Summer’s Not Over Yet, Hanover

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The end of July always sneaks up on me. One minute I’m buying watermelon and complaining about the heat, and the next I’m thinking about back-to-school displays and wondering where summer went.

But there’s still time. Time to chase fireflies, eat dinner outside, and pretend we don’t notice the laundry piling up while we squeeze in one more picnic or porch night.

This issue is full of ways to make the most of what’s left - local events, sweet stories, and plenty of reasons to say yes to whatever summer still has to offer.

And thank you to today’s sponsor - 1440 Media. Clicking their link above directly supports this newsletter. 💜

Love,
Megan

Technically, no one owes anyone anything.

“Owing” is something humans made up. Just like money or traffic laws or saying “bless you” when someone sneezes.

It’s not written into the laws of nature, but we use it to help society function.

To create order out of chaos.
To keep things running smoothly.
To create trust.

But just because it’s made up doesn’t mean it’s meaningless.

And sure, you don’t owe your time to people who drain you.
You don’t owe your energy to every request.
You don’t owe your softness to a world that hasn’t always been kind.

But if everyone lived by that belief - that we owe nothing to anyone - we’d be in trouble.

No checking in on a grieving neighbor.
No holding the door for strangers.
No letting someone merge in traffic.
No showing up just because it’s the kind thing to do.

It might sound freeing at first. No obligations. No one to answer to. Just you, your boundaries, and your big dreams.

But a world where no one feels responsible for anyone else isn’t freedom. It’s loneliness.

That mindset might protect you in the short term, but it chips away at the fabric of community. And eventually, it leaves you just as isolated as the people you’ve stopped caring about.

And, look, boundaries are good. Necessary, even. You don’t owe people your time, your energy, or your carefully curated emotional bandwidth. Especially when they haven’t earned it.

But here’s where it gets tricky.

If everyone opts out of care, nothing gets better.

Healthy communities are built on care. Not forced, not guilted, not performative. Freely given. The kind of care that says, “I see you. I’ve got a little extra today. Let me offer what I can.”

Communities run on “I’ll help, even if no one asked.” They run on waving back, saying hi, picking up the trash that isn’t yours, and holding the door just because.

No, you don’t owe anyone that. But if you want to live somewhere that feels warm and human and worth rooting for, maybe you do it anyway.

You don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to help others. But when your cup is full, or even halfway there, maybe you let it spill a little.

Not because you owe it. But because you want to live in a town where people still show up.

Because what you put into the world does come back. Not always right away. Not always in the same form. But it returns. Eventually.

You don’t owe anyone anything.

But that doesn’t mean you stop giving a damn.

📆 Friday, August 8, 2025 | 🕕 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
📍 Moul Field, 151 Moul Ave, Hanover

Every year, men across the world step into women’s shoes (yes, literally!) to raise awareness about gender-based violence. This August, YWCA Hanover invites you to join the movement right here at Moul Field.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is part performance, part protest, and all heart. It brings men, families, and entire communities together to talk about something we often avoid: sexual assault, domestic violence, and the impact of gender-based harm.

Participants wear high heels and walk a full mile to symbolically step into women’s experiences. It’s uncomfortable. It’s eye-opening. And it’s deeply meaningful.

All funds raised support YWCA Hanover’s Safe Home program, which provides:

🌧️ Rain or shine.
🎟️ Tickets are considered donations | Register online

Whether you walk, cheer, or volunteer behind the scenes -showing up for this one matters.

Not all support looks like walking a mile in heels. Sometimes, it looks like dropping off a box of baby wipes or ordering paper towels from an Amazon list.

YWCA Hanover Safe Home provides critical services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in our community, and they could use our help.

Due to space and safety regulations, they can only accept specific items. But every one of them makes a difference.

🛒 Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/iM7gJns
💸 Donate online: Click here to donate
📞 Questions? Call (717) 637-2125

Thank you for helping Safe Home continue to support and uplift those who need it most.

On July 22, the Hanover High School Concert Choir took the stage at the York Fair to perform with none other than Foreigner. Yes, that Foreigner. The choir landed this opportunity of a lifetime after winning a contest with Rocky 98.5.

The choir sang backup on “I Want to Know What Love Is,” and let me tell you, they brought the house down.

As an alum of Hanover High, I know how deeply the music department cares. We might be one of the smallest school districts around, but we’ve always known how to show up, sing out, and support each other with everything we’ve got.

Watch the performance here: YouTube link

If you’ve lived in Hanover long enough, then you probably remember La Cucina on Eisenhower Drive - a beloved spot run by chef and owner Armando Malvone. The Italian food? Phenomenal. The kind that makes you want to lick the plate and text your mom about it.

Well, good news: La Cucina is officially back in town.

They reopened on July 8 at a brand-new downtown location: 11 York Street.

Armando is once again serving traditional Italian recipes with bold, unforgettable flavors. And if the name sounds familiar, it should. He’s the son of Jerry Malvone, owner of the one and only Jerry & Sal’s Pizzeria. Italian heritage runs deep in this family, and so does a serious commitment to flavor.

Liquor license: Still pending. But they’re BYOB in the meantime, so feel free to bring your favorite bottle of wine.

I highly recommend the Calamari Fritti, Penne Vodka, and Shrimp Scampi. All absolute standouts. But honestly, you probably can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

If you go… what will you be ordering?

Shoot me a reply or find me on Facebook. I want to know what dish wins your heart (and your leftovers).

There’s something magical about a simple picnic. A blanket, a few snacks, and a little fresh air can turn an ordinary day into something worth remembering. If you're looking for an easy way to beat the heat and still enjoy the outdoors, try a morning picnic at one of Hanover’s local playgrounds.

Wirt Park has a shaded pavilion and plenty of tables.
Eichelberger Street Playground has a pavilion and space to spread out.
Moul Field has tables, a pavilion, and room to roam.
Union Park (formerly West Hanover Street Park) has lots of tree cover and one sunny picnic table.

Pack light, aim for shade, and soak in the slower pace while it lasts.

Apparently, the United Nations declared July 30 the official day to celebrate friendship. As in, send-the-text, book-the-coffee, tell-your-weirdest-friend-you-love-them kind of celebration.

You don’t need matching bracelets or a scrapbook. Just show up. Say thanks. Make plans. The people who stick by you deserve to know it’s not taken for granted.

Honestly, the world could use a little more of that.

Best friends: Erin Knowlton & Desiree Mummert
Friends since: Childhood
First met: When Desiree moved up the street

“When I was a kid, I remember looking out the window as a new family was moving in. I turned to my mom and said, ‘I hope they have a girl my age.’ Turns out, they did, and that girl became my best friend.

Desiree and I rode the same school bus and have been best friends ever since. I volunteered at the fire company with my family and eventually got her involved too. Her whole family ended up joining as well. That’s how close we’ve always been. Our families became each other’s.

One thing I love and admire about Desiree is how dedicated she is. She always shows up for the people she loves. She works hard, she gives so much of herself, and she doesn't take any crap. I love that about her.

Our favorite thing to do together? Honestly, just hanging out at her house. But we also love our Texas Roadhouse dates and checking out some of the local bars around Hanover. No matter where we are, we always have fun.”

— Erin Knowlton

Friends: Greg Kimble & Zach Aumen
Friends since: 2023
First met: Working at SKF (now called KRS)

I started working at SKF in 2023, and Zach started shortly after I did. On the surface, we’re kind of an odd couple. I’m quiet and reserved. He’s outgoing and always talking to everyone. I’m short. He’s tall. Even our perspectives on certain topics couldn’t be more different.

But that’s what I appreciate about Zach. We don’t avoid the conversations most people steer clear of. We talk about the things that usually divide people. Somehow, we always manage to find common ground. And even when we don’t, we leave the conversation with a little more understanding than we had before.

Outside of work, Zach is the life of the party. He and his wife are always hosting cookouts and pool parties, and they’ve made my family feel welcome every time. The food is great, and the company is even better.

We may not seem alike on the surface, but when it comes down to it, we’re not so different after all.

— Greg Kimble

Here’s something fun you might not know:

July is officially Anti-Boredom Month.

It was created back in the 1980s as a friendly little challenge to make the most of the slowest part of summer. The idea? Boredom isn’t a problem. It’s a signal. It means your brain is ready for something - novelty, movement, creativity, connection.

And while boredom might feel uncomfortable in the moment, it’s actually good for us. It gives our minds room to wander. To dream. To make something out of nothing. Honestly, some of the best summer memories start with a bored kid and an open afternoon.

So, what do we do when we (or our kids!) hit that midsummer slump? We let the jar decide.

A boredom jar is a simple, screen-free solution for those “there’s nothing to do” moments. All you need is five minutes and a little paper.

1. Grab a jar.
Mason jars, pasta jars, peanut butter jars - just make sure it’s clean!!

2. Cut up some paper.
Use plain or colorful paper. Cut into strips, about 1 inch wide.

3. Write one activity on each strip.
Keep it simple. Use the lists below or make your own. Have your kids add their ideas too. Then they'll be more likely to actually use the jar.

4. Fold and drop into the jar.
Mix them up!

5. Keep it handy.
Store it on the counter, table, or wherever boredom tends to strike.

🌺 Teen Night Out: Luau Edition
🕖 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM | 📍 YWCA Hanover, 23 W Chestnut St., Hanover
🎟 Free for teens | Register here
📞 Questions? Contact Nanci Mart at 717-637-2125 or [email protected]
A free luau-themed night for teens in grades 7–12 with crafts, snacks, open gym, and conversations about healthy relationships.

🎄 Ghouls & Grinds: Christmas in July Craft Fair
🕘 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM | 📍 701 3rd Street, Hanover
Shop spooky handmade goods and sip seasonal drinks at this Nightmare Before Christmas themed indoor market. Hosted by Hanover’s Halloween coffee shop.

🌸 Creekside Bloom Festival
🕙 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM | 📍 Creekside Farm Market, East Berlin
Food trucks, flower fields, farm animals, and free kids activities at this family-friendly summer fest.

🐶 Dog Adoption Event at Nature’s Pet Place
🕚 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM | 📍 805 Baltimore St., Hanover
Meet adoptable pups from Operation Paws for Homes and learn how to get involved. Volunteers and future dog parents welcome.

💎 Wicked Girls Night
🕓 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM | 📍 Wicked Gems Boutique, Hanover
🌙 RSVP recommended for full details.
Shop, sip, and connect with permanent jewelry, intuitive readings, charm bar, local wine, and charcuterie.

🐢 Turtle Time at Codorus
🕙 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 📍 Codorus, Sailboat Launch, 2600 Smith Station Rd., Hanover
🎟 Free event | No registration required
Stop by anytime during the hour to meet some of the turtles that call Codorus home. Bring binoculars and your best turtle questions.

🍪 Dawg Gone Bees: Cookie Decorating Class
🕑 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | 📍 7 Center Square, Hanover
🎟 $50 per person | Limited to 22 seats
🚗 Free parking in all four quadrants
Learn cookie decorating basics while creating five themed sugar cookies, including a fun edible lace technique. All supplies included.

🎨 Art & Crafts at Fourcorners Comics
🕕 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | 📍 34 Frederick St., Hanover
🎟 Free and open to all skill levels
A weekly drawing hangout hosted by Art (yes, that’s his real name). Bring your sketchbook, tablet, or half-finished idea and spend two low-pressure hours making art alongside other creative folks.

📖 Inclusive Bible Study at The Serpent’s Key
🕕 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 📍 The Serpent’s Key, 28 Carlisle St., Hanover
🎟 Free to attend | Respectful dialogue encouraged
Join Reverend Ken Peterkin for a thoughtful discussion of Leviticus and how its laws have been historically interpreted. Open to all backgrounds and beliefs. Bring your questions and curiosity.

📚 Library Along Lake Marburg
🕙 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 📍 Codorus State Park, Classroom Building (Marina Road), 2600 Smith Station Rd., Hanover
🎟 Free event | Families welcome
Join a naturalist from Codorus and the children’s librarian from Guthrie Memorial Library for a free wildlife-themed storytime with a related craft, game, or nature walk.

🔍 Where’s Waldo Party!
🕔 5:00 PM | 📍 Little Fox Coffee & Books, 125 Broadway, Hanover
🎟 Free event | Prize entry requires 20 Waldo finds on your passport
Celebrate the end of the downtown Waldo scavenger hunt with games, costume contests, themed drinks, and a grand prize drawing.

🦅 Wildlife Watchers on the Water – Pontoon Tour
🕕 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM | 📍 Codorus State Park, 2600 Smith Station Rd., Hanover
🎟 $10 per person | Call (717) 637-2816, option 7, to reserve your spot
Explore the quiet coves of Lake Marburg on a 90-minute guided pontoon boat ride. Spot turtles, osprey, eagles, and more along this Audubon-designated birding area.

🍎 Kids Day at the Adams County Farmers Market
🕗 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM | 📍 Gettysburg Rec Park, 545 Long Lane, Gettysburg
🎟 Free event | More info or exhibitor sign-up
🌧 Rain or shine (unless severe weather)
A fun-filled morning with hands-on activities, games, and giveaways for kids of all ages. Children can earn market tokens to spend with vendors. Free and open to the public.

📚 Storytime with Miss Jess
🕥 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM | 📍 Little Fox Coffee & Books, 125 Broadway, Hanover
🎟 Free event | No registration required
Join special guest Miss Jess for a fun and engaging storytime with songs, scarves, and storytelling magic. Best for pre-K and under, but all are welcome.

🖍️ Queer Family Meet Up: Coloring
🕒 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM | 📍 Little Fox Coffee & Books, 125 Broadway, Hanover
🎟 Free with RSVP | Register here
A free monthly gathering for LGBTQIA+ families to connect, build community, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of coloring. Crayons and pages provided. Feel free to bring your own supplies too.

🧚‍♀️ Clay Fairy House Class
🕐 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM | 📍 COB51 Art Studio, 48 Carlisle St., Hanover
🎟 $55 per person | Register here
Create your own whimsical clay fairy house with textures, mushrooms, ladybugs, or whatever your imagination dreams up. No two houses are alike. All skill levels welcome.

No submission this week, but that just means there’s room for yours.

If someone made your day a little brighter with a kind word, a small favor, or a moment of unexpected help, please let me know.

Find me on Facebook so send your Good Neighbor story to [email protected].

Have something to share? A story, event, good neighbor moment, or creative submission? Send it to [email protected]. We’d love to include it in a future issue.

Don’t let the calendar rush you. Soak up the slow moments, the cold drinks, and the little adventures happening right here in town.

Look for the small brings that you joy this week - a wildflower blooming on Baltimore Street, a neighbor waving, a perfect bite of something you didn’t have to cook. I hope you pause long enough to let it land. That’s the good stuff.

See you in August. Bring sunscreen and stories.

P.S. If you want to support this newsletter, don’t forget to check out today’s sponsor - 1440 Media.