The Hatfield ConnectionFall-Winter 2025 by hatfieldtownship

Connection THE HATFIELD

Hatfi eld Township Of fi ces

1950 School Road

Hatfield, PA 19440-1992

Telephone: 215-855-0900

Fax: 215-855-0243

Website: www.hatfield.org

Township Manager: Aaron Bibro

Offi ce 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

Twitter: @HatfieldPA

YouTube: HatfieldTownship

Facebook: HatfieldTownship

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

Hatfi eld Board of Commissioners

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.

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

Calm Waters:

Innovation, Teamwork, and Continuous Improvement Help Ensure a Smooth Transition at NPWA

AsNorth Penn Water Authority (NPWA) celebrates its 60th anniversary, it also prepares for a significant transition in leadership. Executive Director Tony Bellitto, who has led the Authority since 1998, is set to retire in January 2026. His successor, Keith Hass, joined as Deputy Executive Director at the start of this year to ensure a smooth, year-long transition.

Over the past 27 years, Bellitto has transformed NPWA into one of Pennsylvania’s premier municipal water authorities. During his time in this role, the customer base has expanded by 50%, total water sales have doubled, and the infrastructure has grown to include 600 miles of water mains. The Forest Park Water Treatment Plant, which NPWA jointly owns and operates, has increased capacity from 20 to 43 million gallons per day, with further expansion already in the works.

Behind those numbers lies a deliberate leadership philosophy. Bellitto prioritized servant leadership, teamwork, and public trust. He fostered a culture of continuous improvement and community engagement, helping NPWA maintain high performance while adapting to regulatory, technological, and environmental challenges. On his leadership style, Bellitto explained, “I’m here to serve the customers. I’m here to serve the employees and provide guidance.” He con-

tinued, “I think part of that means that our employees, our staff, and our customers all need to feel valued throughout the whole process.”

Bellitto has been a steadfast advocate for public utility ownership throughout his career. His testimony before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Consumer Protection Committee—highlighting the differences in cost and value between public and private utilities—garnered significant public attention, including over 5 million views on X (formerly Twitter). His leadership in this area, along with his decades of service, has earned him numerous industry honors, including the William H. Markus Award of Excellence from the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA), the Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence, the Samuel S. Baxter Award from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Kenneth J. Miller Water For People Award from AWWA, and the Special Recognition Award from the Pennsylvania Section of AWWA. These accolades reflect both his technical expertise and deep commitment to public service.

Continuing the Mission: A New Chapter with Keith Hass

Incoming Executive Director Keith Hass brings over 25 years of experience in the water industry, including previous roles

at NPWA and Forest Park. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the Doylestown Township Municipal Authority. His familiarity with NPWA operations, combined with a background in engineering and leadership, makes him well-suited to carry the organization forward.

Hass has already identified key priorities, including expanding the treatment plant to meet regional growth, continuing to focus on technology to enhance efficiency, and maintaining high standards of service. With continued technological advancements, including GIS-integrated water modeling, which uses data to simulate and analyze water systems and performance (e.g., chlorine levels or how much pressure is in a pipe), and early leak detection capabilities, NPWA is positioning itself to meet future demands while keeping customer costs low.

Internally, the focus remains on staff development and operational efficiency. Hass’s management approach aligns closely with Bellitto and NPWA’s values, emphasizing teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. When asked about his leadership style, Hass stated, “I want the employees to see that I’m a part of this team…I trust my team members, I trust our management, and I have been so impressed by the level of knowledge, dedication, and efficiency at North Penn.” He continued, “I am certainly a collaborative leader.”

Leadership Transition

Reflecting on his career, Tony Bellitto often points to one simple fact: the average NPWA customer pays just over a dollar a day for all the water their household needs. For him, it wasn’t just about cost efficiency; it was about delivering an essential service with integrity and care. That commitment has defined his leadership and shaped the organization’s reputation.

As Bellitto prepares to retire and Keith Hass steps into the leadership role, the NPWA remains in steady, capable hands. NPWA’s success has always rested on its people—a dedicated team of 52 people responsible for delivering safe, reliable water to over 36,000 customers across 21 municipalities. From emergency response to infrastructure renewal, the NPWA operates with round-the-clock readiness and a deep sense of responsibility and accountability.

With a strong foundation, a forward-looking leader, and a legacy of excellence, NPWA enters this new chapter poised to grow while staying true to its mission. The coming year marks not just a leadership transition but a celebration of 60 years of service, community trust, and progress.

September 18, 3pm - 7pm Rain Date: September 19

Anthony BellittoKeith Hass

Junior Police Academy 2025

The JPA is the coolest thing to do on a hot summer day

Cadets who attended the Hatfield Police Department’s 2025 Junior Police Academy got an up close and personal look at a variety of local first responder agencies—police, fire, ambulance/EMT, helicopter transport, motorcycle patrol, police K9 patrols, and more. Our sincere thanks to Chief William Tierney, Sgt. Dan Butler, and all of the Hatfield Police Department personnel who made this a memorable day for the kids who participated.

We are grateful to the local agencies that supported the event, including:

• Hatfield Volunteer Fire Company

• VMSC Emergency Medical Services-Lansdale

• Philadelphia Police Department Motorcycle Patrol

• JeffSTAT Critical Care Transport

• Montgomery Township Police Department K9 Unit (Officer Nicholas Eufrasio and Canine Niko)

• Horsham Township Police Department K9 Unit (Detective Kimberly Ngo and Canine Mac)

• Upper Gwynedd Police Department

• North Penn DUI Task Force

Police Building Nears Completion and Community Celebration Planned for Spring 2026

“ While the building will serve as headquarters for our police, it’s a station for the entire Hatfield community, and we want everyone to be part of the celebration,”

-Chief Tierney

Hatfield’s new police building is on track for completion in November. To celebrate, a community-wide Grand Opening is planned for Spring 2026.

The event will include building tours, family-friendly games, food, music, vendors, and more.

If you or your business can contribute services, ideas, or donations, please get in touch.

Contact: Chief Tierney at wtierney@hatfield.org

Donations: Mail to Dave Bernhauser, 1950 School Road, Hatfield, PA 19440

Checks payable to: Hatfield Police Building Dedication Fund

We look forward to celebrating together this spring!

FALL PARK CLEAN UP

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP &

WEDNESDAy, S EPT. 10 | S CHOOL R OAD PARK

Clean up: 6pm - 7pm Workshop: 7:15pm

Looking to give back to the Hatfield community?

Come out in September and help us clean School Road Park trails, playgrounds, fields, etc. Join us after for a rain barrel workshop!

The Perkiomen Watershed is partnering with our Parks & Recreation Department again to bring you...rain barrels! Make a rain barrel for your home! Particpants will learn about the benefits of rain barrels and how to install and maintain their barrels.

Leave with a completed rain barrel constructed from a 55 gallon, food grade plastic drum. $60/person.

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION: www.perkiomenwatershed.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4TH

11 AM - 3 PM | SCHOOL ROAD PARK

Inflatables | Crafters

Vendors | Games

Kids Activities

Live Music | Food Trucks

FEATURING: AM RADIO BAND

FOOD TRUCKS: BABALOUIE BBQ, SCRATCH

KITCHEN, 3 LEGGED HARE, VINNY'S

PIZZARAMA, BSA TROOP 52, KONA ICE

Dragons for Life: The

Sweitzer Family’s Lacrosse Journey

-Savannah Sweitzer “

We were just kids from Hatfield who loved sports. It turned into something much bigger than we ever imagined.”

(Left to right) Delaney, CJ, Savannah, Harry

(Top row l-r) CJ, Harry (Bottom row l-r) Savannah, Delaney

From Squires Football to Dragons Lacrosse

For the Sweitzer family of Hatfield, lacrosse is more than a sport. It’s a shared passion that has shaped their lives, strengthened their sibling bond, and carried them from local fields to national championships.

All four Sweitzer children — CJ, twins Savannah and Delaney, and Harry — started with Squires football before coach Jim Burnham encouraged them to try lacrosse. Joining the North Penn Dragons opened a new chapter, and for Savannah and Delaney, it meant playing on boys’ teams until a local girls’ program was formed.

From Local Fields to College Arenas

CJ was the first to make the switch. “I fell in love with lacrosse, and then gradually we all made that transition,” he said. “It gave us the aggressiveness, agility, and all the things we were looking for in a sport.”

By eighth or ninth grade, the Sweitzers saw lacrosse as more than a pastime. “That’s when it really became an opportunity to work toward something,” CJ said. “Sports were an outlet for us, but they were also an avenue for a college education.”

All four siblings were recruited to play in college — CJ at Bryant University and Wagner College, Savannah and Delaney as a package deal to Syracuse University, and Harry at Ursinus College. Their dedication paid off: Delaney was named NCAA Goalie of the Year in 2023 and played in

a national championship, Savannah competed in two Final Fours, CJ was a two-time college captain and conference champion, and Harry earned captaincy at Ursinus.

“Watching one of us reach a dream, like Delaney in the national championship, felt like we were all on the field that day,” Harry said. CJ added, “We’ve all pushed each other for years. Seeing my siblings succeed is just as rewarding as any accomplishment of my own.”

In her final year at Syracuse, Dragons longtime coach Tom Flanagan attended a game, camera in hand. Afterward, he presented the family with a photo book signed “Dragons for Life,” a nod to the youth program where it all began.

Lessons That Last a Lifetime

The siblings credit their parents with instilling discipline, time management, and self-motivation. With demanding schedules, each learned to balance schoolwork, practices, and games, often drawing inspiration from one another. “We pushed each other, but we also supported each other,” Harry said. “It takes zero effort to be a good teammate, and that’s something I’ll carry for life.”

Savannah and Delaney say playing against boys in their early years gave them an edge. “It made us faster, stronger, and tougher,” Savannah said. “It set the tone for how we would approach the game for years to come.”

They also learned from a network of influential coaches. From Burnham, JP Banks, and Colleen

Magarity, they took away lessons in loyalty, resilience, and the importance of enjoying the game. “One lesson I learned from Coach Magarity is that your mind quits before your body,” Delaney said. “When you’re tired or don’t think you can do it, that’s your mind tricking you. You have to dig in and give it your all.”

Renee Flanagan, wife of longtime North Penn coach Tom Flanagan, left an especially lasting mark. “She always told us to fight like a girl,” Savannah said. Before every game, Delaney drew a small dragonfly on her helmet in Renee’s honor — a reminder to keep that childlike mentality and carry her encouragement onto the field.

At the time, missing parties or spending long weekends traveling to tournaments felt like sacrifices. But today, they recognize those choices brought them closer as a family and created friendships that have lasted well beyond the playing field. “Some of my closest friends to this day are people I met through lacrosse,” Harry said. “It’s more than a game — it’s the relationships that stick with you.”

Looking Ahead

Savannah and Delaney are preparing to open a HHH Lacrosse Club branch in Florida to share their love of the game with the next generation. CJ and Harry plan to continue coaching locally while pursuing professional careers.

Savannah summed it up: “We were just kids from Hatfield who loved sports,” Savannah said. “It turned into something much bigger than we ever imagined.”

PARKS & REC MONTH RECAP

July was National Parks & Recreation Month, and Hatfield enjoyed celebrating with the community. We recognized our dedicated Parks & Recreation Department and staff for their hard work in bringing quality programs, events, facilities, parks, and trails to Hatfield Township. We also celebrated the community groups, organizations, volunteer boards, volunteers, and sponsors who make these events possible and help keep our community vibrant. Thank you to everyone who joined in we look forward to celebrating again next year!

The Hatfield

aces! aces! Family Classic was

The first-ever Hatfield Family Classic inter-generational golf tournament was a big hit! We had a gorgeous day (sandwiched between rotten weather on both sides), an epic hole-in-one (by 12-year-old Drew Stein!), and an all-around great day playing golf with those we love. Thank you to Board of Commissioners President Tom Zipfel for kicking off the day, to Betty Johnston and Twin Woods Golf Course for hosting and being fantastic partners, and for every golfer and sponsor (especially lead sponsor 309 Office Furniture & Design) who made the event possible. You can see the golf and putting contest results and more photos at our web page, hatfield.org/golf, and in the digital edition of the Fall-Winter 2025 issue (hatfield.org/extraconnection).

Twelve-year-old Drew Stein had the highlight of the day—a hole-in-one on Twin Woods #5.

Matt Linberger smokes his tee shot on Twin Woods #1 as his dad, Rick, looks on.

(left to right) Township Manager Aaron Bibro, Tax Collector Dan Reavy and his son, Andrew, Board of Commissioners President Tom Zipfel, and Police Chief William Tierney, Betty Johnston (front)

Hitting it

Out of the Park

Hatfield Township holds (another) ribbon-cutting for newly renovated Clemens Park, including its “Logeyland” inclusive playground.

Not since Viola Clemens cut the ribbon dedicating John S. Clemens Memorial Park in honor of her late husband in 1993 has the park seen an event like it hosted on a late April evening.

This time, 42 years later, Hatfield had another ribbon-cutting—to celebrate a series of enhancements to the park, including an inclusive playground, new restrooms, a new entrance, improved parking, and easier access to the Garden of Health farm on the property.

Hatfield’s Parks & Recreation Department added inflatables, face painting, and other kids games to the event, and hundreds of people from Hatfield and the surrounding communities came out on a beautiful night to enjoy the “new” John S. Clemens Park.

“If you are a Hatfield resident, you know this is a meaningful day for us, as we celebrate the ex-

pansion of a park that has been wonderful to us for many years,” said Tom Zipfel, president of the Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners. “Now we’re making it even better for our neighbors and the community.”

That community also witnessed two extraordinary ribbon-cutting ceremonies. One for the park improvements, featuring John and Viola’s son Ken and daughter-in-law Arlayne Clemens. The Clemens family donated a significant amount of land for the park, which is across from the Clemens Food Group headquarters. The second ribbon-cutting was for the playground itself and featured Tracy and Jonathan Inverso, whose son Logan passed away on the eve of his 12th birthday from complications of a rare genetic disorder. The inclusive playground was named “Logeyland” and dedicated in his memory.

“The idea that parents and children can say to

each other after school, ‘Let’s go to Logeyland and play’ is something that keeps our little boy’s memory alive,” said Tracy Inverso, who grew up just a half mile from Clemens Park. Her parents and other family members still live in Hatfield.

“Logan was a true superhero. Despite every challenge he faced, he lived with strength, joy, courage, and an incredible light,” she said. “He taught us how to love deeply, fight fiercely, and see beauty in every moment. When he was born, we coined the phrase, ‘Welcome to Logeyland,’ and today that phrase has come to life in ways we never could have imagined.

“This playground isn’t just a space, it’s a symbol of what’s possible when love, faith and community come together. It’s a tribute to Logan’s resilient spirit, and to God who carried us. Logan’s legacy and joy will live forever through every child that gets to play at this playground.”

“ This playground isn’t just a spac e, it’s a symbol of what’s possible when love, faith and community come together.”

— Tracy Inverso

The event was attended by all five of the Hatfield Township Commissioners, as well as representatives from State Rep. Steve Malagari and State Sen. Maria Collett, and the Montgomery County Commissioners. Both local fire departments, Hatfield and Colmar, had trucks on site and offered tours. For more coverage of the ribbon-cutting, including photos and video, go to hatfield.org/extraconnection.

Kids Corner

Hatfield Fall Winter 2025

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2025 Parks and Recreation Programs

Get Fit Series

Seminar Series

Pickleball

Fall Session 1 $60 | Sundays 9am - 10am 9/7 – 10/12

Fall Session 2 $60 | Sundays 9am - 10am 10/26 – 12/14 (No class: 11/2 and 11/23)

Fall Session 1 $60 | Mondays 7pm-8pm 9/8 – 10/13

Fall Session 2 $60 | Mondays 7pm-8pm 10/27 – 12/15 (No class: 11/3 and 11/24)

Fall Session 1 $40 | Thursdays 7pm-8pm 9/11 – 10/16 (No class: 10/2 and 10/9)

Fall Session 2 $60 | Thursdays 7pm-8pm 10/30 – 12/18 (No class 11/6 and 11/27)

Hatfield Township offers a variety of educational seminars. Join us and receive information and training from seminars such as

• Know Your Medicare Options Thursday, September 18, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Details for different seminars provided on the Hatfield Township website. Seminars are located at the Hatfield Township Building.

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.

Hatfield Township Parks & Recreation HAS DONE IT AGAIN!

CONGRATULATIONS to our Parks & Recreation Director, Ashley Broudy, and all of the Parks and Recreation professionals that serve on the Executive Committee of Montgomery County Senior Games for their 2025 PRPS Excellence in Programming Award!

This group of professionals across the county works hard throughout the year to develop and organize a week-long series of athletic events for seniors throughout Montgomery County. From coordinating volunteers, working with sponsors and local county businesses, setting up and leading various events, and so much more, this committee provides a unique and special series of events for residents in their local and surrounding communities. We appreciate the work they do and the opportunities you offer our senior residents.

Hatfield Township is proud to not only be represented on the Executive Committee by our Parks & Recreation Director and Department, but also to have so many wonderful residents who participate in these games!

For more information and participation in the games, visit the Montgomery County Senior Games website!

Thank you to our amazing Parks & Recreation Sponsors!

These generous community organizations and businesses help bring fun-filled events, programs, parks, trails, and facilities to the Hatfield community!

HOLIDAy CONCERT

FEATURING: SANTA’S VISIT

December 13 • 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. • School Road Park

The Hatfield Police Benevolent Association, Parks and Recreation Department, and the North Pole are partnering to bring you an evening of holiday fun!

Live music, seasonal snacks, roasting marshmallows and s’mores, crafts, balloons, face painting, and of course, photos with Santa!

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 7th 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 17 – December 12

Location: Administration Building, 1950 School Rd

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. 12. Judging: December 14–20 Winners Announced: First week of the new year!

The Wright Conspiracy

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

Two of Hatfield’s oldest houses, located on opposite ends of the township, date back to the days of the American Revolution, and are connected by an incident that has come to be known as “The Wright Conspiracy.”

On the southern end of Hatfield, located on Colonial Dr., sits the former home of John Wright. The original two-story, four-room log house built there dates back to c.1717. This log house is not only the oldest house standing in Hatfield, but some sources claim it is one of the oldest homes in Montgomery County!

Located all the way on the other side of Hatfield Township, near the Franconia Township line, sits the former Jacob Reed homestead. Reed built this small log house there on his 215-acre farm, purchased from Richard and Thomas Penn, around 1757.

With the dawn of the Revolutionary struggle, Jacob Reed proved to be the ultimate patriot. He showed such passion for the patriot cause that he was assigned to serve as Colonel of the Philadelphia County Militia. Col. Reed’s passionate activity in the American cause made him a constant target for the British soldiers and Tories. (Tories, also called Loyalists, were Americans who, during the Revolution, favored the British.) The Tories were relentless in their harassment of the Colonel and others in the area that supported the patriot cause.

The Tories would often travel the area at night, raiding, looting, and destroying patriot properties.

The three sons of Hatfield’s John Wright, Jonathan, Abijah and John, Jr., were among the most notorious Tories in the area. The Wrights and their Tory friends were instrumental in making a lot of trouble for the patriots in the area, furnishing information and supplies to the British, and directing attacks against patriots.

One dark night in the winter of 1778, the Wright brothers, along with some of their Tory friends, conspired to attack and capture Colonel Jacob Reed. That night the brothers led a group of accomplices to Colonel Reed's house. The Colonel, who, because of prior attacks had to be on constant alert, somehow became aware of the approaching attackers. He met them at his front door, swinging his saber. Reed bravely fought off his attackers and, in the struggle, his sword broke, the end falling to the ground, piercing the foot of John Wright.

In the morning, Colonel Reed's loyal friends were able to track down John Wright by following the blood trail of his bleeding foot. The trail led them several miles to the south, to Montgomery Square, where John Wright had a home, and he was taken prisoner. (Montgomery Square is the area near Rt. 309 and Up-

per State Road, near where the Montgomery Mall is today).

In those turbulent times little mercy was shown towards traitors, and John Wright's case was quickly disposed of by hanging him from the limb of a large oak tree that stood near his home. Jonathan Wright was caught later and was hanged in Germantown, and Abijah Wright was also captured later, taken to Philadelphia, and cast into prison. He was given a trial in Court, found guilty of treason, and hanged.

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.

Wright House - 1974

Lt. Col. Jabob Reed Homestead

Here we grow!

What a summer it was for gardens—plenty of rain, plenty of sun.Whose gardens wowed the judges in the 2025 Hatfield Garden Contest?

Stay tuned for the digital edition of the Fall-Winter Hatfield Connection (hatfield.org/extraconnection), where we will present all the winners in all the categories—plus a special entry from the “other” Hatfield.