Our Contributors

Karen Hendricks

Karen Hendricks is a a lifelong journalist of 30+ years and plays an important role with the editorial team at CG. In addition to overseeing the social channels at the magazine, Karen is also an accomplished freelance writer. Her skills with pen and paper are only the tip of the iceberg, as she is also an avid runner, recently completing 50 races to benefit 50 causes for her 50th birthday. Learn more about this beautiful endeavor as well as her other passions by visiting www.hendrickscommunications.com.3 Articles


Jessica Dean

Born and raised in Adams County, Pennsylvania, Jessica and her husband, Troy, created Celebrate Gettysburg magazine in 2007. Before starting the publication, Jessica was the art director for Frederick Magazine, a successful regional publication based in Frederick, Maryland. She was the president for the AIGA Blue Ridge chapter and has won numerous awards for her graphic design. Always eager to give back to the community, Jessica has helped to promote many local activities and has volunteered her design services to a variety of regional nonprofit organizations. She lives in downtown Gettysburg with her family.2 Articles


Ana Villanueva-Lykes

Ana Maria Villanueva- Lykes is a widely published writer, novelist, editor, wife, mother, and lover of life. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing at the De La Salle University and is an avid traveler. You can follow her travels and learn more about her by visiting her blog: http://anaviajeralogue.blogspot.com.2 Articles


Jessica Knouse

JESSICA KNOUSE is a new contributing writer to CG. A native to Adams County, Jessica grew up at the Round Barn Farm and her family has been here for generations. A problem solver at heart, Jessica is also great at making connections and finding creative solutions to her writing assignments. She lives with her husband in Gettysburg, along with her dog Freddy Mayonnaise. She has three stepdaughters: Kiera, Delanee and Allana.2 Articles


Alex J. Hayes

Alex began his journalism career in 2005 as a staff writer for the Gettysburg Times. He has covered wide breadth of stories, from municipal meetings that ended in screaming matches to police trapping a stray alligator in Cumberland Township. Hayes prides himself in taking a people-centric approach to journalism and believes everyone has a story that needs to be shared. He lives in Mount Joy Township with his wife and fellow writer, Ashley Andyshak Hayes as well as their dogs, Toby and Callie.1 Articles


Marc Charisse

Marc Charisse, Ph.D. is the former editor of The Evening Sun in Hanover. Dr. Charisse has a Ph.D. in communications and journalism history. These days, he performs magic and conducts local history and ghost tours.1 Articles


Jessica Rudy

Jessica Rudy is a freelance writer and editor who started her journalism career in 2007 at the Gettysburg Times. As a journalist, arts marketer, musician, fiber artist, historian and occasional improv comedian, she uses her work to advocate for the power of creativity and storytelling to grow deep, lasting connections in communities. She lives in Fairfield with her husband and daughter and their cats.1 Articles


Steve Zimmerman

Steve Zimmerman and his wife Laurie have owned and operated Zimmerman’s Azalea Gardens and Landscaping in Adams County since 1992. Steve is a regular contributor to Celebrate Gettysburg, specifically the department Gardening Guidance.


James Rada, Jr.

James Rada, Jr. is an award-winning writer of historical fiction and non-fiction history. He has been with Celebrate Gettysburg for over 10 years. He has received numerous awards from the Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association, Associated Press, Maryland State Teachers Association and Community Newspapers Holdings, Inc. for his newspaper writing. James lives in Gettysburg and is active in the community.


Jennifer Mellace

Jennifer Mellace is a a published author, editor, and marketing guru. Jennifer lives in Frederick, Maryland, with her husband, two children, and three dogs. In her downtime, she enjoys trail running and hiking with her black lab, Bella.