Community MediaCelebrating Community

Hanover, PA – Little Fox Coffee & Books is proud to announce the launch of the Downtown Hanover First Friday Art Walk, a new monthly event celebrating the rich artistic talent of the Hanover area. The inaugural walk will take place Friday, August 1st, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in downtown Hanover, and will continue on the first Friday of every month. This free, family-friendly event invites the community to explore downtown businesses transformed into gallery spaces, meet artists, and enjoy a vibrant evening of culture and connection.

The Art Walk is being organized by Little Fox Coffee & Books, who wanted to bring something new and meaningful to the area. “We are so excited to connect with other local art lovers and to bring more culture to the downtown arts area, as well as give more platforms and opportunities for our local artists to share their work with the community,” says Kiki Page, co-owner of Little Fox. “This is about building a creative, welcoming space for everyone. The hope is to build momentum each month, eventually turning First Fridays into a beloved Hanover tradition. We hope to help downtown Hanover feel a little more and more like the small town of Stars Hollow where you can stroll downtown with a coffee and enjoy the quaintness of the downtown shops and spaces.”

The first walk will feature five downtown stops with a wide array of artistic experiences. Little Fox Coffee & Books (125 Broadway) will be showing the work of Danielle Redden, a Hanover-based multi-disciplinary artist and art historian whose work spans printmaking, painting, and handcrafted gourd lamps. The Hanover Area Arts Guild (32 Carlisle Street) will host a “Meet the Artist” event with painter of primitives Tim Gasper, alongside an “Artist Attic” fundraiser where guests can take home member-contributed art in exchange for donations to scholarships or classroom materials. The Gallery at The Old Post Office (141 Broadway) will present a group exhibition on the theme of “sustenance,” featuring regional artists such as Dixie Brillhart, Matt Sheaffer, and Margaret Ramage. Additionally, The Serpent’s Key (28 Carlisle Street) will feature work by local artist Kayla Medina.

This monthly series aims to grow into a cornerstone of Hanover’s cultural scene, with a rotating lineup of artists and participating venues each month. Businesses interested in joining as future hosts, and artists looking for a platform to share their work, are encouraged to reach out directly to the Little Fox Coffee & Books or the participating businesses.

The First Friday Art Walk is free and open to the public. No tickets are required—just come downtown and enjoy an evening filled with art, creativity, and community spirit. For more information about First Friday Art Walk in Hanover, email Little Fox Coffee & Books at hello@littlefoxbooks.co.

About Little Fox Coffee & Books

Set in a 1847 church, Little Fox Coffee & Books is a cozy bookshop that offers espresso drinks, matcha, and teas with housemade syrups. Add a gluten-free waffle, a vegan toastie, or a local sourdough chocolate chip bagel. Browse a curated collection of new releases with a focus on BIPOC and queer books or go treasure hunting through our used books in the loft. Open late Wednesday through Saturday, check the calendar for their community-driven events and book clubs!

Hanover, PA – The Mason Dixon Chapter of the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.) of Pennsylvania is donating $50,000 to several York County charitable organizations as part of its annual “Christmas in July – Christmas for Kids in York County” campaign.

On July 15, 2025, the chapter presented Olivia’s House, a grief and loss center for children, with a $10,000 donation during a special event held at their Hanover location, 101 Baltimore Street.

Michelle Fox, Development Director at Olivia’s House, shared her gratitude for the donation, saying: “This donation to our organization means the world to us. We are an independent non-profit, so all of the dollars that we raise go directly to supporting our no-cost grief education programs. All of the hard work that A.B.A.T.E. puts into doing their fundraisers year-round and supporting our mission goes directly to supporting all of those bereaved families who are walking through our doors. We are very grateful for their courageousness of reaching out to us in their time of need after the loss of a family member. With A.B.A.T.E. and all of their efforts, it is securing that the doors stay open and the lights stay on for all of the families that come through our doors.”

This event is one of several recent charitable efforts by the biker advocacy group. On June 7, 2025, the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry received a $10,000 donation during a community gathering at Goofy’s Eatery & Spirits in Spring Grove.

The remaining $30,000 in donations will be distributed on July 26, 2025, to three additional York County nonprofits:

Leg Up Farm – 4880 N Sherman St Ext, Mt. Wolf, PA

Big Brothers Big Sisters of York & Adams County – 227 W Market St, York, PA

Equiteam Support Services – 1200 S Pleasant Ave, Dallastown, PA

Each organization will receive $10,000 to support their missions of helping children and families in the region.

For more information about The Mason Dixon Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/abatepachapter57

Gettysburg, PA – Yesterday, area nonprofit organizations from across Adams County gathered at an informational event to prepare for the 2025 Adams County Community Foundation’s Annual Giving Spree. The session, held at the Adams County Historical Society, marked the official kickoff for one of the region’s largest days of charitable giving.

Ralph Serpe, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, addressed the room of
participating organizations. In his remarks, Serpe praised the dedication of the nonprofits and emphasized the power of collective community impact.

This year’s Giving Spree will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Gettysburg
Wyndham Hotel. The event serves as a vital opportunity for nonprofits to connect with donors, raise awareness, and strengthen the county’s network of community support.

With 100 organizations committed, the 2025 Giving Spree is poised to be one of the most
dynamic and impactful yet.

Hanover, PA – Main Street Hanover is proud to announce that applications for the 2026 Hometown Heroes Banner Program are now open! Members of the community are invited to honor the military service members in their lives by sponsoring a commemorative banner to be displayed in downtown Hanover.

The Hometown Heroes Banner Program recognizes and celebrates the brave individuals who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces or National Guard. Each custom banner features a photo, name, branch of service, and other relevant details about the service member, proudly displayed on utility poles throughout our downtown.

Key Information:

• Application Period: July 1 – November 1, 2025 (or until all slots are filled)
• Display Period: Banners will hang seasonally from February through October 2026
• Cost: $190 per banner
• Availability: Limited to 50 banners; first come, first served. Priority is given to first-time honorees.

Please note that only two banners are hung per pole, and placement is determined by Main Street Hanover based on available space and pole locations.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be active duty, retired, or honorably discharged
• Must have served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard
• Must be a local graduate, current/deceased resident or property owner, or born in the Hanover area

Submission Requirements:

• Completed application (submitted online)
• High-resolution digital photo of the service member in uniform (.tiff, .png, or .jpg)
• $190 payment via check, cash, or credit card (checks payable to Main Street Hanover, Inc.)
• Signed photo release for living service members

Once banners are removed in early November 2026, sponsors will be contacted to schedule pickup. Main Street Hanover is not responsible for banners not retrieved within 90 days of removal.

Weather Notice: Installation and removal dates may be affected by weather conditions. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Honor the legacy, service, and sacrifice of a loved one by reserving a banner today. Visit mainstreethanover.org/hometown-heroes to apply or contact us at mainstreethanover@gmail.com with any questions.

Gettysburg, PA – United Way of Adams County is pleased to announce “Stuff the Bus”, a three-hour, drive-through event to collect donations of school supplies for Adams County school students.

Donations will be accepted on Saturday, July 26, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, in the front parking lot of the Gettysburg Area Middle School. Donations will be stuffed into a big, yellow school bus graciously provided by Jacoby Transportation, Inc.

Candidates for open seats from all six Adams County school districts have been invited to take part in this fun and worthwhile effort. Laura McMahon, Executive Director of the United Way of Adams County, points out that “Stuff the Bus” will be a nonpartisan, non-political event. No campaigning will be permitted onsite during the drive-through collections.

McMahon explains that the candidates can participate in two ways: by collecting donations in their own communities leading up to “Stuff the Bus”, and by physically accepting additional donated school supplies from the drive-through line and placing them into the bus.

“These folks have already expressed their support for our students by announcing their desire to serve on their local school board. Accepting donations at ‘Stuff the Bus’ allows candidates to supportAdams County’s students through this completely different, hands-on effort.” said McMahon. “This is also an opportunity to show the community that all sides of the political spectrum can work together for the betterment of our local youth.”
Donations can also be dropped off at over fifty different locations across Adams County through Friday, July 25. For a complete list of drop-off locations, please visit UWAC’s Facebook page. Monetary donations may also be given to United Way on line at www.uwadams.org.

Questions about specific school supplies needs should be directed to the United Way of Adams County at ekaltenbaugh@uwadams.org or (717) 334-5809.

“Stuff the Bus” is a first-time initiative to support the United Way’s annual Back to School Supply Drive. This initiative is being organized by GASD School Board candidate Dale Brennan in collaboration with United Way of Adams County. Candidates interested in participating may contact Brennan directly at FriendsofDaleBrennan@gmail.com.
“It’s all about the kids,” says Brennan.

Chambersburg, PA — The 15th Annual Race Against Poverty, held on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Downtown Chambersburg, was a landmark success, drawing more than 700 participants for the 5K and the Raber Runs for Kids. The event netted just over $30,000 to benefit the Support Circles Program at South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP), a community-driven initiative that supports local families working to overcome poverty.

Race Central, the hub of the event’s festivities, saw its largest crowd yet, creating a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere of community spirit, unity, and hope. This year’s race was made even more special by the return of Jon Raber, the original race director, who traveled all the way from Peru to participate in the 5K. His presence served as a heartfelt reminder of the roots and mission of the Race Against Poverty.

“We are incredibly grateful for everyone who made this year’s event so meaningful and successful,” said Cheryl Brown, Race Director and SCCAP’s Resource Development Director. “From our amazing race planning committee and generous sponsors to the vendors, participants, staff, volunteers, county and borough personnel, and the enthusiastic spectators—everyone came together to create something truly inspiring. A special thank you as well to our door prize donors for helping us celebrate our participants in a fun and memorable way.”

Funds raised from the race go directly to SCCAP’s Support Circles Program, which builds intentional relationships across economic lines, providing long-term support and accountability for families seeking to achieve financial stability. For more information about SCCAP or to get involved with the Support Circles Program, visit www.sccap.org.

Hanover, PA – Main Street Hanover is proud to announce the launch of a new monthly cleanup initiative in partnership with the recently formed Lush & Litter-Free Committee. These organized efforts will take place on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, beginning this July. Volunteers, including individuals, families, school groups, and businesses, are invited to join in making a visible and lasting impact on downtown Hanover.

The Lush & Litter-Free Committee was formed to enhance the cleanliness and beauty of downtown Hanover, creating a welcoming and vibrant environment for residents, visitors, and local businesses. In addition to hands-on cleanup efforts, the committee will lead creative beautification projects and work collaboratively with local government and organizations to align and amplify improvement initiatives.

“We’re excited to launch this ongoing effort that not only beautifies our town but also builds community pride,” said Moriah Tyler, Executive Director of Main Street Hanover. “When we come together to care for our shared spaces, it creates a sense of ownership and connection that benefits everyone. These cleanups are an easy, rewarding way for people to get involved and make a difference right where they live and work.”

Volunteers can expect:

• Gloves, safety vests, and trash bags provided (personal supplies welcome)
• Light duties like picking up litter, weeding, or sweeping
• Community service hours available upon request
• A positive, fun, and social atmosphere—perfect for team-building

To sign up or learn more about the Lush & Litter-Free initiative, visit:  www.mainstreethanover.org/volunteer

Our municipal partner, The Borough of Hanover

The Borough of Hanover is a valued partner in our downtown beautification efforts, working alongside Main Street Hanover to create a vibrant, welcoming environment for residents and visitors. Their support is essential in initiatives like the downtown hanging flower baskets and ongoing improvement projects that enhance the charm and appeal of our historic streetscape. Together, we are building a cleaner, more beautiful Hanover that our community can take pride in.

Learn more about the Borough of Hanover by visiting their website: www.hanoverboroughpa.gov

Our state partner, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

Main Street Hanover is an official affiliate of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s vision is a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania, and since 1990, they have worked with hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the state to pick up over 158 million pounds of trash from roadways, waterways, greenways, forests, and other community spaces. Keep PA Beautiful is a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

Learn more about Keep PA Beautiful by visiting their website: www.keeppabeautiful.org

Hanover, PA – Main Street Hanover has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of designated programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation — Affiliate and Accredited. These designations are a powerful advocacy tool, signaling to local stakeholders, as well as city, state, and national funders, that a Main Street program has an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating impressive economic returns, building local capacity, creating welcoming and inviting communities, and creating lasting impact.

“Main Street America is proud to recognize this year’s 821 Accredited Main Street America programs for their commitment to building strong and vibrant communities,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “Their tireless efforts show what’s possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve. The continued impact of our network shows that the Main Street movement remains a powerful force for positive transformation.”

Main Street Hanover’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and Pennsylvania Downtown Center, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards.

These standards provide the Main Street America network with a strong foundational framework to review progress, recognize strengths, understand trends, and identify strategies that move Main Street programs forward. To quality for Accredited status—Main Street America’s top designation tier—communities must demonstrate a proved track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.

In 2024, Main Street America programs generated $7.65 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,324 new businesses, facilitated the creation of 33,835 new jobs, rehabilitated 10,126 historic buildings, and logged 1.9 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, $21.73 was reinvested into their downtown and commercial corridor communities.

In 2024, Main Street Hanover experienced a year of remarkable growth, visibility, and engagement. The organization welcomed 12 new businesses to downtown, including eateries, retail shops, and service providers, helping to diversify and energize the local economy. Marketing and outreach efforts expanded significantly, with nearly 24,000 social media accounts reached and over 66,000 impressions generated, while new resources like the Explore Downtown Brochure (in both English and Spanish) and a colorful, user-friendly downtown map made it easier for residents and visitors to explore Hanover.

Event programming thrived, with signature events such as Christmas in Hanover, which saw 2,700 children visit Santa’s Cabin, and sold-out community favorites like the Hot Chocolate & Cookie Stroll. The 2nd Saturdays series also continued to grow, offering themed events that encouraged both economic activity and community engagement.

Main Street Hanover benefited from nearly 400 volunteer hours, underscoring strong community investment in the mission. In partnership with the Borough, the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, and local donors, Main Street Hanover laid groundwork for future initiatives, including guided history and architecture walking tours and launching their Lush & Litter Free Committee for downtown cleanup’s.

“Being designated as a nationally Accredited Main Street program is both an honor and a validation of the incredible work our team, board, and volunteers have accomplished in the past year,” said Moriah Tyler, Executive Director of Main Street Hanover. “We’ve seen record-breaking attendance at events, a resurgence in business growth, and a renewed energy from our community. This recognition affirms that our preservation-based, locally-driven efforts are making a real impact in downtown Hanover.”

About Main Street America

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, the Main Street Movement has resulted in $115.42 billion reinvested locally, 181,647 net new businesses, 815,895 net new jobs, 345,801 buildings rehabilitated, and 37.3 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.