THE LOUD SPEAKER
Originally Broadcast by H. H. Eddowes | Ivyland, Pennsylvania
A Message From The Mayor...
As another beautiful spring gives way to the warmth and excitement of summer, Ivyland is once again at its very best. Our gardens are in bloom, neighbors are out enjoying walks through town, and families are gathering for picnics and barbeques, community events, and all the outdoor fun that makes this season so special.
This year is particularly meaningful as our nation begins celebrating America's 250th anniversary. It's a time to reflect on the history, resilience, and spirit that have shaped our country over the past two and a half centuries. Here in Ivyland, we are fortunate to live in a borough that proudly preserves its own unique place in that story. Our historic homes, tree-lined streets, and enduring sense of community serve as daily reminders of the traditions and values that have connected generations of Americans.
As we look ahead to summer, we invite everyone to enjoy all that our borough has to offer—whether it's spending time with family and friends, attending local events (like our Concert in the Park on June 27th), exploring our beautiful neighborhoods, or simply relaxing outdoors on a sunny afternoon. The coming months will bring many opportunities to celebrate both our community and our nation's remarkable milestone.
What makes Ivyland truly special is not only its rich history, but the people who call it home. Thank you for helping make our borough such a welcoming and unique place to live. I wish you and your family a safe, happy, and memorable summer.
– Mayor Anthony Judice | ajudice@ivylandborough.org
Meet Your New Borough Council Members
Back in January, Ivyland Borough Council swore in two newly elected council members – Todd Coulson and Scott Alden. Here’s a little bit more about each of these residents who’ll be serving our community.
Todd Coulson of Ivyland Village is a recognizable participant in the many community events he and his family regularly attend, but this January he took on a new role as one of Ivyland Borough's newest Council members and Chair of the Parks & Recreation Committee.
Todd and his wife, Christina, moved to Ivyland in 2011 shortly after the birth of their first daughter, Katie. They were drawn to the community's small-town charm and welcoming atmosphere, and have since raised both of their daughters, Katie and Nora, here.
The Coulson family has a history of community involvement—Christina previously served on Borough Council before moving into her current role working for the Governor's office. Over the years, the family has become deeply involved in community life, regularly participating in events such as the Ivyland 5K (Todd is an avid runner), the annual bonfire, the pancake breakfast, and summer concerts.
For Todd, serving on Borough Council is an opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to his family. An avid runner and
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longtime participant in local events, he brings both enthusiasm and a resident's perspective to Parks & Recreation.
Looking ahead, Todd hopes to build on Ivyland's strong sense of community by exploring new activities and traditions. Among his ideas are more community game nights, neighborhood gatherings, and familyfriendly events that encourage residents to connect with one another. He is also eager to hear suggestions from residents and welcomes community input as new programs are developed.
"I think it's been a great place for our kids to grow up," Todd said. "And I think we can make it even better."
Scott Alden of Wilson Avenue brings a lifetime of Ivyland experience to Borough Council as one of the community's newest elected officials and a member of the Streets & Walks Committee.
A lifelong resident of Ivyland, Scott has deep roots in the borough. After spending a few years in Southampton following his marriage to his wife, Maria, the couple returned to Ivyland in 1996 just before the birth of their twins. Together they raised three children—Ashley, Matt, and Nicole—and have remained active members of the community ever since.
Todd and his daughter Katie at the bonfire
Scott by his home with Cooper, Loki, and Shadow
Greeley Avenue Stormwater Project Continues
The Borough of Ivyland will soon begin Phase II of the Greeley Avenue Stormwater Improvement Project, an important infrastructure effort designed to address long-standing flooding and rainwater drainage issues that have affected residents along Greeley Avenue for years.
Construction began in mid-May, with work focused on installing a new storm sewer system along Greeley Avenue between the existing stormwater structure near 1227 Greeley Avenue and the intersection of Chase Avenue. Borough officials and engineers say the improvements are intended to significantly improve stormwater management in the area and reduce roadway flooding during heavy rain events.
The project is being funded in part through a $422,301 grant from Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 ARPA Small Water and Sewer Program. Borough officials noted that these funds must be used by September 2026 and will also support future Phase III improvements.
According to Carroll Engineering, the contractor, KBC, expects to mobilize beginning in mid to late May and complete the storm sewer installation within approximately two weeks. Final paving work will follow after a short settling period for the trench work. Overall substantial completion is targeted for August 2026.
Residents should expect temporary traffic impacts during construction hours, generally between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Road closure signage will be posted at Gough Avenue and Bristol Road when work is active. However, access for residents living within the work zone, emergency vehicles, school buses, and trash collection will be maintained throughout the project.
Borough officials appreciate the community’s patience during construction and say the improvements represent a major investment in Ivyland’s infrastructure and long-term flood mitigation efforts.
A Small Borough with a Big History.
Ivyland has a rich history—and we're working to preserve it while creating new traditions for future generations.
The Ivyland Historical Association welcomes anyone interested in local history, community events, and keeping Ivyland's story alive. We're also looking for volunteers to help with projects and events throughout the year.
Interested?
Contact: ajudice@ivylandborough.org
Help us save lives!
Are you looking for a great way to help your community? Volunteering at your local firehouse is a great way. We have a position just for you!
Have Your Event With Us
The Ivyland Fire Company can host all sorts of events and gatherings. Contact us at ifcoevents@gmail.com for more information.
Stay up to date with all our events and news at facebook.com/ivyland.firecompany
Vacation Bible School
Kids K–6 is coming June 22–26, 9–11:30am! This year we’ll travel with the Apostle Paul and discover the adventures, lessons, and faith that helped spread the Gospel across the world. Join us for a funfilled week of stories, games, learning, and community. We’re also collecting school supplies for Life Abundant, supporting children of incarcerated parents in Bucks County. Donations of snacks, old suitcases, and paper maps are welcome. Permission slips and supply lists are available in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!
Visit us at ivylandpresbyterian.org and follow us at facebook.com/ivylandchurch
New Radar Speed Sign
Have you noticed your speed being clocked lately? As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our streets safe for pedestrians and families, the Borough recently saw the installation of our first radar speed sign on Wilson Avenue.
The project began in September 2025, when Council Member Jahangir Nasir proposed the initiative to address local traffic concerns. Following a motion by Chuck Bristow in October, the Council approved the purchase of two signs. In a win for local residents, the project was funded entirely through the Salary Deferral Fund, ensuring these safety improvements came at no additional cost to taxpayers.
In March, the first sign was officially installed on Wilson Avenue by Jahangir Nasir and James McCullough. Plans for the second sign are currently underway, pending the installation of a new street pole for mounting. The primary goal of these signs is to encourage "traffic calming" – especially on cut-through streets, and remind drivers to be mindful of their speed within Borough limits. We are thrilled to report that early data already shows a measurable decrease in speeding. Thank you for doing your part to keep Ivyland a slowspeed, high-safety community! There’s no need to speed!
Happy Birthday America Concert
Saturday June 27th at 7 p.m.
Ivyland Borough and the Ivyland Heritage Association are pleased to bring you the 2026 edition of our Concert in the Park series. This free concert will be held in the Ivyland Commons Park in historic Ivyland Borough. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of music. The orchestra will be located near the rear of the old schoolhouse parking lot facing the Commons. Hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and snacks will be available to purchase in the Ivyland Fire Station parking lot and there will be an ice cream truck at the event for additional treats
This free musical event is brought to you by Ivyland Borough Parks & Rec and the Ivyland Heritage Association.
Featuring the Warminster Symphony Orchestra. Joseph Lovecchio, Music Director/Conductor
Thank you to our event sponsors!
Meet Your New Borough Council Members (Cont.)
Scott's connection to Ivyland stretches back generations and gives him a unique perspective on the borough's history and character. He fondly recalls growing up in a close-knit community where neighbors knew one another, children spent their days outdoors, and residents regularly volunteered their time to support local organizations and events.
As a write-in candidate elected to Borough Council, Scott says his goal is to help preserve that strong sense of community while ensuring local government remains approachable and responsive to residents. He believes in a friendly, neighborly approach to problem-solving and values open communication between borough officials and the people they serve.
Serving on the Streets & Walks Committee, Scott is particularly focused on pedestrian safety and maintaining walkable neighborhoods. He hopes to continue efforts to improve traffic awareness, encourage safe driving habits, and address everyday concerns that impact residents' quality of life.
For Scott, serving on Borough Council is another way to give back to the town that has been home for most of his life. He hopes to help foster the same sense of connection and community spirit that he experienced growing up and that continues to define Ivyland today.
"What you would want your neighbors to do for you, that's what I try to do," Scott said. "You look out for each other."
Please join us in welcoming Todd and Scott to Borough Council. We greatly appreciate their service to the Ivyland community.
Concert in the Park Sat. Jun. 27th 7:00p.m. Ivyland Commons
America's 250th Sat. July 4th Enjoy!
It’s Grilling Season – Please do it Safely
IFCO Coin Drop Sat. Sep.. 5th 9-1p.m. Bristol & Jacksonville Rds.
The Borough of Ivyland is committed to maintaining a safe community for all residents. As warmer weather approaches, we would like to remind everyone of important safety practices related to outdoor grilling.
Using a grill under an enclosed porch, roof overhang, balcony, or any structure attached to a home creates a significant fire hazard. Heat, flame, and grease vapors can ignite nearby building materials, and grills operating in confined or partially enclosed spaces can trap heat and smoke.
This increases the risk of:
• Ignition of siding, soffits, or deck materials
• Accumulation of combustible vapors
• Carbon monoxide buildup
• Fire spreading rapidly to the structure
For these reasons, grills must be used in open, well ventilated areas and kept a safe distance from buildings, railings, and overhangs. This applies to gas, charcoal, and pellet grills.
Ivyland 5K Sat. Aug. 22nd 8:00AM see ivyland5k.org for details
These precautions align with nationally recognized fire safety standards and help protect both your household and neighboring properties.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping Ivyland a safe place to live. If you have any questions regarding outdoor fire safety, please contact the Borough Office or the Ivyland Fire Company.
A Glimpse of Ivyland History
Ivyland Borough is steeped in a rich and interesting history of how it came to be. It is particularly interesting to note that as we approach our nation’s 250th, that the 100-year celebration of our nation’s founding was a big part of why our borough came to be.
Ivyland was founded 153 years ago in 1873 by Edwin Lacey – a Quaker, a farmer, an abolitionist and abstainer from alcoholic beverages who came from the family of a Revolutionary War general. He was also a man who wanted to make money on the upcoming 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. There would be thousands of visitors to that event and he foresaw and considered that a community featuring a big hotel situated in the country yet a short distance from outside the city would attract many travelers headed to the Exposition. What further convinced Lacey of making this investment was a proposed expansion of the North Penn Railroad which would extend its tracks to Bristol Rd. and eventually New Hope. This would give visitors easy access to Philadelphia.
Unfortunately construction of his hotel was slow and further beset by the failure of noted area bank Jay Cooke & Company which created a several year depression. As a result, the building came to a standstill and the hotel stood unfinished until after the 1876 Centennial Exposition and with it Lacey's dream of wealth went unfulfilled. After investing his own money in the project, Lacey eventually had to dispose of his holdings.
Yet, the expansion of the North Penn Railroad did indeed occur, and with it the rest of Ivyland began to grow with Victorian style homes, a store, a saw mill, a coal yard and feed business, a church, a school, an inn and even the beginnings of a fire company. The foundation of the Ivyland took hold and continued to expand and grow into a thriving community. Eventually, even the Temperance House building was completed but never served as a hotel – yet it was that idea around the Centennial celebration that created what our borough is today. Happy Birthday USA!
Around the Borough Since Our Last Issue
Bonfire, Halloween, Grand Illumination and Christmas, Egg Hunt, Memorial Day and more...
The Borough of Ivyland
991 Pennsylvania Avenue
Ivyland, PA 18974
THE LOUD SPEAKER
The original Loud Speaker, founded in 1925, was a local institution not only in Ivyland but in all of the surrounding areas. Much more than an advertising circular, the paper was filled with the wisdom and pithy humor of its editor, H. H. Eddowes. Ivyland and The Loud Speaker belonged together (and still do). Today we try to bring a little of that spirit back to the borough with an updated publication that has its roots in the past and its focus on the present. We hope you enjoy it.
Borough Hall Info
Ivyland Borough Council Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at Borough Hall, 991 Pennsylvania Ave. Borough information, including events, contact numbers, emails and meeting dates can be found online at ivylandborough.org.
Borough Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed Jun. 19th, Jul. 3rd, Sep. 7th Oct. 12th, Nov. 3rd, 26th, 27th and Dec. 23rd, 24th, 25th and 31st.
NEW! Building, Zoning & Code Enforcement
The borough has engaged the firm Barry Isett & Associates, to manage our building, zoning and code enforcement. New Zoning and Building applications are on the borough website and can now be completed electronically.
Contact: Jimmy Valentin, BCO | jvalentin@barryisett.com | (267) 370-0405
Official Facebook Page for Ivyland Borough: facebook.com/ivylandpa
Ivyland Fireworks Restrictions
DID YOU KNOW – all types of rocket/aerial based fireworks are PROHBITED by borough ordinance. So follow the law and celebrate safely this 4th of July. Additionally, state laws have been recently updated.
According to the PA State Police website:
• Fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.
• They cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building.
• They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.
• They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure.
• They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or other drugs.
Publisher: Group G Marketing Partners, Ivyland, PA
Editor: Geff Rapp | Writer & Editorial: Geff Rapp | Design: Karen Blanco