Gettysburg Strong! I feel I need to say that first and foremost after witnessing how our community has pulled together in the face of adversity. This past year has presented many challenges that we never thought we’d see in our lifetime and I wanted to recognize our strengths and successes.

Shopping has never been quite as different as it has been this year. So many stores have gone above and beyond to make sure customers experienced a safe and secure shopping experience. Just to give you an idea of some of the business initiatives that were taken (regrettably, there isn’t enough room in this column to recognize everyone for all their efforts), True Friends Boutique on Baltimore St. started offering private shopping appointments for customers wishing to avoid any crowds. LeLe B’s Boutique on Carlisle St offered delivery. Some businesses offered curbside and contactless pickup. Stores promoted online shopping with extra incentives. Nerd Herd on York St. offered free shipping on orders over a certain dollar value. A&A Village Treasures on Chambersburg St. offered many online shopping codes for discounted savings.

Restaurants were most definitely challenged this year and their efforts are greatly applauded by all. As said before, there isn’t enough room in this column to name them all, but there were so many ways our restaurants rallied and kept their lights on. Many restaurants offered some sort of outside dining, whether it be on a porch or patio. The Dobbin House and Appalachian Brewing Company, both on Steinwehr, utilized tents in their parking lots and added heaters as the weather turned colder. Takeout orders increased tenfold for many places. Gettysburg Eddie’s added “Order-Pay-Park” as an option where you are able to order and pay for your food online and have them bring it to your car.

Businesses helping businesses. Wade Leedy, owner of Tommy’s Pizza, created a Facebook page called “Gettysburg Takeout” where you could find out what restaurants were offering as far as services. Roger Lund, owner of The Christmas Haus (and Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Citizen of the Year) launched an effort entitled “Adopt a Restaurant” asking people to adopt two restaurants to commit to patronizing for takeout, gift card or merchandise purchases.

Then there was YOU, the people of Gettysburg who pledged to Shop Local and Support Small Business during this critical time. Not saying that many of you didn’t already, but this pandemic heightened awareness of how much our businesses and our town need you. YOU make a difference, no matter how small or large your contribution, YOU make a difference. Thank YOU all.

​Continue to Shop Local and Shop Small Business in the New Year and make a difference in your community – www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com

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

The holiday season is upon us. Everyone has holiday traditions that they’ve either deliberately created or just happened on by chance. One of my traditions is that I have some movies that I must watch during the holidays and would watch all year long if TV permitted. I watch the new standards such as Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, Home Alone and Elf. But I’ve never watched or learned to appreciate the classics.

Friends of mine cannot believe that I haven’t seen White Christmas or It’s A Wonderful Life. So I’ve made a solemn vow that I will watch them this year. But not in the comfort of my own home. I intend to watch these gems on the big screen of the Majestic Theater. The Majestic celebrated her 95th birthday on November 14 and I can’t think of a better way to pay my respects than to see It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas, showing December 12/13 and December 19/20 respectively.

Another event I have to look forward to this holiday season is a Wine and Paint night at the Adams County Arts Council. The subject of paint night, the Gettysburg Christmas Tree. This tree, oh this tree. As the Chairperson of the Christmas Committee for GARMA, I am tasked with scheduling all the activities that occur before, during and after the tree is placed in our center square. Over the last five years the tree has been a great source of joy and headache for me! It’s quite the undertaking to look after this tree. All joking aside, I do truly enjoy my tree duties which is why I can’t wait to paint my rendition of it thanks to the Arts Council.

If you’re interested in starting a new holiday tradition, why not make it a point to donate to Toys for Tots. New, unopened toys are in high demand for area children who may not otherwise receive a gift this Christmas. Nerd Herd on York St. is a Toys for Tots collection spot. You can find fantastic gifts for kids there and also at Purple Piggy on Chambersburg St. So many unique and exciting toys await at these two local favorites.

There are so many things you can do to make the season merry and bright, even during the craziest of times. Enjoy our little town and all that it offers. Make new traditions and continue the old. Shop our local merchants and keep your dollars local. Don’t know what to get someone? Gift certificates always make a great gift. You can purchase store specific gift certificates or let your recipient decide where to spend them by giving a GARMA gift certificate. Our gift certificates can be redeemed at over 60 downtown shops, restaurants, and venues. GARMA gift certificates can be purchased at Artworks on York St., Gettysburg Heritage Center on Steinwehr Ave. and Goin’ Postal at the Outlet Shoppes. For a complete list of where to redeem them, visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.

Stay safe, strong and support each other.

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

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Every year GARMA enjoys bringing the holiday spirit to downtown Gettysburg via our many decorations and celebrations. As we know, 2020 has brought forth some interesting challenges as to how we conduct ourselves in large group situations. With that said, we would like to update everyone as to how we will be handling the holiday season from start to finish.

GARMA will continue the tradition of the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 27 (Black Friday) with some alterations to our regular plans. This year’s tree lighting will be done virtually. We will live stream the event on our Facebook page, thus encouraging people to stay home and celebrate in warmth with family and friends. This live stream will start at 5:45 pm on the 27th and last approximately 25 minutes. During this time we ask families to post pictures on our Facebook page depicting their anticipation of the lighting of the Gettysburg Christmas Tree (#gettysburgvirtualtreelighting). Those who post will win GARMA Gift Certificates that can be spent at over 65 GARMA businesses.

Santa will still come to Gettysburg to light the tree that evening. However, he will not be stopping at his Shanty afterward to greet children and well-wishers. Santa’s Shanty will be brought to its regular spot in the ACNB/Open Minds quadrant of the square. Instead of in-person visits with Santa, we will be encouraging children to drop off their letters to Santa that can be deposited in a mail slot on the Shanty (no postage required). Children will receive a double-sided postcard, with a holiday drawing that can be colored, from Santa acknowledging their letters. Santa will make visits to downtown Gettysburg throughout the season to wave and greet the children at a distance.

Gift Certificates will be awarded throughout the holiday season for Facebook posts and other interactive activities, thus encouraging shoppers to spend this “free money” during the holiday season. This new practice is in lieu of our annual $1000 shopping spree we’ve done in the past which allowed only one winner to be drawn at the end of the holiday season to spend their “free money”.

GARMA has entered into an agreement with the Borough for Free Parking during the holidays. This year will be a bit different. Free parking will be Monday – Thursday from 8am-8pm. Friday – Sunday will be toll parking.

To finish the 2020 holiday season, GARMA has taken over the reins of the Annual New Year’s Eve festivities in downtown Gettysburg. This event, previously put on by the Adams County Arts Council, is proving to be an exciting challenge as we social distance ourselves into 2021. As we will not be encouraging a large gathering, we will be looking at an alternate location to have the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display.

As this year has challenged us all in one way or another, we hope that everyone will continue to thrive, stay safe, forge on and look for a brighter new year. We, the board members of GARMA appreciate your support. We strive for the best in 2021.

For information on all GARMA activities visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.

Jennie Dillon is the VP of GARMA, Christmas Chairperson, and owner of Artworks on York St.

The month of October always ushers in crisp air and beautiful landscapes of changing colors of reds, oranges and greens. Adams County in October traditionally starts with the National Apple Harvest Festival held the first two weekends of the month (just down the road in Thurmont, Color Fest is held). Bus tours would come into Gettysburg all month so people could see our beautiful fall landscapes on the battlefield and around the county.

This October is very different. With events, like the National Apple Harvest Festival being cancelled and bus tours not coming to town, I feel that I crave some sense of normalcy. I’m not one of those pumpkin spice everything people when it comes to my food and drinks, but I do love the colors, the pumpkins, hay bales and scarecrows. Everything that says “Happy Fall Y’all”. I love the inflatable Frankenstein’s in the yard and cobwebs in the trees (I can do without the spiders in the cobwebs though). I love seeing the lights on in neighborhoods for Trick or Treaters. As a kid, Stratton Street was the best for trick or treating in town. There was a house on Water Street that always gave out homemade caramel popcorn balls. If we couldn’t visit any other houses, we at least made sure we visited that one.

So this year I’m decorating. I have always loved decorating for holidays, especially Halloween, but haven’t done any of it for quite a few years. I realize that I can still have a sense of normalcy even when things aren’t so normal. I can still put out pumpkins, hay bales and scarecrows. I can still look out my window and see the leaves changing colors. I can still drive on the battlefield and see the landscape in all its fall glory. I can still have a cup of hot tea while sitting on my back porch talking to my herd of animals (3 dogs, 4 cats – don’t judge me, I volunteer at animals shelters). I can still do so much that I hold near and dear to me.

In this crazy year, don’t forget to still do those things you hold near and dear to you that can still be done. Decorate for the holidays. Turn up the volume when you hear a favorite song come on the radio and sing along. Go to your favorite restaurant for dinner, or order takeout. Do something that makes you smile. Pay it forward when you’re in line at getting your morning coffee. Do something that makes someone else smile. Practice random acts of kindness. We’re all in this crazy boat called 2020 and we need to get through it together.

On a personal note, I struggled with what topic I was going to write about this month. I always write about and promote our wonderful GARMA businesses (www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com) and encourage shopping local. However, I just felt I needed to express myself this one time. Please, everyone stay safe, do what you need to do to get through in these times and yes, shop local and explore our wonderful little town and what all there is to offer.

​Jennie Dillon is the VP of GARMA and owner of Artworks on York St.

Pizza. Sometimes, that’s all that needs to be said. A one word food, a one word statement. Gettysburg has the luxury of having some great pizza places to choose from. Two of these establishments have a rich history in Gettysburg.

When Thomas “Tommy” Kranias first came to America, Ellis Island to be exact, in 1951 he was 21 years old and spoke not a word of English. His Uncle Ernie (I think you know where that story leads) brought him here from Greece to afford him a better way of life. Under Uncle Ernie’s tutelage at the hot dog shop, Tommy was a hard worker, learned to speak and write in English, made many friends and married a local Biglerville gal named Nancy.

Tommy’s Pizza first opened in the former railroad station on North Washington Street, in 1973. I remember that location well. Whether we ate in or carried out, I would gravitate to the jukebox and hope that we had enough time to listen to a few songs. In 1987 Tommy sold the railroad station to the Gettysburg College and moved the operation to its current location at 105 Steinwehr Ave. Ownership passed to Tommy’s daughter Cathy and her husband in 1995. Tommy passed away suddenly in 1999 and ownership has stayed in the family with Tommy’s grandsons, Drew and Wade Leedy, as the current proprietors.

Mamma Ventura became a Gettysburg staple when Carmelo Fazzolari moved to Gettysburg in 1977. He first opened his pizza shop on York Street (currently Starbucks). In 1982 a fire swept through what is now The Gettysburg Hotel, which was used as an apartment building back then, and that structure sat in hollowed ruins for 8 years. The Gettysburg College purchased and restored the building and the grand hotel was operational again in 1990. Having to relocate due to the changes, Carmelo purchased 13 Chambersburg Street and moved the pizza shop to its current location.

What was once a pizza shop then evolved into Mamma Ventura Casual Italian Dining, a more upscale dining experience with authentic Italian cuisine. Carmelo suddenly passed in 2003 and his wife Jackie and daughter Cristina have carried on the family business. The restaurant offers a spacious banquet room for wedding parties, anniversaries, birthdays and other intimate events. Cristina, a graduate of the Cordon Bleu School in Pittsburgh, specializes in the creation of the incredible desserts that are offered.

Two families. Two restaurants. Two dreams. Two Gettysburg traditions. Dine in is offered at both, and if you’re not comfortable with that yet, both offer take out as well. Stay local, shop local and help support family dreams. It’s what helps them become Gettysburg traditions. Visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com for a list of all of our GARMA retailers.

Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA and the owner of Artworks on York St.

Every Sunday night a small group of locals (6-10 of us), including myself, gather at The Swope Manor Bed & Breakfast for an evening of fellowship, fun, laughs and most important of all – exquisite food.

Located at 60 York Street, right in the first block of the square, George Swope purchased the property in 1836 and built the current brick structure you see today. Prior to this, the first structure built on this lot was a log home in 1793 by our town’s founder and namesake James Gettys. Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, in 1860 George added an addition of a half story as well as the ornate trim you see around the roof, windows and entrance today. This building, and the Swope family, have a storied history that you can read about at www.theswopemanor.com. Current owners John and Lori Jumba purchased the property in 2012 and completely remodeled and restored it to what it is today.

Speaking of today, The Swope Manor is much more than a regular Bed & Breakfast. With the addition of Executive Chef Karl Held, John and Lori are happy to announce the opening of “George’s at The Swope” for casual fine dining and take out. Appropriately named after George Swope, “George’s” is a great new addition to the Gettysburg culinary scene. Open for dinner to the public for in-house dining (social distancing dining is provided outside and throughout the house) and curbside take out, “George’s” is open Thursday through Sunday from 4pm until 9pm. Call ahead for reservations and find out what culinary delights are on the menu.

So many of our buildings in town have such a history to them that may not be Civil War related. This month I turn a number in the high 40’s – let’s just leave it at that. I loved how Gettysburg was when I was growing up and how things have changed. I remember the David Wills House being a museum upstairs, but the lower level being a Rea & Derrick, then People’s Drug Store, for a short time CVS and then it was the Antique Center of Gettysburg. I love seeing where new brick and old brick meet, where a window or door may have been. The restoration in this town is beautiful and the revitalization projects have been much needed. Don’t laugh, but a lot of seniors would write in their yearbook that their goal was to “get out of Gettysburg” I didn’t write that, and I’m glad I stayed to see our stories unfold. We’re more than a Civil War town.

​For a complete listing of GARMA members, who just might happen to be in some of these storied older buildings, visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.

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

Some say that you can always count on your friends or family when you need a laugh, a smile, emotional support or financial support. Me? I rely on my pets. They may not be able to give me financial support, but they sure can make me laugh and smile. They’ve helped me through some tough times when maybe I just needed a paw on my arm to remind me that they were there for me. I have 28 possible paws to rest on my arm – yes, that means I have seven pets – three dogs and four cats. There’s plenty of love to spread around with that herd.
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The Lucky Paw, 35 York St., is a great place to shop for your furry friends and reward them for all they do for you. They carry various pet supplies, beds, collars, leashes, toys, foods and treats. The Lucky Paw is also a great place to shop for pet themed gifts, metal and wooden pet related signs made by local Gettysburg artists. The Lucky Paw also supports non-profits such as “Canines for Kids” which is an organization dedicated to training service dogs for disabled children. Prior to March, The Lucky Paw also supported Forever Love Rescue by giving some of their adoptable kitties another place to hang out and meet people. Stop in and visit Stacey, the owner, and see what all this adorable store has to offer and remember to “Like” The Lucky Paw on Facebook so you can keep up to date on all of their products and events.

If you’re in need of a furry friend to lift your spirits, now is a great time to consider Forever Love Rescue at 39 Queen St. Kitten season is upon us and Forever Love Rescue has taken in a lot of homeless kittens in the last few months. However, they have older residents too who are looking for their furever homes. Adoption is the purrfect choice. You are adopting a kitty who has already received its vaccinations and has been spayed or neutered. There is an adoption fee, but it’s a nominal fee considering what the rescue has already spent making sure you are adopting a healthy kitty. You can find their adoptable cats on their website, foreverloverescue.com. If you aren’t able to adopt but still want to help there is a tab on their website called Ways To Help. “Like” Forever Love Rescue on Facebook to see what’s happening at the “kitty corner”.

Now and always, be safe and take good care of yourself. There’s only one of you and you can’t be replaced. Shop Local. Adopt, don’t shop. For upcoming GARMA events, visit our website www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com

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

Reminiscing. I’ve been doing a lot of that lately trying to conjure good memories to get my mind off of the current status of our country. Sometimes I think that reminiscing is the only way that I am going to keep my sanity. So, I started thinking of past Christmas’s. I haven’t personally, put up a Christmas tree since 2006. Sometimes I say “bah humbug” who needs a tree and to deal with the mess that comes with it. Don’t get me wrong, I love decorating for holidays. I have a snowman collection that I used to leave out all year long because they put a smile on my face. I haven’t been doing a lot of smiling lately when I see the news and what is happening all around us. I need to smile again. A lot of us do.

As Gettysburg starts to transition and open for business there is one place that I think I need to go first to make me smile – The Christmas Haus at 13 Baltimore Street. That should get me back in the holiday spirit instead of being such a Grinch! When you walk in The Christmas Haus you are transported to Christmas in Germany (hint, the spelling of Haus vs House). Each year, Roger Lund, owner of The Christmas Haus travels to Germany to work directly with the finest German artisans to bring you the most beautiful handmade items. Whether it be authentic German Nutcrackers, Beer Steins, various handcrafted wood items, mouth-blown glass ornaments or pewter music boxes you are sure to feel the magic of Christmas and Germany in each item. It doesn’t just stop at Christmas. The Christmas Haus also caters to other holidays and events as well. You’re not just buying a product, you’re buying an heirloom for your family to cherish for generations.

It is ironic that I write about being a Grinch since part of my role as a GARMA board member is pulling Christmas together in downtown Gettysburg. Maybe that 32 foot tree that stands in our center square from Black Friday to New Year’s should satisfy my need of getting into the holiday spirit, but with no fuss or muss at home. The tree, the wreaths, Santa and his Shanty and so much more do warm my heart around the holidays. I love the look and feel of Christmas in Gettysburg. I love the shopping experience with so many stores offering so many unique items. The diversity of the shops and restaurants in Gettysburg is abundant. I can’t think of too many reasons to leave our town to satisfy my shopping needs or my palette.

Shop local and support a local business owner’s dream. If you’d like to find out more about what GARMA does in the community and how we support local business and growth, visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.

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

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

I’ve had some time on my hands this last week or so and I’ve been thinking about what I would write. I didn’t want to focus on the current events, I’ll leave that to the evening news. What I do want to talk about is our community and how we can rally around and support each other.

When restaurants were instructed that they could only provide delivery or takeout, no dine in service, our town went into action. Signs were put up in front windows, “Call ahead for delivery or take out”. A local page was started on Facebook, “Gettysburg Takeout”, to get the word out about who was open and who wasn’t. The page was created on March 26, 2020 and already has over 1,700 members. I started to hear more people say that they really wanted to support the local businesses that have stayed open. This is just one of the ways that our community shines bright.

Since this has all taken place, I have started to really explore the local eateries. I had my first Chopped Beef Cheesesteak from Hunt’s Battlefield Fries and it was amazing. I’ve heard so many people rave about this place so I had to see what all the fuss was. Now, I truly understand the fuss. Great service and great food. One of the best combinations ever. Craig and Lisa at The Gettysburger Company never disappoint. They have fantastic burgers and I was able to order my favorite “Apple Burger” to go. I ordered from Ernie’s Texas Lunch. Typically, I have to eat my “2 with” at Ernie’s. So it was a bit strange to be handed a brown bag and have to eat them somewhere else. But once I took a bite I didn’t care where I was, I had my “2 with” and was happy.

The hardest thing for me is seeing the streets empty and the shops all closed. It all seems dark and dreary, especially to a business owner of one of these shops. So as I was driving down York St. the other week I saw something taped to my window at Artworks. First I thought, “oh no, what is this”. So I took another drive and parked. I had this big, beautiful, purple heart taped to my window. On it was “Gettysburg Loves Artworks”. Actually “loves” was drawn as a heart. I started looking around and I am seeing these hearts in different colors with the same sentiment for each business. I was to find out that a borough resident named Sarah Pearce was responsible for this. Seeing these hearts around town have made me smile and appreciate living and working in such a wonderful community.

As I write this we are still in the middle of our shutdown. Not being open has crippled a lot of local businesses. Many wonder if they can survive and thrive once open. Now more than ever we need to rally the troops and show our support. Shop local, eat local. It’s going to be a long road to recovery, if some of us can recover. Show your support. Go to www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com and see a compiled listing of most the shops and eateries in Gettysburg.

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