Newtown325

Commissioners proclaim Nov. 5 as "Newtown Borough 325th Anniversary Day"

2008-11-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

By Petra Chesner Schlatter
BucksLocalNews.com

The historic Newtown Movie Theatre on North State Street provided the setting for the Bucks County Commissioners' Nov. 5 meeting.

While holding the meeting in the historic building, the commissioners proclaimed Nov. 5, 2008 as "Newtown Borough's 325th Anniversary Day" throughout the county.

Commissioner Charley Martin read the proclamation that followed Newtown's history from its purchase by William Penn's agent, William Markham, purchased from Native Americans its time as the county seat of Bucks from 1726 until 1813.

"This year, we join members of the federal, state and municipal governments in celebrating Newtown upon the achievement of its 325th anniversary, a milestone that offers the community a time to recognize its residential village character and its diverse cultural fabric.

"Newtown Borough continues to thrive as a hub of commerce, social interaction, dining and cultural significance," Martin read.

He continued, "We congratulate the borough for its success in maintaining the unique character it has developed and fostered for more than three centuries."

"We wish the borough -- its leaders, residents, business community, and visitors -- continued prosperity in all areas of stewardship, historical preservation and civic dedication."

Commissioner Chairman Jim Cawley opened the meeting by describing the building as "beautiful." He noted that Newtown's theatre is "the nation's oldest continuous-use movie theater."

Today, in addition to showing movies, live productions are also staged there by the Newtown Arts Company.

Commissioners Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, Martin, Cawley, and David Sanko, chief operating officer, signed the proclamation.

November Aha! Friday

2008-10-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

There will be a Meet and Greet for 325 poster artist Bob Gilanyi at Love Illuminati, 23 S. State Street, Newtown on Nov. 7.

Trisis Technologies will have its grand opening at their new location at 120 S. State St.
In addition, from 6-9 p.m. Countryside Framing will host Newtown artist Bill Jobes, an outdoor photojournalist and multiple Emmy Award winning television journalist.

He will be highlighting his photographs of flowers, landscapes, birds and wildlife; light refreshments and wine will be served. AHA! (Arts, History and Adventure!) is an open-house evening, held the first Friday of each month in downtown Newtown, blending the arts and history with a marketplace boasting unique shops and restaurants.

Bring your family and friends to Newtown’s historic downtown to see visual and performing arts, nurture a sense of history, enjoy the unique, ever-changing and expanding variety of shops, galleries, restaurants and nightlife, or merely people-watch while catching a bite to eat.

Come home to your town, my town, Newtown. Check the Web site www.newtownpa.us for more details!

Newtown 5K and Music in the Park!

2008-09-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Please join us for the 2nd Annual Newtown Library Company 5K & Kids Fun Run as we help Newtown celebrate is 325th birthday.

Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in the second annual 5K Run/Walk for the Newtown Library Company on October 11, 2008. This year the library has added a one mile fun run for kids! Day-of registration begins at 9:30 am, the Kid’s Fun Run starts at 10:30 am, and the 5K begins at 11:00 am.

Runners will meet at the Brian S. Gregg Memorial Park on Congress Street where they will be greeted with live music and a prerace stretch led by Yogasphere. The race route starts on Chancellor Street and continues left on Frost Lane, down Congress, right on Greene, up Liberty, left on Jefferson, right onto Edgeboro Drive to the end, where racers reverse the route.

A detailed map of the course is on the library’s website, www.newtownlibrary.com .

All of the race will be on the North side of the borough, and will cross no major streets, having the least impact on local traffic. We thank the residents for their patience for this good cause.
All proceeds from the race will benefit The Newtown Library Company, a unique historical institution that has enriched the lives of Newtown’s citizens since its founding in 1760.

Last year the monies raised by this event allowed the library to enhance the book selection for their new juvenile section.

"We hope that this event will be both a successful fund-raiser for the library and a fun recreational opportunity for the community." says Heather Lewis, Newtown 5K Event Organizer. "With this in mind, we have again planned the race date to coincide with Newtown Borough’s annual Music in the Park event." Participants are encouraged to celebrate their finish with refreshments and live musical entertainment at Brian S. Gregg Memorial Park following the race.

Our very generous sponsors, including Steaz Energy Drinks, Chuck’s Natural Grapevine, First National Bank, Team Toyota, Firstrust, CVS, The Athletic Shoe Shop and many others, have allowed us to provide our participants with commemorative T shirts as well as wonderful awards to the many winners of the race.

All interested in participating in the race may register online at www.active.com or pick up a mail in registration from the Newtown Library Company located at 110 Centre Avenue in Newtown Borough. Registration will also be possible on the morning of the race, October 11. The pre-race registration fee is $20 for the 5K and $10 for the Kids’ Fun Run, the fees increase by to $25 and $12, respectively, on race day.

This is an official event of the Newtown 325 Anniversary Celebration. For more information contact Event Organizer Heather Lewis at: hmshirley@verizon.net or 215-504-1536.

October AHA! Friday

2008-09-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Marsh has created the third design in the series of 12 Anniversary posters for Newtown's 325 Celebration. As a former employee of The Advance of Bucks County, Marsh used her newspaper experience as a source of inspiration.

"I came to Newtown to work at The Advance of Bucks County", explained Marsh. "My poster is homage to the smalltown newspaper."

When Marsh was invited to create one of the posters for the 325th Anniversary, she immediately polled her newspaper colleagues. "The answers I got were quite similar, and I had great fun gathering information," she said. "What I learned, and came to love about Newtown, is that its history and future are embraced in an equally enthusiastic way. Working at the newspaper, you see a lot of stories. When you dig into the history, you uncover even more stories, but you are also reminded that the most important stories haven't changed."
Marsh was with InterCounty Newspaper Group as a graphic designer and Out & About editor for two years.

She is currently employed by the New Jersey Education Association in the communications department as a graphic designer. Marsh is also a stained glass artist.

As part of the 325th anniversary celebration, she will be featured at a "Meet and Greet the Artist" during AHA! Friday on Oct. 3. The reception will be held at Newtown Chocolates beginning at 6 6 p.m.

325 Poster Series Continues!

2008-08-20T11:39:00.001-07:00

Newtown’s 325 Celebration presents the second in a series of 12 Anniversary posters, which was created by Leigh Sheek-Vogel of Turning Point Design + Marketing.

The inspiration for her poster is the founder of Newtown, visionary proprietor William Penn.

“Penn’s decision to embrace Quaker beliefs at the young age of 22, even against his father’s and English society’s approval, spoke to his courage and commitment to religious freedoms,” explained Leigh.

Yet what Leigh finds most impressive about Penn was his unwillingness to force Quaker beliefs upon Pennsylvania. His officials held a variety of ideologies.

His representatives were equally Dutch, German, Finnish and Swede settlers as well as members of the Society of Friends (Quakers).

One of the first counties of Pennsylvania is Bucks County, named after Buckinghamshire, England, the Penn family seat and original home of many of the first settlers.

As a reference to the English origin of Bucks County, Leigh wanted to include a younger image of Penn in England, which is the image on the lower right.The image of Penn on the left is more in line with the founding of Newtown 325 years ago, with his agreement in hand and Native Americans behind him underneath a tree. Penn’s Wood is reflected in the tree imagery.

Penn called the area Sylvania (Latin for woods), which King Charles changed to Pennsylvania in honor of the elder Penn who actually paid for the purchase with repayment of a loan from the King.

The acorns represent the growth of this historic town to the wonderful community that exists in Newtown today. Quaker beliefs still thrive here today among many other religious freedoms. Penn would be pleased.

Leigh Sheek-Vogel is the owner of Turning Point Design + Marketing and has been a graphic designer and marketing specialist for over 27 years. Details and portfolio are available at http://www.turningpointdm.com/.

'Let them eat cake!'

2008-07-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

Newtown finally kicked off its 325th anniversary in style during the Newtown Classic and Antique Car Show on July 20.

After weeks of anticipation, 325 committee members unveiled the contents of the 1983 time capsule buried under Pickering Field.

Among the items in the weather proof steel case were souveniers including 300th anniversary hats, pennants and mugs, a commemorative tile and plate and a 1983 copy of The Advance.

The souvenirs of Newtown’s history were initially scheduled to be displayed at First Fourth, however, inclement weather forced a delay in the fun.

Also delayed was the cutting of Newtown’s 325 birthday cake.

“Let them eat cake,” First Fourth committee chair Victoria Bowe announced to the hungry crowd, calling on the famous Marie Antoinette quote.

Bowe, along with NBPA heads Paul Salvatore and Mick Petrucci, then helped cut and serve the large sheet cakes, which spelled out “325” and wished the town a happy birthday.

Time Capsule Schedule

2008-07-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

From The Advance News Desk

Due to wet weather on First Fourth, the Newtown 25- and 50-year time capsules will be on display and opened during the NBPA's Newtown Antique and Classic Auto Show on July 20, according to Main Streets manager Chris Ortwein.
The time capsules will be displayed through the morning and unveiled at 12 p.m.
Following the unveiling, Newtown's 325 anniversary birthday cake will be cut and State Rep. David Steil (R-31) will read a resolution passed by the Pa. House of Representatives.
The cake is sponsored by Firstrust Bank.
The Newtown Antique and Classic Auto Show will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on State Street in Newtown Borough.
A rain date is set for July 27.

Get your 325 Yearbook!

2008-06-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Newtown Corporation invites residents, visitors and friends to "Celebrate your town, my town, Newtown…" and relive fond memories from its 325-year history with the commemorative 325 Anniversary Yearbook!

The hardcover yearbook will include full-color photos, facts and memories of Newtown’s past and present throughout its roughly 200 pages. Residents and businesses will be invited to purchase space to share their own memories of Newtown or simply commemorate their time in this historic town.

The Yearbook pre-sale will begin at Newtown’s First Fourth Celebration on July 5. Copies will be sold at a discounted rate of $30 each during the pre-sale. Payment will be accepted in either cash or check made payable to "Newtown Corporation."

In addition, yearbook ad space for residents and businesses will be on sale starting July 5. Spaces vary in size from 1/8-page to full-page and are available starting at $70. Ad sales will continue through 2008.

All funds raised support the Newtown Corporation, which provides community opportunities including the 325 Anniversary Yearbook, Newtown Brewfest and other exciting Newtown events.

Yearbooks will be distributed in summer 2009, to coincide with the conclusion of 325 Anniversary events.

For more information or to join the 325 Yearbook Committee, contact Breanne Cook at NewtownYearbook@gmail.com.

What's in the box???

2008-06-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Posted by Peter Ciferri

Bill Smith, Chris Ortwein, Patty Lovi and Frank Fabian all know what's inside the time capsules buried beneath Pickering Field for 25 years, do you?

The only way you'll find out is to come to First Fourth on July 5.

As part of the kick-off for Newtown's 325 anniversary, the contents of 25- and 50-year-old time capsules will be displayed on stage at Newtown Middle School.

For more information about First Fourth, visit www.newtownfirstfourth.com. For more about Newtown's 325 anniversary, visit the Newtown325 blog on BucksLocalNews.com.

Celebrate Newtown and America at First Fourth

2008-06-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

By Brittani Ross
Advance Correspondent

Newtown is ready for its 325 anniversary, and the only way to start things off is with the greatly anticipated First Fourth celebration on July 5.

First Fourth will be the first event to kick off the yearlong anniversary celebration, as well as the last event when next year’s First Fourth draws the anniversary to a close, according to First Fourth planning co-chair Victoria Bowe.

To help kick things off, recently unearthed time capsules dating back to Newtown’s 275 and 300 anniversaries will be opened on stage at 8 p.m.

The annual daylong celebration, held outside Newtown Middle School, offers everything from hot dog eating contests to revolutionary reenactments from life in the 1700s.

“We have our wonderful parade in the morning, with our local revolution reenactors from Newtown’s Church and local people participating as well,” Bowe explained with excitement. “They have their cannons, muskets — they’ll show life as they had it. That’s a great opportunity for the children.”

Bowe emphasized the dedication given by George and Nancy Stockburger, the grand marshals of the parade, who are celebrating the 50 anniversary of Stockburger Chevrolet and have dedicated so much of their time and recourses to the community.

Bowe added that a new feature will be added to the First Fourth celebration — a dunk tank. “[People will] have a big opportunity to dunk their favorite Newtown personalities for charity,” Bowe said with a laugh. “I think everyone’s looking forward to that.”

First Fourth is a light-hearted affair that offers many games, rides, performances and contests that will suit the tastes of people of all ages.

Among these events will be a bike decorating contest sponsored by The Advance of Bucks County, planned for 9:30 a.m., and a softball game between Newtown Borough — the defending champions — and Newtown Township.

“The fair will be 4:30-dusk. Safety Day will be at that time as well. We have games, we have dunk tanks, we have music, a food court, we have Irish Dancers, a jazz band, Newtown orchestra on stage,” Bowe explained. There will also be a community picnic at the event and Bowe encourages people to bring their blankets and baskets.

Of course the traditional food court vendors from across the township will also set up shop. Expected to appear are Slack’s Hoagie Shack, Chick-Fil-A, Taste of Philly’s Pretzels and more.

A radio control car and plane show will be held in the fields of Newtown Middle, courtesy of Action Hobby. And kids are also invited to jump into hayrides, moon bounces and face painting.

A large part of the event this year is that it will be going hand-in-hand with Safety Day, which has been previously held on a separate day than the First Fourth. It will offer various displays and demonstrations sponsored and given by groups such as the fire station, Commerce Bank, American Red Cross and the local police department. Some national rescue and law enforcement are also expected to join.

“It would help the community be aware of the municipal agencies that they have that are available to the community,” Bowe said.

To end the night, there will be a spectacular fireworks show held at 10 p.m., a one-of-a-kind light spectacle in the area.

The activities, games, shows and contests are completely free, Bowe said, and First Fourth is not only a celebration for Newtown Borough’s 325 anniversary, but a way to tie together the whole community.Parking for First Fourth will be available at Council Rock North High School on Swamp Road. Visitors can walk from the high school to the middle school or ride any of the three shuttle buses provided.

The event is sure to be an excellent start to this yearlong celebration.

Logo unveiled for 325

2008-06-18T10:15:00.001-07:00

Three-hundred twenty-five years after William Penn allegedly announced, "This is where I propose to build my new town," selecting the location for what would become Newtown, the Bucks County community is marking this anniversary by "celebrating your town, my town, Newtown, a great place to live, worship, work, shop and play."
The theme will be carried out through a series of special events that highlight and pay tribute to those who have shaped Newtown for over three and a quarter centuries. The activities will stretch from Independence Day weekend through next summer.
"The 325th slogan phrase live, worship, work, shop and play has its roots in the mottos for Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Newtown Corporation and Newtown Business and Professional Association," explained Chris Ortwein, executive director of Newtown Corporation, the celebration's organizing entity.
"It was also used in the tag line for the 1984 tri-centennial celebration and it seemed appropriate to piggy back on words that have brought so many people together for so many years."
The 325 logo was designed by Allison Lucerne of Lucerne Illustration and Design. Lucerne was one of twelve artists invited to interpret the town anniversary.
Each artist was given creative license to express the 325 theme in any style that reflected his or her personal vision. The only guidelines were to include "325" and "Newtown." The rest was left up to the artist's perception, imagination, and inspiration. The hope was that a 325 logo would emerge out of the process.
"Several artists chose to create an identity mark for the celebration," explained 325 committee member Patty Lovi, "however, Allison's work incorporated the Newtown N which has been used to brand and market Newtown for the past four years."
That original design was a collaborative effort by two Newtown designers Adrienne DiGiovine and Rosemary Tottoroto.
When asked about her creation, Lucerne explained, "My 325 logo design evolved as I was working on the oil painting for my poster. I was thrilled to be able to use the Newtown logo on my poster because I love its simplicity and it matched the feel of my painting."
Several versions of the logo are available which will be adapted for marketing and merchandising purposes. While event stationary bears the official logo with wings indicating community inception and event dates, a smaller circle logo has been adapted for commemorative pins and embroidered soft goods.
The celebration commences with Newtown's First Fourth on July 5. As a prelude to the anniversary, an artist "Meet and Greet" reception was held on May 5 to unveil the 12 posters which will be used over the course of the event. The Time Capsule, from the Tri-Centennial Anniversary in 1984, will also be unearthed from its location at Pickering Field, and will be presented to the public at the First Fourth parade and opened during the evening awards ceremony.
For more information on Newtown' 325th Anniversary, the schedule of events, artwork and available volunteer opportunities, visit the website www.newtownpa.us, or contact: Christina Ortwein, Newtown Corporation, 215-968-3440.