Year In Review: Newtown's Top 10 Stories Of 2021

NEWTOWN, PA — Needless to say, 2021 has been quite the year. And while many probably can't wait to ring in the next one Friday night, it seems worth a look over our shoulders at this year's big headlines and important stories in Newtown.

Remember when a local baker first began selling her pastries in town? How about when the community came together to celebrate one of George School's most iconic alumni?

Take a walk down Patch’s memory lane and look back on Newtown's 2021.

'Bubbly, Vibrant' Woman Honored In Newtown Memorial Walk

After 24-year-old Christine Englehardt was killed on spring break in March, loved ones celebrated her life with a one-mile memorial walk.

Local organization SharingWell also established the Christine Englehardt Memorial 5K Race to End Sexual Assault, which community members can register for in spring 2022.

Read the full story.

3,000 Sign Petition Against The NAC Following Capitol Riots

More than 7,300 people have now signed an online petition created last winter calling on numerous groups and community organizations in Bucks County to end their partnerships with Newtown Athletic Club, after the gym's owner organized a bus trip to Washington on Jan. 6.

Some attendees of that rally later stormed the Capitol and caused a riot where five people died, though owner Jim Worthington said none of the 200 people on his bus were among their number.

Read the full story.

There's A New Baker In Newtown: Meet 'SugarBomb'

Stephanie Eubanks' menu for her opening week operating out of the Green Parrot restaurant included an item called, "The Chocolate Pig", a chocolate cupcake infused with bacon.

"I am a big fan of putting ingredients that should not be in a product and making it work," she said.

Read the full profile.

Newtown Township Reaches Settlement With Arcadia

After a costly three-year legal battle, the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors reached a settlement agreement with Arcadia Land Development in February. The decision paved the way for the Philadelphia-based developer to construct 60 homes in the township.

Read the full story.

Newtown Community Mourns Loss Of Teacher, Father Of 5

Forty-year-old Jeremy Donmoyer, a physical education teacher at Palisades Middle School, died suddenly in June. His wife, Dawn, teaches at Holland Middle School. A fundraiser to support his wife and five children raised at least $69,000.

Read the full obituary.

Green Parrot Fighting Eviction As Coronavirus Cripples Business

At the beginning of the year, there was concern that a local Irish-themed pub and restaurant in business since 2009 might not make it through 2021.

Facing potential bankruptcy, the owner sought help from his loyal patrons and community members and from The Barstool Fund, a lifeline for small businesses launched by Barstool Sports' founder Dave Portnoy.

Read the full article.

Bucks Co. Remembers George School Alum, Legend Stephen Sondheim

The world lost Stephen Sondheim this year, a George School alum known for writing songs for the award-winning musicals "Into the Woods," "Sweeney Todd," and "West Side Story," among many others.

He actually wrote one of his earliest musical projects at the Newtown school, and met his mentor Oscar Hammerstein II through his Bucks County connections.

Read the full tribute.

TikTok Challenge Inspires Damage, Theft At Council Rock Schools

In a viral social media challenge known as "devious licks," students throughout the U.S. were encouraged to trash school bathrooms and steal items. Council Rock students were up to the challenge and damaged, destroyed, and stole soap dispensers from schools.

Read the full article.

Santarsiero, Warren Announce $75K To Restore 'Old Skunky'

A project to stabilize the banks of the tributary "Old Skunky" will involve regrading 220 feet of bank and planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses over two years.

"Restoring the banks of Old Skunky is critical to keeping the Newtown Creek vibrant and healthy, which is why I was eager to secure these funds for Newtown Borough" state senator Steve Santarsiero said.

Read the full story.

Newtown Students, Teacher Worked To Make Hershey Kiss State Candy

A Pennsylvania state representative recently introduced an act that would make the Hershey Kiss the commonwealth's official state candy.

But plans for that designation actually began locally, as part of a lesson on government for Newtown middle-schoolers.

Read the full story.

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