In partnership with
📌 What’s Inside This Issue:
❤ Bearing witness in a room full of courage
🧡 What the Jaycees finally had to say
💛 A quiet, stunning art exhibit worth your time
💚 Help turn downtown into a holiday wonderland
💙 Hanover’s bell makes its big debut
💜 Smash open a geode and find something shiny
Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.
Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.
👋 Welcome Back!
Some weeks, Hanover feels like a town in motion.
Big conversations.
Big feelings.
Big community energy.
And then there are weeks like this one, where everything seems to fold together into a reminder of who we are at our best.
We had tough moments that asked us to slow down and listen. We had gatherings built around creativity and hope. We had neighbors stepping forward to decorate the square, to support families, to show up for one another in ways that matter.
This issue is a mix of all of that, and I hope as you read through it, you feel what I’ve been feeling lately: that small towns survive on connection, courage, and people who decide to care on purpose.
A big thank-you to this week’s sponsors, 1440 Media and Mindstream. Clicking their links directly supports this newsletter and helps keep local stories alive.
🌱 Founding Supporters
Every big idea starts with a few people who believe in it first. These are ours:
Darlene · Brian · Holly · Andy
Your support helped me take a major next step as I partner with a business consultant to bring even more of Hanover into the newsletter. My dream has always been a fully local ecosystem, from the stories to the sponsors to the impact.
National brands have helped keep the lights on, but I’m thrilled to say local sponsors are officially on the horizon.
If you’ve ever thought, “I love what Heart of Hanover is doing,” this is your moment to help shape what comes next. Early supporters will get first access to future events, perks, and promotions.
🧡 The Jaycees Finally Speak
On November 9, almost two weeks after the parade, the Hanover Area Jaycees finally released their official statement.
They explained the delay by saying they had been consulting legal counsel. They reaffirmed their mission of unity and positive engagement, condemned the float’s content, and promised to review their approval process moving forward.
On paper, it’s the right direction.
But the timing is hard to ignore.
The statement is polished, but it comes after a long silence when the community was hurting and looking for leadership. By the time the Jaycees spoke up, the borough, the diocese, the Jewish community, and the YWCA had already stepped forward with real clarity.
So yes, I appreciate that the Jaycees finally addressed the situation. But after waiting this long, their response feels thin. It acknowledges harm without fully engaging with it. It promises a review without explaining what failed in the first place.
And that matters. Trust is built in the details.
What we needed, especially from the organization running the parade, was urgency and transparency. What we received instead feels more like a required step than a meaningful one.
Still, a step forward is better than no step at all.
Now the task is simple:
Match your words with action next year.
Show your work.
Prove that this wasn’t just legal language but a real commitment to safeguarding the community you serve.
Because at this point, the community isn’t looking for perfect.
We’re looking for proof.
💛 Repetition at the Gallery at the Old Post Office
If you’re craving a little inspiration that does not involve holiday shopping, mall traffic, or your kid asking why the Elf on the Shelf isn’t moving this year, get yourself to the Gallery at the Old Post Office.
The newest exhibit, Repetition, opened last weekend with twenty-three works that circle around one idea: what repeats in our lives, our landscapes, and our imaginations. Think patterns, echoes, rhythms, habits. The stuff we overlook until someone with artistic superpowers says, “Hey, look again.”
The show brings together a wide range of styles and mediums, which is a nice way of saying you get everything from bold color to quiet detail in one stop. You can wander from piece to piece and feel like you’re getting a peek into how different minds interpret the same prompt. It’s satisfying. It’s thoughtful. It’s the kind of exhibit you leave talking about in the car.
If you missed the opening reception, do not panic. The exhibit is still on view, and you can swing by Monday through Friday, typically between 9:00 and 4:30. There are a few holiday-hour hiccups in the mix, so maybe don’t show up at 4:28 expecting a leisurely stroll. The show runs through January 8, and honestly, it’s well worth the trip.
You’ll find the gallery tucked inside the Old Post Office at 141 Broadway. Parking and the entrance are around back, which feels very Hanover in the best possible way, like you’re being let in on a secret.
If you need a moment of calm, curiosity, or simply a reason to step out of your daily loop, go see Repetition. I highly recommend it.
💚 Volunteer Spotlight: Help Decorate Downtown for the Holidays
📆 Saturday, November 22 |📍 Center Square
🔗 Sign up online
Hanover’s holiday magic does not appear out of thin air. It’s created by volunteers who lovingly transform downtown into a festive little wonderland.
If you want to help, Main Street Hanover has a role for you. No special skills. No elf experience required. Just show up and help make downtown shine.
Roles include decorating the town tree, hanging garland, and adding whimsical touches to parking meters. Shifts are two to three hours, and you can sign up for one or several.
It’s a simple way to give back, and the vibe is pure joy.
💙 Mary Moores Brings Hanover’s Bell to Life
Hanover’s bell for the statewide Bells Across PA art series is officially complete, and it’s stunning.
The six York County bells will be publicly presented on November 14 at 11 AM at the History Center in York. After that, they’ll find their permanent homes across the county.
America250PA commissioned artists across the state to transform fiberglass bells into works of public art in honor of the United States' upcoming 250th anniversary. The goal is to place at least one bell in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
Mary’s bell is vibrant, rooted in place, and unmistakably her. It’s the kind of piece that stops you for a second and makes you think, Yep. That’s us.
Mary Moores’ Bell
💜 Crack Your Own Geode at The Serpent’s Key
If you need an easy win with the kids this weekend, or you’re just a grown adult who still thinks rocks are cool (same), head over to The Serpent’s Key Shoppe and Sanctuary this weekend for a little hands-on magic.
PA Rock Cutters will be set up Sunday, November 16 from 11 AM to 4 PM with geodes of all sizes, waiting for brave souls to crack them open and discover what’s hiding inside. Pricing varies depending on how big of a geological gamble you want to take, but every single geode is guaranteed to be full of crystal formations. Translation: you’re walking out with something sparkly, no matter what.
There’s no ticket, no sign-up, no stress. Just show up, pick a geode, and let curiosity do the rest. It’s family friendly, kid approved, and weirdly therapeutic for adults who enjoy smashing things in a controlled environment.
You’ll find the fun at The Serpent’s Key, 28 Carlisle Street in downtown Hanover.
🍻 21+ Fun / Live Music
Friday, November 14
Bair’s Den | Karaoke | 6 PM – 8 PM
Eichelberger Performing Arts Center | Rhonda Vincent & The Rage | 7 PM
Church of Satire Comedy Club | Guardian of the Greenbacks | 8 PM – 9:30 PM
The Avalon Ale House | Big Dogz Karaoke | 8 PM – 11 PM
Divino Pizzeria | Karaoke Night | 8 PM – 12 AM
Saturday, November 15
Fat Bat Brewing | Fat Bat Fall Fun Day | 12 PM
Eichelberger Performing Arts Center | Little Mermaid | 3 PM – 6 PM
Little Fox Coffee & Books | Open Mic Night | 6 PM
Aldus Brewing | Faded Denim | 7 PM – 9 PM
Hanover VFW | Tunnel to Towers / Veterans Matter | 7 PM - OPEN TO PUBLIC
Church of Satire Comedy Club | Mike Celona | 8 PM – 9:30 PM
The Circle | Fable Family Band | 8 PM – 11 PM
The Bourbon Mill | The Smoking Section | 8 PM – 11 PM
Sunday, November 16
The Bourbon Mill | Good Company | 1 PM – 4 PM
Monday, November 17
Church of Satire Comedy Club | Open Mic Night | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Sign of the Horse Brewery | WWE RAW Watch Party | 8 PM
Tuesday, November 18
The Avalon Ale House | Dual FX Trivia | 6 PM – 9 PM
Fat Bat Brewing | Trivia Night | 7 PM – 9 PM
Wednesday, November 19
Bair’s Den | Music Bingo | 6 PM – 9 PM
Divino Pizzeria | Trivia Night | 6 PM – 9 PM
Sign of the Horse Brewery | Extreme Music Bingo | 6:30 PM
Fat Bat Brewing | Bends & Brews With Jenn | 7 PM – 8 PM
The Bourbon Mill | Beginner Line Dancing | 7 PM – 9 PM
The Circle | Open Mic & Jam with the Walnut Street Band | 8 PM – 11 PM
Thursday, November 20
Sign of the Horse Brewery | World Tavern Poker | 6:30 PM
Church of Satire Comedy Club | Funny Old Farts | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Fat Bat Brewing | Home Brewed Comedy | 7 PM – 9 PM
The Bourbon Mill | Line Dancing | 7 PM – 10:30 PM
📆 Family & Community Events
Here are this week’s featured events in and around Hanover. If you’d like to have your event spotlighted here, reach out to Megan at [email protected] for details.
Friday, November 14
✨ The Community Collective @ 28 Frederick Street
🕕 6 PM – 8 PM | 📍 28 Frederick St, Hanover
A low-key night of creativity and connection. Stop in to write postcards, make small DIY projects, or share something at the open mic. Free soup while it lasts, and donations of non-perishables are welcome for local families.
Saturday, November 15
🎃 Fall Fun Day @ Fat Bat Brewing
🕛 12 PM – 1 PM | 📍 10 N Railroad St, Hanover
Family crafts, fall mocktails, and seasonal drinks all afternoon. Expect pumpkin painting, bracelet making, and plenty of autumn treats. The highlight is the pie-throwing contest from 3–4 PM, where you can try to hit the brewer’s face and win a prize. Tasha’s Tasty Treats will be on site with pumpkin and apple desserts.
Sunday, November 16
🥣 Drive-Thru Pot Pie Dinner @ Pleasant Hill VFC
🕚 11 AM – 1 PM (or sold out) | 📍 2941 Baltimore Pike, Hanover
Swing through for quarts of boiled beef pot pie and pepper slaw, served first come, first served. No personal containers, but they’ll have carry-out ready to go. Enter at the fire station and follow the signs.
Prices: Pot Pie $9 per quart, Pepper Slaw $4 per 12 oz.
Monday, November 17
✏️ Art & Crafts @ FourCorners Comics
🕟 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 📍 34 Frederick St, Hanover
A weekly drop-in drawing hangout hosted by Art. No lessons, no pressure, just dedicated time to make whatever you’ve been putting off. Bring a sketchbook, tablet, character designs, or any project that needs your attention. All skill levels welcome.
Tuesday, November 18
🤝 YCRC Quarterly Coalition Meeting @ YWCA Hanover
🕜 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 📍 23 W Chestnut St, Hanover
🔗 RSVP Online
The York County Reentry Coalition is hosting its quarterly meeting in Hanover, bringing partners together to share updates on local reentry support and community resources. Anyone interested in collaboration or learning more about the work happening in Hanover is welcome to attend.
Wednesday, November 19
🎳 Women of Hanover Network @ Hanover Bowling Centre
🕔 5 PM – 6:45 PM | 📍 1630 Broadway, Hanover
🔗 RSVP Online
A relaxed evening of connection and conversation hosted by YWCA Hanover. Meet other local women, build new professional and personal relationships, and stick around for optional bowling during the second half of the event. Sponsored by Phoenix Physical Therapy – Hanover.
Schedule:
5:00–5:45 PM Networking
5:45–6:45 PM Networking + Optional Bowling
Thursday, November 20
ℹ️ Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill's Mobile Office in Penn Township
🕘 9 AM – 4:30 PM | 📍 20 Wayne Ave, Hanover
A mobile office will be available in Penn Township to help residents with common state services. Stop by for assistance with PennDOT questions, birth and death certificate information, Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms, unclaimed property searches, and guidance on general state-related matters.
📅 Looking for more events?
These are just a few of the happenings around town. The Heart of Hanover events calendar is packed with more to explore.
👋🏼Until Next Time…
Thank you for spending part of your week with me. Hanover is full of people doing their best to make this town better, kinder, and more connected, and every time you open this newsletter, you’re part of that.
A warm thank-you to this week’s sponsors, 1440 Media and Mindstream. Clicking sponsor links is the simplest way to support Heart of Hanover and keep this work going.
See you around town,
Megan 💜
Choose the Right AI Tools
With thousands of AI tools available, how do you know which ones are worth your money? Subscribe to Mindstream and get our expert guide comparing 40+ popular AI tools. Discover which free options rival paid versions and when upgrading is essential. Stop overspending on tools you don't need and find the perfect AI stack for your workflow.
Sponsors keep this little newsletter alive and growing. Your support of them means the world to me.