Volunteers, Longtime Business Recognized By Doylestown Borough Mayor

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Doylestown Borough Mayor Noni West on Monday night recognized four volunteers and a longtime business owner with certificates of appreciation.

Mayor West presented the first recognition to Anthony Hita thanking him for his service on the Historic and Architectural Review Board (HARB). Hita has served on the board from 2020 to 2023.

"It was a great joy and honor to be able to serve the community," said Hita, who came to Doylestown after graduating from Penn with a master's degree in historic preservation. "When I came here I was going through some hard times in my life and Doylestown was a town of healing for me. It meant a lot to me to be able to give back to the community."

Hita is stepping down from the HARB because he will be moving out of town.

Council is accepting applications to fill the vacancy on the HARB. Knowledge of and interest in the preservation of the historic buildings and district is essential. A resume and letter of interest should be sent to John Davis, manager, Doylestown Borough, 10 Doyle Street, Doylestown 18901, or via e-mail to jdavis@doylestownborough.net. Applications will be accepted until May 10.

Mayor West also recognized three students who have volunteered their time on the borough's various boards and commissions. She presented certificates of appreciation to Mason Lange (Fanny Pool Board) and William Shandlay (Fanny Pool Board and the Human Relations Commission) and Junior Councilperson Brooke Wassman.

Mayor Noni West with youth volunteers, from left, Mason Lang, William Shandley and Brooke Wassman.

"I learned a lot through this process. It was a great journey. Growing up around Fanny Chapman and learning the behind the scenes was a great experience," said Lange, who served as a student member of the Board of Managers at the Fanny Chapman Pool from May 2022 to April 2023.

Shandley also served as a student member on Fanny Chapman board from April 2021 to April 2022. He also served for a year on the Human Relations Commission from May 2022 to April 2023.

Wassman served as a member of the borough's Shade Tree Commission from May 2021 to April 2022 and as junior councilperson from September 2022 to May 2023.

"It has been amazing being here. I have loved learning about stuff I didn't know," said Wassman. "A great perk is you get the inside scoop on everything. That was quite fun as well. It was just amazing to be here and to see the members of the community."

In a surprise move, Mayor West presented a certificate of appreciation to the Doylestown Bookshop "in recognition of 25 years of providing a foundation for our attitudes, standards and judgments in shaping our thinking and broadening our imaginations."

Twenty-five years ago Pat Gerney purchased the Village Green, a chain book store that was going out of business. "She wanted a hometown bookstore and she created this amazing store. She made it through the big box bookstores, the e-readers and the online orders because you supported her. You chose to buy your books from us," said current owner Glenda Childs.

"I bought the store 11 years ago. I added author events, non-book gifts and you have continued to support us," said Childs. "I wanted to thank the borough council. You have made it possible for small businesses to be successful downtown. I'm very grateful for all that you do and for listening to our voices," she said.

Glenda Childs, owner of the Doylestown Bookshop. (photo by Jeff Werner)