Have you heard? It’s happening again!

​We have had an exciting week gearing up for our next small business bash. What is our small business Bash?

We want everyone to shopsmall, all the time! And we greatly appreciate our customers’ support! So as a way to do these two things at once: Our small business bash was created. The last bash we held drawings to give gift bags to lucky winners. The next one will run differently. Saturday’s small business bash will consist of 20 gift bags full of incredible items all from local shops. We do request that winners agree to a photograph for social media purposes!

What you can expect in Saturday’s bag::

• Liberty Tire ($5 coupon off services and a can cushy)
• Fast Ink (TuscaroraStrong hat , hand sanitizer, and face mask)
• Park Vintage (gorgeous handcrafted wood birdhouse and coupon for sessions)
• The Sunflower Shoppe (scented soy candle and packey of Sunflower Seeds)
• Sweet Dandelion (lavender extract and gourmet packet of seasonings)
• Snider’s Feed and Farm Supply (paper notebooks)
• Stoner’s on the Square (gift card)
• CSB @ Peaceful Acres (baker’s choice.)
• One North Coffee and Bake Shop (coffee tumblers)

Clearly these are going to be incredible gift bags! Every customer who spends over $20 beginning 4 PM on Saturday will receive one until we run out. Good luck everyone!

Any local business who wishes to partner with us for future small business bashes, please don’t hesitate to call the shop at 717-328-3323 or email Harry at mobileromeos@gmail.com. We may not be able to accommodate all businesses.

As of today’s date, Romeos has served over 1000 lunches to area students. We had originally intended to offer lunches for the initial two weeks schools were closed. As our reality begins to shift to schools remaining closed for the duration of the school year, Romeos intends to continue offering lunches to students for as long as possible.

Any school age child can pick up a lunch between the hours of 11 AM and 2 PM. We are trying our best to offer a variety of food choices. However,  our standard meal includes two slices of pizza and a drink.  Due to the generosity of local bakers, often there is a dessert offering as well.   Romeos does not ask to see school identification.  All students are welcomed. All lunches are available for take out only.

Romeos is entirely grateful for the love and support that the community has shown which allows us to continue providing these meals. This would not happen without their generosity.  We have received donations from our awesome customers as well as the following local  businesses that deserve much credit:

​Mercersburg Beverage 
Stoner’s on the Square
One North Coffee and Bake Shop
Mercersburg Academy Community
Creative Calories & Judy Firestone

Please continue to support these local business!  

Every summer Romeo's closes for two weeks in August.  It has been that way since we can remember.  Traditionally, it closed for local fairs and carnivals to encourage patronage elsewhere.  

Tonight was no different.  Shelves were wiped clean and dismantled, equipment stored away, and refrigerators were unceremoniously emptied.  On this night , the staff is usually excitedly chatting about trips, plans, and next fall being around the corner.  But tonight there was a stillness to the air.  An unusually crisp summer evening and heavy stillness.   

On a night exactly like so many other nights at Romeo's:  with no fanfare,  no accolades, and no acknowledgments, Brian Smith performed his final duties.  And this unmarked departure was fitting.  We had kept a mental count this week  of his "last dough", "last opening," etc.  And just like that, it was over.  If you have been to Romeo's, you know Brian.  Everyone knows Brian.  Romeo's is Brian. 

He stands in many ways as a man from an era gone by, and solidly against modern day trappings and attitudes.  A Jack of All Trades, his quick intellect  diagnosed and solved unlimited issues through the years.  The depth and complexity of his insight never ceased to impress.   Brian is unflinchingly loyal, unapologetic ally focused, and undeniable irreplaceable.  And yet Romeo's will somehow open in the fall without him in the helm.  Somehow the stillness of the shop will be filled without Brian's steadfast presence.  

As we drove away from the heaviness, we were overwhelmed with gratitude for the generous spirit, loyalty and incredible hard work of Brian over the years.  How fortunate our family is to have a man like Brian as part of it.  

A Black's Woods remembrance of Kevin Knight
Stromboli
Calzones
Assorted Sandwiches
Ice Cream
With a heavy heart friends and family of Kevin Knight gathered to celebrate his life at Black's Woods.  A mist the communal day of camping, easy going chatter, and calming water of the river spot so cherished by Kevin, it was difficult to understand that he was not there.  Kevin would not have missed it.  

His loss will be felt deeply at the Romeo's family for sometime.  He worked with us.   And more importantly,  he was the first one there when ever anyone was in need of anything.  His incredibly rare gifts of intense loyalty and genuine generosity are uncommon in today's world.  His  spirit may be gone but it can't be forgotten.   There should be more Kevins in the world.  
Listen to the river sing sweet songs...

Menu:
Sliced Baked Ham
Roasted Potatoes
Stuffed Herbed Chicken
Apple Sauce
Vegetable Medley
Ice Tea/Lemonade 

Today we helped St John's Lutheran Church celebrate 150 years in their current building at 8 Linden Ave Mercersburg PA 17236.  
After a commemorative service led by Pastor Marleen Griffith Stull, a luncheon was enjoyed by over 80 people in the fellowship hall.  Former Pastor Brindle and his wife were in attendance to help in the celebration.
St John's looks forward to the next 150 years. ​

   

12/20/16
Rockets v East Pennsboro High 12/20/2016

Proud Coach's Update of Romeo's favorite local sports team this season!

The 2016-2017 season is shaping up to be an exciting and rewarding season at the pool for the James Buchanan High School.   The first dual was a W for the small group of 21 swimmers and was a snapshot preview of what is to come for this talented group of student athletes.  Every day after school these dedicated students leave classes to jump into the pool for two hours and their hard work is paying off with great beginning of season times.

The meet began with a 200 Medley Relay of Annabelle McCullough at backstroke (28.6), Rachel Kimmel at Breaststroke (30.8), Sarah Kimmel at Butterfly (30.8), and Annaleisse Hissong anchoring with freestyle (27.2) .  This team put on a show for spectators as they smashed the old record of 1:59.01 and set a new mark of 1:55.88.  Is it too early for Coach to start dreaming of States for this group?

An individual record was set by Romeo’s own Jr., Annabelle McCullough in the 100 Fly, lowering the previous mark by over a second to a 1:00.58.  She also won the 200 Freestyle for the girls.  The third record of the evening was set by Jr., Rachel Kimmel in the 100 Breaststroke.  Rachel broke the record originally last year with a time of 1:11.77, breaking Keegan Reed’s decade old mark.  The first swim of the season she smashed this mark with a 1:07.86.  Jaw dropping first race of the season!  

Rockets went on to win a majority of the races during the evening.  Rachel Kimmel impressed in the 200 IM with a significant time drop to 2:21.92 to win with teammate Gretta Kriner placing third with a personal record of 2:41.50.  Juniors Austin Sheppard and Denver Norcross dominated the 200 Freestyle with a 1-2 finish.  Austin Sheppard also posted a first place in the 100 Backstroke with a personal best time of 1:03.70.  

Junior Nick Garbinski lowered his season best mark to a 22.68 with an impressive win in the 50 Freestyle.  He also brought home a first place in the 100 Butterfly with a personal record in the event.  

Sophomore Annaleisse Hissong won both the 50 Freestyle and the 500 Freestyle.  The swim team's foreign exchange student from Spain, Marcel Freixenet posted a first place in the 100 Freestyle with a personal record and won the 500 freestyle with teammate Denver Norcross taking second after a great race with a rival team swimmer.  

With such an exciting start to the season, it’s hard to imagine that Rockets Swimming has only one dual meet under their belts.  Keep your seatbelts on and keep your hands inside the moving car, these athletes are going to have an exciting season!

By Coach Lori Jo McCullough 
Rachel and Annabelle also earned Public Opinion Honor Roll this week...​http://www.gametimepa.com/story/high-school/franklin-fulton/sports/2016/12/22/po-honor-roll/95719608/

Five courageous young ladies traveled to Annapolis MD today to compete in a 2 Mile Swim race in the Chesapeake Bay.  A post card like setting of clear skies and sparkling waters with the Bay Bridge as a backdrop awaited them.  Bay conditions became challenging as flat morning waters gave way to choppy waters as they waited for an 11:15 start time.  All 5 of these swimmers finished the race in stellar form in their first ever open water swim.  

The swim was hosted by the Naval Academy Aquatic Club and boasted 127 swimmers.  Competing from left to right Megan Beam of Greencastle, Annabelle McCullough of Romeo's in Mercersburg, Gretta Kriner of Mercersburg, Rachel and Sarah Kimmel both of Fort Loudon.  

Look for these swimmers to have a great year in the pool this winter season.  
Megan Beam swims for the Greencastle Antrim High School and her specialties are sprint freestyle. She finished top 10 at Districts in the 50 Freestyle and 100 Freestyles.  
Annabelle McCullough will be swimming for James Buchanan entering her Jr Year.  Her specialties are backstroke and butterfly.    She comes to the Tuscarora School District as the two time New England Prep School Div III Champion in the 100 Backstroke.   
Gretta Kriner will be swimming her Senior year at James Buchanan High School.  She is a butterflyer and freestyler.  In her Jr. year Gretta qualified for Districts in the 100 Fly.   
Rachel Kimmel is entering her Jr year as a stand out after her record breaking season last year.  Rachel is the current 100 Breaststroke record holder.  She also placed top 10 in the 100 Fly at Districts last year.  
Sarah Kimmel is entering her freshman year at James Buchanan where she will follow her sister's lead as a breaststroker.  Currently Sarah Kimmel is busy representing the Cross Country team and racking up wins!  Not bad for a freshman.  

45 people lined up at the start for a frantic and competitive start to the first buoy.  

Last night we were honored to serve up a small feast for our high school swim team. 
On the menu:
   Garden Salad
   Homemade Rolls
   Chicken Parmesan
   Penne Pasta with Marinara
   Whole wheat pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce

But the real story.... What a remarkable group of young student athletes our community supports.  The small swim team is a particular favorite and near and dear to the heart of Romeos.  Harry's other half proudly coaches these fine individuals daily.  During the dreary months of winter as their counterparts peel out of the high school parking lot, they are heading to lockers rooms to prepare for swimming. Every. Day. 
They show up, they work hard, and they treat each other well.  The rewards aren't great and they are almost never get accolades outside of the pool deck.  They deserve accolades.  Many accolades; not so much for what they do in the pool, but for the people they are becoming.  What a great inspiration these youngsters are (especially to their coach!)
Thank you for a great season Rockets Swimming. 


***Oh, I have to mention SOME pool accolades!
 Rachel Kimmel set a long standing school record this year in the 100 Breast! 
Three scored at Districts (Nick Garbinski, Noah Shank, and Rachel Kimmel). Just HUGE accomplishments.  And these are just Sophomores!  So look for great things next swim season. 
Annaleise Hissong made districts as a freshman.
Gretta Kriner made districts for the first time as a JR in the 100 Fly.
Kayla Snyder broke the 1:00 mark in the 100 Free and continued her district streak !
The 400 Free Relay broke the 4:00 mark at Districts. Members included Amanda Montgomery, Annaleisse Hissong, Kayla Snyder, Rachel Kimmel
Jarred Moquin had an incredible freshman (and rookie of the year) season and contributed immensely to the boys relays!
Gwen Hunt got rookie of the year award for females for being awesome. 
Samantha Mills was most improved
Alexa Jones improved so much I couldn't even recognize her by the end of the season. 
The list goes on....

Enjoy this video from Reese's friends.