This Week in Hanover: Anger, Art, and Watermelon Joy

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This week’s issue is packed, and I’m not just talking about the grocery cart in our Good Neighbor story!

Inside, you’ll find a reflection on how anger can become a force for good, two meaningful volunteer opportunities, a preview of the First Friday Art Walk, and lots of family-friendly events, including a watermelon-themed kitchen project for National Watermelon Day.

I’ve also started sending a separate Thursday email that features the Top 5 Weekend Events, so you can plan ahead without scrolling through a long list.

👉 If you missed it, you can view that post by clicking here.

As always, thank you to this week’s sponsors — 1440 Media and Superhuman AI. Every time you click one of their links, you're directly supporting this newsletter. It makes a real difference.

Love, Megan

P.S. Before you scroll, help me out by answering the quick poll below about the new Thursday events email.

Growing up in Hanover, this town felt frustratingly small. I’m not sure if the youth of today still feel this way, but back then, there was nothing to do and nowhere to go.

Now, I’m only 39, so don’t let me act like I’m some wise elder reminiscing about “back in my day…” But let me tell you a little more about my experience.

I was a certified mall rat as a teenager. Then I was a certified diner rat. What else was there to do? Turning 21 gave me more options, but hanging out at a bar is only fun for a select few. It’s also not an ideal place for fostering community or collective change.

I couldn’t wait to leave Hanover when I “grew up.” I left as soon as I graduated, but the real world was harder than I expected, so I moved home a few years later. After a few more years of longing to escape, I moved again — but this time I moved out of state. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to come back. But once I started a family of my own, all I wanted was to be closer to my own family. I begrudgingly moved back in 2016, only to find that the seeds of change had already been planted.

This town feels different from how it did 20 years ago. There’s a renewed energy of growth.

Growing up, I met a lot of people who felt similarly about Hanover as I did. It felt like a dying town with nothing to do and no safe space for young people. I hated living here. I was angry about the lack of options.

But not anymore.

Now, I can’t take credit for the shift — I left. But it seems like a lot of people in Hanover took their frustration and turned it into something positive. Their anger was a catalyst for growth.

This isn’t always the case. A lot of people (like myself) left in search of something better. But sometimes, especially in Hanover, anger leads to positive change.

Not the kind that lashes out or burns things down, but the kind that pushes you to act. The kind that comes from caring deeply and watching something you love — your community, your kids, your future — feel like it’s slipping in the wrong direction.

And I feel like we’re seeing this play out on a larger scale right now. You don’t have to look far to find something to be angry about. The nation feels more divided. Politicians seem less connected to real people. A lot of folks are feeling hopeless and mad.

But that kind of anger can be useful. Instead of directing it at each other, we can channel it into change, creativity, or service.

How we express that anger is up to us, and if you look around Hanover, you’ll see it taking many different forms.

This weekend, some will gather in Center Square for a protest organized by the York County Democratic Committee, raising their voices in resistance and rallying support for banned books and diverse representation. Others will take to the streets for the First Friday Art Walk, building community and channeling emotion through creativity. At Little Fox, queer families will be coloring with their kids, building a quiet kind of solidarity that says, we belong here too.

None of these responses are “right” or “wrong.” They’re just human. They’re what happens when we care.

Anger is often seen as a problem to solve. Something to stifle or “get over.” Or worse, something to avoid altogether. But what if it’s a signal? A reminder of what matters most? And when we listen, really listen, we can choose what to do with it.

Yell. Paint. Vote. Plant sunflowers. Start a pantry. Write a love letter to your town in the form of a newsletter.

However it shows up, I hope your anger never hardens you.

I hope it moves you.

📍 The Serpent’s Key, 28 Carlisle Street

This Saturday, The Serpent’s Key is collecting donations for the YWCA Hanover Safe Home, and you’re invited to join in. Their shelter pantry is running low, and every contribution makes a difference for local families in crisis.

Instead of the usual Crop Swap, they’re focusing on collecting essential items during shop hours:

🕙 Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM
🕚 Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM

Items most needed include:

Let’s show Hanover how generous and supportive our witchy community can be. 🌱💜

Accessibility Notes: The shop is wheelchair accessible, features an accessible restroom and seating areas, is service dog/emotional support animal friendly, and has soft sensory lighting for folks with photophobia or sensory concerns. They occasionally use incense, but are happy to hold off if you call ahead!

📍 151 Moul Avenue, Hanover
🗓 Sunday, August 31

This is the second time I’m sharing this opportunity, and for good reason. The Hanover Chili Cookoff is coming up fast, and they’re still looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make the magic happen!

Grab a friend, spouse, sibling, or neighbor and sign up as a team. Whether you’re pouring drinks, greeting guests, or helping behind the scenes, it’s more fun together.

Perks include:

Sign up with your buddy here: 🔗 Volunteer Form

🕔 Friday, August 1 | 5 to 8 PM
📍 Downtown Hanover (walkable)

This weekend marks the very first First Friday Art Walk in downtown Hanover — a new monthly event organized by Little Fox Coffee & Books with one heartfelt goal: to build a stronger, more creative, more connected community.

On the first Friday of each month, downtown businesses will transform into pop-up galleries featuring the work of local artists. The idea? Make art accessible, give artists a platform, and invite neighbors to slow down, explore, and connect.

This Friday’s walk includes:

Whether you’re a regular gallery-goer or just looking for something new to do on a Friday night, this is your chance to be part of something beautiful at the very beginning.

No tickets. No fuss. Just art, community, and a little downtown magic.

Downtown Hanover is about to get a little brighter.

As part of August’s 2nd Saturday Summer Celebration, local artists of all ages are invited to take part in a Chalk Art Showcase designed to bring joy, creativity, and color to the heart of town. Whether you’re a seasoned sketcher or just want to doodle with the kids, this event is all about community and expression.

You’ll check in at the Main Street Hanover tent outside Clark’s Bostonian Outlet anytime between 11 AM and 2 PM, where you’ll receive your chalk supplies and an assigned sidewalk space. Standard supplies are provided, or bring your own if you have favorites at home.

The suggested donation is $5, but it’s a pay-what-you-can event. The goal is to fill downtown with positivity, not paperwork.

🎨 All artwork should be uplifting and family-friendly. Kids 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the chalk portion will be rescheduled.

👉 Register here to join the fun and help turn the sidewalks into a community gallery.

Saturday, August 2 | 12 to 1 PM
📍 Center Square, Hanover (2–32 Broadway)

This Saturday, residents will gather in Center Square for Rage Against the Regime, a community event organized by the York County Democratic Committee. The gathering invites participants to speak out against injustice, stand for democratic values, and show support for inclusive education.

Organizers are also encouraging attendees to donate to the Books for All Wishlist, which helps provide diverse, inclusive books to children and teens in our community.

📚 Books for All Wishlist

Watermelon is the best summer fruit, hands down. Anyone that says otherwise is just plain lying. We all know the truth.

National Watermelon Day is August 3rd, which makes this weekend the perfect time to try a cool, kid-friendly kitchen project: a watermelon slushie bar (no blender required!)

This DIY watermelon slushie bar is easy enough for little hands and fancy enough to feel like a summer party. Just scoop and mash fresh watermelon, freeze it in a bowl or shallow pan for a few hours, then scrape it into fluffy slush with a fork.

Let everyone build their own:

It’s hydrating, refreshing, and just the right amount of messy.

🛒 Tip: Check Food Lion, Giant, or Weis for the sweetest watermelons in town.

🎨 First Friday Art Walk
🕔 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM | 📍 Downtown Hanover

Explore local art and meet the makers during Hanover’s new monthly tradition, organized by Little Fox Coffee & Books. Stop by pop-up galleries, meet featured artists, and experience the creative spirit of downtown. Free and family-friendly.

🏳️‍🌈 Queer Family Meet Up at Little Fox
🕒 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM | 📍 Little Fox Coffee & Books, 125 Broadway, Hanover

A cozy monthly gathering for LGBTQIA+ families to connect, color, and find support in community. Coloring pages and crayons provided. Please RSVP to ensure seating.

🌿 Create Your Own Terrarium with The Dirty Hippie
🕑 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | 📍 28 Carlisle Street, Hanover

Join local plant expert The Dirty Hippie for a hands-on terrarium-building workshop. Learn about plant care, choose your vessel and decor, and create a mini ecosystem to take home. All supplies included.

🎟️ Tickets: $40 | Reserve your spot online

🐱 Dine to Donate for Harlow’s Haven Cat Rescue
🕒 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM | 📍 Texas Roadhouse, 179 Eisenhower Drive, Hanover

Skip the cooking and support a local rescue. Mention the fundraiser or show the flyer, and a portion of your meal will benefit Harlow’s Haven Cat Rescue. Their Mobile Cat Lounge will be on-site, so you can meet adoptable kittens while you dine.

🚒 National Night Out at SAVES
🕔 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM | 📍 5865 Hanover Road, Hanover

Celebrate 20 years of SAVES and connect with local first responders at this free, family-friendly event. Enjoy food trucks, emergency vehicle tours, bounce houses, and a live Jaws of Life demonstration.

🌿 Herbs for Children with Herbs & Sympathy
🕕 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | 📍 28 Carlisle Street, Hanover

Learn how to safely use gentle herbal remedies like chamomile and ginger to ease common childhood ailments. This class will cover dosage guidelines, preparation techniques, and practical tips for parents and caregivers.

🎟️ Tickets: $35 | Reserve your spot online

🎤 Fat Bat Open Mic Comedy Night
🕗 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM | 📍 Fat Bat Brewing, 10 N Railroad Street, Hanover

Test your material or cheer on brave locals at this casual open mic comedy night. Sign-ups start at 7:30. Always a good time, whether you're behind the mic or in the crowd.

🎨 Tot Art Series (Ages 18 Months–4 Years)
🕥 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM | 📍 122 N Peters Street, New Oxford

Little artists will explore color and creativity through hands-on projects in this fun (and messy!) art class for toddlers and preschoolers. Dress for a mess.

📌 Registration required | Sign up here

🎨 2nd Saturday Chalk Art Showcase
🕚 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM | 📍 Downtown Hanover

Bring your imagination and help decorate the sidewalks during this family-friendly community art event. Pay-what-you-can registration includes chalk supplies.

🐶 First Annual Doggy Dip at the YMCA
🕑 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | 📍 North Hanover YMCA Recreation Pool

Let your pup make a splash at this dog-only swim party to support the future Hanover YMCA Dog Park. Open to members and non-members.

💵 Tickets $15 pre-registration or $25 day-of | 🎟 Buy tickets

Want the full picture of what’s happening around town? I’ve put together a Heart of Hanover Google Calendar packed with upcoming events.

You can view it online anytime or subscribe to add it directly to your own Google Calendar so you never miss what’s coming up.

This calendar is a labor of love, and I’m offering it for free (for now) to help you stay connected. In the coming months, it will become part of a paid subscriber feature, so if it’s helpful to you, make the most of it while it’s open to all.

👉 Click here to access the calendar and subscribe.

Because life’s a little better when you know what’s going on.

Submitted by Heather M.

This week’s shout out goes to the kind stranger who stepped in to help a tired mom during a very real parenting moment in the Giant parking lot last week.

That’s when a woman parked nearby noticed the chaos, asked if Heather needed help, and without hesitation, started loading groceries into her trunk.

To whoever you are, thank you for being the kind of person who doesn’t look away. Your quick, quiet act of support made a hard moment easier, and reminded one exhausted mom that she wasn’t alone. ❤️

Email from Sue S.

“I read your newsletter last week and was excited to see La Cucina opened up a new location downtown. I went to check it out myself, and it was DELICIOUS!! Thanks for letting me know. I had an amazing dinner!”

(You're welcome, Sue! And now I’m craving pasta.) 🍝💛

Thanks again to our generous sponsors, 1440 Media and Superhuman AI, for helping make this issue possible.

See you next week. Same time, same inbox. 💛

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