Morgantown/Honey Brook townlively.com
JANUARY 25, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Already An Entrepreneur TVHS Graduate Launches Apparel Business BY FRANCINE FULTON
chose (to sell) apparel because I wanted to do something related to my faith and my love of the outdoors. These are two of the things I feel strongest about,” said Austin Hittle, a 2021 graduate of Twin Valley High School (TVHS), when describing Holy Cross Outdoors (HCO), a business that he founded in March 2022, which offers hats, T-shirts and hoodies for sale. Hittle is currently a sophomore at Moravian University in Bethlehem, where he is a business and marketing major. To start HCO, he used his own funds, which he earned by working summers at Weaver’s
MCC
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Orchard in Morgantown. “What better way to get my feet wet in the business world than to dive in head first?” he said. Hittle, who played varsity lacrosse and football at TVHS, said that he has always been interested in business. In middle school, he used Instagram to string photos and create videos for friends. “My dad started a business. He trains law enforcement officers. My family has always had that entrepreneurial mindset,” said Hittle. Hittle recently used his new business to raise funds for the families of the two Pennsylvania State troopers who were involved in a hitand-run on I-95 in March 2022. “We did a fundraiser for them with
Austin Hittle is the founder of Holy Cross Outdoors.
$500 going to the families,” he noted. “My dad has been in law enforcement since before I was born and in the military. I always had that appreciation for (law enforcement officers).” Hittle gained a lot of experience while starting his own business. He began by developing the company logo, which features a cross and antlers. “The idea started in January/February of last year. I wrote down three sheets of different names. Holy Cross clicked for me,” he stated. “I was photo editing and drawing (the logo) for a while, and it all came together.” He also launched a Facebook page and website and developed the company’s mission statement, “HCO is a faith-based outdoors brand devoted to spreading the word of God and the love for the outdoors.” Since he is away at school, Hittle also had to find a place to manufacture the clothing items as needed, rather than keeping inventory at home. “I did a lot of research and found a business (that) can link my website to their program. When I get an order, it sends right to them and it prints on demand,” he explained. “It leaves very little overhead. That way I don’t have to be on-site for production. It is produced by a third party shipped directly to the consumer.” Right now, orders are only taken online, but Hittle would like to expand that effort. “If a product is in a physical location, it is more likely to sell because of consumer interest. I would like to start selling in local stores,” he noted. So far, most of the company’s earnings have been put back into the business, but Hittle is pleased with how his efforts have progressed. “It worked out. There were hiccups along the way trying to figure things out, but I had nothing to deter me or make me want to stop,” he said. For more information about HCO, visit www.facebook.com/holy crossoutdoors or www.holycross outdoors.com.
VOL XXX • NO 51
Cheerleaders To Host “Date Night” Event BY FRANCINE FULTON
For couples looking to spend an evening together without the kids, the Daniel Boone Middle School (DBMS) cheerleaders are offering a “Date Night” child care program on Friday, Feb. 17, from 4 to 9 p.m. in the annex gym at Daniel Boone High School, 501 Chestnut St., Birdsboro.
During the evening, children ages 5 to 10 will enjoy games, crafts, a snack and a movie. Parents will be asked to pay a fee per child. In addition to the squad of 15 cheerleaders, adults will be on hand to oversee the activities. All adults have passed background clearances and are approved volunteers with the Daniel Boone Area School District. See Date Night pg 2
The Daniel Boone Middle School cheerleaders
Berks ARL Offers Special January Adoption Fee BY FRANCINE FULTON
There is still time to take advantage of the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County’s New Year’s adoption event. As part of a special promotion for 2023, dogs and cats age 6 months and older can be adopted for a $23 fee through Tuesday, Jan. 31. Those looking to add a new dog or cat to the family may view available pets at www.berksarl.org. See Berks ARL pg 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Community Calendar . . . .2 Tax Preparation Services Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Greenmore Farm Animal Rescue Has A Life-Saving Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . .6 House Of Worship . . . . . . .8
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