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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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COMMUNITY GUIDEBOOK PROFILE: Bucks County Women’s Pelvic Pain Support Group

February 7, 2012 By

Pelvic pain is a common medical problem facing women today, however it is rarely talked about and thus never addressed.

Pelvic pain (endometriosis, vulvodynia, pudendal nerve syndrome and painful intercourse) affects an estimated 10 million people worldwide per the International Pelvic Pain Society. Proper treatment along with a support group is an important piece of the healing process.

The group allows women with shared diagnoses to meet once a month to discuss how they can help each other to get better, share stories, educate themselves and each other as well as offer a supportive and confidential environment. 

Bucks County Women’s Pelvic Pain Support Group would like to provide this opportunity to all women who are suffering from pelvic pain. They meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm at Inner Circle Rehabilitation in Newtown. Meetings last approximately one hour and are confidential and open to the public.

For more information or if you are interesting in joining them, contact Kim, 215-860-3623, or e-mail Innercirclept@aol.com.

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COMMUNITY GUIDEBOOK PROFILE: Newtown Rotary Club – A record of community service

February 7, 2012 By

Rotary International is the world’s first service club organization. Its more than 1.2 million members volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” 

The Newtown Rotary Club, founded in 1953, has served the local and international communities for over 59 years. The club meets at The Temperance House, 5 S. State Street, Newtown.  All meetings are Wednesday luncheons from 12:15 to 1:30pm. More information can be found on the club’s Web site, www.newtownrotary.org.

A key goal for Rotary International has been the eradication of the polio disease. Hopefully, that will become a reality within the next few years. Newtown Club members participate in many international and local projects. 

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COMMUNITY GUIDEBOOK PROFILE: First Night Newtown

February 7, 2012 By

First Night Newtown is held on December 31st, New Year’s Eve of each year. It is an alcohol-free event geared toward families and celebrating the arts.

Newtown held its first First Night Newtown in 1999. Over the years it has evolved to its present location at Council Rock North High School, which features live music; arts and crafts for children; local food vendors; demonstrations by local dancers and martial arts students; family photos; a local Newtown Idol competition and much more!

Local elementary students are asked to submit an essay on a particular topic, and the winners receive a cash reward and get to ride in the local Holiday Parade during New Year’s Eve.

At the end of the festivities, there is a fireworks display held at Newtown Middle School. Proceeds from First Night Newtown help support the Newtown Township’s D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, as well as other community organizations. For more information or to be a volunteer, contact Paul Salvatore at salvatorepaul@hotmail.com or call him at 267-312-3527.

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