You are here: Home / Archives for community

Newcomers Club of Central Bucks seeks members

February 25, 2013 By
Newcomers PR

 

The Newcomers Club of Central Bucks is seeking members.  Newcomers is a non-profit social, recreational, and community organization established to welcome new residents to the Central Bucks area.

For over 30 years the Newcomers Club has been engaged with helping residents new to the area.  The club’s mission is to provide information, social activities, and support for members allowing them to establish friendships while learning about the community.

Newcomers offers monthly activities that cover a variety of interests, including book club, ladies night out, men’s events, couples happy hour and children’s playgroups.

One goal of the group is to help members learn about the richness of the Central Bucks area.  As such, events are held at a variety of local restaurants, parks, festivals and cultural organizations as well as in members’ homes.

“We like to introduce our members to the wide variety of options for dining and entertainment in the many towns and villages of Central Bucks,” said Christine Junker, Newcomers President.

To someone who has recently relocated, Newcomers members are a great source for referrals for everything from new homeowners seeking contractors, to information on preschools, shopping and other local amenities.  Another benefit offered to club members is an immediate sense of community by providing home-cooked meals for members recovering from a surgery, parents welcoming a new child, or when grieving a death in the family.

“Many of our members relocating to the area are far from family who usually provide a support system. They are very appreciative of the instant friendships the club provides!” Christine said.

The Newcomers Club also has a community involvement component.  Some activities the club has sponsored to help local communities include a winter coat drive, highway cleanup and fundraisers for local charities.

Persons eligible for membership in the Newcomers Club are new residents residing in Central Bucks County.  Annual dues are $35 per household.

To join, or for more information, visit www.newcomersofbucks.org or call 267-893-7735. 

PHOTO CAP: Ladies lunch and Designer House Tour (from left, Janine Palmitessa, Jamie Witthauer, Carol Orto, Stephanie Compton, Diana Iversen).

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Doylestown Observer News Tagged With: , , ,

Foundations Community Partnership

January 21, 2013 By

Foundations Community Partnership is a philanthropic grant-making foundation supporting the behavioral health and human service needs of children and young adults in Bucks County.

FCP provides grants and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, awards scholarships to Bucks County high school seniors, subsidizes service learning internships for college students, underwrites community education programs and supports behavioral health education and research.

FCP identifies human service needs within the nonprofit organization community in Bucks County and encourages development of innovative services and collaboration through grants and educational services.

FCP also provides opportunities for stakeholders to participate in resolving community issues of concern to all Bucks County residents. They recruit, train, supervise and provide leadership for qualified young adults to participate in service learning opportunities to help meet community needs.

FCP supports research efforts, communicates practical and effective treatment guidelines and disseminates them through workshops, seminars and professional publications.

Upcoming workshops include “Critical Thinking about Teasing and Bullying: Implications for Mental Health Care and School Policies” on Wednesday, March 6th; “Mindfulness for Youth: Tools for Clinical Practice and Education” on Wednesday, April 10th; and “The Psychological Road of Adolescence: The Indispensible Impact of Peers – Pro and Con” on Wednesday, May 1st.

Their endeavors include improving the quality of life and supporting efforts to provide services for children, youth and families in Bucks County, and offering financial assistance to Bucks County non-profit human service organizations that focus on children and youth with behavioral health needs.

FCP is a valued community resource – solving problems, inspiring youth and creating partnerships with organizations and higher learning institutions to enhance the quality of life in the region.

To learn more about Foundations and its mission visit their website at www.fcpartnership.org or contact them at 267-247-5584.

Ron Bernstein is the Executive Director of Foundations Community Partnership.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Guidebook DO Tagged With: , , , , ,

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County

January 21, 2013 By

The mission of Habitat Bucks is to, “Build affordable homes, better lives, stronger families, and safer communities through partnerships with people and organizations throughout Bucks County.”

Affordable homes – Habitat builds decent, safe, affordable homes by building partnerships with families, volunteers and donors.  Habitat Bucks uses green building practices, and is building Energy Star Rated homes to insure low operating costs for future homeowners. In addition, Habitat Bucks now provides exterior home repairs through “A Brush With Kindness,” a new program to assist low-income homeowners who are unable, due to illness or financial difficulties, to maintain the exteriors of their homes.

ReStore – They offer a place for people to donate quality used or surplus materials so that they can offer these items for sale at discount prices. Their retail facility serves the community by helping people to reduce, reuse and recycle. Proceeds go back into their programs to build affordable homes.

Volunteers – Are the lifeblood of Habitat Bucks. Volunteers help build homes, run the ReStore, assist in the office, serve on committees, and promote Habitat throughout the area. “Women Build” is a great example of volunteers coming together to fund-raise, learn new skills and help with construction.

Families – Partner families are hard-working, low-income neighbors who qualify for homeownership through the program by donating ‘sweat equity,’ attending budgeting and homeownership workshops, making monthly mortgage payments, and paying taxes in our community.

Donors - Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County relies on the generosity of donors to provide these programs in our community.

For more information about Habitat Bucks, located at 31 Oak Avenue in Chalfont, call 215-822-2812 or visit www.habitatbucks.org.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Guidebook DO Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Central Bucks Family YMCA

January 21, 2013 By

Central Bucks Family YMCA is one of the largest non-profit community service organizations in Bucks County. At the Y, strengthening community is their purpose; they’ve always known that positive change only comes about when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.

The Y promotes Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility to help children, families and individuals in the Central Bucks community.  

They offer several pathways to the Y, allowing those with barriers to access their programs and services:

  • Seventh Grade Initiative with free memberships to community seventh graders;
  • Financial Assistance to individuals in our community who cannot afford membership and programs;
  • Specials Needs Memberships for those who need adapted physical and social activities;
  • Health Seekers Programs designed to help the community meet health and wellness goals;
  • Summer Learning Opportunities for kids to keep up the skills learned during the academic year;
  • THRIVE Cancer Wellness Program provides 12 weeks of specialized program and a family membership to cancer survivors.

Central Bucks Family YMCA features an aquatics center with six-lane, 25 meter competition pool and a 25 yard Water Park Pool with a 13’ water slide, water elements and hot tub. Both pools are equipped with hydraulic lifts.

The Y also includes a gymnasium, fitness center with weight and spin rooms, three aerobic studios, sauna, Child Watch with separate teen and infant rooms, teen center, Skate Park, and five locker rooms. The Y also operates a year-round preschool for children age 2-5 offering flexible schedules and Kinder Enrichment with transportation to and from Central Bucks Schools.

Contact their Welcome Center at 215.348.8131 or visit online at www.cbfymca.org.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Guidebook DO Tagged With: , , , ,

Good Friends, Inc.

January 21, 2013 By

Good Friends, Inc. is a licensed residential treatment program for adult men recovering from substance dependency, including those with a co-occurring psychiatric disorder.

Since its inception in 1977, Good Friends, Inc. has maintained the highest standard for its treatment services and the needs of their clients. Because of this the agency has been called a model within its scope of business and one of the leaders in the provision of halfway house treatment in the state. It reflects in their treatment success rate too, which last year was 57% above the national average.

Some in the community haven’t had a chance to interact with them and do not know a lot about their services. Their clients often describe their experiences in writing.

Here are a few recent examples:

“Staff was extremely intelligent and receptive to my needs”; “My counselor was probing and aware of when I was struggling”; and, “I would have loved to stay longer, it is a great place with great people. Staff went beyond to make you feel welcome and was willing to help any way they could in any matter. They were easy to talk to, very helpful in times of trouble, worry, etc. It was the best program I have ever been in and would recommend it to anybody.”

While their service provides substance abuse treatment it also emphasizes providing opportunities for independent growth and responsible community living. Gaining employable jobs is one such opportunity.

Entering the program, their clients are unemployed, a scenario they change during the course of treatment. This allows Good Friends, Inc. to have a positive impact within the community while the clients are in treatment and after they return to the community. Using an average of $12 per hour for an employed client, one year of post-treatment paid taxes would be approximately $4,680 in revenue not previously collected.

Multiply this figure by the 197 clients who completed the program between 7/1/09 and 6/30/12 and $921,960 in taxes are collected, where prior there were few to none.

For this and other reasons the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce bestowed Good Friends, Inc. with its 2012 Economic Development Award. The Chamber cited the agency’s “outstanding efforts and achievements towards promoting and enhancing economic growth in Lower Bucks County.”

If you would like to learn more about Good Friends, Inc., visit their website at www.goodfriendsinc.org.

And you can always friend them on Facebook at facebook.com/GoodFriendsInc.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Guidebook MT Tagged With: , , , ,

Regional remodeling association builds for the community

December 29, 2012 By

On Saturday, October 27th over a dozen members from the Bucks-Mont chapter of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) joined together to make a significant difference for a family badly in need of assistance.

This diverse group of dedicated contractors and suppliers replaced 1100 square feet of roofing and replaced the guttering at a home in Quakertown.

This was just not an ordinary home. The home belonged to a couple which has experienced a great deal of personal challenges.

The homeowner was recently injured in a weather-related car accident. The accident left him with a significant head trauma and a multitude of permanent disabilities. His wife is now only able to work part-time as she is now dedicated to caring for his daily health. The fate of life has left them with a big loss of income and of course a decrepit roof they couldn’t afford to repair on their own.

The roofing and guttering could not have come at a better time. The roof was in such poor shape that it is almost certain that it would have not been able to withstand the force of Hurricane Sandy, which came two days after the roof was replaced by the volunteer members of Bucks-Mont NARI.

The chapter did this work for absolutely no cost at all.

The job incurred over $4,000 of materials. These were all donated by other Bucks-Mont NARI chapter members.

The commitment to the community has been the cornerstone of The Bucks-Mont NARI chapter. In their 20-year history, the chapter has sent chapter members to New Orleans and Bay St. Louis after natural disasters decimated properties in those regions. The chapter was recognized nationally for volunteer remodeling work done for a wounded Vietnam Veteran.

Most recently the chapter remodeled the front facade of the Children’s Museum in New Hope and they also built an entire house for Habitat for Humanity two months ago. Ken Odell leads the chapter’s Community Service Committee.

He has stated, “We are a fixture in the Bucks and Montgomery County communities. We have the experience and skills to help families that are experiencing tragic home needs.”

The chapter has set an initiative to identify four projects a year to accomplish. Like the family in Quakertown, each project will certainly attract dozen’s volunteers willing to dedicate their time and materials.

If you know a family or individual who is facing difficult financial or health challenges and they needs essential remodeling work done, contact the local NARI office at 610-787-0896 or visit www.bucksmontnari.org.

Bucks-Mont NARI was established in 1992. It encompasses over 150 member companies in the geographic regions of Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The association includes contractors, remodelers and suppliers who are dedicated to informing the public of the need for, and the advantages of, maintaining homes and buildings in good condition, and thereby improving the housing and building inventory of the community.

To date, Bucks-Mont NARI is the largest chapter in Pennsylvania, third largest in the Northeast region of the US and 14th largest in the country.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Home2 Tagged With: , , , ,

Community health education series offered through new partnership

December 18, 2012 By

In a collaboration designed to better serve local residents, HealthLink Medical Center and the Southampton Free Library have teamed up to offer a community health education series.

“HealthLink is delighted to partner with the Southampton Free Library to provide helpful health information to our neighbors in the community,” says Mae O’Brien, HealthLink’s Executive Director. “I hope this is the beginning of an ongoing collaboration with the library.”

The series will consist of quarterly health-related programs on topics relevant to the surrounding community. Each session will be presented by a staff member of HealthLink and will be hosted in the Community Room at the Library.

The events take place the second Tuesday of April, July, and October at 3:00pm. All events will be free and open to the public.

“This is a great opportunity to get important information to the members our community in order to help them make informed decisions about their health,” said the Director of Southampton Free Library Kimberly Ingram. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming programs that will be offered next year and, hopefully, beyond.”

HealthLink Medical Center, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 clinic providing free primary care and prescription medications to their patients. Its mission is to address the primary medical and dental needs of working, uninsured adults living in Bucks and Montgomery counties who meet eligibility requirements.

HealthLink is located at 1775 Street Road, Southampton. More information is available online at www.healthlinkmedical.org.

Southampton Free Library’s mission is to offer free and equal access to all forms of resources providing information, education, enjoyment and personal enrichment. The Library is located at 947 Street Road in Southampton.  More information is available online at www.southamptonfreelibrary.org.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Guidebook SS Tagged With: , , , , ,

CB East’s Pat Riot making noise in the stands

November 30, 2012 By
CB EAST TEEN

 

by Tyler Baer, senior, Central Bucks High School East

Central Bucks East High School students have long been recognized for excellence in the classroom, but this year students are looking to go above and beyond their academic achievement. In an act to increase passion on the playing field, students have established the Pat Riot, named from a play on words inspired by East’s mascot, the Patriot.

“The Pat Riot is an organized, fun cheering section that everyone can enjoy and feel a part of,” explains senior co-founder, Anthony Roggio. “Three words that could best describe us are passionate, intense, and proud. We bring an extra element to the game; we like to consider ourselves the extra man on the field.”

Anthony, also known as “the Noisemaker” by his classmates, has the role of leading the chants and igniting the crowd.

“It’s important to have organization in any cheering section,” says Anthony. “I bring energy, and I personally lead the ‘I believe that we will win!’ chant before every kickoff. I try to bring the fire every time I go out there.”

East’s inspiration to create a solidified fan section came from last year’s graduation class of 2012.

“They were a good drive for us,” states senior co-founder, Chris Manion. “We just wanted to make this year count like they did.  They really were a passionate group of kids. What sets the two classes apart is [the class of 2013’s] uncanny knack for supporting our community.”

One example of this support was evident in this year’s opening football game, for which the cheering section held a “green-out” to support former coach Larry Greene in his battle with cancer. Two years ago, Coach Greene was inducted into the Central Bucks East Athletic Hall of Fame. During his 20-year coaching tenure, Greene had a record of 125-84-4, and led East to three state playoff appearances. 

“I feel like it was a good way for us to all come together and support him as a whole,” says Anthony.

The decorated coach has been described as an inspiration for his athletes with his ‘indomitable spirit, friendliness, and professionalism.’”

Overall, Anthony feels this year has gone well thus far, crediting at least a portion of East’s recent athletic successes to the raucousness of the Pat Riot. Anthony believes the Pat Riot has been an “awe-inspiring victory” for the students.

He shares, “Our fall teams have been great, and I can’t wait for winter sports, as our fans can definitely utilize the loudness of the indoor arena.”

As a varsity player on East’s basketball team, Anthony will be relinquishing his role as primary noisemaker. Chris believes that he and the others on the Pat Riot can fulfill that role well.

He says, “We definitely have a lot of potential. So far I’d have to say we’re pleased with our recent excellence in the stands; it just goes to show we are the most passionate fans out there.”

The Pat Riot plans to prove this claim as the fall athletic season comes to a close and East winter sports appear on the horizon.

PHOTO CAP: Members of the Pat Riot excite the crowd at a pep rally. Photo courtesy of the CB East Yearbook Staff. 

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Teen Scene Tagged With: , , , , ,

Morrisville Winterfest 2012 Celebration offers fun-filled day for the entire family

November 23, 2012 By

WINTERFEST1 by June Portnoy

Grab your family, friends and neighbors and welcome in winter on Saturday, December 1st at Morrisville’s Winterfest Celebration.

Begin the day at the Breakfast with Santa at 8:00am at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, located at Osborne and Stockham Streets.  A silent auction will also take place at the same time.

As always, the day will include the very popular Annual Winterfest Parade, starting 10:30am at S. Pennsylvania Avenue.  Any person, organization or business is welcome to participate in this parade. This is truly a community event.

This year for the first time, the parade will host a float competition.  The entrance fee is $20, and the first-prize winner will receive $100. Santa will announce the winner during the evening festivities at Borough Hall.

Whether competing or not, everyone must register to participate in the parade by calling 215-428-0794.

The parade will feature Little Miss Winterfest, Victoria Sullivan, 11, a fourth grader at Holy Trinity School, and Mr. Winterfest, Tyler Kartal, 17, who attends Bucks County Technical School.  Look for them wearing their crowns while in the parade. The parade will travel through town, concluding at Morrisville High School.    

Once there, enjoy activities for kids and adults inside the school where the Morrisville School District’s 21st Century Community Learning Center (MSD CCLC) will host its Open House & Morrisville Winter Celebration from 11:30am until 4:00pm

Start your holiday shopping by browsing through homemade holiday items, jewelry, needlework and other unique merchandise.

From noon ‘til 3:00pm, kids can enjoy letter writing to Santa, making reindeer food and reindeer candy canes, and working on pipe cleaner crafts. Make sure to bring your camera, because from 12:30pm until 3:00pm your children can visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Entertainment will include various local groups throughout the day, including the MSD 21st CCLC Musical Theater’s performance of “A Christmas Carol,” as well as the MSD Elementary chorus, bell tones, and recorders.

For the second consecutive year, The Morrisville Senior Center will be at the high school selling food like soups and chili, along with handmade crafts. Concessions will be sold by the MSD 21st CCLC Service Learning Clubs.

If possible, bring a winter hat, gloves, scarves or food items to donate to the MSD 21st CCLC.

Any organization, vendor, or crafter is welcome to participate in MSD 21st CCLC Open House & Celebration at the high school by calling 215-428-0500 ext. 109.

Also taking place during the day is the Solid Rock Youth Center (SRYC) Family Open House from 4:00pm until 6:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Morrisville, located at 50 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. Check out the facilities, play some games, meet the staff and enjoy refreshments.

Don’t miss the First Baptist Church’s Live Nativity and Children’s Show taking place at 6:00pm. Pet the animals and reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.

Also at 6:00pm, “The Night Before Christmas” will be read at Borough Hall on Union Street. This story will be followed by the traditional Tree Lighting and the Arrival of Santa Claus riding on a fire truck at 6:30p.m.

WINTERFEST2 The Morrisville-Yardley Area Rotary Club will serve free hot dogs and cider to help you stay warm.

From 6:30pm until 9:00pm the SRYC will hold its Christmas Party for sixth through 12th graders.

You’ll be busy from morning ‘til night enjoying all the winter festivities throughout town. And if that’s not enough excitement for you, come to Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 2nd from 8:00am until 11:30am at Morrisville High School. Proceeds will benefit Good Friends, Inc.

For additional information about this event, call 215-736-2861.

 

PHOTO CAPS: 1. Little Miss Winterfest, Victoria Sullivan

2. Mr. Winterfest, Tyler Kartal

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Morrisville Times Events, Spring Home & Garden 2 Tagged With: , , , , ,

Hatboro Federal Savings donates $222,222 to educational foundations and community groups

November 16, 2012 By
HAT FED PR

 

Hatboro Federal Savings President and CEO Joseph J. Tryon, Jr. has announced the bank’s donation of $222,222 to five Bucks and Eastern Montgomery County educational foundations and organizations.

The recipients of the educational funding are the Centennial Education Foundation, CB Cares, the Hatboro-Horsham Educational Foundation, the Upper Moreland Educational Foundation, and The Union Library of Hatboro.

“Getting a good education is the most direct route to a successful and satisfying career,” says Tryon.

“Our yearly contributions help students and teachers offer enriched classroom experiences by providing state-of-the-art instructional tools and mentors, as well as special educational outreach programs. For more than 70 years, Hatboro Federal has remained steadfast in this mission to keep our branch communities healthy, and our financial contributions to education are a vital part of this mission.”

PHOTO CAP: Pictured from left, Robert J. Phillips, Centennial Education Foundation President; Barbara N. Lyons, Esq., CB Cares President; Kimberly L. Cambra, CB Cares Executive Director; Harriet Ehrsam, Union Library of Hatboro Librarian; Joseph J. Tryon, Jr., Hatboro Federal Savings CEO/President; Laurie Rosard, Hatboro-Horsham Educational Foundation Executive Director; Bob Schrader, Centennial Education Foundation Executive Director; and Constance T. Wood, Hatboro Federal Savings COO/Senior Vice President.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Northampton Herald News Tagged With: , , , ,
«Older Posts