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Articles by Donate Gardner
“Unfinished Ballad”: Local artist’s America250PA mural weaves together history with present days (SLIDESHOW)
Skip to content This story contains a photo gallery provided by a Gettysburg Connection photographer. Please scroll to the bottom of the article to see the photos. You can click on any photo to start the slideshow. If a Gettysburg Connection photographer is not mentioned, the photos are contributed by the story author. All of our photographs are available for purchase. Contact us to learn more: mail@gettysburgconnection.org.
SLIDESHOW: FOR THE KIDS! Guernsey Beat Rocks continues Four Diamonds fundraising tradition
SLIDESHOW: FOR THE KIDS! Guernsey Beat Rocks continues Four Diamonds fundraising tradition Nineteen bands across numerous genres participated in the Guernsey Beat Rock two-day charity event last month, raising funds for the Four Diamonds organization. Presented by Guernsey Beat Records and Ploughman Cider Taproom, the festival took place on the Arts Oasis Stage on Lincoln Square and at the Micheaux Brewing Company.
Why I Walk. Gettysburg community comes together for Overdose Awareness Walk and Vigil
Recovery is Possible. Compassion is the Cure. Approximately thirty Adams County community members participated in Gettysburg’s Eighth Annual Overdose Awareness Walk and Vigil on Monday, Aug. 31, kicking off the September Recovery Month Campaign for the Adams County Coalition for Overdose Awareness & Recovery.
Mercy House Introduces Expanded Recovery Support Services in Gettysburg
A long-awaited and much needed expansion of local recovery support services to individuals navigating substance abuse and mental health challenges has come to Gettysburg.
Mercy House Introduces Expanded Recovery Support Services in Gettysburg
A long-awaited and much needed expansion of local recovery support services to individuals navigating substance abuse and mental health challenges service has come to Gettysburg.
99th Annual Mid-Atlantic Master Farmers Celebration honors Class of 2026 in Adams County
More than 80 participants from farm businesses all across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions attended this year’s annual Mid-Atlantic Master Farmers Association (MAMFA) Celebration, hosted in Adams County. The MAMFA program is the nation’s longest running and most prestigious agricultural honors initiative, first established in 1927 by Pennsylvania Farmer Magazine and USDA, and created to champion stewardship, innovation and leadership in agriculture.
Cumberland Township is accepting applications for Township Administrator
Cumberland Township, Adams County, is accepting applications for the township’s administrative offices. From the township manager’s office: This is very responsible position serving Cumberland Township. This position is 40 hours per week, Monday through Thursday 7am-5pm. Paid vacation, holidays, pension, and sick leave with excellent health care benefits. Work involves a variety of administrative and official functions. Hourly rate based off experience between $24.00 and $32.00 per hour.
Saving resident’s life earns Cumberland Township police officer another commendation
Cumberland Township Police Officer Lane Hartley was presented a commendation for his heroic actions in June of 2025 when he disarmed a suicidal female in distress, thereby saving her life. The commendation was presented by Chief Matt Trostel at this week’s Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors meeting.
PMCA brings staff to local Cumberland Township office to facilitate application processes
At the monthly Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday this week, township manager, David Blocher, announced that Adams County’s Pennsylvania Municipal Code Alliance (PMCA) will begin offering local services weekly on Tuesdays from 8am to 3pm at the Cumberland Township campus on 1370 Fairfield Road. As Blocher explains, the Cumberland Township office processes applications for township residents daily with the assistance of its partners, one of which is PMCA.
Saving resident’s life earns Cumberland Township police officer another commendation
Police Officer Lane Hartley of the Cumberland Township was presented a commendation from the Cumberland Township Police Department for his heroic actions in June of 2025 when he disarmed a suicidal female in distress, thereby saving her life. The commendation was presented by Chief Matt Trostel at this week’s Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors meeting.
90’s Party-themed free community dinner promises fun for local families; a great opportunity for vendors and volunteers
Gettysburg Community Dinner organizer Stephanie Auer is again putting on a free community event this Saturday, June 20th, at GARA Recreational Park. The family event will be held from 1:00 – 9:00 pm and features barbecued foods, kids’ games, live music, an outdoor movie (Sandlot), miscellaneous vendors, and much more. The theme is a 90’s party, and guests are encouraged to dress in 90’s fashion.
Vida Charter School, Hollabaughs, Rosie Bolen and Muso Nyiwul recipients of peacemaker awards
In a public ceremony last night, Gettysburg’s Interfaith Center for Peace and Justice (ICPJ) awarded its annual, prestigious Peacemaker Awards to “celebrate leaders in peace, service and community”. ICPJ President Darren Glass presented a Lifetime of Peacemaking Award to Vida Charter School, represented by Dr. Christine Miller, Executive Director, who has led the school for nearly a decade and contributed through service and leadership within the community.
Do you have photos of Cumberland Township? Supervisors are asking for help documenting the township’s history.
While the Cumberland Township administrative building on Fairfield Road is undergoing renovation and expansion, the Board of Supervisors is working on a project to incorporate the colorful history of the township into the newly renovated building. The project is intended to showcase the citizens and important memories of the township’s history and times that have long passed.
Cumberland Township Administration returns home to transformed municipal building
After several years of planning, construction, and the temporary relocation of its offices, the Cumberland Township administration officially returned home this week and commenced operations in its newly renovated municipal building located at the 1370 Fairfield Road location. The Board of Supervisors held their first monthly BOS meeting on Tuesday in their newly remodeled meeting room, which features ample seating space, freshly painted walls, new flooring, and several monitors along the walls.
Stations of Our Grief – A Vigil for Democracy - Gettysburg Connection
Gettysburg community members came together on Presidents Day for an interfaith gathering at the Chapel of the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary, with the intent to name and grieve the nation’s current losses, and to gather strength for “working toward the common good” during current troubling times.
Christmas Community Dinner needs volunteers and donations
The Gettysburg Community Dinner Thanksgiving event, which had originally been planned for 12 families, eventually grew to serve 1,065 meals, with only a couple of weeks’ preparation. Many families asked if there would be a Christmas dinner to follow, which prompted Stephanie Auer, the originator of the community dinner events, to immediately jump into gear and plan for another miracle event, with nary a few weeks of preparation.
Gettysburg Street Carolers return for third year on Friday
The popular Gettysburg Street Carolers will again come together to bring holiday cheer to the town on Friday, December 5th, starting at 6 pm on Lincoln Square. The caroling event was created two years ago by Donate Gardner and Katie Engle and has quickly become a welcome annual Gettysburg tradition that many folks look forward to.
One person’s commitment creates 300 free Thanksgiving meals
Gettysburg resident Stephanie Auer sits at a long folding table at the Day’s Inn Conference Room, surrounded by multiple checklists, notepads, and flyers, jotting down messages from businesses and community residents offering contributions to her rapidly developing initiative: A free community Thanksgiving meal for families in need.
Downton Abbey Fans Are Treated to Elegant Tea Party and Movie Screening by Majestic Theater
There are certain cinematic and literary works that remain timeless over many decades and have an undying following of dedicated enthusiasts across the globe, who participate in online communities, real-live conventions, and merchandising. Some of these active fan communities include followers of the well-known Star Wars and Harry Potter (“Potterheads”) movie series, as well as the Anime and MCU franchises.
Photo Gallery: Project Gettysburg León hosts 2025 Garden Party
Project Gettysburg León hosted its annual Garden Party at the home of Karl Mattson on Saturday. The event included music by Lisa Cadigan and Ben Kennedy as well as a catered dinner. Participants had an opportunity to learn more about PGL’s sister city work in Nicaragua and Mexico, while enjoying one of the most beautiful private gardens in the state. Donate Gardner is a freelance writer and journalist who came to Gettysburg from Montgomery County, Maryland.
Cumberland Township police officer honored for life-saving actions
At their May Board of Supervisors Meeting, Cumberland Township Supervisor Shaun Phiel and Cumberland Township Police Department (CTPD) Chief Matt Trostel presented a Commendation Award to Township police officer Lane Hartley for saving the life of a man whom he had discovered during a suspicious vehicle check on the southbound entry ramp of U.S. Route 15. While investigating the vehicle, Hartley found a man nearby, lying face down and in need of immediate medical assistance.
Black Balloon Day organizers raise overdose awareness in Gettysburg
On March 6th, families and loved ones across the United States came together for Black Balloon Day, an annual nation-wide event dedicated to honor those who lost their lives to substance overdoses. The event is intended not only to honor lives lost, but to raise awareness of the stark realities of substance misuse all over the world.
Cumberland Township tables board action regarding Straban solar energy farm project
At their January board meeting, Cumberland Township supervisors decided to separate an action item regarding a solar energy farm project located primarily in Straban Township from the day’s main agenda, and to table it for further review. The Adams Miller Solar Development project is planned on 123 acres located in Straban Township, with an address of 30 Miller Road; however, 7.43 acres of the proposed project would be located within Cumberland Township.
Cumberland Township police department concludes the year with several wins
At the Cumberland Township’s November Board of Supervisors meeting, Police Chief Matt Trostel introduced the department’s newest hire, police cadet Fausto Rodriguez. Rodriguez is the latest addition to the department after the hire of Jordan Spidle during the summer. Both Rodriguez and Spidle are currently enrolled in the 125th Harrisburg Area Community College’s Police Academy Program and expected to graduate on December 21.
Gettysburg Street Carolers to bring a joyful noise to the town streets on Saturday
The Gettysburg Street Carolers will again come together to bring holiday cheer to the town on Saturday, December 7th, starting at 5 pm. The group was created last year and was welcomed enthusiastically to become an annual Gettysburg tradition.
Cumberland Township awarded state grant to advance municipal campus and police department building project
Donate Gardner is a freelance journalist who came to Gettysburg in 2021 from Montgomery County, Maryland. A former linguist-turned-legal professional, Donate recently retired from the corporate world and is eager to support her new community in a variety of ways. She currently serves as the news communicator for the Adams County migrant outreach program, Pasa La Voz.
An Evening with Peng Shepherd – Adams County Library hosts critically acclaimed author of “The Cartographers” - Gettysburg Connection
As part of the Adams County Library System’s (ACLS) 2024 Adams County Reads One Book program, local book lovers were treated to two special evenings last week with author Peng Shepherd. The program is designed to have the whole community unite to read the same book, and the library then organizes special programs centered around themes from that book.
SCCAP Fundraising Banquet highlights success stories; raises more than $135,000 in donations
More than 150 guests attended the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) 60th Anniversary Celebration and fundraising banquet on September 26 at King Street Church in Chambersburg, PA. Attendees included SCCAP staff, volunteers, officials, and sponsors who celebrated the organization’s success, as well as numerous clients who, during the evening’s presentation of “Parade of Faces,” shared their own personal stories of having had their lives changed by SCCAP.
Cumberland Township and Police administrative offices move to new temporary location
The August 27 meeting of the Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors marked the last date the township supervisors met at their current location at 1370 Fairfield Road, which had housed the township administrative offices for almost 45 years, since 1979. As of September 1 all township and CTA meetings will be held at 730 Chambersburg Road. During the week of September 3-5, offices will be open by appointment only. Residents are encouraged to call (717) 334-6485 to schedule.
Trabajadores agrícolas de primera línea honrados en el mercado Hollabaugh Brothers en Biglerville
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Frontline Agriculture Workers honored at Hollabaugh Brothers Market in Biglerville
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Secretary of Labor & Industry Nancy A. Walker, and Kimberly Paley, president of PA State Council of Farm Organizations, came to Adams County’s Hollabaugh Brothers Farm in Biglerville on Tuesday, to attend an award ceremony honoring three frontline agriculture workers who had been nominated as “Pennsylvania Farmworkers of the Year”.
Cumberland Township to host Open House on National Night Out, welcomes new police cadet
Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors and Township Management will be hosting an Open House / National Night Out event on August 6, 4-7 PM, at the site of the old Gettysburg Country club on the corner of Route 30 and Old Mill Rd. (730 Chambersburg Road). The event is intended for the public to learn more about their local government including police, first responders, and elected officials.
Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) seeks new executive director
GARA Executive Director Search At the June 27th Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Warren Shepherd announced that GARA Executive Director, Erin Peddigree, has resigned as of July 12th. An active search for a replacement has begun already.
Cumberland Township Municipal Campus to host building workshop
Cumberland Township will be hosting a Building Workshop on Tuesday June 18th at 4 p.m to review building plans and resources for residents of Cumberland Township for the next 40 years. An overview of Cumberland Township’s Building Projects can be found here: Cumberland Township Municipal Building Project Overview From the desk of David Blocher, Township Manager: “As John Wooden said ‘“’Good things take time, as they should.
Cumberland Township Police seek information about a suspicious package at GNMP Visitor Center
The Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center reopened at noon on Tuesday, after a temporary closure following the report to Cumberland Township Police and National Park Services of a suspicious package deposited at the main entrance of the facility. According to a Cumberland Township Police press release, the package had “handwritten messages to NPS officials on it.” The content of the messages has not been made public yet.
Tercer día anual “Celebra tu salud” celebrado por la comunidad latina local
Familias latinas locales y organizaciones de servicios y atención médica se reunieron en un hermoso y soleado Domingo de Ramos para participar en el tercer evento anual “Celebre su salud” en Gettysburg College.
Third annual “Celebrate Your Health” day celebrated by local Latino community
Local Latino families and health care and service organizations gathered on a beautiful, sunny Palm Sunday, to participate in the third annual “Celebrate Your Health” (¡Celebra tu Salud!) event at Gettysburg College.
Cumberland Township Police Department gains another Sergeant
At last night’s Cumberland Township Supervisors Meeting, the Board unanimously approved the promotion of Officer Joshua Goodling to Sergeant. Goodling joins Sergeant Joshua Rosenberger and Detective/Sergeant Stephen Higgs as the third member of the CT Police Department to hold this rank. Earlier this month, eligible CTPD officers engaged in a competitive examination for promotion to Sergeant.
Death row exoneree: “True forgiveness is the only way to be free, and I want to be free!”
“I come here tonight to ask you to help me lead the charge and bring an end to the death penalty.
“I didn't mean it that way” – CFY hosts microaggression workshop - Gettysburg Connection
“It happens to all of us. We have the best of intentions, but sometimes we say or do things that negatively impact other people”, said Rosie Bolen, Ph.D., Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training and Development at Mount St. Mary’s University. Bolen was the presenter at Thursday’s workshop focused on recognizing, reframing, and responding to microaggressions in our daily interactions to promote a more inclusive climate in our workplaces and communities.
Cumberland Township denies extension for The Crossing homes; celebrates Waybright Farm easement
At this Tuesday’s Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors’ meeting, Township Manager David Blocher reported that staff had recently attended the easement settlement for the Beatrice F. Waybright Farm #2. “This now places the farm into the Adams County Agricultural Land Preservation program, which was funded by PA state, Adams County and Cumberland Township,” he said.
Slideshow: Carolers take to the streets of Gettysburg
A new holiday tradition was established last night, as about two dozen Christmas Carolers took to the streets of Gettysburg, spreading holiday cheer around town.
Cumberland Township approves proposed 2024 Budget; no increase in current tax rates
At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors Meeting, David Blocher, Township Manager presented the proposed 2024 budget to the board. The proposal introduced the establishment of an Operating Reserve Fund. Since the Township’s revenue stream is not constant, Blocher explained, the intermittent revenue streams result in current regular, budgeted expenditures outstripping current, regular budgeted revenue in any given month.
Cumberland Township approves $75,000 grant to GARA; welcomes new police officer Tim Mayer
At their September 26 meeting, the Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $75,000 grant requested by the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) to fund various park activities in 2024. In addition, it approved the purchase of a truck chassis in the amount of $118,127, as well as other various purchases, rentals, and contractor hires.
GARA wraps up a successful summer season
The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority’s (GARA) Executive Director, Erin Pedigree, reported on the following park activities during the months of June through August: The Farmers Market has seen overwhelming success at its new location at the rec park, featuring special activities such as Civic Engagement Day, a Homesteading & Green Living Expo, the Farmers Market Fairy Festival, Kids Day, and Young Entrepreneurs Day.
Cumberland Township amends zoning; hosts State Rep. John Joyce
A public hearing was held prior to the Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday to approve the amendment of various sections of Chapter 27 of the Cumberland Township zoning ordinance. The amendment creates two new overlay districts, consisting of a Neighborhood Multi-Family Overlay Zone and a Mixed Multi-Family Overlay Zones which proscribe criteria for single-family attached and multi-family attached structures within such overlays.
Adams Electric donates first aid kits to Cumberland Township Police Department
Adams Electric Cooperative employees have donated 12 Individual First Aid Kits (IFAK) to the Cumberland Township Police Department. The kits, normally worn as a backpack, contain essential life-saving materials, including bleeding control and major wound treatments.
Cumberland approves campground, sets liquor license hearing, for resort on former Boyd's Bears site
The Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors approved an application from BR Smith Properties seeking conditional use for a proposed campground in the Mixed Use (MX) zoning district located at 75 Cunningham Road. The site is the former home of Boyd’s Bears Country Barn, which is being developed into an upscale restaurant, hotel, and campground known as The Barn Resort. The campground will cover 33 acres adjoining Freedom and Cumberland Townships and calls for about 365 individual camping sites.
Cumberland police begin medical marijuana training
Cumberland Township Chief Matthew Trostel gave an update on the police department’s activity during the previous month at the June Board of Supervisors’ Meeting on Tuesday. The report included police vehicle dispositions, department staff training, as well as positive communications received commending his staff and the department for exemplary handling of various incidents.
Spring and summer season in full swing at the Gettysburg rec park
At the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority’s (GARA) June board meeting, Executive Director Erin Pedigree was able to report on a number of successful activities during the months of May and June including the following: The Adams County Farmers Market reports that it has seen a noticeable increase in visitors since it moved to its new location at the Rec Park.
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