General DeFoor and Cassandra Coleman
I’m an Ex- Officio Member of America250PA and have been for the last five years. In this position, I help to highlight Pennsylvania’s history and the role our commonwealth played in shaping our nation.
To commemorate America’s upcoming 250th birthday, America250PA has been dedicating Semiquincentennial Bells at significant historical locations across the state. I joined Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA in York County to unveil the latest bell at Camp Security. Before the event, we decided to stop at Gather 256 for a quick meal and to record an episode of On the Menu.
Camp Security, a Revolutionary War era prison camp and the City of York both have a special place in American history. Camp Security is one of the only known Revolutionary War prison camp sites in the United States, and York was the place where the Articles of Confederation, the nation’s first constitution, were adopted.
Cassandra explained that these bronze bells are part of America250Pa’s preservation mission to highlight historically significant locations across the commonwealth.
Coleman and DeFoor helped dedicate the Semiquincentennial Bell at Camp Security
“The Semiquincentennial Bells are ways for us to highlight those untold stories that have not made it into the history books yet,” Cassanda said. “We hope through this historic anniversary next year that we’re truly highlighting those stories, amplifying them for all Pennsylvanians and all of those across the county to really learn more about.”
The bell at Camp Security is the third bell to be placed in Pennsylvania—the first was placed at Dennis Farms in Susquehanna County and the second was placed at Hawley Silk Mill in Wayne County.
I have joined Cassandra at the prior two bell dedications and I’m proud to highlight America’s history through this work. The Semiquincentennial Bells that we dedicate aren’t just markers, they’re physical reminders of our shared history and the roles these special places have played in the formation of our nation.
Gather 256 and Community Initiatives
Coleman, DeFoor, and Sarah Cahill, owner of Gather 256
As Cassandra and I were talking, Sarah, Gather 256’s Owner and Chef, joined us for a conversation about her business and shared some insight on the community fund she coordinates.
“We are here to build our community by providing spaces meant for meetups, meetings and celebrations,” Sarah said.
In addition to creating and serving delicious food, Gather 256 showcases the artwork and craftsmanship of local artists and makers. They also strive to be stewards of the environment by using their resources carefully and by composting, reusing and recycling in-house.
Community is a huge component of Sarah’s business. She not only connects the community through art and food but also gives back to the community as well.
“We call it the Neighborhood Fund, and you can give any dollar amount to the fund, or you can purchase a menu item that somebody can redeem later,” she shared. “It’s just a separate part of the till and anyone can come in and say, ‘can I use the neighborhood fund?’ This lets somebody come in, get a meal with dignity and enjoy that experience.”
Sarah continued to say that they leave space open for everyone, and the Neighborhood Fund has been something that’s allowed her staff and her to be responsive to their neighbors.
“We’re just across the street from the YMCA. LifePath has a shelter just around the corner. There’s a food bank two blocks away. So, this part of town has a lot of individuals in need, so we want to address that concern and treat them like neighbors. We’re really lucky to be able to do that.”
Sarah also said she’s compiling a list of organizations that will accept food donations left over from catering events.
“We cater events all the time and you have to plan for more food than people actually eat,” Sarah continued. “So, I love knowing where the leftover food can go.”
Before our conversation ended, I asked Sarah what advice she had for any local business owners.
“We have so many resources in York that are geared towards small businesses—and they’re all free,” she said.
She mentioned the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, which provides resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses in York County.
“Their job is to work towards economic development in the county. They provide free courses that are available in person or on Zoom, and they also have a resource library of old courses that someone can view,” Sarah continued. “So, there’s just so many free resources that people don’t realize are there.”
Sarah also offered one final piece of financial literacy advice.
“One of the things I think is so important is being open and willing to have those conversations surrounding money—not just as business owners but as employees. The average person feels really uncomfortable talking about money. We all need it, they don’t make more of it, so it matters where you spend it, what you do with it and how you get it.”
By: Tim DeFoor, Pennsylvania Auditor General