Live Blogging Monster Rain Maker

Last Update 1:31 p.m.: Rain has stopped but it is still cloudy outside.

The weather station in Bryn Athyn is reporting 4.43 inches of rain over the past day.

This is the end of our live blogging of this massive storm system that brought rain and winds to our region. We have photos on our site here. If you have any photos or storm reports be sure to e-mail us at news@buxmontnews.com and we will post them.


Update 10:45 a.m.: As of 9 a.m. this morning the Neshaminy Creek has reached flood stage. The crest is expected at 6 p.m. tonight.

The Courier Times is reporting that 2,400 people are without power in Bucks County this morning.


In Darby, Delaware County people are being evacuated after that town is underwater with some of the worst flooding occurred there. (Read about it here)


Update 9:00 a.m.: We will continue to update the blog throughout the day with updates but expect live blogging to slowly come to an end as the morning goes on...Thank you everyone for reading!

Update 7:23 a.m.: Upper Moreland appears to have received the brunt of road closures this morning.

The rain will slowly be clearing out this morning, Bryn Athyn weather station is reporting 4.37 inches of rain over the past 24 hours and a peak wind speed of 32mph.


Friday October 1st, Update 4:45 p.m.: Many area roads closed due to rising flood waters. Driving around this morning we saw upwards of 10 roads closed.

Reports of a water rescue this morning in Upper Moreland on Horsham and Moreboro Roads.

 County Line Road was closed as of 4 a.m. this morning due to flooding.


Officials are now reporting that the Neshaminy Creek will crest at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning.


Click Here to See a Photo Gallery of the Storm...being updated as new photos come in....

Update 8:25 p.m.: Heavier rain bands moving toward the area.

Update 7:20 p.m.: Heavy rain in Upper Southampton, winds in Bryn Athyn are blowing at 13mph.  Also the Bryn Athyn weather monitoring station is reporting half an inch of rain has fallen within the past 30 minutes.

Area now under a Flood Warning as the NWS has released more data about tomorrow's expected Delaware River flooding.

If you have any photos from the storm send them to us at news@buxmontnews.com

Update 6:33 p.m.: Gov. Rendell has put the Pa. National Guard on alert.


The Philly Inquirer is reporting that the Neshaminy Creek is expected to crest at 2 p.m. tomorrow.



SEPTA is also reporting Regional Rail delays due to a tree across the tracks.

Monster Storm to Pound Area

While the storm entered slower than forecasters thought the rain is finally in here and forecasters say it will be with us until mid-day tomorrow.

Bucks and Montgomery Counties are under a Flood Watch and a High Wind Advisory. It is predicted that we could now get up to 4 inches of rain and sustained winds of up to 35 mph. 

The storm will be in two parts, this morning’s rains and this afternoons flooding rains and damaging winds. Radar shows bands of moisture from the storm reaching from Maine to Cuba.

Forecasters are warning of the possibilities of tornados and hail which could batter the Philadelphia region as the worst part of the storm is expected to hit late this afternoon. 

This much needed rain will most likely push the area out of a drought that had plagued the area in recent weeks. 

PECO is also preparing of the threat of power outages with reports of storm related power outages already in Delaware County. 

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)

Online Editor

B&R Fitness Club Plans to Re-Open After Suffering Fire Damage

A fire September 25 closed B&R Fitness Center on Street Road in Feasterville, the fitness center is expecting to reopen most of its facility Monday October 11. In a letter to its members it says the fire started in the spin room and the building suffered smoke damage. The letter also says the club will compensate members for the membership time lost due to the clean up from the fire. (Tom Sofield)

Tropical Rainmaker Expected to Bring Heavy Rain to Region

By this time tomorrow forecasters are expecting heavy rain and winds gusting up to 40 mph to hit the mid-Atlantic as a Tropical Depression 16 hits the area. 

The National Weather Service office in Mt. Holly, N.J. announced a flood watch for much of the East Coast they are also expecting one to four inches of rain over the next 48 hours. 

Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects rain to begin in the region around 2 p.m. this afternoon and continuing into late Thursday night. 

The National Weather Service reports that this forthcoming rain maker could produce flooding in small creeks and streams. 

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)

Online Editor

Division Champions!

Philadelphia Phillies Roy Halladay (L) and Jayson Werth (R) celebrate with champagne after clinching their division championship after beating the Washington Nationals in their MLB National League baseball game in Washington September 27, 2010. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst (UNITED STATES)Content © 2010 Reuters All rights reserved.

Wet Weather Will Be Gone By Tuesday

Rain showers should clear out by late Tuesday and that will give way to fall like temps throughout the Bucks-Mont. area for the next 7 days. (Phillyweather.net)

Local Con Woman Arrested

Passport photo of the "con queen"

It would seem that Nydia Neubauer has more aliases than Imelda Marcos has shoes.

She has held residency in Manhattan, Puerto Rico, and more recently in New Hope.

Since August 19th however, sixty three year old Neubauer has been housed in a Monmouth Co. Correctional Institution in Freehold, New Jersey. It is a far cry from the luxurious life she has led as a socialite up until now.

Some reports have her active as a con woman going back as far as forty years. So active in fact that The New York Times featured 'An Oral History' of her fallout amongst Manhattans elites including Denise Rich and Dennis Basso.

Her upbringing is unclear although some reports list her as a native of Puerto Rico. Her sister, Norma Vega, was quoted in The New York Times as saying "we grew up downtown, not uptown Manhattan."

Neubauer made her entrance into the Manhattan circle in 2001 and quickly established herself making promises of generous charitable contributions, commissioning jewelry, and boasting about the extensive properties she owned.

Eventually, the checks bounced and her act became as transparent as Baccarat stemware.

"The thing Nydia doesn't realize is that New York is a really small town. You only have to get taken once, and you are going to tell somebody," Catherine Saxton, C.E.O., The Saxton Group Limited told the The New York Times.

Evidently Neubauer has since reinvented herself as Lucy George and took up residency in a million dollar home on Mechanics Street in New Hope. The settlement check was returned from the bank to real estate developer George E. Michael, unpaid.

Michael reported the fraud to authorities which sparked an investigation unraveling numerous fraudulent real estate transactions.

It was also discovered that Neubauer made jewelry purchases from local businesses, Zikos Jewelers, and Dimitri Politicos that she financed with bad checks.

Neubauer currently faces fraud charges in Upper Southampton Township, New Hope Police and is said to be being investigated by New York Police although there is little detail as the investigations are ongoing.

Maura McCormick (mmcormick@buxmontnews.com)
Staff Writer

Reid's Last Gasp?

File

It's Fall in the Philadelphia area.

Mick Vick, named by Coach Andy Reid to start for the Eagles this weekend, gets the opportunity to make Reid look good.

H20 is the cry among Phils Fans- Halladay,Hamels and Oswalt.

The Phils are set to clinch another division title.

But are they real STORIES of Philadelphia Sports?

Or is it what is behind the scenes....?

Mets 5, Phillies 2



Philadelphia Phillies Ryan Howard connects for a two-run home run against the New York Mets during the first inning of their National League MLB baseball game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 25, 2010 The Phillies lost last nights game, 5-Mets, 2-Phillies. REUTERS/Tim Shaffer
Content © 2010 Reuters All rights reserved.



Two Nearby Accidents in Lower Moreland Reported

Shortly before 9 p.m. reports of two car accidents in Lower Moreland came across the police scanner.

Accident #1:
Fire rescue crews have been dispatched to a car accident is reported at Philmont Avenue and Anne Street.

A caller told police dispatch that the car was swerving shortly before the crash.

The occupant has gotten out of the vehicle.

Traffic is blocked and Fire Police are on the scene directing traffic.

Accident #2:
A second car accident is reported just up the road at Philmont Avenue and the intersection of Red Lion Road.

Reports from the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety indicate a car had crashed into a guard rail.

Muarry Avenue School Assistant Principal Charles Hurst Arrested

The Lower Moreland School District posted a letter to parents on its website today after police announced the arrest of Muarry Avenue School assistant principal Charles D. Hurst for “endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of the morals of a minor, and other related charges.”

The 13 year old boy Hurst is accused of having an inappropriate relationship was a student in the North Penn School District where he previously worked. 

The boy and Hurst never engaged in a physical relationship.

Hurst became assistant principal of the Muarry Avenue School in July 2010. District officials say they released Hurst last Friday after reports of the relationship began.

Hurst, 37, was arrested by Montgomery Township police at his residence.

In the letter the Lower Moreland School District says at the time his hiring Hurst passed all required checks and when hired had never been charged with a crime. 

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)

Online Editor

Car Accident Slows Street Road in Southampton

A two car accident at Street Road and the entrance to Southampton Estates Retirement Community slowed rush hour traffic shortly after 7 p.m. Injuries were reported and a woman was taken to the hospital to be looked at. (Cell Phone Photo)

The Cost of College

Tuesday a report released by College Board Advocacy & Policy Center stated that the typical student attending a four-year public college will not see a return in their education investment until they are 33 years old.

The report also outlined that people with college degrees are less likely to lose their jobs where as people with just a high school diploma have higher unemployment rates.

Also released in the report was information that college graduates are more likely to exercise, read to their children, vote and volunteer. These graduates also have lesser chance of being overweight or smoking.

College Board also states that the average tuition cost of a two year school for full-time students (12 credits a semester) is $2,544 per a semester where as Bucks charges students on average $1,605 for Bucks County residents.

“Take out a big student loan and work my ass off,” said Brooks Walker, 18, liberal arts major from Warminster said about paying for tuition to continue his education after Bucks. Walker who works at Ann’s Choice Retirement Community in Warminster says his job helps him pay for some of his Bucks enrollment fees.

83 Year Old Woman Hit While Crossing York Road

The Courier Times Newspaper is reporting that Hatboro police are searching for the driver of a black Ford Explorer SUV who hit an 83 year old Philadelphia woman and then fled the scene.

Location of accidnet (Google StreetView)

Police tell the paper that a passenger who owned the Explorer got out to help the woman and that’s when the driver of the SUV fled along with the vehicle.

Hatboro Police Chief James Gardner said the elderly woman was alert when paramedics took her to the hospital after the accident.

The accident happened near Produce Junction and Joe’s Pizza on York Road.

On August 30 of this year two young children were struck by a car while crossing York Road in Warminster less than a mile away.

Nearby police in Upper Moreland found the SUV but police are still searching for the person who was driving it.

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)
Online Editor

Crash Blocks Traffic on Moreland Road

EMT's, Upper Moreland & Abington police respond to a vehicle accident along East Moreland Road near Division Avenue on the Upper Moreland and Abington township lines. Scanner reports indicate injuries were minor. (Tom Sofield)

Phillies Sweep the Braves



Philadelphia Phillies Jayson Werth (R) and Carlos Ruiz celebrate after Werth scored the game-winning run against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning of their National League MLB baseball game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 22, 2010. REUTERS/Tim Shaffer (Content © 2010 Reuters All rights reserved.



Lower Southampton Burglary Suspect Caught in New Jersey

Robert Szczepanski

The suspect of the home burglary that occurred in Lower Southampton on the afternoon on September 11 was arrested in Palmyra, N.J. by police doing random license plate checks of cars crossing the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge into the state.


When police pulled over the Grand Prix they found the suspect Robert Szczepanski, 39, who is from the Frankford section of Philadelphia, driving the stolen car which was filled with cash, drugs, jewelry and deposit bags from a church.

Szczepanski is being held in Burlington County jail on $45,000 bail and is waiting to be extradited to Bucks County.

He is charged in Palmyra with receiving stolen goods and drugs charges. When he is extradited back to Bucks County he will face burglary charges which could land him up to 20 years in jail.

Power Problems Plauge SEPTA...Again

Update 9:56 a.m.: SEPTA is now reporting all trains are either on time to or close to it.

For the third time in two months problems with power supply are affecting SEPTA's Regional Rail Line.

All lines including the Warminster Line at experiencing delays of up to 30 minutes.

The West Trenton line is facing delays of up to an hour.

The Philadelphia Inquirer Reports that the delays were caused by a fuse problem near the Jenkintown Station.

The previous two times power problems were caused by Amtrak power issues but still affected the SEPTA system.

Eagles Defeat Lions 35-32

DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 19: Joselio Hanson and Nate Allen of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after stoping the Detroit Lions on a fourth down play late in the game at Ford Field on September 19, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Eagles defeated the Lions 35-32. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
Content © 2010 Getty Images All rights reserved.

 

Upper Moreland Board Gives Sonic 30 More Days

Employees from the Sonic fast food restaurant on the corner of Mill and Easton Roads went before the Upper Moreland Board of Commissioners to ask for a 30 day extension to their occupancy permit.

The board approved the extension 5 – 1.

One of the reasons the restaurant only has a temporary occupancy permit is due to the fact that they are still working with the PA Turnpike Commission to finalize a lease agreement for the corner property. Another reason is because once the lease is finalized the restaurant will be able to fully comply with Upper Moreland’s storm water management agreement.

Sonic has completed over $100,000 of road improvements at the intersection of Mill and Easton Roads.

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)
Online Editor

Why do they matter?

Editors Note: Due to technical problems this was not posted until today. This was meant to be posted last Friday.

For weeks I have watched, waited, and have been patient. Enough is enough all ready!

What is it that's bugging me? The latest event, or is that a threat?, brings to us this self proclaimed voice of god pastor from Florida planning to burn Koran's unless he gets his way. That being the planned Mosque being built, not on the ground zero location, but approximately four city blocks away.

By the pastor any comments about the Porn shop down the block?

Since when does the building of anything private in New York City have anything to do with Florida? Alaska? Ohio? Washington? Arizona?

NOTHING!!

I was born and raised in the streets of Brooklyn, NY. And in all honesty anyone that wasn't born in NY really has no place in the debate about the proposed religious building.

Mayor Bloomberg is the only official that matters in terms of the politics about this issue. Govenor Patterson is a lame duck Governor at this point and whatever he has to say really doesn't matter.

The people of the five boroughs, they have a say, but all others? You really need to
shut up!

I am going to New York this weekend. I plan to visit the Ground Zero to pay my respects. I will buy a coffee for service men and woman I see. I will do the same for those that work for the FD NY, NY PD, and NY EMT service's.

What will you do this weekend to pay respects? Continue to talk of intolerance?

Ask yourself that as you watch and observe the battle of messages this weekend on the various media outlets this weekend.

--Jeff Bohen

Man from Ivyland Charged With Stealing Warminster 7-11 Donation Jar

Warminster police have filed charges against 23 year old William George Bacchino who lives on Jacksonville Road in Ivyland Borough after it was discovered he stole a donation jar on the counter of the 7-11 on Street Road in Warminster.

(WPVI/Warminster Police

The jar taken on July 18th of this year, contained donations to pay for medical expenses for Christine McGhee a young woman who suffered serious brain injuries after being hit by a pick-up truck at Kutztown University in late 2008.

The 7-11 had surveillance cameras installed and they captured video of the theft. Police distributed the video to local news outlets which broadcast the images of the suspect.

The jar was stolen once before in May of 2010 by two women who were caught shortly after taking the donation jar.

A hearing for Bacchino is scheduled for October 22nd.

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)
Staff Writer

Water Main Break in Feasterville

The Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority is reporting a water main break at Stump Road and Bustleton Pike in Feasterville.

We are told 10-15 customers are without water service in Feasterville and Upper Southampton townships.

BCWSA reports via internet that service should be restored by 7pm tonight.

Elderly Woman Slams into Southampton Home

Diagram of accident put together from neighbors accounts.

Around 9 a.m. this morning an elderly woman driving a teal Chevy Corsica drove across the lawn of a home, striking that home and finally stopping after hitting a block wall of another home in the 200 block of Maple Road in Upper Southampton.

No one was injured in any of the homes; the elderly driver was unharmed and was not taken to the hospital.



Neighbors say that the Corsica driven by the woman drove across the lawn of a white rancher striking the corner wall of the home but leaving not notable damage to anything but the hedge out front. Next the car finally came to rest after slamming into a cinder block wall of a two story home.

One neighbor said that she saw smoke coming from the home after the accident but when Warminster and Upper Southampton fire crews arrived no fire was discovered.

We are awaiting comment from the Upper Southampton Police Department to try to shed more light of this morning’s accident.

After the jump we have more photos from the scene.

Lower Southampton Police Investigate Burglary

Lower Southampton Township Police are looking for a man who posed as a pool man and broke into a home on Saturday September 11.


The residence happened to have home security camera in it and captured footage of the burglar who was a white male, early 30’s, red hair, 5’10” and of medium build.

Police say the man entered through an unlocked rear sliding glass door.

The man was caught by the home owner in the homes bedroom taking a jewelry box.

When the suspect was confronted by the home owner he told the man he was a pool man. When asked by the home owner who he worked for the suspect said “Joe” was his boss.

Security Camera Footage
of the suspects car fleeing
the home.

The man who police are calling an “actor” fled the house in a dark blue/green Pontiac Grand Prix. The resident’s security camera caught the car driving away, the car is registered in New Jersey and the incense plate read YYE11D.

Lower Southampton Police discovered the car was stolen after it was reported later by the owner.

If you have any information on this burglary contact Lower Southampton Police Detective Eric Landamia at 215-357-1235 ext. 339.

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)

Staff Writer

Chilling Forcast

Halloween decorations outside the ACE Hardware in
Upper Southampton sway in the Wednesday morning breeze. Thursday
and Friday's high tempatures are not forcasted to reach above 80 degrees
with lows projected to be around 60 degrees.  (Tom Sofield)



College Offers Green Job Training for Veterans

On a recent day the first group of nine former service men graduated from the 12 week Bucks County Community College Veterans Green Jobs program which has prepared them for a “green collar” job, the program is located at the Bridge Business Center in Bristol.  

The program for veterans, who are interested in entering the emerging field of solar and electrical training, was announced by the college and U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy (D) in May.

Clorece Kulp who works in the community college’s Continuing Education Department says the program “is to help veterans who are trying to get jobs in green industry.” Veterans who are accepted and complete the program are entering a field in which the Pennsylvania Green Jobs Report indicated could employ over 100,000 Pennsylvanians over the next three years. 

Kulp also tells the paper that graduates will be eligible to get jobs in the geothermal, farming, solar, residential, commercial or industrial green energy fields.  Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell has fortified the state as a national leader in the green industry. Since 2003 the state has invested close to $1 billion dollars in the green industry and expects the financial benefits to be much greater than the investment.
Christine Gillespie, Assistant Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, reports two graduates have already found “green collar” jobs and others are fielding offers from companies in the industry.

Local Children Set to Watch Obama Speech

This afternoon at 1 p.m. President Obama will address the nation’s school children from the J.R. Masterman School on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia, will local children see it?

Neshaminy School District which covers Lower Southampton plans to show the president’s speech to its students. A letter was sent home Monday to advise parents and let them choose to opt their children out of watching Mr. Obama’s remarks which last year told children, “set your own goals for your education”.

Officials at the Hatboro-Horsham School District told BuxMontNews that it plans to air the speech live for its students. A letter was sent home informing parents and much like Neshaminy School District let parents opt their children out of viewing the speech.

Calls were put out to the Cenntenial School District but have not been returned.

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)

Staff Writer

Eagles Lose First Game of the Season

Philadelphia Eagles tackle Winston Justice (74) keeps Green Bay Packers linebacker Glay Matthews ( ) from sacking quarterback Michael Vick as he scrambles for yardage during fourth quarter Philadelphia Eagles-Green Bay Packers game action in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field September 12, 2010. Green Bay defeated Philadelphia 27-20. . UPI/John Anderson Photo via Newscom Content © 2010 Newscom All rights reserved

Car Accident at Van Horn and Jacksonville in Warminster

Neighbors in who live near Jacksonville Road and Van Horn Drive in the Warminster Heights section of Warminster say shortly after noon a loud “crash” was heard and when they came out two mangled blue cars with passengers inside rested in a debris field of shattered glass and broken plastic.

Early scanner reports said that a 19 year old man received head lacerations and a 35 year old man complaining of chest pains were rushed to the hospital by members of the Second Alarmers Rescue Squad.

Locals say that three cars were involved and the two blue cars were in the worst condition.

Warminster Heights residents watched as EMT’s put a heavier set man onto a stretcher and load him into an ambulance.

Warminster and Hatboro police blocked Jacksonville Road between County Line and the Warminster Train Station.

Residents of the government subsidized Charter Arms Independent Living Retirement Home on Potter Street which is located near the accident waited at the SEPTA bus stop wondering if the bus would come because its usual route was blocked by the closure of Jacksonville Road.

Officer Vargo of the Warminster Police Department said, “The accident should be cleared shortly.”  

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)

Staff Writer

Nine Years Later

A patriotic sign that hangs on a fence off Bristol Road in Warminster weathers and is overgrown by plants. The sign was placed on the fence short after the September 11 attacks in 2001. (Tom Sofield)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A New York City police officer looks out over Ground Zero in lower Manhattan on September 11, 2010 in New York City. Thousands gathered to pay a solemn homage on the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people on September 11, 2001. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Content © 2010 Getty Images All rights reserved.

Lack of Rain

A once picturesque location looking out over Springfield Lake at the Churchville Nature Center in Northampton is disrupted by the receding water levels in the lake which has not seen significant rainfall in 18 days. Forecasters do see a chance of rain later this weekend as the remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine reach the area. (Tom Sofield)

Playwicki Farms Farmers Market

Although the weather is starting to cool, you can trick yourself into believing its still summer with a visit to Playwicki Farms Farmers Market. Located on Bridgetown Pike in Feasterville, they are open Wednesdays between 4pm and 7pm.


Since June, the farmers market has been operating on the grounds with local vendors offering everything from fresh produce to homemade candles.

This passed Wednesday the draw seemed to be Ianelli's Bakery (Passyunk Avenue) offering fresh Tomato Pie and the Solly Bro's stand with an array of fresh produce.

All of the produce is seasonal and comes from local farms which not only enhances flavor but nutritional content too.

Before you go, check out their website. They have an updated list of exactly who will be there offering their wares.

http://lower-southampton-township.org/playwicki-farm/the-farmers-market/

There are also recipes that cater to the market offerings and a 'Ready and Ripe' link so you can plan your menu accordingly.

The farmers market will be in operation until October.
You can also find other local farmers markets at http://www.farmersmarketsonline.com/

Maura McCormick (mmccormick@buxmontnews.com)
Staff Writer

Holland Man Could Face 190 Years in Jail

A Holland resident was along with two other men was charged September 2 with wire and mail fraud after a plot to defraud 19 retail companies out of over a half a million dollars was uncovered.


United States Attorney Zane David Memeger announced Nathan Allen Kriegler, 42, Evan F. Appel, 34 of Philadelphia and Ryan A. Pollack, 34 of Elkins Park, Pa were in the illegal trade of selling stolen goods on popular internet website eBay.com. The stolen goods that were being sold on the internet included laptop computers, printers, scanners, toner, televisions, and industrial printing equipment.

Kriegler was also charged with making false statements, creating false documents which were tied to loans he had taken out. The United States Attorney also charged Kriegler with theft of government property, wire fraud, and bank fraud in connection with three other fraud schemes that were uncovered.

The three men got their hands on the stolen goods by purchasing the products by providing the companies with false and fraudulent payment information and once they received the goods re-sold it on eBay.

Local Fire Department wins FEMA grant

As the number of new volunteer firefighters drops nationwide, the Willow Grove Fire Department has received a grant worth over $102,000 that will help recruit new members.

File Photo

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) comes from FEMA and is meant to help local fire departments to recruit and retain firefighters.

The grant money will go toward buying advertisements and making recruiting videos.

Last year the department responded to 773 calls and this year alone has already responded to 599 calls.

The Willow Grove Fire Department has 54 volunteers and six paid full time firefighters which are based out of two stations that cover Upper Moreland Township. The main fire station is located near Davisville Road and 611, the smaller support station is located near Davisville Road and County Line Road.

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)
Staff Writer

Weather Preparedness

The Atlantic hurricane season officially started June 1st and will last until November 30th. Even though our region has been bypassed so far, it is still important to take the proper precautions for any severe weather we might have to endure this year.

According to Rob Kay Sr., Upper Makefield Emergency Management Coordinator, a good first step is to sign up for 'Ready Notify'.

As part of the 'Roam Secure Alert Network', this program can be used to deliver emergency notices to your e mail account, cell phone, pager, or smartphone.

Bucks County instituted this feature in 2007 during the Bucks County Ready Campaign. Commissioner Charles Martin said the campaign is, "Specifically designed to inform residents about simple but important things they can do to be ready for weather and other events in our area."

In addition to signing up for Ready Notify, Mr. Kay suggests having a kit ready with ample, non perishable supplies in case of an extended loss of electric.

You can sign up for Ready Notify at http://www.buckscounty.org/

Maura McCormick
Staff Writer
mmccormick@buxmontnews.com

Happy Labor Day!

A quiet Labor Day on York Rd. looking toward Upper Moreland (Tom Sofield)

Adult Education Opportunities

Now that store shelves have been effectively cleared of back to school supplies and other assorted sundries for the kiddies, adults should consider taking advantage of continuing education opportunities for themselves.

Middle Bucks Institute of Technology on York Rd. in Jamison offers courses in automotive technology, health and human services, computers, electrical and welding and culinary science to name a few. Classes and registration information can be found at http://www.mbit.org/

Registration is also still open at Bucks County Community College for Fall Modular Classes which start in October. They have a variety of classes such as foreign language, writing, math, real estate and fine art. More information can be found at http://www.bucks.edu/

Plans Announced for Former Pizza Hut Location

The former Richboro Pizza Hut location (Tom Sofield)

Wells Fargo which owns two Northampton Wachovia locations is planning to do what many American’s are doing consolidating.


The two bank branches are planned to combine at a new location in the Richboro section of Northampton Township in Crossroads Plaza where the old Pizza Hut stands now.

Last Wednesday the Northampton Board of Supervisors approved the plan with the stipulation that the traffic flow exiting the proposed bank and existing shopping center would have to be changed.

Is Falling Coming Early?

Trees all across the Bucks - Mont. area like this one in Upper Southampton are changing colors and loosing leaves. Is fall coming early? LiveScience.com explains why this is happening. (Tom Sofield)

Pitcairn Fortune Threatened

Glencairn Castle in Bryn Athyn is one of properties
owned by Pitcairn Properties. (File)

In bucolic Bryn Athyn village, Montgomery County, a relatively secluded community exists. Founded in the 1800's, John Pitcairn Jr. created what was mostly a self sustaining community with an unfortunate but true reputation of intrafamilial marriages. It was speculated that this was intended to keep the immense wealth within the Pitcairn family.

Now the Pitcairn's find their fortune in a predicament that could be the first foray into an unfamiliar situation with public enterprise.

For decades the wealthy town has held urban legend status, rumors of three legged toddlers, six fingered families, and of course, the fabled New Church at Bryn Athyn Cathedral. It has only been recently that the town has reached out to surrounding communities, accepting new members to the church and recruiting students to Bryn Athyn College and Bryn Athyn Academy.

In the 1960's Pitcairn Properties was created by family members to diversify the family fortune. In 1997, the company began offering its services to other families for asset and property management.

Cairnwood Estate is also managed by Pitcairn Properties who
is in the center of the legal fight. (File)

More recently, the Pitcairn brood finds itself up against Eric L. Blum, head of ELB Capital Management, LLC, which owns 50 million dollars in Pitcairn properties preferred stock. Compare that to the 22 percent of common stock that the Pitcairn family and Bryn Athyn community members own and it's clear that the Pitcairn family stands to loose control of their 800 million dollar empire.

The battle will be fought in court and the outcome could end up determining the fate of about 600 living descendants of John Pitcairn Jr. If ELB Capital and their investors did gain control of the company they would have the opportunity to liquidate properties which could prove disastrous in the current financial market.

In addition to the Pitcairn family, their endowments to Bryn Athyn Cathedral, Bryn Athyn Academy, and Bryn Athyn College are also at risk.

Maura McCormick
Staff Writer
mmccormick@buxmontnews.com