NEW HOPE: Borough offers free parking for holiday season

By John Tredrea, Special Writer
   NEW HOPE — New Hope, which has dozens of shops where holiday gifts can be purchased, has put out the word that there will be free parking throughout the borough, from Monday through Thursday, from Dec. 6 to Dec. 27.
   The free parking was announced last week by The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce.
   ”We are excited that the borough has once again approved our request to offer free parking. This is a wonderful opportunity for patrons to visit New Hope and shop local. Whether its a retail establishment, restaurant or attraction, we welcome all to enjoy our beautiful community,” said Caleb Lentchner, Chamber president.
   THIS YEAR, the Chamber of Commerce also has introduced a holiday decorating contest — open to all downtown businesses, both members and nonmembers of the Chamber.
   A $250 cash prize will be awarded to the most dazzling and decorative storefront. Second and third prizes will each receive gift cards.
   ”Everyone loves holiday lights and New Hope is no exception to being festive during this time. Our tree is the star of our town, but we also want to encourage our merchants and businesses to be as ornamental and creative. By offering a contest, we’re hoping to have even more dazzle than previous years,” Mr. Lentchner said.
   New Hope Mayor Larry Keller, New Hope Borough Council member Geri Delivich and artist/educator Joann Neufeld, of New Hope-Solebury Middle School, will judge the storefronts.
   Judging will take place the week of Dec. 17. Winners will be announced shortly thereafter.
   For more information, visit www.VisitNewHope.com or call 215-862-9990.
   THE CHAMBER will be expanding its hours of business to six hours a day, from its current four hours. Effective now, the offices will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Former hours were 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
   — The Chamber has announced the appointment of Renee M. Schwartz, to the position of administrative manager, Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce.
   ”Renee has a wealth of experience in the private sector as well as the public sector. Renee’s work current experience includes serving on the Board of Directors as executive secretary, with SCORE of Bucks County, a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship,” said a spokesman.
   Prior experience comprises recruitment and selection with Bergen Briller Group, a retained search and talent consulting firm; and faculty affairs and research at Drexel University College of Medicine and the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey, respectively.
   She holds master degrees in public policy administration from Rutgers University-Camden, as well as clinical counseling psychology from LaSalle University.
   Ms. Schwartz planned to be at the annual Holiday Celebration Party on Tuesday.
   — Stephanie Nagy, the Chamber’s current administrator, has decided to resign to pursue other lifelong interests. She has been with the Chamber for eight years.