Community Resources

Domestic Violence

2012-02-16T14:26:00.000-05:00

If you are a victim of domestic violence or if you know or suspect it is occurring, seek help.
Montgomery County Women’s Center can be reached at 610-970-7363; the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County can be reached at 610-431-1430; Berks County Women in Crisis can be reached at 610-372-9540; and Laurel House can be reached at 610-277-1860.
The SAFE Project can help abusers stop being abusive. The Children’s SAFE Project can help kids who witness or are affected by violence in the family. For information on these programs call 610-326-9250 ext. 1197.

Winter preparedness

2012-01-23T15:53:00.003-05:00

The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by:

• Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.

• Heeding Storm Warnings: A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio or television stations. A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

• Preparing Your Home and Car: Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing.

For more information on winter storm preparedness, contact the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross at www.redcrossphilly.org.

Ways to conserve water after a flood

2011-09-12T15:07:00.004-04:00

After the record floods caused by Tropical Storm Lee, The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection asked residents of flood-stricken areas to conserve water to reduce the load on local wastewater treatment plants, many of which were be either partially or fully inoperable due to the flooding.

DEP recommends that residents, businesses and other institutions follow these guidelines after flooding affects their water treatment plants:

• If you have more than one toilet, use one for urination and use it at least twice before flushing. This can save five to seven gallons per flush. Users should keep toilet lids shut and keep children and pets away from toilets that have not been flushed. Avoid unnecessary flushing by disposing of facial tissues and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Place a plastic jug of water or commercial “dam” in older toilet tanks to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush, which can save more than 1,000 gallons a year.
• Verify that your home is leak-free. Many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water and a second sink or basin with rinse water. If additional rinsing is needed, quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet. Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin, not under running water.
• Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator and do not let the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow.
• Wash clothes and use the dishwasher only when you have a full load, and set it to use the minimum amount of water required.
• Take quick showers and save an average of 20 gallons of water.
• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving, saving more than five gallons of water per day.

Precautions to take when cleaning up flood damage

2011-09-12T15:01:00.003-04:00

HARRISBURG - The Department of Environmental Protection is advising residents whose homes or businesses have been affected by flood waters to take a number of precautions to assure a safe cleanup.

“Thousands of people and homes have been impacted by the tragic flooding in the commonwealth over the past several days. It is gut-wrenching to see the many pictures of the devastation, destruction and human suffering,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “People need to be very careful when returning to their homes and businesses and must be aware of a number of precautions they need to take to ensure their safety and good health.”

Homeowners who suffered flood damage should note these cleanup guidelines:

• Be careful when entering a flood-damaged building. Loose, wet ceiling plaster is heavy and dangerous, so knock down hanging plaster before moving around. Watch for holes in the floor and loose boards with exposed nails.
• Once inside, turn off the gas and electricity. Wear rubber-soled shoes or boots and rubber gloves and turn off the main switch using a piece of rubber, plastic or dry wood while standing on a dry board to avoid electrocution.
• Do not pump the basement until the water has gone down, as pumping a water-filled basement could result in the walls collapsing.
• Never use a gas-powered pump or generator in an enclosed area; carbon monoxide fumes could overcome you.
• Test plumbing and basement drains by pouring a bucket of water in them. If the water does not run out, remove the clean-out plug from the trap and rake out the mud with a wire.
• Do not rush to move back into your home. Before a house is habitable, it must be dried and thoroughly cleaned, since flood waters pick up sewage and chemicals as they travel.
• Open doors and windows to ventilate and dry the inside, and wait until all floors, ceilings, walls and furnishings are dry and free of mold and mildew before trying to repair or salvage them.
• Everything that flood water has touched should be disinfected. Scrub down walls and any other smooth, hard surfaces with a solution made of clean water and two-percent chlorine bleach. Two to three capfuls of chlorine bleach to a bucket of water are recommended. Wear gloves when disinfecting surfaces.
• Do not attempt to repair floors until they are fully dry. Dry wood floors as soon as possible by opening all doors and windows, which should prevent them from shrinking and deforming. Once dry, buckled floors may be drawn back into place with nails, and planing and sanding may remove humps.
• Remove drawers and clean all mud and dirt from wooden furniture. Be sure to dry furniture slowly and indoors to prevent the sun from warping it.
• If possible, simply air-dry family treasures such as books, photographs or paintings. If wet books, documents, photographs or textiles cannot be air-dried within 48 hours, freeze them if you have a freezer that is large enough. If not, keep them as cool as possible until air-drying is possible.
• Washers, dryers and furnaces can usually be cleaned and tested by qualified electricians. Replacing expensive appliances after a flood is usually not necessary.
• Mattresses, carpets and rugs should be discarded. In most cases, mattresses and rugs become so saturated with contaminated material that cleaning attempts are futile.

To deal with leaking home fuel tanks in flooded basements, remove the fuel oil from the surface of the water and place it in a container for disposal. The water that is under the product can be directed to the nearest waterway. After pumping your basement, try to remove and place in a container any remaining product and stop the leak in the tank.

If your private groundwater well or spring has been flooded, follow specific disinfection instructions to temporarily address the problem. These can be found in the Flood-related Information tab at www.dep.state.pa.us. You will need a bucket, garden hose, funnel and chlorinating compound, which is sold in liquid and granular form at grocery and home-improvement stores.

Even after the disinfection process is completed, water should be tested for bacteria. DEP’s regional offices will be equipped by Monday with test kits to distribute at no cost to residents. For contact information for the regional office in your area, consult the Regional Resources tab of DEP’s website. Until tested and found potable, continue to use bottled water or bring your water to a rolling boil and let it boil for at least one minute. Bottled or boiled water should be used for drinking, cooking, food preparation, dishwashing, making ice and coffee, mixing baby formula and brushing teeth.

For assistance beyond what is available on DEP’s website, call 1-866-255-5158 any time or consult the Penn State University Cooperative Extension’s Master Well Owner Network at http://extension.psu.edu/water/mwon.

For more information, visit the Flood-related Information page at www.dep.state.pa.us.

What to do in a flood

2011-08-25T10:06:00.003-04:00

The Chester County Health Dept. issued this advice on safety during floods.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

• Listen to local radio and television stations for possible flood warnings and reports of
flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service
(NWS)
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moments’ notice with your supplies. (see list below)
• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and
do not return until the area is declared safe.
• Stay away from moving flood waters. Do not walk through fl owing water. If the water
level is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. If you MUST walk
through a flooded area, use a pole or stick to enable contact with the ground. If you are
caught in an automobile on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get
out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Cars can be swept away in just two
feet of moving water. Do not drive around drive around road barriers.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED

• Water - at least a 3 day supply; one gallon per person, per day
• Food - at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food
• Flashlights and batteries
• Battery powered or hand crank radio
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses,
contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
• Multipurpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, birth
certificate, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Extra blankets
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Extra clothing and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen

WHAT DO I DO AFTER A FLOOD?

• Return home only when offi cials have declared the area safe.
• Before entering your home, check outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other
damage.
• If your home is partially damaged or collapsed, approach entrances carefully. Make sure that porch roofs and
overhangs are still supported.
• Be alert for wild animals.
• If you smell natural gas or propane, or hear a hissing noise, leave IMMEDIATELY and call the fi re department.
• If power lines are down outside of your home, do not step in any puddles or standing water.
• Make sure food and perishable items are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with fl oodwater, including
canned goods, water bottles, medications, cosmetics, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt,
throw it out!
• Do not use potentially contaminated water to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice, or
make baby formula.
• Check with the Chester County Health Department (www.chesco.org/health) for recommendations for boiling or
treating water in your area after a disaster, as water may be contaminated.
Because standard homeowners insurance does not cover fl ooding, it is important to have protection from fl oods
associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions. For information on fl ood insurance, visit
the National Flood Insurance Program Website.

Local swimming pools

2011-07-27T10:12:00.002-04:00

Following is a list of outdoor public and private pools in the area. Many, but not all, offer day rates. The list includes all pools of which we were aware.

Amity Township Athletic Club (www.tcteams.com/swimamityac): 55 Amity Park Road, Amity; swim team, snack bar.

Bally Community Pool (www.co.berks.pa.us/bally/site/default.asp): 4 Chestnut St., Bally; playground, volleyball, tennis, basketball, pavilions. Opened in late 1960s.

Boyertown Community Pool (www.boyertownymca.org): 417 South Madison St., Boyertown; swim team. Opened in 1962

French Creek State Park (www.frenchcreekpool.com); Route 345, Union; pavilion, snack bar, boat rentals, ballfields, playgrounds, frisbee golf, hiking trails.

Hickory Park Pool (www.newhanover-pa.org/): 2138 Big Road, New Hanover; pavilions

Hillside Aquatic Club (www.hillsideaquatic.com/): 134 W. Moyer Road, Upper Pottsgrove; swim team, pavilion, volleyball, basketball, snack bar, kiddie pool. Opened in 1967.

Laurelwood Swim Club (laurelwoodswimclub.net/): 801 Union Ave., North Coventry; swim team, snack bar. Opened in 1960

Maple Springs Pool (www.maplespringspool.com/); 415 Chestnut St., Birdsboro; swim team, pavilion, snack bar, kiddie pool.

Markley Farms Swim and Tennis Club (markleyfarms.org) 2407 Chestnut Ave., Eagleville; four pools; tennis, basketball, volleyall, two playgrounds, snack bar.

Marsh Creek State Park (www.marshcreeklake.com/swimming pool) 657 Park Road, Upper Uwchlan; splash pad, pavilion, snack bar, lap pool, boat rental.

Nine Oaks Swim and Tennis Club (www.9oaks.org): 777 Mennonite Road, Upper Providence; kiddie pool, shuffleboard, tennis, basketball, volleyball, snack bar. Opened 1966.

North End Swimming Club (northendswimmingclub.com/): North Adams and Prospect streets, Pottstown; swim team, pavilion, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, baseball, snack bar, baby pool, playground. Opened in 1960.

Phoenixville YMCA (www.fvymca.org): 400 E. Potthouse Road, Phoenixville; full YMCA with three outdoor pools and two indoor pools, gym facilities.

Skippack Pool (www.skippackpool.com): 1224 Cressman Road, Skippack; swim team, pavilion, snack bar.

Spring City Community Pool (www.springcitypa.net/the_pool.htm) 268 Brown St., Spring City; scuba lessons, pavilion, snack bar.

Spring Valley YMCA (www.fvymca.org): 19 W. Linfield-Trappe Road, Limerick; full YMCA with two indoor pools, gym facilities, etc.

Upper Perkiomen YMCA (www.fvymca.org): 476 Pottstown Ave., Pennsburg; full YMCA, gym facilities, skate-park etc.

Valley Forge Mountain Swim Club (610-783-1930): 1025 Horsehoe Trail, East Pikeland.

Water World (www.waterworldrec/com): 655 Schuylkill Road, East Pikeland; children's pool with slides, family pool with slides and rope swing, volleyball, snack bar, pavilion.

Water safety advice from Army Corps of Engineers

2011-07-27T10:09:00.001-04:00

* Learn to Swim and Practice Floating - Learning to swim is one of your best defenses against drowning, besides wearing a life jacket. Also, teaching those you love simple survival floating skills can help, because hopefully when your swimming ability is reduced from exhaustion, remembering how to relax and float can save your life.

* Never Exceed Your Swimming Abilities or Swim Alone - Regardless of how well you swim you could have to fight for your life due to unexpected conditions. A fellow swimmer can help you out when you encounter the unexpected.

* Don't Dive in Lakes and Rivers (Open Waters) - Open water situations where water depth is unknown and conditions are constantly changing with floating or underwater debris can be very dangerous.

* Wearing a Coast Guard approved life jacket can save your life - it only takes an adult an average of 60 seconds to drown and on average it takes 10 minutes for a strong swimmer to put on a life jacket after entering the water. If you will not wear it for yourself then wear it for those who love you.

* Alcohol and Water are a Deadly Combination - When under water and under the influence of alcohol or drugs you can suffer from an inner ear condition (caloric labyrinthitis) that causes you to become disoriented and not know which way is up. The use of alcohol and drugs can also affect your coordination, judgment and reaction time, and could lead to deadly consequences.

How to handle a heat wave

2011-06-08T09:31:00.002-04:00

Below is advice from the American Red Cross on what to do during a heat wave.

How can I prepare?

Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined. Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index by as much as 15° F.
Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work and school—and prepare for the possibility of power outages.
Check the contents of your emergency preparedness kit in case a power outage occurs.
Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).
Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.
Ensure that your animals’ needs for water and shade are met

What should I do during a heat wave?

Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Eat small meals and eat more often.
Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Postpone outdoor games and activities.
Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

Recognize and care for heat related emergencies

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids.
Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity.

Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.
Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition.
If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself.

Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature.
Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by giving care as you would for heat exhaustion. If needed, continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits.

How to dispose of unwanted medicines

2011-04-29T16:36:00.004-04:00

Is your medicine cabinet filled with expired drugs or medications you no longer use? How should you dispose of them?

Click here for an informative slideshow on this topic

Most drugs can be thrown in the household trash, but consumers should take certain precautions before tossing them out, according to the Food and Drug Administration. A few drugs should be flushed down the toilet, and a growing number of community-based "take-back" programs offer another safe disposal alternative.

Guidelines for Drug Disposal

The FDA worked with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to develop the first consumer guide for proper disposal of prescription drugs. Issued by ONDCP in February 2007 and updated in October 2009, the federal guidelines are summarized here:

* Follow any specific disposal instructions on the drug label or patient information that accompanies the medication. Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet unless this information specifically instructs you to do so.
* Take advantage of community drug take-back programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. Call your city or county government's household trash and recycling service (see blue pages in the phone book) to see if a take-back program is available in your community. The Drug Enforcement Administration, working with state and local law enforcement agencies, is sponsoring National Prescription Drug Take Back Days throughout the United States.
* If no instructions are given on the drug label and no take-back program is available in your area, throw the drugs in the household trash, but first:
1. Take them out of their original containers and mix them with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter. The medication will be less appealing to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may intentionally go through your trash.
2. Put them in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container to prevent the medication from leaking or breaking out of a garbage bag.

The FDA's Deputy Director of the Office of Compliance Ilisa Bernstein, Pharm.D., J.D., offers some additional tips:
* Before throwing out a medicine container, scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label to make it unreadable. This will help protect your identity and the privacy of your personal health information.
* Do not give medications to friends. Doctors prescribe drugs based on a person's specific symptoms and medical history. A drug that works for you could be dangerous for someone else.
* When in doubt about proper disposal, talk to your pharmacist.

Bernstein says the same disposal methods for prescription drugs could apply to over-the-counter drugs as well.

Why the Precautions?

Disposal instructions on the label are part of the FDA's "risk mitigation" strategy, says Capt. Jim Hunter, R.Ph., M.P.H., senior program manager on FDA's Controlled Substance staff. When a drug contains instructions to flush it down the toilet, he says, it's because FDA, working with the manufacturer, has determined this method to be the most appropriate route of disposal that presents the least risk to safety.

Drugs such as powerful narcotic pain relievers and other controlled substances carry instructions for flushing to reduce the danger of unintentional use or overdose and illegal abuse. For example, the fentanyl patch, an adhesive patch that delivers a potent pain medicine through the skin, comes with instructions to flush used or leftover patches. Too much fentanyl can cause severe breathing problems and lead to death in babies, children, pets, and even adults, especially those who have not been prescribed the drug.
"Even after a patch is used, a lot of the drug remains in the patch," says Hunter, "so you wouldn't want to throw something in the trash that contains a powerful and potentially dangerous narcotic that could harm others."

Environmental Concerns

Despite the safety reasons for flushing drugs, some people are questioning the practice because of concerns about trace levels of drugs found in surface water, such as rivers and lakes, and in some community drinking water supplies. The main way drug residue enters water systems is by people taking medications and then naturally passing them through their bodies, says Raanan Bloom, Ph.D., an environmental assessment expert in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Most drugs are not completely absorbed or metabolized by the body, and enter the environment after passing through waste water treatment plants."

A company that wants the FDA to approve its drug must submit an application package to the agency. FDA requires, as part of the application package, an assessment of how the drug's use would affect the environment. Some drug applications are excluded from the assessment requirement, says Bloom, based on previous agency actions.

"For those drugs for which environmental assessments have been required, there has been no indication of environmental effects due to flushing," says Bloom. In addition, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, scientists to date have found no evidence of adverse human health effects from pharmaceutical residues in the environment.

Nonetheless, FDA does not want to add drug residues into water systems unnecessarily, says Hunter. The agency reviewed its drug labels to identify products with disposal directions recommending flushing or disposal down the sink. This continuously revised listing can be found on the FDA's Web page on Disposal of Unused Medicines.

Another environmental concern lies with inhalers used by people who have asthma or other breathing problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Traditionally, many inhalers have contained chlorofluorocarbons, a propellant that damages the protective ozone layer. The CFC inhalers are being phased out and replaced with more environmentally friendly inhalers.

Depending on the type of product and where you live, inhalers and aerosol products may be thrown into household trash or recyclables, or may be considered hazardous waste and require special handling. Read the handling instructions on the label, as some inhalers should not be punctured or thrown into a fire or incinerator. To ensure safe disposal, contact your local trash and recycling facility.

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates

What to do in a thunderstorm

2011-04-28T13:17:00.002-04:00

How can I prepare ahead of time?

* Learn about your local community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms
* Discuss thunderstorm safety with all members of your household
* Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail
* Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a severe thunderstorm
* Make trees and shrubbery more wind resistant by keeping them trimmed and removing damaged branches
* Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are protected in the same way as your home
* Consult your local fire department if you are considering installing lightning rods
* Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies
* Put together an emergency preparedness kit:
Water—one gallon per person, per day
Food—nonperishable, easytoprepare
Flashlight
Batterypowered or handcrank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7day supply) and medical items
Multipurpose tool
Sanitation & personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents
Cell phone with chargers
Family & emergency contact information
Extra cash

What should I do during a thunderstorm?

* Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
* Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.
* If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.
* If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors! The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.
* Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use batterypoweredTVsandradios instead.
* Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows.
* Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
* If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
* If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.

What do I do after a thunderstorm?

After the Storm Passes:

Never drive through a flooded roadway. Turn around, don’t drown!

Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.

Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.

Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled.

Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.

Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.

If Lightning Strikes …

Follow these steps if someone has been struck by lightning:

Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Anyone who has sustained a lightning strike requires professional medical care.

Check the person for burns and other injuries. If the person has stopped breathing, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR. If the person is breathing normally, look for other possible injuries and care for them as necessary. People who have been struck by lightning do not retain an electrical charge and can be handled safely.

If your community has experienced a disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site available through RedCross.org to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.

Information from the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter

How nuclear power plants work

2011-04-20T14:04:00.004-04:00

Click here for an interactive diagram by The Associated Press showing the cyclical process of how water is used in a nuclear plant.

Identifying recalled products

2011-04-08T13:17:00.000-04:00

FDA Consumer Safety Officer Armando Zamora explains what to do if you think you may have a recalled product. There are many numbers and dates on the foods, drugs, cosmetics, and other products we use every day. Some help manufacturers track inventory, while others help retailers ensure quality. But when unsafe products must be removed from the market, these numbers and dates can also help identify them quickly.

Affordable housing resources available in Chester County

2011-03-16T15:53:00.000-04:00

The helps low- to moderate-income homeowners correct local code violations in their homes. Violations may include, but are not limited to, structural, plumbing, heating and electrical problems. The eligible applicant must be the owner of the home and the household's annual gross income must not exceed 80 percent of the area median income. The maximum amount of funding per single family dwelling is $25,000.

For more information, contact:

Housing Partnership of Chester County

41 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335

610-518-1522

Home Maintenance Program

This program provides assistance to homeowners who are age 65 or older with moderate home repairs and modifications such as roof, minor plumbing, flooring repairs and general repairs that may improve the physical functioning of the elderly client. The eligible applicant must be the owner of the home and the household's annual gross income must not exceed 50 percent of the area median income. The maximum amount of funding per single family dwelling unit is $4,500.

For more information or to obtain an application, contact:

Housing Partnership of Chester County

41 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335

610-518-1522

Credit Counseling Program

The Credit Counseling Program provides, free of charge, counseling to people who are having credit problems. Program staff work with applicants to remedy and prevent future credit problems, develop a household budget and set a time frame in which the results would be achieved. Regular meetings are scheduled to ensure all steps are being followed and progress is being made.

For further information, contact:

Housing Partnership of Chester County

41 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335

maria-hpcc@verizon.net

Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program

The Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program provides mortgage assistance for Pennsylvania families in danger of losing their home to foreclosure. The program was created by Act 91 of 1983 and is the only one of its kind in the nation. It helps homeowners who, through no fault of their own, are financially unable to make their mortgage payments regardless of income.

Program participants receive loans to help bring delinquent payments current, and may be eligible for continuing payment assistance for as long as 24 months. Under the program, mortgage payments are made directly to lenders on the homeowner's behalf.

For further information, contact:

Housing Partnership of Chester County

41 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335

610-518-1522

maria-hpcc@earthlink.net

Home Repair Program

Good Works, a nonprofit Christian ministry, uses DCD funding to supplement volunteer efforts to make home repairs for homeowners who cannot afford to pay for the repairs themselves. The eligible applicant must be the owner of the home and the household's annual gross income must not exceed 150 to 175 percent of the poverty level. The estimated cost of repairs is generally under $5,000 per household served.

For more information, contact:

Good Works Inc.

544 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320

610-383-6311

Good Neighbors/Koinonia Christian Ministries

205 E. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348

610-444-1860

Weatherization Assistance

If your house or apartment is cold and drafty because of poor insulation and a creaky, old furnace, but you cannot afford to make repairs, there is help available through the Weatherization Assistance Program. The eligible applicant's household annual gross income must not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level. Eligible households can benefit from a high-tech computerized assessment of energy use and air leakage. Using the results of the assessment, a trained crew will visit the house to tune up the furnace, install energy saving insulation, weather stripping, and pipe wrap as needed. This is a free service.

For more information, contact:

Housing Development Corp.

308 E. King St., Lancaster, PA 17602

800-732-3554

Home Modification Program

The Home Modification Program provides assistance to individuals with permanent disabilities in making their current residence more accessible. Modifications may include, but are not limited to, ramps, lifts, door and hallway widening, kitchen and bathroom modifications, visual doorbells, audio phones and visual phone signalers. The eligible applicant must have a verifiable permanent disability and the household's annual gross income must not exceed 80 percent of the area median income.

For more information, contact:

Housing Partnership of Chester County

41 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335

610-518-1522

First-Time Homebuyers' Program

This program provides education in addition to direct financial assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers whose income does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income. Financial counseling and homeownership training are prerequisites to receiving down payment and closing cost assistance.

For more information, contact:

Housing Partnership of Chester County

41 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335

610-518-1522

Housing Authority of the County of Chester — Section 8 Rent Assistance

The Housing Authority administers the Section 8 rent assistance program, which is ongoing rent assistance for low-income people, and public housing, which is permanent rental housing, in Chester County.

For more information, contact:

Housing Authority of the County of Chester

30 W. Barnard St., West Chester, PA 19382

610-436-9200

Chester County WIC program information

2011-03-16T15:50:00.001-04:00

Infants who are not breastfed receive formula. For families with children age 6 months, cereal and baby food fruits and vegetables are added to their vouchers.

WIC GUIDELINES

Family of two: Annual gross income of no more than $26,995.

Family of three: Annual income of no more than $33,875.

Family of four: Family income of no more than $40,793.

WIC helps families find other health or social services they need such as dental care, early intervention or child care.

WIC provides breastfeeding education and support. Breastfeeding moms and their babies receive more food than any other participants during baby's first year.

WIC CLINICS

Coatesville:

1001 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, 610-383-3824

Toughkenamon:

Tower Center, Suite 400A, 1120 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, 610-268-5153

West Chester:

Chester County Health Department, Government Services Center, Suite 180, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester, 610-344-6240.

Satellite locations are in Oxford, 610-268-5153; Phoenixville, 610-344-6240; and Spring City, 610-344-6240.

Medical, prescription assistance in Chesco

2011-03-16T15:47:00.001-04:00

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Chester County Assistance Office (Medicaid): 610-466-1000 or 888-814-4698.

AmeriChoice of PA: 800-321-4462

APPRISE Health Insurance Counseling for Seniors: 800-783-7067

CHIP (Pa. Children's Health Insurance Program): 800-783-7067

Health Partners of Pa.: 800-553-0784

Keystone Mercy Health Plan: 1-800-521-6860

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Community Care Behavioral Health: 800-622-4228

Maternial & Child Health Consortium (Healthy Start)

Coatesville: 610-383-0630

Kennett Square: 610-444-4002

Oxford: 610-932-8557

Phoenixville: 610-917-1360

West Chester: 610-696-5122

PRESCRIPTION

PACE/PACENET (Seniors only): 800-225-7223

PA Partnership for Prescription Assistance; 888-477-2669

Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program: 800-922-9384

Coatesville

Catholic Social Services: 610-344-7028

La Comunidad Hispana: 610-466-9780

Salvation Army: 610-384-2954

Kennett Square

La Comunidad Hispana: 610-444-4545

Oxford

Oxford Neighborhood Services: 610-932-8557

Phoenixville

Phoenixville Area Community Services: 610-933-1105

Phoenixville Hospital (Health Care Access Program): 877-765-0477

West Chester

Catholic Social Services: 610-344-7028

Community Volunteers in Medicine: 610-836-5990

The Salvation Army: 610-696-8746

West Grove

Catholic Social Services: 610-869-6500

Where to get KI pills

2011-03-16T11:41:00.001-04:00

Potassium Iodide pills, which reportedly protect a person’s thyroid gland, are given out to residents and businesses in a 10-mile radius of the Limerick Nuclear Generating Station.

Radioactive iodine, one of the contaminants that could be released in a nuclear accident, can increase the risk of thyroid cancer. The potassium iodide drug can block exposure to radioactive iodine, according to the Montgomery County Health Department’s website.
The pills are another layer of protection and not a substitute for evacuation.

Pills can be picked up Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., at the Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St., in Pottstown.

Fact finder's report on the Perk Valley teachers contract

2011-01-17T12:48:00.001-05:00

Members of the Perkiomen Valley Education Association overwhelmingly voted down a fact-finding report at the beginning of 2011, sending contract talks into a reconsideration period.

Click here to read the fact finder's report

Teachers in the Perkiomen Valley School District, who have been working without a contract since Aug. 31, voted 308-9 against the report that could have been the terms of a new labor deal

Negotiations for a new contract have been ongoing since last January, but both sides have been unable to come to an agreement.

List: Delinquent bill payers

2010-09-22T13:23:00.004-04:00

Pottstown Borough recently released a list of all commercial and landlord properties in the borough that are overdue on their water and sewer bills.
Click here for the list showing who owes, what they owe and on what properties. This list was current up to Sept. 9, 2010.

Bedbug Trouble

2010-09-22T13:13:00.003-04:00

With the recent outbreaks of bedbug infestations in New York City and even Lehigh University, many are wondering if they should worry about the biting insects.
Click here for a closer look at this issue.

2010 tax lien lists

2010-09-22T13:03:00.001-04:00

The tri-county area is home to businesses and individuals with tax liens against them totalling $37.1 million in 2010. For more information, follow the links below to view the pdf documents.

Complete Pennsylvania tax lien list

Top 20 delinquent individuals

Top 20 delinquent businesses

2010 PSSA test results

2010-09-22T11:52:00.002-04:00

The state Education Department released the results of the 2010 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests on Sept. 14.

To search for results by school, click here.

Code Red means stay cool

2010-07-13T16:57:00.000-04:00

The Montgomery County Health Department will be issuing Code Red alerts anytime the heat index is expected to reach 100 degrees or higher.

The hot weather health warning will be issued since oppressivley hot weather can cause serious health problems, the health department said.

Last year, the county only issued one Code Red alert.

"Those especially at risk during extremely hot weather are very young children, the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions and those taking certain medications," said the health department.

The county advises everyone to heed the following advice during a Code Red:

Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids

Wear lightweight, loose clothing

Find a cool place to escape the heat, such as libraries or the mall

Take frequent breaks when working outdoors.

Those working outdoors should be especially careful as they can become quickly dehydrated, the health department warned.

The Office of Aging and Adult Services maintains a list of elderly county residents who it checks on during hot weather. Contact them at 610-278-3601.

The Montgomery County Human Services Center will serve as a "cooling site" during a Code Red emergency and all Senior Adult Activities Centers in the county offer air-conditioned facilities open to elderly residents.

Shelter from the heat for the homelessis available at the Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center on the grounds of Norristown State Hospital, 610-292-9244; at Norristown Ministry's Hospitality Center, 610-277-1321; or at the Salvation Army in Norristown, 610-275-4183, or Pottstown, 610-326-1621.

BIE offers information to homeowners

2010-03-03T14:03:00.000-05:00

To further its mission of promoting good business conduct in the building trades in the greater Pottstown area, the Building Industries Exchange (BIE) of Pottstown & Vicinity Inc. provides consumer advisories to the public free of charge.

The following brochures are available at the BIE at 801 N. Charlotte St. or will be mailed to consumers upon request:

"Looking for a Builder? Pick the Right One," from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection, Office of Attorney General Mike Fisher.

"Avoid Home Improvement Headaches." Don't get nailed by an unscrupulous contractor. Before you hire or sign a contractor for home repair, review this BIE publication.

"Tips for Hiring a Contractor." Keep your project on the level by following the guidelines in this BIE publication.

The BIE screens its membership to provide the public with an assurance of quality craftsmanship and ethical business conduct. The BIE directs consumer complaints with the performance of contractors to the Pa. Attorney General's toll free consumer protection hotline 1-800-441-2555.

According to the BIE, complaints frequently involve consumers who have hired a contractor without having obtained excellent references or a complete written understanding.

Now observing its 58th year of operation, the BIE is a professional trade association dedicated to promoting integrity in and providing service to local building industries.

It operates a plans room that is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free to BIE members and consumers who have jobs for bid. A nominal fee is attached to guest contractor use.

The BIE sponsors the annual Pottstown Home Show, awards scholarships to aspiring tradesmen and women, provides referral services and consumer advisories to the public, and publishes a handsome annual directory of construction information. Brochures and directories are available, at the BIE at 801 N. Charlotte St., Pottstown, free of charge.

It offers contractors regional project summaries; discounted cost data; plan copying services; bimonthly news; business, technical and safety programs; social opportunities; job banking; preferred employee banking; local TV exposure; conference room use; and optional association-rate health, life, disability, dental and vision insurance via Independence Blue Cross and its preferred providers and brokerage firms.

Visit the Exchange on line or find a contractor at www.pottstownbie.org.

Places to stay during a Code Blue

2009-12-01T10:21:00.003-05:00

A Code Blue is issued by Montgomery County when the wind chill factor is expected to be 20°F or below. If you are without shelter during a Code Blue emergency, you can contact the following organizations that can help:

Central Montgomery County
Families
Norristown Salvation Army
533 Swede Street
Norristown, PA 19401
(610)275-9225

Single Adults – Over 18 years of age.
Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center
Bldg. 53, Norristown
State Hospital
Norristown, PA 19403
(610) 292-9244

Pottstown Area
Families
Pottstown Salvation Army
137 King Street
Pottstown, PA
(610) 327-0836

Pottstown Area
Single Adults and Families
Ministries at Main Street
Pick-up from Pottstown Consumer Center at 10 P.M. and driven to church
Open November through April
Contact Still Waters Ministry - Paster Kork Moyer
(610) 970-2444
Online referrals: www.ministriesatmainstreet.org

North Penn Area
Single Men
Trinity Lutheran Church of Lansdale
1000 W. Main St.
Lansdale
Open only for days when a Code Blue is declared
215-855-5330 then press 9

Voucher Information
During a declared “Code Blue”, dependent on voucher availability, hotel vouchers
may be available by contacting the following agency in this area of the county:
Area Organization Phone After Hours
Lower Merion Eldernet 610-525-0706, 610-642-3218

Code Blue transportation

2009-12-01T10:19:00.001-05:00

Below are the telephone numbers for transportation during a Code Blue.
Transnet is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The other
transportation companies should be contacted only if Transnet is not open.

Norristown Transportation 610-277-1234 7 days/week-24 hour/day

BuxMont Transportation 215-659-8865 Mon.-Fri. 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
(Eastern Montgomery County) Sat. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sun. and holidays 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Closed Christmas

Tri County Transit 610-495-5500 Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Western Mont. County) Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed Christmas/New Years Day

Mid County Transportation 215-699-0603 Mon.-Sun. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(Lansdale area) Closed Christmas/New Years Day

Main Line Transit 610-277-8606 Mon.-Sat. 6 a.m. -5:30 p.m.
Closed Christmas/New Years Day

Valley Paratransit Service 215-679-6215 Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Pennsburg/E. Greenville area) Sat. 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Closed Christmas/New Years Day

Fall 2009 leaf collection

2009-10-30T14:03:00.001-04:00

Some local towns collect leaves to compost as part of regular trash and recycling collection. See the times below for the next leaf collections.

Pottstown: You must put leaves in a designated or brown paper bag that is biodegradable. Bags are available at Borough Hall, the library and some area stores. Cost per bag is 50 cents. Collection is same day as recycling collection. Bags should be placed at curb. Collection runs from Oct. 20 to Dec. 17. Leaves should not be raked into the streets! This is a violation of borough codes.

Lower Pottsgrove: Leaves collected the first Monday of each month. Next collection is Nov. 2. Leaves must be in brown paper bags and should not be put out until the night before.

Phoenixville: Yard waste is picked up on the same day as trash. It must be put in biodegradeable bags and placed at the curb. Your address must be printed on the bag. Collection is from first week of March to last week of November. The next pickup days are Nov. 9 and 23.

Collegeville and Trappe: Residents are allowed to drop off yard waste at the shared compost site Nov. 1 to Dec. 19 on Wednesdays, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. I.D. must be presented. The compost facility is located on West Seventh Avenue in Trappe at Township Line Road. Grass clippings, leaves, Christmas trees (without the trimmings), etc., are accepted. Residents are free to take mulch from the site. There is no scheduled borough pickup of leaves.

Limerick: Individual trash haulers handle leaf collection. Check with your trash hauler for pickup. Leaf pickup is mandated once a month in May, October, November and December. Leaves must be placed in biodegradeable bags. Yard waste dropoff is also available Saturdays at the public works facility from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 14.

Seniors ride the bus for free

2009-09-03T13:25:00.002-04:00

Senior Citizens over age 65 can ride public buses for free through a program paid for by the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Senior passes can be obtained on the third floor of Pottstown borough hall between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You must present a valid form of ID that includes your birthdate.

The disabled can get reduced fare passes at borough hall as well if they are younger than 65 and have a valid red, white and blue Medicare card. Forms for this pass must be picked up at Borough Hall and filled out then certified by the individual's medical professional if no Medicare card is available.

Free student financial aid guide

2009-08-24T15:50:00.001-04:00

HARRISBURG — The newest student aid guide has been made available from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, according to a press release from PHEAA.

The guide, which is free, offers information on federal student aid and the process for application, as well as detailed information on all state student aid programs, including the need-based State Grant, according to PHEAA.

A print and online version of the guide are available and copies of the 2009-2010 guide will be sent out to all guidance counselor offices in the state. To obtain a copy of the online guide, which includes links to helpful Web pages and online aid applications, visit PHEAA.org.

High school counselors can order extra copies of the guide at PHEAA.org/counselors

Supplies of the printed version are limited.

PHEAA also recommends families with students interested in higher education visit EducationPlanner.org for college planning guidance. The Web site can assist with identifying a solid career path and the education necessary to enter it, and offers one of the largest scholarship searches on the Internet.

Motorcycle classes in Pa. are free

2009-08-13T15:46:00.003-04:00

PennDOT offers free safety classes to motorcycle license and permit holders March through October.

"We offer these classes to build a sound, safe training basis for beginning motorcyclists and to maintain safe operation among more experienced riders," said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler.

The Basic Rider Course is a 15-hour class with five hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of practical riding experience perfect for beginning and inexperienced riders, according to PennDOT. The skills reviewed also offer experienced riders the chance to polish their skills and knowledge of safety on the road. Motorcycles and helmets are provided to students for this course if they do not already have one. Helmets must be DOT approved if brought to this course. Scooter riders can bring their scooters to the course instead of using the motorcycles provided.

The Experienced Rider Course provides skilled riders the chance to refresh their safety knowledge and hone their on-road skills in a six-hour, one-day class. This class also allows riders to carry a passenger while practicing balance and steering techniques under the guidance of rider coaches on the course, PennDOT said. Riders must bring their own helmets and motorcycles or scooters to this course.

To enroll in either class, you must hold a valid class M license or current motorcycle permit from Pennsylvania. Permit holders are automatically issued a valid class M license when they successfully complete the course.

Locally, classes are held at CAT-Pickering campus in Phoenixville, at Blackman's Cycle Center in Emmaus, and at Sport Cycle Suzuki and Classic Harley-Davidson in Leesport. All those interested must sign up through www.pamsp.com. Walk-ins are not allowed.

Foreclosure assistance can save your home

2009-06-17T13:56:00.003-04:00

By Keith Phucas, Journal Register News Service

NORRISTOWN — If a couple is in default on their home mortgage loan, a state agency could help them save their home from foreclosure and give them a chance to get back on track with their payments. Yet according to Regional Housing Legal Services attorney Donald Marritz, only one in four homeowners with troubled mortgages bothers to apply for the assistance.

Typically, after a borrower misses a second house payment, the lender can move toward foreclosing on a property, but the process can often be delayed.

“Before a lender files a foreclosure, (it) has to send the borrower an Act 91 notice,” he said. “(The notice) tells them, if they go to a housing counselor, the lender can’t file for foreclosure for 30 days.”

That time period can often be stretched to four months, he said.

If homeowners meet with a counselor within 33 days of the date an Act 91 notice is received, the mortgage company is temporarily prohibited from starting a foreclosure case.

Regional Housing Legal Services, a member of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, provides legal and technical assistance to low-income families and other homeowners. The Pennsylvania state Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program could help save a family’s home, but homeowners must meet the qualifications.

To be eligible, delinquent borrowers must have gotten behind in their mortgage payments through circumstances beyond their control — a job loss or mounting medical expenses.

“What we’ve found is homeowners are good at explaining how they got into the situation, but they’re not so good at explaining how they’re going to get out of it,” Marritz said.

Those meeting the requirements are given between 24 months to resume paying the mortgage; however, in times of high unemployment, they get 36 months, he said.

If an application is granted, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will loan the homeowner money to bring his mortgage up to date, according to that state agency.

As the threat of foreclosures have increased significantly in recent years, those applying to HEMAP has risen accordingly. In April 2008, a total of 3,875 Pennsylvania homeowners applied for the emergency mortgage assistance. A year later, 4,990 had submitted applications, according to Marritz.

In Montgomery County, 223 people applied for HEMAP money in April 2008. In April 2009, that number reached 347. Last month, 435 homeowners filled out applications for the assistance.

Marritz is baffled that more borrowers in default don’t at least try to take advantage of the assistance program. In Montgomery County, only 15 to 20 percent of strapped homeowners apply for the money. And many counties’ percentages are even lower.

Only five Pennsylvania counties — Potter, Tioga, Indiana, Monroe and Huntington — had 25 percent of imperiled borrowers applying to HEMAP.

For assistance and advice on avoiding foreclosure call the following agencies:

* The nonprofit Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania provides legal services related to housing, including foreclosures, sheriffs’ sales and bankruptcies, among others. The Norristown offices at 625 Swede St. can be reached at 610-275-5400. In Pottstown, the 248 King St. office number is 610-326-8280.

* Montgomery County Bar Association, 100 Airy St., can be reached at 610-279-9660.

* Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s toll free number is 1-800-342-2397. Persons with impaired hearing can call 717-780-1869.

For more information about Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Programs, visit hemap.org.

Berks County pandemic information

2009-04-30T11:31:00.002-04:00

READING — Berks County is ready, whether the next big pandemic is the swine flu or another form H1N1influenzavirus, according to the county's Department of Emergency Services.

With the growing concern over the spread of swine flu, the county has partnered with the Red Cross, the county Pandemic Advisory Council, Reading Hospital and Medical Center, and St. Joseph's Medical Center to prepare itself and put procedures in place in case of a pandemic reminiscient of the 1918 flu.

"The partnership maximizes the strengths of each organization to ensure that our community is provided with the best information and assistance possible given this rapidly evolving threat," Emergency Services said in a press release.

"Daily interaction is taking place among these key community players, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The situation is being monitored closely, and local activities will be modified to coincide with the recommendations from DOH public health experts," said Emergency Services.

"DES believes that it is critical that every resident of Berks County realizes that they have a role to play in bringing this public health emergency to a swift end. One individual in the right circumstances, if properly educated, can have a significant impact in halting the spread of this, or any respiratory illness. That same individual, properly prepared, can lessen the impact to the community as a whole by being self-sufficient during an emergency," the press release read.

The Emergency Services department wants Berks residents to know who to contact and where to go in case of an outbreak:

Berks County Department of Emergency Services: In charge of coordinating efforts in emergencies, along with response and recovery. Information on how the community should react during a pandemic is available on the Emergency Services' Web site, www.berksema.com. A Pandemic Plan is also available on the site and should be read by all residents. The main role of Emergency Services is to "act like a conduit for information to and from the states and federal government to local entities."

Berks County Chapter of the Red Cross: Its role is to prepare individuals, families and groups to be better prepared to protect themselves in times of disaster and provides relief efforts to communities. Questions about personal preparedness can be answered by calling 610-375-4383 or visiting www.berks.redcross.org.

Berks Pandemic Advisory Council: The purpose of this organization is to promote greater public awareness about the hazards of a pandemic. It has worked for the past two years on creating a plan on how to "mitigate the social and economic disruptions that a pandemic could bring about." Members can conduct presentations to community groups and businesses on pandemic awareness and prevention. For more information, call 610-374-4800, ext. 8289, e-mail panflu@countyofberks.com, or visit www.flutoolbox.com

Reading Hospital and Medical Center and St. Joseph's Medical Center: The two acute care facilities in the county are the heart of the county's response to a pandemic. Both have invested time and money into preparing their staff's for a potential pandemic. They have "developed contingency plans and stockpiled medicines and protective gear to allow their medical and support staff to continue to service their patients as efficiently as possible."

Help if you've been scammed

2009-04-28T09:43:00.000-04:00

Think you've been scammed, or want to check to find out of a product, service or business is legitimate? We've compiled some phone numbers and Web sites you can go to for help.

United States Postal Inspection Service

1-800-USMAIL5, or the Fraud Complaint Center at 1-800-372-8347, to report mail fraud.

Visit www.FakeChecks.org if you suspect you may have been mailed a fraudulent check.

Better Business Bureau

215-985-9313, to check on contractors, businesses or report a complaint against a business.

Montgomery County Department of Consumer Affairs

610-278-3565, to check on contractors, local businesses or report fraud. This office will only be open through June.

The Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Affairs

215-560-2414, to check on a business or report a claim.

Federal Do Not Call List

1-888-382-1222 and the Pennsylvania Do Not Call List at 1-888-777-3406 to avoid fraudulent telemarketers.

Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Hotline

1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) to report identity theft; visit the FTC Web site at www.ftc.gov, or call the FTC at 1-877-382-4357 to report Internet fraud.

Internet Crime Complaint Center

www.ic3.gov to learn more about Internet fraud or file a complaint.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Web site at www.fbi.gov to learn more about senior citizens and fraud.

Avoid these common scams

2009-04-28T09:40:00.001-04:00

By Laura Catalano,

Special to The Mercury

Most people probably don't think of themselves as likely victims of scams, but the truth is almost anyone can fall prey to fraudulent schemes. Con artists are prevalent and often very clever, and their scams target a wide range of people.

Their most common victims, though, are senior citizens.

"Times are tough and money is just so tight for some senior citizens that they are trying to get any little edge they can," explained John Tobin, investigator in charge for the Montgomery County Department of Consumer Affairs.

That makes them more likely to take the bait when someone offers a good deal on a home improvement project, or a big company sends "prize" money that requires payment. What's more, con artists tend to seek out senior citizens, knowing that they harken back to a simpler, more trusting era.

"Criminals think of them as being nicer, more naive, gullible even," explained Reggie Wade, public information officer for the Philadelphia division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

While that's alarming, the good news is that fraudsters can be kept at bay. Even though thousands of different scams exist, one golden rule can help consumers avoid most of them:

"If it sounds or looks too good to be true, it probably is," advised Tobin.

Below are some common schemes, and advice on how to steer clear of them:

The Scam: Home Repair Rip-Offs

Every spring, Tobin receives hundreds of calls from people who have been ripped-off by driveway paving and roof repair scams.

"We used to call them the gypsies," said Tobin. "They drive around in pickup trucks and tell people they are doing driveways or fixing roofs in the neighborhood and they could see theirs is in need of repair."

Typically, these "gypsies" offer the homeowner what sounds like a great deal.

"They're very good at knowing how much they can get out of people. Sometimes they charge $100, sometimes $300," Tobin said.

Their services are really worth nothing, though, because they don't actually do repairs. They climb onto a roof and hang a few shingles that aren't needed. Or they throw kerosene on a driveway to make it look shiny, and after a single rain, it washes away.

How to avoid it: The best way to determine whether a contractor is actually a con artist is to demand a written contract, assured Tobin. The contract should specify a breakdown of work to be completed, and include the business name and address. It should also contain a three-day right to cancel, which will allow the homeowner time to check up on a contractor's credentials.

As a rule, Tobin advises against hiring any door-to-door solicitors because they are, at best, organized scams, and at worst criminals casing the neighborhood.

How to check: Local code enforcement officers have lists of contractors who must be registered and insured in order to receive building permits. You can also call the Better Business Bureau or Tobin's office to learn whether scammers are in the neighborhood, or if complaints have been made against a contractor.

The Scam: Sweepstakes Fraud

A letter appears in the mailbox informing the recipient that he or she has won a large sum of money in a sweepstakes. To collect it, the recipient must send a check for several hundred dollarsto cover taxes and other associated costs.

Often these letters look very legitimate, with detailed listing of what the check will cover. The person sends the check, but never receives any "prize money."

How to avoid it: Sweepstakes winners are never informed of their winnings by mail, or e-mail for that matter. And genuine sweepstakes never require people to send checks in advance, since taxes are paid by the recipient directly to the Internal Revenue Service. Therefore, any such letters are likely scams and should be reported to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

How to check: No matter how authentic a letter appears to be, check with the USPIS or call the Fraud Complaint Center for advice before sending any money.

The Scam: Nigerian Letter or Check Fraud

This scam is similar to sweepstakes fraud but even more sinister. Once again, the recipient is informed of having won a large sum of money, usually in a foreign lottery. In this case, the letter includes a check for $10,000 or more.

The check appears to be legitimate. The person is instructed to cash it, and then to send back $500 or $1,000 to cover taxes and other costs.

There are various versions of this scam. One common one is the Nigerian letter, in which the sender claims to be a Nigerian official trying to illegally transfer millions of dollars out of his country and offering to share the money with the recipient. Again, the recipient must send money, but also a bank account number.

People who fall victim to check fraud find out very quickly that they've been scammed.

"Within days, the bank sends the account holder a letter saying, 'You gave us a bad check,'" said Wade. By then, though, some people have used the $10,000 check to purchase items or pay bills.

Not only are they out the money they sent the scammer, but any money deducted from the fake check, as well.

"The account holder is held liable. It's really sad," said Wade.

How to avoid it: No matter how real a check looks, don't cash it. And never send money to a lottery or sweepstakes firm; if they are authentic, they won't ask for a check.

Always follow the golden tenet of scam avoidance:

"If it looks too good to be true, it is. It's not just anybody who's going to receive a check for $20,000 or $30,000," said Wade.

How to check: Call the USPIS or go online to a Web site called FakeChecks.org for details on what to look for in fake check scams.

The Scam: Telemarketing Fraud

People over age 60 are, unfortunately, most at risk for this type of scam. A caller claims to be selling a service or product, such as discounted vitamins or a low-cost vacation. Generally they demand money or a credit card number, and in some cases ask for a bank account number.

They use high-pressure tactics, such as saying that the offer will only be good if the person acts immediately.

In some cases, the caller says a prize has been won, but the person must send money to cover shipping and handling.

Usually, all claims are bogus, and the person will never receive any products they send money for. They may, in addition to losing money, also be victims of identity theft.

How to avoid it: Ask the caller to send you information about their products or services. Any legitimate business will be able to do this.

Also, never agree to send money to cover costs associated with a prize, since this is usually the sign of a scam.

Perhaps most important, get on the federal and state Do Not Call List, recommended Tobin.

"If you continue to get calls from telemarketers after 60 days, report it to the state attorney general's office," he said.

How to check: Fraudulent telemarketers try to get you to order their goods and services without checking up on them. Make it a policy to check out all unfamiliar companies with a consumer protection agency.

The Scam: Internet Auction Fraud

Internet auction fraud is the most commonly reported Internet crime offense, according to a 2007 report by the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Typically such scams inform a bidder that he or she has won an auction item. The consumer sends payment but never receives the item.

In some cases, criminals not only take the person's money but use acquired credit card information for identity theft as well.

How to avoid it: The Federal Trade Commission recommends several tips for avoiding this type of fraud. Most importantly, familiarize yourself with any auction site to learn exactly what protection it provides for buyers. Secondly, check out a seller and be wary of any that try to lure you off the auction site with a better deal.

If the seller requires an online payment service you've never heard of, try to find more information about the service online. Don't use it if you can't find any data.

Finally, never provide Social Security, driver's license, credit card or bank account information unless you know a company is legitimate.

How to check: Contact the state attorney general's office to report a complaint, or the federal trade commission.

The Scam: Identity Theft

A person gives away private information, such as Social Security, credit card and bank account numbers. That information is used to commit fraud or other crimes.

It can happen in a number of ways. Sometimes thieves steal bills and personal information from the trash. Or they may steal a wallet or other personal information. And they may also use false pretenses to acquire personal information, such as calling and claiming to be a bank or telephone company representative.

Once a criminal has your personal information they can use it to open up new credit card accounts in your name, create counterfeit checks, even get government benefits illegally.

How to avoid it: While there's no way to completely protect yourself from identity theft, being vigilant about protecting your personal information can help. Shred all personal documents before disposing of them, and use PayPal when ordering online.

"Watch who you're giving you're information to," recommended Tobin. "Never give your Social Security number, date of birth, or even your address to someone if you don't know who you're talking to."

In fact, Tobin advises people not to give out their Social Security numbers to anyone unless it is absolutely necessary, particularly when filling out applications for things like credit cards.

How to check: The most effective way to determine if your identity has been stolen is to monitor your credit card bills and bank accounts carefully so you catch any fraudulent charges or other suspicious activity immediately.

If your identity has been stolen, file a police report and notify your credit card company or bank.

Dispute any unauthorized transactions quickly, and put a fraud alert on your credit card. Also close any account that might have been tampered with.

Cluster launches new Web site

2009-04-15T10:40:00.001-04:00

POTTSTOWN — The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities recently launched a new Web site, www.pottstowncluster.org, which was designed by Gary Pace of Website Design and Hosting.

Through the site, the board of directors of PCRC will provide to the Pottstown community information on the services and programs available to local residents.

The Pottstown Cluster has served the community for 40 years providing food, clothing, household goods and financial assistance to those in need. The Cluster Outreach Center at 137 Walnut St. is the primary site for the distribution of food, clothing and emergency assistance.

PCRC also coordinates a Community Meals program which, through interfaith cooperation, provides six meals each week to community residents.

Visit the new Web site or call 610-970-5995 for more information.

Where to find public notices online

2009-04-15T10:33:00.001-04:00

Want to know what meetings your local governments have planned? Wonder what issues are coming before your school board and whether it is putting an expensive new project out to bid?
Find out about it at http://www.mypublicnotices.com

How to seek recession aid

2009-03-11T12:50:00.000-04:00

Many Pennsylvanians struggling through the recession may be able to get help through state programs, but it will mean applying and meeting certain eligibility rules, which are unchanged by Gov. Ed Rendell’s relief plan.

HEALTH CARE: Under Rendell’s plan, another 16,000 adults who are already on the waiting list for the state’s adultBasic health insurance program will get a notice this week that they can get coverage.

People can apply online or by calling 800-GO-BASIC. To be eligible, an adult must be between ages 19 and 64, have no health insurance, and meet certain income limits. For instance, an adult with a family of four must make no more than $44,100. The monthly premium is $35.

However, applicants should expect a long wait for coverage: The waiting list is 200,000 long, although people on the list can buy the adultBasic coverage at the full cost, about $330 a month. The plan also does not cover prescription drugs.

AdultBasic: http://tinyurl.com/cpop9j

MORTGAGE PAYMENTS: Rendell’s plan means another 500 to 600 homeowners who fell behind on mortgage payments after they were laid off can get a loan through the Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.

The help is available two ways: A lump sum to help get a homeowner current on mortgage payments, or an ongoing monthly mortgage payment supplement for as long as 36 months.

The loan carries a 6.5 percent interest rate, said Brian A. Hudson Sr., the executive director of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, which manages the program.

To apply, find a nearby credit counseling agency: http://tinyurl.com/c2e6b5

Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program: http://tinyurl.com/c3724m

HEATING BILLS: People who need help with home heating bills will have three extra days — until April 3 — to apply for a cash grant from the LIHEAP program. The previous cutoff was March 31.

LIHEAP — which stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — also has income limits. For instance, a family of four must earn no more than $44,443 annually. To apply, go online, call a county assistance office or call the state’s LIHEAP hot line at 866-857-7095.

Cash grants are available to help pay for a heating bill, and crisis grants are available to help with a heating emergency, such as a broken-down furnace. The average cash grant is $345, while the average crisis grant is $468, according to the state Department of Public Welfare, which manages the program.

LIHEAP: /www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/LIHEAP

By the Associated Press

Checklist for switching from analog to digital TV

2009-02-28T20:49:00.001-05:00

By Peter Svensson
AP Technology Writer

Here's a checklist to make sure you'll have TV reception after local stations cut their analog broadcasts. Some stations shut down analog transmissions Feb. 17, and the rest of the full-powered stations will end analog after June 12.

Are all your TVs hooked up to satellite or cable feeds? If so, you're OK.

Do all your TVs have built-in digital tuners? Most TVs bought in the last few years, including flat panels, have these. If they do, you're probably OK. But you might need to force your TV to scan the airwaves to find all channels, because some are moving to new frequencies. Also see antenna issues below.

If you have digital converter boxes hooked up and you get some but not all the channels you expect, you should first force the box to rescan the airwaves, since some channels may have moved to new frequencies. Some converter boxes don't scan well, so you may have to key in the channel number manually. Check the box's directions, and look at www.antennaweb.org to figure out which channels should be available in your area. Rescan periodically until after June 12 to make sure you pick up stations that switch late.

If rescanning doesn't help, the problem may be your antenna. Outdoor antennas properly pointed toward a TV tower are preferable, but indoor antennas work if you're reasonably close to the tower. Note that antennas should be capable of receiving both VHF and UHF signals — some older ones are VHF-only. Modern indoor antennas are available from $40 to $100.

On the Net:

FCC troubleshooting guide:

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/troubleshootguide.html

Homeless shelters

2009-01-08T13:31:00.008-05:00

Montgomery County

Shelters for families

The Salvation Army of Pottstown, 610-326-1621
The Salvation Army of Norristown, 610-275-4183
Interfaith Hospitality Network
Main Line branch: 610-277-0977
Ambler branch: 215-628-4009
North Penn/Souderton: 215-721-1299

Shelters for women and children

Missionary Sisters of Charity, Norristown, 610-277-5962

Shelters for adults

CHOC, 610-292-9244
Hospitality Center, day shelter only, 610-277-1321

Berks County

Shelters for adults and families

Opportunity House, Reading, including Code Blue day shelters 610-374-4696

Friend Inc., Kutztown, 610-683-8948

Shelters for Women

Berks Women in Crisis, Reading, 610-372-9540

Chester County

Shelters for single men

Good Samaritan Shelter, Phoenixville, 610-933-9305

Shelters for families

St. Mary's Franciscan Shelter, Phoenixville, 610-933-3097

Shelters for single men and women

Safe Harbor of Greater West Chester, West Chester, 610-692-6550

If you know of any shelters that should be added to our information, email us at efaust@pottsmerc.com

How to prepare baby sitters for disasters

2008-12-29T14:06:00.005-05:00

By the Associated Press

If your child is one of the nearly 8 million who are age 4 and younger who attend a center- or home-based child care program or stay with a nanny, sitter or another nonrelative, you should make sure plans are in place for coping with a natural disaster, terrorist attack or other major event.

For day-care facilities:

— Find out how children will be evacuated and where they will go. Providers should have at least two evacuation sites, and parents should know where they are.

— Provide at least two ways to be contacted, including through someone outside their geographic area. Ask the program director for a contact number or a way to get information during an emergency.

— Keep your contact information with the school current.

"Sometimes it's hard to get people to sit down and fill out the information, but I can't stress how important that is," says Linda Smith, executive director of the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies.

— Provide an extra supply of medicine if a child takes it regularly, and inquire how infants and children with special needs will be tended.

— Home-based or small care centers should make sure they are known to emergency officials. Some centers are tucked away in neighborhoods, churches and community buildings.

— Providers should make name tags or ID bands ahead of time for each child that are helpful if a child gets separated during an evacuation.

— Providers should learn about the types of disasters likely to occur in their areas, and know when to stay put and when to evacuate. Have food and supplies for everyone to last three days if they stay in place.

For baby sitters and nannies:

— Discuss evacuation plans and meeting spots.

— Prepare a kit that includes information like phone numbers and emergency contacts, copies of the children's birth certificates and health insurance information, says Deneane Maldonado, president of the Coral Springs, Fla.-based Nanny Poppinz agency that has about 12,000 nannies nationwide.

— Remember to include some contacts out of the geographic area. You may want to get phone numbers of your caregivers' relatives or friends as well.

— In hurricane-prone South Florida, Maldonado recommends parents leave $150 in cash for each day a nanny may be evacuated with the children, and fill out a form allowing her to get medical treatment for them. Don't forget extra medicine.

— Make plans for emergencies that may keep a parent from getting or even calling home one night, such as during the 2003 blackout, says Susan Tokayer, who owns Family Helpers agency in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.,

For all parents:

— Realize you can't plan for everything.

"The most important thing is to have a caregiver who is aware enough and savvy enough and smart enough to make the decision at the time," Tokayer says. "The decision is based on safety first."

Create a disaster preparedness kit

2008-12-29T14:01:00.001-05:00

By The Associated Press

If you don't have a disaster kit, take time today to make one. If you do have one, go through it to make sure you haven't "borrowed" any items from it, and to make sure supplies are still fresh.

What to include:

— Water (at least a gallon daily per person for three to seven days)

— Nonperishable packages or canned food (enough for three to seven days)

— Manual can opener

— Paper plates and plastic utensils

— Rain gear, waterproof shoes

— Bedding

— First aid kit, including prescription drugs

— Toiletries and personal hygiene items

— Extra eye glasses, contact lenses and supplies

— Flashlight with extra batteries

— Battery-operated radio

— Tool kit

— Plastic bucket with tight lid

— Traditional corded telephone (in case electricity is lost)

— Cash (ATMs might not be working after a storm)

— Pet care items, including leashes and carriers

— Fire extinguisher

— Matches in a waterproof container

— Garbage bags, paper towels and toilet paper

— Disinfectant

— Household chlorine bleach

— Plastic sheeting/tarps

— Copies of important documents, including wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, passports, Social Security cards, immunization records, bank account and credit card numbers, inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers, family records and medical records. Keep them in a waterproof bag.

— Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

— Toys, games and books for the kids

— Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise it

Historic sites

2008-12-11T13:57:00.022-05:00

Pottsgrove Manor
100 W. King St., Pottstown
610-326-4014
pottsgrovemanor@montcopa.org

POTTSTOWN — Pottsgrove Manor is where John Potts once lived. Raised in Boyertown by his successful iron-master father, Thomas, and stepmother, John gained hands-on experience about the iron industry, which would benefit him the rest of his life.

Thomas, a Quaker who arrived in Philadelphia from Wales in 1698, became a successful businessman largely due to the beneficial connections he made with established families that owned iron forges in the area, such as the Rutter family and the Savage family.

At age 25, John further strengthened that bond when he married Ruth Savage.

Two of the legacies of John are the town of Pottstown and the mansion known as Pottsgrove Manor.

Before John Potts died in 1768, he owned more than 4,000 acres of land in Pennsylvania and Virginia, along with all those businesses. His greatest success was the establishment of Pottstown.

In 1751, John bought nearly 1,000 acres of land from a man named Samuel McCall that eventually became Pottstown and neighboring Pottsgrove.

In 1761, nine years after moving into the mansion, according to a history of Montgomery County, Potts had the surrounding land surveyed with the intention of constructing a town. He had the plans painstakingly laid out in an English grid system similar to Philadelphia and even envisioned his town as matching the biggest city in the colonies.

When Potts died his son Thomas purchased the mansion from the family estate. Thomas was eventually forced to sell the mansion in 1785, Symborski said.

The mansion has survived all those changes, has been restored to its Colonial era look and is a historically significant site.

-- Walter Ault

Pottsgrove Manor is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Mill Grove: The John James Audubon House
1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon
610-666-5593
millgrove@audubon.org
http://pa.audubon.org

The first U.S. home of John James Audubon, a naturalist and artist famous for his guide to birds.

The estate is true to the time when Audubon lived there with fields, bird observation areas, woodlands with trails and a view of the Perkiomen Creek, a pond and an aviary of birds. The house also contains many of Audubon's works.

The site is an educational center for the Audubon Society.

The mansion is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun. 1 to 4 p.m.

Joanna Furnace
Route 345, Morgantown
610-286-0388
info@haycreek.org
http://www.haycreek.org/joanna_furnace.htm

A site of one of the first iron works in Berks County, the historic Joanna Furnace site features a working mill, workers houses and a main house.

Started by Samuel Potts, Thomas Rutter III, Thomas May and Thomas Bull the site was named after Potts' wife, Joanna.

The furnace stopped work in 1898.

Furnace Operation Days are held every third Saturday in the summer with re-enactors, sales and historic tours with other festivals throughout the year.

Daniel Boone Homestead
400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro
610-582-4900
info@danielboonehomestead.org
http://www.danielboonehomestead.org/

"When most people think of Daniel Boone they think of Kentucky, but he was born here in 1734," park guide Ruth Konrad said during a tour of the Boone House which was built in 1730.

In later years, owners William Maugridge and John DeTurk made major changes to the home. The mix of iron, stone and red shale, reflecting English and German influences, is quite a sight.

Boone, as many a textbook have explained, gained immortality on the wild, wild frontier during the country’s infancy, fighting back Indians and leading folks to the virgin Kentucky plains.

In 1773, Boone fell short in his first try to settle Kentucky. He was successful in 1775, and established Boonesborough. As legend goes, Boone returned to the Homestead in 1781 and 1788. He later died in Missouri in the fall of 1820.

Englishman Maugridge purchased the property from the Boone family in 1750. He was a judge from the formation of Berks County in 1752 until his passing in 1766.

A Pennsylvania German, DeTurk obtained the land and resided there until his death in 1808.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the 579-acre tract includes seven 18th century structures, a lake, picnic areas and other recreational facilities.

Employing an array of exhibits, programs, tours and publications, the Homestead brings to life the history of the three families that shaped its personality.

"We get about 70,000 to 80,000 visitors a year," said administrator Jim Lewars.

--By Alen Beljin

Hours are March 1 to Dec. 31, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sundays, noon to 4:30. Closed Mondays. The grounds are open until 5 p.m.

Mouns Jones House
Old Philadelphia Pike, Douglassville
Managed by the Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County
610-385-4762
info@historicpreservationtrust.org

Built in 1716 by Mouns and Ingabor Jones, the house is a two-and-a-half story sandstone building at the south end of what was the original 498-acre tract acquired by Jones in 1701.

Born in 1663, Jones first settled on land acquired from his father in the greater Philadelphia area. He married Ingabor Laicon about 1690 in the Old Swedes Church in Philadelphia.

The couple had five children before moving to Berks County where Mouns Jones was a known friend and confidant to local Native Americans. He died in 1727 and is buried in the churchyard at St. Gabriel's Episcopal, Route 422 East, Douglassville.

The 20- by 36-foot structure is built in the style of an English hall-parlor home with casement-style windows. A deep cellar beneath the home has been filled in over the decades by flooding of the nearby Schuylkill River. A corner fireplace in the parlor reveals lingering Swedish influence.

It is near the historic Morlatton Village on Old Philadelphia Pike along the Schuylkill River.

Morlatton Village
Old Philadelphia Pike, Douglassville
Managed by the Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County
610-385-4762
info@historicpreservationtrust.org

Includes a bridge keepers house, a covered bridge, the George Douglass Mansion, Mouns Jones House and White Horse Inn. Held the only grist mill to serve the Oley Valley region.

Hopewell Furnace
Off Route 345, near French Creek State Park and below Birdsboro
Managed by the National Park Service
http://www.nps.gov/hofu/

The restoration of Hopewell Village and Furnace and the creation of the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site was one of the Civil Conservation Corps' many successes.

Located in eastern Berks County, Hopewell Furnace was constructed in 1771 by iron master Mark Bird. Hard financial times bedeviled Bird during the 1780s, and in 1788 he was forced to sell the furnace at auction.

The furnace was bought in 1800 by members of the Brooke family, a name familiar to Birdsboro area residents. They continued to make iron there well into the 19th century, but eventually couldn't compete with technology of modern steel plants. In the summer of 1883, Hopewell's furnace made its final blast.

When the iron making ended at Hopewell, the Brookes began to turn the area into an agricultural site. During the next 27 years, another 500 acres were purchased, dairy and sheep herds were established, and chicken coops built. Apple orchards were planted and charcoal was sold.

Workers continued to live in the tenant houses, and the Brooke family, now living in Philadelphia and Birdsboro, used the main house occasionally as a summer residence.

In 1935, the federal government purchased 5,500 acres around Hopewell Furnace for use in its CCC program. The acquisition included 4,500 acres owned by the Brooke family, who received $98,301 in payment.

According to Park Superintendent Edie Shean-Hammond, "FDR purchased this land to create French Creek National Recreation Demonstration Area." The CCC workers, she said, were "told to tear all the buildings down."

Fortunately, the men in this CCC Camp were World War I vets, mature men capable of making independent decisions. When they uncovered the furnace ruins and other buildings of historic importance, they objected to the destruction. This sparked an investigation of the site and it was concluded that Hopewell should be restored and its historic significance preserved.

Thus, Shean-Hammond said, Hopewell became "the first historical site in the nation to be saved by the work of the CCC."

In 1938, the National Park Service designated 214 acres within FCNRDA as Hopewell Village National Historic Site.

The site offers hiking trails with trailheads off the main road that are open year round.

-- Michael T. Snyder

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Closed Monday, Tuesday and federal holidays. Hiking trails are open daily, year round.

Escape routes for a Limerick power plant emergency

2008-12-11T13:34:00.006-05:00

The Limerick Generating plant, located along the Schuylkill, has offered the following emergency plan in case of a disaster or serious incident at the generating station.

"A power plant reactor cannot produce a nuclear explosion. The uranium
fuel contains very little fissionable material. As for radiation, the
complex structure of a nuclear power plant is designed to prevent the
release of radiation. A serious incident, however, could allow some
radiation to escape, most likely as a cloud, or “plume,” of radioactive
steam that would be carried away from the plant by the wind. The
degree of risk to the public would depend on the size of the plume, the
direction and speed of the wind, and other factors," according to the emergency brochure.

For more information, click here

Computer recycling

2008-11-15T10:38:00.004-05:00

Computers are not usually accepted by municipal recycling programs. Chester and Montgomery County both accept computers during the household and hazardous waste drop-off days, which are announced on their Web sites.

If you cannot wait, and don't want to throw that PC or Mac in the trash, there are several options.

For $10 a piece, Staples accepts old computer equipment for recycling. It also takes old Dell and Hewlett-Packard computers for free. It uses the company Eco International to recycle the computers and parts, which are either resold, if in good, condition, or broken down into their basic parts which are then sold to manufacturers.

For more information on Staples recycling program, click here.

Ten ways to protect water resources

2008-10-15T12:51:00.002-04:00

The proceeding information was summarized from the Fall 1994 edition of Watershed Protection Techniques, Volume 1, Number 3 and was provided by the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy.

1. Maintain open, forested floodplains. (Filling floodplains shortchanges the filtering power of natural areas and increases flooding elsewhere.)

2. Plant trees and maintain stream-side buffers. (Stream-side trees and native vegetation help filter storm water run-off and help hold streambank soils in place.)

3. Promote clustering where new development is likely. (Clustered developments require less pavement for roads and sidewalks and keep more of the overall parcel as natural open space.)

4. Disconnect your downspout from the street drain. (Rainwater from your roof is just as damaging to creeks and streams as run-off from a parking lot. Let your yard help filter out impurities and infiltrate storm water back into your aquifer.)

5. Convert large yards or public spaces from mown grass to meadows. (The typical suburban lawn is nearly as impervious as a parking lot. Native meadow grasses infiltrate storm water better and provide critical habitat for grassland birds.)

6. Convert a corner of your yard to a rain garden. (A wet area in your yard can be considered a nuisance or an amenity, depending on how you manage it. If it's wet, look for native plants that like “wet feet" and create a visual focal point.)

7. Maintain a naturally vegetated edge between creeks and pastures or cultivated fields. (A naturally vegetated stream buffer will filter out excess fertilizers and pesticides from adjacent farm fields.)

8. Cut back on lawn fertilizers and pesticides. (Much of the fertilizer you apply in the spring flows directly into the local creeks because the grass is not ready to absorb it. Set your mower height at 3 inches and use a mulching mower to create a healthy, organic lawn. Fertilize only in the fall.)

9. Pick up after your pets and keep livestock out of streams. (Pet and animal wastes carry many harmful bacteria and possible diseases. They make creeks less amenable to native critters and require expensive water treatment for human uses.)

10. Keep your paved surfaces at a minimum. (Patios and parking spaces can be created with attractive pervious materials that allow storm water infiltration to the soils below.)

How to contact your state representatives

2008-10-11T22:09:00.013-04:00

A list of House and Senate members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly can be found on the General Assembly's Web site, http://www.legis.state.pa.us/.
You can search for which member covers your district by entering your zip code in the box on the top right hand side. Or you can get a county map.

Following are local districts and the representatives followed by their contact information:

House

130th District: covers Colebrookdale, Birdsboro, Boyertown, Douglass Township (Berks), Earl Township, Exeter, Fleetwood, Oley, Pike Township, Union Township, Amity

Representative: David R. Kessler, Democrat
http://www.pahouse.com/kessler

Hon. David R. Kessler
2 Scholl Drive
Oley, PA 19547
(610) 987-0980
Fax: (610) 987-0798

Hon. David R. Kessler
53 Warwick Street
Boyertown, PA 19512
(610) 369-3010
Fax: (610) 369-3011

Hon. David R. Kessler
115A East Wing
PO Box 202130
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2130
(717) 787-2769
Fax: (717) 780-4768

134th District: covers Bally, Bechtelsville, Hereford, Washington Township, District Township

Representative: Douglas G. Reichley, Republican
http://www.repreichley.com

Hon. Douglas G. Reichley
1245 Chestnut Street Unit #5
Emmaus, PA 18049
(610) 965-9933
Fax: (610) 965-9174

Hon. Douglas G. Reichley
5 East Wing
PO Box 202134
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2134
(717) 787-1000
Fax: (717) 705-7012

128th District: covers Robeson, Exeter, Wyomissing, Wyomissing Hills, Spring Township, Shillington, New Morgan, Mohnton, Caernarvon, Cumru

Representative: Sam Rohrer, Republican
http://www.samrohrer.com

Hon. Sam Rohrer
29 Village Center Drive
Suite A7
Reading, PA 19607
(610) 775-5130
Fax: (610) 775-3736

Hon. Sam Rohrer
45 East Wing
PO Box 202128
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2128
(717) 787-8550
Fax: (717) 783-7862

26th District: covers East Coventry, East Vincent, Elverson, Honey Brook township and borough, North Coventry, Spring City, West Nantmeal, Warwick Township

Representative: Tim Hennessey, Republican
http://www.rephennessey.com

Hon. Tim Hennessey
1038 East Lincoln Highway
Coatesville, PA 19320
(610) 380-8600
Fax: (610) 380-1777

Hon. Tim Hennessey
209 Ryan Office Building
PO Box 202026
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2026
(717) 787-3431
Fax: (717) 705-1849

155th District: covers West Vincent, South Coventry

Representative: Curt Schroder, Republican
http://www.curtschroder.com

Hon. Curt Schroder
315 Gordon Drive
Exton, PA 19341
(610) 524-5595
Fax: (610) 524-5667

Hon. Curt Schroder
41A East Wing
PO Box 202155
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2155
(717) 783-2520
Fax: (717) 705-1994

150th District: covers Collegeville, East Norriton, Lower Providence, Trappe, Upper Providence, West Norriton

Representative: Mike Vereb, Republican
http://www.repvereb.com

Hon. Mike Vereb
3950 Germantown Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426
(610) 409-2615
Fax: (610) 409-2619

Hon. Mike Vereb
160A East Wing
PO Box 202150
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2150
(717) 705-7164
Fax: (717) 260-6522

146th District: covers West Pottsgrove, Upper Pottsgrove, Royersford, Pottstown, New Hanover, Lower Pottsgrove, Limerick, Royersford,

Representative: Thomas J. Quigley, Republican
http://www.repquigley.com

Hon. Thomas J. Quigley
1963 East High Street
Suite 100
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 326-9563
Fax: (610) 718-5787

Hon. Thomas J. Quigley
51A East Wing
PO Box 202146
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2146
(717) 772-9963
Fax: (717) 772-2434

147th District: covers Douglas (Mont.), East Greenville, Lower Frederick, New Hanover, Red Hill, Salford, Schwenksville, Skippack, Upper Frederick, Upper Hanover, Upper Salford, Green Lane, Perkiomen Township,

Representative: Bob Mensch, Republican
http://www.repmensch.com

Hon. Bob Mensch
105 Memorial Drive
Schwenksville, PA 19473
(610) 287-4181
Fax: (610) 287-4182

Hon. Bob Mensch
160B East Wing
PO Box 202147
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2147
(717) 787-6937
Fax: (717) 260-6522

157th District: covers West Norriton, Lower Providence, Phoenixville, Schuylkill Township

Representative: Paul J. Drucker, Democrat

Hon. Paul J. Drucker
323 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202157
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2157
(717) 705-2003

167th District: covers Charlestown, East Pikeland, East Whiteland, Easttown

Representative: Duane Milne, Republican
http://www.duanemilne.com

Hon. Duane Milne
18 E. Lancaster Avenue
Malvern, PA 19355
(610) 251-1070
Fax: (610) 251-1074

Hon. Duane Milne
150A East Wing
PO Box 202167
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2167
(717) 787-8579

Senate

44th District: covers West Pottsgrove, West Norriton, Upper Pottsgrove, Skippack, Schwenksville, Royersford, Pottstown, Perkiomen Township, Lower Providence, Lower Pottsgrove, Limerick, Douglas (Mont.), Collegeville, New Morgan, Robeson,

Senator: John C. Rafferty, Republican
http://www.senatorrafferty.com

Senate Box 203044
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3044
ROOM: 170 Main Capitol
(717) 787-1398

District Office
3770 Ridge Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426
(610) 831-8830

11th District: covers Bally, Bechtelsville, Bern, Bernville, Birdsboro, Boyertown, Colebrookdale, Cumru, District Township, Exeter, Earl, Hereford, Longswamp, Mohnton, Pike, Shillington, Ruscombmanor, St. Lawrence, Topton, Washington Township

Senator: Michael O'Pake, Democrat
www.senator-opake.com

Senate Box 203011
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3011
(717)787-8925

District Office
1940 North Thirteenth Street
Suite 232
Reading, PA 19604

19th District: Charlestown Township, East Coventry, East Vincent, Phoenixville, Spring City, Tredyffrin, West Vincent

Senator: Andrew E. Dinniman, Democrat
http://www.senatordinniman.com

Senate Box 203019
Harrisburg, PA
17120-3019
(717) 787-5709

One North Church Street
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 692-2112

48th District: covers Elverson

Senator: Mike Folmer, Republican
http://www.senatorfolmer.com

Senate Box 203048
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3048
(717) 787-5708

District Offices
101 Municipal Building
400 S. 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 274-7705

509 W. Penn Avenue
Robesonia, PA 19551
(610) 693-3200

18 East High Street
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
(717) 361-8623
FAX: (717) 367-2370

24th District: covers East Greenville, Green Lane, Lower Frederick, Lower Salford, Marlborough, New Hanover, Red Hill, Upper Hanover

Senator: Robert Wonderling, Republican
http://www.senatorwonderling.com

Senate Box 203024
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3024
(717) 787-3110

427 West Main Street
Lansdale, PA 19446
(215) 368-1500

Poetry Readings

2008-09-05T14:41:00.003-04:00

There are many opportunities for the Pottstown community to enjoy the arts, but two groups offer the chance for the audience to participate. The Mad Poets Society, which meets in downtown Pottstown at Churchill's Chocolatier, and the Arts & Activities Alliance of Building a Better Boyertown, which meets at the new Hard Bean cafe.
If you'd like to come out and express yourself in words, take note of the following:

Mad Poets Society
This group, which is part of the larger Philadelphia region Mad Poets, meets Saturdays at 7 p.m. in Churchill's at 137 E. High Street in Pottstown.
Led by Glenn MacLaughlin, each session features published poets then follows with an open mic. For more information, call 610-420-6424, or e-mail pez349@msn.com

A&AA Open Mic
Sponsored by Building a Better Boyertown, this group meets the second Thursday of most months at the Hard Bean Cafe, 128 E. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown. Contact Jodi Corbett for details, jacorbet@comcast.net, 610-223-378, or Luke, luke.kasitz@gmail.com, 484-941-2450

Recycling in your town

2008-08-26T13:49:00.002-04:00

While many people assume any plastic, glass or paper can be recycled, not everything can be accepted by every municipality.
Mixing nonaccepted items in with accepted recyclables can contaminate the recycling stream and create cost for municipalites that must dispose of the nonacceptable items.
Under Act 101: the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, passed by the state in 1988, communities of more than 5,000 people must recycle.
Leaf waste, automotive oil and batteries are among the things that Pa. requires be recycled.

Below is a list of communities and what each recycles. If your curbside pickup does not collect something you think can be recycled, you can search for recycling drop-off locations by clicking here.

If you have information to add to this, e-mail efaust@pottsmerc.com.

Amity
Recycling is mandatory in this township. Bins are available for free for residents at the township building at 2004 Weavertown Road. Pickup is Friday between 4 and 6 a.m. Recycling can also be dropped off at the township building or at 120 Old Philadelphia Pike. Drop-off times are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Accepted items at the drop-off centers:

* Leaves, in a brown paper bag.
* Brush, stumps, pallets, clean wood, yard waste
* Skids, forms, molding
* Building debris including: flake board, metamine wood, press board, composite board, wood trusses
* wood reels
* land clearing materials
* mold patterns
* creosote and pental woods (rail road ties, floor blocks, telephone polls - No CCA or Green Poles accepted)
* woods applied with finishes laminate woods
* plywood, crates
* burlap
* macadam
* concrete
* soil
* painted wood (no lead paint)
* demolition wood

The township gives fliers out explaining what is and is not accepted when you pick up your bin.
The following items are accepted in curb pickup:

* paper including: Junk Mail, Tablet Paper, Post-it-Notes, Copy Paper, File Folder, Construction Paper, Fax Paper, Wrapping Paper, Clean Tissue Paper, Magazines, Newspapers, Phone Books, Catalogues, Paperback books, Paper Bags, Paper Food Boxes(remove liners & windows), Gift Boxes without liners and corrugated boxes.
All paper must be flattened and placed in a brown paper bag or tied up.

North Coventry

Recycling Services Inc.

View Larger Map

Located on Elm Street in North Coventry, Recycling Services Inc. is a nonprofit recycling foundation started by Jim Crater. Craters main goal is to encourage people to use less. The center takes most recyclables other towns don't collect including all numbered plastics; glass; magnetic tapes such as cassettes and VHS tapes; CDs; DVDs; floppy discs; paper such as cardboard, junk mail, etc.; fishing wire; clean flowerpots silverware; old glasses; vegetable oil; and much more.
A full list can be found on its Web site, www.recyclingservices.org
All materials should be cleaned before they are dropped off, especially clothing, plastics and metal food containers.

Pottstown
Recycling must be placed in the provided green bins. Paper should be bundled.
As of Jan. 2, 2009, all residents must use the new blue toters dropped off at residences. The toters have what can be recycled printed on them, which has expanded from before.
As of Jan. 2, the following can be recycled:
Plastic #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7
Aluminum, steel, tin cans
Bimetal cans
Empty aerosal cans
Paint cans that used to carry latex paint (must be cleaned)
Glass: clear, amber, green, both food and beverage
Paper: newspapers, inserts, magazines, telephone books, junk mail, cereal boxes, beer boxes, any food box, and books (hardcover or softcover).
PVC piping, laundry detergent and bleach bottles (cleaned), drinking straws, yogurt containers, Tupperware, egg cartons and baby bottles.

Yard Waste: The new rules state that things like hedge clippings, small branches, leaves, plants, small shrubbery and other vegetation that can be composted will be picked up once a month on the first week of each month. That pickup begins in May and will run through October.

Yard waste may not be placed in a plastic bag, but must be put in either biodegradable paper yard bags or in cans.

Christmas trees will be collected for all four weeks in January.

*No lids or covers are recyclable curbside. If garbage is found in the recycling container, the borough will not pick it up until the garbage is removed.

Recycling pickup is on Tuesday on the west side of town and Thursday on the east side. If the recycling pickup day falls on a holiday, recycling will be picked up the next work day.

Lower Pottsgrove
Municipal trash service for all homes was discontinued in 2007. All haulers contracted to pick up trash are required to pick up recycling.
The following items are recyclable in the township, but each trash hauler varies.

Paper: newspapers, inserts, junk mail, office paper, magazines, phone books, chipboard (cereal boxes).
*paper should not be put out in the rain, should be bundled or placed in a PAPER bag. Corrugated cardboard and pizza boxes are not accepted.
Cans: aluminum and steel, bi-metal food and drink containers.
Glass: clear, brown and green. No blue glass
Plastic: #1-7 and laundry detergent bottles

Upper Hanover, Red Hill
Upper Hanover participates in the Red Hill Regional Recycling program. Recyclable items must be dropped off at 56 W. Fourth St. next to the Red Hill Municipal Building. The drop-off point is open 24 hours, seven days a week.

The following items may be dropped off:

* glass food and beverage containers
* aluminum cans
* plastics
* paper
* magazines
* junk mail
* catalogs

West Nile virus prevention measures

2008-08-26T12:04:00.000-04:00

The following are some recommendations issued by the Montgomery County Health Department to help in eliminating mosquito breeding areas. Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus.

* Identify and eliminate all standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than five days.

* Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property. Pay special attention to discarded tires.

*Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.

* Clean and unblock all roof gutters.

* Empty and turn over wading pools when not in use.

* Turn over wheelbarrows.

* Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths.

* Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito breeding grounds if the water is allowed to stagnate.

* Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated. Mosquitoes also can breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.

Domestic Violence Help

2008-08-26T11:03:00.000-04:00

MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Laurel House: 1-800-642-3150 (24-hour hot line)
TTY: 1-888-883-0770

Women's Center of Montgomery County: 800-773-2424
Pottstown Office
Women’s Advocacy Project
555 High Street
Second Floor
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-970-7363

Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Hotline: 888-521-0983

CHESTER COUNTY

Domestic Violence Center Women in Crisis: 1-888-711-6270

BERKS COUNTY
Women in Crisis: 1-610-372-9540

Area recreation opportunities

2008-08-20T14:07:00.000-04:00

PARKS

Audubon

Lower Perkiomen Valley Park: Access to Perkiomen Trail and Creek, soccer fields, paved trail. Access off Egypt Road.

Coventryville

Warwick County Park: Offers fishing, hiking trails a picnic area. Entrance off Country Park Road off Route 23, near Saint Peter's.

Cumru

Nolde Forest State Park: Offers hiking trails that follow a stream through a restored forest, a historic house and an old mill. Trails can be accessed from Route 625 (New Holland Road) or from the park headquarters. Restrooms available in park headquarters.

Evansburg

Evansburg State Park: Hiking trails, playground, picnic area, nature center. Restroom facilities. Historic structures. Access off Germantown Pike on Skippack Creek Road.

New Hanover

Swamp Creek Park: Paved walking trail, historic schoolhouse, model airplane field, picnic area, exercise area. Access off Lutheran or Reifsnyder roads. Portoable toilets.

Perkiomenville

Upper Perkiomen Valley County Park: Connects to Green Lane Reservoir. Hiking trails and picnic area.

Port Providence

Lock 60: A towpath park runs along the Schuylkill River. Boats can be rented at Fitzwater Station off Canal Street off Walnut Street in Mont Clare. The locktender's house can be accessed off Route 29.

Pottstown

Memorial Park: Offers a spray park, baseball fields, BMX track and walking paths along the Manatawny Creek. Owned by the Borough of Pottstown. Entrance off of King Street between Manatawny Street and Route 100.

Riverfront Park: Offers a walking trail that connects to the Schuylkill River trail, a boat ramp, bicycle racks and houses the headquarter for the Schuylkill Greenways Association. Parking lots off River Road.

Schwenksville

Pennypacker Mills: Historic mansion that was the former estate of Pa. Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker. Historic re-enactments. Take Route 73 to Haldeman Road north.

Union Township

French Creek State Park: Offers miles of hiking trails, boating and fishing in Scotts Run and Hopewell lakes, a swimming pool with bathhouses and a snack bar, boat rentals, picnic areas, basketball court, cabins and campsites, a playground and disc golf. Also is home to Forestry Service headquarters for the area. Trails can be accessed from inside the park or off Route 345 and off Park Road. Also an entrance in Saint Peter's off St. Peter's Road. Hunting allowed with proper permit. Restrooms available in park headquarters and at pool

Hopewell Furnace: A state historic site, this landmark holds re-enactment days, an ongoing archaeologic dig, hiking trails and living history tours. Access is off Route 345.

Upper Hanover

Green Lane State Park: Offers hiking trails, horseback riding trails, a nature center, picnic facilities, a playground, and a boat ramp. Restrooms available. Access trails off Route 29 (Knight Road), Perkiomenville Road.

Upper Providence

Upper Schuylkill Valley Park: Access to Schuylkill River. Access off Dreibelbis Road.

Upper Uwchlan

Marsh Creek State Park: Offers boating, boat rentals, fishing, hiking and walking trails. Restroom facilities. Access off Park Road off Route 100, or off Chalfont Road.

Valley Forge National Park: Hiking trails, biking trails, historic structures including Washington's Headquarters, museum, re-enactments, model airplane field. Restrooms at park headquarters. Bike rentals, snack bar in parking lot near main building. Access off Route 23.

TRAILS

Perkiomen Trail: access from Lower Perkiomen Valley Park or from Betzwood picnic area off Trooper Road. Must go south on Trooper Road until it ends. Also can access in Collegeville on Main Street, near the Wawa, and in Perkiomen Valley Park.

Schulykill Trail: Access from Riverfront Park in Pottstown. Connects to trails in French Creek and Valley Forge.

Pottstown's Homeowner Initiative Program

2008-08-19T14:34:00.000-04:00

Pottstown borough offers grants to those who buy a home split into rental units and return the home to a single living unit.
The money for the grants comes from revitalization grants awarded to Pottstown, according to information on the borough's Web site.
Grants are only awarded to home purchasers in certain areas of the borough. A boundary map is available on Pottstown borough's Web site.
The loan is forgiven if the homeowner lives in the house for seven years. No payments are required in that time.
"If the owner wants to refinance during the first seven years, the borough will subordinate its lien position in order for the financing to proceed. The homeowner is required to pay $200 for each subordination and for early termination/pay off of the loan," according to the borough's Web site.
Homeowners can apply for the grant within the first year of owning the property.
Up to $10,000 in forgivable loans are offered for single-family homes and up to $45,000 is offered for multi-unit homes that include the removal of two units, with $10,000 offered for each additional unit removed. A maximum of $55,000 is offered.
Quotes for the work must be submitted with each application.
For more information on the Homeowner Initiative, including an application and detailed instructions on how to apply, visit http://www.pottstown.org/Economic-documentLaunchingPage.html#

Get off junk mail lists

2008-08-19T14:32:00.001-04:00

Junk mail is direct marketing material and there are ways to get your name off lists.

For more information on reducing your junk mail, click here.

Pennsylvania Do Not Call List

2008-08-19T14:26:00.000-04:00

To register your phone number(s) on the Pennsylvania Do Not Call List, call 1-888-777-3406.
You can also enroll online at http://dnc.attorneygeneral.gov/Register.aspx.
You can also file a complaint if someone violates the Do Not Call List by logging on to the Pennslyvania Office of the Attorney General's Web site.
Any company or individual you conduct business with or contact is exempt from the list unless you ask them not to call. Also, nonprofits and political organizations are exempt from the Do Not Call List.
You must re-register for the list every five years.

The National Do Not Call Registry

2008-08-19T14:09:00.000-04:00

If you do not want annoying telemarketers bothering you at home, you have the option to register on the national Do Not Call Registry. Registration on the list is now permanent thanks to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007, which was approved in February.

According to the Registry's Web site, "Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days." You must reregister if your phone number changes and must register every phone number you have. The registry only applies to the phone number, not the person.

Also, if your phone is disconnected for any reason, you should reregister on the list if you do not want to receive telemarketing calls.

Political organizations and nonprofits are not covered by the Do Not Call Registry, unless the calls are made by a third-party telemarketing service. Nor does it apply to companies you already do business with, such as credit card companies, or phone survey takers.

If you wish not to receive calls from exempt parties, simply tell them so and they must honor the request. "If they subsequently call you again, they may be subject to a fine of up to $11,000," according to the Do Not Call Registry Web site.

The Do Not Call Registry is administered by the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission.

You can register you number for the National Do Not Call Registry by applying online at https://www.donotcall.gov/ or calling toll-free 1-888-382-1222. Cell phones can be put on the list.

Third parties are not allowed to place a phone number on the Do Not Call Registry.

Digital TV conversion information

2008-08-19T14:07:00.001-04:00

Are you ready for the most significant upgrade in television since color TV? The transition from analog to digital television (DTV) represents the most significant advancement to television technology since color TV was introduced. But while nearly every new technology we use today — including cell phones, music and radio — has gone digital, if you’re like most Americans, you may be completely unaware of the upcoming DTV transition, which will be completed on February 17, 2009.

The benefits of digital television are clear: crystal clear picture and CD quality sound; more choices through additional digital side channels — such as all weather or all traffic channels: and the capability of high-definition broadcasting.

Who needs to get ready? The DTV transition doesn’t directly affect everyone — those who have a digital tuner in their television, or subscribe to cable, satellite or telephone company television service provider need not worry. But those who are impacted are impacted dramatically. You need to take action if you are one of the 19.6 million households that rely exclusively on free, over-the-air broadcasts made available through a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears.” Even if you do subscribe to a television service provider, you may have a television set in your second bedroom or kitchen that is impacted. Overall, the transition will directly impact more than 69 million television sets.

Fortunately, navigating the transition is easy. You have only to follow one of these three simple steps to make sure your family continues to receive free, over-the-air television:

1) Purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing analog television set. The DTV converter box, sometimes referred to as a set-top box, is an electronic device that makes the new digital signal viewable on an older analog television set. Converter boxes will be available for purchase in early 2008 and are expected to cost between $50 and $70. To help cover the cost of the converter box, the federal government will offer two converter box coupons, valued at $40 each, to eligible households beginning early this year. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of a single converter box, and the coupon program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce. You will still need basic antennas in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on their analog sets, but current antennas will work the same as before. For more information about the converter box coupon program, call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov.

2)Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. Another option you may choose is to upgrade to a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. As with older sets, you will need basic antennas that provide quality reception of over-the-air analog television signals to pick up free digital broadcast programming from local stations. Before deciding to purchase a new digital TV, make sure your current set doesn’t have a built-in digital tuner. Most sets sold in the last few years that are larger than 27 inches will likely have a digital tuner.

3)Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company television service provider. All of these services will allow you to receive digital television signals on analogy television sets, as long as all the sets are connected to the service. No additional equipment is required for consumers who decide to go this route.
While there is still time to decide how to navigate the digital television transition, it is a good idea to start thinking now about which option will work best. Eligible consumers will be encouraged to apply early for the digital converter box coupons. If you choose to purchase a new television set with a digital tuner, take time to learn about available features and shop around for the best deal. Leaning toward a subscription to a cable, satellite or telephone company television service? Then spend some time looking into which of these services best suits your viewing needs and fits into your monthly budget.

The digital television transition is coming, and it means a better quality television experience for those who take one of the three easy steps above to upgrade. But consumers who don’t take those easy steps risk losing their free television programming. It pays to get prepared now for DTV.

Additional information about the DTV transition is available at www.dtvanswers.com.

Where to Recycle CDs, DVDs

2008-07-31T09:59:00.000-04:00

According to EarthTalk, a column put out by E! The Environmental Magazine, CD and DVD cases, if thrown in regular recycling, can contaminate a whole batch and ruin the other recyclables if melted down.
Still wanting to recycle them rather than throw them out?
There is an alternative:

Send CD and DVD plastic cases to GreenDisk.
The company offers individual packits that allow you to recycle small amounts of electronic waste including CD and DVD jewel cases, the CDs and DVDs themselves (which can release pollutants into water supplies if thrown away) and even computer trash, such as drives, disks and other components.

Where to recycle compact flourescent bulbs (CFL)

2008-06-12T13:16:00.000-04:00

Compact Flourescent lightbulbs contain Mercury, a toxic chemical. While not required to be recycled by the state of Pennsylvania, they can be.
Places to recycle CFL bulbs:

Montgomery County Hazardous Waste drop off: http://www.wsaemc.org/Recycling/

Next Level for Recycling: www.nlr-green.com or call 877-822-4733 ext.108