What It Means to Love Where You Live

Next Friday is Independence Day. As we get ready to celebrate with family and friends, let’s remember this time of year is about more than sparklers and hot dogs. It’s about pride. Not just in where we live, but in how we live.

Taking pride in your country doesn’t mean pretending it’s perfect. It means caring enough to make it better. It means showing up, pitching in, and finding common ground where we can.

Because the truth is, we’re not as different as we’ve been told. And the future gets shaped by what we do right here in our communities.

Let’s keep building something worth celebrating.

Love you, Hanover.

Megan

Patriotism shouldn’t be controversial. But right now, it is.

Some treat it like a purity test. Others avoid it because it feels hijacked. But loving your country doesn’t mean blind loyalty. And it doesn’t require wrapping yourself in a flag or shouting about it online.

The only thing that makes you a true American is proof of citizenship.

Not your political party. Not your race, gender, or religion. Not whether you stood, sat, or stayed home last election.

We’re called a melting pot for a reason. That’s not weakness. That’s the point.

There’s the kind that performs and the kind that participates.

Performative patriotism is the guy in face paint at the football game with an American flag as a cape. Fine. Let him have his moment.

But if that’s all you’re doing, you don’t get to call yourself a patriot.

Real patriotism is action. It’s poll workers showing up before sunrise. It’s food bank volunteers. It’s mentors, tutors, coaches, community organizers. It’s people who give a damn when no one’s watching.

You can wear red, white, and blue. You can also roll up your sleeves and get to work. Only one of those moves the country forward.

Patriotism ≠ nationalism. Real patriots don’t pretend everything’s perfect. They love their country enough to admit what’s broken, and they care enough to do something about it.

Contrary to what the loudest voices would have you believe, Democrats and Republicans agree on more than they don’t. Studies show over 75 percent of our core values overlap.

We care about democracy. We care about fairness. We care about preventing harm. We all want a safer future - not just for our kids, but for all kids.

We just have different ideas about how to get there. That’s not a reason to divide. It’s a reason to talk. You don’t have to agree on everything to find common ground. You just have to stop pretending the other side is the enemy.

It’s not about always agreeing. It’s about committing to a better future and showing up for the work required to get there.

You don’t need to fix the whole country by yourself.

Start with your block. Your school. Your neighborhood.

Vote. Volunteer. Mentor someone. Show up. Stay engaged.

Civic engagement is how democracies stay alive. It’s how we hold systems accountable. It’s how we build trust and make change from the ground up.

You want to be a patriot? Good. We need you.

Not just in July. Every damn day.

Americans eat 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day. That is enough hot dogs to stretch from D.C. to L.A. more than five times. Now that’s a patriotic snack attack.

No one needs another complicated Pinterest party plan this summer. If you’re hosting (or crashing) a Fourth of July gathering and want to bring the fun without a clipboard and megaphone, these ideas are ridiculously easy and guaranteed to get people laughing, playing, and maybe even bonding a little.

Because nothing says “freedom” like trying to say Chubby Bunny with five marshmallows in your mouth.

What you need: Water balloons and bluetooth speaker

How to play: Everyone stands or sits in a circle. Play some music and toss the balloon. Holding it when the music stops? Drop it or break it? You’re also out. Last one standing wins patriotic bragging rights.

If you have a group of sticklers that don’t want to get wet, you can swap the water balloons out for a small ball. But the risk of getting soaked is part of the allure.

What you need: Full-size marshmallows

How to play: Take turns adding marshmallows to your mouth and saying “chubby bunny.” No chewing. No swallowing. Keep going until one brave bunny is left with puffy cheeks and a victory.

What you need: Straws, small candies (like M&Ms or Smarties), two bowls per player

How to play: Each player has one minute to move candies from one bowl to the other using only the straw. No hands allowed. Most candies moved wins. Fair warning: you'll need backup candy. It will disappear mid-game.

What you need: Hard-boiled or plastic eggs, red/white/blue paint or spray paint, candy

How to play: Hide eggs around the yard. Yes, it’s basically Easter in July. Nobody minds when there’s candy involved.

What you need: A jar of jelly beans or red, white, and blue candy

How to play: Display it with a note that says, “Guess how many.” Closest guess wins a small prize or bragging rights until next year.

What you need: A list of themed items to find

How to play: Think Uncle Sam hats, someone wearing red shoes, a lawn chair with stripes, or a bald eagle (printed, not real). Make it fun, make it easy, and let guests check things off as they go. Great for kids and grown-ups who like a little challenge.

Note: This one works best with a printed list. Lucky for you, I made one you can grab for free. Print a few copies, toss them on the picnic table, and let the hunt begin.

Not everyone has time to bake a flag cake from scratch while hand-churning patriotic ice cream and posing for a matching-family-outfits photoshoot. Some of us are just trying to get out the door with both shoes on.

So here you go: four ridiculously easy, no-bake 4th of July recipes that will make it look like you tried.

What you need:

What you do:

Alternate red, white, and blue on the sticks. Make a bunch. Stick them in a mason jar or a watermelon half. Done. People will ooh. They always do.

What you need:

What you do:

Arrange everything in rows like a flag or color-blocked zones. Looks adorable. No oven required. Bonus: it's crowd-friendly for both kids and adults.

What you need:

What you do:

Toss popcorn with a drizzle of white chocolate and sprinkles. Scoop into cups or bags. Tie with ribbon if you’re feeling fancy. Feels like a party favor. Tastes like a win.

Or if it’s too hot to melt white chocolate, throw some popcorn and red, white, & blue M&M’s in a party bag and call it a win.

What you need:

What you do:

Dip the sides of each sandwich in sprinkles. Freeze until it’s party time. That’s it. People will ask you for the recipe. You’ll smirk and say nothing.

Put anything red, white, and blue on a tray with a sparkler napkin, and you’ve got yourself a vibe. No one needs to know it took ten minutes and zero emotional labor.

When the temps won’t dip below 75, it’s time to get creative. May we suggest a BYOP party?

That’s Bring Your Own Pool.

Here’s how it works:

Find a friend with a big backyard. Everyone brings their own inflatable kiddie pool and, if they’re feeling fancy, a pool floatie. Set up a projector and play a movie outdoors while everyone lounges in their personal splash zone.

Pro tip: Skip the screen and hang a white sheet on the clothesline. It works just as well and costs next to nothing.

No projector? No problem. Blast your favorite playlist on Bluetooth speakers, turn on the twinkle lights, and call it a backyard float party.

Low effort. High reward. Maximum vibes.

Here are five local events worth checking out this weekend. We’ll be adding a full community calendar soon, but for now, these are your can’t-miss picks.

Looking for more? Here’s the full lineup of local events happening this week in and around Hanover. Next week, we’re launching a new calendar view to make it even easier to find what fits your vibe.

Friday, June 27 | 6 PM to 7:15 PM 📍 Life in Balance Yoga, 129 Broadway, Hanover 💵 $25 | 🔗 Reserve your spot

Need a reset? This 75-minute class with Misty Stillman is designed to help you fully unwind. You'll start with gentle restorative poses and calming breathwork, then ease into a deeply restful Yoga Nidra meditation. Some say it's five times more restorative than sleep. No experience needed. Just wear comfy clothes and bring yourself exactly as you are.

Saturday, June 28 | 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM 📍 Pawsitively Purrfect, 276 Frederick Street, Hanover 💵 $15 per pet

Walk in for a nail trim and help support New Oxford Youth Football and Cheer. Dogs receive a trim and file, cats get a trim. No appointment needed. Dogs must be leashed, and cats in a carrier. Open to new and existing clients.

Saturday, June 28 | 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM 📍 Ghouls & Grinds, 701 3rd Street, Hanover 💵 Free

Celebrate Summerween with a jack-o-lantern latte in hand and a lineup of local makers. Shop spooky prints, witchy wares, crocheted creatures, and other handmade goods in a delightfully eerie (and air-conditioned) setting.

Saturday, June 28 | 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM 📍 Little Fox Coffee & Books, 125 Broadway, Hanover 💵 Free

Join Miss Deb from YWCA Hanover for a joyful storytime in celebration of Pride Month. Little ones will enjoy inclusive picture books, sing-along songs, and a simple craft in a welcoming space that invites families to connect, learn, and celebrate love in all its forms. Ideal for ages 2-6, but everyone is welcome.

Saturday, June 28 | 11 AM to 3 PM 📍 The Bare Center at Guthrie Memorial Library, 2 Library Place, Hanover 💵 Free

This annual celebration honors the legacy of Juneteenth with an afternoon of music, food, storytelling, and community connection. Expect local vendors, live performances, spoken word, cultural presentations, and a roundtable conversation that invites reflection and dialogue.

Saturday, June 28 | 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

📍 Hanover Area Arts Guild, 32 Carlisle Street, Hanover

💵 $20 per child, $10 for Guild Members | 🔗 Registration Required

Let your little artist get creative with paint and pizza at this fun, instructor-led class for ages 5 to 16. Kids will create their own masterpiece, enjoy a slice of pizza and a drink, and head home with art and memories.

Saturday, June 28 | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 The Serpent’s Key, 28 Carlisle Street, Hanover 💵 $25 | 🔗 Register here

Learn how to release energetic ties that no longer serve you in this hands-on class with Beck Ravenswood. All supplies included. Wheelchair and sensory-friendly space.

Saturday, June 28 | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 Little Fox Coffee & Books, 125 Broadway, Hanover 💵 Free | 🔗 Register Online

No assigned reading. No pressure to talk. Just bring a book, grab a drink, and enjoy a quiet hour of reading in good company.

Doors open at 6:00 PM. Silent reading starts at 6:30. Stay after to chat or keep reading.

All readers welcome. Space is limited to 30 seats.

Saturday, June 28 | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM 📍 28 Carlisle Street, Hanover 💵 Free

Too many tomatoes? Bring your extra garden goods and trade with neighbors. No money involved. Just community helping community.

Sunday, June 29 | 11 AM to 4 PM 📍 The Serpent’s Key, 28 Carlisle St, Hanover

Have a plant that’s outgrown its pot or looking a little sad? Skip the mess and let The Dirty Hippie, the resident Green Witch at The Serpent’s Key, repot it for you. Just drop off your leafy friends and pick them up later, refreshed and ready to grow. No appointment needed.

Tuesday, July 1 | 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM 📍 Penn Township Community Park, 4601 Grandview Road, Hanover 💵 Free

Join Guthrie Library offsite for a fun morning with DownTown, the beloved mascot of the York Revolution. Enjoy a kid-friendly story time, meet the mascot, and snap a few photos. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, July 2 | 10:00 to 10:45 AM 📍 Classroom Building, Marina Road, Codorus State Park 💵 Free

Join Miss Kelly and Miss Renae for nature-themed story time, games, and crafts. Each week features a different native animal and hands-on fun for kids in preschool through grade 5.

Wednesday, July 2 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 📍 The Serpent’s Key, 28 Carlisle Street, Hanover 💵 Free

Learn how to work with the energy of the sun in this beginner-friendly class on Solar Magic. Perfect for curious minds, summer solstice vibes, and witchy road trip inspiration. All are welcome.

Thursday, July 3 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM 📍 John & Joan Bare Center, Guthrie Memorial Library, Hanover 💵 Free | Registration Required

Teens ages 12 to 17 can learn how to cook a simple meal and take dinner home for the family. Space is limited. To register, call 717-632-5183 or stop by the Adult Desk.

Thursday, July 3 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 📍 Baer Avenue Playground, Hanover 💵 Free

Join Miss Kelly and Miss Aimee for a fun afternoon of stories, crafts, and games. Perfect for preschool and elementary-aged kids.

Wednesday, July 3 | 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM 📍 Hanover Market House, 210 E Chestnut Street, Hanover

Shop fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more from local vendors. This weekly market runs through the end of August. Come say hi and support small businesses.

Thursday, July 3 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 📍 The Serpent’s Key, 28 Carlisle Street, Hanover 💵 Free

For the witches who stitch (and everyone else too). Bring your knitting, crochet, or handwork project and join this cozy fiber arts circle at The Serpent’s Key. All skill levels welcome.

Friday, July 4 | 9:30 PM | Rain date: Saturday, July 5 at 9:30 PM. 📍 200 block of Wilson Avenue, Hanover 💵 Free

Catch Hanover’s annual fireworks display from nearby shopping center lots along Wilson Avenue and Eisenhower Drive. Bring chairs or watch from your car. Streets in the area will close during the show.

Saturday, July 12 | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM 📍 Downtown Hanover 💵 Free

Enjoy a full day of food, shopping, live music, and family fun at Hanover’s 5th Annual Snack Town Street Fair. Featuring local vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more. Full schedule coming in next week’s issue.

Need something cool for the kids to do this summer that doesn’t involve screens or whining? The Hanover Area Arts Guild has your back with a four-part Junior Artists After-Camp Camp.

It’s art night, but with pizza. Each session includes creative games, dinner, and a guided painting project your kid actually gets to take home. They will complete four new canvas masterpieces by the end of summer, plus a little peace and quiet for you.

The program is split into two age groups and meets from 6 PM to 8 PM every other Tuesday. Cost is $40 per child or $30 for Guild members with a discount code.

🖌 Ages 6–10: July 1, 15, 29 and August 12 | 🔗 Register here

🖌 Ages 11–15: July 8 and 22, August 5 and 19 | 🔗 Register here

Submitted by Crystal Wood

“Shout-out to my amazing sister. A young girl got lost in McSherrystown and ended up at my sister’s workplace. She asked my sister for help — and she did. My sister made sure the girl got home safely. Later, the family dropped off flowers to say thank you. She even spoke with the girl’s grandma, who told her the child’s name means ‘the grace of God.’ Anna Lisa is her name. I’m beyond proud of her.” Small acts of kindness can leave the biggest mark. Thank you, Anna Lisa, for being someone a child could turn to, and someone a family could trust.

Dear neighbor,

I just wanted to say... you're doing great.

Maybe no one told you today. Maybe it’s been a while. But I see the way you keep showing up. I see the kindness in your small actions. I see the strength in how you carry what’s yours, and sometimes what isn’t.

The world feels heavy some days. But you keep going. And that’s enough. More than enough.

So take a deep breath. Let the sun warm your face. Let someone hold the door for you. Let yourself rest when you can.

You're not alone. You’re part of something good here.

With love and so much hope,
Mary C. (submitted by email)

Want to share your own Little Letter?
Send a drawing, a short note, a poem, or anything from the heart to [email protected]. We’ll feature one in every issue.

Thanks for spending a little time with Heart of Hanover.

Keep waving. Keep creating. Keep choosing joy.

P.S. Next week’s issue will share more about the Snack Town Street Fair, some great volunteer opportunities, and the debut of our brand-new community calendar. You're gonna love it!