Start your summer out right at Doc’s Pool & Spa

Doc’s Pool & Spa, Inc.

 

by June Portnoy

Doc’s Pool & Spa, Inc. will soon become your number one destination for superior pool and spa equipment. This new store sells everything you need to keep your pool and spa running smoothly, ranging from pool liners, safety covers, filters and pumps to pool chemicals and pool toys, all in one location.

It will sell only top brand above ground pools and spas, featuring Sunrise Spas.

Weekly specials will be offered year-round.

“What will truly stand out about Doc’s Pool & Spa is the caliber of our salespeople,” says store owner, Doc Flesch, who established Doc’s Pool & Spa Service, Inc. six years ago. “I will only have professional, well-trained salespeople on staff who are knowledgeable about all the merchandise we sell.”

In addition, Doc plans to be a hands-on store owner, who will be readily available to answer all of your questions. Customer service will be key at Doc’s Pool & Spa.

Don’t wait a month for a part you need now for your pool. Instead, go to Doc’s who will order it so you receive it within 24 to 48 hours.

And if you’re too busy to make a trip to the store, no worries because Doc’s offers same day or next day delivery of any pool or spa equipment sold here. The store will also deliver and install hot tubs.

Having been in the pool industry for so many years, Doc’s can refer you to many reputable companies who can install your pool. As an added bonus to the community, Doc’s will offer free classes to educate people about caring for their pools. 

“These classes will be particularly helpful to people who have moved into homes with existing pools that these new homeowners have no idea how to maintain,” says Doc.

While Doc manages the new store, his son, Domenic, will continue overseeing their service business.  Both father and son are certified in every type of pool service available. In fact, they are the only certified chemical experts in the area.

“We run our business the way all businesses should be run,” says Doc.  “We provide clean, professional service at fair prices, and show up within 15 minutes of the time we give you. Plus, all of our workers are our employees. We don’t subcontract out any of our work.”

Doc’s Pool and Spa Service offers various services depending on your unique requests. They can solely come out the beginning and end of each season to open and close your pool or spa, or they can care for them all summer long.

Doc’s services all pool and spa models, and is available afterhours for emergency calls.

When it comes to pools and spas, Doc’s truly is the expert you can count on. Doc’s Pool & Spa will be located at 332 West Trenton Avenue (in the Burger King Shopping Center) in Morrisville. 

For more information about the store or Doc’s Pool & Spa Service, call 215-295-1555 or visit www.docspool.com.

PHOTO CAP: Domenic (left) and Doc run a tight ship at Doc’s Pool & Spa, Inc.

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AMICA Camp helps kids and teens master social skills

AMICA PROFILE

 

by June Portnoy

If you have a child with high functioning autism, Asperger’s Syndrome or PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified), it’s very likely they have trouble socializing with their peers. If so, camp is the perfect opportunity for them to practice and reinforce these skills every day, all day long.

AMICA makes this possible by offering an eight-week summer camp program for kids struggling with social issues at Cherokee Day Camp in Bensalem. AMICA’s kids camp is targeted to children six- to 12-years-old, and its teen camp caters to teens 13- to 18-years-old.

“AMICA means friend in Latin, and we want our campers to establish friendships,” says Stephanie DeSouza, owner of AMICA, in partnership with Meghann Hernandez.

Stephanie has a master’s degree in clinical social work (MSW), and Meghann, a special education teacher, has a master’s degree in education.

“We provide our campers with opportunities to learn and practice appropriate social skills in the natural setting of camp,” adds Stephanie. “That way, they can focus solely on peer interactions with kids their own age, such as turn taking, conversational skills, and winning versus losing.”

All AMICA campers engage in typical camp activities like, swimming, yoga, zip lining, boating and fishing, under the supervision of the their own counselors, while frequently being integrated with campers at Cherokee.

Counselors are either special education teachers or college students studying in the field. AMICA’s staff facilitates pro-social skills throughout the day to help campers navigate social situations.

There is a four-to-one ratio of campers to counselor. In addition, teen volunteers act as mentors for these campers, and model various social skills.

“We really focus on the integration of our campers with the Cherokee campers,” says Stephanie. “They don’t get the chance to spend this much time socializing with other kids at school, where the emphasis is mostly on academics.”

Before camp begins and throughout the day, AMICA campers have group meetings at which time counselors offer feedback on how they have socialized with their peers, and provide instruction for new social encounters.

The teen camp follows a similar format to the kid’s camp three days a week, but for two days these older campers take field trips where they learn how to communicate with and relate to people in the community. Field trips range from restaurants and movies to malls and historic locations.

Teen campers are responsible for planning their field trips and speaking with community members in order to get to their destinations. They also learn how to handle money in social settings.

“Our overall goal is for our campers to generalize the social skills they learn at camp to all situations of their lives,” says Stephanie.

AMICA holds activities for its campers all-year-round, so kids can maintain the friendships they have forged at camp. In addition, AMICA runs six- to eight-week social skills groups throughout the school year in order to provide ongoing skill development beyond camp. Groups are open to all children and teens.

Also, AMICA now offers on-site support to peer groups that need help facilitating pro-social experiences in real-world settings.

Its highly experienced professional staff will come to your location and work with your child and peers to help promote meaningful social interactions.

AMICA is currently accepting applications for its summer camp, which will run from June 24th through August 16th, 9:00am to 3:30pm.

If you’re interested in enrolling, or in learning more about AMICA’s other programs, call 267-258-3974, email amica4autism@gmail.com, or visit www.amica4autism.com.

PHOTO CAP: Stephanie DeSouza (left) and Meghann Hernandez

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Big Oak Pharmacy: Your neighborhood pharmacy offering the personal attention you deserve

Big Oak Pharmacy

 

by June Portnoy

Getting your prescriptions filled today can sometimes be an impersonal experience where you often have to wait in long lines, rarely ever meeting the pharmacist. When you return, sometimes you see different people working in the pharmacy, all rushing to fill the hundreds of prescriptions waiting for them.

If you don’t mind patronizing this type of pharmacy, you can find one on practically every block. However, if you’d prefer a pharmacy where the staff not only knows your name but knows you personally, you want to go to Big Oak Pharmacy.

On staff are pharmacist and store manager Katie Stahlman, and pharmacy technician Yom Chhoum, who work all day and evening, every day the store is open.

Since there is just one pharmacy and technician at Big Oak Pharmacy, these professionals develop on-going relationships with their customers. They are able to offer their customers fast, personal attention because they are not required to fill thousands of prescriptions per week, as compared to most pharmacy staffs working at large chain pharmacies. 

As a result, Katie and Yom can provide their customers with one-on-one attention.

“Every customer who enters the door will receive a personal greeting from one of us,” says Katie. “Also, if a customer regularly uses a medication that we don’t typically stock, we will order it for them and then keep in on our shelves, so it is readily available for them. We custom tailor our pharmacy to our customers.”

[Read more...]

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Pic-A-Part pays cash for that junk car, truck, van or motorcycle you no longer want

PIC-A-PART PROFILE by June Portnoy

In today’s economy, maintaining an old car becomes expensive, so what happens when it’s no longer in driving condition and you can’t afford to have it towed? The answer is actually quite simple.

You call Pic-A-Part, a Morrisville junkyard, that will not only pay you cash right on the spot for your car, it will also tow it back to its facility for free!

Pic-A-Part will buy your junk car, truck, van or motorcycle regardless of its condition. The vehicle must be completely cleaned out, and you must have a photo ID, along with a form of ownership.

Pic-A-Part has been working with the same professional, courteous towing companies for many years, and they are all fully insured. Plus, they offer seven-days-a-week, free same-day towing!

If you’d like to shop around for prices, feel free to call Pic-A-Part for a quote.

“I am very honest, and if I quote you a price, that’s the price you’ll receive,” says Michelle Corbi, best known as Junkyard Barbie™, who has owned and operated Pic-A-Part since 2002. 

If you’re looking for some extra cash, refer someone to sell a vehicle to Pic-A-Part, and you’ll receive a $20 cash finder’s fee.

Once you arrive at Pic-A-Part, you’ll know right away this is no ordinary junkyard. For one thing, you’ll be surrounded by pink; pink trashcans, pink exterior walls and Junkyard Barbie’s™ bright pink trailer office.

Because Junkyard Barbie™ is a female working in a man’s business, it’s important to her that both men and women feel comfortable coming to Pic-A-Part, and what better way than letting women know that there is a female owner running this junkyard!

She refers to Pic-A-Part as a recycling facility for cars.

“I want to get cars off the street to help Mother Earth stay green,” says Junkyard Barbie™. “We recycle practically everything because I want to maintain a green, environmentally-friendly yard.”

Pic-A-Part has approximately 1,600 cars in over eight acres of land. It is a U-Pull-it yard, so you must bring your own tools. The yard is well organized, so you can quickly and easily locate the type and model of vehicle you want. 

The entire inventory is computerized, so you can also call ahead to find out if and where a vehicle can be found and how many are in stock.

“Ninety-nine percent of the time, you’ll find what you’re looking for here,” says Junkyard Barbie™. “Plus, we offer the most reasonable prices for parts.”

“All paperwork is processed by our experienced title clerk/notary public with 23 years experience.” 

For your convenience, Spanish speaking members are on staff as well.

Junkyard Barbie™ confidently states, “We are the friendliest, most accommodating, cleanest junkyard around.”

It costs just $1 to enter Pic-A-Part. Women, seniors over 65, military personnel and veterans, as well as police, fire, and EMS (Emergency Medical Service) workers, enter free.

You can also purchase a lifetime membership for only $10 to enter whenever you want.

Pic-A-Part is located at 820 Bristol Pike “Philadelphia Avenue” in Morrisville. It is open seven days a week:  Mondays through Saturdays from 8:00am until 5:00pm, and Sundays from 9:00am until 3:00pm, rain or shine.

For more information call the office at 215-295-7610 or 215-295-7611. To sell a vehicle call 215-801-4216.

Also visit www.junkyardbarbie.com.

You must 18 to enter the junkyard. Visit the website for additional yard rules.

PHOTO CAP: Michelle Corbi, owner of Pic-A-Part

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Conwell-Egan Catholic High School prepares for bright future

Conwell-Egan Catholic High School

 

by June Portnoy

The future looks bright for Conwell-Egan Catholic (CEC) High School!

“Our spirits are high and we are surviving and thriving,” says the school’s Director of Admissions, Brittany McLeod. 

CEC continues to offer a quality, affordable Catholic high school education for students in grades nine through 12. It also remains the only co-educational Catholic high school in Lower Bucks County.

“As always, we strive to combine challenging academics, spiritual components, social development and athletics to form a well-balanced student,” says Brittany. “We encourage our students to discover their strengths, recognize their weaknesses and develop their skills to address the challenges that come their way.”

Academically, the theme at CEC is “Choose your own adventure.”

Many learning opportunities here are student-run, meaning students are given a lot of freedom to help select their curriculum.

“This type of freedom lends itself to creativity and the desire to learn,” says Brittany.

CEC is the only Catholic school in the area with the Environmental and Spatial Technology (E.A.S.T.) initiative – a state-of-the art lab producing projects that benefit the local community in some way, from GPS tracking to video production to graphic design. 

As a result of CEC’s comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum, 100% of last year’s graduating class was accepted into a four-year college, and seniors received over $7 million in scholarship money. 

The school also offers an excellent theology program with a strong emphasis in community service. Last year, CEC was Philadelphia’s recipient for the Jefferson Award for outstanding community service by a high school. This is one of the highest honors awarded to a high school for volunteerism and community service.

In addition, CEC offers a great sense of community, a credit to its students who create a welcoming environment.

Its annual Spirit Night, a 20-year tradition at CEC, is the most anticipated event of the year.  Students prepare for months for these three fun-filled evenings where they are divided into teams, competing in a variety of activities and dances focused on a different theme each year.

The entire community is invited, bringing students, families, friends and alumni together.

“Our Spirit Nights display our students’ creativity and pride in their school,” says Brittany.

The extraordinary athletic program at CEC is designed to produce well-balanced student-athletes.  The school offers 19 different athletic teams from which to choose, and 80% of students participate in athletic activities. CEC is a member of the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL),

Besides sports, CEC offers 22 extracurricular activities and clubs, providing students with a wide range of choices for personal and community growth.

CEC, located at 611 Wistar Road in Fairless Hills, is currently holding its open enrollment. For more information about the school or for a personal tour, call Brittany at 215-945-6200.

Also visit the school’s extensive website at www.conwell-egan.org.

Become part of Conwell-Egan’s future today!

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Two taverns serving the Morrisville community

penn-tavern-profile

 

by June Portnoy

For over four decades, Puss N’ Boots Tavern and Penn Tavern have served the Morrisville area. 

“Although each establishment offers its unique environment and appeal, they both continue to draw patrons year after year,” says Jeff Rue, owner of both taverns.

Puss N’ Boots, established in 1965, provides a nice, clean, attractive atmosphere. Its quality food at very reasonable prices attracts people of all ages.

“Our menu is a big draw for us,” adds Jeff. “Many people come for our great food and food specials.” 

Puss N’ Boots offers daily breakfast, lunch and dinner specials. Its meatloaf on Wednesdays and roast pork platter on Thursdays are always popular choices.

Jeff, who bought Puss N’ Boots in 1987, has continued the previous owner’s long-standing tradition of selling hot dogs for just 35 cents every Saturday afternoon while supplies last. Hot dogs come with chili, kraut, cheese, onions or Italian potatoes.

In addition, Puss N’ Boots offers a lot of home-style cooking. For example, all soups and daily specials are homemade.

It provides three possible locations where you can eat, including its Pocono Room, its main bar area and its outdoor patio that is now open. This patio has an outdoor fire pit, a Tiki bar and a large screen plasma TV, ideal for watching sporting events. Smoking and non-smoking areas are available, providing the best of both worlds.

Consider booking your next party or banquet at Puss N’ Boots’ Pocono room or outdoor patio.

Happy hours are Mondays through Fridays from 4:00pm until 6:00pm. Different beer specials are available every night. New to Puss N’ Boots is its expanded selection of craft beers available both at its bar and take-out store. 

Hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 7:00am until 2:00am. It is open for breakfast daily.   

[Read more...]

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New Hope Academy: A non-traditional school where all students can succeed

New Hope Academy

 

by June Portnoy 

Does your child find it impossible to earn good grades at school no matter how hard they try? Do they feel ostracized by their peers because they are unlike the other kids?

If so, New Hope Academy (NHA) might be the ideal school for your child.  “This is a non-traditional private school for kids in grades six through 12 who cannot thrive in a traditional school environment,” says Kathy Gana, NHA’s Founder and Executive Director. 

Its student population consists of kids with emotional and learning disabilities, gifted and creative individualists and children suffering from anxiety and behavioral disorders. The school specializes in students with Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD), Oppositional Defiant Disorders (ODD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD), Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) and Asperger Syndrome.  

Although NHA has a campus in Yardley and Doylestown, both locations operate as one school. NHA provides individualized education, not only for students with documented Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) but for all of its students. Each student progresses at his or her own pace, yet collectively they are challenged to stretch beyond their comfort levels and achieve beyond their expectations.

As opposed to traditional schools that place all children with special needs into one group, NHA looks at the specific needs of each child to determine which class setting will benefit them most. The ratio of students to teachers is two to one, and in some cases NHA offers one-on-one personalized teaching. These small groups enable kids to learn without the external distractions of peer pressure, teacher confrontation, or behavior problems.

“Sometimes we must teach our students how to succeed emotionally and socially before they can succeed academically,” adds Kathy.

NHA offers a nurturing environment where students feel comfortable.

“No student here is judged or made to feel different,” says Kathy. “We have no stigmas or cliques, and every child is made to feel accepted here. As a result, our students develop a mutual respect for each other.”

[Read more...]

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Laundry Depot of Morrisville: A quick, convenient, positive alternative to doing laundry at home

Laundry Depot by June Portnoy 

Many people have the misconception that going to a laundromat is a horrible experience, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When you go to the Laundry Depot of Morrisville, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by its bright, positive environment.

“We’re like the Häagen-Dazs® of laundromats,” says owner Dan Marrazzo.

Unlike many laundromats that appear dark, dirty and downright scary, the Laundry Depot of Morrisville, established in 1989, provides a neat, clean, well-lit and safe atmosphere.

This is a 24-hour facility that is open every day of the year. Whether you drive by on Christmas morning or at 3:00am, you’ll see people inside doing laundry. Regardless of what time you come in, there is always someone manning the laundromat to answer your questions.

Plus, there are surveillance cameras inside and outside the building to ensure your safety.

The Laundry Depot of Morrisville is the largest laundromat in Bucks County with 60 washers and 80 dryers. 

“Even at our busiest time of the week on Sunday afternoons when we easily have 50 to 60 people doing laundry, you’ll virtually never have to wait because we have so many machines,” says Dan. “You’ll get in and out at your speed, not ours.”

Plus, with 45 parking spaces, finding a place to park isn’t an issue either.

According to Dan, most people come here for the convenience and speed. “It takes the average person an entire day to do the laundry each week; yet when you come here, you can do that same weekly load in an hour and a half, less than half the time of washing it at home.”

Likewise, dryers take forever to dry clothes at home, but the ones here get extremely hot and dry clothes quickly.

Since washing machines at Laundry Depot accommodate laundry from 20 to 80 pounds, as opposed to home washing machines that only handle about 12 pounds, you can bring large items, like comforters and sleeping bags, to have cleaned here.

For your convenience, washing and drying machines accept quarters, dollars and credit cards. You can also purchase a card with a magnetic strip to do your laundry. After putting $40 on this card, it will automatically offer you a credit for a free wash.

While you wait for your laundry, make yourself comfortable in booths where you can sit and eat at a table, go on the computer with free Wi-Fi or enjoy a snack from the vending machine. Amusement machines for your kids will keep them entertained. 

You can also drop off your laundry, run and do errands and then return in time to put it in the dryer.

[Read more...]

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Hope Christian Preschool: Providing a quality, Christ-based early learning experience

Hope Christian Preschool Director, Terri Rambo

by June Portnoy

If you’re looking for a quality preschool that offers a nurturing environment with Christian values, consider enrolling your child at Hope Christian Preschool in Levittown.  Although this school is the mission of Hope Lutheran Church, children from all denominations are welcome to attend.

“Our mission is to provide the students and families of Hope Christian School with a quality Christian education in a Christ-centered atmosphere,” says Preschool Director, Terri Rambo.

Hope Christian School is a member of the Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/professional development, Assistance, Resources and Support) Program and is also a participant of the Apple Childcare program.  Hope offers care and classes for children ages six weeks through Pre-K from 6:45am until 6:00pm Mondays through Fridays.  A daily, structured routine is followed everyday.  The school offers a nice balance of academic and social instruction.

“We want the children to learn both in the classroom and through play,” says Terri.

“Our lessons are catered to a child’s age level in an atmosphere that encourages learning at his/her own pace,” says Terri.

Weekly music classes offer the opportunity for kids to learn rhythm, songs and dances.  Technology instruction in the computer lab offers preschool classes (ages 3 – 4) the opportunity to improve their basic computer knowledge.  Children attend chapel weekly to enjoy Bible stories, praise songs, and prayer.  In addition, Hope incorporates learning about Jesus into everyday lessons.

Hope’s Pre-K program emphasizes academics with a strong math, reading, and writing curriculum to prepare children for kindergarten.  The school has a large gymnasium, which enables the children to develop their gross motor skills even on days when there is inclement weather outside.

To provide your child with the highest quality care and education, teachers are required to have a BA or a minimum of five years experience.  They also attend continuing education classes and are CPR certified.  In addition, the teachers at Hope prioritize personal attention for each child and family.

Hope Christian Preschool partners with Hope Christian School, which offers a Christian Elementary education for children.  Hope Christian School offers a choice of full or half-day kindergarten and grades 1-6.  It provides academic excellence for all of its students, while intertwining Christ-based learning into every subject.

There is limited space available for the 2011-2012 school year. Call 215-946-3467 anytime to schedule a tour or feel free to stop in to pick up a registration form.  School begins Tuesday, August 30th.

For more information about Hope Christian Preschool, located at 2600 Haines Road in Levittown, visit www.hopelcs.org.

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Talk doesn’t come cheap – unless you switch to MetroPCS

MetroPCS store manager, Debbie Trexler

by June Portnoy

Paying for a wireless plan with 600 minutes per month might initially sound like more than enough time, but those minutes tick by faster than you realize. And if you have teenagers, there are never enough texts to cover their insatiable need. As a result, you end up spending overage and roaming charges every month that can end up costing you in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Not to mention the additional tax and regulatory fees you didn’t even consider when you purchased your monthly plan. If you want a wireless plan you can afford, without contracts, without credit checks, without extra fees, you want MetroPCS. This wireless service with nationwide service recently opened its newest store in the area and is the only MetroPCS in Morrisville, located at 27 E. Bridge Street, in the downtown section, across from Wells Fargo Bank.

MetroPCS gives consumers a choice of Wireless for All, unlimited Nationwide Talk, texts and Internet plans, for one flat fee, ranging from $40.00 to $60.00 per month. This includes taxes and regulatory fees, as well as a full spectrum of phones  (including the newest must-haves) for every budget and lifestyle starting as low as $29.00. No matter what plan you choose, you’ll have the flexibility to add or change services, without the worry of annual contracts, termination fees or other related costs.

“All of our phones have great coverage and connections,” says store manager, Debbie Trexler. “They’re just as good or even better as any other plan without the potential of the high monthly costs and hidden charges” The store carries a full line of the newest Smartphones, including full touchscreen Androids, and Blackberrys. You can add features to any plan such as unlimited directory assistance, voicemail to text and GPS navigator with turn-by-turn directions.

With MetroPCS “what you see is what you pay” plans there are no hidden charges, no activation fees, and no extras other than what you choose to pay. “Why spend so much money on your monthly cell phone bills,” says Mandy Cloud, store associate, “when you can purchase the same quality handsets at MetroPCS at affordable monthly flat rates, with no surprises when you receive your bill.”

Along with nationwide service MetroPCS also offers 4G (fourth generation) service in this area, and offers phones to take advantage of the lightning fast Internet speeds available. “The Galaxy Indulge handset offers all the bells and whistles,” says Mandy. With a full touch screen front, and a slide out Qwerty keyboard you’ll get all features of the standard plans plus multimedia streaming and download access for the same $50 per month, with taxes and regulatory fees included.

MetroPCS also stocks a huge selection of quality accessories, including cases, chargers, and Bluetooth devices at great prices. If you are presently with another carrier, ask how you can keep your existing phone number for use on your new MetroPCS plan. If you are currently a MetroPCS customer, then you already know about the savings, and the great coverage, but do you know you can add up to five family members to your plan with each plan receiving a $5.00 discount off the monthly fee?

Right now if you come to the Morrisville store to add a family line, the handset is FREE! To start saving money right away, stop by MetroPCS at 27 E. Bridge Street in Morrisville, and let Debbie, Mandy or Rico find a handset and plan that will suit your taste and especially your budget.

Store hours are Mondays through Fridays from 10:00am until 7:00pm, Saturdays from 10:00am until 5:00pm, and Sundays from 11:00am until 4:00pm. Call 215-310-9390 for more information.

 

PHOTO CAP: MetroPCS store manager, Debbie Trexler.

 

 

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