Congratulations to our 2025 Teen Scholarship & Award Winners!
2025-06-06 - 2025-09-15 | PA
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The VIA is committed to empowering others through education and offers several awards and scholarships for health-related college plans, leadership, kindness, and English composition.
For more information on our scholarships and award programs, contact the VIA’s Education Committee.
(Descriptions of the scholarships or awards are shown below the list of recipients.)
Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship & Award winners!
Hannah Pollock-Laura Haddock Scholarships
The Education Committee awards three Hannah Pollock-Laura Haddock Scholarships to graduating high school seniors who reside in the Central Bucks School District and have been accepted by a college or university to major in a human health-related program. The scholarships honor two of the nurses first employed by the VIA in the 1910s. Three $2,000 Hannah Pollock-Laura Haddock Scholarships were presented to students at their schools’ award ceremonies and announced at the annual VIA June luncheon.
Ruth Boland Memorial Nursing Scholarship
The committee also evaluates senior high school nursing scholarship candidates and selects the recipient for the VIA Ruth Boland Memorial Nursing Scholarship which is financially supported by the family of late VIA President and former nurse Ruth Boland. As they have for many years, sisters Kathleen and Jeanne Boland contributed a $2,500 scholarship this year.
Hugh O’Brien Youth Scholarship
Since 1992, the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown has worked with the three Central Bucks School District high schools to identify outstanding sophomore students with promising leadership skills to attend the two-day HOBY Leadership seminars. “HOBY” stands for “Hugh O’Brien Youth.” Hugh O’Brian, best known for his acting role as Marshall Wyatt Earp in the 1950 TV series “The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp,” was a humanitarian as well. In 1958 O’Brian established the Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation whose mission is “to inspire students to a life of leadership and service to their communities.” Today, the HOBY Foundation holds seminars nationwide and in many foreign countries with more than 12,000 students participating each year.
JAMES-LORAH Prizes
The VIA’s headquarters, the James-Lorah Memorial Home, is named in honor of the last two families who lived in the mansion. Miss Sara James, a founding member of the VIA, deeded the house and all its contents to the VIA in her will. Sarah’s sister, Martha James Lorah, established the Deed of Kindness Prize in her will to honor local youth. Her husband, the Reverend George Lorah, who was an amateur poet, established the George H. Lorah English Prize in his wife’s memory. Each student is presented with a $100 check.

Let the Games (and Raffles) Begin . . . Join us at the VIA Card & Games Party
2025-10-17 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | James-Lorah Auditorium, 100 North Broad Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
Join us for our always-fun card and Games party at the beautiful James-Lorah Memorial Home.
We provide the tables, chairs, and lunch. You bring your favorite games and friends/family who want to play.
You may order tickets by mail or online, as described on the poster.
Parking is available on-street (metered parking) or at the Union Street Bucks County Parking Garage.
Click HERE to open the online order site.
(Fees apply for online orders.)
Click HERE or on the poster to open a printable copy of the poster.
(There are no fees for mailed orders.)

Proceeds benefit the missions of the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (the VIA). We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Join Us: Help Shape REACH, a new Well-Being Initiative
2025-10-21 18:30 - 20:00 | James-Lorah Auditorium, 100 North Broad Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
Help Shape REACH, the VIA’s New Mental Well-Being Initiative
As the Village Improvement Association (VIA) launches REACH, a new mental well-being initiative, the group invites community members to attend an open conversation on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the James-Lorah Auditorium, 132 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA.

The event will bring together VIA thought-leaders, representatives of mental health organizations and local residents for a collaborative discussion about the challenges individuals and families face in finding accessible mental health resources in Bucks County. Insights gathered from this conversation will help shape the VIA’s REACH initiative and ensure it addresses the most pressing needs of the community.
“Too many people in our community struggle to access mental health care when they need it most,” says VIA President Kathleen Krick. “The REACH initiative is about listening, learning, and creating new opportunities for support and well-being.”
Event Details:
● What: Launch of VIA’s REACH Initiative – Community Conversation
● When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM
● Where: James-Lorah Auditorium, 132 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA
● RSVP: icare@viareach.org | More information: www.VIAREACH.org
All are invited to attend and share their perspectives.
Together, the community can take an important step toward building stronger, more accessible mental health care for the residents of Bucks County.
About the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA): Founded in 1895, the VIA of Doylestown is a nonprofit women’s organization dedicated to improving the health and welfare of the community. The VIA founded Doylestown Hospital in 1923 and continues to support initiatives that enhance healthcare, education, and the quality of life in our region.
The VIA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Haunted Civil War Tour 10/25
2025-10-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Doylestown Civil War Monument, North Main & Court Strets, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
Our popular Civil War tour is back!
Click on the poster, below, to order tickets for this two-tours-in-one spooky night event.
Cost is $20 per person, plus EventBrite fees.

Genevieve's Kitchen Gourmet Dinner (Dine In or Pickup)
2025-10-29 17:00 - 21:00 | Genevieve’s Kitchen, 19 East State Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
Join us for another wonderful fixe prix meal at Genevieve’s Kitchen in Doylestown
Great food, wonderful service, BYOB for your favorite drink . . . and then there are the desserts . . . ! Heaven!
Hurry! The seating options book quickly. See the flyer below for details.
For pickup orders, call the restaurant before 4:30 on 10/29 and place your order.
Call 267-614-9635 to reserve your spot now, and be sure to mention it’s for the VIA dinner!

The Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (the VIA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Proceeds benefit the many charitable missions of the VIA: community physical and mental well-being, scholarships, Veterans support, and much more.

See the Patch article on the VIA's $50K Donation to the Bright Path Center
2025-10-30 - 2025-11-30 | PA
Click HERE to read the full article

REACH for your Future at VIAReach.org
2025-10-30 - 2025-11-30 | PA
Enhancing the health and well-being of central Bucks County and surrounding communities has been the mission of the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA) since 1895. The women of the VIA founded Doylestown Hospital, and for over a century they were instrumental in its operation. After transferring stewardship of theHospital to Penn Medicine earlier this year, the VIA is turning its attention to other important community needs. Mental well-being is at the top of their list.
The VIA is launching REACH, a new initiative designed to create proactive pathways to mental well-being in the community.

The goal of this new initiative is to create greater awareness and access to mental well-being resources for area residents. “The REACH initiative is one way we’re strengthening our focus on education, awareness, and resources that promote mental health and well-being,” says VIA President Kathleen Krick. “We believe that this simple word expresses who we are and where we are going. It signifies that we are extending our REACH, helping others to REACH connection and wellness, and that the VIA will REACH out, REACH in, REACH forward.”
In recent months the VIA has had meetings with many potential community partners, and with mental health professionals. We had a wonderful “Community Conversation” meeting on October 21, and we recently made a significant donation to the Lenape Valley Foundation for the new Bright Path Center for Behavioral Health Stabilization. This center is scheduled to open in the Spring/Summer of 2026 and is being recognized as a national model for mental health crisis care for children and adults. Discussions with other potential partners are ongoing.
The VIA would like to continue learning from the community in our planning process. We are actively seeking input from community members. VIA First Vice President Sheri Putnam says, “Right now, one of the most important ways that the community can assist is by helping the VIA to more fully understand the needs of our residents.” You are invited to learn more and share their experiences with access to mental health resources at viareach.org.
The VIA will be providing additional information at an evening program in November. If you would like to learn more before then or after, please email icare@viareach.org. You can also sign up for a “REACHAlert” at the viareach.org site.
Want to learn more or become involved?
Consider joining the VIA. We welcome new women who are passionate about our mission to improve the health and well-being of our Central Bucks County communities. If you are interested in more information about joining a fabulous group of changemakers, please email icare@viareach.org or go to https://via-doylestown.org/join-the-via.
The Village Improvement Association is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

2025 VIA Petite Luncheon (Sales Now Closed)
2025-11-04 11:30 - 14:30 | Doylestown Country Club, 20 Country Club Lane, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
This year’s Luncheon will feature the
Bucks County TOUR OF HONOR
Sorry! Ticket Sales are now CLOSED.
This ongoing program recognizes the courage and sacrifice of members of the United States military. Each year, United States Military Veterans and their companions from the Bucks County area are invited on a trip to Washington, D.C. for a day-long visit to the capital’s military memorials.
While in the nation’s capital, the group visits sites including Arlington National Cemetery, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Upon their return to Bucks County, the group gathers at Parx Casino East for a “Welcome Home” celebration and dinner hosted by the casino.
We are pleased to host the Petite Luncheon again this year! The event will be held at the Doylestown Country Club, 20 Country Club Lane, Doylestown, on November 4. Free valet service will be provided half an hour before the event as well as half an hour after the event. As in the past, this event will be open to any guests that you wish to invite.
Our speaker will be Michael A. Olenick, CDR USN (ret). CDR Olenick will be giving an overview of the Tour as well as a modified video of the Tour. This is such a special event to honor our local veterans! Please refer to the sign-up form included in the newsletter. Reservations are limited.

The Veterans Committee will also be collecting donations at the Petite Luncheon. These donations will be used to provide much needed assistance on the home-front as well as overseas for our active duty military, veterans and their families. If you have a special request for your dona-tion, please print it on the form. Please consider contributing to this endeavor.
Click HERE to display a printable donation form.

The flags and coin described in the VIA newsletter will be available for purchase.
CLICK HERE to see more information about the items that are available.

The Holiday Market Returns! (November 28 & 29)
2025-11-28 16:00 - 20:00 | James-Lorah Auditorium, 100 North Broad Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
Our inaugural Happy Holidays Flea Market was a big hit last year, so it’s back!
Donations: Sunday, Nov 23, 1 pm – 4 pm — Monday, Nov 24, 1 pm – 5 pm — Tuesday, Nov 25, 1 pm – 5 pm
Sales: Friday, Nov 28, 4 – 8 pm. (Following Doylestown’s Santa Parade!) — Saturday, Nov 29, 9:30 am – 12 pm
et

Celebrate a Traditional Victorian Christmas at the James-Lorah Home
2025-12-03 - 2025-12-13 | James-Lorah Memorial Home, 132 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
Step back in time and experience the magic of a traditional Victorian Christmas celebration

Join us on Sunday, December 7th or Saturday, December 13th, 2025, at 1:00 PM for an afternoon filled with holiday cheer.
Or bring friends and sign up for a Group Tour for December 3rd or 10th at 11 AM.
Explore the beautifully decorated historic home, learn about Victorian holiday customs, and see period fashions once worn by the women who lived here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get into the holiday spirit at this charming event!
Group tickets for 10 or more may be scheduled by emailing JLMHTours@VIA-Doylestown.org.
Group ticket dates are Wednesday, December 3rd and December 10th @ 11 AM.
Tour sign-up is on EventBrite. Tickets are $15 plus the Eventbrite fee.
PLEASE NOTE: The JLMH is an historic home in its original condition. Tours require the ability to safely climb stairs.

The Village Improvement Assocaiton of Doylestown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

REACH Conversations: Sign Up for "QPR" Crisis Training
2026-01-15 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-01-24 14:00 - 15:30 | James-Lorah Auditorium, 100 North Broad Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
Sign up for the Lenape Valley Foundation’s QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) training and learn to help recognize and help someone in crisis
Use the QR Code on the flyer or click HERE to sign up.
Click HERE to show a printable/downloadable PDF copy of the flyer.

Dine & Donate: Honeygrow, Doylestown
2026-02-17 11:00 - 22:00 | Honeygrow, 1745 S. Easton Rd, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
Join us for our new Dine & Donate programs, beginning with honeygrow!
The Doylestown area is rich in restaurant options, including many who are proud to support local nonprofits. We are delighted to feature honeygrow, home of “fresh, made-to-order stir-fry, salads, and honeybars since 2012.”
The Doylestown honeygrow opened last year, so this is a great chance to try their delicious offerings if you haven’t already found them.
PLEASE USE THE CODE “GIVE157” at checkout: 20% of proceeds using this code will benefit the VIA’s charitable mission.
You may order online or in-store.

Online Ordering: https://catering.honeygrow.com/menu/doylestown

Community Conversations: Stigma to Strength
2026-03-26 18:30 - 20:00 | James-Lorah Auditorium, 100 North Broad Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
Join other community members and NAMI Bucks Executive Director, Nicholas Emleigh, in a discussion of trials and successes when living with mental health conditions.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Our Community Conversations are free and open to all interested community members. Together, we can learn and make a difference.

Free parking for the James-Lorah Auditorium is available on-street, at the parking area down Broad Street from the Auditorium, or at various other parking areas in town.
See https://www.doylestownborough.net/pages/parking/

James-Lorah Memorial Home: Women's Living History Tour (3/28, 4/1, 4/8)
2026-04-08 11:00 - 12:00 | James-Lorah Memorial Home, 132 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
Buy Tickets Here

Dine & Donate: Turning Point Restaurant
2026-04-10 08:00 - 15:00 | Turning Point Restaurant, Doylestown, 460 N. Main Street, DOYLESTOWN, PA, 18901, United States
This is the third event in our ongoing “Dine & Donate” program.
Your support will give you a delicious breakfast, brunch, or lunch, and help fund the Village Improvement Association’s community programs.
Click HERE to see the restaurant’s menu. (Click on the PDF Menu button.)
Click HERE to sign into the Waitlist on 4/10 — this is a popular venue!
460 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 Phone: 215-717-8950

Click HERE for a printable copy of the flyer so you can share with friends and family!

It's HERE! Denim and Diamonds Designer Bag BINGO!
2026-04-17 18:00 - 21:00 | St. Anne Ukrainian Church, St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church 1545 Easton Road, Warrington, PA, 18976, United States
Tickets are available on TicketLeap now!

Help the VIA build a Bucks County Coummunity

where Mental Health and Well-Being are supported
and NO ONE Struggles Alone
Contact Information

132 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901, US

+1 215-348-2187
https://via-doylestown.org

Read our Message to our Designer House Partners on the 2026 Cancellation
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-30 | PA
Learn Why the VIA is Not Holding a 2026 Bucks County Designer House & Gardens
We recently sent the following message to our many faithful partners who’ve helped with our past Designer Houses.

Click HERE to learn about our REACH initiative which is already supporting our local mental well-being partners!
You can still enjoy some of the pictures from our 2025 House: Hidden Trail Farm. Click Here.

Community Conversation: Minding Your Mind
2026-05-05 06:30 - 20:00 | James-Lorah Auditorium, 100 North Broad Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901, United States
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT
