Spring/Summer 2013 - Doylestown Borough

 Vol. 23, Issue 1
Doylestown’s Hometown Newsletter
Spring-Summer 2013
WHY DRIVE WHEN YOU CAN DART?
S
tarting last November, Dart service added a second bus, which reduces wait time to a little more
than an hour. The bus serves all local shopping
centers, including Giant, Weis, Acme and Redners. It also stops at the Doylestown Hospital, Lenape
Valley Foundation, Central Bucks YMCA, all Senior Living
Centers, including Center Square Towers, Wesley Enhanced Living, Grundy Hall, Doylestown Meadows apartment complex and Delaware Valley College. The cost is
only one dollar per ride, but frequent passengers can also
buy 12 tokens for $10.00.
The Dart bus is supported by a grant from the state, acquired for us by Senator Chuck McIlhinney. Doylestown
Borough and Doylestown Township have included the
Dart in their budgets, and the Doylestown Business and
Community Alliance (DBCA) has also made a contribution. In addition to this funding, the service is looking for
potential advertisers who would like to “wrap” the bus with
information about their business or institution. Recent advertisers have included the Mercer and Michener Museums and the Central Bucks YMCA.
As of this spring, the bus will have evolved into two other
Doylestown Borough Council
Ward #
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Det Ansinn, President
Wendy Margolis
Noni West
Joan Doyle
Kevin Kelly
Dennis McCauley, Vice President
Don Berk
David Laustsen
Susan Madian
Libby
White,
page
1 Mayor
services: a free Friday night parking shuttle which will connect the County parking garage with the downtown, and a
Saturday “Cultural Loop” bus that will link the Mercer and
Michener Museums and the adjacent library parking area
with Font Hill, The County Theater, and downtown businesses and restaurants.
Both of these projects are designed to alleviate downtown
parking challenges and enable visitors to park one time and
still get to our cultural and business centers. The Dart Bus
Committee, whose members represent all the entities it
serves, plus the Borough, Doylestown Township, and state
governments, coordinate the Dart bus initiative. Buses are
owned and operated by Bucks County Transport, whose
staff members also are members of the committee.
“The Dart” is a work in progress and we invite your ideas on
how it can better serve our community. If you would like
further details about advertising, call Jim Caldwell at Bucks
County Transport at 267-843-6306. If you have thoughts
about improving or expanding our service, call Lou White,
committee chair, at 215-348-2581, or e-mail
[email protected].
Hope we’ll see you on the Dart!
57 W. Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 345-4140
[email protected]
John H. Davis, Borough Manager
Philip C. Ehlinger Jr., AICP Deputy Borough Manager
James C. Donnelly, Chief of Police
Caroline Brinker, Director of Finance
Chris Norris, Director of Water Operations
Kelli Scarlett, Building & Zoning Director & Fire Marshal
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
Doylestown Borough Bulletin: winner of the PSAB “Best Newsletter” in Pennsylvania award
T
2013 Memorial Day Parade
his year’s memorial Day Parade will be on Monday, May 27, 2013.
The parade is sponsored each year by the United Veterans of
Doylestown. Jim McComb, president, will be the Parade Marshal. Applications to participate can be obtained online at:
www.unitedveteransofdoylestown.org
Newly revised parade rules are also given on the website and must be followed by all participating units. Jim McComb can be reached at 215-4903203.
Memorial Day Parade Schedule
8:00 am
Flag raising at the courthouse by Veterans of Foreign Wars
9:00 am
Flag raising at War Memorial Field by Marine Corps League
10:00 am
Parade begins at West Court Street and Lafayette
12:00 noon
Ceremony honoring Veterans and those who have died in battle
Spring Tree Branch Pickup
(Pre-registration Required)
Tree branch pick-up will be provided
for Borough residents Thursday, May
23, and Friday, May 24, 2013
(weather permitting).
Please note that pre-registration
for this service is required. Residents must contact Doylestown Borough at 215-345-4140 no later than
4:30 pm on Wednesday May 15,
2013 to arrange for pick-up.
The parade route will proceed up Court Street to West State Street, running left up Main Street, to East Court Street, and ending at Doylestown
Cemetery at approximately 12 noon.
As part of our tribute to our veterans, let us honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation by attending the memorial ceremony at
Doylestown Cemetery following the parade.
page 2
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
Public Works Report
The Borough’s Public Works Department is a
small but powerful force of dedicated men and
women who build and maintain our town’s roads,
water systems, parks, public spaces, as well as
maintain and repair of police and fleet vehicles
and equipment. Comprised of only six workmen,
two foremen, a mechanic, and a secretary, this
lean department possesses an amazing range of
skills and capabilities. They can perform virtually any task
needed to keep our town beautiful and running smoothly.
From carpentry to plumbing, road paving to water main
construction, tree maintenance to road painting, this department is the “swiss army knife” of public services.
Whatever the town’s needs, they have the tools and the
skills get it done.
Doylestown’s Public Works Department has full road paving capabilities and this year the department will pave the
following Borough roads:
 North and South Chubb Drive
 Green Street (upper end)
 Mary Street (Hamilton to Franklin)
 Memorial Drive
 Chapman Ave.
 Mercer Ave.
If you reside on these streets, you will receive advance
notice prior to the start of the projects, and your anticipated patience and cooperation during milling and paving is
greatly appreciated.
The Department also maintains the entire water distribution system from our municipal stand pipes to your home.
These large diameter high pressure Water Mains require
frequent maintenance and repairs. The mains and water
services often leak or break, requiring the Department to
provide 24-hour, 7 days-a-week emergency repair capabilities. The public water system also provides critical Fire
Protection and fire-fighting capabilities to our community,
and the Department also provides maintenance and upgrades to the network of fire hydrants across town.
page 3
In addition to the big obvious things like snow
plowing and leaf collection, the department does
many things that the average resident may not
notice, but that add to our high quality of life.
These include street sweeping, street light repairs, and trash collection in parks and downtown.
The following is a list of the major duties of the department:
 Public construction projects
 GIS infrastructure mapping
 Paving and pavement management
 Street sweeping
 Stormwater system repairs and maintenance
 Bridge, Culvert and guardrail repairs
 Traffic signals and streetlights
 Traffic signs and road line painting
 Water system construction and repair
 Water taps, services and repairs
 Fire hydrant installation and repairs
 Leaf Collection
 Snow plowing roads, municipal lots and sidewalks
 Trash and recycling collection (parks and downtown)
 Branch pickup and tree recycling
 Special events and road closures
 Parks and playground Maintenance
 Parks mowing and landscaping
 Weed control (public sidewalks)
 Tree planting
 Parking lots and parking meter services
 Municipal building and property maintenance
 Bike & Hike trail maintenance and construction
 Fleet Maintenance of Police cars
 Maintenance of trucks and construction equipment
 Maintenance of power equipment and lawn mowers
Since 1838, Public Works has proudly been Doylestown’s
“can-do” department.
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
JAMES A MICHENER ART MUSEUM CELEBRATE 25 YEARS
T
he James A. Michener Art Museum is excited to celebrate its
anniversary
with
the
25th
Doylestown community. Museum
director and CEO Lisa Trempler
Hanover says, “In this celebratory
year, we are looking at our past
growth, and where we plan to go in
the future.” Since its founding in
1988, the museum has been an
institution devoted to preserving,
interpreting, and exhibiting art from
Bucks County. Though perhaps best known for its collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist works, the James A.
Michener Art Museum also has an exceptional collection
of Modern and contemporary paintings, sculpture, design,
and crafts.
The collection will grow even larger this year with 25 significant new works finding a permanent home in the
James A. Michener Art Museum. Also part of this anniversary expansion of the collections, the museum has
acquired Linda Williams’ Burro of Doylestown, one of the
mule statues created for Bucks County’s Miles of Mules
program, through the generosity of Michael Guagliardo of
Miracolo Hair Studio. You can visit the tile-themed mule
in the James A. Michener Art Museum’s Patricia D.
Pfundt Sculpture Garden.
And, when you do come to visit the mule in its new home,
be sure to come in via the museum’s Pine Street entrance. It has been newly landscaped with trees, sod, and
other plantings as part of the 25th anniversary celebratory
activities. The celebration will come into full swing this
summer when the museum hosts a Kick-off Gala on June
15th and then invites the community to select their favorite
images from the James A. Michener Art Museum’s collection throughout the summer and fall for a special Top
25 exhibit in early 2014. There will also be a public anniversary event on September 21-22 along with a series of
other special activities throughout the year.
through the work of culturally-diverse
artists. There will also be a series of
programs in conjunction with Infinite
Mirror: Images of American Identity
including a Meet-The-Author session
with Mary Stanton, writer of From
Selma to Sorrow: The Life and Death
of Viola Liuzzo (May 5) and a special
exhibition lecture with David and Linda Roth Professor of Art, Curlee Raven Holton from Lafayette College
(June 4).
Later this year, the James A. Michener Art Museum will
host an exhibition centered on the life of Grace Kelly.
Through unprecedented access to fashion, film, photographs, and personal artifacts from the Palace of Monaco
and the Grimaldi Forum, visitors will learn about Kelly’s
eventful life from her beginnings in Philadelphia to her
Hollywood career and later reign as Princess of Monaco.
The three largest galleries in the James A. Michener Art
Museum will be devoted to the exhibition and will be open
from October 31, 2013 through January 26, 2014. The
museum will also host an online fashion contest through
social media in conjunction with the exhibition.
Whether you come for the exhibitions, events, or both,
please join the James A. Michener Art Museum in celebrating their 25th anniversary. We hope to see you soon!
Visit the museum’s website, www.michenermuseum.org,
or call (215) 340-9800 for more information on any of the
exhibitions and events listed.
In addition to the 25th anniversary festivities, the museum
has an exciting exhibition schedule. This May, come to
the museum for Form, Rhythm, Song (May 18-August 25)
to admire lyrical lines and visual melodies in art, Transformations II: Works in Steel by Karl Stirner (March 16-June
16) to discover sculpture made from discarded iron and
steel, and Infinite Mirror: Images of American Identity
(April 13-July 7) to examine emotional and social ideas
page 4
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE IN
THE HEART OF DOYLESTOWN
E
xperience a flourishing farmers’ market right in the heart
of Doylestown. Established in 1975 by the Buckingham
Township Civic Association, the Doylestown Farmers’ Market
has served this community by making available a wide selection of farm fresh produce and other edible and non-edible
locally made products to its customers.
Once the month of May gets underway, the market is in full
swing. A wonderful variety of products is offered weekly by
25 diverse vendors. Strolling along their canopied booths
you can find an ever changing bounty of locally grown produce, sweet and savory baked goods that includes vegan
and gluten free items, farm fresh eggs, grass-fed Angus
beef, pork and poultry, dairy products, pickles, oils, relishes,
jams, pie fillings, honey and all sorts of condiments, allnatural soaps and lotions, alpaca products, dog biscuits, cut
flowers, potted herbs, and plants.
On occasion, a local artist or craftsmen is asked to display
their wares at the market. Invited live musicians, community
groups, chef demonstrations, and children’s activities bring
another dimension to the market atmosphere each week.
So, whether you are shopping for spring greens for a salad,
strawberries and rhubarb for a pie, meat for an entrée, or
plants for your vegetable garden, you are sure to find everything on your shopping list at the Doylestown Farmers’ Market.
The market is an open air venue, conveniently located on
Hamilton Ave. between W. Oakland Ave. and W. State St. in
the Borough. Operating hours are every Saturday morning
starting April 20th until November 17th from 7 am to noon,
rain or shine.
For more information about the Market and participating vendors visit us on Facebook or at www.buckinghampacivic.org.
If you would like to receive a weekly market newsletter email,
contact us by sending your name and email to [email protected].
page 5
Summer Code Enforcement FYI
T
he Property Maintenance Code requires all grass
and weeds to be trimmed to a height of no more
than eight inches. Sidewalks also must be kept clear
of overhanging bushes, branches, and shrubs to allow
clear passage of pedestrians. These regulations are
enforced by the Borough’s Code Enforcement Officer.
A notice letter of violation is sent to the property owner
first, and if the problem is not resolved in a timely manner, a citation is issued.
Doylestown Fire Company #1
O
ver the past several years, your fire company
has averaged over 650 emergency responses
each year, exceeding 15,000 hours of volunteer time
being provided to the community annually. This is
being accomplished by 35 active and 19 active life
members (members that have been doing this for
more than 20 years). Simple math, 15,000 divided by
54 people would mean that each volunteer averages
277 volunteer hours per year, just about 7 weeks
worth of time for any normal job. Why, you ask, are
we reporting this? Because we need more volunteers! “Hero’s Welcome” is our recruiting slogan and
new members are always welcome in both the Fire
Company and Auxiliary. Additional information is
available on our Web Site, visit us at:
www.doylestownfireco.org.
Thank you for your generous support of our annual
fund drive. In these economic times, we know it can
be tough and we appreciate your continued support.
Our Annual Pancake Breakfast held this past March
was well attended and we invite you to our annual
Fire Prevention Open House that will be held at the
Shewell Avenue Fire House in October. We have
approved the purchase of a replacement rescue truck
and contracted with Pierce Manufacturing for a new
rescue/engine. The good news is that through meticulous maintenance, the 1987 truck was able to stay
in service for 26 years. The hard pill to swallow is the
replacement cost will exceed $885,000.00. Hopefully,
the new rescue truck will be on display at our October
open house.
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
Doylestown’s 5th Annual Ride of Silence
the globe, they accounted for more than
18,000 riders who took part on all seven
continents (including 12 riders in Palmer
Station, Antarctica).
Cyclists of all ages and skill levels will
begin gathering at Central Bucks West
student parking lot as early as 6pm on
May 15th for Doylestown’s 5th Annual Ride
of Silence. The ride honors cyclists who
have been injured or killed in bike/car accidents.
Doylestown’s 2009 inaugural ride was an
overwhelming success with 204 cyclists
riding. That’s topped all venues in the
Northeast, including Bike-friendly Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York and Boston.
We are part of a wave set in motion in
New Zealand at 7PM and continuing
through time zones all around the globe. Our local
event is co-sponsored by the Central Bucks Bicycle
Club and Doylestown Borough. Last year more than
300 “Rides of Silence” took place on this date around
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Riders of all levels are encouraged to
join this silent, slow-paced, flat 6-mile
ride, escorted by Doylestown police and
emergency vehicles. There will be remarks and safety tips preceding the ride,
and riders may don armbands (provided)
to remember those who have passed.
Helmets are mandatory.
What: Doylestown’s 5th annual Ride of
Silence
Where: Central Bucks High School faculty parking lot (Court Street)
When: 6:30pm, Wednesday, May 15th, 2013
Bring your bike, a helmet and show your solidarity with
all cyclist young and old.
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
D
oylestown enjoys a rich and varied history. Many of our buildings have served more than one use over the years.
By featuring a few of our landmarks in each publication, Borough Council and the Doylestown Revitalization
Board hope to evoke fond memories for longtime residents, while fostering an appreciation of our heritage in people
new to our community. Good stewardship involves caring for that which we learn to value. The following is a short
Historical Building Spotlight:
The Doylestown Inn
18 West State Street - Circa 1871 and 1902
T
he Inn began life as three separate commercial buildings: a shoe store, a hat shop, and a binding business. All three were incorporated in a hostelry beginning
in 1902.
In the early to mid 20th century, the Inn was owned and
operated by the Hein family. Rudolf Gustav Hein purchased the Inn in 1919. He had been a junior ambassador to the German Embassy in Washington. He met and
married Matilde Zettler, a lady-in-waiting to a noble family.
Rudolf and Matilde knew that war would soon break out in
Europe, so they emigrated to the U.S. in 1917. Matilde,
the eldest in her family, eventually brought over her two
sisters who would settle near her. Bertha became the proprietor of The Washington Crossing Inn, while Ida Zettler
Brugger owned and operated the Pipersville Inn.
Over the next five decades, Rudolf and his son Rudolph
Otto would build their business into a renowned inn and
restaurant. A Taste of Philly (the pretzel place) was The
Grill where breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served. As
the coveted place to eat lunch in Doylestown, The Grill
was always packed with patrons. To the right of the lobby
were formal dining rooms. The downstairs housed a paneled bar known as The-Jug-in-the-Wall. Bob Brugger
(Ida’s son) conducted a lunchtime radio show from there
called “Town Talks” during which he interviewed many of
Buck County’s celebrities.
large brick house on the corner of State and Hamilton is
currently the real estate office of Flo Smerconish.
Celebrities weren’t the only patrons who gravitated to the
Inn. The local Rotary Club and the Lion’s Club held weekly
meetings there. Residents flocked there for breakfast after
church on Sunday. People used to line up around the block
while waiting for their chance to enjoy Easter dinner. In the
40’s and 50’s it wasn’t unusual for people to drive from as
far away as West Chester and Philadelphia to dine there.
Dick Brugger, Mrs. Fisher’s cousin, recalls that over the
years the Inn had a few permanent residents. Joe Hafler, an
administrator for the Bell Telephone Company was one of
those year-round guests. Dick Brugger remarked that, “Joe
was the spitting image of Harry S. Truman. Everybody mistook him for President Truman.”
The Hein family sold the Inn in 1956. Since then it has
passed through a succession of owners. In 2012, new owners again purchased the property. Their plans for the location include both a restaurant and a bar with the intention of
reviving the Doylestown Inn as an important anchor and
gathering spot in town.
During its heyday, the Inn was a favorite stopover for
stage and literary celebrities on their visits to Doylestown.
Moss Hart, Kitty Carlislie, Henry Fonda, Oscar Hammerstein, Dorothy Parker, and James Michener were a few of
the notables who frequented there.
Rudolph Otto’s daughter, Karen Hein Fisher, remembers
a time when baseball great Ted Williams brought his family here without a reservation. Unfortunately, all the rooms
were let. Her father invited the Williams to stay at their
own home, which was one block down the street. This
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www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
DOYLESTOWN ROTARY CLUB
FOURTH ANNUAL
DOYLESTOWN AT DUSK CAR SHOW
O
nce again the members of the Rotary Club of Doylestown are busy preparing for the annual Doylestown at Dusk Car
Show. The show is scheduled for Saturday, July 20th, starting at 5:00 pm. It will be held on the downtown streets of
Doylestown Borough, as it has been for the past three years. It is expected there will be 450 to 500 cars displayed on
Court and State Streets from the intersections with Main Street all the way to the intersection of West Street. There will be
live music and entertainment for the whole family. Awards are to be presented for the Top Forty cars on display as well as
16 special awards such as Best of Show and the Bruce Robert Tilley Memorial Award. The winner of this award has the
distinction of having their car featured on the poster for the next year. The Awards will be presented at 9:30 pm.
Last year the Rotary Club was able to raise $10,000.00 to be used for local Community Grants. The grant money was
distributed to many local charities who go through the application process. Some of the past recipients include Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bucks County, Doylestown Historical Society, and NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance). A portion
of this money was also used to fund college scholarships for Central Bucks High School students. In addition, a $500.00
donation was made to the Doylestown Fire Co.
Anyone wishing to register a car for the 2013 Doylestown at Dusk Car Show can do so in advance on the website at
www.doylestowncarshow.com or on the day of the show starting at 4:00 pm. Day of show registration will be held at the
C.B.West High School student parking lot. Advance registration is $15.00 and day of show registration is $20.00. General
admission is FREE.
The members of the Rotary Club of Doylestown wish to thank in advance the residents of Doylestown for their tolerance
and cooperation in bringing about this annual event. We look forward to seeing you all at the show.
page 8
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
A Message from the Doylestown Revitalization Board
F
or many years we (residents and businesses) have
enjoyed benefits and faced challenges of living and
working in Doylestown Borough, a vibrant community. We’ve partnered to cultivate a desirable place to
live and work. Doylestown appeals to a vast diversity of individuals who are attracted to the energy of our community, the
vibrancy of our town, and the warmth of our residents. Once
people move here, they quickly call it home.
Doylestown epitomizes many desirable attributes of life in a
small town as evident by the sense of camaraderie in the
neighborhoods. People embrace public events such as the
Memorial Day Parade and summer concerts, host porch and
block parties, and take pride in the hanging baskets and holiday decorations in the business district. We are the beneficiaries of nationally recognized cultural institutions, an award
winning community hospital, the services of locally based first
responders, and a business community that works together.
We also host the seat of government for Bucks County.
We continue to be a community committed to preserving its
heritage and historical character. Additions of green space,
walking trails, and bike paths have added to the ambiance of
the Borough. We are fortunate to be linked to a first rate system of public parks. Moreover, Doylestown is committed to
public safety and is continuously reviewing sight lines at intersections, and the need for necessary sidewalk repairs and
street lighting to ensure that Doylestown remains accessible
and friendly to pedestrians. Doylestown is fortunate to have a
cultural district surpassed by none. It is relatively easy for
surrounding communities to reach via the recently completed
parkway, public train, bus transportation, and bike paths.
All of these wonderful attributes of our community have had
and will continue to have positive impact on our residential
and commercial properties.
Along with all of these positive benefits, there are some inherent challenges that have to be managed – the vitality of
Doylestown Borough attracts countless visitors to our community. This can create its own set of “quality of life” challenges:
change, traffic, parking, and noise to name a few.
We’ve expressed concern regarding the lack of diversity in
Doylestown’s commercial core and the imbalance that exists
between the success of our hospitality sector and our fragile
retail sector. Our business owners have to manage the cost
of overhead and competition with big box stores and the
malls. To this end, our merchants are working creatively to
create greater awareness of the range of services they pro-
page 9
vide and create ownership for shopping “local”. The
reality is the viability of our local businesses is dependent upon the support of our residents and visitors alike.
As we look toward the future, we need to continue to
embrace our culture of communication, collaboration,
and cooperation to ensure that we sustain the viability of our community. We encourage you to call or
visit the administration at Borough Hall. The Borough Manager and staff are always available to our
residents and business owners. Connect and get to
know your Council Representatives. Our leaders are
easily accessible. They stand committed to listening
to every point of view and making informed decisions
with the best interest of our community at the forefront. Access and leverage all the communication
tools at your disposal: press releases, D-mail, the
Borough web site, the Borough Bulletin, and especially Council and town meetings, including our own
(the Revitalization Board meets on the second Thursday of each month). Let’s continue our good work.
Volunteer. Get involved. Shop local. Be proud to
call Doylestown home.
FIRST
SATURDAY CHESS
Join us this summer for the
eighth year of First Saturday
Chess. This free program is
open to players of all ages and abilities. Games will
be played at the Doylestown Historical Society Park
from 10 am to 2 pm.
Director John Connelly will be teaching and facilitating game play. This program will start on Saturday,
June 1, and continue on the first Saturday of each
month through September (July 6, August 3, and
September 7). In case of inclement weather, we will
attempt to play in the Historical Society Park Barn
Meeting Room located in the back of the park.
Doylestown Historical Society Park is located just
behind the Doylestown Historical Society Building at
56 South Main Street. Chess sets will be provided,
but feel free to bring your own lucky set. For more
information, call 215-345-4140
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
CONGRATULATIONS!
Fanny Chapman Dolphins Swim Team
Bux-Mont League Champs
2009 – 2010 – 2011 – 2012
Looking for a great place to cool off this summer? Come
to Fanny Chapman Swim Club! Registration now open at
It’s so much fun at the
www.doylestownborough.net/community/fannychapmanpool
YMCA
Or at the pool office 10 McKinstry Drive, Doylestown
Be a part of Fanny Chapman’s 85+ year history!!
T
he Doylestown Kids Triathlon
is an introductory race designed for boys and girls between
the ages of 7 and 15. The participants will swim, bike, and run a
course specifically designed for
their age group. Visit our site to
learn more and register for this
year’s race!
www.dtownkidstri.org
Fast Facts:





Sunday, June 2, 2013
Fanny Chapman Pool, Doylestown
Races begin at 8 am & 10 am
Registration open until May 26
$39 per participant
page 10
C
entral Bucks Family YMCA is a charitable nonprofit organization whose purpose is to improve the
quality of community life. The Y strengthens the spirit,
mind, and body of its members. We build character by
promoting the values of caring, respect, honesty, and
responsibility.
The Y offers a healthy living center with new cardio and
weight equipment, aquatics center with two pools and
waterslide, gymnasium, Chambers 19 café, Teen Center, Skatepark, pavilion, playground, and fields.
The Y continually hosts community events and programs through the year including these highlights during the spring and summer:
May 18- Dragon Warrioz Karate Camp
May 29- Senior Health and Fitness Day
May 31- Parents’ Night Out
June 24- through August 30 Summer Camp
August 4- Kids’ Triathlon
September 21- Community Clambake
For information on these and all programs and events
at the Y, please visit their website at
www.cbfymca.org or call 215.348.8131
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
2013 Historic Doylestown
Cemetery Walking Tours
2013
Children’s Summer Shows
O
ver 150 years of local history, presented by local experts and costumed re-enactors, will be experienced and enjoyed at the weekly
Historic Doylestown Cemetery Walking Tours. The tours are conducted
from April through December. Daylight tours meet at the cemetery office, 215 E. Court St., Doylestown, PA, at 10:00 am. Evening tours meet
at the same location at 6:00 pm. The complete monthly schedule for the
tours can be seen at doylestowncemetery.com.
Historic Doylestown TourFirst Friday evening of the month at 6:00 pm
First and third Saturday of the month at 10:00 am
Doylestown has been the home of many interesting and important personalities, including captains of industry, scientists, adventurers, and
leaders in the world of art, literature, and culture.
Late 19th Century Tombstone Interpretation–
Second Saturday of the month at 10:00 am
The late 19th century Victorians elevated death and mourning to a high
art. Grave ornamentation displayed grand embellishments and flourishes steeped with symbolism. Learn the meaning behind some of these
beautiful, intricately carved and sometime unusual monuments.
Thursday, July 11
“The Amazing Taddo Magic Show”
Sponsored by MileStone Bank
Lenape Middle School Auditorium
10:15 am
Thursday, July 25
“Lolly Hopwood and the
Let’s Play Today Brunch”
(Interactive Play)
Sponsored by Fulton Bank
Lenape Middle School Auditorium
10:15 am
Civil War Tour –
Fourth Saturday of the month at 10:00 am
Civil War experts and costumed re-enactors share the stories of the
men from Doylestown who fought in some of the great war’s most desperate battles. Over 200 Civil War veterans are buried in the
Doylestown Cemetery, including five Union Generals, members of the
U.S. Colored Troops, and the Surgeon General of the Union Volunteer
Army.
Thursday, August 1
The Downtown Performing Arts
Center Presents
“Rapunzel”
Sponsored by the Central Bucks
Education Association
Lenape Middle School Auditorium
10:15 am
Arboreal Tours Fifth Saturday of the month, 10:00 am
Established as a garden cemetery which once included flowering hedges and a rose garden, Doylestown Cemetery now curates an arboretum of over 500 trees, including many native specimens. This tour is
offered four times a year and is conducted by the Doylestown Cemetery
arborist.
More Fun & Games
Info On The Web!
Special Tours – See doylestowncemetery.com for details.
Halloween Tour – October 31, 6:00 pm; The Political Graveyard.
This tour is given only twice a year during Primary and General
Election seasons.
Group tour information is available by calling the cemetery office at 215348-3911 or via email [email protected]. The tours are
free, but a donation is suggested. Profits benefit the restoration and
preservation of graves and monuments. Wheelchair Accessible.
page 11
www.doylestownborough.net
Once again, the Borough is offering our popular Summer
Arts and Crafts program as
well as Outdoor Games and
Tennis. For further information and applications,
please see our website at:
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
page 12
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
H
ave you registered your property as a bird friendly habitat? By joining the Audubon Bird Town program last
year, Doylestown committed to encouraging and supporting
all property owners in making steps toward more ecologically
balanced, healthy and more cost effective
landscapes, benefiting ourselves through
designing with nature.
borhood on this project, you will be building continuous
corridors of supportive habitat for our threatened migratory species.
We are here to help. The Audubon Society has begun training programs in how
to redesign your landscape. The next
session here will be held on June 8th at
the Borough Hall. (Follow-up practice
sessions will be arranged at a later time).
If you are anxious to get a jump on
springtime, there are earlier sessions being held in nearby townships. You can
also get suggestions from those who
have already taken the training course.
Replacing some grassy areas with threedimensional, layered habitat of trees,
shrubs and perennials that provide shelter
for birds also increases the beauty and value of your home. An important key to a sustainable habitat is the use of native species
of plants that birds will eat. Perennial beds
can be designed with natives to add color
throughout the seasons without the need
for mowing and spraying.
Many of the
plants you already have may be native as
they are adapted to the area and thus are
hardy and easier to grow. Birds also rely
on insects for food and native plants support native butterflies and other insects.
As you change your landscape, you and
your family will enjoy seeing a greater diversity of wildlife
from your back door and know the satisfaction of good stewardship. You may also see lower landscape maintenance
costs and mower emissions, less use of toxic lawn chemicals, reduced home heating and cooling costs, less flooding
and better well levels. As you work together with your neigh-
Join in this reclamation of our natural heritage. If you already have a bird -friendly
back yard or as yours develops, please
let us know so we can track our progress.
For more information or to get more involved,
visit
our
web
site
at
www.Doylestownbirdtown.com; or contact
Steve Rubenstein at 215-345-9276 or
[email protected]
You can also register with Audubon’s backyard habitat
program and could help them track the increased numbers and species of bird that have become part of your
home ecosystem at http://pa.audubon.org/habitat
Sounds of Summer 2013 Concert Series
Robert Eric Band (Billy Joel Tribute Band)
Wednesday, June 26, Central Park
Philly Horn Band & Fireworks
Sunday, June 30 (rain date July 7), Central Park
Big band to disco to current top 40 hits!
Philly Horn Band starts at 7:30 pm.
Fabulous Grease Band
Wednesday, July 10, Chapman Park
Jump in your ‘57 Chevy and cruise on over!
Darlingside
Wednesday, July 17, Chapman Park
Area debut of a young string rock & folk quintet!
Christopher Dean Band
Wednesday, July 24, Chapman Park
Blend of soul, blues and jazz!
page 13
Beach Bumz Band
Wednesday, July 31, Central Park
Some of your favorite beach music!
Sponsors
Barb-Lin Carpet One Floor & Home
Wegmans
Performances are held on Wednesday evenings
from 7:00 pm to approximately 8:30 pm (unless
otherwise noted) at either Central Park or Chapman Park. Rain location is Lenape Middle School
Auditorium. (Call Township 215-348-9915 or Borough 215-345-4140, check websites, or Borough
Park & Recreation Facebook page for location update)
Coordinated by the Doylestown Township & Borough Performing Arts Committee
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
Doylestown
Park and Recreation Board
Spring 2013 Scenic
Stroll
May 8
Senior Center
Shady Retreat Rd.
May 15
Downtown Stroll
James Lorah House, Main & Broad
May 22
Town Walk East
Doylestown Cemetery-center gate
May 29
Fonthill Woods
Moravian Tile Works parking lot
June 5
Maplewood
Veterans Memorial Park, S. Chubb
All walks start at 9:00 am
page 14
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
2013
S.E. Pennsylvania
Household Hazardous
Waste and
Old Electronics
Collection Program
What can you bring?
Old computers, peripherals, small
appliances, and up to 25 gallons or
220 pounds of hazardous products.
Please see flyer on web link listed
below for additional information on
the types of items acceptable to
bring to a collection event. Keep in
mind hazardous products will have
cautionary words on the label, for
example: Danger, Warning, or Caution. Other words or phrases that
can signal hazardous products include: poisonous, hazardous, combustible, flammable, corrosive, volatile, caustic, irritant, explosive, toxic,
use with adequate ventilation, or
avoid inhaling.
The Central Bucks event will
take place rain or shine
9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
at
Central Bucks South
High School
1100 Folly Road
Warrington Township
There are specific restrictions
and specifications on what can
be disposed of. Businesses and
Industrial waste is not accepted.
For additional information on
disposal options, please contact::
Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection
Recycling Hotline
1-800-346-4242
or
Bucks County Planning
Commission
www.buckscounty.org/recycling
215-345-3400
page 15
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013
Borough of Doylestown
57 W. Court Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Doylestown, PA
Permit No. 351
Borough of Doylestown
Borough Council Regular Monthly Meetings: 3rd Monday at 7:00 pm
Borough Council’s Monthly Sub-Committee Meetings:
Water Utility
Zoning and Planning
Environment and Recreation
Community/Govern. Affairs
Public Works and Administration
Public Safety
Finance/Police Pension
1st Wed.
2nd Mon.
1st. Thurs.
1st/ Thurs.
1st Mon.
2nd Wed.
2nd Thurs.
6:00 pm
7:30 pm
7:00 pm
6:00 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
6:00 pm
Boards / Commissions Monthly Meetings
Park and Rec. Board
1st Tues. 7:00 pm
Shade Tree Commission
3rd Wed. 7:30 pm
Historic and Architectural Review Board
4th Thurs. 7:30 pm
Revitalization Board
2nd Thurs. 5:00 pm
Zoning Hearing Board
3rd Wednesday 7:30 pm
Fanny Chapman Pool Board
4th Monday 7:30 pm
Planning Commission
4th Tuesday 7:30 pm
Environmental Advisory Council
3rd Tuesday 7:30 pm
ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.
Doylestown Borough Bulletin
Published by Doylestown Borough Council
Editor: Phil Ehlinger, Jr. AICP
Community Liaisons:
The Revitalization Board
Production Assistant:
L. Borghi & S. Ament
Content Contributors: The Borough Community
page 16
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2013