Since its foundation in 2008, the Honey Brook Community Partnership (HBCP) has continually undertaken efforts to keep its community thriving, connected and relevant. Though not a non-profit organization, the HBCP pours its time and resources into projects that champion volunteerism for the sake of enriching the township and borough where its members live and work.
‘While we are involved in fundraising our efforts are far more than that,’ said Donna Horvath, the chair of the Honey Brook Community Partnership. ‘We see ourselves as facilitators who connect resources to one another. Partners are any individuals living in, or representing an organization (non-profit or municipal) or business in the Honey Brook area. Partners endorse the mission and vision of the Honey Brook Community Partnership and agree to work and contribute to the goals of the partnership.’
The HBCP currently consists of 20 steering committee members and a board of directors. The vision of the HBCP encapsulates having a thriving main street, safe neighborhoods, preservation of historical elements, and maintaining Hone Brook’s rural charm. Among the ranks of the partnership are a myriad of professionals – lawyers, realtors, medical professionals, pharmacists, librarians, bankers – yet the partnership is not solely a business organization, with former and current public officials, members of service organizations and local churches, and resident volunteers rounding out their makeup.
The partnership is perhaps best known for shaping the form of Honey Brook’s annual Harmony Day celebration. While Honey Brook’s residents put together the yard sales which the event is well-known for, the HBCP is the driving force behind the day’s numerous special events. It is not a small task by any means, and Harmony Day itself can be seen as a fitting example of what the Honey Brook Community Partnership represents.
‘Do all we can to make it a great day,’ Horvath said.
Currently the HBCP has a new pair of projects which they have accomplished – a welcome bags project, and the installation of new Welcome to Honey Brook signs.
‘Our initial goal was to distribute 250 welcome bags throughout the community,’ said Horvath. ‘These are canvas bags that are delivered to new residents – both homeowners and renters – to promote awareness of what the community has to offer. The Welcome Bag Committee is led by (partnership member and realtor) Merry Patton.’
The bags serve as a ‘welcome wagon’, containing materials contributed by businesses and organizations that will make fresh arrivals feel ‘in touch’ with their new hometown of Honey Brook. The project will be a perpetual effort, and any who wish to participate as a welcome bag can do so through a small $25 contribution to the partnership.
‘We are not far into the process and have already distributed approximately 150 welcome bags,’ said Horvath.
The HBCP’s installation of new Honey Brook welcome signs – with two located on Route 10 and two located on Route 322 – is a project done in conjunction with the Honey Brook Lions Club. The four weather-worn signs that were originally installed by the Lions have been taken down and replaced. Two of the new signs will be located in the same general location as their predecessors and two will be relocated to more favorable locations. All are similarly affixed with the familiar circular decals that promote awareness of area organizations and community services. Horvath said that there were numerous local organizations involved with the signs project.
‘I was amazed to find out how many service organization we have within the community. (The installations have) been a true community event. Thirteen organizations are involved, many of which showed up to help install the fences,’ she said.
Horvath listed each of the organizations involved: Honey Brook Women’s Club, Honey Brook Seniors, Honey Brook Historical Society, St. Peter’s Knights Of Columbus, Rotary Club, Howell Lodge (Masons), Honey Brook Community Partnership, Honey Brook Lions, American Legion, Living God Lutheran Church, Honey Brook Presbyterian Church, United Methodist Church and the Honey Brook Fire Company.
Horvath, on behalf of the HBCP, offered a special thanks to Alice and Daniel Nunemaker, who created the decals; Esh Fencing, who provided a discount on the fence materials; Benco, for donating the welcome plaques; Issac Fisher and Deck Craft, for donating 4x4s; Honey Brook Hardware, for donating time and equipment for installation; and Tom and Ted Piersol for installation of decals.
Any organizations interested in having their decal added to a welcome sign should contact the HBCP (contact information provided below). Space is limited.
As the HBCP continues on its path, it is looking to take on new active members. Members are expected to attend HBCP monthly meetings and to serve with a sub-committee. The HBCP invites the public to attend a monthly meeting (meetings are also open for non-members to make five-minute presentations, where they can offer an introduction of themselves and/or their business or organization to the HBCP). The HBCP is also holding their annual holiday party in December, where those interested in finding out more about the organization can attend and interact with current HBCP members in a festive environment. Those interested in contacting the HBCP can do so by calling 610-990-5670, e-mailing honeybrookacp@gmail.com, or sending mail to Honey Brook Community Partnership, PO Box 344, Honey Brook, PA 19344.
Visit the Honey Brook Community Partnership online at www.HoneyBrookevents.com, or look them up on Facebook by searching for Honey Brook Community Partnership.
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