There are still many ways to keep in touch

​There are still many ways to keep in touch

This is certainly a crazy and trying time in which we live. That said, it’s also a very innovative time. I’m a little old school about social media and keeping connected with the latest apps and trends. I don’t do Snapchat. I rarely get on Instagram. I’m old school Facebook, texting and facetiming on my phone. However, I’m so intrigued and impressed with new ways that people are using to stay connected.

Chad-Alan Carr, Founding Executive and Artistic Director at Gettysburg Community Theatre is staying connected. He and his theatre family have managed to make me SMILE through this pandemic by using SMULE. Smule is “The Singing Social App” which allows you to sing karaoke alone or with a group of friends and share on social media. I watched a great group of performers from the theatre sing “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway musical RENT. It was great to see everyone together on one screen (each person is featured in an individual frame as they’re not all physically together), singing a beautiful song and spreading a lot of joy. I just may get up the courage to sing and share sometime, too.

In the midst of this all, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th. Whether you’re celebrating Mom, Grandma, an Aunt or other loved one, remember that a lot of our shops in town are open, whether it be by online ordering or curbside pickup. Guys, there’s no excuses to not buy your wife or mom a present! Gift Cards are also a great idea and are still a way to support our local businesses. There are so many beautiful shops downtown to choose from – A&A Village Treasures, Fresh Boutique, Lord Nelson’s, Gallery 30, Artworks, Lark, True Friends, LeLe B’s, Body & Soul Silversmith, Codori’s, Martin’s Family Shoes, The Lucky Paw, Redbud House, and more. Call or visit websites and Facebook pages to see how each business is operating during this time.

Many restaurants are still offering take-out or delivery. Treat your loved one on Mother’s Day weekend to lunch or dinner from Blue & Gray, Garryowen Irish Pub, Mamma Ventura, The Gettysburger, ABC on Steinwehr, Dunlap’s Restaurant, The Livery at Herr Ridge and our newest GARMA member, The Swope Manor on York St. Again, call or visit websites and Facebook pages for more information.

May is also when GARMA holds the Spring Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show. This year we will be postponing the show to June 13 provided sanctions have been lifted – we have our fingers tightly crossed. We look forward to seeing our vendors and patrons on June 13. Let’s hope all is well and we have a beautiful day for it. For updates on GARMA member businesses and activities, visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Be Safe!

​Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, owner of Artworks on York St and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center

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