Matt Schickling
Wire Staff Writer
With warmer weather on the horizon, the Hatboro Residents Association has been making plans for events and initiatives this spring to bring the community together. These events are in addition to several organized by the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce through the year for the borough’s 300th anniversary.
“There’s a ton of events that are going on in the town of Hatboro,” HRA President Melinda Goodwin said. “We’re really excited looking forward.”
Community Gardens
Last year, the HRA started a community garden with four eight-by-six garden boxes at the Hatboro Baptist Church to help stock local food banks and feed locals in need. Soon, they’ll be adding six more raised garden beds and a potato tower, and adding two new locations for the gardens, including Lehman Methodist Church and a private residence.
“We’re in the process of getting donations and starting construction,” HRA member Bob Griffenberg said. “Both food banks should have plenty of produce.”
In 2014, the group donated 258 pounds of produce to the food banks.
The HRA is continually looking for new locations and volunteers to help plant and maintain the gardens. The construction of the garden beds will be done as part of an Eagle Scout project.
Little League Banner
The HRA is now a sponsor of the Hatboro Little League. The group used funds raised during the year to purchase the organization a new banner for the field on Blair Mill Road.
Movie in the Park
Some funds gained from last year’s farmers market will be used to organize a movie in the park slated for June 20. The HRA took an online survey asking residents what event should be organized with the funds.
“That was one of the top two choices that got picked,” Goodwin said.
The location was originally going to be Miller Meadow, but that may have to be changed. Some of the vendors who participate in the farmers market will be there to offer food and other appropriate items.
“It’s in support of Father’s Day weekend,” Goodwin said, noting that it will be a family-friendly event, though a movie has not been picked yet.
Farmers Market
On every Friday starting May 1, the HRA will be bringing back its farmers market from 5 p.m. to dusk at the Hatboro Baptist Church. The 22-week market will end on Oct. 9 and will not include July 3 or Sept. 4.
“We have not opened our application process up to new vendors,” HRA board member Jennifer Cox said. “We are going to solicit vendors from last year first. We gave them until March 1 to have priority. After that, others can sign up.”
About 15 vendors have been secured so far, including farms, wineries, craft-makers and several food vendors.
“We’ve been working very diligently on this,” Goodwin said. “We’ve got a nice variety already.”
In previous years, Hatboro Borough Council waived all vendor fees for the farmers market, but after discontentment grew from merchants in town, who have to pay a business privilege tax, the council decided that the retail market in Hatboro has to be “fair and equitable.”
Now, the HRA will pay a tax of $125 per event in accordance with Borough Council’s ruling. That totals to more than $2,000 in fees that the HRA did not have to pay in previous years.
Some performers have been booked for the farmers markets as well. Musicians and performers will be compensated this year. Any vendors, performers or volunteers can contact the HRA with questions.
2015 Membership Drive
While all are able to join the HRA, the group offers a membership discount card with a donation of $15 or greater. With that, members are able to access discounts and deals at local businesses throughout the borough. The discounts are available for the entire year. Though others are expected to be added, here is the list of participating businesses:
Amy’s Family Pizza
332 S. York Road
215–957–100
15 percent off entire purchase
Crooked Eye Brewery
13 E. Montgomery Ave., Suite 2
267–246–5046
10 percent off any purchase
Cafe La Fontana Restaurant
58 S. York Road
215–672–8118
10 percent off total purchase
Diana Nail Salon
51 S. York Road
215–441–5588
10 percent off any service except tanning. Cash only
Emerald City Landscaping
215–284–3377
New customers receive 15 percent discount on total purchase or one yard of free mulch
Hatboro Beverage
201 Jacksonville Road
215–675–1078
$1 off a case of beer
Joys and Toys
53 S. York Road
215–675–2880
10 percent off any one item (minimum $5 purchase)
LeRoy’s Flowers
16 N. York Road
215–674–0450
15 percent off purchase (restrictions apply)
Lewis Paint and Wallcovering
44 S. York Road
215–674–0030
20 percent off painting supplies (brushes, rollers, etc.)
Lochel’s Bakery
57 S. York Road
215–773–9779
10 percent off orders over $10
Nourishing Storm Wellness Company
124 N. York Road
215–394–8152
50 percent off first month of yoga membership
requires a three-month commitment
Polished Nail Bar and Hair Salon
36 N. York Road
215–675–3313
15 percent off all services Mon.,Tues. and Wed.
10 percent off all services Thurs., Fri. and Sat.
Quig’s Pizzeria and Grille
315 N. York Road
215–957–0800
$5 off purchase of $25 or more
Rina’s Rocks
42 S. York Road
215–433–7625
10 percent off total purchase
Vapor Phoxxe
35 S. York Road
215–789–4353
Buy one 15ml bottle of VaporPhoxxe Vaporium E-Liquid and get second 50 percent off
The HRA holds general membership meetings on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Hatboro Baptist Church annex, 32 North York Road in Hatboro, at 7 p.m. For more information or to volunteer, email hatbororesidents@gmail.com or visit www.hatbororesidents.com.
