Casper Glattfelder Association Newsletter — November 2025 (No. 71)

2025 Reunion

There were about 85 people in attendance at the 120th Glattfelder Reunion, held July 26 at Heimwald Park. While the weather had been very pleasant in recent years, it was very summer-like this year, with temperatures near or above 90 degrees. However, there were few if any complaints as the shaded pavilion and its ceiling fans kept things quite bearable.

The theme of this year’s program was “Glattfelders in Medicine.”

Director Harry Gladfelter again organized and narrated the PowerPoint program. As with his previous presentations, there was a lengthy list of Glattfelder descendants, with relatives of six in attendance to talk about their loved ones’ careers.

More on the program appears later in the Newsletter.

The program was followed by the business meeting, which was called to order by President Tom Shelley. Other Directors present included John Shelley, Philip Glatfelter, Dean Gladfelter, Harry Gladfelter, Stephen Gladfelter, Larry Gladfelter Jr., Bonnie Flaharty, Bonnie Baim, Rick Gladfelter, Judy Martin, Jean Robinson and Ben Miller. Tom reminded the attendees that only actual Glattfelder descendants of Casper, John Peter and their spouses are permitted to make motions and vote at the meeting.

The minutes from the 2024 Reunion were reviewed by the Board of Directors at the August 2024 meeting. A motion was made and the minutes were approved.

Vice President Judy Martin, reporting for the Nominating Committee, said that all the directors up for re-election to three-year terms – Rick Gladfelter, Judy Martin, Ben Miller, J. Thomas Shelley, John Shelley and Kristi Russell – were willing to serve another term. Nominations were closed, a unanimous ballot was cast and all were approved.

Director Ben Miller gave an update on the status of the Nathan Glattfelder and Ives Bricker Scholarship. More on scholarship opportunities appears later in the Newsletter.

After prizes were given, the business meeting was adjourned about 4 p.m.

Thanks to generous Reunion sponsorships and in-kind donations, the price for the meal remained the same as the previous two years.

This year, a meal of hot dogs, barbeque, potato salad, potato chips and drinks was provided by the New Bridgeville Fire Company Women’s Auxiliary. Ice cream was also available.

After dinner, family members were able to talk, mingle and purchase merchandise before departing.

Summer Board meeting

The meeting was held August 23 at Christ Church in Jacobus, Pa. Fourteen Directors were in attendance and three participated via Zoom. President Tom Shelley opened the meeting at 10:08 a.m. with a prayer.

Secretary Larry Gladfelter Jr. reported on correspondence received. Angela Sutcliffe said she is a descendant of Mabel Florry Neff, whose daughter, Noami Jean Neff DeVono, was Angela’s grandmother. She noted she received an invite to the Reunion, but had to work that day. “I appreciate all the findings you have given me and I’m so intrigued to learn so much more,” she said in her email.

Kristin James noted genealogy books she received from her uncle, former Director Lanny Rohrbaugh, and offered them to the Association, if we do not already have them.

And Rob Lewis said he is a descendant of Casper’s brother John Peter on his maternal side and that his great grandmother had some photos of Clodfelters that he was not able to identify. He asked for our help, but we were not able identify the photos either.

Treasurer Bonnie Flaharty’s reports were distributed electronically. They showed a profit of $1,800, with a real estate tax bill of $1,700 still due. The report was adopted and approved unanimously.

Rick Gladfelter had distributed the investment report via email. It indicated a small increase in market value since the last report.

He also reported on a bequest from the estate of Phillip Gladfelter of Seattle.

There was a lengthy discussion concerning the merits and implications of taking the IRA disbursement as a lump sum or in yearly disbursements over 10 years. There was concern about the IRS potentially deeming the payment as unrelated income rather than a member gift, which could jeopardize our nonprofit status.

There was a motion to postpone a decision on the bequest, seeking a CPA’s opinion before making a final decision.

For the Executive Committee, it was reported that Bonnie, as noted previously, will step down as Treasurer, with Kristi Russell to take over the position starting January 1, 2026.

Officers returning are Tom Shelley as President, Judy Martin as Vice President and Larry Gladfelter Jr. as Secretary. Rick Gladfelter will be Assistant Treasurer.

The slate of officers was approved unanimously.

Tom noted that he is in his 19th year as President of the Association.

Director Philip Glatfelter, reporting for the Brick Patio Committee, said that he had placed 17 bricks for this year’s Reunion. There were a couple of issues, but the company, Skelly’s Specialty Engraving, is easy to work with and the issues were resolved.

Phil added that there will be an order for bricks this fall. More on the brick patio later in the Newsletter.

Director Pamela Tuscany Wines asked Phil whether he was concerned about space for the future. While it’s not an issue now, it certainly will be sometime in the future.

For the Communications Committee, Larry reported that the Website Committee discussed a variety of topics. Text display issues in both the desktop and mobile views have been fixed.

A page has been created on the website for this year’s Reunion and a button to view the Business Meeting minutes was added.

Larry also said that the Reunion Newsletter was sent by mail and email on June 24, with 562 by email.

There was an issue with the remittance address, with Bonnie reporting that the printer used the mailing list from the previous year. It was suggested that we investigate changing printers.

Reporting for the Property Committee, Tom noted that Phil met with a Kinsley Construction representative (Rich Tassinari) about paving the driveway.

The cost to pave from the gate to the road would be between $5,000 and $6,000. The Kinsley representative stated that their cooperation would be less than in the past, after the loss of numerous family members, and suggested we explore local paving options. He also suggested that doing most of the work on the driveway on our own would probably be best.

There was some discussion, but no decision.

Tom informed us that he was contacted by York County Parks regarding the easement to the old homestead. Kinsley does not have a Right-of-Way through our property to get to the homestead property. Pamela suggested writing a letter to Kinsley emphasizing past relationships and potential future collaboration given their need of an easement, and our need for work to be done on our driveway.

In the meantime, Kinsley was able to recover a document, noting the company does have the right-of-way, resolving the issue.

Tom mentioned that the door to the Historical Building needs to be replaced and that the building needs to be painted. Don Trout (of Christ Church) said that he would be willing to work on the door. Tom suggested that Don and Director Ben Miller get together to do this.

Lighting in the building also needs to be worked on.

For the Reunion Committee, Tom thanked everyone for getting to the Reunion early for setup. He highlighted the positive feedback from the attendees. Jean was thanked by board members for getting the Ladies Auxiliary of the New Bridgeville Fire Company to do the catering. All the Directors thought they did a fine job and that we should ask them to cater for next year’s Reunion meal.

Potential themes for the 2026 reunion were discussed, including the 250th anniversary of American Independence, the 675th anniversary of Canton Zurich joining the Swiss Confederacy and the 316th anniversary of Casper’s birthday.

Phil expressed his thanks to Director Harry Gladfelter for his continued work on the Reunion Programs.

Pamela suggested that we have a series of “Brain Storming” sessions, including for the Reunion, a vision for the future and our tax status as a 501©(7) vs. a 501©(3).

Ben reported for the Education Fund, sharing that there were five recipients, two of whom will be graduating this academic year. There are three recurring scholarships, pending their renewal of requirements. There were no new applications, but there was plenty of time for their submission.

Harry inquired as to when a high school student could apply for the scholarship. Ben explained that scholarship applications can be submitted at any time during the student’s senior year of high school, or while in college, but students must provide notarized documentation of lineage and current GPA. Ben said that checks are typically made out to both the student and university, though there are some exceptions.

Among continuing business, it was noted that credit card/e-commerce may be incorporated through the new website. We will investigate possible point-of-sale capabilities as well, due to connectivity issues in the past and Director Sarah Melcher’s absence at this year’s reunion. Pamela suggested that we look into the use of a Starlink internet connection.

New business included Phil recommending that a Reunion Program Committee be formed consisting of Harry, Larry, Pamela, Jean Robinson and himself.

Pamela suggested that the first brainstorming session be held with all board members participating, with a committee being formed afterward. At that point, it should be evident who should be included on the proposed committee.

As for Phil relinquishing his duties as Newsletter editor, Harry recommended that the responsibilities be shared by the Communication Committee. Larry shared that it will be almost impossible for one person to fill the position and suggested that the board assist whoever is involved. Phil agreed to continue to serve in his role at this time.

Additional discussion followed with Tom summarizing that the Newsletter should be a more collaborative effort even beyond the communications committee. The role of the newsletter should be discussed within the second suggested brainstorming session topic of vision for the future.

And finally, Tom made note that Board Member Dean Gladfelter will soon be celebrating his 90th birthday. Happy Birthday, Dean!!

The meeting adjourned shortly after noon.

Looking for new outlook on the Newsletter

This edition of the Casper Glattfelder Association of America Newsletter marks the 37th year of its existence. It was started by longtime Director and Historian Dr. Charles H. Glatfelter in 1988 and was passed on to his son, current Director Philip H. Glatfelter, in 2006. Philip notified the board earlier this year that he would like to have someone else take over the task. No current Directors expressed interest.

So here is a call to any of our family members who might be interested, offering any new and fresh ways to keep the Glattfelders informed of their history and the Association happenings.

“Glattfelders in Medicine”

Director Harry Gladfelter added yet another informative and well-done program at this year’s Reunion, this time recognizing the contributions of some of our Glattfelder relatives in the medical field.

During his introduction, he noted those family members who have dedicated their lives to medicine, including doctors, nurses, veterinarians, dentists, medical researchers, administrators and pharmacists.

“As you will see, there are many in our family who have dedicated their lives and careers to medicine,” he said. Some were highlighted during the program but, as he pointed out, it was impossible to give all their due. A lengthy list appears in the presentation on our website.

Those featured during the Reunion program were:

• Dr. Anna V. Gladfelter, MD, Pulmonary and Critical Care fellow at the University of Mississippi Medical Center; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in her hometown of Little Rock. She has since moved to Jackson, Miss., for her residency in Internal Medicine.
• Dr. Bambi L. Gladfelter, DO, is a doctor in family medicine who graduated from Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She began her career in education and decided on medical school after having a challenging experience. “I just knew I could be a better resource,” she said.
• Dr. Sarah King-Glotfelty, MD, is a pediatrician.
• Jeffery Glotfelty, MPH, is married to Sarah. He is the Director of Special Projects at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

• Dr. Heather Lyn Gladfelter, MD, is a Pediatric Medicine Hospital Fellow at Children’s Wisconsin. Her grandfather is one of our Directors, Dean Gladfelter. Heather is married to Dr. Jared Bishop, DO, an internist.
• Dr. Beth A. Gladfelter, NP, is a nurse practitioner. She has a special interest in comprehensive care for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
• Dr. Joel Glotfelty, MD, is doing his residency at the University of North Carolina. He was to start a fulltime practice at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in July. He is also the chief executive officer of Finish The Race, a non-profit apparel company that’s on a mission to inspire. One hundred percent of the net proceeds go towards the people and organizations they proudly support. Joel is married to Samantha Glotfelty, who is also a resident physician at the UNC Department of Family Medicine. They met when they were students at the Rutgers Medical School.

• Dr. Rachel Gladfelter, DVM, is a veterinarian at the Sweetwater Veterinary Hospital in Palmetto, Ga. She went to Rowan University for her undergraduate degree in biological sciences and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University. Rachel is very passionate about “NOMV,” which stands for Not One More Vet. Veterinarians have one of the highest suicide rates of any profession. “Be kind to your veterinary staff. We are literally dying trying to help you,” she says. Rachel is married to Matthew Gladfelter, a PhD student at Auburn. He also did his undergraduate degree in biology at Rowan University and earned his masters from Auburn in aquatic studies and is a graduate research assistant at the School of Fisheries.

• Dr. Amy S. Gladfelter, PhD, is a Duke Health Distinguished Professor of cell biology and biomedical engineering science and technology scholar. She is a faculty member of the Department of Cell Biology and heads up the Gladfelter Lab. The Gladfelter Lab is a group of scientists who study how cells are organized in time and space. “Our lab embraces an array of backgrounds, lived experiences, perspectives and skills to create a safe and intellectually vibrant space for discovery,” she says. Amy is married to Mark E. Borsuk, who is also a professor at Duke, teaching civil and environmental engineering and running the Borsuk Lab.

• Dr. Allison Gladfelter, PhD, is an associate professor in the School of Allied Health and Communication Disorders at Northern Illinois University. She received her PhD and clinical master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Purdue University. Allison’s research explores language learning and motor skills in autistic children. She is a founder and facilitator for the NIU Autism Caregiver Group. Her team hopes to develop a parent-friendly app that can screen for autism from recording videos on their smartphone or tablet. Dr. Gladfelter is also a co-investigator on a National Institutes of Health multi-year grant to study language learning in blind children. Her husband Vincent was born in Germany, and they visited Glattfelden on a trip to see his German family several years ago.
• Cathy Clodfelter, RN, is the vice president of nursing for the Evansville Market Deaconess Health System in Evansville, Ind. She is a board-certified nurse executive with over 20 years of experience. She has a masters in nursing administration from Western Governors University Indiana and an MBA from Colorado State.
• Dr. Robert L. Clodfelter, MD, is the director of emergency medicine at Hilton Head Hospital, after more than 20 years running the emergency department there. That was preceded by a decade working in a busy trauma center in Florida. Robert is married to Tracy Clodfelter, who is a registered nurse at Hilton Head Hospital in post-surgery.

Harry then presented Legacy Glattfelders in Medicine, a tribute to those who have passed away.

• Dr. Noah M. Glatfelter, MD, (1837-1911) is perhaps our most famous physician, whose story has been told numerous times at our Reunions. A plaque in his honor stands at Heimwald Park. Dr. Noah served as a surgeon during the Civil War and was present at the second battle of Bull Run. When he stopped practicing medicine, he became interested in mushrooms with his daughter Lisbeth. There are seven fungi named for him in the Index Fungorum, the leading authority on the subject.
• Dr. Robert Gladfelter, DVM, (1853-1932) was a veterinarian who specialized in large animals. He worked for the city of Philadelphia taking care of the horses, which was an extremely important job since that was prior to cars and trucks.
• Yvonne “Bonnie” Clark Glatfelter, RN, (1928-2018) pursued a career in nursing and graduated from the Lancaster (Pa.) General Hospital School of Nursing in 1949. She remained at LGH until her second child, Becky, was born. After leaving LGH, Bonnie did private duty nursing and volunteering many years at Luther Acres. Bonnie and her husband, Richard, started the Red Rose Pony Club, which promoted families taking Sunday carriage rides. Richard was a CGAA Director and Bonnie was also active in the Association. Their son, Michael, told the story of how his parents met, with Richard in the LGH emergency room with two broken legs after a car accident, followed by a four-month stay in the hospital.
• Sandra D. Glatfelter, RN, (1937-2022) was a registered nurse who worked in the operating room at UPMC Pinnacle in Lancaster (Pa.) for 58 years. She retired in 2017 at age 80. She was known there as “Mama Bird.” She married Jere V. Glatfelter and resided in Lancaster for 63 years.
• Dr. Philip R. Glotfelty, MD, (1933-2021) was a general surgeon who practiced medicine at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Mich., for many years. In 1949, Phil earned his Eagle Scout Badge with his proud parents at his side. With his sons, he continued the tradition in Scouting and saw both earn the rank of Eagle. He believed in service-above-self and took medical calls at home at all hours of the day or night. “I wanted to do more than just pray for people’s health,” he would say. “We have to remember, we all come from a miracle,” he professed a few days before his passing. “We’re all angels.”
• Dr. Scott A. Glotfelty, DVM, (1960-1988) was a young veterinarian who joined the Peace Corps, serving in Togo, West Africa. Nine months into his service, Scott was hiking ahead of some friends and climbed a large teak tree. When his friends arrived, they found him under the tree covered in bees. Local villagers scrambled to light a smoky fire to expel the bees, but, unfortunately, it was too late; he had succumbed to the hundreds of stings. Scott was 27 when he passed. His nephew, Darryl Glotfelty, tells a deeper story of Scott. Inspired by Scott, Darryl was also a Peace Corps volunteer and served in Tanzania. Darryl’s story can be found on Apple Podcast, entitled, “My Peace Corps Story.” Darryl writes: “Although my uncle Scott has long passed, he will never be forgotten. The torch was passed and we all carry it strong.”

Speaking on behalf of their family members who were honored in the program were CGAA Director Dean Gladfelter, father of Dr. Heather Gladfelter, MD, and father-in-law of Dr. Beth Gladfelter, NP; Bob Gladfelter, father of Dr. Amy S. Gladfelter, PhD; Sabastian Borsuk, son of Dr. Amy S. Gladfelter; Eileen Brooks, great granddaughter of Dr. Robert Gladfelter, DVM; Michael Glatfelter, son of Bonnie Glatfelter, RN; and Mary Beth Sacks, daughter of Sandra D. Glatfelter, RN.

Harry concluded the presentation, saying, “I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did when putting it together. In my searches, it was a pleasure talking to those in the family that chose to be healers. What would we do without the many that care for us?”

He also noted that because of time constraints, not all were given the attention they deserved. And if there was someone on the list that you would like to know more about or if there is anyone who should be added to the online program, contact him ([email protected] or 610-812-2010).

“The other two studies, patents and art, have shown that we are a very talented family,” he said. “Our contribution to medicine is one more example of that.”

To view the program, visit our website.

The Deal of the Quarter-Century

“The First Hundred Years” anniversary book (still available for purchase) on page 24 contains a brief mention of a transaction which greatly improved our operations and enhanced our reunions:

“In 1999, the directors entered into a 99-year lease with York County, under which a portion of the meadow property was made available ‘for parking and other related uses adjacent to the York County Heritage Rail Trail.’”

There is considerably more to the story – including one unmentioned partner – which when considered could dub this transaction “the deal of the quarter-century.”

In early January 1999, I attended my first Directors meeting, having been elected at the previous year’s Reunion. Then, as now, the meeting was dominated by discussions about budget; and then, as now, some of that discussion lamented the ever-increasing taxes levied on the Association’s properties (note plural).

Within a fortnight, I attended the monthly meeting of the York County Rail Trail Authority in the capacity as its vice-chair, a position which I had held from the Authority’s inception eight years earlier. The Heritage Rail Trail was nearing completion and a search was underway for suitable ample parking. Authority member Glenn Eyster pledged to donate some land adjacent to his business in Seven Valleys, but there was a need to acquire a parking lot closer to the trail’s “crown jewel”: the Howard Tunnel.

Authority chairman Tim Fulton had mastered the art of the deal locally, so after the meeting, I explained our ongoing financial situation. In turn, Tim explained that Bob Kinsley had acquired the old queen-post truss bridge which had spanned the Codorus on Glatfelter’s Station Road when it was replaced by PennDOT. Bob had wanted to place it farther upstream to create a new driveway to a house which he was restoring, but the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection was loathe to grant the necessary permits to a private individual.

“So how about the Glattfelder Association leasing ‘the meadow’ to the county for a parking lot on the condition that the county make that property tax-exempt and that the access from the parking lot to the trail use the historic truss bridge?” Tim thought that was splendid, particularly because the DEP permit application could be made by York County, which, being a government agency, would receive prompt attention.

The result was a trifecta of winning. York County gained a parking lot for the Rail Trail. Our Association gained a well-maintained parking lot for Reunions on property which had become tax-exempt. And the Kinsley organization was able to place the historic bridge on a driveway which brings trail users nearly face to face with the restored house.

That house just happens to be the historic “homestead house” constructed by Casper’s son Felix in 1815.

The “deal of the quarter-century”? Most definitely!

– Tom Shelley

A noteworthy tradition

One tradition of our 120 years of Glattfelder Reunions that continues to this day is ribbons given out to all our Reunion-goers each year. Most years, ribbons are on display in picture frames.

Part of that tradition included family members who kept ribbons. Two of those, Marlet Loucks and Dorothy Burroughs, eventually gave us their collection. We also kept many of the leftovers in our Archives.

The number in our current collection is certainly more than enough as we look to streamline the Archives. Therefore, we’re hoping to thin out the supply by offering the ribbons for sale, now and at next year’s Reunion. After that, we will – sadly – simply throw the ribbons into the trash.

If interested in purchasing any ribbons – some should be available for every year that a Reunion was held – contact Philip Glatfelter at [email protected] or 717-968-4577. And look for them at the Merchandise table at the 2026 Reunion.

Merchandise

Highlighting the two newest items on the Glattfelder merchandise list is updated spelling t-shirts, which now has two additional spellings.

The other item is not exactly new. Windbreakers were also sold, in black, navy and royal/navy. It’s been quite a few years since white windbreakers with black coat of arms were for sale.

As the holidays approach, please consider one of the new items, or perhaps a Glattfelder mug, golf shirt or Cat’s Meow replica of the Homestead or Heimwald Park for a Christmas present – or for yourself. Or send holiday greetings with Christmas cards featuring the Homestead.

See the Merchandise List for those and other items. Call Philip at 717-968-4577 or email to [email protected] with questions.

Brick patio

This year’s order for 25 bricks was placed well ahead of the Reunion. It included 15 new orders and 10 replacements for either updated death dates or damaged bricks.

Some late inquiries, including at the Reunion, prompted a second order, which has happened from time to time in recent years. That order for 21 bricks, including 16 new and five replacements, was placed in early November.

In both cases, thanks go to Director Bonnie Baim and her husband, Marty, who transported bricks to and from the brick company, Skelly’s Specialty Engraving, which is located about 45 minutes from Heimwald Park near Mechanicsburg.

The deadline for ordering bricks for the 2026 Reunion is May 22. Cost remains $75. As a reminder: Any Glattfelder descendant wishing to place a brick for a spouse may do so.

For more information, contact Philip Glatfelter at 430 Charles Circle, Hallam, PA 17406, 717-968-4577 or [email protected].

Treasurer change

To all our Glattfelder family members, please note that effective January 1, 2026, we will have a new Treasurer as Bonnie Flaharty steps down. All previous correspondence sent to our Treasurer should then be addressed to Kristi Russell, 4310 Davidsburg Road, Dover, PA 17315.

Scholarships

The Nathan Glattfelder and Ives Bricker Scholarship was established through a bequest by Charles A. Bricker, who passed away in 1993. Through his generosity, a total of $143,750 has been awarded to 57 descendants of the Glattfelder family since 1995.

This year, we received a total of eight applications. The applicants were outstanding in both academic and community endeavors.

The Glattfelder Education Fund is pleased to report the following recipients of the Nathan Glattfelder and Ives Bricker Scholarship. Each will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Daniel Diaz Butler is a fourth-year recipient of the Glattfelder Bricker Scholarship. He is carrying a 3.34 GPA as he enters his senior year at Purdue University where he will be completing his bachelor of science degree in the Mechanical Engineering Program.

Rilee Gladfelter is a first-year recipient of the Scholarship. She will be entering the Health Sciences Program at Duquesne University, majoring in occupational therapy. Rilee is a recent graduate of York Suburban High School where she carried a 4.04 GPA.

Jenna Hockenbury Miranda is a senior civil engineering major at Florida Gulf Coast University. Her current GPA is 4.0. Jenna states in her thank you letter to the Association that after graduation she will be a civil engineer in training with the goal to become a licensed civil engineer.

The next two recipients are brothers who have demonstrated outstanding academic records in their fields of study.

Austin Strickler is a first-year recipient of the Glattfelder Bricker Scholarship. He entered his sophomore year at Penn State University this fall, enrolled in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Program. He carries a 4.0 GPA.

Owen Strickler is a senior mechanical engineering major at Penn State. He is a third-year recipient of this scholarship, maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

We congratulate these students on their achievements and extend best wishes to these and all our college-bound family for a successful academic year.

Applications can be requested from the website anytime throughout the year. Prospective students should start early to complete the process by the April 1 deadline for the 2026-27 academic year. We especially encourage those who have applied in the past to continue to submit their application annually.

Information about other family-related scholarships is available on our website. They include the Dr. Charles H. Glatfelter Scholarship, set up through the Adams County Community Foundation, and the Larry and Lois Gladfelter Endowed Scholarship.

Defraying the cost

With the cost of maintaining Heimwald Park and holding the annual Reunion at about $12,000 a year, aside from special projects that arise periodically, the Casper Glattfelder Association of America will again seek sponsors to reduce those costs, including charges for Reunion meals.

The goal is to raise several thousand dollars each year. Deadline will be April 30, giving the CGAA Board members time to determine the “meal charge” for the Reunion. Sponsors’ names will be included each year in the Reunion program.

Levels include:

• Founder Sponsors of the Casper Platinum Award: Contribute $700 or more and receive six complimentary meal tickets.
• Sons/Daughters of Casper Gold Award: Contribute $500 and receive four meal tickets.
• Grandchildren of Casper Silver Award: Contribute $240 and receive two meal tickets.
• Friends and Family of Casper Bronze Award: Contribute $100.

Whether you attend the Reunion or not, the Association encourages these donations to fund the Reunion.

To make a donation, send a check, made out to the Casper Glattfelder Assoc., to Kristi Russell, Treasurer, 4310 Davidsburg Road, Dover, PA 17315. In the memo section, note whether it is for “Meal Sponsorship” or “Park Preservation.”

NOTE: Participation as a Sponsor does not automatically mean you’re registered for a meal. Continue to register in June, but note on the form if you are to receive complimentary tickets.

A gifting guideline

Continued support by family members is vital to the Casper Glattfelder Association of America. It enables us to provide meaningful, social and recreational opportunities, preserve our family heritage and maintain the amenities that connect us all. We are Family!

Annual budget and fund allocation: Each year, the association operates with a budget of approximately $15,000, carefully allocated as follows:

• 25% for Reunion costs – Supporting our annual family gathering.
• 50% for Heimwald Park maintenance – Ensuring the upkeep of facilities, landscaping and public access.
• 25% for records and communications – Covering newsletters, member updates and essential administrative functions.

Please note that NO members of the Board of Directors are compensated for the significant time to perform these stewardship activities.

The importance of your contributions: Your annual gifts sustain the association and safeguard our legacy. Contributions help to ensure ongoing social and recreational opportunities, maintain historical family records, and park routine care and maintenance projects.

Estate planning and legacy gifts: Recently, the Association received a generous $30,000 gift (approximately) from the estate of Phillip Gladfelter of Seattle, the son of longtime director Millard Gladfelter, who was recognized at this year’s Reunion. We want to express our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of their loved one and thankfulness for the family generosity to the Association.

For members considering long-term contributions, including the Casper Glattfelder Association in your will or trust can have a meaningful impact on our family legacy. These gifts work alongside annual contributions and help ensure that the association continues to thrive for generations to come.

Tax Considerations: Please note that the Casper Glattfelder Association is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501©(7) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are not tax-deductible as charitable donations and we are unable to receive Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs.

Closing appreciation: We extend our sincere gratitude for your commitment, dedication and financial support. Your generosity directly sustains Heimwald Park, our family reunions and the preservation of the Casper Glattfelder heritage.

The CGAA archives

The archives of the Casper Glattfelder Association of America have found their latest home at the York County History Center’s new facility. Most items remain at the YCHC, though some are now kept at Heimwald Park.

Any Glattfelder descendant interested in the Archives can contact the Association and we can help to access our important pieces of history.

Early plans for the 2026 Reunion, in which we’ll celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country’s independence, include a possible visit to the History Center and our Archives.

Obituaries

Members of the Association’s Historical Committee continue to track family members and accumulate corresponding obituaries. However, the list of deaths for reunion programs will be limited to those that include the most common Glattfelder names in their obituaries, with other names listed by request. To do so, contact Jean Robinson ([email protected]) or Philip Glatfelter ([email protected]).

Contact us

• President: Thomas Shelley, [email protected]; 717-880-0971
• Treasurer: Bonnie Flaharty, [email protected]; 717-880-3655
• Treasurer as of Jan. 1, 2026: Kristi Russell, 717-424-6960
• Historians: Philip Glatfelter, [email protected], 717-968-4577; Jean Robinson, [email protected]; 717-880-0392

Casper Glattfelder Association Board of Directors

President: Thomas Shelley; Vice President: Judy Martin; Secretary: Larry Gladfelter Jr.; Treasurer: Bonnie Flaharty.

Bonnie Baim, Dean Gladfelter, Harry Gladfelter, Rick Gladfelter, Stephen Gladfelter, Christina Glatfelter, Philip Glatfelter, Sarah Melcher, Ben Miller, Jean Robinson, Kristi Russell, John Shelley, Pamela Tuscany Wines.

Financial report

General Fund (as of August 31, 2025)

Income:

• Unrestricted contributions: $1,625.00
• Newsletter subscriptions: $245.00
• Park beautification and maintenance: $1,610.00
• Merchandise proceeds: $0.00
• Website maintenance: $1,000.00
• Reunion sponsorship: $1,330.00
• Reunion meals and donations: $1,115.51
• Total: $6,925.51

Expenses:

• Reunion expenses: $2,265.62
• Park maintenance: $576.80
• Electricity: $231.95
• Insurance (not yet paid for the year): $0.00
• Property taxes: $529.38
• Postage, printing, telecommunications: $1,207.05
• Records, website and archiving expenses: $1,199.30
• Federal taxes: $258.00
• Filing fee: $239.20
• Total: $6,507.30

Fund balance – beginning of year: $12,653.44. Fund balance – end of year: $13,071.65.