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Sock ‘n’ Buskin brings ‘An Ideal Husband’ to CR North

February 21, 2012 By

by Jessica Nager

Council Rock North High School’s theater program Sock ‘n’ Buskin will perform its exciting new production, “An Ideal Husband,” on March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at 7:30pm in the school’s auditorium. Everyone should get their tickets soon because they will definitely sell out quickly. Tickets are $5 each.

This play is a comedic satire written by Oscar Wilde in the late 1800’s and examines the human struggle between morality and self-interest. The protagonist, Sir Robert Chiltern, is a prestigious figure in the House of Commons. A dirty political deal from Chiltern’s past has been used to blackmail him into openly supporting in Parliament a fraudulent canal project. Chiltern must then decide between standing by his conscience and continuing to denounce the fraudulent canal or succumbing to blackmail and thus avoiding scandal and political ruin.

In the meantime, Chiltern’s close friend, the dandy Lord Goring, has a different dilemma.

“The comedy is shown through Lord Goring resolving to fix his [womanizing] reputation,” explains junior Brian West. “This show differs from “Three Sisters,” the fall performance by Sock ‘n’ Buskin, because this is comedic, not dramatic, and is shorter and has an easier language to understand because it’s written by a more contemporary guy.”

Play cuts will also be shown during English classes as a sort of “sneak peek” to the actual show. West plays the character Lord Caversham, also a politician and the father of Lord Goring. West’s character adds to the play’s comedic aspect because he is very angry and temperamental. He often seems to have nothing better to do than express his rage at Goring’s prolonged bachelorhood.

Besides Lord Caversham, “An Ideal Husband” contains a host of other hilarious characters, both protagonists and antagonists, and Sock ‘n’ Buskin’s stellar performance will surely keep the audience laughing and engaged for the whole show.

So remember to keep a night from March 1st through March 3rd free, because this is a comedy that should not be missed.

“It’s well put together,” Senior Colleen O’Hara assures, “and there’s a lot more students, friends, and classmates involved for you to come out and support!”

The play is a time-tested classic, easy to follow, and just simply exciting to watch. So come out to support your friends, neighbors, and family in the Sock ‘n’ Buskin’s “An Ideal Husband” – don’t miss it.

Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Events Tagged With: , , , , ,

GNC in Newtown: Helping you make informed decisions about your health

February 21, 2012 By

GNC by June Portnoy

With the costs of healthcare becoming so astronomically high, people are looking for ways to stay healthy more than ever before. As a result, people are turning to GNC in Newtown for vitamins, minerals, herbs and nutritional supplements that will boost their immune system to prevent them from getting sick and help them live a longer, healthier life with fewer medications.

“Buying our products is like purchasing insurance to stay healthy for as long as possible,” says Karen Lane, co-owner of this store with her husband, Jeffrey. She adds, “Our focus is on health and nutrition, and our products fill a deficiency in one’s diet and gives customers natural energy.”

According to Karen, it’s her store’s exceptional customer service that sets it apart from other nutrition stores, even other GNCs. “Many of our customers would never consider going to another GNC even if it is more conveniently located to them because we have gained their trust over the years. In a small community like Newtown, customer loyalty is most important to us.”

A family-owned and operated business where the family members are routinely on-site is rare these days, but that’s what you’ll find at GNC at Newtown. Karen and Jeffrey, who bought this store 15 years ago, do it all, from waiting on customers to cleaning the store. Their store manager, Bernie Valente, has been with them for 13 years, so when you come in, you’ll typically see the same faces all the time year after year.

In addition, Karen and Jeffrey only hire experienced staff members and require employees receive three to six months of training and ongoing learning of new products on the market. This experienced, knowledgeable staff strives to put the right product in their customers’ hands. They help educate customers about their options based on individual needs. The store is stocked with inventory that can seem overwhelming at first, but the helpful sales associates will take their time getting to know each customer, so they can offer well-informed recommendations about which product will work best for them.

“We give our customers good, sound, reliable information and often become their source for information,” says Karen, who prides herself on following all the advanced scientific news and studies. “We often become aware of effective products long before they become mainstream in this country. We also encourage customers to do research on their own.”

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Business Profiles, The Family Health Edition

Performance Spine & Sports Medicine: Redefining holistic care

February 21, 2012 By

PSSM PROFILE

 

by June Portnoy

You no longer have to suffer from lower back pain, sciatica or knee or shoulder injuries.  Nor should you consider surgery as your only alternative to treating musculoskeletal disorders. Performance Spine and Sports Medicine (PSSM), an established practice but new to Bucks County, offers non-surgical, holistic approaches that will help you feel better faster and stay healthy longer.

“We provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, integrated office where providers work together to optimize patient outcomes,” says Dr. Kevin Hsu, a board certified, fellowship-trained interventional pain management physician.

In addition to Dr. Hsu, the clinical team at PSSM also includes two physical therapists, two chiropractors, a podiatrist and an athletic trainer. Therefore, it offers multiple services all under one roof.

“By working in conjunction with multiple disciplines, we can better pinpoint a diagnosis,” says Dr. Hsu. “There’s strength in numbers.”

What makes this office truly unique is that all providers are on staff and work at the Newtown office five days a week, so there is no fragmentation of care. This is unlike many other integrated practices where providers might come in once a week.

Also, all patients are treated at this office, as opposed to having to go off-site for therapy. Because all doctors work together full time at the same location, they see the same patients and work together to coordinate care and ensure each patient receives the best possible treatment.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Business Profiles, The Family Health Edition Tagged With: , , ,

Chandler Hall noted as Employer of Distinction

February 21, 2012 By

Chandler PR

The Welcoming Center hosted the Solas Awards Ceremony at the Sheraton in downtown Philadelphia on December 7th.

The Center honored Chandler Hall, in Newtown, as one of three recipients of the Employer of Distinction Award for Bucks County.  This award recognizes Philadelphia-area companies who have a strong commitment to a diverse workforce that can compete in the global economy.

Notes Yana Chernov from the Welcoming Center, “…these companies have shown that they are very open to work with qualified people. It doesn’t matter what country they come from, if they are work-authorized and have a strong desire to succeed.” 

The Quaker driven, non-profit community established in 1973 has grown from a nursing home to an entity with a host of programs, equating to many career opportunities. The staff of almost 300 includes management positions, licensed healthcare positions and non-licensed positions such as drivers, daycare workers and more.

“Since 2005, we have reaped the benefits of the candidates from the Welcoming Center who consistently maintain high standards in caring for the elderly,” shares Roe Pressman, Senior Director of Human Resources. 

PHOTO CAP: Anna Kuleba (right), who came to Chandler Hall through the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians over five years ago, shares a smile with Roe Pressman, Senior Director of Human Resources at Chandler Hall. 

Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News, Senior Scene Tagged With: , ,

Chandler Hall acquires emergency electrical generator

February 21, 2012 By

by June Portnoy

Residents at Chandler Hall Health Services can sleep better knowing their homes are now equipped with a new emergency electrical generator.

But obtaining this generator hardly happened overnight. It took over 2½ years of planning and obtaining the necessary funds to bring this moment to fruition. Ironically, it was February 2nd, Groundhog’s Day, the same day that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow predicting six more weeks of winter, that Chandler Hall celebrated the receipt of its new generator, assuring warmth during the rest of the winter.        

Although Chandler Hall’s Main Building already had a generator, the concern was acquiring one for Wright Hall and its two adjoining manor houses (Jordans and Phelps), consisting of licensed personal care apartments that each house 24 residents. The idea of buying a second generator was ignited during Chandler Hall’s ongoing planning when it completed its strategic plan. It was also around this time that Chandler was making plans with some organizations along the Route 413 corridor about providing resources for each other during emergencies.

However, it was the “Blizzard of Febuary 2010” that served as a main impetus to buy the generator.

Said Maureen Casey-O’Malley, Chandler Hall COO, “We always have contingency plans so our residents would never have been in jeopardy, but none of us would want to leave our homes during a storm and go into the cold to get somewhere safe.

“During the storm we were prepared to move residents in the event that the power went out to the main building or somewhere else if needed.”

Fortunately, neither of the manor houses lost their power, but it certainly raised a red flag about what might have happened had that occurred.

“It’s moments like those that really show the importance of having power for our residents,” added Maureen.

According to Lynette Killen, Chandler Hall’s CEO, there was much frustration when they discovered that a new generator would cost close to a quarter million dollars, as opposed to the one they had bought for the main building that only cost $88,000.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , ,

COMMUNITY GUIDEBOOK PROFILE: Countryside Gardeners

February 20, 2012 By

Countryside Gardeners, founded in 1933, is a federated garden club that holds eight meetings a year. 

The purpose of the club is to increase the pleasure and knowledge of gardening. They encourage interest in flowers and gardening by sharing ideas and techniques. 

Countryside Gardeners explore both horticulture and design to bring beauty to their homes and environments. Their meetings typically involve a program with either guest lecturers or workshops, or visits to points of interest within the community and beyond, such as the Grounds for Sculpture, Bartram Gardens, and Duke Farms.

All meetings include refreshments and a business portion. For more information about the club contact Betty at 215-297-0339.

Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , ,

COMMUNITY GUIDEBOOK PROFILE: Newtown Fire Association

February 20, 2012 By

The Newtown Fire Association (NFA) was founded on November 13th, 1889 in the wake of a terrible fire that occurred at the Watson and Buckman Planning Mill in Newtown Borough.

The first piece of fire apparatus purchased by the Newtown Fire Association was a ladder wagon, built by Warner and McGowan, the local carriage makers, for $400 on July 4th, 1892. The fire company was staffed by dedicated volunteers that responded to the firehouse after the sounding of the fire bell atop the Liberty Street firehouse, which was built in 1901.

In 2012, the NFA is still staffed by dedicated volunteers that respond at any moments notice when dispatched by Bucks County 911 to an emergency. The fire company operates out of the Liberty Street firehouse in Newtown Borough (Station 45), and the Municipal Drive firehouse in Newtown Township (Station 55).

The fire company maintains two fire engines, one rescue truck, one ladder truck, and a Haz-Mat trailer. Although the cost of a fire truck in 1892 was a mere $400, today an engine itself can cost approximately $650,000. The fire company provides fire and rescue protection to Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, northern Middletown Township, and automatic mutual aid to surrounding municipalities.

Since being founded, the goal of the Newtown Fire Association has been “extinguishing fires and protecting life and property.” In 2011 alone, firefighters responded to over 600 calls for service. Of those calls, due to the fire department’s quick response, crews were proud to have been able to quickly contain a large fire in a middle-of-the-row townhome from extending to adjoining units in the Tyler Walk development, prevent a fire from spreading throughout an entire medical office on Sycamore Street, and containing a fire from spreading throughout a large office building on University Drive.

In 2011, crews performed several difficult cliff rescues in Tyler State Park, quickly extricated victims from serious car accidents, and assisted at the scene of numerous medical emergencies, including struck pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cardiac arrests. More information regarding the Newtown Fire Association can be viewed on their Web site at www.newtownfire.com.

Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , ,

COMMUNITY GUIDEBOOK PROFILE: Newtown Lions Club

February 20, 2012 By

The Newtown Lions Club was formed in 1969 with the commitment to provide assistance to our neighbors. The Lions motto is “We Serve.” Lions Clubs are for service to their community with special focus given to serving the sight- and hearing-challenged and institutions supporting these challenges.

Throughout the years, the Newtown Lions has supported and provided financial contributions to many worthwhile organizations. They currently support the Council Rock Presidential Classroom, Council Rock Student of the Month, Lions Camp Kirby (a camp for the deaf located in Upper Bucks County), Bucks County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Overbrook School for the Blind, Pennsylvania Lions Eye Research, Pennsylvania Lions Hearing Foundation for Hearing Research, Leader Dogs for the Blind, The Delaware Valley Eye Bank, Newtown Fire Association, Newtown Ambulance Squad, Breakfast with Santa, local Scouting Projects/Programs and the Newtown Lions Morris Satterthwaite Scholarship Fund for a Council Rock student.

They provide financial assistance to needy individuals in the Newtown community for eye exams and eyeglasses. All funds (100%) collected by the Lions from activities are donated for these charitable purposes. Their current fundraising activities are the sale of Historic Newtown Coverlets, a 5K “Run for Sight and Fun Walk,” sales of advertisements for the Bucks County Lions All-Star Football Game, Annual White Cane Drive and their Annual Spaghetti Dinner. Sponsors are solicited during the year to support the Annual 5K Run for Sight.

Over the years, the Lions have collected thousands of eyeglasses in their yellow mailboxes located throughout the Newtown area. These glasses are processed, recycled and provided to Lion volunteers serving with Lions International medical teams and other volunteer organizations who travel to third world countries to provide free eye exams, eyeglasses and eye surgeries; and in the USA for special disasters, such as Katrina.

Through their substantial contribution and annual funding, Newtown Lions helped to establish and maintain the Low Vision Clinic located at the Bucks County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which provides individuals with low vision exams and rehab. Health screenings for the public are planned for the future.

If you are interested in volunteering your time to help others, then join the Newtown Lions by calling Wayne Cordes (Secretary) at 215-968-2248 or Cliff Crose (President) at 215-493-6897.

Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , , ,

COMMUNITY GUIDEBOOK PROFILE: First Fourth

February 20, 2012 By

First Fourth is Newtown’s celebration for the Fourth of July. It takes place on the first Saturday in July. It features a parade, a softball game between Newtown Township and Newtown Borough, and fireworks.

It was started in 2001 and they will be celebrating their 11th year. It started as a joint venture between Newtown Township and Newtown Borough to provide family-oriented activities to celebrate the Fourth of July.

For more info call Joe Gordon at 267-566-4411 or e-mail newtownfirstfourth@gmail.com.

Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Washington Avenue in Newtown Borough to Close Weekdays for One Month for Bridge Repair

February 7, 2012 By

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that Washington Avenue will be closed and detoured weekdays for one month between State Street and Sycamore Street in Newtown Borough, Bucks County beginning Wednesday (Feb. 8) for bridge wall repair. Washington Avenue will be closed Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through March 9.
 
During the weekday closures, Washington Avenue through traffic will be detoured over State Street, Route 332/413 (Newtown Bypass) and Sycamore Street. Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.
 
Crews will repair the bridge walls on the 79-year-old bridge over Newtown Creek. The one-span bridge is 55 feet long and 28 feet wide.  The steel I-beam structure carries 7,342 vehicles a day. The bridge improvement project is part of PennDOT’s $2,485,492 project to improve nine structurally deficient bridges in the Philadelphia region.  James J. Anderson Construction Company Inc., is the general contractor on the project that is financed with 100 percent state funds.  The entire project is expected to be completed by June 2012.
 
PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out. Follow local PennDOT information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAPhilly. For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/district6 or call 610.205.6700.

Filed Under: Newtown Gazette News Tagged With: , , ,
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