Mary Dare Annual Award Announced In Horsham

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —She was a cherished member of the Horsham Township community.

Everyone knew the late Mary Dare. And township officials want to ensure that everyone will remember her name for years to come.

Township Manager Bill Walker, addressing a crowd of 30 people who gathered Tuesday morning for the "State of Horsham" 2023 presentation at the Horsham Township Community Center, mentioned Dare's death in the past year.

And then he stated that the township is introducing the Mary Dare Annual Community Volunteer Award in her memory.

"We want to honor her," Walker said. "The Horsham Library wouldn't exist if it wasn't for her."

When township officials think of community leaders, Dare —who died in early February —comes to mind.

"The award is for her volunteerism," Walker said.

Her list of accomplishments is a lengthy one.

Dare was involved in the creation and planning of Everybody's Playground in Horsham. She was a founding member on the boards of the Friends of Horsham Library and the Horsham Chamber of Commerce.

She helped plan Horsham Day. She attended rotary meetings. And she even volunteered to work the polls on Election Night.

Dare was also a board member at College Settlement Camp and often sold tickets or served food at the camp's annual June Supper.

She also served on the board of the Horsham Parks and Recreation Committee and was also the former president of the Horsham Library, where she organized countless author events and book drives.

Dare was also a founding member of the Horsham Neighbors Association and was instrumental in the creation of the Community Police Program.

"If there was a charitable or community event here in Horsham, Mary was likely involved," Horsham Community Police Services said at the time of her death. "We thank and honor her for her decades of service to Horsham Township. She inspired and helped so many here in our community."