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Oliver Shortridge on track for Eagle Scout

April 9, 2012 By

Oliver Shortridge As a little boy, Oliver Shortridge loved trains. As a young adult he still does. So it was no surprise to anyone who knows him that he chose an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project that allowed him to channel his interest in railroading. 

Working with members of the Black River Railroad Historical Trust and scouts from Troop 99 in Newtown, Ollie created an interactive exhibit in the newly created signal garden of the BR&W RR Station in Ringoes, NJ. The project included the restoration and installation of a vintage steam era rail signal and switch stand as well as a weatherproof sign, which explains the history of the two artifacts.

The signal garden is located trackside, along the path to the newly renovated baggage car museum. The season at the BR&W RR opens on March 31st with the Easter Bunny Express Trains.

“As railroads modernize their infrastructure, it’s becoming rare to find historical artifacts like these,” Ollie explained. “It’s important to preserve relics like these that help tell the history of railroads and their importance in building this country.” 

The son of Tom and Leslie Shortridge of Newtown, Ollie is a senior at Council Rock High School North where he participates in marching band. He volunteers at the Black River & Western Railroad and is a member of the Black River Railroad Historical Trust and the National Railway Historical Society.

PHOTO CAP: Oliver Shortridge

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Newtown Quaker Meeting kids make healing quilts

April 2, 2012 By

Newtown Meeting

 

by Norval Reece 

The children of Newtown Quaker Meeting have now made their fifth Healing Quilt at the historic Friends Meetinghouse at 219 Court Street in Newtown.

The quilts are loaned from time to time to members of the Meeting community who are recovering from an illness or surgery. On each quilt there are approximately 49 handprints of members of the Quaker Meeting of all ages. The handprints represent “a collective hug from the Quaker Meeting” when wrapped around the person who is ailing, according to Wendy Kane, quilter and Associate Clerk (Head) of the Quaker Meeting.  

One young teenage friend who was loaned a quilt while recovering from Lyme’s disease this past year said, “It’s wonderful to have had a healing quilt from Quaker Meeting with all the handprints and signatures on it. I knew they were thinking of me, even though I couldn’t be there. When people say ‘It’s a hug from the Meeting, it really is.’”


Wendy Kane says, “This is all about the children doing something for people in the Meeting. The 100% cotton white fabric is cut into nine-inch squares, which are then stabilized by ironing them onto freezer paper. The children then paint the hand of an adult or another child with fabric paint and the painted hand is pressed on the fabric. The person then signs his or her name in permanent ink next to his or her handprint. The ink is then heated with an iron and the stabilizer removed. The ‘hands’ are sewn together into a quilt top and the quilt is then machine quilted by a friend of mine. Making a quilt probably involves a total of about 30 hours of work by all of us.”

[Read more...]

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TEEN SCENE: The CR North Chorus Trip to Italy

March 28, 2012 By

by Jess Stoltz 

Over Presidents’ Day Weekend, many students from the Council Rock North Choir ventured to Italy. Besides singing in various churches along the way, the students also explored the beautiful country.

Choir members traveled through Rome, seeing monumental sites such as the Trevi Fountain, where many made a wish. The choir traveled through the great city of Florence as well.

A favorite destination during the trip, according to CR North sophomore Eric Ettore, was Sienna, a medieval city located in Tuscany that, as Eric claims, displays the true Italian charm, which is not as obvious in immense cities like Rome.

Eric also really enjoyed going to Lucca, a city famous for its Renaissance-style walls.

Reflecting on the trip, Eric said, “My favorite part was definitely seeing a different part of the world, a whole new lifestyle. [We] Americans are always on the go and never can take a breath, but in Italy, you don’t see that. People there enjoy life and do things to live, not because they have to.”

Everyone on this trip had a blast, performing songs such as “Ave Maria,” “Ah Will Be Done,” and “Tres Cantos Nativos.”

The Italy trip was a genuine success, and a great time was had by all.

CR North’s great organization in both the sleeping arrangements and tours should also be highly praised. Hardly any complications occurred, which insured everyone of an awesome time.

For the first few nights, students even had the chance to stay in a monastery. Every day students got up early and went to bed late.

Although the weather was a little chilly, most braved the cold and felt it took away little of the enjoyment.

At the end of the trip, the days became filled with less singing and more shopping. What better place to find great deals for amazing items than Italian markets!

Suitcases were overstuffed, and all left with amazing memories they will never forget.

Sophomore Brittney Welde said, “Italy was honestly the best time I have had at CR North, and I made so many new friends on the trip.”

The trip to Italy was indeed a great investment and educational vacation for the CR North Choir.

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Newtown artist’s passion reflects her work helping troubled children

March 28, 2012 By
Sussan Afrasiabian

 

by Robin Prestage

The language and culture of her native Iran and years spent as a teacher mentoring handicapped and troubled children in that country have strongly influenced the paintings and sculptures of Newtown artist Sussan Afrasiabian.

“My paintings have no faces because the figures are not simply men or women but people, though mostly representing young women,” she says. “With all the bad things happening around us I want people to look at my paintings and for one moment feel happy from the vibrant shapes and colors.

“Life is music and music is the language of life. Each person has a musical instrument and plays his/ her own song. Among all these songs, between my dream and awareness, I, the painter, play my song with colors, forms, and movements on blank pieces of canvas, hoping to fill the cold, empty, and silent walls with my love and spiritual music of life.”

Born in Tehran into an artistic family – her grandfather made sculptures in brass and silver as a hobby and her mother made flowers and floral displays using fabrics – Sussan displayed literary talent at school. After graduating she worked as a teacher, first with mentally handicapped children and later with teenaged girls who had run away from home.

At age 20 she started drawing and painting lessons in oils and pastels, and in her mid-thirties in 1993 she submitted three paintings to a major modern art biennial organized by the Iranian Contemporary Museum of Art in Tehran which featured the works of 500 artists. One of her paintings was purchased by the museum, a rare distinction for a little-known artist.

While working with the young runaways, Sussan began taking sculpture classes, eventually leading her to combine both art forms by representing her sculptures stylistically in her paintings.

On her website – www.SussanArt.com – biographical notes explain that studying the art of sculpture while simultaneously working with troubled children affected her painting style dramatically.

[Read more...]

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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.

[Read more...]

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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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