📅 Hanover’s Summer Calendar Called. It’s Full.

Hanover is absolutely bursting at the seams this week. We’ve got Pride celebrations, backyard block parties, historical reenactments, lavender fields, tarot readings, art classes, cooking classes (chili, anyone?), cookie decorating classes, and so much more.

It’s a lot. But it’s the good kind of a lot.

I moved the event listings to the very end of the newsletter so you doesn’t get lost scrolling through 42 event listings. And that’s not even counting the bonus stuff sprinkled throughout! You’re welcome. 😏

Before you get there, you’ll find joy-fueled storytelling, summer survival tips, a list of indoor activities for kids who are one “I’m bored” away from unraveling, and a few surprises I think you’ll love.

Let’s get into it.

XoXo,
Megan

Starting next issue, emails from Heart of Hanover will come from [email protected].

It’s still me, Megan. I’m just making things a bit more official. If you don’t see the next newsletter, check your spam or promotions folder and mark it as “Not Spam” to keep seeing the good stuff.

Want to help someone else fall in love with Hanover again? Tell them to head to heartofhanover.com and hit subscribe. The more, the merrier.

Okay, so I exaggerated. It’s not actually 42 events. It’s 22. But they’re solid. Zero filler, all worth knowing about. Scout’s honor. 😁

This week’s events are waiting for you at the very end of this newsletter. I know 22 events might seem like a lot, but at least it’s not 42! Do yourself a favor and check them out. Who knows, your next favorite memory might be buried in there.

You know that feeling when your mind is spinning in a whirlpool of everything-is-on-fire headlines. You’re standing in your kitchen, holding your phone, wondering if checking it one more time will make the world feel any less like a slow-moving apocalypse?

Yeah. Me too.

And that’s exactly why I started Heart of Hanover.

I didn’t start this newsletter because I’m a sunshine and rainbows kind of girl. Let’s be real, I’ve got the same spicy blend of existential dread and dark humor as the rest of us. I didn’t start it because I wanted to ignore what’s going on around us. I started it because I refused to.

I refuse to let the chaos drown out the good stuff. The real stuff. The messy, earnest, underdog-glorious stuff that makes this town (and the people in it) worth believing in.

Because when everything feels bleak, joy becomes a radical act of resistance.

Let me be clear: Choosing to focus on the positive doesn’t mean I’m blind to the darkness. It means I’m fighting it…on purpose.

When I don’t actively seek out what’s good, my brain clings to the bad like a dog with a bone. The spiral starts slow: doomscrolling, isolation, that familiar drift into helplessness. And once I’m down there, I can’t help anyone. I can’t even help myself.

So Heart of Hanover isn’t fluff.

It’s not fluff to spotlight local creatives who pour their souls into their work. It’s not fluff to celebrate families raising the next generation of changemakers. Or to shout out the small business owner who makes room for people who’ve never felt like they belonged.

That’s not fluff. That’s the heartbeat of our community. That’s what reminds us we’re not alone.

You might’ve noticed I avoid religion and politics in this space. That’s intentional. Not because I don’t care. I care deeply.

But I believe connection has to come first.

I want to create a space where we can meet each other as humans before anything else. Where we can talk about what matters without turning it into a fight.

This isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about holding space for joy and belonging even when things aren’t fine.

When we lead with values like kindness, compassion, curiosity, and integrity, something shifts. We stop arguing and start creating. We stop hiding behind screens and start showing up for each other.

At the start of this year, I sat down and asked myself:

Who do I want to be when the world feels impossible?

Not what I want to do. Not how I want to perform.

Who I want to be.

These are the values that came out of that moment. These values are the values I want to live by, write by, love by:

These aren’t just nice words. They’re the compass I use every time I sit down to write you a new issue.

So if you’ve ever wondered why Heart of Hanover exists or why I put so much energy into telling you about festivals, family events, and free stuff to do — it’s because this is how I stay grounded.

This is how I fight back.

This is how I remember that even when the world is hurting, we’re still allowed to laugh. To love. To create. To connect.

And maybe, just maybe, if we do it together, we’ll remember that we’re not powerless after all.

Let’s build something good.

Let’s build something whole.

Let’s keep loving our town, loud and unashamed.

Positivity doesn’t mean pretending the pain isn’t real. It means choosing to carry joy with you, even when the weight is heavy.

⭐ If this resonated with you, share it with someone who could use a little hope this week. Let’s remind each other what still makes this place worth loving.

Saturday, June 21 | 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
📍 Location: YWCA, 23 W Chestnut St, Hanover
💸 Cost: Free (no registration required)

Let’s show up for joy.

This Saturday, the YWCA Hanover is teaming up with the Rainbow Rose Center to host a celebration that’s equal parts festive and affirming. Family-Friendly Community Pride Day is a free event designed for all ages, all backgrounds, and all people who believe that everyone deserves to belong.

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or a proud ally, this is your invitation to show up in support of love, joy, and inclusive community spaces.

Here’s what you can expect:

It’s more than just a party. It’s a statement. One that says Hanover has room for everyone, and we’re not afraid to show it.

I’ll be there. If you spot me, come say hi.

Once upon a time, we called it the West Hanover Street Playground. Swings. Slides. Maybe a juice box or two. Just a quiet little park on the edge of town.

But plot twist: that quiet little park? It was once the stage for a full-blown cavalry battle. Horses charging. Sabers clashing. People fighting for the future of the country. All in what’s now the mulch under your kid’s sneakers.

And now it’s got a name that owns it. Union Park.

Back in 1863, just before Gettysburg grabbed the headlines, Hanover was the site of a fierce and wildly underrated Civil War battle. It was the first battle fought on free soil. And it mattered. Big time.

General J.E.B. Stuart, Confederate cavalry commander and known chaos agent, was galloping through town, trying to link up with Robert E. Lee. But Union forces had other plans. Stuart ended up getting chased down what is now this playground. In a desperate, cinematic escape, he launched himself and his horse over a tributary of Plum Creek. Real story. Real horse. Real leap.

Meanwhile, a 21-year-old Union soldier named Thomas Burke captured a Confederate flag, disarmed two enemy soldiers, and became the first person ever awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on free soil. Let that sink in.

For years, this history sat buried under swing sets. But local historians and truth-tellers — people like Marc Charisse, John Krepps, and Matthew Jackson — didn’t let it fade. They pushed for signs. For truth. For a name that meant something.

Now it’s official. The signs are up. Our town’s history, and more specifically the playground’s history, will not be lost to the passing of time.

And maybe one day, you’ll take a kid to the Union Park playground. And you can tell them how a small town like ours shaped the future. That even playgrounds can carry legacy. And as you chase them around the new playground equipment, remind them that his is not just a place for play. It’s a place where history ran wild on horseback. Where grit and courage left footprints in the dirt.

Hanover, you’ve always been mighty. Now the sign says so too.

If you’ve ever said “nothing ever happens in Hanover,” this is your moment to be gloriously wrong.

The Heart of HanoverLand Festival runs June 26–28, and it’s part Civil War reenactment, part town-wide art installation, part comedy show, and 100% uniquely Hanover.

It’s history you can actually feel — scavenger hunts by historical landmarks, spoken word in the square, ghost tours, music, art, Lincoln roasting Stevens at the comedy club. Yes, really.

Why June? Because back in 1863, just days before Gettysburg, Hanover was the site of the first Civil War battle fought on free soil. General Pleasonton even said Hanover “saved the fate of the nation.”

Now, this festival pulls that legacy out of the history books and into the heart of town. It’s smart. It’s scrappy. It’s weird in the best way. And it’s powered entirely by our own neighbors.

See the full schedule at: revelationdesign.com/hanoverland-festival

Thursday, June 26 | 3 PM - 5 PM 📍 Hanover Market House, 210 East Chestnut St, Hanover 🎟️ Reserve your seat: Register on Eventbrite

If you’ve ever thought, “This town deserves its own podcast,” good news. It already has one. And it’s just as weird and wonderful as Hanover itself.

HanoverLand: The Podcast is the brainchild of JackMatt Consulting and the social media group HanoverLand: The Mason Dixon Makers’ Haven. The podcast is hosted by a colorful cast of locals and dives into the arts, folklore, food, business, and all the little things that make our little town unforgettable.

This podcast lives somewhere between a front porch conversation and an after-hours documentary. It’s thoughtful. It’s a little wild. It’s wildly sincere. You’ll hear from people who’ve built businesses, kept stories alive, fought for change, and kept dreaming even when things got tough.

And now? You can be part of the magic.

Come to the Hanover Market House for a chance to watch the podcast recorded live as part of the Heart of HanoverLand Festival.

Yes, there will be guests. Yes, President Abraham Lincoln will be there. Yes, you’ll probably laugh. And yes, you might leave wondering if that really just happened.

This live taping isn’t just a show. It’s a celebration of everything that makes this town what it is. History. Humor. Curiosity. Community.

If you miss the live show, don’t worry. You can catch all past episodes on Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Podcast Index, Listen Notes, Fountain, True Fans, and RSS.com.

So grab a friend, save your spot, and step into the story. Hanover has always had layers. This podcast just peels them back with charm, curiosity, and a little chaos.

Welcome to HanoverLand. Population: you.

Clear your schedule, grab your sunscreen, and mark your calendar for Saturday, July 12. The 5th Annual Snack Town Street Fair is just around the corner, and this year’s lineup looks better than ever.

Expect handmade goods, food trucks, live music, family fun, and ice-cold local brews. All packed into one joyful, jam-packed day in Downtown Hanover. This is the kind of event that reminds you why summer in a small town just hits different.

I’ll be sharing more insider details over the next couple of weeks. Think music lineups, parking tips, and why you’ll probably want to bring a folding chair. Stay tuned.

The solstice made summer official, but let's be honest. This has been one of the soggiest, coolest Junes in recent memory. It’s been giving spring energy and full-on denial.

But Mother Nature must have finally checked her inbox. Starting Sunday, June 22, Hanover is expected to roast through five straight days of 90-degree heat. According to the National Weather Service, three days in a row over 90 counts as a heat wave. So five? That’s just showing off.

Whether you’ve got restless kids at home, a dog that won't step on the pavement, or an AC unit that sounds like it's praying for mercy, here’s how to keep your cool.

Make sure your window units are in, clean, and doing their job. If they’re rattling like they just saw a ghost, it might be time to clean the filter or bribe a handy friend with iced coffee.

If someone suggests a picnic at noon next week, you have full permission to say, “I love you, but not that much.” Your only job is to survive, not suffer.

Water first. Always. Bonus points if you toss in some lemon or use electrolyte packets like Liquid I.V. Save the iced lattes and sweet teas for early morning or late night. Otherwise, you're just sipping dehydration in a cute cup.

Loose, light-colored clothing is your best friend this week. Linen, cotton, whatever doesn’t cling or make you sweat more. Anything black and fitted should stay in the drawer until September.

If you must go outside, channel your inner Victorian and seek shade like it’s your job. Reapply your sunscreen, wear a hat, and know when to throw in the towel and head inside.

Call your neighbors. Text your aunt. Make sure your friend with the new baby has working AC. Pets should be inside, off hot pavement, and definitely not left in cars. Even for a minute.

Dizzy? Nauseous? Sweaty and weak? Sit down, sip water, and cool off immediately. Kids, older adults, and anyone with chronic conditions are especially vulnerable.

I was going to make a Hot Girl Summer joke, but let’s be real. Nobody feels hot when they’re peeling their thighs off the car seat. This week is all about Hydrated Girl Summer, Rested Girl Summer, and “We Didn’t Yell Today” Girl Summer.

It’s hot. The kind of hot that makes you question all of your summer optimism and Google “coolest towns to live in America” with a sweaty thumb. And if you’ve got kids home for summer break, it’s not just hot. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s boredom-fueled destruction by 2 PM.

So instead of watching them somersault off the couch for the fifth time or trying to pry tablets out of tiny hands, here’s a roundup of indoor, air-conditioned, and kid-approved places where they can move their bodies and you can catch your breath.

And who knows, you might even have fun too.

📍 Magic Elm Skateland, 625 W Elm Ave, Hanover
💸 Free skating passes with $4.99 annual membership (per child)
📱 Must download MyHownd app to redeem
🔗 Sign up here

This is one of those deals that sounds fake but isn’t. Kids 10 and under can skate free during select hours when you sign up through the Kids Skate Free Club.

Just pay the small annual fee, grab your app, and remember to budget a few bucks for skate rentals.

Skate free hours:

📍 South Hanover Lanes, 1767 Baltimore Pike, Hanover
📍 Hanover Bowling Centre, 1630 Broadway, Hanover
💸 Two free games per child, per day. Shoe rental not included.

Both local bowling alleys participate in the Kids Bowl Free program, which means your child gets two free games every day, all summer long. Just sign them up for free online and show the confirmation at the counter. Grown-ups can play too, but sadly, not for free.

🔗 Register South Hanover
🔗 Register Hanover Bowling Centre
🔗 Learn more about the national program

📍 Hickory Falls, 110 Hickory Ln, Hanover
💸 Free kid’s mini golf with paid adult pass
🔗 Learn more

Every Thursday, kids play mini golf for free when an adult tags along. It’s a low-key outing that feels like a vacation. If it’s still too hot for putting, cool off inside with laser tag, arcade games, or a frozen treat from Rita’s.

📍 Ninja Logic, 1013 Baltimore St, Hanover
💸 $25 per person
🔗 Learn more online

Got a kid who treats your living room like a jungle gym? Take them here. Ninja Logic is a full-blown indoor obstacle course for ages 6 and up. These open gym sessions are unscheduled chaos in the best possible way.

Note: Closed-toe shoes required. Parental supervision required for kids under 12. Kids under 6 are not recommended for open gym. Ninja Jr. kids must meet class requirements and attend with a paid adult.

Open Gym Hours:

📍 Timeline Arcade, 22 Carlisle St, Hanover (rear entrance)
💸 $10 for one hour, $25 all-day pass
🔗 Explore the arcade

Retro meets relief. Timeline Arcade is a classic throwback filled with pinball, Pac-Man, and enough lights and buttons to keep any bored tween (or nostalgic adult) entertained for hours. It’s also air-conditioned heaven.

Note: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Hours:

📍 Kickin’ Axe, 217 Frederick St, Hanover
💸 $30 per person
🔗 Book a lane

This one’s for the older kids or teens who’ve aged out of bounce houses. Kickin’ Axe is a climate-controlled space where you hurl sharp objects at wooden targets in a way that’s strangely therapeutic. Coaches are on hand to help with form. BYOB for adults, but leave the drama at the door.

Note: Ages 12+ with adult. Closed-toe shoes required.

🕒 Hours:

📍 Break Down Rage Room, 218 E Chestnut St, Hanover
🔗 Book online (no walk-ins)

Whether you're blowing off steam or just want to break something without consequences, Break Down Rage Room has you covered. It's exactly what it sounds like: safety goggles, baseball bats, and a room full of smashables.

Choose your rage level:

Tell them what’s got you fired up and they’ll try to personalize your destruction stash. Bring whatever emotional baggage you’re ready to toss against a wall.

Note: Ages 14 and up. Anyone under 18 must bring a parent or legal guardian. Close-toe shoes are required - no Crocs, sandals, or clogs. Bring your government ID.

Submitted by Allison Harrison

“A big shout-out to the children’s staff at Guthrie Memorial Library, particularly Miss Kelly! She is the best, and my children love to read because of the story times they offer.” It’s no small thing to spark a love of reading in a child. Thank you, Miss Kelly, for making stories come alive and for being one of the quiet heroes helping build a brighter Hanover.

(P.S. If your kid loves storytime too, don’t forget to sign them up for the Guthrie Library’s summer reading challenge. It’s free, easy, and packed with prizes.)

💛 Know someone who deserves a Good Neighbor shout-out?

Nominate them by replying to this email or messaging me on Facebook. Whether it’s your favorite barista, a helpful stranger, or someone who simply made your day better, I want to hear about them. Let’s keep the gratitude going.

Five years ago this week, my mentor Sam passed away. Many of you knew her as Mrs. Little, Hanover Senior High School’s beloved art teacher. She poured so much of her heart into this community. She was bold, brilliant, wildly funny, and deeply compassionate. She believed in justice and in people, and she believed in me before I ever believed in myself.

The last birthday gift she gave me was a book: If You Feel Too Much by Jamie Tworkowski, the founder of To Write Love On Her Arms. I found it again recently, flipped to a random page, and landed on this:

That was Sam—always reminding me to fight for people, for beauty, and for better endings.

I never thought I’d start a newsletter, let alone one about Hanover. I’m the kind of person who dreams big but gets stuck in the planning stage. I collect notebooks full of ideas, hoard domain names, and sign up for courses I never finish. I thought that was all I was capable of—learning and planning.

The first time the idea of this newsletter came to me, I dismissed it. I told myself I wasn’t the right person. I didn’t know enough people. I didn’t do enough things. I wouldn’t have anything to write about. I figured no one would read it anyway.

But the idea came back. This time with more clarity and more urgency. I’ve always believed that ideas are invitations. And if you ignore them too long, they’ll find someone else. So I said yes. I took the leap. And for the first time, I didn’t stop at the planning.

I built the site. I bought the domain. I sent the first issue. And now, here we are. A community. A movement. A spark of something that’s still unfolding.

So thank you for being here. Thank you for reading. Thank you for being part of this living, breathing, growing community.

You're a reminder that we’re not alone when we have each other. You're proof that hope still happens.

📝 Have a letter to share? A memory of someone who impacted your life? A tribute to someone you're missing? Reply to this email or message me on Facebook. I'd love to include your words in a future issue. We all have stories that deserve to be witnessed.

If you made it this far, thank you. I know the world feels heavy sometimes. It’s easy to believe that joy is frivolous or that good news doesn't matter when there’s so much going wrong.

But here’s what I’ve learned. Seeking out what’s good doesn’t mean ignoring what’s hard. It means staying grounded. It means paying attention to the moments that remind us who we are and what we care about.

Writing this newsletter is how I come back to the present moment. It’s how I remind myself that even in the middle of a heat wave, a long week, or a tough season, we still get to choose how we show up. And I want to keep choosing joy.

Afterall, joy is the fight. It’s not the afterthought, it’s the strategy.

P.S. Come back next week to create a personalized and fun summer bucket list, more insider details on Snack Town Festival and why you’ll probably want to go, I’ll be interviewing an amazing veteran that created a non-profit to help other veterans, more volunteer opportunities, and ways to support each other (like maybe classified ads or a job board?). Only time will tell!

P.P.S. Know someone who would love this newsletter as much as you do? Forward it to a friend or send them to heartofhanover.com. Let’s keep the good stuff going.

Friday, June 20 | 6 PM to 8 PM
Saturday, June 21 | 10 AM to 3 PM
📍 Rusty Naill Pallet & Co., 639 Frederick St, Suite 2, Hanover
💵 Free

Support local makers and discover unique handmade goods at this two-day market hosted by Rusty Naill Pallet & Co. With 30 vendors offering everything from fresh baked goods and goat milk products to candles, essential oils, and freeze-dried treats, there’s something for everyone.

Grab a friend, bring your tote bag, and enjoy a laid-back shopping experience filled with creativity and local pride.

Saturday, June 21 | 9 AM to 2 PM
📍 Britton Coffee Co, 639 South St, McSherrystown
💵 Free

Celebrate the start of summer with Britton Coffee Co’s second Block Party. This family-friendly event includes face painting, local vendors, ice cream, permanent jewelry, and a special visit from Bluey.

Bring the kids, grab a cold brew, and enjoy a fun-filled day at their McSherrystown location.

Saturday, June 21 & Sunday, June 22 | 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
📍 420 Impounding Dam Rd, Hanover
🚗 $25 per carload | 🔗 Buy tickets here

Surround yourself with the scent of summer at the annual Hanover Lavender Festival. This two-day celebration includes live music, wine tasting, lavender picking, creek wading, local artisan vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Bring your own chair, blanket, and picnic basket if you’d like. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for the fields. BYOB is welcome, and baskets or scissors can be borrowed on-site for picking.

Saturday, June 21 | 8 AM to 2 PM
📍 27 Center Square, New Oxford
💵 Free

Stroll through the heart of New Oxford during this beloved tradition featuring antiques, vintage finds, handmade goods, farmers market favorites, artisan products, and plenty of delicious food. With over 100 vendors, there’s truly something for everyone at this free, family-friendly event.

A big thank you to this year’s sponsors including Platinum Sponsor Yazoo Mills, and supporting sponsors like New Oxford Social & Athletic Club, Harvest Chapel, and Members 1st Federal Credit Union.

Saturday, June 21 | 10 AM to 11 AM
📍 Cultivated Essentials Co., 28 Frederick St, Hanover
💵 Free

Ease into the morning with coffee, connection, and conversation. Before the rally begins, join organizers at Cultivated Essentials Co. for a welcoming hour that includes sign-making, water, and a personalized legislative briefing on key issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.

Accessible restrooms, space to cool off, and plenty of good energy included.

Saturday, June 21 | 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
📍 Little Fox Coffee & Books, 125 Broadway, Hanover
💵 Free | 🔗 Register here

Join two fabulous drag queens for a joyful morning of books, songs, and imagination. This storytime is designed especially for little ones in pre-K and under. It’s a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and the love of reading.

Come early to grab a coffee or hot cocoa before the stories begin. Parents and caregivers are welcome to connect and mingle too.

Saturday, June 21 | 11 AM to 12 PM
📍 Hanover Center Square
💵 Free

Come stand in solidarity for love, dignity, and human rights. This peaceful rally in the square brings together community members, advocates, and neighbors for an hour of visibility and unity. Speakers will touch on important statewide efforts like the PA Fairness Act and the movement to end conversion therapy.

Bring your signs, flags, and open heart. After the rally, head over to the YWCA’s Family-Friendly Community Pride Day from 12 PM to 3 PM to keep the celebration going.

Saturday, June 21 | 5 PM to 9 PM
📍 COB51 Art Studio, 48 Carlisle St, Hanover
🎟️ $85 per person | 🔗 Register here -No refunds.

Learn the full stained glass process from start to finish in this hands-on class at COB51. You’ll cut, grind, foil, solder, and polish your own piece. You’ll walk away with both a finished project and the skills to do it again.

Note: Ages 16 and up. All supplies, tools, and instruction are included. Manual dexterity and some hand strength are required for glasswork.

Sunday, June 22 | 1 PM to 5 PM
📍 Hanover VFW Post 2506 (Backroom), 19 McKinley Ave, Hanover
💵 $15 | 🔗 Register here

Learn how to make classic homestyle chili in this hands-on cooking class at the Hanover VFW. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just want to spice things up, you'll leave with new skills, full bellies, and maybe even a new signature dish.

Details on cost and registration were not provided at the time of publishing. Reach out to the venue for more information.

Sunday, June 22 | 3 PM to 5 PM
📍 Dawg Gone Bees, 7 Center Square, Hanover
💵 $50 | 🔗 Get tickets here

Always wanted to learn the art of sugar cookie decorating? This hands-on class, hosted by Beehive Cookie Co. with Dawg Gone Bees and Eve Baum, covers cookie basics, icing consistency, and five themed designs. You’ll even learn how to make edible lace, a fun technique that adds a fancy touch to your cookies.

All supplies are provided, and you’ll leave with a box of your delicious creations. Only 22 seats available. Free parking in all four quadrants of Center Square.

Monday, June 23 | 6 PM to 8 PM
📍 Little Fox Coffee & Books, 125 Broadway, Hanover
💵 Free, RSVP required | 🔗 Register here

Make new friends, sip some coffee, and unwind in this cozy private event just for the LGBTQIA+ community. This month’s theme is Craft & Tarot Night — a relaxed evening of conversation, creativity, and connection. Tarot readings by Beck Ravenswood of The Serpent’s Key will be available for those who want a little insight with their iced latte.

Only 30 spots are available. Registration is required for entry.

Wednesday, June 25 | 3:30 PM
📍 New Oxford Library, 22 North Peter St, New Oxford
💵 Free | 🔗 Registration Required Before 5 PM, Tuesday, June 24

Explore the bold, expressive world of graffiti in this hands-on teen workshop. Learn about the history of street art, iconic graffiti artists, and the visual language behind the tag. Then, try your hand at creating your own tag-style artwork.

Wednesday, June 25 | 6:30 PM
📍 Plaza Azteca, 1080 Carlisle St, Hanover
💵 Free

Looking to meet other driven, kind, and inspiring women in the Hanover area? This monthly meetup is all about connection, community, and uplifting one another. Bring a friend and enjoy a fun evening of networking, laughter, and meaningful conversation.

This month’s special guest is Doreen Laskiewicz, founder and editor of Grit & Goals Magazine. Come hear her story, grab a taco, and make a few new friends.

Wednesday, June 25 | 7 PM to 9 PM
📍 YWCA Hanover, 23 W Chestnut St, Hanover
💵 Free | 🔗 Register here

The Youth Leadership Council at YWCA Hanover is hosting another Teen Night Out, and this time it's luau-themed. Students in grades 7 through 12 are invited for an evening of friendship, fun, and meaningful connection.

Activities include creative crafts, group games, open gym time, and honest conversations about healthy relationships and dating safety. Plus, snacks. Always snacks.

Questions? Reach out to Nanci Mart at 717-637-2125 or [email protected]

Thursday, June 26 - Saturday, June 28
📍 Downtown Hanover
💵 Many events are free or pay-what-you-can
🗺️ Full festival schedule and registration links

Celebrate history, creativity, and community during this whimsical three-day festival that honors Hanover’s role in the Civil War while spotlighting our modern-day makers, artists, and storytellers.

From wreath-laying ceremonies and Civil War reenactments to podcast tapings, ghost tours, bluegrass concerts, art scavenger hunts, and interactive history pop-ups, Heart of HanoverLand brings the past to life with charm, curiosity, and a little theatrical flair.

You’ll meet Abraham Lincoln, laugh your way through local comedy shows, walk the streets where cavalry once clashed, and discover why Hanover just might be the most delightfully strange and meaningful town in Pennsylvania.

Thursday, June 26 | 6 PM to 8 PM
📍 Little Fox Coffee & Books, 125 Broadway, Hanover

Step inside this cozy little bookshop for a night of espresso and esoterica. Beck Ravenswood, Hanover’s most notorious fortune teller, will be offering Cosmic Check-In tarot readings by donation. No fixed price, no gatekeeping. Just good vibes, strong coffee, and mystical insight. Hosted in collaboration with The Serpent’s Key Shoppe and Sanctuary.

Note: For entertainment purposes only.

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

Rest, relax, and melt into a deeper state of calm. This 75-minute class led by Misty Stillman begins with gentle restorative postures and breathwork, then eases into Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation said to be five times more restorative than sleep. No prior experience needed. Just wear comfy clothes and bring your whole self.

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

Join us in honoring freedom, resilience, and Black excellence at Hanover’s Juneteenth Commemoration. This community gathering will feature food, local vendors, music, dance, spoken word, presentations, door prizes, and a roundtable discussion.

Come for the celebration. Stay for the stories.

Saturday, June 28 | 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
📍 Little Fox Coffee & Books, 125 Broadway
💵 Free and open to all.

Celebrate Pride Month with Miss Deb from YWCA Hanover during this joyful storytime for little ones. Enjoy inclusive books, sing-along songs, and a simple craft in a cozy, welcoming space.

Perfect for families who love storytime with heart. Come early for coffee and comfy seating.

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

Don’t stress over rootbound houseplants or spilled potting soil. Let The Dirty Hippie, resident Green Witch at The Serpent’s Key, handle the messy part for you. Drop off your plant friends and pick them up later, freshly repotted and ready to thrive.

No appointment needed. Just bring your plants and breathe easy.

Pricing: