Saturday
September 7, 2024 
Montgomery County Prothonotary Noah Marlier recently addressed Souderton Borough Council this month to publicize the county’s new “Hope Card” and highlight changes to the Protection from Abuse order process (PFA, also known as a Restraining Order).
According to Marlier, Montgomery County is only the second in the commonwealth to offer the PFA filers a wallet-sized Hope Card. The card contains information about the PFA in a size that’s small enough to keep on their person.
Normally the individual will have a set of documents filed or locked away, usually at home or possibly in their vehicle.
Now, in the event that a PFA filer is out in public and the person who is subject to the the order shows up or appears to be stalking them, the filer can immediately show the Hope Card to police.
While they can initiate the process of obtaining a PFA online, the filer is ultimately required to visit the county offices in Norristown. But going forward, filers will obtain the Hope Card prior to visiting the office, giving them in-the-wallet PFA verification weeks earlier.
In other business at the July 1 meeting, Souderton Connects Manager Jessica Cimini reported that Third Fridays are going well and that the plans for the annual Art Jam scheduled for Sept. 28 are underway. She advised that the BID assessment reminders are going out for members who have not paid. Also, a facade grant was awarded to Michalak’s Auto Repair of Souderton.
Penny Price, Indian Valley Library representative, reminded the council of the upcoming Beer Fest on July 27 and the Dinner In White on Aug. 17. Both are being held at the Souderton Community Park.
Terry Derstine, founder of Sweatshirt of Hope, noted that its annual Hope 4 Life festival on Sept. 21-22 at 741 N. County Line Road, under a large tent. The event includes a recovery walk on that begins at 9 a.m. on Sept. 21.
Souderton swore in its newest police officer, Dayne Hagey, a Telford resident.
Mayor Dan Yocum commented that Concert Sundaes continues to do well in its 37th year.
President Tracy W. Burke reported that the ongoing vandalism at Souderton Community Park has started to decrease.
Acting Borough Manager Sarah Jarrett-Eaton advised that they were continuing their process of the office restructuring.
Council unanimously approved a new insurance broker of record, Lancaster-based EHD Insurance.
Handicapped parking signs were unanimously approved for 120 West St. and 28 Diamond St.
Council will soon be assessing a Fire Pit Ordinance.
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