Hatfield Connection Spring-Summer 2025

Connection THE HATFIELD

Publication of the Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners | Spring/Summer 2025

Hatfield Hero Dr. Sara Rattigan and her team build an engaging culture at AM Kulp

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Precision, Passion, and Performance Building Bridges with the Badge 5 Amazing Women of Hatfield

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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 7:30 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month Planning Commission 7:30 p.m. | 3rd Tuesday of each month Zoning Hearing Board 7:00 p.m. | 4th Thursday of each month

Stay Connected Twitter: @HatfieldPA

From Left to Right: Shahidul Partha - Ward 3; Jerry Andris - Ward 5; Jennifer D. LoStracco - Ward 1; Tom Zipfel, President, Ward 4; Bob Rodgers, Vice President – Ward 2

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

YouTube: HatfieldTownship

Precision, Passion, and Performance

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Facebook: HatfieldTownship

Building Bridges with the Badge

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AM Kulp Pride

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5 Amazing Women of Hatfield

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Hatfield Township’s One-Room Schoolhouses

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

MISCELLANEOUS

Check out more content in the newsletter's digital edition, The Extra Connection at hatfield.org/ extraconnection.

Hatfield Aquatic Center

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The Y Summer Camp

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Hatfield Sharks Swim Team

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Baseball Registration

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Family Classic Golf Tournament

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Living History Day

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Kids Corner

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EVENTS AND PROGRAMS Earth Day Celebrations

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MusicFeast

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Summer Movie Nights

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Parks & Recreation Programs

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Parks & Recreation Celebration

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Plant Exchange

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Save the Date for Events

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Investing in the Safety and Future of our Community 20 Gotta Grow Garden Contest

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www.hatfield.org

Precision, Passion, and Performance Turn 14 Distribution’s Winning Formula

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estled in the heart of Hatfield, Turn 14 Distribution is more than just a business - it’s a powerhouse of efficiency, innovation, and passion for the automotive industry. Specializing in the distribution of aftermarket performance automotive and powersports parts, Turn 14 has grown into a major player in the B2B sector, serving performance shops, dealerships, and online retailers across the country.

Every Wednesday, the entire team is on-site for what they call “Super Wednesdays” - a day dedicated to training and collaboration, maximizing productivity. The company takes great pride in fostering a well-organized and engaged workforce, ensuring that every team member knows their role and is passionate about what they do.

A Look Inside the Operations

One of the standout features of Turn 14’s operation is its innovative technology. The company utilizes a highly advanced automated picking system featuring French-made Exotec robots—23 of them, to be exact—which retrieve and transport inventory with speed and accuracy. These robots, each with a distinct name, have significantly enhanced efficiency, helping to streamline order fulfillment.

Walking through Turn 14 Distribution’s massive facility, the energy is undeniable. The company operates on a meticulously structured twoshifts schedule, ensuring continuous movement of parts and seamless fulfillment of orders. The warehouse exemplifies cutting-edge logistics with its 1.4-mile conveyor system that keeps products moving efficiently from one area of the facility to another.

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Innovative Practices

Turn 14 also employs a sophisticated quality

control system. Every package is scanned and weighed to ensure accuracy before shipping, and hourly audits are conducted to maintain the highest standards. The result? A distribution center that can process thousands of orders daily with extreme precision.

Commitment to Excellence and Growth Since its founding, Turn 14 Distribution has experienced exponential growth, expanding beyond Hatfield to warehouses in Arlington, TX, Reno, NV, and Whiteland, IN. This strategic expansion allows the company to fulfill orders nationwide with an incredible two-days or less delivery guarantee. Whether it's performance parts for muscle cars, off-road trucks, or European sports cars, Turn 14 ensures that businesses receive their products fast and reliably.

The company has planned for growth from the beginning—and it has exceeded expectations. Turn 14 has experienced explosive growth by remaining committed to its core values—choosing to remain strictly B2B, prioritizing partnerships with performance shops and retailers rather than selling directly to consumers.

Engaging with the Automotive Community Turn 14 doesn’t just distribute parts; it fuels a culture. The company hosts multiple “Cars and Coffee” events annually, bringing together local car enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles and connect with others who share their passion. These gatherings, held at their nearby Horsham headquarters, have become so popular that they require traffic control to accommodate all the eager attendees and thousands of cars.

Additionally, Turn 14 is a sponsor of major motorsports events, supporting younger, upand-coming racers and industry gatherings.

From drag racing competitions to industry trade shows, such as SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and PRI (Performance Racing Industry), the company plays an active role in promoting the automotive aftermarket.

Looking Ahead With hundreds of vendors, a growing workforce, and an unwavering commitment to efficiency, Turn 14 Distribution continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive logistics. The company’s ability to blend technology with a deep passion for cars and powersports vehicles has made it an industry leader and a proud part of the Hatfield business community, even while staying behind the scenes.

For those looking for career opportunities, Turn 14 is actively hiring. While you don’t have to be a car expert to work in the warehouse, be sure to bring your enthusiasm for the automotive and powersports world! As the company continues to expand, one thing remains clear: Turn 14 Distribution is built for speed, precision, and success.

To learn more about Turn 14 Distribution and its impact on the automotive and powersports industry, visit their website (www.turn14.com) or follow them on social media for the latest updates, available positions, and upcoming events.

Discover more about Turn 14 at hatfield.org/extraconnection.

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www.hatfield.org

Building Bridges with the Badge Led by its two new lieutenants, the Hatfield Police Department succeeds by strengthening community connections.

Lt. Chris Graham

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Lt. Jeffrey Boyd

n Hatfield Township, law enforcement is about more than enforcing laws - it's about fostering meaningful relationships, creating trust, and being deeply rooted in the community. Two key figures who are leading this charge, Lieutenant Jeffrey Boyd and Lieutenant Christopher Graham, recently shared insights from their careers and how they work to strengthen the bond between the police department and Hatfield’s residents.

Their commitment to Hatfield, along with that of their colleagues, isn’t just a job; it’s a calling.

"We’re not just officers. We’re husbands, wives, brothers, sisters," Lt. Graham explained. They understand the importance of building relationships with those in the community. From the top down, everyone on the police force plays an integral role in creating and fostering connections with the people they serve.

connect with residents on a personal level. Both agree that they are here to work for the people, and part of doing so involves being seen, being active, and becoming a part of the community they have committed to serving. “I’ve made a lot of really nice connections over the years,” Lt. Graham said, “with members of the community, and that’s probably the most rewarding part of the job.”

The Human Side of Law Enforcement

A Community-First Approach

Challenges and Opportunities

Hatfield's police department prides itself on being a part of the community. The Hatfield Police Department culture, from Chief William Tierney down the chain of command, views every officer as a community officer. From events such as Coffee with a Cop to the Junior Police Academy, the department ensures that officers are visible, approachable, and actively engaged with residents.

They also agree that modern policing comes with challenges. Recruitment and retention of diverse, qualified candidates is an ongoing issue, not just in Hatfield but across the country. The department actively uses community events to spread the word about career opportunities, particularly to younger residents who may one day wear a badge.

Lieutenant Boyd, who recently celebrated 25 years of service, and Lieutenant Graham, with almost 20 years under his belt, were both recently promoted to the Lieutenant position in early 2024. Both shared stories of how their paths led them to the Hatfield Police Department. For Boyd, early influences from family and friends in law enforcement, coupled with a desire to "give back," inspired his career change from becoming a teacher to pursuing law enforcement.

Similarly, Graham transitioned from emergency medical services to law enforcement to engage more deeply with the residents, where he could be “more hands-on in the community.”

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Boyd recalls his 11 years as a D.A.R.E. instructor as a time when he could both teach and build trust with Hatfield’s youngest residents. For Graham, attending local events, such as the annual car show or Rocktoberfest, allows him to

Another issue increasingly critical in modern policing is the mental well-being of officers, as high-stress situations and exposure to traumatic events can take a toll on their mental health. Lt. Boyd highlighted the importance of leaning on colleagues within the department and getting

out in the community to enjoy the people, recharge your batteries, and enjoy positive interactions with those around you.

For Lt. Boyd and Lt. Graham specifically, one challenge is balancing leadership responsibilities with community engagement. While Boyd oversees patrol and detective divisions, Graham manages training, policy, and procedures, including the department’s accreditation process.

While neither is working out in the street every day, they both make it a point to attend community events and maintain a visible presence, ensuring that residents know that their police leaders care.

Innovating for the Future The department’s upcoming move to a state-ofthe-art police station symbolizes Hatfield’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Boyd and Graham are optimistic that the new facility will enhance operations and provide a welcoming space for community interactions. “It’s going to be a really nice facility,” Boyd said. "It will make us better, help us do our jobs better, and have a comfortable environment to work in." In the long run, that will benefit the department and the community.

From having everyone under the same roof (from the chief to the newest hires) to having dedicated areas for different needs (evidence security, etc.), the new station is an investment not only for the community but also for those who work there.

Serving Their Community, One Interaction at a Time Both officers highlighted the importance of small moments in building community trust. Whether it’s helping a resident change a smoke detector battery, offering a wellness check on a neighbor, or simply stopping to chat at a local coffee shop, these interactions leave a lasting impression and build relationships.

This focus on community connection extends beyond casual interactions to addressing the broader needs of residents. For the Hatfield Police Department, no issue is too small when it comes to serving the Lt. Chris Graham: “We’re not just officers.” community. Lt. Boyd emphasizes that even seemingly minor "quality of life" concerns, such as reporting a nuisance or suspicious activity, are vital for preventing larger problems AN ACCREDITED down the line. Residents are encouraged to report issues, knowing they can remain anonDEPARTMENT ymous through online forms or by contacting 911, which handles dispatch and ensures calls are recorded. Despite the hesitation some may feel Accreditation sets a about reaching out, Boyd reminds the commupolice department apart. nity, “You’ve already paid for us, so you might as well use us to come out and help you.”

Statewide, only 300 Officers rely on residents as their eyes and ears, fostering a partnership where small actions and open communication contribute to a safer, stronger Hatfield.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision When asked about their hopes for the future, both officers expressed their desire to continue the department’s legacy of excellence by focusing on the needs of the community and maintaining high standards of service. With the move to the new station and advancements in technology, the department is positioned to evolve while staying true to its mission of building trust, fostering understanding, and delivering exceptional service to the Hatfield community.

For both Lt. Boyd and Lt. Graham, their goal is clear: continue to bridge the gap between the police and the community they serve. Through engagement, transparency, and a genuine commitment to making Hatfield a safe and welcoming place, the Hatfield Police Department builds that bridge each and every day.

departments—just 15% of the total—achieve accreditation. Since 2013, Lt. Chris Graham has overseen the rigorous accreditation process for the Hatfield PD, managing 1,500 compliance documents every three years to maintain the department’s status.

His work ensures the department stays compliant with evolving standards and upholds excellence in training, policies, and law enforcement practices.

Lt. Jeffrey Boyd: Residents are our eyes and ears.

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www.hatfield.org

Join us for a weekend of Earth Day Celebrations RECYCLING EVENT Saturday, April 26 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Available and FREE to Hatfield Township/Borough Residents ONLY. Must show valid ID with address.

1 visit per household. Check the Township Website and Facebook for a list of items accepted at each location.

Location 1: H atfield Township Public Works 2590 Unionville Pike

Location 2: C leanEarth 2869 Sandstone Dr.

Collected Items:

Collected Items:

• Yard Waste & cardboard • Tree branches (limit 1 load) • Tires no rims (limit 4) • Small appliances, vehicle batteries, metal pots/pans

• Household hazardous waste • Oils • Electronics/batteries (1 tv per household)

NO SHREDDING AVAILABLE

NO REFRIGERATORS, AIR CONDITIONERS, DEHUMIDIFIERS

EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES - SATURDAY, APRIL 26 Community Cleanup | 9 am - 11 am Looking to help clean up your community? Volunteer and help us clean up parks and trails in Hatfield Township! We provide gloves, vests, water and snacks.

Email abroudy@hatfield.org to sign up.

Children’s Workshops | 1:30 pm– 3:30 pm Children’s Earth Day Workshop Planting Table – Children can plant seeds in cups to take home. We will discuss native plants as the kids learn how to plant seeds, where to put the plants and what they do for the environment.

Clean Water Toy Wash - Children will wash up some "dirty" toys and show how what goes into water will stay there and that it needs to be cleaned.

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MUSICFEAST

SUMMER CONCERTS Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and get ready for a summer of great music! Food and drinks available for purchase provided by Scouts BSA Troops 229B and 229G.

SCHOOL ROAD PARK, 1619 School Rd. MONDAYS 6 PM - 8 PM June 30 – The Won Ton Soups July 14 – Chico’s Vibe July 28 – The Chris Wolf Band August 11 – The Pennise Family Band August 25 – Challenge Accepted

MOVIE NIGHTS School Road Park, 1619 School Road Activities Start at 6:00 pm,

Activities Start at 6:30 pm,

Movie starts at 8:30 pm

Movie starts at 8:00 pm

• Food Truck: Barbalouie BBQ

• Food truck: Couch Potato

• Balloon Animals

• Petting zoo

• Face Painting

• Inflatables

• Foam & Bubble Party

• Crafts

• Ninja Rock Climb & Slide

• And more!

• Inflatable Ax Throwing • Community Project

July 18 | 8:30 pm

• And more!

Aug 15 | 8:00 pm

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www.hatfield.org

COOL OFF AT THE POOL

Hatfield Township’s state-of-the-art aquatic center features a water castle, a variety of water slides for different swimming levels, a lazy river, a hydrotherapy pool, and more!

From pavilions and picnic tables to an activity center and concession stand, there is something for the whole family! To become a member and for more information, please visit www.hatfield.org.

Scan me with your phone!

The Y @ Summer Camp in Hatfield North Penn YMCA runs Summer Camp for K-6th grade at School Road Park, 1619 School Road, Hatfield.

For details and registration, visit the North Penn website (Northpennymca.org), scan the QR code, email us at camp@northpennymca.org, or call 215-368-1601.

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Scan me with your phone!

COME JOIN THE HATFIELD SHARKS SUMMER SWIM TEAM! Swimmers of all levels are welcome.

Registration is open now

Email: hatfieldsharks@gmail.com || Website: Website: www.hatfieldswim.org www.hatfieldswim.org ||Location: Location:Hatfield HatfieldAquatic AquaticCenter Center

Play Ball!

Register for Hatfield-Towamencin Baseball Today 2025 CALENDAR BY DIVISION* Hatfield-Towamencin offers a competitive and fun vertically integrated baseball program spanning Quickball through American Legion.

Spring Intramural Season (March - June)

Stay Connected Email: HTbaseball@hotmail.com Web: www.tyasports.org @Hatfield-Towamencin Baseball @TowamencinCMB and @HatfieldALB

Quickball — Ages 4-6 (Coach Pitch w/Quickball) Coach Pitch — Ages 6-7 Rookies: Player Pitch — Ages 8-9 (46/60 Field) Minors — Ages 9-10 (46/60 Field) Majors — Ages 11-12 (50/70 Field)

Connie Mack & American Legion Baseball

Early Spring Connie Mack — Ages 13-16 (April-May) Summer Connie Mack — Ages 13-16 (May-July) Summer Junior Legion — Ages 14-16 (May-July) Summer Senior Legion — Ages 16-19 (May-July) Senior Connie Mack — Ages 17-40 (May-July)

HT Baseball also offers competitive Travel baseball opportunities for ages 8 through 12. See the TYASports.org/Baseball site for more details.

GET STARTED Registration is quick and easy at https://www.tyasports.org. If you run into any issues, please email us right away at HTbaseball@hotmail.com, and we will work to find a spot for your player. *Hatfield-Towamencin Baseball and Souderton Area Baseball partner through combined teams at the tournament and Connie Mack levels under a new HTS logo.

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www.hatfield.org

2025 Parks and Recreation Programs Get Fit Series

Seminar Series

Spring Remix $60 | Mondays 7pm-8pm March 31-May 12 (No class 4/21) Spring Zumba $60 | Sundays 9am - 10am March 30-May 11 (No class 4/20) Yoga $50 | Thursdays 7pm-8pm April 3-May 8 (No class 4/24) Aqua Zumba $70 | Mondays 7pm-8pm June 23-Aug 18 (No class 7/7 and 8/4)

Hatfield Township offers a variety of educational seminars such as: • Estate Planning & Wills – March 4 • Medicare – September 18 Details for seminars provided on the Hatfield Township website.

Fall Trail Clean Up & Workshop

Pickleball

Clean-Up – 6pm – 7pm

Spring/Summer/Fall Session April 7 – October 31 Residents: $25 | Non-Residents: $40 Pickleball is played at the Hatfield Community Park.

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.

CALLING ALL RUNNERS! AUGUST

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Wednesday, September 10

izza party for volunteers after!

P Rain Barrel Workshop – 7:15pm – 8:15pm

During this workshop, Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy staff will guide participants in making a rain barrel for their properties! Participants will learn about the benefits of rain barrels and how to install and maintain their barrels. Participants will leave the workshop with a completed rain barrel constructed from a 55-gallon, food grade plastic drum.

Details, information, and registration is available at: www.runtheday.com.

Dash & Splash 5K This 5k race is great to run or walk with friends and family! After the race, enjoy a private pool party for runners and runners' friends and family. All pre-registered participants receive private pool party, Kona Ice, snacks, dry bag, and a finisher's medal.

Registration: $40 February - April $45 May - July $50 August – October Race start time 7:00 p.m. | Hatfield Aquatic Center

OCT

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Fall Fest 5k Enjoy a morning fall run or walk through scenic parks and trails.

Finish at our annual Rocktoberfest Fall Festival. Enjoy vendors, crafters, games, food trucks, live music, crafts, balloons, face painting, and more! All pre-registered runners receive a finisher's medal, snacks, Kona Ice, seasonal beverage, festival access, and winter beanie.

Registration: $40 February - April $45 May - July $50 August – October Race start time 10:30 a.m. | Hatfield Township Admin Building

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PARKS & REC MONTH CELEBRATION

Photo to be replaced

Friday, July 18 School Road Park | Activities 6 pm - 8 pm | Movie 8:30 pm Activities Include:

Movie:

• Food Truck: Barbalouie BBQ • Balloon Animals • Face Painting • Foam & Bubble Party • Ninja Rock Climb & Slide • Inflatable Ax Throwing • Community Project

Avengers: 8:30 pm

Special Guests: Hatfield Police, Hatfield Fire Co, Colmar Fire Co

Plant Exchange & Garden Party

POP UP EVENTS Keep an eye on the Hatfield Township Facebook page and www.hatfield.org for details on these PopUp Events!

SAVE THE DATE Rocktoberfest Saturday, Oct. 4 Fall Fest 5k Saturday, Oct. 4 Mini Monster Mania Friday, Oct. 17 Santa Event TBD

May 17 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Township Building Featuring: Ask the Master Gardener/ Master Watershed Steward

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www.hatfield.org

THE HATFIELD

FAMILY CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT FRIDAY, JUNE 20 Twin Woods Golf Course

Tee Times: 9am, 1pm, and 5pm Scramble/Best Ball Format

IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR Register as a 2-person team: • Father - Son/Daughter • Mother - Son/Daughter • Grandparent - Grandchild • Aunt/Uncle - Nephew/Niece Age Divisions: U14 / U18 / Adult You will compete in one of these three divisions according to the age of the youngest golfer. One golfer must be 18+

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$99 per 2-player team includes cart, food and prizes

Details at Hatfield.org/golf

Living History Day May 31 | School Road Park. | 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

The Living History Day is about showcasing crafters and artisans demonstrating colonial life in the late 1700s. Some of the crafters will have hands-on demonstrations and their wares will be offered for sale.

Reenactors will also be present showing military life of both American and British soldiers.

Crafts and Demonstrations: • Colonial and British troop reenactors • Blacksmithing • Limner (artist) • Bodging (woodturning) • Brewing

For more information

• Clothier (sewing) • Flax Process • Harness and Leather Goods • Privateering • Rug Hooking

Hatfield250@hotmail.com

• Spinning • Surveying • Tape Loom Weaving • Children's Spy Game • And More

facebook.com/Hatfield250

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www.hatfield.org

Kids Corner word search tic-tac-toe x o

Hatfield Word Search M

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Hatfield people, places and more!

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WORD LIST AM KULP ANDRIS AQUATICCENTER EAGLES FLYERS

HATFIELD LIBERTYBELL LOSTRACCO OAKPARK PARTHA

PENNFIELD PHILLIES PUBLICWORKS RODGERS SIXERS

WARD ZIPFEL ZONING

spot the differences There are 13 differences between these two photos. Some of them are easy to spot—some are not. See if you can find them all!

(Special thanks to Theresa Pogatch, who submitted the original photo for our Hatfield Aquatic Center photo contest last year. Have you signed up for the pool yet?)

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2024 Holiday Lights

crossword A crossword all about Hatfield that the whole family can work on together!

CONTEST WINNERS

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

2017 School Road

MOST COLORFUL

1526 West Lane

MOST TRADITIONAL

63 & 65 Cherry Street

MOST CREATIVE

Answers for the Kids Corner activities are on pages 26, 27, and 28

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www.hatfield.org

151 Thomas Penn Avenue

AM Kulp

PRIDE!

Dr. Sara Rattigan and her team are Hatfield Heroes for building a winning culture at AM Kulp Elementary School

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n a chilly morning in December, just before the holidays, a little pink elf and a cohort of her friends—a few reindeer, a Christmas tree, even Santa himself—climbed atop a Colmar Volunteer Fire Company Truck outside AM Kulp Elementary School to wave and whistle at passersby. Many of those driving by on Cowpath Road were students on their way to school, either being driven by a parent or riding a bus.

All of them went crazy upon seeing the little pink elf, whom they had come to know, affectionately, as Peppermint Pixie. Horns honked, windows rolled down, phones recorded.

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This was the day the AM Kulp community was saying goodbye to Peppermint Pixie before she headed back to the North Pole. For weeks now this adorable elf had delighted students, teachers and staff alike as she brought “Elf on the Shelf” to life in all sorts of whimsical ways.

Every morning, Peppermint Pixie would turn up in a different place—sitting atop the school sign, making snow angels, “glamping” with her friends. She even tried to get into the school’s popular book vending machine and got caught, nose smashed against the window.

Students loved every minute of it.

The joy of coming to school And that was exactly the idea. Peppermint Pixie was a creative way to keep students engaged during a time of year when they are easily distracted, but she became something more—another building block in an amazing school culture that prizes engagement.

"I want [students] to remember the joy they had coming to school,” says Peppermint Pixie—also known as Dr. Sara Rattigan, now in her third year as AM Kulp’s principal. “I don’t want to say it’s like a family here, because that is so cliche, but there are people here who truly care about

each other. People are really engaged, and the teachers really care about what they do. I have never seen people so invested in other people’s children.”

The AM Kulp community—parents, teachers, staff—bears this out.

“She has made all the difference here. She brings so much energy and fun to everything she does, and all the kids absolutely love her—and so do the parents,” says AM Kulp parent Stacey Staffieri. “My [4th grade] daughter Olivia wants to come to school because it’s so much fun. It has been a great experience for her here.”

“Dr. Rattigan has created a caring and supportive environment for our Kulp community,” adds Kimberly Mason, the school’s guidance counselor. “Her goal is always to do what's right for the kids, and to give staff what they need to be their best selves for their students. The passion she brings to her role as principal has positively impacted Kulp's students, staff, and families alike.”

For her ability to build a winning culture among the school’s diverse constituencies, Dr. Sara Rattigan is a true Hatfield Hero.

The principal’s guiding principle Dr. Rattigan came to the North Penn School District after five years as a high school English teacher. She was hired as an assistant principal at the high school and spent five years in that role prior to becoming AM Kulp principal in 2022. With schools just coming out of the Covid pandemic, Dr. Rattigan believed that creating a positive culture was critically important—and she let one question be her guiding light: What would I want the principal of my daughter’s school to do—what would I want her school community to be engaged in?

Every step of the process she used to build that culture was intentional, starting with staff buyin. Dr. Rattigan started at AM Kulp at the end of the school year, so she sent an email to staff inviting them and their families to meet her at a local pub. It was a great way to get to know one another, and the new principal picked up the tab. She builds rapport with staff in other ways, too—not having meetings just to have them, celebrating everything, and recognizing teachers and staff when they go above and beyond for the school. “Being thanked in front of your peers is probably the biggest thing we can do [to build a positive culture],” she says. “I try to be very cognizant of what they have on their plates.”

The game plan is similar when it comes to building that culture with the extended community—the school’s 550 students and their families. AM Kulp holds Community Nights six times a year, where everybody comes on campus, there are food trucks and opportunities for parents and students to play and engage together. Dr. Rattigan also gathers smaller parent groups every other month to get feedback on the school and hear what their students are saying, and sends out a weekly parent newsletter that is as fun as it is informative.

One-on-one interactions are important, too.

There are forms in every room for students or teachers to fill out highlighting something positive a student did in class. The “prize” for this recognition can be time spent with the principal (maybe sharing ice cream, for example) or a token for the book vending machine.

greets them by name and engages in a little banter with them. She estimates she knows at least 400 students by name, and many parents as well. It may seem like a small thing, but it is another important step in building community and gaining the support and trust of students, parents, and teachers. Ten minutes after the carpool line ends, Dr. Rattigan is off on her daily walk around the halls of the school, checking in on teachers and support staff.

“About 90% of my job is relationships,” she says. “This community is happy. They like being here. There is a sense of pride here—Hatfield pride, Kulp pride. I feel it. I see it. I hear it. We have put a lot of work into this building, and there is a greater sense of pride here than any school I’ve ever been in.”

Dr. Rattigan also makes regular “good news calls” to parents to let them know about something positive their chid contributed to the school community. “The first thing I say when I call is, ‘Don’t worry, your kid’s not in trouble,’” she laughs. “But as a parent, nothing feels better than positive feedback about your kids.” Those types of calls make it a little easier to have the more difficult interactions when they arise, she adds.

“A greater sense of pride” It is impressive to see the culture that Dr Rattigan has built at AM Kulp play out in real time.

On a Friday morning in late January, she is out in front of the school during student drop-off.

There is an extra buzz in the air because the Eagles are playing in the NFC championship game, and Kulp is having an assembly at the end of the day which is part culture-builder, and part Eagles pep rally. Virtually everyone is geared up for the game.

As each student is dropped off, Dr. Rattigan

Learn more about Dr. Rattigan (including the one food she’d want on a desert island) and the AM Kulp community online in The Extra Connection!

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www.hatfield.org

Investing in the safety

New Hatfield Police Station • Serves a population and a department that has tripled in size since the original building was built in the 1970s.

• Centralized location to better serve the Hatfield community • More efficient policing — brings officers and detectives together • Modernizes an aging infrastructure

20 • Creates a safer environment for officers and visitors

Scan the QR code to see a time-lapse video of the construction so far

future

of our community

Clemens Park Renovation • New entrance • Inclusive playground • Public restrooms Scan the QR code to see a time-lapse video the Clemens Park bathroom install

• Electric vehicle chargers • Upgraded stormwater management • More parking for residents and Garden of Health volunteers

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5

AMAZING WOMEN OF HATFIELD The Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners celebrates Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by honoring these five accomplished Hatfield women.

ERIN BLANC

Background: Erin’s family moved to Hatfield when she was six years old, so she considers Hatfield her home. She attended North Penn schools and met her husband, Jesse, in 9th grade.

Eventually, Jesse’s job took them to California for a time, but when her children came along (Reece is now 15, Graham is 12) she yearned to move back home.

“We were thrilled to be able to move back to Hatfield when our boys were small," she says.

“There’s something special about raising your own children in the place where you grew up—especially when you can surround them with family and life-long friends.” All four of her boys’ grandparents live in Hatfield. “I love that—we all win,” she says.

Another draw in Hatfield: All the activities available for her kids—with the Hatfield Aquatic Center at the top of the list.

Accomplishments: Erin has pretty much done it all when it comes to volunteering at her son’s schools. She served on the Home & School board, was a homeroom parent, and co-chaired the 6th Grade Fundraising Committee, where she tried new ideas and exceeded fundraising goals. She also served as yearbook advisor and photographer. She learned a new platform for assembling pages and captured, edited and organized photos from families and staff to ensure as many students as possible were represented in the yearbook.

Erin keeps herself informed about school district news and is an engaged parent in the community, frequently offering support and resources to other parents. She is passionate about health, wellness, and patients' rights. Through networking, she has become a valuable resource for families looking to research, educate, and advocate for their healthcare concerns.

ADRI MANNAN

Erin Blanc and family

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Background: Adri is a senior at Temple University, majoring in English and Secondary Education. She has worked in daycare and also has experience as a student teacher in several Philadelphia schools. She loves to read and write, and is passionate about improving literacy rates.

She hopes to pursue TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification after college.

Adri Mannan Accomplishments: Adri has been a consistent volunteer for the Hatfield Jame Masjid (Mosque) for the past seven years, working to help create strong ties to the community and respond to questions about the Muslim faith.

She facilitates events, acts as a translator, is a liaison between community leaders, and creates an accessible environment for learning. “I love being a representative of Islam for the people that attend our mosque, as well as a friendly face to the people who want to learn more about our religion,” she says.

Adri also volunteers as a teacher for the mosque’s religious education classes on the weekend. “My work with my students at the mosque has been life-defining,” she says. “It is what inspired me to pursue my training in education. I work hard as an educator so my students grow up to have the confidence to become positive representatives of Islam for our community.”

LEAH CAVE

ALEJANDRA MCGINLEY-SEPULVEDA

Background: Leah and her husband moved to Hatfield 10 years ago to be convenient to their families. They did not yet fully realize the importance of true community. “As we grew our family, the Hatfield community has been there supporting us every step of the way,” she says.

From visiting local restaurants to involvement in youth sports, they love living in Hatfield.

Leah and her family spend time at School Road Park and Frick’s Trail, but a Hatfield highlight is spending summers at the Hatfield Pool!

Accomplishments: Leah is her kids’ biggest fan, at school or on the playing field. For the Oak Park Home and School Association, she served as Recording Secretary and President, and assisted in fundraising more than $10,000 to fund field trips. She has also fundraised for the North Penn Little League, helping raise $15,000 to install three new scoreboards, and $25,000 to ensure her son’s team could play in a tournament in Cooperstown, NY She has also served as a cheer coach for the North Penn Squires and assistant coach for the K-1st grade Spirit Squad.

THE WOMEN OF THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Life is never easy for those on society’s margins, but with costs for basic living expenses soaring, and federal assistance shrinking, the situation has become dire. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) is a Catholic lay organization that has been working for nearly 200 years to come alongside those who are suffering.

Alejandra McGinley-Sepulveda and her daughter Background: Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Alejandra moved to the continental U.S. in 2013. She and her husband Shaun met in Hatfield. “Hatfield was not hometown for either of us, but it quickly became home,” she says. After getting married, they bought their first house and moved out of Hatfield, but came back just two years later when their son was born. “We knew we needed to come back home, so we moved back to Hatfield, into our dream house and hopefully, forever home.” She and her family love Hatfield, in part, because it provides a small-town feel while having the activities and opportunities of a larger town.

Accomplishments: Alejandra has built an impressive career at Clemens Food Group, and in January was promoted to Director, International & Industrial Sales. She also serves as president of the Board of Directors for BLEND, an employee resource group at CFG where she leads the effort to create opportunities, foster talent and increase retention for all team members.

“We see a troubling future, with far greater needs,” says Mary Chantry, spokesperson for some 30 members (including some men) of the St. Maria Goretti conference of the SVDP. In 2024, SVDP assisted 600 neighbors and distributed nearly 2,000 bags of groceries, an increase of 30% from the previous year. The society also disbursed more than $140,000 in aid—up 25% from the previous year.

Often the assistance goes beyond a bag of groceries or help with the rent. SVDP helps neighbors understand how to apply for benefits they didn’t realize they were eligible for, provides budgeting advice, or directs them to other organizations for additional help.

“We serve anyone,” Chantry says, “and we try to understand the whole person. We work at the immediate need, but we also try to understand other stresses they may have. We also pray with them—it brings solace.”

Alejandra is also a founder and president of a non-profit in San Juan, Puerto Rico that supports school-aged children with hearing impairments.

Leah Cave with her kids

She is also involved with her own children in significant ways. Alejandra is a troop helper for Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, where she supports her daughter’s troop, especially during cookie season.

A St. Vincent de Paul food drive

The Board of Commissioners recognized these amazing women at their public meeting on Wednesday, March 26.

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Hatfield Township’s One-Room Schoolhouses

By Larry Stevens, President of the Hatfield Museum & History Society

A

fter the public school system was adopted in Hatfield Township in 1860, the Hatfield School District soon purchased six small plots of ground, strategically located throughout the township, on which they built one-room schoolhouses to serve the children of Hatfield.

In those days, when a farmer sold land for a school site, it was usually the worst part of the farm, low and swampy. The school district was able to purchase this poor-quality land at a lower price, helping to keep school taxes lower. All six of Hatfield Township’s former oneroom schoolhouses still stand today!

The Oak Grove Schoolhouse is located on Bergey Road, between the railroad crossing and Campus Drive. All of the old schoolhouses were built of stone, and covered with cement.

The owners of the Oak Grove schoolhouse, which is now a residence, removed the cement to expose the beautiful stonework underneath.

Out of the 6 township schoolhouses, the former Oak Grove Schoolhouse retains the most historic character.

The Hickory Grove Schoolhouse is located on School Road near E. Vine Street, and is now a residence.

The Trewigtown Schoolhouse, located on Trewigtown Road, between Sharon Road and

Valley Woods Road, is the only former schoolhouse that is not currently used as a residence.

Since 1955, it has served as home to the North Penn Elks Lodge. A large banquet hall was later added to the building. The old schoolhouse is the bar area of the lodge.

The Barren Plains Schoolhouse is located at the northeast corner of Moyer Road and Schwab Road. The first schoolhouse in this section was built on the southeast side of Moyer Road, on a piece of land that was especially low and swampy, earning the school the name, Mud Hole Schoolhouse. A new school was eventually built on donated land across the road. This schoolhouse has been so heavily renovated that it bears no resemblance at all to the schoolhouse building it once was.

The Orvilla Schoolhouse is located on the corner of Orvilla & Koffel Roads, and is now a residence.

The Sunnyside Schoolhouse is located on Elroy Road at Wendy Way. During the rainy season, the Sunnyside school property was so wet that pupils were unable to play outside. Eventually nearby farmers, who mostly had children attending the school, volunteered to haul gravel from the Skippack Creek at Mainland to fill and grade the lot. In 1866, a diphtheria epidemic

In the 1920s, overcrowding became an issue for many one-room schoolhouses struck the area, and, not knowing the cause or how to get rid of the germs at that time, the entire schoolhouse was razed and a new oneroom schoolhouse was built. By 1895 the Sunnyside School had 52 students enrolled. Also that year, the school was apparently demolished and rebuilt once again for some unknown reason. A September 1895 Hatfield Invincible newspaper article reported, “The new school house at Sunnyside is very much appreciated by the scholars and especially so by their teacher, J. C. Clemens. The new bell at Sunnyside was so beautifully tolled on Monday morning that everybody declared the sexton must be an expert.

The bell has a lovely sound.” The Sunnyside Schoolhouse is now a residence. The school bell is now displayed in the History Garden of the Hatfield History Museum.

By 1920, with the population of the area increasing rapidly, overcrowding was a problem at all of Hatfield Township’s one-room schoolhouses, as well as at the Hatfield Borough Schoolhouse at Main Street and Lincoln Avenue. Officials from both the Township and Borough School Districts joined together to jointly construct a new 12-grade school building on North Main Street which opened in 1922. All of the Township one-room schoolhouses were soon sold.

To learn more of Hatfield’s fascinating history, schedule a visit to the Hatfield History Museum at www.hatfieldhistory.org, or call 215-362-0428.

One of Hatfield’s six one-room schoolhouses.

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Kids Corner Answers 1. French Fries (bottom left) are different. 2. Pink starburst in the tablecloth (bottom center) added.

3. White cup (bottom right) added.

4. Birthday cake added 5. Girl (right) has an extra silicone bracelet 6. Girl (top right) has an extra silicone bracelet 7. Sharky added 8. Giraffe added 9. Hatfield Police Chief William Tierney added 10. Dog added 11. Towel (top right) has one purple stripe 12. Man’s t-shirt now has a Hatfield Police logo. 13. One of the blue balloons is now orange.

Thank You!

28

Thank You!

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

This Community Newsletter is produced for Hatfield Township

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