May and June? Check out Experience Adams, our events calendar, both online and in the magazine. The online calendar is updated frequently with submissions too late to include in the print edition. Some highlights of the May/June calendar include:

Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra Concert, May 8

Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show, May 21

The Gettysburg Festival, June 10-19

GNMP Ranger Walks and Programs begin June 11

Gettysburg Fire Department Carnival, June 28-July 2

www.celebrategettysburg.com/localEvents.html

New Gettysburg Quarter

2011-01-24T15:07:00.005-05:00

This January, the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center has the honor of hosting and presenting the launch of the new Gettysburg Quarter.

This quarter is the sixth under the America the Beautiful Quarter Program, which was launched to pay homage to the nation’s national parks.

“We are very happy to be honored with this beautiful new quarter,” said Bob Kirby, superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park. “The coin can be a daily reminder of the sacrifices made at Gettysburg and a great way to start a conversation about national parks, national heritage, and the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War.”

The quarter ceremony, taking place at 11 a.m. January 25, will feature live music, special guest speakers and a free Gettysburg quarter for all attendees younger than age 18. There will also be appearances by the United States Mint mascot Peter the Mint Eagle, students from Lincoln Elementary School, Girl Scouts and a Civil War honor guard. Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation are co-hosting the ceremony.

“We strongly encourage people to come to the visitor center and museum to participate in the festivities. It is such a deep honor to have this coin represent the Gettysburg battlefield and we hope everyone will share this opportunity of a lifetime with us,” said Gettysburg Foundation Vice Chair Barbara Finfrock.

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg.

2010-12-13T13:29:00.002-05:00

Be sure to check out these upcoming events:

December 18

Wire Wrapped Jewelry Class

Wentz Stained Glass Studio 48 York St., Gettysburg
Do you have a beautiful pendant that you would like to turn into wearable art? This class will teach wire-wrapping techniques to create jewelry with a pendant of your own or with one bought at the studio. No prior glass experience is required and all materials are included except for the pendant. 1-3 p.m. $. 717-334-0906. www.wentzstainedglass.com.

December 19

Home Wine Making Class

Adams County Winery
251 Peach Tree Road, Orrtanna
John the vintner will teach all of the tricks of the trade and each step of making wine from opening the box of juice, bottling, storing and, of course, enjoying your creation! Reservations are required as class size is limited. 1-3 p.m. $. 717-334-4631. www.adamscountywinery.com.

December 20

Look Good, Feel Better

LifeChanges Boutique
400 York St., Hanover
This free educational program is open to those receiving cancer treatment and would like assistance with wigs and applying make up. The class is held on every third Monday of the month and all services, wigs and supplemental materials are provided at no cost by the American Cancer Society. 1-2:30 p.m. 717-633-1111.

Check out the latest copy of Celebrate Gettysburg, available now!

2010-12-01T11:29:00.004-05:00

Before going shopping for the season, be sure to look at our 2010 Gift Guide, which includes a variety of local establishments sure to have that perfect gift for anyone on your list.

This issue’s featured artisan is Lucy Cadwallader, one of the few artists today that specializes in creating the Victorian-era style of jewelry woven with human hair. During the height of its popularity, people would have hair of loved ones woven into jewelry that they would be able to keep as a physical memento. While this process lost fashion during the early part of the 20th century, artists such as Cadwallader keep this method alive through their strict adherence to detail.

Also in this issue, we profile the initiative that one former Gettysburg family has taken to honor their son Eric, a Marine who bravely lost his life in the War on Terror. Eric was remembered as a caring and energetic young man who was not afraid to step up in defense of his country. In honor of his service, his parents have started The Sgt. Mac Foundation in order to provide wreaths for the graves of American soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Many people fear the moment when they see a jury summons in their mailbox, but our guide to serving in a courtroom will help make your experience worthwhile. This issue includes an in-depth look at the court system in Adams County, with a close look at what to expect if you are summoned to serve. To complement the focus, retired judge Gerald Eak writes about the history of the legal system in Adams County, as well as the important cases and attorneys that the county has hosted over the years.

The holiday seasons are always a reminder of how much we have to be thankful for in our lives. We highlight three different organizations that are working to feed the hungry in Adams County: Campus Kitchens, Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen and Angel Food Ministries. A staggering number of Adams County families—nearly 30 percent—have difficulties accessing fresh food and rely on programs like these in order to put meals on their tables. If you would like to learn more, check out the latest copy of Celebrate Gettysburg for information on what you can do to help Adams County residents this holiday season.

Be sure to pick up your copy today to see all of these articles and more, or view a digital copy of our magazine here.

Upcoming Remembrance Day Events

2010-11-19T14:46:00.002-05:00

November 20
Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremonies
Downtown Gettysburg 
Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, this annual event is held in conjunction with the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. 1 p.m.
717-259-6156. www.gettysburgfoundation.org.

November 20
8th Annual Remembrance Illumination
Soldiers’ National Cemetery 
97 Taneytown Rd., Gettysburg 
Come participate in a luminary ceremony to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives in 1863 and to all of those who made sacrifices here in Gettysburg. Sponsored by the Gettysburg Foundation. 5:30 p.m.
717-338-1243Visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org for more information or to sponsor a candle.

Visit the local events page for more area happenings:   http://celebrategettysburg.com/localEvents.html

Celebrate Dining Guide

2010-09-17T13:57:00.002-04:00

Looking for an unforgettable way to experience Adams County? Check out our 2010-2011 Celebrate Dining guide to learn more about the budding Gettysburg Wine and Fruit Trail and other exciting opportunities for wine lovers.

Also, discover Gettysburg’s finest dining establishments with full menu profiles and take out options that will satisfy any craving!

This was the first year for this guide, as well as our first supplement and it continues to be a hit.

View a digital version of the guide here.

Chamber Mixer

2010-06-18T11:44:00.004-04:00

The office has completed a massive transformation, and last night we showed it off at the first of many events.

Graphcom, Graphcom Creative and Signs by Graphcom held a company wide Chamber Mixer and we had quite a crowd.

Thanks goes out to all of the employees who put in long hours painting, pruning and perfecting the space, as well as the Chamber members who donated food: Biggerstaff's Catering (fantastic!), wine: Adams County Winery, beer: Appalachian Brewing Company, transportation: Diana's Limousine Service and of course the Gettysburg/Adams Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees were given tours at the main plant and learned all about our presses, bindery, mail house creative services and wide format, and a few even took a ride down the 3-story fire pole in creative. You know who you are, Mr. 6 times man!

In the photo from left to right:
Robert Goula, Web Development Director
Lisa Kaltreider, Project Manager
Michael Provencher, Senior Graphic/Web Designer
Karen Gaydon, Accounting Director
Troy Dean, Creative Director & Owner of Celebrate Gettysburg
Jessica Dean, Art Director & Owner of Celebrate Gettysburg
Amanda Baker, Senior Graphic/Web Designer
Randi Garvey, Junior Graphic Designer
Terrie Wagner, Advertising & Marketing Director
Jaime Ridgley, Editor

Upcoming Gettysburg Events

2010-05-25T11:24:00.007-04:00

May 29
Give It Up For Good Sale
Gettysburg College Hauser Field House

Buy great stuff cheap! Thousands of new and used items donated by Gettysburg College students will be for sale—furniture, household items, clothing, shoes, books, sports equipment, etc. All proceeds benefit United Way of Adams County Community Care Fund. 7 a.m. is the Early Bird Sale for $5; free admission from 8 a.m.-noon. 717-334-5809. www.uwadams.org.

May 31
Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies

143rd Annual Memorial Day observances. The parade starts at 2 p.m., followed by a ceremony in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg National Military Park.

June 5-6
D-Day Anniversary Weekend

Eisenhower National Historic Site Join a Park Ranger for a talk on Eisenhower and the men of D-Day. World War II living historians portray a variety of soldiers and talk informally with visitors at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. Cost included in site admission. $. 717-338-9114.

Visit the local events page for more area happenings:

http://celebrategettysburg.com/localEvents.html

Gettysburg's Greatest

2010-03-19T09:04:00.003-04:00

Here’s an opportunity to vote for your favorites in Adams County!

It’s easy: Just fill out the ballot, and click submit. The results will be published in the July/August issue of Celebrate Gettysburg magazine.

Please include your name and contact information for a chance to win a gift certificate from one of the winning establishments. We will have a drawing to determine the gift certificate winner.

Forms must be received by May 15, 2010 for consideration. Questions? E-mail editor@celebrategettysburg.com.

Please cast a vote for at least 10 categories. Ballots with less than this amount will not be counted. Only one nomination per person, please.

Go Red For Women Luncheon

2010-02-19T16:33:00.002-05:00

I had the pleasure of attending this year's Go Red For Women Luncheon at the Hanover Country Club and have attached some photos of the event.

Lori Burkholder, co-anchor of WGAL was the mistress of ceremonies for the afternoon. Everyone was touched by guest speaker Christal Pike-Nase. Christal experienced an ischemic stroke on November 11, 2007 and after intensive therapy, determination and the support of her family, returned to work full-time in September 2008 as one of the Deputy Chief Counsels of the Department of the Auditor General.

The event was fabulous and I am already looking forward to next year.

Snow Day in Gettysburg

2010-02-11T10:00:00.003-05:00

The snow has finally stopped falling and the cleanup begins. Here are a few photos of our Chambersburg Road offices. Keep in mind that our building is 3 floors high! Come on spring...

I will upload a few images later of our downtown offices.

ShopLocalBuyLocal gets a face-lift

2010-01-27T18:45:00.006-05:00

Troy had some free time last night, so our newest project received some love. ShopLocalBuyLocal.com received a face-lift with a brand new logo, and overall new design. We have some other tricks up our sleeve for the site and organization, so be sure to become a member (businesses pay only $1 month, while consumers are free) and check everything out.

www.shoplocalbuylocal.com

Upcoming local events

2010-01-21T18:04:00.004-05:00

January 28-31
IceFest
Downtown Chambersburg

This much-anticipated winter festival features
live ice carving and amazing ice sculptures, food vendors, extended business hours, a chili cookoff, fireworks on Saturday and so much more. IceFest’s main attraction, live ice carving, begins on Thursday at 5 p.m. and continues on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Carvers use chainsaws, propane torches and hand tools to turn blocks of ice into an array of artistic sparkling masterpieces. A special fireworks display will be featured Saturday at 6:30 p.m. from the Southgate Mall. New to IceFest activities this year: a 40-foot ice slide! www.icefestpa.com info@icefestpa.com

January 31-February 28
Cooking with Executive Chef George T. Keeney
The Links at Gettysburg
601 Mason-Dixon Rd., Gettysburg

In this eclectic cooking class, you’ll create tempting hors d’oeuvres, intriguing party foods, breakfast and brunch classics, New Orleans favorites and Asian foods. The class will be taught by George T. Keeney, executive chef of The Links, Sunday evenings from 6-8 p.m. No class on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7. $. 717-334-5006. www.adamsarts.org

February 5
Book signing with Author Matt Pinsker
The David Wills House, 8 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg
An admission fee will be charged. 866-486-5735. www.davidwillshouse.org

Big News!

2009-11-05T11:10:00.009-05:00

Everyone at Celebrate Gettysburg has been a bit stressed out lately—but the good, exciting stress. We have joined forces with our printer—locally owned Graphcom Inc, we have started a new creative agency—Graphcom Creative, specializing in all things print and web, partnered with ShopLocalBuyLocal.com founder Jeremy Schaffner and we have opened a second location in Gettysburg—which now serves a growing team of designers, web developers and of course our talented editor Jaime and fabulous sales executive Terrie. And all of this happened in a span of 1 month!

Here are a few pictures from our new location which includes the outside of the building, the three-story fire pole which is the centerpiece of two offices, our ingenious coffee station, an interior shot of the main area, my unorganized desk and the view from our roof deck, overlooking the Gettysburg Airport. Definitely the best creative environment that anyone could ask for!

New Offices

2009-10-24T13:33:00.002-04:00

Celebrate Gettysburg has lots of exciting news to announce next week. To peek your interest, here is a beautiful image of a sunset taken at our new, second location offices, on the Chambersburg Road in Gettysburg.

The Wall That Heals

2009-10-10T20:16:00.003-04:00

Gettysburg College is the current location for the traveling exhibit, The Wall That Heals, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This is the only stop in Central PA this fall.

A traveling museum and information center can also be found at the exhibit. The museum chronicles the Vietnam War era and the unique healing power of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, while the information center serves as a venue for people to learn about friends and loved ones lost in the war.

Of course the entire display is moving, but I took a few shots that I thought were particularly striking.

Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival

2009-09-15T12:48:00.002-04:00

Terrie (our advertising and marketing director) and I, with some help from Troy (co-publisher and my husband) worked our booth at this year's Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival.

We had a wonderful time despite the very soggy grounds on Saturday and were able to meet hundreds of new readers, current subscribers and advertisers. Our "lounge" was a hit, and remained completely full all weekend. Sometimes it was standing room only!

Enjoy the photos from the event!

Upcoming local events

2009-09-04T13:14:00.000-04:00

Be sure to check out these local events:

September 4
Hauser After Hours— Lively jazz, blues and funk

Hauser Estate Winery
410 Cashtown Rd., Biglerville
Free live music by The Reese Project. Catered food available for purchase. 5-8 p.m. 717-334-4888. www.hauserestate.com.

September 12
35th Annual East Berlin Colonial Day

This 18th century town’s National Historic District will be lined with juried vendors of traditional handmade wares including redware, forged iron, baskets, woodenware, scherenschnitte, rag and hooked rugs, floorcloths, toleware, copper and tin items, a great selection of pottery and much more. Lively entertainment, great food, demonstrations. Sponsored by the East Berlin Historical Preservation Society. Rain or shine. No pets. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. 717-259-0822. www.ebhpspa.org.

September 13
Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra Concert

Seminary Chapel 147 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg
The concert will feature the 15-year-old violin winner of the Johansen International Competition, from Seoul, Korea, performing Vivaldi’s Seasons. Other works by Shostakovich and Barber. Sponsored by Music, Gettysburg! 4 p.m. Free. 717-334-5508.

Shop Local, Buy Local

2009-09-03T11:14:00.002-04:00

Gettysburg business owner and Hanover resident Jeremy Schaffner has created a new social networking site for small businesses via the Internet. Schaffner created http://www.shoplocalbuylocal.com/ to promote small, independently owned businesses in America, according to a video interview on the website.

“The mom-and-pop stores offer a lot that I think the big box stores don’t offer,” says Schaffner, owner of Seasons Bakery. “They offer a lot of character to your town, they offer a personal level of service that you don’t necessarily get at the big box stores, and it’s also reinvesting in the community.

“The shoplocalbuylocal.com logo is a takeoff of the recycling logo, which is recycling the money back into the community,” he continues. “The money you spend at the mom-and-pop store is going to stay in the community. … For every dollar you spend at a big box store, typically only 6 cents stays in the community, versus if you spend a dollar at a mom-and-pop store, 60 to 70 cents stays in the community, so it’s a big difference.”

The site has two levels: business and local business supporter. Local business supporters register for free and can search for local businesses in their area. Small business owners pay $12 a year to be part of the shoplocalbuylocal.com network. Membership gives the business the ability to provide details and photos about their business and even allows them to create a blog if they wish.

Look for the Shop Local Buy Local logo at participating businesses. For more information or to register, visit
http://www.shoplocalbuylocal.com/

Busy Bees!

2009-08-26T08:57:00.003-04:00

The summer has been very busy for everyone at CG. We have expanded the publication, are printing more copies with each issue, hired a number of talented contributors and have finished quite a few graphic design projects.

Some of those projects include: a brand new website for the Adams County Farmers Markets, (http://www.acfarmersmarkets.org/) another brand new site for the Adams County Community Foundation, (http://adamscountycf.org/) and a new e-newsletter for Boyer Nurseries & Orchards.

Be sure to see what our contributors are up to by visiting their websites which can be found at: http://www.celebrategettysburg.com/contributors.html

Upcoming local events

2009-07-22T12:00:00.005-04:00

Gettysburg has a number of wonderful events taking place in the coming days. For a complete listing visit, http://www.celebrategettysburg.com/localEvents.html

Below is a sampling of what is to come:

July 24
Evening with the Painting

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg
Enjoy a presentation on the history of the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama painting with national Cyclorama expert Sue Boardman. Join Boardman on the Cyclorama viewing platform as she explains more about this historic work of art. This special program is limited to 50 attendees. 6-9 p.m. For tickets, call 877-874-2478 or visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org.

July 25
Hauser After Hours

Hauser Estate Winery 410 Cashtown Rd., Biglerville
Enjoy warm food from the N.E.W. A-Ville Inn and live music from The Reese Project. 5-8 p.m. 717-334-4888. www.hauserestate.com.

August 3
Biggerstaff's Quiz Night

The food buffet will be available starting at 6 p.m., and the event starts at 6:30 p.m. BYOB if you like. Cost for the evening is $12 per person. Call 717-334-3855 or e-mail biggerstaffscatering@comcast.net to make your table reservations.

Cher, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin and Jen LeVan

2009-06-26T10:40:00.006-04:00

At the Women on Their Way networking event last evening, the group had the honor to hear from entrepreneur, philanthropist and family woman, Jennifer LeVan.

It was a wonderful setting and we were able to get some insight regarding Jennifer's background and the different causes she is passionate about, even learning about some of her role models growing up.

To learn more about this group and the other upcoming Let's Talk events visit:
http://wotwgettysburg.blogspot.com/

Gettysburg Memorial Day Parade

2009-05-26T08:25:00.005-04:00

Enjoy a few photos from this year's Memorial Day parade, sponsored by the Gettysburg Joint Veterans Memorial Day Commission. This was the 142nd year for the parade and the weather was beautiful!

Composting Class at the Ag Center

2009-05-21T20:30:00.006-04:00

I just returned from a wonderful class about composting held at the Agricultural and Natural Resources Center in Gettysburg. The class was given by Liz Miller, Master Gardner and it was packed! There were at least 35 people who attended tonight's session and we were all given the composting bins above. The bins are really sturdy and made from recycled plastic.

Did you know that 75% of the material in a landfill is organic matter that could be composted?

Be sure to keep an eye out for similar classes, as all are free and fun!

Ban the Bras

2009-03-31T12:36:00.004-04:00

Jaime and I attended the Callie awards last night and in typical Callie fashion there were lots of laughs and watery eyes.

The Callie awards were created by the local chapter of the United Way in order to recognize local women and their achievements.

This year's recipients included: Vickie Corbett, Sandy Beauchat, Carolyn Nunamaker, legacy of a lifetime; Stephanie Hibbs, education; Kathy Glahn, agriculture; Barbara Huggins, young woman; Dr. Linda Neiswender, health and human services and Deb Yocum, community
service.

Congratulation to all of these wonderful women and their very inspirational accomplishments!

Sprucing up the window boxes!

2009-03-24T12:49:00.003-04:00

Spring is here and I am so relieved to finally get some flowers in the office window boxes! I picked up some beautiful pansies at Agway in Gettysburg, but had to refrain from buying out the entire store, as it is still too early to plant most flowers.

Agway has a really neat assortment of plants—the ole standbys like petunias, begonias and marigolds—and some very different items like irish moss.

Hold Up on the Square

2009-02-03T17:35:00.002-05:00

This morning for about 1.5 hours, all of the streets around the square in Gettysburg were clogged due to the large truckload above. I kept looking out of my second story window, wondering why the traffic was so still. Finally, this truck emerged with a huge load that spanned both lanes of traffic.

Survivors Fashion Show

2009-01-27T09:51:00.003-05:00

Last night a fashion show fundraiser was held at the Days Inn Gettysburg, to raise money for Survivors. The event was organized by the local Mary Kay Cosmetics representatives with clothing provided by Jones of New York. This was the debut of the event, and the organizers hope to make it an annual fundraiser.

Survivors, is a local organization that supports those who experience domestic violence or sexual assault.

Inauguration and Lincoln: A New Birth of Freedom

2009-01-20T10:32:00.007-05:00

Yesterday, I took this picture of the Lincoln statue in front of the David Wills House in Gettysburg. This was Gettysburg's first measurable snowfall this winter.

The Wills House renovations are nearing completion, and the new museum will open February 12 (to coincide with Lincoln's 20oth birthday). Inside, visitors will be able to view galleries, artifacts and restored rooms—one of them being the room that Abraham Lincoln stayed in and finished the Gettysburg Address.

I feel very fortunate to live in Gettysburg and have the opportunity to witness so many historic events, both in Gettysburg and just down the road in DC!

For more information about the Wills House be sure to visit:

http://www.mainstreetgettysburg.org/willshouse.html
http://www.gettysburg.travel/visitor/member_detail.asp?contact_id=25431

Ice, Ice, Baby!

2009-01-07T11:50:00.004-05:00

It is a cold, dreary day in Gettysburg today. Thank goodness we do not have icy roads, only ice covering everything else!

The mood in town has certainly shifted towards more of a hibernation. Many of the seasonal businesses are closed, while others have been affected by the economy and sadly, have closed for good.

New Signage

2008-12-17T12:47:00.003-05:00

Celebrate Gettysburg finally has an official downtown presence! On a snowy Saturday, two weekends ago, my husband (and co-publisher), Troy got out the ratchet set and attached our beautiful new sign.

Be sure to look for it on York Street!

AIGA's ClockWork event

2008-11-22T08:12:00.006-05:00

Last night was the unveiling party for ClockWork, the event in which area creatives used their skills to provide 24 local and regional nonproﬁt organizations with communications products to help them raise awareness and funds for their cause.
http://blueridge.aiga.org/clockwork/index.html

The event was a huge success, despite unexpected construction in the venue's parking lot, technical difficulties and even the sounding of a fire alarm during a presentation.

It was wonderful to see all of the creatives involved in the entire process, as well as to meet all of the very deserving nonprofits receiving the help.

A highlight of the evening was learning about Joey's Corner, a nonprofit design agency that creates pro bono work for nonprofit organizations across the country. Joey's Corner was founded by Michael Osborne to honor the life of his deceased son, Joseph Michael Osborne, 1980-2004.
http://www.joeyscorner.org/index.php?page=mission

In addition to starting Joey's Corner, Michael is also President and Creative Director of the San Francisco-based graphic design firm, MOD/Michael Osborne Design. He has helped to create a multitude of award-winning designs some of which we use and see on a daily basis—the Love stamps for the USPS, packaging for Archer Farms (Target brand) and Gymboree.

I was lucky enough to not only receive the peoples choice award for the brochure I designed for Healthy Adams County, but I also received this fabulous, one of a kind dust etching on the back window of my jeep from Michael Osborne himself!

I guess it pays to be too busy to wash your car!
http://www.modsf.com/bio.php

Politics in Gettysburg

2008-10-04T14:11:00.006-04:00

This morning during my weekly trek to the Farmers Market on the Gettysburg square, I noticed the local political scene is in full swing. Volunteers for both Presidential campaigns had their booths set up, where typically you would see vendors selling potted plants, baked goods and produce.

It was kind of funny to see both parties right next to each other, both vying for the attention of the passerby.

Election day is exactly a month away, so be sure you are registered. The deadline to register in most states is October 6 (very soon!).

http://www.voteforchange.com

American Kitefliers Association Convention & Grand National Competition

2008-09-03T17:35:00.003-04:00

On September 23 through the 27, the American Kitefliers Association Convention & Grand National Competition will be taking place in Gettysburg. This event is going to be really neat, with the convention being one of the largest kite gatherings in the world!

There will be kite making competitions, kite flying events and workshops. There will also be extremely large kites, including a 130-foot Octopus and the Megaflag kite, one of the three largest in the world at 10,000 square feet!

If in the area, be sure to check out this free event open to the public.

http://www.aka.kite.org

Welcome from Jaime

2008-05-21T12:52:00.004-04:00

Welcome to my portion of the Celebrate Gettysburg blog! I’ll warn you—I’ve never had the opportunity to blog before, so please be patient—and kind.

I intend to use my blog as a sort of insider’s view of what it takes to put together Celebrate Gettysburg.

But first, here’s a little background on how the magazine started. Publishers (and Adams County natives) Jessica and Troy Dean realized their hometown lacked a lifestyle magazine geared toward residents that highlighted all the great things Adams County had to offer. With their experience—Jessica had previously been art director at a regional publication in Maryland and Troy had extensive web and design expertise—Celebrate Gettysburg was born in 2006.

I joined the magazine as editor in 2006 and helped shape the editorial focus and direction of the publication. (To read more about our backgrounds, and to read the bios of our frequent contributors, visit www.celebrategettysburg.com/contributors.html).

With such a small staff, we wear many hats.

As publisher/art director, Jessica is in charge of designing the entire magazine, figuring out the page count of each issue and deciding the page length and positioning of stories. She also sells advertising space in the magazine and, if an advertiser needs an ad designed and created, Jessica does that as well. She also updates the website as needed. In addition, she interacts with readers, advertisers and freelancers via phone and e-mail. This is just a sampling of her responsibilities.

As publisher/website developer, Troy designed www.celebrategettysburg.com and helps secure advertising.

As editor, I am basically in charge of all the editorial copy in the magazine. I plan stories, hire freelancers, and coordinate the Experience Adams and Upfront sections. Occasionally, I will write a feature or department story. I oversee the columns in the Upfront sections, write the assignments for our freelance writers and photographers, and edit and proofread the copy that arrives. I write the photo captions for each story and the copy for Upfront, Experience Adams, the Contents page and the Editor’s Note for each issue. And, believe me, the pages that would seem to be the easiest to write—the Contents page descriptions, for example—can be the most difficult … it’s harder than you think to condense a 1,500-word story into a few catchy words. But it’s a lot of fun at the same time.

Jessica and I also share certain responsibilities, such as selecting photographs to run with our stories and securing text and photos for the Rarities and Adams County Remembered sections.

This is just a brief overview of our roles at the magazine. I plan on outlining the planning and the production process of a typical issue in future posts.

Remember, you can always contact us at jess@celebrategettysburg.com, troy@celebrategettysburg.com or jaime@celebrategettysburg.com.

Jaime Ridgley, editor

Spring in Gettysburg

2008-04-15T18:21:00.004-04:00

Well, it looks as though winter is officially out and spring is in! The nice weather has visitors and locals buzzing about town, as well as trees and flowers blooming.

The daffodils to the left were photographed on the Battlefield across from the Eisenhower farm, just off of the Emmitsburg road.

Adams county is beautiful this time of year, with fruit trees in full bloom, and the landscape turning a bright emerald green.

Many wonderful, natural treasures can be found throughout the county. Celebrate Gettysburg is highlighting these treasures by helping to promote a photowalk in Gettysburg. Join fellow photographers and stroll the streets of Gettysburg, taking photos of the surroundings. Some of the photos taken on the walk will be featured in an upcoming issue of Celebrate Gettysburg magazine. For more information visit:

http://www.photowalking.org

Menallen Friends Meeting and Burial Ground

2008-03-27T17:10:00.007-04:00

Above is a shot of the very ornate iron fence which surrounds the Menallen Friends meetinghouse located in Biglerville, Pa. The fence was actually made in Gettysburg and recently restored.

We are working on a three-part series about the underground railroad in Adams County, and have been highlighting the meetinghouse in the series.

Cyrus Griest is laid to rest on the grounds, along with his wife Mary Ann. Both opposed slavery and assisted freedom seekers escaping to the north and west.

If in the Gettysburg area, be sure to book a tour with Debra McCauslin, and learn about the Menallen Friends as well as other historic sites relevant to the Underground Railroad. The new tour allows visitors to get acquainted with those who sought freedom and those who fought for it. Portions of tour proceeds are donated to historic preservation.

For more information about the Underground Railroad in Adams County be sure to visit:

http://www.freedomliesnorth.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=15&Itemid=28
http://www.nationalapplemuseum.com/adamscty02.html
http://www.celebrategettysburg.com/pastIssues_janFeb2008.html

Irish in Adams County

2008-03-17T21:06:00.003-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Irish may not be a word that comes to mind when thinking of Gettysburg and Adams County, but there are many examples as to why it should.

Irish descendants constitute one of the largest demographics in the area, and they have made their mark on a number of places in which the names are derived from the Irish. McSherrystown, Irishtown, Tyrone Township, and Straban Township are all Irish names.

In July, The Irish Heritage Foundation of Gettysburg holds it's annual Adams County Irish Festival at Gettysburg's Moose Park. The festival is a wonderful event filled with Irish music, dancing, food and vendors. The festival benefits the Children's Friendship Project for Northern Ireland, which promotes friendship between Catholic and Protestant teens in Northern Ireland. It is a really fun event which aids a great cause.

Another great Irish group which helps out the Gettysburg Soup Kitchen and the South Central Community Action Program's food pantry is the local division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. This society promotes Irish culture and heritage while taking part in community service.

"If you're lucky enough to be Irish, then you're lucky enough"

For more information about the Irish in Adams County be sure to visit:

http://www.adamscountyirishfestival.com/
http://www.gettysburgaoh.com
http://www.irishtownroad.com

Gettysburg's Newest Addition

2008-03-13T14:44:00.011-04:00

One month to go, before the unveiling of Gettysburg's newest addition–the new Museum and Visitor Center located on the Baltimore Pike. (above, the new center in the midst of the building process)

April 14, 2008 will be a wonderful day for some and an awful day for others. On this date the new Museum and Visitor Center will open to the public, replacing the current Cyclorama/Visitor Center which is in disarray and is planned to be possibly demolished.

Much controversy has surrounded the move from historians who feel the current Cyclorama/Visitor Center is an important piece of modern architecture and shouldn't be destroyed, to business owners who are afraid the move will divert visitors from downtown Gettysburg.

There is also the other view, which supports the new developments and considers the new Museum and Visitor Center crucial for many reasons including: the preservation of the Cyclorama, which has become severely damaged over the years in it's original location, as well as the need for a modern facility which can properly display the thousands of artifacts belonging to the Park Service.

Whatever your view, April 14th is quickly approaching and it will be interesting to see what issues (good or bad) arise.

For more information about the new Museum and Visitor Center be sure to visit:

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/rss/s_501731.html
http://www.mission66.com/cyclorama/index.html
http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/index.html
http://www.nps.gov/archive/gett/gettprojects/museum/mus-home.htm

In the loop

2008-03-12T19:58:00.004-04:00

One year ago, many things in my life were different. First, I was working 9 to 5, commuting to Frederick, MD to a job I really liked. My home office was very tidy and served more as a hip sanctuary, where the occasional freelance project would pass. My free time was consumed with the idea of starting and running an informative and beautiful magazine for Adams County, the only place my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and I have called home.

Now, my 9 to 5 job that I really liked has turned into a 7:15 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m.—or sometimes later—livelihood that I love. My office, now cluttered with anything and everything Celebrate Gettysburg, is still a sanctuary, but at times can resemble more of an asylum. Lastly, my free time…what free time?!

We have met so many interesting and wonderful people in the community this first year who also share with me very similar “befores” and “afters,” whether it’s the many business owners who work long hours building their dream or our own talented contributors who choose to pursue a creative outlet through our pages.

We all have a passion and desire to do what we love and what is fulfilling, no matter how much work—or in some cases mess—that’s involved.

Whether Gettysburg is your hometown or your vacation destination, I hope that you enjoy an insiders view into what this great town has to offer!

I will do my best to keep you in loop, with all things Gettysburg.

Celebrate Gettysburg

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a Day of Service

This Pumpkin's Not Meant for Pie: Martin Grenchik's Giant Pumpkin Harvest

Dedication Day, Remembrance Day Activities

Remembering Our Veterans

Seventh Annual Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival set for Sept. 10-11

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Gettysburg's Green Businesses, Internships and More Featured in September/October Issue

Introducing Celebrate Family

GG Best Hotel Winners Omitted

Battle Events

Farnsworth House debuting new attraction this weekend

The PA Road Show in Gettysburg This Weekend

RabbitExpress offering new route from Gettysburg to Harrisburg

New Gettysburg Quarter

December 18

Wire Wrapped Jewelry Class

December 19

Home Wine Making Class

December 20

Look Good, Feel Better

Check out the latest copy of Celebrate Gettysburg, available now!

Upcoming Remembrance Day Events

Celebrate Dining Guide

Chamber Mixer

Upcoming Gettysburg Events

May 29Give It Up For Good SaleGettysburg College Hauser Field House

May 31Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies

June 5-6D-Day Anniversary Weekend

Gettysburg's Greatest

Please cast a vote for at least 10 categories. Ballots with less than this amount will not be counted. Only one nomination per person, please.

Go Red For Women Luncheon

Snow Day in Gettysburg

ShopLocalBuyLocal gets a face-lift

Upcoming local events

Big News!

New Offices

The Wall That Heals

Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival

Upcoming local events

September 4Hauser After Hours— Lively jazz, blues and funk

September 1235th Annual East Berlin Colonial Day

September 13Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra Concert

Shop Local, Buy Local

Busy Bees!

Upcoming local events

Gettysburg has a number of wonderful events taking place in the coming days. For a complete listing visit, http://www.celebrategettysburg.com/localEvents.html

July 24Evening with the Painting

July 25Hauser After Hours

August 3Biggerstaff's Quiz Night

Cher, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin and Jen LeVan

Gettysburg Memorial Day Parade

Composting Class at the Ag Center

Ban the Bras

Sprucing up the window boxes!

Hold Up on the Square

Survivors Fashion Show

Inauguration and Lincoln: A New Birth of Freedom

Ice, Ice, Baby!

New Signage

AIGA's ClockWork event

Politics in Gettysburg

American Kitefliers Association Convention & Grand National Competition

Welcome from Jaime

Spring in Gettysburg

Menallen Friends Meeting and Burial Ground

Irish in Adams County

Gettysburg's Newest Addition

In the loop

May 29
Give It Up For Good Sale
Gettysburg College Hauser Field House

May 31
Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies

June 5-6
D-Day Anniversary Weekend

September 4
Hauser After Hours— Lively jazz, blues and funk

September 12
35th Annual East Berlin Colonial Day

September 13
Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra Concert

July 24
Evening with the Painting

July 25
Hauser After Hours

August 3
Biggerstaff's Quiz Night