Friday, December 11, 2009

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
I wanted to pass on a couple holiday related items to you...the open house described below is tomorrow! Sorry for the late notice. The other is a note about holiday gifts from a neighbor.
Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to you all!

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com            



If you plan to tip the garbage collectors this year, I would advise NOT taping an envelope on the inside lid of your garbage receptacle.  We did this last year and when we ran down in the morning to add one more bag of garbage before pickup, our envelope was already gone.  I think the Waste Management guys in the past have sent a little holiday note in the mailbox with their name and address. 
 


Pennypacker Mills Victorian Christmas Open House

Saturday, December 12, 2009

2 to 8 pm

Parking & Admission FREE!

What you'll see:

  • The mansion is decorated in Victorian Christmas style and was the home of PA Governor Samuel Pennypacker (1903-1907). A special second floor sitting room display of children's toys and games will be interesting for children to see. The "hot" toys of this time period were hand-cranked tin toys, teddy bears, and of course, porcelein dolls for little girls.
  • Over 65 oil lamps and candles will add a soft glow to the sense of the early 1900's. (This is a great way to talk to kids about what life was like during their grandparents childhood!)
  • Great decorating ideas that are easy for you to do...just in time as you decorate your own home!
  • Children can share their Christmas wishes with our wonderful Victorian Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus too!
  • Meet Servants and other living historians in the rooms as they portray family and friends at the Pennypacker family holiday celebration.
  • Bells of Praise Bell Choir performing on the mansion porch - all day
  • Montgomery County Community Choir performing on the mansion porch between 4:30 and 5:30 pm
  • Clear Toy Candy Demonstration from 2 to 5 pm
  • Warm cider and cookies are offered as you leave the mansion!
  • See our new exhibit on children...what their lives were like during this time period. Many children had to work arduous jobs, 10 hr. days/6 days a week for 7 cents an hour while others went to school and played with toys. A very interesting look at perhaps your grandparents' lives?

Pennypacker Mills is operated by Montgomery County so your tax dollars support these programs and events...why not come by with your family and get in the holiday spirit? There are also great restaurants in Skippack for an after visit bite to eat!

 

See the wonderful Museum Shop for inexpensive gifts and decorations. If you like that "vintage" look we have all kinds of Victorian inspired ornaments, tinsel, glass beaded garland, Clear Toy Candy, Wilbur Buds, Dresden ornaments, and more!

 

Directions: Take Rt. 73 West to Skippack. We are exactly 4 miles west on Rt. 73 after the traffic light at Rt. 113 in Skippack. Make a right turn onto Haldeman Road and an immediate left into our driveway. (If you continue on Rt. 73 past the site, you will go over a bridge, which is your signal to turn around.) It takes about 30 minutes from Lower Gwynedd.

 

Pennypacker Mills

5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473

Tel # 610-287-9349

Website: http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pennypackermills




Saturday, October 24, 2009

neighborhood news parade

The Halloween parade is this Sunday, October 25 at 2pm.  We will have the parade on Uxbridge Way, starting at the intersection with Cambridge Drive and ending at the Uxbridge cul-de-sac. 
 
Thanks to all who have signed up to help out with treats, tables, clean-up etc.
 
Cider, trash bags, help with clean-up - Heather Forde
Cups and napkins - Penny Zografakis
tables, treats - Trish Evans
table - Jennifer Sumner
Cider - Sara Weiss
Treats - Ilene Cantos
Treats - Loren Kobus
Treats, tablecloths - Trudy Gregson
 
See you at the parade!

--
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

Thursday, October 22, 2009

neighborhood news cat

Hi, neighbors,
Please see the note below about a lost cat that was found - the note was from a couple days ago - please contact Heather if you know anything about the cat.
Thanks!
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775


While walking my dog yesterday I found a black cat that looks to be about 9 months old.  She is de-clawed so I am assuming she has a home somewhere.  I will gladly keep her if no one comes forward to claim her.  Could you please forward this to the neighborhood to see if anyone has lost a cat?

 

Thank you,

Heather Piccone

foreverorganized@comcast.net

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

neighborhood parade

Hi, neighbors,
Just a quick note to ask if you would mind switching our Halloween parade location to Uxbridge Dr. instead of Stonington. Uxbridge ends in a cul-de-sac and is off the main traffic path through the neighborhood. In addition, there are several families with young children on the street. At least one would be willing to host the party at the end of the parade in their front yard. Please let me know if you have any objections or suggestions about this idea. We will let you know the final decision before the parade!
Thanks,
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

Sunday, October 11, 2009

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors:
I have some good news and some bad news this time to report....

First the bad:  There was a robbery in a home on Rose Lane in the Gwynedd View neighborhood next to us on Friday morning (during day light hours). They forced open a door and went up to the master bedroom and stole jewelry. Fortunately no one was home or hurt. Apparently there is an alarm on the home but it was not set at the time. They think a white pickup truck was involved. Please be extra careful and watchful now - secure your home when you leave, put some lights on, and watch for suspicious behaviors. Call the police if you see anything. Thank you to the neighbors who gave me this information - keep me informed of anything we need to know!

Good news
: See below for the information about our annual Halloween parade! Trudy Gregson is organizing it once more for us...thanks! Please contact her directly if you are able to help.

Also a reminder
: Eva O'Brien is coordinating a coat and blanket drive at the middle school. It is not a fund raiser - just a donation to help those in need. If you don't have a middle school student but would like to donate, you can drop items at her house on Cambridge Dr. Just leave them in a bag by the garage door. (Her house has the for sale sign up.)

Thanks so much for your help - stay safe and hope to see you the parade!

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775





Hi Neighbors,
 
Our annual neighborhood Halloween parade is scheduled for Sunday, October 25th at 2pm.  As always, we will start at the corner of Tanglewood and Stonington and parade up Stonington to the circle. 
 
Here is the list of things we need:
 
Create flyers
Distribute flyers - 5 people needed
2 buffet tables
2 tablecloths
napkins
cups
trash bags
4 gallons of apple cider
Treats
Call the police department for permission to block the roads and to request barricades
Games for kids
Pre-parade table set-up
Post-parade clean-up
 
If you are planning on coming, please just let me know which item you would like to do or bring.  Please feel free to contribute any ideas you have to make this fun for the kids. 
 
Our neighbors on Gwynedd View, Winding Road, etc. are always welcome, so if you know of anyone who might like to join us, please pass along this information to them.  Thank you.
 
Hope to see you at the parade!
 
Trudy Gregson
1228 Turnbury Lane
215-661-1935

Monday, October 5, 2009

neighborhood news


Hello, neighbors,
I believe the whole summer has gone by without an email note from me! There hasn't been much news to pass on but now that fall is here, things are picking up. I do apologize for not getting a summer party set up - would anyone like to try a party this fall? Let me know if you would...could even be to watch a game together or some other theme - I'm up for ideas.  We will of course plan our annual progressive dinner for February or March.

We have an opportunity to clean out our closets - neighbor Eva O'Brien is coordinating a coat and blanket drive for the middle school students this week and next. She would be glad to add your donations to the school collection. You can drop anything off at her home on Cambridge Dr. (It has a for sale sign in the front yard.) The gently used blankets and coats will be given to the Impact Thrift store who will attempt to sell them. They give their profits to several charitable organizations. Also any items that do not sell are given to an organization that will get them to truly needy people.  I hope you can help in this good cause and get your closet cleaned out at the same time!

I would also like to extend many thanks to all the neighbors who have contributed to our entryway landscaping expenses! About half the neighborhood (92 families) have contributed a little more than $7,000. Thank you for your generosity. The entryways are looking so nice - we hope you enjoy driving past on your way home. Several bushes have recently been replaced at the Meetinghouse entry, and landscaper contracting is underway for 2010.  Look for the pansies in early Spring!  If you have not yet contributed, please send a check (suggested: $80.00) to Gwynedd Knoll Garden Club, c/o Andrea Daeubler,  1216 Turnbury Lane, PO Box 242, Gwynedd Valley, PA  19437.

Hope this note finds you all well - let me know if you have anything that you would like me to pass on to the neighborhood!

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

neighborhood news

Please check your family's CD collections and see if you have lost some! (: 
Thanks,
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Anne Magowan <anne.magowan@verizon.net>
Date: Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 6:40 PM
Subject: Found
To: Gwynedd Knoll Garden Club <gwyneddknoll@gmail.com>


Would you please forward this to the e-mail list:
 
FOUND on the corner of Hancock and Turnbury, a CD container with 60 + CD's and the initials MPV on the front.
Call 699-6210 to retrieve.
 
Thank you,
 
Anne

Thursday, June 11, 2009

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
I have attached 3 Word documents that have calendars for the summer of all the concerts at the local parks. Many thanks to Katherine Weaver, our neighbor, who put this together. I went to the first LG concert last night at "our" park on Cambridge and it was great! There will be one every Weds evening at 7. Come and look for your neighbors!

I also have a note to pass on about gardening resources - many thanks to Valerie Costa, neighbor, for putting this together!

Interested in a Plant Swap?

 

I have been involved in several informal, small scale plant swaps over the years and have received a lot of great plants. Aside from saving some cash, another advantage is that plants that I get from a plant swap generally grow very well because usually people bring plants that do so well that they have an abundance of them! The plants generally thrive in our local conditions...this can be a great way to add new plants to your landscape while giving you an opportunity to thin out some of yours that may need to be divided.

 

It's fun, free and easy!

 

If you are interested, go to www.plantswap.net. You do have to register but it is pretty simple to do. After you register, near the top, click on Plant Swap and a navigation bar will be on the left.  Under Community, go to social groups and then search for GK Gardeners. Join the group, and then enter what you are looking for and what you have to swap. Maybe someone will have something you are looking for or interested in trying out in your garden! Then, you contact each other and arrange for the swap. I think we could open it up to some friends outside Gwynedd Knoll who live in the area as I think the more people interested, the greater the variety of plants and the greater the possibility of finding what you are looking for. Then, possibly next spring or even this fall, we can try to organize a formal plant swap.  Right now, though, with the end of the school year, graduation parties coming up for many and vacations, I thought it might be too late in to try to get a date that would work for enough people.

 

Happy Gardening!

 Val Costa


And while we are on the subject of gardening...a neighbor passed on this suggestion about the sweet gum trees we have in the 'hood. Might be worth a try if your trees are struggling.
In speaking with our arborist who came out to evaluate the plantings, we were told that the common method of mulching up to a large crown at the base of the trees is putting the sweet gums all around the neighborhood at pretty serious risk.  Apparently the mulch should not be piled up over the root base at ground level as it more or less chokes off the base of the tree.   They said we should use the small fork tool and pull that mulch away from the tree base until we reached the root area.  (Not all trees are sensitive to this practice.)

Thanks and have a nice weekend!
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775



Wednesday, June 3, 2009

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,

First a reminder from our young neighbor:
Can you please let our neighbors know that on (Saturday) June 13, from 9 a.m-3p.m there will be a Hazardous Waste Collection at Montgomery County Community College in Whitpain Township. You can dispose of household hazardous waste. Please protect the environment by doing this! 

 Thank you,  Charlie Bromberg

You might find this web site for the Waste Collection helpful : http://www.wsaemc.org/Recycling/Hazardous%20Waste.htm


Secondly, I want to remind you about our efforts to collect money to maintain our entryways. We have received 50 contributions so far - thank you so much to those families! I have received some questions from people wondering about the amount asked for and how many people have contributed etc. I hope the following points will help to explain our need for your contributions.

•  There were 102 donations given in 2007 (54% of the neighborhood), but they ranged in amounts from $25 - $100; the average donation was about $40, resulting in a total of $4400.  (There was not a definitive "invoice amount" at that time, and we expected a higher percentage of donating families and dollar amounts.)
 
•  In 2007/2008, the payments to Sabia Landscaping, who did the major initial work in the Summer of 2007 of removing overgrown bushes, defining the garden area and planting new bushes and flowers, totaled $7000, and Providence Landscaping charged $800 in the Fall of 2008 to clean up the beds and plant Fall/Spring flowers. 
 
•  Since there was no request for donations in 2008, the previously collected amount of $4400 was short of the expenditures; that shortfall as well as anticipated expenditures in 2009 resulted in the approach to issue an "invoice" asking for $80, with the hope that the response rate would be at least as much as in 2007.  It is hoped that donations this year will clear up the deficit and also pay completely for this year's services.  Hereafter, donations will be requested annually.

Lastly, let me remind you that we began this "garden club" several years ago and used to try to take care of the entryways ourselves. It was difficult to do with only a few hardy volunteers and the big cleanup necessary was beyond our scope. All of the decisions over the years have been made by consulting with groups of interested neighbors who have  suggested and agreed with all of the steps taken. Thank you so much for your generosity thus far - the neighborhood is looking great!

If you have not yet sent in your contribution, please see the document attached for the address information. Thank you very much!

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775



Thursday, May 28, 2009

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
I have several items to pass on to you...I haven't sent out a note recently because I've been preoccupied with college sons coming home and graduating - a time of celebration! I hope you will take the time to read over the information below about the two events coming up - one this weekend at Pennypacker Mills and the other a monthly event at Normandy Farms.

I also have 2 other items:
One is "postcard" attached with information about a college age daughter of a neighbor who is interested in babysitting! Might be just in time for your summer needs...hope you are able to read the file with Foxit.
Secondly, see this note from a neighbor with a summer time treat for sale...please contact Tish directly if you are interested. Her phone number is in the note.

Enjoy this beautiful season! Stay tuned for more notes soon....
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775
I've got a Margaritaville Premium Frozen Concoction Maker for sale (model DM2000). It is brand new and in the box (never opened). Before I place it on eBay, it dawned on me that with upcoming summer entertaining, one of the Gywnedd Knolls neighbors may be interested in buying it. It is great for making margaritas, slushees, mud slides, and milk shakes.
 It is a long story, but I came by two of the makers which is why I would like to sell one. I am only asking $300 which is what I paid for it.
If you think it is appropriate, please pass this along to our neighbors for consideration. Attached is a picture.
 Thank you,
 Tish Baldez
215-906-9256
Claudia Way
margaritaville dm2000.jpg margaritaville dm2000.jpg
22K   View   Download  




Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Hope you will have a few hours to spend at Pennypacker Mills for this outstanding event. You will be transported back to the 1860's and find yourself immersed in the conflict that was the Civil War. Hope to see you there!

 Linda Callegari

Pennypacker Mills'

Civil War Reunion

Meet President Abraham Lincoln and

Witness Spectacular Military Enactments & Civilian Demonstrations

 

 

The crowd quiets as the tall, slender gentleman in the top hat rises to speak. He clears his voice and looks out over the crowd. It is none other than President Abraham Lincoln, America's sixteenth President. Meet this outstanding statesman as Pennypacker Mills celebrates the Lincoln Bicentennial and his legacy of freedom and equality.

 

Battle Enactment Daily:

The story of the Civil War was told in camps, field hospitals, letters to loved ones, and on the battlefield. At 2:30 pm the first blast of cannon fire will announce the beginning of the military enactment. Soldiers will march to the steady beat of the drummer and take positions in the battlefield. Over the course of an hour, witness the strategy, the technology of the time, and the human sacrifice that was typical of a battle. In many a small towns scarcely a family did not lose a son or brother or father. You can experience all this and more at Pennypacker Mills' Civil War Reunion on Saturday, May 30th and Sunday, May 31st.

 

Visit the Military & Artillery Encampments:

The Civil War Reunion is a FREE enactment and living history experience for the whole family. Outside on the grounds, wander through the military encampments to meet the soldiers who enlisted to fight for the cause. See them cooking over open fires, cleaning their guns, and talking about their families back home. Most of these men had never strayed twenty miles from their own front doors, but now found themselves soldiers in an army, fighting battles hundreds of miles from home.

 

Living History Demonstrations:

On the Civilian Street meet average Americans trying to survive in the midst of a war that wreaked havoc on their families and farms. Life in the 1860's meant that women hand washed clothes, cooked over an open fire, hooked rugs, quilted, sewed, watched as their children scampered playing soldier and helping with chores, and attended Sanitary Fairs to collect food and medical supplies for loved ones in the War.

 

See military engineers prepare battle maps using surveying equipment and light sensitive paper. Understand the challenges these men faced in trying to quickly access the terrain of a potential battlefield and make the maps needed to plot a large scale battle.

 

Meet a Union Native American Indian who served with the 2nd Indian Homeguard Regiment. Black Beaver, a member of the Indian Brigade will share his experiences as a Native American during the war.

 

Hear Soldiers and Officers, Two Very Different Experiences, an interesting presentation about the differences in uniform, rank and privilege between a Private and a Colonel, presented by the Civil War Museum of Philadelphia.

 

Meet the doctors, nurses and herbologists who attended the wounded. Learn about medicine in the Civil War from those who served just behind the front lines.

 

Writing letters home was a source of solace for many soldiers. Having never been far from home and family these boys and men found themselves worrying about family and the farm. Read actual letters by Samuel Pennypacker (future Governor of Pennsylvania) and Galusha Pennypacker (his cousin) as they share life in the military with family.

 

Fascinating Speakers all Weekend:

On Saturday, May 30th, meet Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln as the President speaks on his presidency and the war at 11 am in the Barn. Four of Lincoln's own brothers-in-law fought on the Confederate side, and one was killed. See the pain in this President's voice as he shares the life and death decisions he made. The President will respond to questions in first person after the program.

 

At 1 pm in the Barn, hear Commonwealth Speaker Dr. Nilgun Anadolu-Okur speak about "Heroes, Spies and Villains on the Underground Railroad." Learn about those who supported the efforts of the Underground Railroad and those kidnappers, spies and villains who sought to capture slaves for a lucrative bounty. Dr. Anadolu-Okur will explore some of the historical incidents involving Pennsylvania freedom fighters, spies and Underground Railroad passengers.

 

On Sunday, May 31st in the Barn, hear Patrick Hotard speak on the "Siege of Corinth, Mississippi (April to June 1862)." Hear about the events and personalities involved in this campaign, which followed the Battle of Shiloh. Corinth, Mississippi was a small town in extreme Northeast Mississippi and a key railroad center that allowed the Confederacy to move troops and supplies from there to the Atlantic coast.

 

Music & Storytelling:

On the mansion porch enjoy a unique musical performance, "Songs of the Civil War, Lincoln & Liberty Too." Singer-songwriter Bob Welch will share with us with the music (guitar and banjo) and songs of the Civil War. Both entertaining and educational for all ages, this performance will give you a new appreciation for how people expressed themselves through song in the 1860's.

 

Sunday Services:

Arrive at 10:30 am and hear the Chaplain from the U.S. Christian Commission as he preaches a Civil War era sermon. Chaplains served as a source of comfort to wounded and dying soldiers during the war. They could be found fearlessly serving on the battlefield as well as in hospitals offering food, clothing, comfort, and spiritual hope. Many soldiers knew of the U.S.C.C. for the coffee wagons that provided hot drinks to soldiers in camp or the library of books that were loaned out. At Gettysburg, military resources were overwhelmed and it was the U.S.C.C. who provided medical supplies, relief workers, and food for the wounded left on the battlefield.

 

Sutlers or itinerant merchants would follow armies and sell supplies to soldiers that the army did not provide. Armies were always short of food, uniforms, weaponry and supplies that made the life of a soldier bearable. Stop by and purchase books, pottery, tin cups, military and civilian clothing, souvenirs of your day, and even have your image taken using period photography equipment at Pennypacker Mills.

 

Evening Lantern Tours:

Another captivating experience is the Lantern Tours where groups of visitors are led into the encampment area to witness vignettes of camp life, social history, music, and to meet the President and his wife by lantern light. An artillery demonstration involving both Union and Confederate units using an array of cannon fire called, "rolling thunder" will get the evening off with a bang! Pre-register at www.civilwarreunion.org or call 610-287-9349 for a registration form.

 

Come to the Civil War Reunion and in so many ways it will tell the story of the bloodiest war in American history through the voices of the men and women who lived through it. This event is a must for every family, history buff, Boy Scout or Girl Scout, home school family, and everyone who appreciates the sacrifice that so many Americans made for freedom.

 

For more information about the Civil War Reunion event, please call our office at 610-287-9349 or visit our event website at www.civilwarreunion.org  

 

Admission and parking for this event are FREE. Arrive early for lunch at the concession stand where a variety of hot and cold foods, refreshments & treats will be available. Visit the Sutlers and stop at our own Museum Shop, located on the mansion porch.

 

Pennypacker Mills is located at the intersection of Route 73 (Skippack Pike) and Haldeman Road in Schwenksville, Montgomery County, PA, and four miles west of Skippack or north of Collegeville. Closed Mondays and major holidays. For Group Tours, please contact our Office at (610) 287-9349. Website: http://www.historicsites.montcopa.org/pennypackermills


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello Everyone!

It's that time of year again!  Summer is around the corner and that means it is time for

Normandy Farm's Beer & BBQ events.  If you remember from previous years, these outdoor parties are tons of fun

 whether you are with friends, family, or co-workers.

  Each party has its own unique theme and features an all-you-can-eat buffet, unlimited beer, and live entertainment.

 Check out the flyer below for more information, or visit our website at www.normandyfarm.com and click on "Special Events" on the left hand side of the page.

For reservations or any questions you may have, feel free to contact me at 215-616-8305.  I look forward to seeing you there!



Marissa Weber
Reservations Manager
Normandy Farm Hotel & Conference Center
1401 Morris Rd
Blue Bell, PA  19422
215-616-8305  Reservations
215-616-8108  Cooking School
215-616-8401  Fax
mweber@hansen-properties.com  email
www.normandyfarm.com

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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
First a reminder about the garage sale coming up this Saturday, May 9! There are 6 families signed up so far...if you hurry you can still join in! There will be notes provided to each house, directing customers to the other sales. Many thanks to Eva O'Brien for coordinating this sale. Please note: all families participating and any new ones - please call Eva before Saturday to confirm arrangements! 215-661-8764.  Get out and shop for treasures on Saturday...the rain date will be May 16.

Secondly, please find attached an "invoice" for annual fees for the care and maintenance of our entry ways. We are hoping all of you will respond to this email version so we can save costs on a paper mailing. We will do a mailing to those who do not respond to this email. You will need to provide your own envelope and stamp to mail your check - the address is highlighted on the invoice.

Remember, unlike the majority of neighborhoods in the area, there is no formal neighborhood association in Gwynedd Knoll.  However, the entrances are the responsibility of the entire neighborhood, not just those people who live adjacent to them.  The last fund drive came up a few thousand dollars short of the monies spent to re-landscape the entrances, which was done professionally for the first time since the development was completed and included significant work to clean it up and sculpt the beds for mulching.  Therefore, we will be taking the approach of sending an annual invoice to collect the funds needed to ensure that our neighborhood remains desirable and inviting.  Remember, this is an investment in the value of your Gwynedd Knoll property! 

The mulching and weed control application this spring will cost about $1,000. The planting of summer flowers will cost about $900. We are contracting with a local company that already does work in the neighborhood. We have researched the prices and these are competitive. We hope you agree and will contribute to help.
Many thanks to Neil and Andrea Daeubler who replaced the bushes at the Meetinghouse entry themselves this past weekend! They saved us the high labor costs of digging! Also, the pansies which were planted last fall have come back nicely this spring, eliminating the need for another planting.


Thank you for your participation. 

 The Gwynedd Knoll Garden Club

 

Reminder:  The Hancock Road entrance plantings are temporary and minimal at this time because the entire entry will be re-built as part of the Rte. 202 project.  When complete, the entry will be landscaped with permanent trees and shrubs.


Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

Sunday, April 26, 2009

neighborhood garage sale

Good morning, neighbors!
One of my close by neighbors, Eva O'Brien, has organized a garage sale for May 9th. There are several people in the 'hood who are interested. How about doing a little spring cleaning and find some treasures that someone else would love to have? Please respond to Eva at deobrien@comcast.net or to me. Eva will place an ad into the paper and would love some help getting signs up. The more homes we can list with sales, the more people we will attract!

Thanks,
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

Thursday, April 16, 2009

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
I have a few more news items for you! The first is a reminder from our middle school recycling champions that our township is having a shredding day. I'll be there!

Secondly, please read the important note from Julia Wagner, a neighbor on Tanglewood, all about Lyme disease.

Lastly, I received a note from a neighbor that Upper Dublin has experienced 10 residential burglaries in the last 3 weeks. Sometimes the thieves move to other similar areas so we should all be on alert and call the police if you see something suspicious.

Thanks,
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mrs. Pfister,
Could you remind the neighbors about:
Paper Shredding and E-cycle Day on Saturday April 18th at the Lower Gwynedd Township Administration Parking lot in Springhouse.  It will be from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00.  Look up Lower Gwynedd Township website for more information.
Thank you,
Charlie Bromberg


_________________________________________________________________________________________
Hello Gwynedd Knoll Neighbors:
 
Many of you know that our family became very sick with Lyme Disease and were diagnosed in 2006.  The return to health and functionality has been a long-term fight, which has been educational to us, at a minimum regarding the seriousness of these diseases, and the medical controversies surrounding it.  As a result of several education sessions I coordinated, I eventually started a local information and support group, Montgomery County Lyme Info & Support group, and an activist group made up of mostly mothers (and some individuals) with children sick with Lyme, called LymeAction PA.  We have just in the last 6 months grown to about 12 mothers all with children in this area severely affected by Lyme disease; most of them could have been diagnosed and treated much earlier which would have significantly changed the progression of their illnesses.  We have been active on the political level - working with local representatives and senators regarding legislation that has been re-introduced into the PA House and Senate regarding Lyme Disease. 
 
Why would we need legislation to address a specific disease?  that is the million dollar question and one that should concern all of you.  These tick-borne diseases have experienced tremendous increases in the past few years, last year alone the incidence in VA doubled, and in the prior year for PA, was up 40%.  Since the early 2000's, the incidence in PA has gone up 240%.  From data analysis, this is not a result of increasing recognition of the disease, in fact, just the opposite has happened - doctors are less and less likely to diagnose Lyme as a result of the medical controversies surrounding it. 
 
Why do you need to know this?  in our neighborhood alone, I have heard from more than 20 people/families that have been touched by Lyme disease.  From the start of the support group run out of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in North Wales, we have had 150 people come through in the last 6 months affected by these diseases, many of them involving children.  The disease is widespread and unrecognized in this area, often misdiagnosed in kids as ADD/ADHD, autistic spectrum, dyslexia, psychiatric/learning/cognitive disorders, and in adults as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, MS, Parkinson's, ALS, and psychiatric disorders and treated for the symptoms alone, including pain treatment, without addressing the underlying causes. In most cases, children appear to be "normal" (and adults) which makes the picture even more confusing, but the impact is real, and the progression can be quite severe.
 
This Sunday, 4/19, Worcester Township with MontCoLyme is hosting a free screening of the award winning documentary film on Lyme Disease, Under Our Skin at 3pm.  This film was awarded 2 Freddie Awards here in Philadelphia last fall -- these are the equivalent of the Oscars in the Health Care Film area.   Some of you may remember that this film was shown at The Ambler theater last September.  This was a sold out showing... and many in our communities wanted it shown elsewhere.  The Ambler theater got email afterward thanking them for the community service they provided - they found the film outstanding and highly informative, a great contribution to the community.  At this screening there will be 3 panelists joining us for post-film discussion and Q&A.  A local lyme-literate MD/physician, a Lyme researcher from Univ of PA, and a PA Representative.  See all of these details below.  As an FYI -- Senator Greenleaf in our region has been working to get Lyme legislation through the Senate for over 10 years, and recently reintroduced this legislation in February.  We are meeting with him next week
 
Consider this:  most people in our area get infected with Lyme in our local parks/play/sport fields and/or their own backyards -- children are the most likely victims, and the presentation of their illness is often behavioral - atypical behavior changes, mood swings, oppositional behavior, forgetfulness, decreased stamina, reddening of the ears in late afternoon, evening, sleep problems, stomach pain, headaches (migraines), forgetfulness/disorganized behavior, social withdrawal, loss of previously acquired skills, learning disabilities, etc.  Columbia University found that Lyme infection can affect cognitive and learning functionality significantly, causing as much as a 20 point drop in IQ.  These are serious diseases that affect our children's ability to learn, and to progress through normal developmental sequences.
 
So, you are invited to attend this event - inform yourself and understand prevention.  Please pass this information on to others who you think would be interested.  Attached is a flyer for the event, and below is the Worcester Township email /website information with all location details.
 
Lastly -- there will be another showing with Representative Josh Shapiro, Dr. Ann Corson, and another researcher May 17th 3:30pm at The Ambler Theater if you can't make this one. We'll send out a reminder on this later in April.
 
Thank you for your time!  - Julia Wagner, Tanglewood Drive  Details Below:
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 1:08 PM
Subject: News from Worcester Township

 
Worcester Township
Montgomery County Lyme Information & Support Group  
 
A viewing of the award-winning film
 "Under Our Skin"
 
Free Showing at Worcester Community Hall
Sunday, April 19, 2009 · 3 p.m.
 
Worcester Township Community Hall
1031 Valley Forge Road
Worcester Township Announcement
FREE LYME DISEASE FILM SCREENING
Worcester Township Announces...
 
April 19, 2009 Lyme Disease Film Screening
Worcester, PA - April 14, 2009 - The Montgomery County Lyme Information & Support Group will host a free screening of the movie "Under our Skin" on Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 3pm at the Worcester Township Community Hall, 1031 Valley Forge Road.
Quick Links
Worcester Township
Post Office Box 767
1721 Valley Forge Road
Worcester, PA 19490
P: 610-584-1410
F: 610-584-8901
Worcester Township
1721 Valley Forge Road, Worcester, PA 19490
 
Administrative Office Hours: 8:00AM-4:30PM, Monday-Friday
http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001lIzAYwypGmjhIALgLlqCZBtRY52rcHmjRZzAPdjfBCvPyGYtG5ZN_wqAMN8QOMCx21XFIg8pgww=&p=un http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=press03
Worcester Township | 1721 Valley Forge Road | Post Office Box 767 | Worcester | PA | 19490

A viewing of the award-winning film

 "Under Our Skin"

 

Free Showing at Worcester Community Hall

Sunday, April 19, 2009 · 3 p.m.

 

e-mail MontCoLyme@aol.com

 

Lyme Disease is a "hidden" epidemic in our communities.  Few know that new Lyme infections have surpassed AIDS in recent years.  Since Worcester and our surrounding areas are prime deer tick habitat there is a good chance that you or someone in your family has been bitten and could be infected.  The disease is often called "The Great Imitator" because its symptoms mimic common ailments and are not immediately apparent to either the victim or the doctor, often delaying the diagnosis and making the disease much more difficult to treat.  According to the Center for Disease Control, Pennsylvania has been #1 or #2 in new cases of Lyme for the past 5 years.  This film is a must-see for all living in Southeastern PA communities.  Build your awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection of these diseases often contracted in our own back yards.  This award-winning documentary follows the stories of patients and physicians as they battle for their lives and livelihoods, and brings into focus a haunting picture of our health care system and its ability to cope with a silent terror under our skin.

 

Guest speakers with expertise on Lyme Disease will be available for discussion at the end of the film:

o       Dr. Martin Mulders, MD, a Lyme Literate Physician

o       Dustin Brisson, PhD, Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania (where he performs research related to the spread of Lyme Disease).

and PA Representative Mike Vereb will also attend, and join the discussion.

 

This screening is hosted by the Montgomery County Lyme Information & Support Group (MontCoLyme@aol.com).  Free resources and information will be provided.

 

DATE & TIME:            Sunday, April 19, 2009, 3:00pm

Location Details:      Worcester Community Hall 1031 Valley Forge Road, Worcester, PA 19490

MORE FILM INFO:     www.openeyepictures.com

SHOW DETAILS:        MontCoLyme@aol.com for add'l information or call Karen Simeone at 610-584-2075. 

 

This film received not only one, but two Freddie awards, sponsored by the International Health and Medical Media Awards and considered to be the "Oscars" of health care films.  This award event was held here in our own Philadelphia last fall.  A dramatic tale of microbes, medicine and money, this eye-opening film investigates the untold story of Lyme disease, an emerging epidemic that has surpassed AIDS in recent years.  Following the stories of patients and physicians as they battle for their lives and livelihoods, the film brings into focus a haunting picture of our health care system.  The film has been called "the most important documentary to come out this year", and is "well-researched, suspenseful and artfully shot"..  A must-see for all living in Southeastern PA communities which have witnessed an unprecedented recent rise in Lyme infections, and severity of the infections. 

 

This screening is sponsored by Montgomery County LymeAction PA, representing individuals and families afflicted by these diseases in our communities.  MontCoLyme is a sister organization to the Lyme Disease Association of Southeastern PA, a 501c3 non-profit organization (www.lymepa.org).  MontCoLyme has monthly meetings the last Monday of each month at 7pm, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church of North Wales, PA 19454.  See http://www.lymepa.org/html/montco_lyme_info_support.html.

 




Wednesday, April 15, 2009

neighborhood news


Dear neighbors,
I have several news items for you this time...be sure to read down through all of them!

1. A letter is attached from Linda Callegari about an event happening at Pennypack Mills this Saturday...it sounds great.

2. A neighbor wrote that some kids were shooting paintball guns at her house a couple of weeks ago. The stains on the siding did wash away but obviously, we do not want this to happen to anyone. She was also concerned about scaring any pets that are outdoors. Let's all keep an eye out and discourage any paintball activity. Thanks...

3. Ashley Smyth wrote that she found a silver hoop earring after the progressive dinner - let me know if it belongs to you...I"ll connect you.

4. Here is a note from a neighbor looking for a painter. Please send your recommendations to her and a copy to me, please.

Carol-
I live on Lindsay Drive and just moved in this past August. I was wondering if you know of a painter that could paint the outside of our house, or if you could email the neighborhood and see if anyone has a recommendation. thank you!
Fran Margolis
215-699-2303
franmargolis@gmail.com


5. See below for a neighbor looking for support for her cancer run.

Dear Neighbors,

I recently joined the team at my high school that will be participating in the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure® to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research.  We will be running this race next month on Mother's Day.
 
Did you know that one in eight women will be stricken with breast cancer in her lifetime?  My close friend's mother is fighting this battle right now. Please join me in the fight against breast cancer by making a donation by April 26th! 
 
It is really easy to do.  You can donate online by clicking on the link below which will direct you to my personal page.  If you then click on make a gift you can pick your amount and pay using your credit card.  Whatever you can give will help! 
 

I truly appreciate your help.  Thank you so much for your time and support in the fight against breast cancer!

Sincerely,
Gianna Esposito
Stonington Circle




Tuesday, March 31, 2009

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
We had another great progressive dinner on the weekend! Just can't beat the combination of great food, gracious hosts, and the best company! Many thanks to our hosts, the Costas, the Reisners, and the Smyths! Ashley and Collier have already offered to host a summer party so stay tuned in July. (:

I have a couple of notes to pass on:
Bruce is looking for a dog sitter
Leslie is looking for driveway paver recommendations and wondering if anyone wants to form a group to get a better price.
Would you please respond to me with suggestions for the above? I will forward them to Bruce and Leslie and to Stacey to put in our directory. Thanks!

I also have my own request - does anyone have a shore home in Delaware - Rehobeth beach or Bethany beach-  or know someone else who has one? We are trying to gather some info about the area.

Take care and Happy Spring!

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

Sunday, March 22, 2009

neighborhood dinner

Last call for people to come to our progressive dinner on March 28! Come celebrate the beginning of spring with your neighbors!
We will start at 6 p.m.  Email me if you are able to come....today!
Thanks,
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

Monday, March 16, 2009

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
I have 3 notes below for you...I've been distracted organizing an event lately so I'm sorry I didn't get these out sooner.  The opportunity to use your Recycle bank points sounds great - if you haven't checked on how many points you have, I think you will be surprised!

Unfortunately, I also have some bad news to pass on. One of our neighbors had her car broken into a couple of weeks ago. It was parked in her driveway and locked. They broke in through the window and stole some valuables that were in the car.  No one was hurt and they did not attempt to get into the house. Just a reminder to be careful to lock your cars and try not to leave valuable items out there. I have only heard of the one incident.

Lastly, don't forget to respond to me about the Progressive Dinner! It is only 2 weeks away now...I need to know whether you can come and bring food or host. I still need both!
Thank you,
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775


As I look around this house I know it is time for a garage sale.  I am hoping that others in the neighborhood feel the same way.  I was thinking of having it earlier at the beginning of  the garage sale season. How about later April - early May.  If  people want to get back to me I will keep a list.  We could all share an ad and if we had enough maybe it would be only a few bucks per house. 
Please let me know if there is any interest.    (Please respond directly to Eva at deobrien@comcast.net

Thanks

Eva O'Brien 


Would you please notify the neighborhood group of a good house cleaner and baby sitter? Her name is Fabiane Malacarne. She goes by Fabi and is local to the area. She can be reached at 215-260-8229.

George C. Brady, III
Vice President
PDS
Direct: 610-238-4617




---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ischermcan@comcast.net>
Date: Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Subject: Awesome Recyclebank donation program that helps Lower Gwynedd school and park!!
To: Gwynedd Knoll Neighborhood <gwyneddknoll@gmail.com>

Carol,

Can you please forward this message to the neighborhood email address?   It is a great program to use recycle bank points to help the neighborhood schools.  Thanks so much!

 Ilene  Cantos

 
Neighbors,

 I am sure that you have been busy collecting recycling in your new blue recyclebank bin.   But, have you used any of your recyclebank points that have collected in your account?    If you are like me, the answer is probably no.   I have been collecting points but haven't used any since the program began.     But I am excited to share a new way that you can use points while donating to the local schools in our area.    Both Lower Gwynedd Elementary and the Wissahickon Educational Opportunities Foundation (WEOF) are asking for donations of recyclebank points.  (Please see project descriptions below.)   Through www.recyclebank.com, you can donate your points and recyclebank will give $$ directly to the organizations.   Ten dollars is given to the organization for every 100 points donated.     Donations can be made through the recyclebank website now until April 15.

 
To donate your points:

 
1) Go to www.recyclebank.com

 

2) Log in to your account using your personalized user name and password

 

3) Go under "Redeem Rewards".

 

4) Go under "Donations"

 

5) On the bottom of that page, you will see "Favorite Donations".  Scroll through those to find the two donations listed below.   As of 3/2/09,  Lower Gwynedd was listed on that first page and WEOF was on the third page.

 

Descriptions of the local projects that recyclebank donations will help are listed below:

 
Lower Gwynedd Elementary

Reward Description:

Lower Gwynedd Elementary School will present a week long celebration of Earth Week, from April 20 through April 24. On April 21, we will present an all school assembly to 470 students designed to make our students more aware of the part they can play in protecting our planet in future years from the adverse effects of not recycling on a daily basis.

We are trying to do this in a 'fun' way…Our assembly will be conducted by Rick Adam, Encore Productions, who will be assisted by Rusty the recycling dog. Rick will use audience participation, story-telling magic, juggling, hand shadows and Rick's Original One-Man Junk Band to offer fun-loving tips on how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Through this ingenious, high energy performance, our students will discover creative ways that we can become more planet-friendly.

The focus of the performance will be on ecology awareness, how to be 'planet friendly', how and why to reduce, reuse, recycle, how to protect and conserve our natural resources, how to create less trash, and alternative sources of energy.



Wissahickon Educational Opportunities Foundation (WEOF)

(Located on page 3 of Favorite Donations)

Reward Description:

The Wissahickon Educational Opportunities Foundation (WEOF) proposes to establish a nature center program that will be used by all levels of the Wissahickon School District. It will include a trail through woodland, woodland wetland and meadow areas, bird blinds and feeders and a teaching pavilion adjacent to Lower Gwynedd Elementary School. This center will support environmental education programming at the elementary and secondary levels.   This program will address the problem of creating an effective way to teach students about the environment and the importance of conservation in an era when so many children are not even exposed to the outdoors. Teaching these lessons in the classroom can never be as effective as having an outdoor laboratory right on school grounds. Science classes and clubs at all levels will be able to participate in this program during and after school by taking a short walk from their school's front door.
 
 
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING THE LOCAL SCHOOL PROJECTS AND HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT AT THE SAME TIME!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

neighborhood progessive dinner

Dear neighbors,
Attached is a flyer about our annual dinner on Saturday, March 28. I hope you have saved the date on your calendar....now is the time to sign up! Looking forward to seeing many of you there! Let's get together to celebrate spring. (:

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775

Friday, February 20, 2009

neighborhood news - lost cat

Dear neighbors,
Please see the important info below about a cat that was lost in the 'hood. Call with any information...the family is understandably upset to lose her. Feel free to forward this to anyone else you know in the area.

Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775


Hi Everyone!
 We Have Lost a Cat. She is black and white. 1 1/2 yr. cat who doesn't go outside. Izzy is her name.
 I don't know if she would come to you , but please call if you see her 215-661-0426 / 215 450-2029.
We lost her on 2-10-09. We live at 1613 Claudia way. Please keep an eye out for her. Thank you!!  Sharon Lasorda

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

neighborhood news

Dear neighbors,
Please see the note below from a neighbor, recommending her cleaning service. Seems like someone is always asking about one! Also, I have a request for someone to do outdoor painting - let me know if you recommend someone.
I have also attached an Excel sheet with the directory of recommended services from neighbors. Many thanks to Stacy Kimmel for putting this together. She is ready to add more names and categories if you would like to email her with suggestions at skim0323@aol.com

Lastly, I hope you have put March 28 on your calendar for the annual progressive dinner! It will be a Spring Fling theme. We start at 6:00 with appetizers, split up to 4 or 5 homes for dinner entree, and regroup at one house for dessert at 9:00. Watch for more details to follow but plan on attending! Let me know if you are interested in hosting. Thanks for the inquiries already made. (:
Carol
--
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com
215-661-8775


Would you please pass along the following to all Gwynedd Knoll neighbors. This young couple started their business and are trying to get it going even more. They were recommended to me by another GK neighbor and I have been pleased. They are very responsive and do general cleaning in my home 2x/month.
Jim and Courtney
(267) 481-3138 (Jim)
(267) 438-5211 (Courtney)
 
If anyone is interested in a little house cleaning help, please give them a call.
 
Tish Baldez
Claudia Way



Monday, January 19, 2009

neighborhood meeting changed

Dear neighbors,
We decided to postpone tonight's meeting about the progressive dinner until tomorrow, that's Tuesday, same place (my house) and time. (7:30)
Who knew it would snow so much?! Please come and join us to make plans for our annual event.
Thanks,
Carol Pfister
215-661-8775

neighborhood meeting reminder

Dear neighbors,
I just wanted to remind you that we will hold a meeting to plan the progressive dinner tonight. It will be at my house beginning at 7:30 pm. Please come whenever you can and catch up with the neighborhood news!
My address is 1421 Cambridge - the corner of Cambridge and Uxbridge. I have a circular driveway - please feel free to park up by the door in this snowy weather! Phone is 215-661-8775.
See you then...
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com