Saturday, July 28, 2007
Distribution Center Nears Completion at 248 & 33
The Express-Times reports (read the article here) that work is being completed on the new distribution center next to the Saturn dealership on route 248 near route 33.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Enforcing Pedestrian Safety in Bethlehem, Nazareth Next?
According to the Morning Call the City of Bethlehem announced a crack-down on vehicles that don't properly yield for pedestrians and immediately following the announcement went out and started citing violators (read the article here).
I've often advocated for pedestrian safety measures both on this site and at Council meetings.
The signs at the Circle were a good start and I was pleased that the Borough included information in its last Newsletter in the Police Perspective section, copied below, about pedestrian crossing.
More measures need to be taken, though. I find it amazing that when crossing streets in the borough with children at my side, cars dash around us as soon as they think they have enough room to pass. Many don't give pedestrians a chance to walk across even after two or three vehicles from the same direction have gone through while a person waits on the corner. And I've witnessed several vehicles go right through an intersection with a crossing guard in the middle holding the stop sign up in the air during the school year.
Beyond any niceties or consideration, it is simply a dangerous situation when cars drive through intersections that pedestrians are in.
Creating an environment that encourages people to walk in town is good for the businesses and good for the people walking.
How do you create this environment?
People both walking and driving need to understand the law, they need to be courteous, the Borough needs to reinforce the law with clearly identifiable crosswalks (ie repainted in many cases) and signage when necessary, and finally enforcement of these laws needs to take place (as it is now happening in Bethlehem).
Consideration of the places people most often walk to or around would be a good starting point. We have some significant challenges in this regard. I've seen people trying to walk to Giant and it is very difficult to get from town across 248/191 to these stores. In the opposite direction, people should be able to easily walk to the Borough Park and this is not so easy either from Upper Nazareth where you have to cross the Broad Street Extension or from the north end of town to the gated access road to the Park. Then there are the intersections in town itself. Broad and Center is very difficult to cross because of the number of people turning from Center southbound onto Broad. Both Broad and Main at Belvidere are a challenge as is Center at New where many, including myself must cross to get to the Library. Most times people coming from the north into town making the right on Center don't even yield let alone stop. Crossing E. Walnut/Tatamy Road from Broad to Victory Lane is also a challenge. Each of our schools should have a safe walking route for children. Borough children, despite the MS being in Upper Nazareth Township are required to walk to a single point and are then bused from the HS to the MS (a topic for another day).
While the new Police Chief will have to create a list of priorities and address them on a need basis, the Borough can be planning and creating an overall strategy to implement, and I hope they do for all our sakes.
From the Police Perspective:
I've often advocated for pedestrian safety measures both on this site and at Council meetings.
The signs at the Circle were a good start and I was pleased that the Borough included information in its last Newsletter in the Police Perspective section, copied below, about pedestrian crossing.
More measures need to be taken, though. I find it amazing that when crossing streets in the borough with children at my side, cars dash around us as soon as they think they have enough room to pass. Many don't give pedestrians a chance to walk across even after two or three vehicles from the same direction have gone through while a person waits on the corner. And I've witnessed several vehicles go right through an intersection with a crossing guard in the middle holding the stop sign up in the air during the school year.
Beyond any niceties or consideration, it is simply a dangerous situation when cars drive through intersections that pedestrians are in.
Creating an environment that encourages people to walk in town is good for the businesses and good for the people walking.
How do you create this environment?
People both walking and driving need to understand the law, they need to be courteous, the Borough needs to reinforce the law with clearly identifiable crosswalks (ie repainted in many cases) and signage when necessary, and finally enforcement of these laws needs to take place (as it is now happening in Bethlehem).
Consideration of the places people most often walk to or around would be a good starting point. We have some significant challenges in this regard. I've seen people trying to walk to Giant and it is very difficult to get from town across 248/191 to these stores. In the opposite direction, people should be able to easily walk to the Borough Park and this is not so easy either from Upper Nazareth where you have to cross the Broad Street Extension or from the north end of town to the gated access road to the Park. Then there are the intersections in town itself. Broad and Center is very difficult to cross because of the number of people turning from Center southbound onto Broad. Both Broad and Main at Belvidere are a challenge as is Center at New where many, including myself must cross to get to the Library. Most times people coming from the north into town making the right on Center don't even yield let alone stop. Crossing E. Walnut/Tatamy Road from Broad to Victory Lane is also a challenge. Each of our schools should have a safe walking route for children. Borough children, despite the MS being in Upper Nazareth Township are required to walk to a single point and are then bused from the HS to the MS (a topic for another day).
While the new Police Chief will have to create a list of priorities and address them on a need basis, the Borough can be planning and creating an overall strategy to implement, and I hope they do for all our sakes.
From the Police Perspective:
In these hustle and bustle times, everyone is in a hurry to get to their destination while multi-tasking along the way when they should be taking their time and slow down enough to enjoy the pleasant surroundings of this great town in which we live. Many hazards await the unsuspecting motorists who travel our streets, therefore it is very important that drivers should be aware of everything around them. As most of you are aware, there are now "Pedestrian Crossing" signs that have been placed around the Circle but it seems as though not everyone is sure of what they mean.
Section 3542 of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code states the following:
(a) General Rule:
When the traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
(b) Exercise of care by pedestrian:
No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to consitute a hazard. Fines for violating the section above are $100.00 but more importantly, the safety of our citizens should overshadow all. In layman's terms, both drivers and pedestrians alike need to be aware of each other and learn to co-exist.
As everyone is quite aware, Nazareth has its fair share of dangerous intersections within its borders. That in itself is ample reason for all drivers to exercise caution when negotiating our streets. I encourage everyone, drivers and pedestrians both, to do their part to make 2007 a safer year for us all!
Vandals Spray Paint Cars in Wal Mart Lot
The Express-Times reports (read the article here) that nine cars were vandalized by spray paint in the Wal Mart parking lot at the Northampton Crossings between 10 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Wed/Thurs.
Police ask anyone with information to call Colonial Regional police at 610-837-4557.
Nazareth Legion to Host PUC Hearing on Water Rate Hike
The Express-Times reports (read the article here) that the Nazareth American Legion will host a public hearing seeking input on the PA American Water proposed rate hike on August 16 at 7 p.m.
For most Nazareth area residents the proposed hike would add almost $11.00 to the monthly bill making it $45 per month.
For most Nazareth area residents the proposed hike would add almost $11.00 to the monthly bill making it $45 per month.
Colonial Regional Police Parties Continue Talks
Hanover Township, Lower Nazareth Township, and Bath Borough continue to try to work out a settlement to the long-standing dispute over a new building for the Colonial Regional Police according to a report in the Express-Times (read it here).
The latest consideration is to allow Bath Borough, the smallest of the three, the ability to purchase up to one third of the new building without requiring the full one third purchase.
The latest consideration is to allow Bath Borough, the smallest of the three, the ability to purchase up to one third of the new building without requiring the full one third purchase.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Dates All Wrong - Thanks for Noting Corrections
Blew both dates, was a week ahead of myself on the Council meeting and a day behind on the executive session.
That's what I get for trying to cram in too many posts before 6:30 a.m.
Sorry for any confusion...Ross
That's what I get for trying to cram in too many posts before 6:30 a.m.
Sorry for any confusion...Ross
Special Executive Session Tonight
The Us has an announcement that there will be a special executive session of the Borough Council tonight at the new Municipal Building at 6:00 p.m.
The regular workshop meeting is at 7:00 p.m. at Council Chambers.
While several issues could be the reason for the meeting, the most likely is a final discussion on Chief of Police and if a decision is made expect an announcement tonight.
The regular workshop meeting is at 7:00 p.m. at Council Chambers.
While several issues could be the reason for the meeting, the most likely is a final discussion on Chief of Police and if a decision is made expect an announcement tonight.
Lower Nazareth Warehouse Plans Explained
Both the Express-Times (read the article here) and the Morning Call (read the article here) have articles on the meeting that explained the warehousing plans for Lower Nazareth.
One of several major issues is the traffic these three facilities will place on local roads.
The meeting was a continuation of the one held last month.
One of several major issues is the traffic these three facilities will place on local roads.
The meeting was a continuation of the one held last month.
Make A Wish Fundraiser this Weekend
As reported here a month ago (read the post) and in the Express-Times today (read it here), a local teen will be having a book sale this weekend to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
She has been collecting books from early June through mid July and will have the sale on July 27 & 28.
The drop off and sale are at the family's home at 143 1st Street (off Friedenstahl Road between the HS and MS).
All proceeds will benefit the Make A Wish Foundation.
According to the article the books have taken over the family garage and are encroaching on other parts of the house. Her father, Mike made two comments, one that he's been able to read some classics (How 'bout some reviews for the book club, Mike?) and two that he really wants his garage back (given the little space us dad's get around the house, I'm sure many of us can sympathize).
This weekend try to stop by the sale to help Mike reclaim his garage while donating money to a great a cause. Talk about win-win-win situation.
She has been collecting books from early June through mid July and will have the sale on July 27 & 28.
The drop off and sale are at the family's home at 143 1st Street (off Friedenstahl Road between the HS and MS).
All proceeds will benefit the Make A Wish Foundation.
According to the article the books have taken over the family garage and are encroaching on other parts of the house. Her father, Mike made two comments, one that he's been able to read some classics (How 'bout some reviews for the book club, Mike?) and two that he really wants his garage back (given the little space us dad's get around the house, I'm sure many of us can sympathize).
This weekend try to stop by the sale to help Mike reclaim his garage while donating money to a great a cause. Talk about win-win-win situation.
2000 Descend on Wal Mart to See Billy Ray Cyrus
JD Malone of the Express-Times reports (read the article here) that 2000 people showed up at the Wal Mart in Lower Nazareth Township to see Billy Ray Cyrus who was there promoting his new CD release.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Synthetic Turf Dedication
On Sunday August 12 the Nazareth Area School District will have an Andrew S. Leh Stadium Synthetic Turf Dedication.
They are seeking field hockey, soccer, band, cheering, lacrosse and football alumni to participated in alumni games to dedicate the new turf field.
For more information contact the athletic office by calling 610.759.1362 or email dprice@nazarethasd.org
They are seeking field hockey, soccer, band, cheering, lacrosse and football alumni to participated in alumni games to dedicate the new turf field.
For more information contact the athletic office by calling 610.759.1362 or email dprice@nazarethasd.org
Holy Family Festival
The Holy Family Festival takes place this week on the 27, 28, and 29 beginning at 5:00 p.m. each night.
There is live music on each day, games, rides, dancing, and bingo.
A free shuttle is available on Saturday from the Boro Park to the Festival and it will run from 3:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.
Ride night is on Saturday from 6-10 p.m. and a pass is $10.00.
There is live music on each day, games, rides, dancing, and bingo.
A free shuttle is available on Saturday from the Boro Park to the Festival and it will run from 3:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.
Ride night is on Saturday from 6-10 p.m. and a pass is $10.00.
Billy Ray Day!
Today is Billy Ray Cyrus' appearance at the Wal Mart in Lower Nazareth Township.
The country singer turned tv star is promoting his new album and will be in the store beginning at 6:00 p.m. according to a report in the Morning Call (read it here).
The country singer turned tv star is promoting his new album and will be in the store beginning at 6:00 p.m. according to a report in the Morning Call (read it here).
Police Blotter Addendum
After the recent listing of two local incidents, both the Express-Times (read it here) and Morning Call (read it here) report today that the treasurer of the Hecktown Ambulance Corp. is accused of using Corp. checks to pay personal bills.
The Morning Call article reports
The Morning Call article reports
"Cheryl Oblick, 40, of 570 Georgetown Road, Lower Nazareth Township, also is accused of forging signatures on other Hecktown Ambulance checks, court documents state.
When confronted in March about the missing money, Oblick ''freely admitted'' that she had used Hecktown Ambulance checks to pay her bills and ''questioned the severity of her crime,'' Colonial Regional police said in court documents."
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Gas Price War only a Small Battle
Scott made a comment on a previous post in regard to getting gas on Airport Road at $1.94 a gallon.
He was happy to see a gas war, but then posted shortly thereafter the war was over and the price was back up.
I noted previously that in Nazareth the price simply remains fixed. It has hardly budged from the $2.89/2.90 price point since it was achieved. While set at this price in Nazareth, I'd drive ten miles to work and get gas on Schoenersville Road for anywhere from twenty to thirty cents less.
On Sunday night I was on my way to Philadelphia and before leaving stopped in the office and topped off the tank. I skipped the Hess because the line ran out onto the road, $2.19 a gallon will do that, and instead went and waited at the Sheetz, also $2.19.
Tomorrow I guess I'll find out how much it has gone up as I'll need some more petrol, but I won't even bother looking around Nazareth, I'm sure it will be at $2.89 or higher.
Which really does beg the question, why the premium price for regular gasoline in Nazareth?
He was happy to see a gas war, but then posted shortly thereafter the war was over and the price was back up.
I noted previously that in Nazareth the price simply remains fixed. It has hardly budged from the $2.89/2.90 price point since it was achieved. While set at this price in Nazareth, I'd drive ten miles to work and get gas on Schoenersville Road for anywhere from twenty to thirty cents less.
On Sunday night I was on my way to Philadelphia and before leaving stopped in the office and topped off the tank. I skipped the Hess because the line ran out onto the road, $2.19 a gallon will do that, and instead went and waited at the Sheetz, also $2.19.
Tomorrow I guess I'll find out how much it has gone up as I'll need some more petrol, but I won't even bother looking around Nazareth, I'm sure it will be at $2.89 or higher.
Which really does beg the question, why the premium price for regular gasoline in Nazareth?
Police Report from the Express-Times
Two items related to the Nazareth area in the Express-Times today:
Lower Nazareth:
"Police said Michael Yavorski, of the 4200 block of Hecktown Road, fondled the [12 year old] girl during the summer of 2006." (read the article here) The article goes on to say that Yavorski was released by posting 10% of his $10,000 bail.
Nazareth:
"A 22-year-old Nazareth man [Daniel Lee Borton] was flown by helicopter to St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill at 5:40 a.m. Sunday after he became severely intoxicated and fell into a "fixed object," according to state police at Belfast." (read the article here) The article goes on to say that Borton will face charges of possession of marijuana and public drunkenness.
Lower Nazareth:
"Police said Michael Yavorski, of the 4200 block of Hecktown Road, fondled the [12 year old] girl during the summer of 2006." (read the article here) The article goes on to say that Yavorski was released by posting 10% of his $10,000 bail.
Nazareth:
"A 22-year-old Nazareth man [Daniel Lee Borton] was flown by helicopter to St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill at 5:40 a.m. Sunday after he became severely intoxicated and fell into a "fixed object," according to state police at Belfast." (read the article here) The article goes on to say that Borton will face charges of possession of marijuana and public drunkenness.
Colonial Regional Police Municipalities at it Again
The Morning Call reports today (read the article here) that Bath and Lower Nazareth have now claimed Hanover Township's recent announcement it will remain a part of the Colonial Regional Police force has no teeth and was worded in a way that the Township could change its mind yet again.
This leaves the composition of the Police Department tenuous at best. The three parties have been bickering ever since a decision was made to create a new department headquarters.
This leaves the composition of the Police Department tenuous at best. The three parties have been bickering ever since a decision was made to create a new department headquarters.
Monday, July 23, 2007
5th Annual St. John's UCC - Nazareth Golf Tournament.
Annual St. John's UCC - Nazareth Golf Tournament. Net Proceeds to Benefit the Parish Health Services Program.
The tournament will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at the Whitetail Golf Club in Bath. Tee time is 1:00 PM. This is a 4-person scramble. The cost is $80 / golfer. The cost includes greens fee, cart, range balls, a HOT buffet dinner, and prizes.
Registration deadline is Monday, August 27.
Tee / green sponsors are also needed. Please contact Chad Remaly at 610-759-4345 for registration information.
The Parish Health Services Program of St. John’s UCC, Nazareth improves the wholistic health of the people in and around St. John’s and the Nazareth area through three services:
Tournament Sponsored by COORDINATED HEALTH
Thanks to the reader who forwarded this information to me!
The tournament will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at the Whitetail Golf Club in Bath. Tee time is 1:00 PM. This is a 4-person scramble. The cost is $80 / golfer. The cost includes greens fee, cart, range balls, a HOT buffet dinner, and prizes.
Registration deadline is Monday, August 27.
Tee / green sponsors are also needed. Please contact Chad Remaly at 610-759-4345 for registration information.
The Parish Health Services Program of St. John’s UCC, Nazareth improves the wholistic health of the people in and around St. John’s and the Nazareth area through three services:
Health Advocacy Services including:
- explaining medications
- explaining medical procedures
- arranging in-home and institutional care services
- discussing allowable services of various health insurance programs
- discussing alternate living situations
Health Education Services are provided to groups. In the past year seminars and classes were presented about:
- nutrition
- exercise
- allergies
- Medicare Part D benefits
- weight loss
- Veteran’s benefits
Health Information and Referral Services including our Health and Wholeness Fair held as part of the Nazareth Days in the Borough Park. In the past six years, in cooperation with area hospitals and physicians, we have provided free health screenings for stroke and hypertension, cholesterol, and osteoporosis along with information on a variety of health related issues.
Tournament Sponsored by COORDINATED HEALTH
Thanks to the reader who forwarded this information to me!
To Post, or Not to Post?
Age old questions must be good ones, because they always seem to come back to us in varying forms.
To be, or not to be; to post or not to post?
For those who did read over the weekend, and many seem to simply enjoy getting away from the computer (as I have to admit I pretty much checked out this past weekend in favor of great weather), they are aware that I've been accused of bias against the skateboarders based on my coverage and writing.
After attempting to address these accusations in comments last night and again this morning, I conducted my morning search of articles and found but one, by JD Malone of the Express-Times, titled "Skateboarders on thin ice with some."
Hmmm. To Post, or Not to Post?
Seems to me based on the responses I received from one individual, I can't win no matter what I do or don't do. So that tells me to go ahead, but again, will it look like I'm putting it in someone's face if I run with this? It could.
I've got no childhood mentor's skull to speak with (Alas poor Yorick, I knew him well Horatio, a man of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy, he hath bore me on his back a thousand times - or something like that, I'm sure senior English with Mr. Newman is flooding back to everyone now as it is for me), but I've still got guidance in terms of what I wanted with this site. The point was to share information and give people an opportunity to report on events and activities as well as myself. There is original content and there is reporting on the reporting. Of course there are also comments about all of it.
There were some complaints that I didn't recently cover certain events. To anyone, regardless of the event or activity, if you'd like information posted, email it to me and if it relates to Nazareth I'll post it. If you want to regularly contribute, I'll give you an invite and like Brad you can post whenever you want.
There was also a complaint about my not having a certain event on the community calendar. This calendar is open to all. Anyone can post an event (you do have to have a yahoo! account) and then join the newsovercoffee group. Once your event is created, send the event to the group, and it will be included.
At the end of the day, I wanted a site that allowed people to do things for themself instead of relying on me to do all the work. I had hoped it would grow into a community of contributors. It hasn't gotten that far yet, with most people reading and some sending me ideas or posts on occassion. I appreciate that input as it is helpful. I think as people become even more comfortable with the technology and less fearful of their posts being criticized/flamed, more will join in and provide information about their service organizations events, plans, meetings, etc.
I'm very glad that the library has sent some book reviews my way and if anyone has read anything lately (say, Harry Potter?) don't hesitate to send me a review. I'd love to post as many book reviews as possible. I'm always looking for something else to read, which I guess brings me back to Will S. and his famous words.
I think regardless of the calls of bias, my integrity would be compromised if I let a couple people's comments stop me from making a post about a topic, so here it is, feel free to read JD Malone's article about the skateboarders (you can do so here), comment, and the next time you have a story, been to an event, or read a book, don't forget to write it up and send it along to me.
Have a great week!
To be, or not to be; to post or not to post?
For those who did read over the weekend, and many seem to simply enjoy getting away from the computer (as I have to admit I pretty much checked out this past weekend in favor of great weather), they are aware that I've been accused of bias against the skateboarders based on my coverage and writing.
After attempting to address these accusations in comments last night and again this morning, I conducted my morning search of articles and found but one, by JD Malone of the Express-Times, titled "Skateboarders on thin ice with some."
Hmmm. To Post, or Not to Post?
Seems to me based on the responses I received from one individual, I can't win no matter what I do or don't do. So that tells me to go ahead, but again, will it look like I'm putting it in someone's face if I run with this? It could.
I've got no childhood mentor's skull to speak with (Alas poor Yorick, I knew him well Horatio, a man of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy, he hath bore me on his back a thousand times - or something like that, I'm sure senior English with Mr. Newman is flooding back to everyone now as it is for me), but I've still got guidance in terms of what I wanted with this site. The point was to share information and give people an opportunity to report on events and activities as well as myself. There is original content and there is reporting on the reporting. Of course there are also comments about all of it.
There were some complaints that I didn't recently cover certain events. To anyone, regardless of the event or activity, if you'd like information posted, email it to me and if it relates to Nazareth I'll post it. If you want to regularly contribute, I'll give you an invite and like Brad you can post whenever you want.
There was also a complaint about my not having a certain event on the community calendar. This calendar is open to all. Anyone can post an event (you do have to have a yahoo! account) and then join the newsovercoffee group. Once your event is created, send the event to the group, and it will be included.
At the end of the day, I wanted a site that allowed people to do things for themself instead of relying on me to do all the work. I had hoped it would grow into a community of contributors. It hasn't gotten that far yet, with most people reading and some sending me ideas or posts on occassion. I appreciate that input as it is helpful. I think as people become even more comfortable with the technology and less fearful of their posts being criticized/flamed, more will join in and provide information about their service organizations events, plans, meetings, etc.
I'm very glad that the library has sent some book reviews my way and if anyone has read anything lately (say, Harry Potter?) don't hesitate to send me a review. I'd love to post as many book reviews as possible. I'm always looking for something else to read, which I guess brings me back to Will S. and his famous words.
I think regardless of the calls of bias, my integrity would be compromised if I let a couple people's comments stop me from making a post about a topic, so here it is, feel free to read JD Malone's article about the skateboarders (you can do so here), comment, and the next time you have a story, been to an event, or read a book, don't forget to write it up and send it along to me.
Have a great week!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Nazareth Day Saturday
Seemed like even more people than normal turned out for Nazareth Day at the Borough Park on Saturday, possibly a result of the good weather.
We had a nice time looking at the crafts and hearing music from the gazebo. The kids loved the K-9 rescue stand, especially the St. Bernard, they got free tatoos from Homestead Kennels, and had a light lunch from the refreshment stand. While they ate we listened to the Community Band in the now roofed stage. Some free popcorn afterward was a hit with our younger daughter.
After a few hours time we strolled back toward the entrance.
All in all it was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. We saw more than a few familiar faces and caught with some people we hadn't seen in a while.
Hope everyone had a great time as well.