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Call to Order:  President Jennie Dillon called the meeting to order at 8:36 AM at Dunlap’s Restaurant. In attendance: Michelle Lenzi, Ruth Dunlap, Marci Bievenour, Gary DeCroes, Marci Cropp, Kathy Gilbert, Debbie Joyner, Dave Kelly, Marcia Wilson. 
 
Minutes, Correspondence & Treasurer’s Report:  The minutes of the February 10, 2022, meeting and the treasurer’s report were approved and correspondence was reported. 
 
Old Business: General Membership Meeting – Jennie announced that the membership meeting had been scheduled for March 23rd, at the Gettysburg Heritage Center from 8:15 AM to 9:30 AM, with a free tour of the museum offered to attendees. Board members were encouraged to attend.
 
Committees:
Advertising and Marketing –Jennie announced that the postcard for the Antique Show had been created and would be printed, to be distributed at member businesses, other antique outlets and to our vendors. It was suggested that they might be given out with the First Friday business cards.

Events: Antique Show - Jennie reported that contracts had been mailed, with 90 responses to date and 13 pending, and that space was extended to the second blocks of York and Baltimore Streets because of new vendors.

She noted that inquiries are on the rise and that extra helpers would be needed for May 21st because of the increased number of vendors.

Christmas – Jennie reported that Ross Brownley would transition the wreath duties to Gettysburg Rental Center.
 
First Friday: Gary reported that team meetings were being held at least once and sometimes twice a month, working forward for themes at least two months out. He noted that in March, the members did what they wanted. Disappointingly, too many closed at 5 or 6 PM, and there were few visitors and walkers. 
    
Gary confirmed that the April 1 First Friday topic would be “Puzzles & Puns” and that cards and flyers would be distributed, and he expressed hope that spring weather would increase activity.
 
Membership: Dave reported the following members had not renewed: Adams County Transit, Fresh Boutique, J&P Winery, Town & Campus Salon, True Friends Boutique and Union Cigar. Gettysburg Pride and Beveled Edge were announced as prospective members.
 
Community Organization News:
Destination Gettysburg – Jennie, Kathy and Debbie planned to attend the membership dinner on March 29th representing GARMA, Gettysburg Day Spa, and the Gettysburg Foundation.
 
Borough – The Human Relations Commission planned to offer a presentation to businesses regarding the Borough’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance. GARMA would disseminate information to members when a public meeting was scheduled. A GARMA article would appear in the Spring/Summer Borough Newsletter. 
 
Arts in Adams – A new committee, headed by Roger Lund, was forming to involve artists, schools, and the community to partner with the Adams County Arts Council for events and activities.
 
Announcements:
Gettysburg Eddie’s – It was announced that the business had been sold.
 
Next Board Meeting – Thursday, April 14, 2022, 8:30 AM, Dunlap’s Restaurant & Bakery, 90 Buford Avenue.
 
Adjournment: 10:42 AM, Marcia Wilson, Acting Secretary  

Date- December 7, 2021 – Historic Gettysburg Pennsylvania:
 
The Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association (GARMA) is announcing that they will be unable to sponsor the 2021 New Year’s Celebration in Gettysburg. In 2019, the Adams County Arts Council announced due to increased costs and fees they weren’t pursuing the event. GARMA was contacted to investigate the possibility of leading the popular New Year’s celebration, but numerous obstacles to planning and performing a successful event have proven too great to overcome for the local organization that represents the Gettysburg area small business community.
 
Lack of sufficient financial support, manpower, time, and safety concerns around the fireworks display are some of the leading roadblocks hindering the planning of the event. GARMAs board comprised of business owners and volunteers with zero paid staff to dedicate to planning such an event also presented challenges. The GARMA leadership regrets the cancellation of this year’s celebration but are hopeful that future celebrations can find the broader community support necessary to organize and run a successful evening of entertainment. GARMA is currently looking for other Gettysburg organizations and individual supporters who are interested in helping plan the 2022 New Year’s Eve celebration.
 
About Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association:
Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association (GARMA) is a membership-based organization comprised of local retail businesses, restaurants, museums, financial institutions and non-profits in the Gettysburg community. GARMA members are located within 5 miles of Lincoln Square, the very center of activities in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. For more than 50 years, the non-profit Association has sponsored, supported and promoted many popular activities, events and organizations within the Gettysburg community. For more information on GARMA activities go to https://www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com/.
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The Adams County Community Foundation’s November 5th Giving Spree is Adams County’s Day of Giving!

Connecting donors to groups and organizations that match their charitable intentions is an important role of the Adams County Community Foundation.

One of the ways we help facilitate that connection is through our annual Giving Spree. At the Giving Spree, everyone in the community is encouraged to learn about nonprofits and support them.
​ACCF Giving Spree - Read More