Shop Brick and Mortar Stores This SeasonIt’s November. A lot of people have already started the countdowns of how many days and weeks until Christmas. Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. November holds some great holidays and traditions that shouldn’t be overlooked.
November 19th is an historical day for Gettysburg. On this hallowed ground, 156 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln delivered The Gettysburg Address. A speech consisting of a mere 271 words that only took two minutes to deliver has become one of the best known speeches in American history. When Lincoln said “four score and seven years ago” he was referring to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. If you do the math, a ‘score’ is 20 years. Four score and seven years is 87 years. Gettysburg attorney David Wills wrote to the President inviting him to the dedication ceremonies and asked that Lincoln give “a few appropriate remarks” after the Oration by Edward Everett. It was Everett’s two-hour, 13,607 word oration that was slated to be the “Gettysburg Address”. What a difference two minutes can make. With a “few appropriate remarks” Lincoln was able to summarize his view of the war in just ten sentences. Because of those 271 words, those two minutes, those ten sentences, every November 19th Gettysburg celebrates Dedication Day in the National Cemetery. This year’s guest speaker is award winning presidential historian Michael Beschloss. The following Saturday will be the Remembrance Day parade. It’s such a beautiful weekend throughout the battlefield as people place beautiful flower arrangements at the various monuments. We remember President Lincoln for his time and words in Gettysburg. However we should also remember him as the president who, by a presidential proclamation in 1863, called for a national Thanksgiving to be the final Thursday in November. In 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt changed the date of Thanksgiving to be the next to last Thursday in November, for business reasons. Then in 1941, FDR changed the date to the fourth Thursday in November. No matter what Thursday in November the holiday falls, there is one thing that is certain – the Friday after is “Black Friday”. The day after Thanksgiving has been thought of as the beginning of America’s shopping season since 1952. The term “Black Friday” didn’t come into use until more recent decades. In Gettysburg the day after Thanksgiving is also the official kickoff to Christmas in Gettysburg. For over 30 years the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association (GARMA) has been the proprietor of Christmas in Gettysburg. GARMA owns and houses the town Christmas Tree, wreaths, banners and Santa’s Shanty. The day after Thanksgiving GARMA brings Christmas to Gettysburg with the annual lighting of the Gettysburg Christmas Tree. This year, Friday, November 29, the square will be blocked from 5:30pm – 7pm so all can safely enjoy the festivities. Santa will arrive and light the tree at 6pm and then walk to his Shanty and open it to greet all the girls and boys (four legged friends are welcome also). Holiday music will be playing through the streets courtesy of Ultimix DJ’s. One Lincoln and Blue & Gray Bar and Grill will be open serving warm, tasty food. The Gettysburg Hotel will graciously be serving free hot chocolate from 5:30pm – 6pm. The David Wills House will be open and admission is free that evening. Many GARMA members will be open later hours that evening. This is such a wonderful family friendly event that has become a great tradition for Gettysburg. Another tradition that has been in place since 2010 is Small Business Saturday. This is always the Saturday after Thanksgiving. American Express first coined this phrase and came up with the idea of Small Business Saturday to encourage people to shop at brick and mortar stores that are small and local. This is in contrast to Black Friday and Cyber Monday which primarily encourage on-line sales luring shoppers with incredible deals. Gettysburg is still a small town where the merchants rely on the locals to sustain them year round, especially during the winter season. There are so many wonderful shops and eateries in Gettysburg that there’s really no need to leave town to get your shopping done. Chambersburg St. boasts A&A Village Treasures, The Spirited Ladies, Fresh Boutique, Adams County Winery and Lord Nelson’s for shopping and The Gettysburger, Mamma Ventura’s and Ernies for lunch or dinner. York St. offers Gallery 30, Artworks, NerdHerd and Codori’s on the corner with dining at El Costeno or The Upper Crust. Baltimore St. has True Friend’s Boutique, The Christmas Haus, Union Cigar Club, Martin’s Family Shoes, Red Bud House and J&P Winery for shopping and Blue & Gray Bar and Grill for lunch or dinner. Don’t forget Lark and One Lincoln tucked in their corners of the square. Those are just your downtown brick and mortar’s that you can support on Small Business Saturday and year round. GARMA has many other members to shop that are within 5 short miles from downtown Gettysburg. For a complete list of GARMA members visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Shopping local is the responsible thing to do. Promote our town, promote our businesses and be proud to say you bought it in Gettysburg. Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, owner of Artworks on York St. and the Office & Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center. The Beauty of Adams CountyWhen I think of October I think about the leaves on the trees changing colors, the crisp smell of the morning air, fall festivals, apples and pumpkins. Adams County certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to all of those things. The first two weekends of October host the National Apple Harvest Festival held at the South Mountain Fairgrounds above Arendtsville. There you’ll find a diverse gathering of vendors selling the latest gift ideas, hand-crafted items and homemade foods. Every Saturday in October you can also visit the Adams County Farmers Market located on Carlisle St. at the Gettysburg Transit Center. You will be sure to find an abundance of fresh, homegrown produce and can shop knowing that you’ve supported the local farming community of Adams County.
October has also become a busy wedding month for the Gettysburg area. Traditionally, May and June were the most popular months for weddings. However, with the beauty of the natural backdrop the fall provides, October has been increasingly popular with brides. Gettysburg itself has become known as a “Destination Wedding” location. Couples from all over choose to wed in Gettysburg, whether it’s because of the beauty of the area or because it’s a central location to all parties. Barn weddings have been the trend for the last few years. It’s quaint to get married in an old, rustic barn with all of the creaks of the wood and ambiance of the setting. Barn venues such as Battlefield Bed & Breakfast, Beech Springs Farm, Rock Creek Farm, Wilson’s Bittersweet Barn and The Barn at Herr Ridge are just some of the places to choose from. If you’re not interested in a barn, but would rather have an outside tent wedding, contact Gettysburg Rental Center. For almost 40 years they have catered to the needs of brides on their special day. Fall is a great time to get out of the house and walk the town and see it for all its beauty. There are plenty of walking tours available that will get you plenty of exercise. The United Lutheran Seminary offers a “Sunset at The Seminary” walking tour that meets at the Seminary Ridge Museum. The tour examines an aspect of the fighting before, during and after the battle with a special focus on the people who lived and fought here. There is no charge, however donations are appreciated. As you’re walking down Steinwehr Ave., you can enjoy a free guided tour of the Dobbin House and learn how the occupants lived during the 18th and 19th centuries. Further down Steinwehr Ave. stop at the Gettysburg Heritage Center for “Night at the Museum, 1863”. You will hear first person accounts of the battle and stories of how those who struggled and survived were able to rebuild and carry on. Other walks about town include the Historic Downtown Food Tour where you can eat your way through Gettysburg and the Grape Escape Walking Wine Tour where you can discover the local food and wine scene. This month wouldn’t be complete without something said about Halloween and the Annual Gettysburg Halloween Parade held October 22 (rain date is the 23rd) graciously sponsored by the Gettysburg Eagles, F.O.E. 1562. Gather along the parade route to see the hard work that everyone has put into their floats and routines to make this parade one of Gettysburg’s best. As the month comes to a close don’t miss out on a great production of The Rocky Horror Show Live, put on by the Gettysburg Community Theatre. This is the 5th annual production of the 1975 pop art rock opera. As the show says, “Don’t Dream It, Be It”. Costumes and audience participation are encouraged. Be a part of a live, spectacular show. For more information on events around the area you can visit GARMA’s website at www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Remember, breathe in and breathe out and take in the beauty that is Gettysburg, Adams County. Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, the owner of Artworks on 30 York St., and the Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center. Celebrate Those Who Celebrate YouIt always seems that there’s an event or holiday to celebrate each month. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or National Pancake Day, we have all kinds of things we can celebrate. September doesn’t have many holidays and if you were to ask someone to name a holiday in September they’d most likely answer with Labor Day. However, little may know of, or celebrate, September’s other holiday – National Grandparent’s Day.
So how did this national holiday come to be? It started with a 9 year old boy writing a letter to President Nixon in 1969 suggesting that a day be set aside for Grandparents. Unfortunately, the President didn’t agree. However, President Carter did. On August 3, 1978, President Carter signed the proclamation that the first Sunday after Labor Day was to be declared National Grandparent’s Day. The statute cites the day's purpose: "...to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer". The flower chosen to represent this day is the Forget-Me-Not but seasonal flowers are also a popular choice to give. What gifts could you give for Grandparent’s Day? It’s always easy to buy a greeting card, but flowers are great too. Whether it’s Forget-Me-Nots or seasonal flowers, The Flower Boutique on N. Washington St. can certainly help you with choosing just the right arrangement. Gift cards are also great gifts because Grandma and Grandpa can use them at their leisure. Let’s start with a day to celebrate Grandma. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so take her to Ragged Edge Coffee Shop on Chambersburg St. for some of Pat’s homemade treats and a great coffee. Grandma could certainly use some pampering with a pedicure or manicure at Gettysburg Day Spa, housed in the old Gettysburg Country Club building on the Chambersburg Rd. Splurge a little extra and give her the gift of a massage, too. She’s sure to appreciate all that pampering. Grandma will certainly want to show off her manicure when you treat her to lunch at the Dobbin House on Steinwehr Ave. Whether eating upstairs or downstairs in the tavern, the food is delicious (my personal favorite is their French Onion soup). With a great breakfast and lunch, now it’s time to explore the streets of Gettysburg (and walk off all that great food). Women love shoes. At least that’s what people say, and believe me, I do love shoe shopping. Stop at Martin’s Family Shoes on Baltimore St. They have a great variety of shoes to keep your feet healthy and happy. Clark’s, New Balance and Merrell are just a few of their choices. While you’re on Baltimore St. stop in True Friends Boutique and choose from beautiful beads, scarves and bags. Another ‘do not miss’ shop is The Spirited Ladies on Chambersburg St. They have a beautiful selection of jewelry and ladies tops. Now on to celebrating Grandpa. After a great breakfast at One Lincoln adjacent to the Gettysburg Hotel on Lincoln Square, Grandpa would probably appreciate a haircut at Town & Campus on Carlisle St. Stop and pick out an aromatic stogie at Union Cigar Club on Baltimore St. and sit for a while out front and watch the traffic pass by. A hardy lunch and glass of Smithwick’s Red Irish Ale at Garryowen Irish Pub is a perfect way to treat Grandpa on his special day. What a whirlwind day of celebrating those truly special people in your life - your grandparents. There are so many places to take them in this historic little ‘burg. Gettysburg has so much to offer not only the tourists, but especially the locals. You live here, work here and shop here. We truly do appreciate you. For a complete listing of GARMA businesses visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, owner of Artworks on York St. and Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center. Back In The Summer of ‘69It was August 15, 1969 when thousands of people converged on a 600 acre farm near Bethel, NY to take part in a musical festival that was billed as “3 Days of Peace & Music”. We now refer to this event by its common name – Woodstock. On this 50th anniversary of what has been called ‘a pivotal moment in music history’, it’s a time to look back and think of where we were then and where we are now. Think about standing in that massive crowd, that reached up to 400,000 people at the pinnacle of the festival, and wondering how on earth you would’ve found someone you were separated from without having a cell phone to call or text them. In 1969 the word text was a noun, not a verb. It’s hard sometimes to think about what we have now that we didn’t have then and wonder how we ever got by.
Gettysburg has witnessed much change since 1969. I was looking at a 1969 GHS yearbook and was saddened at the names of businesses who advertised that are no longer in existence. However, I was excited to see familiar names like Kennie’s Market, Ernie’s Texas Lunch, Town & Campus, Reddings Hardware, to name a few, that are all still here. 50 years later and these businesses are still going strong. What a great testament to these businesses and to our community for continuing to patronize and support them. I started looking at the addresses of the businesses that were no longer around and thinking about what is there now. I must say that it’s impressive how much Gettysburg has grown in 50 years, especially culturally. What was once a Pontiac car dealership at 125 S. Washington St. is now home to our treasured Adams County Arts Council. Not only does ACAC offer culinary, dance, art and photography classes, you can also rent their reception hall to hold your next performance or community event. The Elks was a member’s only social club at 49 York St. that has been transformed into the Gettysburg Community Theatre. Their moniker ‘Find Your Stage Door and Open It’ encourages all ages to try their hand at acting, singing and dancing. You may discover a talent you never knew you had. One of the other familiar addresses in those old advertisements is 90 Buford Ave. What was Glenn’s Diner has now been home to Dunlap’s Restaurant for 20 years. Just as I’m sure it was 50 years ago, you can walk into Dunlap’s any morning and see a row of ‘regulars’ sitting at the counter, enjoying a good cup of coffee and discussing what’s happening in Gettysburg and the world today. With so many changes in the past 50 years globally, it’s nice to reminisce about the changes that have happened locally. In 1969 you could purchase your ‘Spring Coats and Wool Suits’ at Tobey’s on Baltimore St. or put your dress on layaway at the Carol Ann Shoppe. In 2019 you can purchase name brand fashions at shops like Fresh Boutique on Chambersburg St. or Rosie’s Collection on Steinwehr Ave. Dinner at The Plaza is now dinner at The Blue & Gray. Lunch at the Varsity Diner is now lunch at the Lincoln Diner. And I’d certainly be remiss if I didn’t mention my own location, 30 York St. The original home of Redding’s Hardware and Gallery 30, and now home to my store, Artworks. A variety of ‘unique finds’ await you at Artworks varying from handbags, candles, metal works, Fair Trade items and local art. So many changes, but so much great shopping and dining in downtown Gettysburg. I’d love to put this article in a time capsule to be opened in 50 years so the next generations can see what this big, little town had to offer. I can only wish us all the best and hope that the names I mentioned above are still here in 2069. Promote small business in Gettysburg - visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, Owner of Artworks on 30 York St., and Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center A Little Old, A Little NewThe Gettysburg Times has resurrected and brought new life to a column I loved to read a few years back called “Getting To Know…”. This column introduces you to some of the faces in our community. One of the questions asked is “What event would you have liked to have witnessed in history?”. That question resonated with me because our community has the good fortune to witness history every year with the reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg. Those first few days in July were one of the most significant, poignant moments in this country’s history. Reenactors and living historians dedicate their time and knowledge for us; to teach us what we have only heard about, read about, but have not seen. It is imperative that this generation, and those to come, understand what has made us the “Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave”.
However, as I mentioned in last month’s article, Gettysburg is more than just a battlefield town. Did you know that a Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher called Gettysburg his home? Edward S. Plank, known affectionately as “Gettysburg Eddie” was born on a farm near Gettysburg in August 1875, just 12 years after the battle. Eddie was one of the best left-handed pitchers ever in the major leagues. Gettysburg area resident Bill Wills chose to remember Eddie Plank with a restaurant bearing his nickname. Adorning the walls are many pictures of the pitcher. Bill also sponsors the 19th Century Baseball Festival where vintage baseball comes to life. Vintage uniforms and 19th Century rules come to the 21st century and Gettysburg July 19-21. July 11-14 brings a massive convergence of motorcyclists and enthusiasts from all over the country to Gettysburg for the 18th annual “Gettysburg Bike Week”. There are many activities to experience such as tattoo events, live music, field events, fireworks and much more. New this year is the 2019 Harley Davidson Demo Experience. Test ride your dream bike. If you don’t find your dream bike there, venture out east of town to Battlefield Harley Davidson. Join them July 10 for their “Kick-Off to Bike Week” event. Let’s not forget the Parade of Chrome that takes place through historic Gettysburg Saturday evening starting at 5pm. A great way to show off your motorcycle wares. If you still would like to experience some history while in town, step into many of the beautiful stores and restaurants. Many of these buildings were here during the Battle of Gettysburg, some designated with plaques. While admiring the beautiful exteriors of these buildings, step inside to admire the interiors. Original, exposed brick walls, creaky hardware floors, great food and great shopping await you. Business owners are also making vast improvements to properties in the downtown. Roger Lund has beautifully restored the façade of 13 Baltimore St., once a hardware store, into The Christmas Haus where you can find many handmade, handpicked ornaments from Germany. Most of us remember 19 York St. as the home of the Moose Lodge for many years. Most would agree that it wasn’t the most attractive building in town. After a lengthy renovation project inside and out, it is now home to The Upper Crust, a wood-fire pizza restaurant using fresh, local ingredients. Owner, Linda Atiyeh envisioned a fun, family friendly atmosphere with great food and great spirits. A welcome addition to our downtown. GARMA is an advocate of small business and shopping local. One way that we promote local shopping is with GARMA Gift Certificates. These are purchasable at Artworks, Gettysburg Heritage Center and Goin’ Postal. You can redeem your gift certificates at participating GARMA businesses. For a complete listing of GARMA businesses visit our website, www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Jennie Dillon is the owner of Artworks on York St. and Vice President of GARMA Summer Fun In GettysburgGettysburg is a tourist town. I’ve heard that statement all my life and it really bothers me. Gettysburg is more than JUST a tourist town. Yes, we all are aware of what happened here July 1-3, 1863, but we are so much more. As a born and bred local I’ve heard the stories, been on the battlefield and have ample knowledge of the battle. So what else is there to do in Gettysburg?
June is filled with so many great things to see and do in our historic town that don’t necessarily focus around the battle. Gettysburg, and Adams County, is becoming known not just for our apples, but also for our wineries. Many of the wineries have events held at their farm or downtown locations. If you want to visit the wineries but would like to leave the driving to someone else, contact the Gettysburg Tour Center and take the Adams County Pour Tour. This tour will take you to the countryside to see the wineries and their vineyards or downtown to visit the many retail wine shops. If wine isn’t your thing, then take a downtown Food Tour (because everybody has to eat, right?). Experience the culinary delights that only Gettysburg has to offer. So now you’ve had plenty to eat and drink, so why not catch a movie? The Majestic Theatre offers wonderful entertainment year round including their lineup of Summer Movie Classics. If you want to experience local talent at its best, then spend an evening taking in a play at the Gettysburg Community Theatre. If you’re interested in art, want to learn how to cook, paint, or learn the fundamentals of belly dance (yes, I just said belly dance) then you need to visit the Adams County Arts Council. Do you enjoy reading? Renew your library card, or sign up for one, and visit the Adams County Library. However, the library does more than just house books. Join them in June for their annual Fun Fest that takes place at the Gettysburg Area Rec Park. If you’re looking to spend a beautiful, peaceful evening in Gettysburg then you must attend an evening of 100 Nights of Taps. Brought to you by The Lincoln Fellowship of PA, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Taps for Veterans this incredible event is held every day at 7pm at the Soldier’s National Monument in the Gettysburg National Cemetery. As locals, we have the privilege and honor to listen to this beautiful memorial to “these honored dead…for which they gave the last full measure of devotion” every evening through September 2nd. As always, GARMA presents First Friday, Gettysburg Style every month. June 7 is the date to be downtown to experience all of the fun filled shopping and surprises that many local GARMA merchants are planning. June’s theme is all about being eco-friendly and recycling. The phrase “think globally, act locally” is practiced by some of our local businesses. Gettysburg Day Spa, Gettysburg Eddies, and Battlefield Bed & Breakfast are just a few who are “green”. Most businesses will proudly advertise as such on their websites or in store. To see what GARMA members are doing for First Friday visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Hopefully, this helps you plan some fun filled summer days. Jennie Dillon is the owner of Artworks on York St. and Vice President of GARMA Gettysburg Antiquing…GARMA style“Wow…that looks old, it must be an antique.” We hear that said a lot these days, especially because of the popularity of shows such as Antiques Road Show and American Pickers. Well, here’s your chance to attend Gettysburg’s own Antiques Road Show where you can become an American Picker. More than 120 antique dealers and collectors from all over the country will converge on Gettysburg on May 18 for the 52nd annual Gettysburg Spring Outdoor Antique Show.
So what constitutes an antique? The common definition of antique is a collectible object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has a high value because of its considerable age. The customary definition requires that an item should be at least 100 years old and in original condition (motor vehicles are an exception to the 100 year rule). So now we know what qualifies something to be an antique. Now you’re ready to go antiquing. Antiquing is the act of shopping, identifying, negotiating, or bargaining for antiques. Some great sources for antiquing are Estate Sales, Antique Districts, Auction Houses, Yard Sales and Outdoor Antique Shows like ours! However, antiquing also has a secondary definition which is the craft of making an object appear antique through distressing or using antique-looking paint applications. Often, people can get confused between handmade distressed vintage or modern items and true antiques. The last thing you want to do is find yourself paying a high amount of money for something that has little value in the antiquing industry. So what antiques might you find in downtown Gettysburg on May 18? The Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show is a “buyers and sellers” paradise with high quality antiques and collectibles. Items range from Depression-Era glass, bottles, holiday collectibles, coins, dolls, postcards, old toys, crocks, tools, furniture, knives and much more. There are also stores in town that handle antiques year round; Union Drummer Boy (a GARMA member), The Horse Soldier, The Antique Center of Gettysburg and Rebels Roost Antiques to name a few. Don’t forget to not only shop the vendors on the streets, but also the brick and mortar shops. You never know what treasure you might find when shopping the streets of Gettysburg. That item you buy today might just become an antique you want to pass down to the next generation. If you don’t find what you’re looking for this Spring, have no worries. The Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show is a bi-annual event occurring again in the fall. The event is always the third Saturday of May and September. Proceeds from the Antique Show help GARMA provide Christmas In Gettysburg and the Annual Tree Lighting Event held the day after Thanksgiving. For more questions about the Outdoor Antique Show visit us at www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. ~Jennie Dillon is the owner of Artworks on York St. and Vice President of GARMA. Giving to a Good Cause“Would you like to donate to…?”, “It’s a really great cause…”, “Your donation is tax deductible…”.
It always seems that at every corner you turn, someone is asking you to donate toward something. When you donate, think about where your donation is going and how it may be utilized to its best possible means. Donating doesn’t always have to be a monetary gesture. Visit the website of the charity you wish to donate to and see if they have a “Wish List” that will guide you as to what their needs may be. Each month GARMA will be collecting for local charities as part of our First Friday, Gettysburg Style events. We encourage you to visit the website of the non-profit(s) we are supporting and see how you can help. April 5 is First Friday, Gettysburg Style and our local non-profit beneficiaries are Forever Love Rescue (a new GARMA member!) and Adams County SPCA. After visiting their websites and looking at pictures of all those furry friends, you may just decide that volunteering is the way you want to donate. However, if volunteering isn’t in your schedule, you can drop off donations for both rescues on April 5 or throughout the month of April at participating GARMA First Friday, Gettysburg Style businesses (visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com to see a complete list). Now that we’ve asked you to donate, let me tell you how GARMA donates back to the community starting with the Downtown Flower Project that is supported by the Gettysburg Garden Club. This will be the first year that GARMA is donating to the cost of watering and maintaining the beautiful flowered hanging baskets you will see throughout the town very soon. This is the second year that GARMA is donating a monetary contribution to help fund the expenses of the annual Gettysburg Memorial Day parade being held on May 27 at 2pm. Last, but not least GARMA starts the holiday season with the annual Gettysburg Tree Lighting Ceremony. Through donations from all over the country GARMA was able to purchase the current Christmas tree and can continue purchasing wreaths and other decorations to enhance Gettysburg’s holiday season. We are always looking for constructive ways to donate back to the community. So again, it may get tiring getting phone calls and letters asking for donations. Just remember, if you are interested in donating to any cause do some research to see where the money is going and how it’s being used. Try your best to donate local so you know that your funds, or your volunteer efforts, are supporting the Gettysburg community. In other news, GARMA would like to welcome new members: Forever Love Rescue, 39 Queen St., Total Tech Solutions, 670 Johns Ave., and Horse Tours of Gettysburg, 11 Lincoln Square. If you are interested in becoming a GARMA member visit our website and fill out and mail the membership application. And, don’t forget that GARMA gift certificates make great gifts. Visit us online to see where you can purchase and redeem your gift certificates. -Jennie Dillon is the owner of Artworks, 30 York St., and the Vice President of GARMA March GARMA ArticleThe Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association is getting a much needed makeover in 2019. First, we want to make sure that everyone knows what GARMA stands for, and I don’t mean from just an acronym perspective. GARMA has been a champion of local retail businesses for over 45 years. Our goal has always been to work together as an association of businesses that strengthens our reach within and beyond our community.
So, on to the makeover! The first course of action has been to create a vibrant, informative, relevant, user friendly website (www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com). Whether you’re local or from out of town, you can now check our new Calendar of Events to see what activities GARMA and its Membership are hosting or participating in. And speaking of Membership, click on the “Members” tab on our home page for a list of all GARMA members AND their locations on our interactive map. Click on a member’s name and you are automatically sent to their website! Members also now have the ability to create posts on our “Member News” page. Our next mission was to take a look at First Friday, Gettysburg Style and see how we could have a bit more fun with this already fun occasion. Traditionally, First Friday, Gettysburg Style has had a theme each month that all of our participating businesses expound upon. Retiring some of the old themes (we all know that everyone goes Back to School in August) gives way for new fun ones (Woodstock. August. 1969. Feelin’ Groovy. Just sayin’). By clicking on the “First Friday” tab on our home page you can click the LOGO of each participating business to see how they’re celebrating First Friday, Gettysburg Style. In addition to having fun, we’re focusing on “Giving Back to GettysBurg” by tying each First Friday, Gettysburg Style theme to a local Non-Profit. Shop Local. Support Local. Give Local. A few things to remember – GARMA Gift Certificates make great gifts all year round. What a great way to promote shopping our local, small businesses. Gift Certificates can be redeemed at almost all GARMA businesses and are purchasable at Artworks, 30 York St., Gettysburg Heritage Center, 297 Steinwehr Ave., and Goin’ Postal, Gettysburg Outlets. April 5 is our next First Friday, Gettysburg Style and it’s all about those four-footed critters that can eat us out of house and home…our pets! Visit our website to see what our members are doing for this fun night out. It should be a howling good time (did I really just say that?). Our Non-Profit beneficiaries will be our local pet rescues; Forever Love Rescue and Adams County SPCA. In Memoriam: We say goodbye to our friend Ron Routson who passed away on February 26. Ron worked for Kapp Advertising (The Merchandiser) for over 11 years and served on GARMA’s Board of Directors for over 7 years serving as our Membership chairperson and lastly as Vice President. If you never met Ron, you probably saw him somewhere on the streets of Gettysburg or in a local business and didn’t know it (as he liked to say “I’m the guy that looks like Cal Ripken”). Ron has touched so many people in this community by volunteering his time and energy, lending an ear or sound advice to anyone who needed. Ron was an asset to this community, our GARMA board and Membership, and to all who knew him. (Writer’s Note: Ron, I wish I had taken you up on that offer to buy me a beer. I’m sure there would have been no lack of conversation.) ~ Jennie Dillon is the owner of Artworks on York St. and Vice President of GARMA |
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