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Connection THE HATFIELD

Publication of the Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners | Fall/Winter 2026

The Talk of the Town

Meet Hatfield's favorite crossing guard!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: The Gift of Time

Open Space Referendum

Hatfield Celebrates America’s 250th

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Hatfield Board of Commissioners

Hatfi Ha tfield eld Township Of Offi fices ces 1950 School Road Hatfield, PA 19440-1992 Telephone: 215-855-0900 Fax: 215-855-0243 Website: www.hatfield.org Township Manager: Aaron Bibro

Office Hours M, T, Wed, and Th: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fri: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Township Municipal Schedules Please visit hatfield.org for location details.

Board of Commissioners 7:00 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. | 3rd Tuesday of each month Zoning Hearing Board 7:00 p.m. | 4th Thursday of each month

Stay Connected Instagram: @HatfieldTownship

From Left to Right: Tom Zipfel - Ward 4; Jen LoStracco - President, Ward 1; Shahidul Partha - Vice President - Ward 3; Karla D'Alessio - Ward 2; Jerry Andris - Ward 5

Hatfield residents elect five Commissioners to four-year terms of office. Each Commissioner represents a geographical “Ward” of the township. The Commissioners are part-time volunteers who make decisions on behalf of the 18,000+ residents of Hatfield Township. The Board of Commissioners meets twice a month to discuss and adopt policies for Hatfield’s local government services. These policy decisions include items such as land development applications, road improvements, public safety matters, capital improvement projects, and open space preservation. While each year may bring different projects and policies, the overarching goal of the Board of Commissioners is always to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the community. To find out which ward you live in and which commissioner represents you, please refer to the township map at www.hatfield.org/commissioners.

Contents ARTICLES Celebrating 250

YouTube: HatfieldTownship

Your Declaration

Facebook: HatfieldTownship

Grand Indeed - New Police Station 14

Email: Sign up for the Hatfield Township email newsletters at hatfield.org

The Talk of the Town Malia Summerfield

The Gift of Time

EVENTS AND PROGRAMS Fall Park Cleanup

MISCELLANEOUS

Election Day reminder Tuesday Nov. 3, 2026

Rain Garden Workshop

Rocktoberfest

Fall Fest 5k

Mini Monster Halloween Party

Parks & Recreation Programs

Holiday Concert

All in the Family Hatfield Classic Recap

Giving Tree

Open Space Referendum

Holiday Lights Contest

Kids Corner

Parks & Rec Month Recap

Year in Review

Check out more content in the newsletter's digital edition, The Extra Connection at https://hatfield.org/ community/hatfield-connection/

www.hatfield.org

CELEBRATING

250 A tip of the hat to the Hatfield250 Committee, which helped us celebrate the birth of our nation—and Hatfield’s unique role in its history.

or the past two years, a small but dedicated group of local volunteers has been bringing the community together to honor our shared history as it prepared for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Hatfield250 Planning Committee planned a series of events intended to highlight our local heritage, foster unity, and inspire future generations. Those events will continue through 2027. “Our goal was to to create lasting memories for all Hatfield residents,” says Frank DiMaria, a local historian who chaired the committee. “Our team is passionate about honoring our shared history and showcasing the unique heritage of our area. We wanted to bring neighbors together in a spirit of unity and patriotism.”

These Hatfield250 events included: • An amazing Living History Day in School Road Park—a walk through time to the late 18th century to learn about weapons, farming equipment, cooking methods, music, medicine and more. Hatfield250 even enhanced a map to show who owned the land in Hatfield in 1777. • A series of “This Day in History” posts on the Hatfield250 Facebook page, offering a daily history lesson, often with local flavor, prepared by resident and former township commissioner Deb Zimmerman. The points began way back in June 2025 and are still running. Thank you Deb! • Presentations by historians and authors about the American Revolution, from little known facts to the art of the Revolution to women who played significant roles in the Revolution. There was even a concert by Forbes Road Frolic, a local duo who re-create the music of the revolutionary period. • A Jeffersonian Dinner featuring actors portraying John Adams and Thomas Jefferson—an evening as entertaining as it was educational. • A local stop for the American Revolution Experience traveling exhibit, which showed how the lives of ordinary people were affected by the events of the Revolution—particularly the difficult choice between pledging loyalty to the Patriot cause and the prospect of a new nation, or remaining loyal to the King as subjects of the British Empire. Thanks in large part to the efforts of the Towamencin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Hatfield was able to host this fantastic exhibit for the two weeks leading up to July 4. • The Hatfield250 team also served as the inspiration for Your Declaration, an extraordinary video that featured 66 residents of Hatfield reading the Declaration of Independence (see page xx). We were fortunate to have videographer and Hatfield native Nate Bergey edit this production, which highlighted in dramatic fashion the diverse community Hatfield has become. (see page 6) • What would a Hatfield250 celebration be without a 4th of July Pool Party at the Hatfield Aquatic Center? Hatfield owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Hatfield250 Committee for helping us make great memories during our America’s 250th anniversary celebration. We want to especially thank these sponsors who made many of these events possible: Alderfer Auction Carole Clarke Clemens Food Group DiMaria Family Harleysville Bank Hatfield Market Hunyady Auction Co. Hatfield Museum & History Society Hatfield Township Hatfield Borough North Penn Real Estate Jennie Sperling

www.hatfield.org

YOUR DECLARATION This powerful short film captures both the drama of the Declaration of Independence, and the diversity of the Hatfield community.

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud to the public in Philadelphia—just 30 miles or so south of Hatfield. Now, 250 years later, the people of Hatfield came together to read it again—not as a performance, but as a reminder that this document belongs to everyone, and that it still asks something of each generation. Your Declaration features 66 residents of Hatfield reading the words that gave birth to a new nation—and changed the course of history. We are grateful to Nate Bergey, a native son of Hatfield who captured the vision for this amazing project as well as the clips used to make the video. Nate’s editing skills brought this historic document to life. In addition, this production would not have been possible without the generous support of these community-minded Hatfield businesses (below). We are extremely grateful to them for coming alongside this project.

www.hatfield.org

All about FAMILY The Classic is all about families having fun together on the golf course!

What a great day we had this year for the Hatfield Family Classic! The tournament was bigger and better, with more than 100 golfers—fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren—enjoying nine holes at Twin Woods Golf Course and some great food from Poppy's Tavern. We are grateful to all of our golfers as well as our fantastic sponsors (see below)—and we’re already looking forward to the 2027 Hatfield Family Classic! Thank You to Our Sponsors: 309 Office Furniture & Design Hatfield Police Benevolent Association Poppy's Tavern College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Bucks County George Didden Greenhouses, Inc. Hunyady Auction Company

Yondure

Fall Park Clean Up & Rain Garden Workshop

Park Clean Up Details 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

School Road Park

Workshop Details

www.hatfield.org

2026

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 FOOD TRUCKS: WRAP N’ ROLL BABALOUIE BBQ KONA ICE SCOUT TROOP 51 VINNY’S PIZZARAMA BUMBLEBEE LEMONADE THE COFFEE STOP

ACTIVITIES: FACE PAINTING BALLOON ANIMALS FOAM PARTY PETTING ZOO PONY RIDES TOUCH-A-TRUCK

11AM - 3PM ACTIVITIES: VENDORS CRAFTERS GAMES LIVE MUSIC: AM RADIO BAND

SCHOOL ROAD PARK

FALL FEST 5K RUN/WALK OCTOBER 3 • 10 AM

Enjoy a morning fall run or walk through scenic parks and trails and finish at our Rocktoberfest Fall Festival! Enjoy vendors, crafters, games, food trucks, live music, crafts, balloons, face painting and more! TOP FINISHERS RECIEVE PRIZES! PRE-REGISTRATION INCLUDES: •Finisher Medal •Free slice of pizza •Kona Ice •Free hot cocoa

•Race Swag • Rocktoberfest festival and more!

MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION AT: RUNTHEDAY.COM

www.hatfield.org

Open Space Referendum: What Hatfield Township Voters Will Decide

The Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners has approved an ordinance placing an open space referendum on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Voters will decide whether to authorize an increase of up to 0.25% in the Township’s Earned Income Tax, with the additional revenue restricted to specified open space purposes. Township staff is providing information about the referendum and will not advocate for or against it. The decision will be made by Hatfield Township voters.

THE BALLOT QUESTION FOR NOV. 3 ELECTION

" Do you favor the imposition of an additional Earned Income Tax at the rate of twenty-five one hundredths of one percent (0.25%) to be used by the Township of Hatfield for the purposes of preserving undeveloped land and expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation; and to retire indebtedness incurred in purchasing interests in or acquisition of real property for the expenditure of funds for any purpose relating to the acquisition, planning for acquisition, preservation, improvement, and maintenance of open space or for an open space benefit?

HOW WOULD THE TAX RATE BE SET?

THE TAX IMPACT AT A GLANCE

Approval would authorize a maximum additional rate of 0.25%. Each year, during the public budget process, the Board of Commissioners could set the rate anywhere from 0% to 0.25% and adjust it from year to year. A rate above 0.25% would require another voter-approved referendum.

If the referendum is approved, the current Township EIT of 0.50% could increase by as much as 0.25%, for a maximum total rate of 0.75%.

HOW MUCH REVENUE COULD IT GENERATE?

Maximum annual increase If the full 0.25% rate is levied

At the full 0.25% rate, the Township estimates annual revenue of approximately $2 million. The revenue would be held in a separate, auditable Open Space account and restricted to uses authorized by state law and the referendum.

ESTIMATED ANNUAL INCREASE IN EARNED INCOME TAX REVENUE

TOTAL ESTIMATED ANNUAL REVENUE FOR OPEN SPACE

.25%

INCREASE

.75%

= NEW TOTAL EIT $250 additional dollars per $100,000 salary

$2,100,000

Annual earned income

Annual increase

$50,000

$125

$100,000

$250

$150,000

$375

The EIT applies to wages and net profits. Pensions and Social Security are not subject to the local EIT. Residents who receive retirement income but also earn wages or net business profits would pay EIT on that earned income.

WHAT COULD THE FUNDING BE USED FOR? REVENUE COULD BE USED FOR: Purchasing land or property interests The Township could purchase land or interests in property for open space. Agricultural and conservation easements Landowners could retain ownership while permanently limiting future development. Acquisition-related expenses Permitted costs include appraisals, surveys, legal fees, title searches and closing expenses. Open space improvements and maintenance Up to 25% of annual revenue could be used to design, engineer, improve, develop or maintain Township open space.

COULD THE FUNDING BE COMBINED WITH GRANTS? Yes. Local open space revenue could be used with eligible county, state, federal, or private grants to support qualifying projects.

COULD THE TOWNSHIP USE EMINENT DOMAIN? No. The Township could acquire land or property interests only from willing sellers. Eminent domain could not be used for acquisitions under this open space program.

HOW WOULD PROJECTS BE SELECTED? If the referendum is approved, the Township would establish an Open Space Review Board made up of at least five Township residents. The board would evaluate potential properties using the Township’s Open Space Plan and established criteria, then make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Meetings would be open to the public.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE REFERENDUM Visit the website for the full FAQ, ordinance, maps, presentation, and updates. Learn more at an upcoming Town Hall Meeting at the township building: • Wednesday, September 16, 7 pm • Wednesday, September 30, 2 pm and 7 pm

About the map: The map identifies potential conservation opportunities. Properties would be evaluated individually, and inclusion on the map does not mean a property will be acquired. All acquisitions would require a willing seller.

www.hatfield.org

Grand Indeed

The Hatfield community showed up and showed out to celebrate the opening of our new Hatfield police station. The weather was perfect, the new police station was grand for it’s official opening, and the town came out to celebrate in a big way. The event was attended by thousands of Hatfield residents. They came out to see the inside of their new police station. They came out for face painting and live music. They came out for foam parties and food trucks. They came out for bounce houses, vendor booths, fireworks and fun. And by the time the last firework exploded in the sky above 1655 Cowpath Road, they knew one thing for sure: The Hatfield Police Department sure knows how to throw a party.

The HPD would like to thank everyone who made the grand opening a great day for our community—the Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners, Hatfield Borough Council and Mayor, our elected officials Maria Collett and Steve Malagari, and the Hatfield business community, including dozens of sponsors that contributed to make the event possible.

But most of all we want to thank you—the residents of Hatfield Borough and Hatfield Township, who continue to support the Hatfield Police Department and the excellent work our officers do every day to keep our community safe. We are proud to serve the Hatfield community.

www.hatfield.org

THE TALK OF THE

TOWN! Malia Summerfield keeps Hatfield’s tiny humans safe—and captures the hearts of the community in the process.

hink about an actor, musician, or athlete you consider to be a legend. For the vast majority, it took years of incredible performances for them to be thought of that way. For Malia Summerfield, it only took one school year.

And if you happen to pass by when Hatfield’s favorite crossing guard is on the job at Hatfield Elementary or Pennfield Middle School, you’ll understand why she has achieved legendary status in record time. We can explain it to you in just three words: Malia.Is.Fun. 16

For Summerfield, legendary status begins with an expansive and eclectic wardrobe, including a significant focus on headwear. Think “Nanook of the North” earmuff hats. Think red, white and blue pinwheels, gigantic antlers, and turkeys. Think Disney headbands that make it look like Stitch is hugging the side of her head. For Summerfield, having fun is spelled “a-c-c-e-s-s-o-r-i-z-e.” A grass skirt and Hawaiian shirt on Hawaiian Day. A high-visibility vest with more pieces of “flair” than Jennifer Aniston’s character in Office Space. An inflatable dinosaur on Halloween. “Even the Middle School kids cracked up at that,” she says. “Silliness is something everybody needs in their day.” But the wardrobe is just the start. There’s also the candy. She began by handing out goodies for holidays—Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc.. But then a student came up to her on the way home from school one day—maybe after a tough day— and asked if they could have candy tomorrow. “You mean like a random candy day?” Summerfield asked. You may have guessed that the next day was Random Candy Day, and Summerfield’s 5-gallon Costco bucket of sweetness now makes regular (but random) appearances at the corner of Denbeigh Drive and Fairgrounds Road. Quirky accessories and buckets of candy are certainly the stuff legends are made of, but it takes more than that to ascend to that lofty status so quickly. To do that, you need to have a special understanding of your tiny human “clients”—and this is where Summerfield truly excels. She knows how every kid in the neighborhood gets to school (car, walk, bike). She knows how many of each there are, and she counts them in her head every day, and says to herself, ‘I’m missing two bike kids this morning.’ She knows when students stop riding their brother’s bike to school because they got a new one of their own. She knows what direction they come to school from, even what sports they love to play. She gets to see the metamorphosis that kindergarteners experience—shy and scared at the beginning of the school year, not saying a word to her when they cross, and little by little they come out of their shells, and by the time June rolls around they are racing to the crossing so they can spend a few minutes talking to Miss Malia. “I’m with them for just a minute or two each day,” she says. “I don’t have to spend that time reciting the rules. I can just have fun conversations with them, cheer them on, and make my little impression for the day.”

www.hatfield.org

My theory is, a little smile goes a long way.” - Malia Summerfield

“What am I gonna do now?” She is such a natural in her position that it’s easy to forget Summerfield has only been a crossing guard since the start of the 2025-26 school year. You know what else is easy to forget? That Summerfield has three grown children of her own, ages 26, 19, and 17. She looks like she could be crossing her own elementary-aged kids. She had been spending a lot of time shuttling her youngest son back and forth to school, hockey practice and other commitments, but when he graduated and went off to college, she began looking for something to do. Her husband Bill was quick to suggest the crossing guard position. It just made sense to him—as one of the lead officers in Hatfield

“I want to be there for my kids” He was right—she is perfect for the job. And in the short span of one school year, Summerfield has indeed become a legend in the hearts and minds of not just her students, but their families and the community as well. As if we needed any further proof, we got it at the end of the school year when Summerfield had a mammogram and tested positive for breast cancer. By the time her second year as a crossing guard begins in August, she will have two out of six cycles of chemotherapy under her belt, and will be anticipating surgery later in the fall. While she may miss a day or two for treatments, “I plan to be there for my kids when school starts,” she says. “My doctor feels pretty confident, especially because she knows how much I love it. She knows this is my happy place.”

Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit, Bill Summerfield knew his wife would be perfect for the job. Then Malia had the “humbling experience” of applying for a job with a big box retailer. “I called Bill right away and said, ‘Who do I have to talk to about this crossing guard job?’” Things moved quickly from there. “Tuesday I told him I was interested, Wednesday and Thursday I went in and watched training videos, and by Monday I was on the street,” she says. “It happened so fast I had to wear Bill’s high-vis vest for the first few days.” Her days start around 7:30 a.m. at Pennfield, where she crosses students at Elroy Road and Hertford Drive. She finishes there around 8:10 and heads down to Hatfield Elementary, where she helps kids cross safely until about 9:10 a.m. She follows the same routine in the afternoon, finishing around 4 p.m. Walkers are usually across pretty quickly, but of course Summerfield stays until the very last bus pulls out so she can wave to those students too. “Every once in awhile Bill will look at me and say, ‘You’re welcome,’” Summerfield says. “It kills me how right he was.”

The response to her diagnosis has almost been overwhelming. Families got in their cars and had a parade in front of the Summerfields’ home to show their support. Her students made signs and videos with encouraging messages. Parents started a meal train to make sure the Summerfields had a steady supply of dinners. “It was just more than I ever could have imagined,” she said. “It’s neat to be such an integral part of the neighborhood.” Another sign of Summerfield’s legendary status: it’s not just students and their families whose lives she touches. Drivers honk and say hello to her all the time. She remembers a driver coming up to her and saying, ‘You are the best crossing guard—you’re the talk of the town!’ Others have stopped and given her gift cards. “They said I just made them smile, and it brightened their day,” she says. Yet another woman stopped three times during the school year and gave Summerfield a bouquet of flowers. “You don’t know what your smile does for other people,” the woman told her. “Even in the rain you’re out here smiling!” “My theory is, a little smile goes a long way,” Summerfield says. “You don’t know what other people are dealing with. If I can help them start their day with a smile, it might make their day a little brighter.” Spoken like the true legend she is.

Kids Corner word search tic-tac-toe x o

o WORD LIST: CLEMENSPARK COCOA COWPATH

FRICKSTRAIL HATFIELD KNIGHTS

KULP OAKPARK PENNFIELD

SKATING SLEDDING SNOWBALL

x o

spot the differences

There are 9 differences between these two photos. See if you can find them all!

Answers for the Kids Korner activities can be found on Page 27.

www.hatfield.org

2026 Parks and Recreation Programs Get Fit Series Fall Session 1 $40 | Sundays 9am - 10am Sept 13, Sept 27, Oct 4, Oct 18 Fall Session 2 $50 | Sundays 9am - 10am Nov 8, Nov 15, Nov 29, Dec 6, Dec 13

Fall Session 1 $60 | Mondays 7pm-8pm Sept 14, Sept 21, Sept 28, Oct 5, Oct 12, Oct 19 Fall Session 2 $50 | Mondays 7pm-8pm Nov 9, Nov 16, Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14 Fall Session 1

Check the website and Facebook for 2027 class dates soon!

$ 40 | Thursdays 7pm-8pm Oct 1, Oct 8, Oct 15, Oct 29

Fall Session 2 $40 | Thursdays 7pm-8pm Nov 5, Nov 12, Dec 3, Dec 10 Pickleball Winter Session Nov 2 - March 26 | Mondays - Fridays | 8:00am - 2:00pm Residents: $10 | Non-Residents: $20 Pickleball is played at the Hatfield Community Park.

Seminars and Workshops Hatfield Township offers a variety of educational seminars. Join us and receive information and training from seminars such as • Making Medicare Easy and Understandable | Thurs, Sept. 17, 6:30 - 8:00 pm Details for different seminars provided on the Hatfield Township website. Seminars are located at the Hatfield Township Building.

Trips New York City Bus Trip Wednesday, November 4 See Broadway’s Hamilton before it leaves New York City and Broadway. Details and pricing available online. Registration at www.hatfieldrec.com

Pre-registration is required for all programs. All programs are tentative and subject to change or cancellation. Please check the Hatfield Township website for details and up to date information throughout the year. Register at www.hatfieldrec.com.

Celebrating Parks, Recreation & Community Hatfield Township celebrated Parks & Recreation Month on August 14 with an evening of community fun at School Road Park. Residents enjoyed face painting, balloon animals, a petting zoo, inflatables, food trucks, local vendors, and live music from The Real Diamond Band, followed by "Zootopia 2" for Movie in the Park. The evening also brought special recognition for Hatfield Township Parks & Recreation. Tracy Roberts of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) joined Commissioner Jen LoStracco to present a 2026 Park Spotlight Award, recognizing Hatfield as one of three featured departments and events across Pennsylvania. Another reason to celebrate The department also received the 2026 PRPS GOOD JOB! Award for its leadership, community partnerships, recreational programs, and continued investment in Township parks and facilities. Among the efforts recognized were the Pop-Up Event Series, Hatfield Giving Tree, and improvements throughout the park system, including the redevelopment of Clemens Memorial Park. Congratulations to the Parks & Recreation team, and thank you to all of the residents, vendors, community partners, Commissioners, and township staff who made the evening possible. We look forward to celebrating together again next year!

www.hatfield.org

HOLIDAY CONCERT Featuring: V isits with Santa! Spuddy Buddy Food Truck

December 12 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

School Road Park

Live music, seasonal snacks, roasting marshmallows and s’mores, crafts, balloons, face painting, and of course, photos with Santa! The Hatfield Police Benevolent Association, Parks and Recreation Department, and the North Pole are partnering to bring you an evening of holiday fun!

GIVING TREE

Help local families in need this holiday season! Hatfield Parks and Recreation and the North Penn School District are partnering again for our 10th Annual Giving Tree! The tree is filled with requests from local families in need this holiday season. Take a gift tag from the tree and exchange it with the corresponding gift*. * All gifts should be new and unwrapped

When: November 10th - Dec. 11th Location: Administration Building, 1950 School Rd

It s Time to Make Hatfield Sparkle

Break out your brightest lights, festive décor, and creative touches—then enter your home in the Holiday Lights Contest. Judges will tour each registered home, recognizing displays in the Most Traditional, Most Colorful, and Most Creative categories. Residents will also vote on Facebook for their favorite in the People’s Choice Award. Whether you go classic or bold, this is your chance to light up the season, spread joy to the community, and earn some serious holiday bragging rights.

Register at hatfieldrec.com and send 2 photos of your decorated home to holidaylights@hatfield.org by Dec. 11th. Judging: December 18th - 23rd Winners Announced: First week of the new year!

www.hatfield.org

Larry met Kelli for the first time two months after she donated her kidney on his behalf.

The Gift of Time Larry Stevens’ Kidney Journey

For decades, Larry Stevens has been a familiar presence in Hatfield. He currently serves as president of the Hatfield Museum and History Society, previously served on Hatfield Borough Council, and spent many years leading the Hatfield Chamber of Commerce. Residents may also know him through local events, volunteer efforts, or the history articles he regularly contributes to this newsletter. What many may not know is that Larry has spent most of his adult life living with kidney disease. A gift from his mother Larry was 23 in the summer of 1981 and preparing to marry his high school sweetheart, Debbie, when routine bloodwork revealed reduced kidney function. Medication helped slow the disease for 14 years, but by 1995 his kidneys could no longer adequately filter his blood. He began dialysis four hours a day, three days a week, while waiting for a transplant.

As his health declined, Larry’s mother, Lois Stevens, convinced him to let her be tested as a possible donor. She was a perfect match, and in October 1997, Lois gave her son one of her kidneys. Her gift sustained Larry for almost 28 years, allowing him to work, raise his family and remain active in the Hatfield community. Lois, now 90, continues to live a healthy life at the Souderton Mennonite Community.

Waiting again Two and a half years ago, Larry learned that the transplanted kidney was beginning to wear down. By September 2025, it had stopped functioning, and he returned to dialysis. Today, he again spends four hours a day, three days a week receiving treatment at a Lansdale dialysis center. He generally feels well on non-treatment days, but dialysis drains his energy, and much of

Both gave more than an organ. They gave time. his life has to be arranged around his treatment schedule. Larry shared his need for another kidney on social media, but he expected to wait as long as five years for a transplant. “It takes a very special person to donate an organ to someone they aren’t related to,” he said. A donor he had never met Early in 2026, Larry learned that someone had completed the testing to become a kidney donor. She was not a compatible match for him, but instead of walking away, she chose to donate through a national kidney exchange program. Her kidney could go to another person in need, while her donation would help shorten Larry’s wait for a compatible kidney. Larry and Debbie were convinced the donor had to be someone close to them. In March, they learned it was Kelli Franceschini, a colleague of their daughter, Cristy, in Princeton, New Jersey. Larry and Debbie had never met her. On June 16, Kelli donated one of her kidneys. It was flown to a recipient in California, where it was successfully transplanted and is functioning well. Kelli recovered quickly, and her decision brought Larry much closer to receiving a compatible kidney of his own. Meeting Kelli On August 9, Larry and Debbie finally met Kelli at the school where she and Cristy teach in Princeton. The visit was brief because of scheduling, but the first moments were immediate and warm: Larry and Kelli hugged, and he gave her flowers and a card expressing his gratitude. “I was thrilled to finally meet the woman who made such a selfless sacrifice for me

Larry and his mother, Lois, at the 2011 Kidney Walk and to thank her personally,” Larry said. “Kelli’s generosity has brought such joy to Debbie, our family and me, knowing that her gift may allow me to return to a more normal life much sooner.” For Kelli, the decision grew from a desire to help others. After her husband died suddenly a few years ago, she began donating platelets regularly. Learning about the need for kidney donors led her to consider doing more. “I don’t always have a lot of money to give, but I try to give my time or other things I have,” she said. Larry is still waiting for a compatible kidney. He hopes another transplant will mean less time organized around dialysis and more time enjoying retirement with Debbie and his family, as well as additional

THE NEED FOR ORGAN DONORS More than 100,000 people across the United States are waiting for an organ transplant, and kidneys are the organ most often needed.

time to devote to the community activities that have long been part of his life. The gift of time Larry’s story is a reminder that we do not always know what the people around us are carrying. For decades, he has contributed to Hatfield while quietly managing a serious illness. His mother’s gift gave him almost 28 years. Kelli’s gift helped someone across the country receive a kidney and brought Larry closer to another transplant. Both gave more than an organ. They gave time. “Become an organ donor,” Larry says with a smile. “After all, you can’t take them with you.”

LEARN MORE OR REGISTER Donate Life Pennsylvania donatelifepa.org

www.hatfield.org

YEAR IN REVIEW Capturing a year of new beginnings, grand openings, and a renewed sense of pride in the Hatfield community.

Tell Us About Your Summer at the Hatfield Aquatic Center Did you visit the Aquatic Center this season? We’d love to hear about your experience. Scan the QR code to complete our short end-of-season survey. Your feedback will help us plan for future seasons.

The celebration continues in Hatfield. Discover the people and stories that shaped our nation.

All are at the Hatfield Township Building 1950 School Road.

SEPT. 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM

NOV. 12, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Chief Bluejay of the Unalachtigo Clan The past, present, and future of the Lenape People with cultural items on display

Dr Susanne Johnston, Towamencin Chapter NSDAR Spies of the Revolution - The Culper Ring and unusual methods to convey messages. Participants will also decipher a code by themselves

OCT. 12, 2026 | 7:00 PM

JAN. 18, 2027 | 7:00 PM

Tim McGrath, author of “Give Me a Fast Ship: The Continental Navy and America’s Revolution at Sea”

Mike Jesberger, Historian Footprints in the Snow - The story of the men who marched with Washington

Training That Works! Fast Track Programs for Industry (multiple programs available)

thank YOU We gratefully acknowledge the generosity and support of the businesses and individuals who have placed advertisements in this newsletter. This newsletter has been designed and printed at no cost to you, our residents. We encourage you to patronize these businesses as they play a vital role in the economic stability of the community.

Construction Engineering Manufacturing Emissions and Inspection Health Careers CDL training A, B, or School Bus

Classes start soon. Register today! 1265 Sumneytown Pike Lansdale, PA 19446 215-855-3931 nmtcc.org

www.hatfield.org

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% OFF 10 senior citizen discount

Colmar, also Serving Bucks & Montgomery Counties

with this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Expires 12/31/26.

100 OFF any services

of $700 or more

Powell Property Maintenance & Tree Service 215-997-5915

C O U P O N M U S T B E P R E S E N T E D AT T I M E O F E S T I M AT E . N O E X C E P T I O N S .

Family Owned & Operated since 1979 Tub to Shower Conversions - Beautiful Tubs and Wall Surrounds Unsurpassed Service at Unbeatable Prices!

215-249-1180 Locally Owned & Operated by a Registered Master Plumber

Free Estimates Licensed & Insured

BATHROOM REMODELING www.bathmax.com

www.hatfield.org

Specials!

Call Or text

484.535.door

FOR YOUR HOME AND BUSINESS

BISH0P’S FENCING & OUTDOOR PRODUCTS Sheds Fences Decks www.bishopsproducts.com • 215-723-6644 75 Schoolhouse Road, Souderton, PA 18964

Stephen Redding Founder

Satisfaction that Grows! 215•257•7650

TREE SERVICE, LANDSCAPING, PLANT HEALTH CARE • Professional arborist services for all large trees including pruning, shaping, deadwood removal, cabling, bracing, cavity work, storm damage repair, hazard evaluation, and tree removal. • Complete landscaping services from design through installation and maintenance. Design services from our own in-house Registered Landscape Architect. • Cutting-edge plant health care treatments, including nutritional support, feeding, pest control, and treatment of disease.

Quality work and integrity in our business dealings are the hallmarks of Happy Tree.

Scan Here!

126 Reller Road, Green Lane, PA 18054 • happytreeltd.com

FULLY INSURED REASONABLE RATES

Your Hometown Service Center Complete repair and maintenance for all cars and light trucks!

ed y own locall rated & ope

www.godshallsauto.com

24-Hour Towing & Road Service

225 S. Main St., Hatfield 215-855-7800

Monthly Coupons Available!

& Emergency Road Service

www.hatfield.org

THE HATFIELD CONNECTION Hatfield Township 1950 School Road Hatfield, PA 19440

To Place An Ad Call Kathy Ruediger At Hometown Press • 215-527-7664 • katruedy@gmail.com