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Saturday, February 28, 2009

Training Sessions Set for Youth Aid Panels

The Youth Aid Panel Program is accepting applications for new panelists.

General training will take place on Feb. 23,26 and March 2.
Trainings will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at Center for Resolution on 26 E. Fourth Street, in Media.

There is an additional training date for those interested in joining the new Media Borough Youth Aid Panel on March 5 Interested residents can contact Bridget at (610) 566-7710 or brid-get@center4resolutions.org for an application or for more information about the Youth Aid Panel.

On the panel, volunteer community members help youth deal with underage drinking, curfew violations, graffiti, etc. and help youth stay out of the criminal justice system The youth must admit involvement in the offense and agree to participate in the panel process. After receiving a referral from the police department, the Youth Aid Panel meets with the youth and the family. Typically, a youth will sign a contract to do community service in the neighborhood, make restitution, or complete an educational project

Friday, February 20, 2009

Welcome Home Jimmy



After serving his country with 443 days in Iraq;
And with flights from Iraq, to Germany, To Alaska & finally; Hawaii;
I am thrill that my nephew, Jimmy McCarthy, has his "boots on the ground" on US soil.

Welcome Home Jimmy.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Havertown Native could be the next 'American Idol'

Kenny Hoffpauer received a golden ticket to Hollywood on FOX's "American Idol 8." Kenny Hoffpauer auditioned in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kenny Hoffpauer sang "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz for his audition.

Kenny Hoffpauer sings lead vocals for his band, "Forever Nameless." Kenny Hoffpauer is a high school student from Halvertown, Pennsylvania. Kenny Hoffpauer is 16 years old.

http://www.poptower.com/tv/american-idol/kenny-hoffpauer.htm

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Eagle Road Project To Be Phased

Eagle Road Project To Be Phased
By Lois Puglionesi, CORRESPONDENT - News Of Delaware County

HAVERFORD TWP. — With controversy still brewing over plans to revitalize the West Eagle Road corridor, the Haverford Township Planning Commission voted Thursday to adjust its recommendations and propose a phased plan to the board of commissioners.
If approved, the first phase of the project would address the corridor’s two north-south gateway areas, at Lawrence Road and Oakmont Village.

Sparking the lion’s share of disagreement, plans for the central corridor would go back to the drawing board for further public discussion of issues and possible solutions.

“At this point the township would move forward with Phase 1 because there is support from those property owners,” said Assistant Township Manager Lori Hanlon-Widdop.

“The middle area … will require more input … before any plan is advanced because of the number of persons who approached the township to express concerns."

Although the Commission previously recommended approval of a redevelopment plan for the entire thoroughfare, the board of commissioners took no action after a group of angry business owners and residents voiced opposition. The group said they were not aware of the planning process.

Reiterating his concerns, dentist Chris Furlan pointed to traffic and parking as two "800 pound gorillas" the prior plan ignored. Its proposed elimination of curb cuts and dedicated parking in favor of a one-way access road with shared blocks of angled parking would decrease total number of spaces, inconvenience patrons and tenants, and exacerbate already severe traffic congestion, Furlan said. He also questioned whether pedestrians would feel safe on a proposed promenade between the access road and right-of-way.

But a number of residents including Eileen Kerr, Andrea Heinrich and Melissa Eastman emphasized need for improved pedestrian safety, walkability, and visual appeal on the busy shopping strip.

Architect Gary Bogossian pointed to vibrant commercial areas like Suburban Square that employ shared parking.
Widdop said working groups will be formed to zero in on particular issues.
"None of us want to advance a plan that's a detriment to the business community," said Widdop. "We want to back up, give this another look, ask what are we doing wrong and how can we fix it."

Widdop also reviewed potential gateway improvements, such as refurbishing the Oakmont Municipal Parking lot, perhaps in a way that would duplicate the highly successful Brookline lot. Widdop noted the township could apply for grants and funding once Phase 1 is approved.
Pedestrian crosswalks, benches, attractive street lights and signage could also be installed with minor disruption.
Haverford Township Civic Council President Don Kelly emphasized the need to keep Haverford, an older inner-ring suburb, vibrant and competitive.

"If we do something exciting that sets us apart, we'll draw more people to businesses and increase property values…If you're not moving forward you are moving backward," Kelly said.
The Civic Council Task Force for Commercial Revitalization held a series of public meetings before advancing the Eagle Road initiative to the Planning Commission. The Commission hired professional planner Tom Comitta to develop a plan, which is technically an addendum to the township's 1988 Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan identified Eagle Road and Haverford Road as areas for future study.

However, "We have no intention of hoisting this on anybody," said Kelly. "It's very important that you are organized and participating. We're not locked into any plan. We're locked into the idea of making this a better community and improving this district."

Commissioner Rob Trumbull said it was the "first of many meetings" that will be held on the matter. While he didn't expect everyone to be happy with the final product, Trumbull said the main goals was majority support.

http://www.newsofdelawarecounty.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/SingleWeekly;!-1764336015?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_wk_article&r21.pgpath=%2FNDC%2FHome&r21.content=%2FNDC%2FHome%2FTopStoryList_Story_2671823

The Fords Cup

Last night, Friday, February 6th, saw the inaugural game of “The Fords Cup” – in what will be an annual game of Ice Hockey between the Haverford Middle School against Haverford School.

With raffles, “chuck-a-puck” and many other games, the night was a clear success, with the stands full, the game fast and a good time had by all.

The night was set up to also raise money for “The Best Buddies” program at Haverford Senior High. For more information on The Best Buddies Program - follow this link:

http://www.bestbuddies.org/site/c.ljJ0J8MNIsE/b.933717/k.D25F/Intellectual_Disabilities_Volunteering_Teen_Volunteer_Charity.htm