Sunday, December 19, 2010
Potpourri week 12/19 - 12/25
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Director concerned about security
By: GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE SCHOOLS
John DeWilde asked board members to meet with the police chief in light of a shooting at a school board meeting in Florida.
Morrisville School Director John DeWilde wants to make sure that while he's discussing business at school board meetings, the board and the public are safe.
At Wednesday's board meeting, DeWilde asked for the board members to meet with Morrisville Police Chief Jack Jones to discuss safety measures and protocol in case of an emergency, such as someone pulling out a gun and shooting.
School board President Bill Hellmann assured DeWilde that the issue would be discussed soon.
DeWilde's safety concerns stems from a Tuesday incident in Panama City, Fla., when gunman Clay Duke shot at school district officials multiple times during a school board meeting before turning the gun on himself. Luckily, none of the shots fired hit anyone.
Duke was upset at the district for terminating his wife, Rebecca Duke, in February. The district hired her in September 2009, as a primary school teacher for students with special needs, but terminated her after a 97-day probationary period, according to the Associated Press.
DeWilde told the board, "We don't need that to happen here,'' and "we aren't prepared for that.''
DeWilde would like Jones and the board to have an action plan, just in case.
Gema Maria Duarte can be reached at 215-949-4195 or gduarte@phillyburbs.com. Follow Gema at twitter.com/deadlineduarte.
December 16, 2010 02:06 AM
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Taxes going up a bit to pay for pool debt
Property taxes to increas $20
By: GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE
The money from the tax hike will go toward paying off debt accrued by the municipal pool's owner.
It's final. Morrisville residents will pay $20 more in property taxes in 2011.
Despite objections by Mayor Rita Ledger and Councilman Todd Sanford at Monday night's council meeting, the extra money from property taxes will be used for debt - including liens - accrued by Morrisville Swimming Pool Inc., owner of the municipal swimming pool in Williamson Park.
Morrisville officials are trying to work out an agreement with the group that would transfer ownership of the closed pool to the borough for the debt payment.
The vote to approve next year's $5.9 million operating budget was 4-2. Sanford and Eileen Dreisbach voted against it. Voting in favor were council President Nancy Sherlock, Kathryn Panzitta, Rhonda Davis and Fred Kerner. Missing were Victor Cicero and David Rivella.
Sanford argued that if the pool management did run up high debt and liens, the borough should use other accounts to pay for it rather than raising taxes. Ledger said she researched the possibility of liens on the pool and there aren't any.
But borough solicitor Sean Kilkenny insisted, "There is debt on this property." His firm researched the property, so did former solicitor James Downey of Begley, Carlin & Mandio, said Kilkenny.
According to Sherlock, the pool's debt is about $75,000 and the extra money from property taxes will help pay $58,898 of that total.
Property owners will be assessed taxes at a rate of 40.93 mills. That means someone with a home assessed at the borough average of $20,000 will pay about $818 in municipal property taxes next year.
The independently operated Morrisville Community Swimming Pool closed in 2008 after years of trying to stay afloat financially. The swim club board blamed the financial strain on declining membership and attendance as well as keeping up with new safety laws.
Though the borough wants to buy the closed pool, there's no official plan for their future, officials said.
Before the council decides on anything, it intends to offer the public a chance for input.
Sherlock said the pool is "blighted and is an eyesore" and Morrisville has to do something about it.
The newspaper was unsuccessful in reaching the pool owners for comment Tuesday.
Gema Maria Duarte can be reached at 215-949-4195 or gduarte@phillyBurbs.com
Follow Gema on Twitter at twitter.com/deadlineduarte.
December 15, 2010 02:11 AM
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Morrisville School Board confirms president...
Morrisville School Board confirms president, accepts resignation of football coach
Published: Monday, December 13, 2010
BucksLocalNews.com
MORRISVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT - Bill Hellmann, Morrisville school board president, was appointed to another term as board president ending in December 2011.
Board secretary Maryls Mihok filled in as temporary president for confirmation purposes and was re-elected as board secretary. Alfred Radosti was also appointed to the role of board vice president, again.
Congressman-elect Mike Fitzpatrick (R) of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District attended the Monday, Dec. 6 meeting, vacating his role as solicitor. Although, the Middletown Township law firm of Begley, Carlin & Mandio will still serve as the district's solicitor.
Thomas J. Profy IV, Esq., a lawyer with the firm, filled in for Congressman-elect Fitzpatrick during his campagin against Democrat Patrick Murphy.
The board also confirmed the resignation of Morrisville head football coach Jim Gober. Gober broke the news to his team and Morrisville Athletic Director John Hubiak on Tuesday, Nov. 30.
In other news, the board along with the athletic director have decided not to allow the Fairless Hills Falcons AAU track team to participate in PIAA competition on behalf of the school district.
Track coach Kevin McClease said that the school didn't have enough grant money to support a track team at this time.
"I spoke with PIAA administrators and they tried their absolute best to get us into competition," he said. "But the school district won't budge."
"I'm going to speak with the kids and parents and hopefully we'll bring more [to the next meeting]," said McClease. "I'm just looking out for the children and the student athletes."
He also mentioned that he and parents might send a letter to the school.
At its next meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 15, the board will need to approve the treasurer's and investment reports for November 2010. Budget transfers for the upcoming year will also need approval.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Kids of Morrisville denied the opportunity to run track
Track team facing hurdles
By: GEMA MARIA DUARTE AND MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
Morrisville teenagers just want to run.
But a recent independent move by a local coach to organize high school track tumbled because of a dispute over a signature.
Currently, 27 students from the high school and the Bucks County Technical School are eager to participate in the upcoming Dec. 10-11 meets under the supervision of Kevin McClease, who said he would coach them if the Morrisville High School principal or the athletic director were to sign a membership application to the Track and Field Coaches Association of Greater Philadelphia Inc.
The signature would prove that competing students attend Morrisville High School, and are athletically and academically eligible to compete, said Rich Swanker, executive secretary and treasurer of the coaches association.
But the situation is more complicated than just getting one signature, said Acting Superintendent William Ferrara.
Signing the dotted line would make the group a Morrisville High School sports team, and therefore the district would be responsible for it, Ferrara said. But in this case, the district itself never initiated the organization of a track team, he said. Instead, all the effort came from an outside source, namely McClease.
"If we were to start a track team, we would look at all the different aspects of starting it, such as student interest, how it would benefit the school, the funding," Ferrara said. "There are certain procedures we would have to follow. Then the board would have to approve it."
Plus, the district would want to register a new track team with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, not the coaches association, said Ferrara. The athletic association governs most of the high school's sports teams, except bowling. Those sports include football, coed soccer, cheerleading, field hockey, boys and girls basketball, baseball, girls softball and cross-country.
The coaches association has been around about 48 years, but Morrisville never has participated. About 100 Philadelphia area schools are members of the coaches association, which follows the athletic association guidelines, said Swanker.
McClease believes the district is just giving excuses for not signing the form. He and about 20 students made their voices heard at November's board meeting when they pleaded for the signature during public comment. Before attending the meeting, McClease couldn't get returned phone calls from district officials, he said.
He expects even more interested students after the football season is over, including his own kids. Participants can be from ninth grade through 12th grade.
McClease has interest from sponsors to support team expenses, including Novacare and Parx Casino, but they're pulling out because the district never signed the form.
Area parents, such as Annemarie Rivera, also wanted to have the form signed. Her son plays football for the high school and is looking forward to joining track.
"I don't understand why they would deny him. You have your football team and everything else. Certain kids can't get into colleges without athletic scholarships. Anything that can help my son, I'm all for it, but this is discouraging," Rivera said.
Ferrara reiterated Friday that the district can't sign a form for a group that wasn't organized by district officials. He wouldn't say whether or not Morrisville School District is planning to form a track team, given the interest.
"We're not saying we're not going to pursue it. We're just saying that we're not pursuing it at this time," he said.
Gema Maria Duarte can be reached at 215-949-4195 or gduarte@phillyBurbs.com. Follow Gema on Twitter at twitter.com/deadlineduarte. Manasee Wagh can be reached at 215-949-4206 or mwagh@phillyBurbs.com. Follow Manasee on Twitter at twitter.com/manaseewagh.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Coach Gober steps down
Gober steps aside at Morrisville
By: DOM COSENTINO
Bucks County Courier Times
FOOTBALL
Jim Gober had been giving it some thought for quite some time - over the course of several recent offseasons, in fact.
As is true of every high school football coach with a wife and children, the demands on Gober's time took their toll through the years. Add to that the fact that Gober's wife, Margaret, sometimes works long shifts as a nurse at Abington Hospital, which on occasion left Gober with the duty of driving around their three children - ages 15, 13 and 11 - at the expense of leaving Morrisville's practices early.
Finally, after an emotional, 48-27 loss to Bristol last week on Thanksgiving - the Bulldogs' 11th in a row against their longtime holiday rivals, and a game that left Gober with a glazed, teary-eyed look afterward - Gober made up his mind sometime over the weekend.
Tuesday, he made it official by submitting his resignation to athletic director John Hubiak and breaking the news to the Morrisville players.
"I had the opportunity to coach a lot of wonderful kids," Gober said. "When I met the team (Tuesday), they kind of thought I was not serious when I told them; they were kind of like, 'Well, what are we going to do now?' "
Hubiak did not return phone calls seeking comment, though it's safe to assume the job will be posted sometime soon.
Gober, 43, who will continue to teach social studies at Morrisville, had two separate stints in charge of the Bulldogs. He first coached them in 1999 and 2000, then left in 2001, when Morrisville did not field a team because of a lack of numbers. He took over again in 2005, after a year as an assistant at Council Rock North and two seasons coaching his son's youth team.
Gober finished with a record of 26-64, but the Bulldogs did win seven games in both 2009 and 2010, with this year's bunch qualifying for the District One Class A playoffs for the first time in 18 years.
Gober reiterated what he said after the latest Thanksgiving loss to Bristol - he felt strongly that Morrisville had a chance to win. But after they fell behind, 42-13, at halftime, he ordered the players to remove the Bulldogs decals from their helmets, saying they didn't deserve to wear them after the way they played.
"It was a very difficult thing to do today," said Gober, who refused to rule out a return to coaching in the future.
Dom Cosentino can be reached at dcosentino@phillyBurbs.com. Follow Dom on Twitter at twitter.com/domcosentino
December 01, 2010 02:05 AM
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Community Events happening this week
On Wed, 11/24 there will be a Community Pep Rally in the gym of the HS at 6 pm. I'm sure the cheerleaders, band and many others will put on quite a show to get everyone hyped up for the following days' football game.
On Thursday, 11/25 (Thanksgiving Day) the Morrisville Student Loan Breakfast will be held in the cafeteria of the HS from 7 am until 10 am.
This organization provides interest free loans to Morrisville graduates who wish to continue their education.
Adults $6 and kids (12 & under) $4
That all leads up to the Annual Morrisville/Bristol Thanksgiving day game (on Thursday 11/25) that begins at 10:30 am at the Athletic Field.
Ending a great season at home with the biggest rivalry around should prove to be exciting for the football players and supporters alike.
Candidates say board appointments based on politics
TEXT SIZE Increase text size Decrease text size
By: GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE SCHOOLS
Residents Dave Stoneburner and Damon Miller sat in the same spots they usually do on the third and fourth Wednesdays of each month.
As they always do, they diligently listened to the issues discussed at Morrisville school board meetings, such as the possibility of starting a track team club and getting a more comfortable ride for students attending Bucks County Technical School instead of crowding them into one bus.
But last week's meeting was personal for them. They were two of four candidates hoping to be appointed to the board. A seat was left vacant last month after the board ousted Robin Reithmeyer because of poor attendance.
Neither got the job.
Yvonne Ruthrauff did. Mark Coassolo was the other candidate, but he wasn't at the meeting.
No surprise in the choice, Stoneburner and Miller said, but plenty of disappointment.
They believe Ruthrauff will be a rubberstamp for the majority.
But board members said she was the most qualified and would be the best person to work with.
Jack Buckman said he voted for Ruthrauff because "(she) was humble and had concerns about the schools and the community before I came on the board. I used to be on (the borough's council) + and then she was telling me things had to be looked into at the schools. All the others came across as forceful and too confident. I feel (Ruthrauff) will speak up when it's necessary."
John DeWilde voted for her because "she seemed the most willing to work with the rest of the board members."
For board member Marlys Mihok, Ruthrauff was the most open-minded candidate and willing to learn new things. Ronald Stout said Ruthrauff "seems to think along the same lines as I do. We need good education and want the money to go to the kids."
Al Radosti said he's known Ruthrauff a long time and, without giving specifics, said she was the best choice. He added that she's been involved in the community a lot.
Ruthrauff said she wants to work with the board and not disappoint the public.
Stoneburner and Miller have made previous runs for a school board seat with no luck. Still, they continued attending meetings and being involved in the district hoping their knowledge of the issues would land them a seat.
It didn't this time.
Ruthrauff was the only candidate nominated, and appointed by a 6-0 vote. Two board members, Brenda Worob and Gloria Heater, didn't attend the meeting.
Although they said they have nothing against Ruthrauff as a person, they worry about her knowledge of the issues affecting the district.
"(The board is) looking for 'yes' people that won't bring anything new to the table," Miller said. "They aren't representing all of Morrisville; they are only representing a portion of the community."
"They picked what was best for them, not what was best for the students," Stoneburner said, adding that Ruthrauff doesn't attend meetings regularly.
But Stoneburner and Miller will be back, they said, sitting in their regular seats.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tech School Board Meeting - 11/22 at 7:30pm
if this can be posted to the front page today by the blog Admin would so appreciate it....feel like we never get a breatk from fighting for our kids...i know this blog is mostly read by Morrisville residents but if everyone can pass on to their friends it would help get the word out.
FOR ANYONE IN ANY DISTRICT WHO KNOWS A STUDENT GOING TO BUCKS COUNTY TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL OR HAS A CHILD IN THE SCHOOL PLEASE READ THE POSTING FROM OUR PARENT BOOSTERS PRESIDENT BELOW AND PLEASE ATTEND THE BCTHS SCHOOL BOARD MEETING ON MONDAY 11/22. THIS IS SO VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR CHILDRENS TECHNICAL AND ACADEMIC EDUCATION.
Message....
I know there are alot of rumors flying around about changing the schedule at BCTHS. I think this all stems from how the sending school districts perceive the Tech. We all know what a great school this is, mainly because our children are offered a great technical education in addition to a highly competitive academic education. However, after being a guest at a meeting with administrators from other schools, it is evident that everything revolves around the PSSA scores and the No Child Left Behind guidelines. And because we have a higher ratio of students with an IEP, this makes it more difficult for BCTHS to achieve the expected AYP scores. But the school boards tend to look at our overall performance, without taking into account all the factors. So I think it's time we make our voices heard! There's a Board Meeting this Monday, Nov. 22nd, at 7:30 PM in the Board Room (K hall, which is at the first parking lot on your right). I'm hoping we can get as many supporters as possible to let the sending school districts know how we feel about BCTHS. The current schedule works well for our kids (as they can see by the 82% passing rate on the NOCTI tests!). Changing the schedule won't automatically raise our PSSA scores. My son was in learning support while at BCTHS, and there was no way he was making proficient on the PSSA's (I'm not downing my son-it's just a fact!). Hopefully, we can make the board members see our point so they continue to fund BCTHS. Remember, BCTHS is dependent on the sending school districts for funding. So, as you can see, it's time to get involved! We need all the boards' support in order for our children to continue to receive the quality education they're entitled to (and, as taxpayers, we are entitled to!). Please try to attend this meeting! And pass the word around to anyone not on this list! There's power in numbers!!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
A new board member and an overcrowded bus
Students say tech bus is overcrowded
By: GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Bucks County Courier Times
morrisville schools
The school board also appointed a new member during its meeting Wednesday night.
Morrisville School District has two new things: an appointed school board member and a school bus problem.
Three students complained of the overcrowded conditions on the single school bus that about 50 students have been riding since Monday - and parents want an immediate solution.
Morrisville students heading to Bucks County Technical School in Bristol Township had been riding in two school buses from the former M. R. Reiter Elementary School. That changed when the district cut one bus to save money.
Acting Superintendent Bill Ferrara said the problem would be taken care of immediately, but a permanent solution needs to be worked out.
Two school students told the board that the bus ride is unsafe.
"We are falling off our seats," said Robert Fox, 16, adding that if the school bus gets into an accident, the liability may be on the district for the unsafe bus condition.
Jake Wilson, 17, said there's no room for school projects or sports gear on the bus. He added that Safety Officer Dave May supervises the students from the outside of the bus, so he hasn't witnessed the students' discomfort.
Wanda Kartal, a parent, wanted the school to find a solution.
"On (Friday), the tech parents received first notice that on (Monday) there would no longer be two buses transporting students to and from the tech school," she told the board. "No other information was provided, not even what time the one bus would be picking the kids up. No other notice was given, not even at the superintendents meeting, the school board meeting, or during the tech school updates."
She continued: "Since Monday, I have witnessed 50 kids rushing to board the bus and several kids hopping off the curb to be first in line due to overcrowding on the one bus. My son, who attends the tech school, told me he had to squeeze between two other students and that kids were hanging off the seats, blocking the aisles with their bodies and backpacks."
Ferrera said it was too late to get either a bigger bus or two buses for today, but accommodations will be made for Friday. And he will personally walk the aisles of the bus or buses.
Shortly after that discussion, the board moved on to appoint Yvonne Ruthrauff to replace former school board director Robin Reithmeyer, who was kicked off the board in October for not attending meetings. Reithmeyer told the newspaper that she had family and health issues preventing her from attending meetings.
Ruthrauff, whose son graduated in 2008 from the district, said her goal on the board will be to provide area students a good education at a good price for the district.
Before the vote, board Director Marlys Mihok read a letter, which said that she had a conversation with Reithmeyer on Wednesday afternoon, notifying the former director of the board's intention to replace her at the meeting and if she had any intention of fighting for her seat.
Reithmeyer confirmed Wednesday night during a phone interview that Mihok called her at work. And she responded, "I find it amusing that after 13 months you reached out to me."
Reithmeyer said the issue wasn't her year of absence, according to the letter she received from the board's solicitor Thomas Profy dated Oct. 25. The letter questioned her absence from the August and September meetings, which she had medical explanations for, but the board didn't ask for the material, she said.
Near the end of Mihok's letter she said, "It is my opinion that Robin Reithmeyer never attended another Morrisville School Board meeting after the November 2009 general election because the results did not favor the candidates that Robin supported by displaying their lawn signs on her property."
Gema Maria Duarte can be reached at 215-949-4195 or gduarte@phillyBurbs.com. Follow Gema on Twitter at twitter.com/deadlineduarte.
November 18, 2010 02:06 AM
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Cookson re-injured as Bulldogs fall in title game
Cookson re-injured as Bulldogs fall in title game
By: JEAN-PAUL LAUTENSCHLAGER
The Intelligencer
The Morrisville quarterback was forced to leave after re-aggravating a shoulder separation, and Calvary Christian rolled to the win.
BRISTOL TWP. - The pigskin slipped out of his grasp, and with it went the momentum and the hope of another district title.
The Morrisville Bulldogs fell to Calvary Christian Academy, 47-14, in the District One Class A championship at Harry S Truman's Hank Johns Field. It was the first time since 1992 that Morrisville made a playoff appearance. It's the third crown for Calvary and the first since 2005.
The No. 1-seeded Bulldogs coughed up the football four times and the Cougars took advantage. The miscues resulted in 13 points for second-seeded Calvary.
"We knew coming in that they are good football team. They don't beat themselves," said Morrisville coach Jim Gober, who made his playoff coaching debut.
Calvary scored its third touchdown at the 7:25 mark in the second quarter, taking a 20-7 lead. Looking to avenge a 53-14 loss in Week 8, the Bulldogs marched to the Cougars' 2-yard line on seven plays. Morrisville (7-4) converted a fourth down, and quarterback Matt Cookson connected on a 38-yard pass to wide receiver Eric Wilcox. The sideline and Morrisville faithful gasped after the next play.
"It was pretty close, but when I got hit, I wasn't worried about the touchdown," Cookson said of the hit that re-aggravated his Grade III shoulder separation. "He hit me in the perfect spot."
The hit forced a fumble and, instead of the drive ending in a touchdown, it ended in a touchback. The Cougars recovered the ball and scored two plays later. Jerry Peralte broke free for a 75-yard run, and teammate Ian Richardson capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown for a 27-7 lead.
"It's a whole different ballgame if we would've scored. That fumble gave them momentum and it killed us," said Cookson, who threw for 123 yards and ran for 19. "If it's 20-14, you never know what could've happened."
What did happen was more ball control and a balanced Cougars attack. Richardson and Calvary quarterback Doug Smith each had two rushing touchdowns. Calvary will play the winner of District 12 the weekend after Thanksgiving.
"We just couldn't get into the end zone for some reason," said Morrisville co-captain Austin Crist. "I wish it was a different result, but we can't win (playing) like this."
Morrisville had 12 first downs and only punted three times. Sophomore Jimmie Miller rushed for 40 yards, including a 34-run with less than a minute to play. With Wilcox at quarterback, Morrisville was forced to change its game plan. The Bulldogs passed on 17 of 28 plays after that fateful fourth down. Morrisville was penned deep in its own territory, and its best field position on the first four series was its own 23.
Luckily for Morrisville, however, still has one game remaining on the schedule - the annual battle against Bristol.
"The fact that we are here after all we came through is a good thing," Crist said. "Thanksgiving will be another chance for a championship."
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Board interviews residents for vacant seat
Board interviews residents for seat
By: GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE SCHOOLS
Four Morrisville residents want to be the next school board member, but when the music stops, there will be only one chair.
They all want to take the seat once held by former board member Robin Reithmeyer, who was booted from the board in October because she didn't attend a meeting the past year.
Two of them, Damon Miller and Mark Coassolo, have run for school board before and lost. The other two, Yvonne Ruthrauff and Dave Stoneburner, are interested in getting involved with the district. The final vote will be made at the Nov. 17 meeting.
During a special meeting Wednesday, held immediately after the work session, the majority of the board interviewed the four candidates by asking seven questions to some and more to others. Each candidate had up to 15 minutes to respond. The questions included qualifications, reason for interest, dealing with delicate discussions, challenges facing public education, and meeting attendance.
They all are available to attend meetings, they said. And if, for whatever reason, they can't attend a meeting, they would communicate with the board.
Miller, Coassolo and Stoneburner said their interest for the seat is to practice financial responsibility and student education. And the trouble facing public education is parent involvement, said Miller and Coassolo.
Stoneburner is a single man tired of high taxes. Miller is involved with different district committees and groups. Coassolo has a child in the district and wants school spirit in the community. Ruthrauff volunteers in the community and wants to find solutions to district problems.
Gema Maria Duarte can be reached at 215-949-4195 or gduarte@phillyBurbs.com
Football playoffs tomorrow!!
DISTRICT ONE CLASS A
Morrisville vs. Calvary Christian, 7 p.m. at Harry S Truman
Monday, November 8, 2010
Special meeting for vacant school board position
NOTICE
The School Directors of the Borough of Morrisville Sch-ool District will hold a Special Meeting for the purpose of interviewing prospective candidates for the vacant school board position. The interviews will commence following the 7:30 p.m. November 10, 2010 Agenda Meeting and will be in 15 minute intervals. The meeting will be held in the LGI Room located in the Morrisville High School and is opened to the public. At the conclusion of the interviews, current school board members will vote for the new board member who will be seated on the evening of November 17th. All potential candidates must send their letters of interest to Mr. Paul DeAngelo, Business Administrator, Borough of Morrisville School District, 550 West Palmer Street, Morrisville, PA 19067 by November 9, 2010.
Marlys Mihok
Secretary
1t N 7
Appeared in: Bucks County Courier Times on Sunday, 11/07/2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Big Win for the Bulldogs last night
Big win for the Bulldogs last night!!
Field goal in OT gives Morrisville stunning win
BAL FOOTBALL: Morrisville 3, Springfield 0 (OT)
The Bulldogs will go into the District One championship game on a high note after upsetting BAL rival Springfield on Matt Cookson's clutch kick.
MORRISVILLE - The Morrisville Bulldogs took a ferocious bite out of the Springfield Spartans' football team Friday night.
Matt Cookson booted a 27-yard field in overtime, boosting the Bulldogs to a 3-0 victory at Robert Morris Field on Senior Night. The win kept Morrisville as the top seed in the District One Class A playoffs, which start next week.
"I am still completely overwhelmed. I'm speechless," Cookson said. "This is the best thing ever."
Morrisville will take on Calvary Christian for the District One championship this Friday (7 p.m.) at Harry S Truman.
The Bulldogs' defense held Springfield scoreless through regulation and only gave up six yards in the overtime series, stonewalling the Spartans' offense. Morrisville (7-3 overall, 3-3 Bicentennial Athletic League) didn't gain a yard in overtime.
On fourth down, however, the Bulldogs looked to kicker and quarterback Cookson. Julian Walker bobbled the snap, but got it down in time for Cookson to end the game and upset Springfield.
"I was so nervous. My hands were shaking," said Walker, who held on field goals for the first time Friday.
Earlier this season the Morrisville offense ruled the headlines. In Week 10, however, the Bulldogs' defense was the only spotlight in the victorious post-game huddle.
"Our defensive coordinator, coach (Demetrius) Roberts put together a solid game plan," said Morrisville head coach Jim Gober. "The biggest thing we concentrated on today was we didn't want to make mistakes."
With 2:37 remaining in the game, Springfield (7-3, 5-2 BAL) started its final offensive series with a 4-yard run, then a 32-yard pass to get to the Bulldogs' 22. Defensive back Rich Laypo stopped Spartans running back Clay Ewell for a short gain, forcing fourth down. Luke Whealey hauled in Doug Bauer's 16-yard pass in the end zone. The touchdown was called back because of an illegal shift penalty - Springfield's sixth miscue of the game. Austin Crist forced a turnover on downs when he sacked Bauer for a loss of 4.
Springfield more than doubled Morrisville's total yards on offense, 292 to 110, respectively. Ewell led the Spartans' attack with 34 carries for 183 yards - an average of 5.4 yards per rush. Springfield outgained Morrisville in passing yardage, 32-25.
"This is best game I have ever played with this team," Crist said. "This is what this team has now become - all heart."
With less than four minutes to play, the Bulldogs ended a 12-play Spartans drive when Ewell rushed to the 6-yard line and fumbled after a hit by the Morrisville defense. Lineman Gary Boyd recovered to preserve the scoreless tie.
Senior Matt Beyer led Morrisville with 43 yards on six carries. Cookson ran for 41 yards and threw for 25.
"We're thrilled with the way we played, and hopefully we continue with this wave of emotion next week against Calvary," Gober said.
Jean-Paul Lautenschlager can be reached at jpradio@hotmail.com
November 06, 2010 12:20 AM
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Districts concerned over exercise, nutrition
Districts concerned over exercise, nutrition
The Pennsylvania Board of Education is hoping to tackle the growing childhood obesity problem by encouraging exercise and healthier food in schools and even a sort of recess for middle and high school aged students.
But many area school districts have issues with the state's proposed revisions to school physical education and nutrition guidelines. Though they agree with the intent, district officials call the state regulations an unfunded mandate that would cut into academic programming and focuses on nutrition goals that are unreachable at this time.
The Board of Education approved the draft Chapter 12 regulations in May, though by September it had backed off on some of the more stringent physical education requirements.
The regulations are still under review and have not yet been submitted to the governor or state legislators, according to Steve Weitzman, a spokesman for the Department of Education.
"Obesity is almost an epidemic, with one-third of kids either overweight or obese," Weitzman said. Besides the risk of health problems, "there are consequences to academic achievement."
He noted that obesity has been linked to discipline issues and lower test scores in schools.
Weitzman could not give an estimate of when the proposed regulations would go into effect.
On the nutrition side, the proposed regulations would require each food item offered by the cafeteria to contain 35 percent or fewer calories from fat, 10 percent or fewer calories from saturated fat, and no more than 0.5 grams of trans fat. Nuts, seeds and cheese would be exempt from the standards.
Sugar levels would need to make up less than 35 percent of a food's total calories.
Each food item sold as part of the lunch entree must have fewer than 230 milligrams of sodium per portion, though a la carte items can contain as much as 480 milligrams of sodium.
Pennridge officials say the nutrition requirements would be too limiting and would likely increase the cost of school lunches.
Most entrees the district offers - such as its homemade soup - now would not meet those new sodium levels, and food suppliers are not even offering products with those levels yet, said Karen Castenada, director of food services at Pennridge.
"Manufacturers are working on taking out sodium. We're at a starting point," she said. "It's not something you can just do immediately."
She said she would prefer to see such guidelines phased into the school districts, with attention paid more to a balanced meal, rather than focusing on the nutritional value of each, individual food item.
Without a balance, you'll likely lose students' interest in school lunches and perhaps defeat the purpose of the new nutrition guidelines, she said.
"If the only thing you're offering the students is healthy food and no more processed (food) and not as much variety, you're going to have more kids that are going to want to brown bag it," Castenada said. "The best way to go about it is to have lots of healthy choices. If (students) come to the cafeteria and buy a slice of pizza but have salad and fruit juice, it's still a balanced meal."
School districts say promoting healthy foods is already a priority.
Upper Moreland School District recently received a farm-to-school grant that will allow it to plant a vegetable garden in the high school's courtyard, said Superintendent Robert Milrod.
He expects the garden to be planted sometime in the next year, with the harvest being incorporated into school lunches.
"We think that will give people a healthier point of view regarding their environment and also what they're putting into their bodies," he said.
At Pennridge, cafeterias are making a lot of entrees, like soups and buffalo pork subs, from scratch. Even the less healthy choices, like pizza, are made with whole grain flour and a blend of skim and whole mozzarella, Castenada said. Chicken patties and nuggets are baked, not fried.
The state's proposed revisions to Chapter 12 also would require schools to provide at least 30 minutes of "moderate to vigorous physical activity daily during the regular school day."
The regulations state that 20 minutes of the requirement should be in the form of "scheduled recess" for elementary and middle schools or a "physical activity break" for high school students.
The first draft of the regulations also proposed weekly targets for formal physical educations classes: 150 minutes per week at the elementary level and 225 minutes per week in middle and high schools.
But administrators across the state blasted those goals, saying it would require them to hire new phys-ed teachers and build new gymnasiums.
Based on that feedback, the state Board of Education backed off from the physical education requirements, according to a September letter sent to "education stakeholders" in the state.
Still, school districts aren't sure how they will be able to incorporate what some describe as "recess for high school students" into an already packed school day.
Jennifer Foight-Cressman, assistant superintendent at Centennial School District, said Centennial supports the spirit of the law.
"We are committed to educating the whole child and recognize that happy, healthy kids are also better learners," she said.
But some of the proposed requirements would put a strain on instructional time and resources, she added.
Arlene Zielinski, an assistant superintendent at Pennridge, said she was "stunned at the kinds of pictures that came to mind when I imagined every high school student getting an unsupervised, unstructured 20-minute recess."
Adding such a physical activity break would mean a straight loss of instructional time.
"If you put that in, what comes out?" asked Curtis Griffin, superintendent of Hatboro-Horsham School District.
Even during elementary school recesses, administrators can't force a student to be active, she said.
Some students, for instance, spend recess reading a book.
"What are you going to do? Pull the book out of their hand and make them run around?" Zielinski asked.
Pennridge is one of several school districts in the state whose school board passed a resolution against the proposed Chapter 12 changes.
"At some point, schools can't handle everything. (Health and physical fitness) belong as a choice for families to make," Zielinski said. "We're charged with instruction. That's what we should be doing."
Some area school districts, however, are taking a wait-and-see approach to the proposal.
Milrod of Upper Moreland called the regulations "very impractical to implement." But, he added, "Sometimes the world of politics puts out information at one extreme to put us educators in a bargaining position where we try to come up with a solution."
Theresa Hegel can be reached at 215-538-6381 or thegel@phillyBurbs.com.
November 04, 2010 02:21 AM
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Fitz wins over incumbent Murphy
Fitzpatrick triumphs in 8th
Riding a wave that carried Republicans to control of the U.S. House, Mike Fitzpatrick avenged his most bitter political defeat Tuesday by booting Congressman Patrick Murphy from office.
According to the unofficial voting machine results, Fitzpatrick took 54 percent of the vote to Murphy's 46 percent.
As hundreds of supporters at GOP headquarters in Doylestown chanted his name, Fitzpatrick said, "I'm incredibly humbled by this decision made by the people. I won't let you down."
Murphy, a two-term Democrat, spoke to emotional supporters at the Italian Mutual Aid Fifth Ward Association in Bristol.
"Tonight, we may have lost a battle, but the fight for our country must go on," he said. "I will never back down from my pledge to you to fight for the greatness I believe our country can achieve. I hope no matter what happens, I will continue to make you proud. I'm honored to continue the fight in this community. And my faith in America, and all of you, will never fade."
About 8,500 absentee ballots need to be counted - beginning today - after allegations of fraud tarnished the final weeks of the campaign. That won't impact the 8th District race, as Fitzpatrick led by more than 17,000 votes.
The Bucks County Board of Elections agreed last week to impound the ballots and count them at the courthouse to preserve any evidence of alleged ballot fraud.
During his concession speech, Murphy said he spoke with Fitzpatrick's camp. When the crowd booed, Murphy said, "They won fair and square + well, not fair and square, but you know +"
Four years ago, facing a voter backlash as the country soured on President George Bush and the war in Iraq, Fitzpatrick lost to Murphy by just more than 1,500 votes in an election where nearly 250,000 were cast. Democrats gained control of the House that year and increased their margin in 2008.
Republicans returned the favor Tuesday night, as Americans had their first chance to react to the policies of President Barack Obama and a Democratic House and Senate with large majorities.
"I've been through a lot the last four years and had the opportunity to reflect on what went wrong in Washington, and why the people fired my party," Fitzpatrick said. "That experience and that reflection have not been lost on me. This election was a referendum on President Obama's handling of the economy and it was also a referendum on Pat Murphy because Murphy is Obama."
Murphy, one of the first national figures to endorse Obama over Hillary Clinton, has been a solid vote for the Democratic agenda that included massive spending with the stimulus, bank, auto and state bailouts and health care reform.
Fitzpatrick, 47, made that the primary focus of his campaign, hammering away at Murphy with statistics that show unemployment has more than doubled during the Democrat's four years in office while the nation's debt has increased by $5 trillion.
He also echoed GOP talking points about shrinking government and with it, its taxes and regulations on small businesses.
And just as Fitzpatrick tried to tie Murphy to Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Murphy, 37, used the "Bush-Fitzpatrick" phrase early and often during several debates and news conferences.
Murphy jumped on Fitzpatrick from the day the Republican won the primary. He criticized him for his decade as a Bucks County commissioner and derided him as a "Fitz-flopper" for position changes during his one term in Congress.
But Fitzpatrick, who survived a battle with colon cancer, pulled off a political triumph that was seemingly unthinkable a year ago.
At the Moose Lodge in Doylestown, about 150 members of the Kitchen Table Patriots, a Bucks County Tea Party group, celebrated Tuesday night and reflected upon what their young movement has achieved.
"No matter what happens, this isn't the end, this is the end of the beginning for us," said Furlong's Paul Crovo, who said he wasn't politically active until joining the group last summer.
Members knocked on thousands of doors leading up to the election.
Marianne Davies, co-founder of the Kitchen Table Patriots, said the group invested "a long time and a lot of work. But we are going to hold Mike's feet to the fire."
Pat Poprik, vice chairwoman of the Bucks County Republican Committee, said, "We've won and we've lost and winning is a lot better."
Staff writers Rachel Canelli and John Mullane contributed to this story.
Gary Weckselblatt can be reached at 215-345-3169 or gweckselblatt@phillyBurbs.com
U.S. Representative 8th District
1 seat
2 years
The 8th District includes all of Bucks County, some districts of Abington, Upper Dublin and Upper Moreland in Montgomery County and two wards in Philadelphia.
Republican Mike Fitzpatrick 126,404
Democrat Patrick Murphy (I) 109,157
Vote totals don't include absentee ballots, which haven't been counted yet.
November 03, 2010 02:10 AM
Galloway wins in the 140th district, defeats Jane Burger
By: Christian Menno
Bucks County Courier Times
1 seat n 2 years
The district includes Bristol, Morrisville, Tullytown, Falls, two districts in Bristol Township and one district in Middletown.
Republican Jane Burger 6,413
Democrat John Galloway (I) 10,954
Vote totals don't include absentee ballots, which haven't been counted yet.
State Rep. John Galloway has won a third term, defeating Republican candidate Jane Burger for the 140th Assembly seat Tuesday.
"I am humbled and honored that the voters in my district once again elected me to represent them in Harrisburg," said Galloway, a Democrat. "I ran on my record of achievement with a positive, issues-oriented campaign and I was proud of that. I look forward to addressing the many challenges ahead of me."
His opponent, Republican Jane Burger, said she was proud of her numbers even though more than 63 percent of voters - not including those casting absentee ballots - supported Galloway.
"It was an uphill battle in a heavy Democratic district," Burger said Tuesday. "We knew it was going to be a tough fight, but I am happy with the support that I received. It shows that the voters are beginning to look at the candidates and not just voting along party lines. Voters will be watching to make sure that Galloway works for the people and not for special interest groups. He worked for his re-election, and I wish him well."
Galloway now will have a chance to show his effectiveness as a legislator without the benefit of per diems - the daily expense allowance lawmakers are entitled to without producing receipts. Galloway, 50, said he has sworn off per diems after last year, when he took home one of the highest totals in the House.
He went to Harrisburg in 2006 as a legislator who ran on a reform platform. He became the only state representative to introduce legislation seeking a referendum calling for a constitutional convention.
"I want to shift from a local property tax to a state tax," he added Tuesday after the election. "That could either be an income tax or a sales tax that will change the way we fund our schools. And I want a constitutional convention to do it."
- Christian Menno
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Reithmeyer not sure if she'll fight for seat
From the BCCT:
Reithmeyer not sure if she'll fight for seat
MORRISVILLE SCHOOLS
The school board vacated her seat after she didn't attend any school board meetings for a year.
For the past 12 months, Robin Reithmeyer hasn't attended a single meeting as an elected member of the Morrisville school board.
And it's taken the board that long to remove her from the seat.
The board took action last week, after a year in which neither Reithmeyer nor school board members talked to one another. During each meeting over the year, members had assumed she would show up at the next meeting, one board member said.
Reithmeyer said last week that illness and family crises made it impossible for her to attend meetings. And she's uncertain whether she'll fight to get back her seat.
"I'm undecided," she said, adding that she found out about the board's action Thursday morning.
Head board directors - President Bill Hellmann, Vice President Alfred Radosti and board secretary Marlys Mihok - knew about the death of Reithmeyer's father in December. But they weren't aware of Reithmeyer's health problem, Mihok said last week.
She added that a policy requires school board members to call her when they plan to be absent. Reithmeyer said she's not aware of the policy, but did call the secretary assigned to the board, Jeanne Corrigan. Since Corrigan doesn't talk to the media, the newspaper couldn't confirm that Reithmeyer called her.
Reithmeyer said she told former Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson about her health troubles and thought Yonson would have told the board members.
Neither Hellmann, Radosti nor Mihok reached out to Reithmeyer to address her absence.
"No, I can't say we tried to contact her," Mihok said.
So when Reithmeyer was a no-show for nearly a year, the board directed solicitor Thomas Profy to take action. A letter was sent to Reithmeyer dated Oct. 25, two days before Wednesday's school board meeting, informing her that the board intended to declare her seat vacant.
"She could have let one of us know of her illness," Mihok said. "If she couldn't contact us personally, a note could have gone a long way. + With regret, we vacated her seat. It's for the best of the community."
The non-communication between Reithmeyer and the majority of the board isn't a surprise.
Reithmeyer often clashed with fellow board members - mostly with Mihok, Hellmann and member Brenda Worob - on major issues such as school renovation projects and finances. Arguments between Reithmeyer and the board majority would sometimes get heated.
She often said the board majority hurried into decisions and was too focused on saving money. And she accused Hellmann of being closed-mouthed about his thoughts and plans. In many issues she was the lone vote, such as opposing implementing an early retirement incentive plan.
Board members have 30 days from Wednesday to replace Reithmeyer, according to the board's solicitor.
Whom will they appoint?
"Someone to contribute to the school district and (who) has common sense," Hellmann said after Wednesday's meeting.
Before Wednesday's vote, Profy sent a letter to Reithmeyer dated Oct. 25, informing her that the board intended to declare her seat vacant under the Public School Code, which "authorizes a Board of School Directors to declare a vacancy, if a School Director neglects or refuses to attend two successive regular meetings of the School Board unless, of course, detained by sickness and/or an otherwise necessary and justified absence," the letter states.
The letter continues, "You will be given an opportunity to show that your absence was caused by sickness and/or an otherwise necessary and justified absence has caused your failure to attend the two previous successive regular meetings of the school board."
Reithmeyer responded to Profy with a letter dated Oct. 27, which was also copied to William Ferrara, acting superintendent, and Paul DeAngelo, the business manager. In the letter she asked that her letter be distributed to all board directors.
"On Aug. 25 I was in the emergency room at St. Mary Medical Center; clearly out of the district and unable to attend the school board meeting. I spoke to both Jeanne Corrigan and Paul DeAngelo that afternoon and asked that they state only that I would not be in attendance. I did not feel it was anyone's business and asked that it not become a public issue," Reithmeyer said in her letter.
She was at the hospital because her mother was admitted, Reithmeyer said last week in a phone interview.
The letter continues, "After being hospitalized Sept. 16 through (Sept.) 18, I was under a doctor's care and not released to normal activity at the time of the Sept. 22 meeting. I did not realize that my private struggles with health and my family needed to be made public. + Additionally, I will not be at the Oct. 27 meeting because I will be out of the district at the time of the meeting."
She added, "I truly hope that everyone on the board will be held to the same standard."
School director Worob hasn't attended meetings in a few months also because of a recurring illness.
"Brenda keeps in constant communication with us, keeping the board updated about her health," Mihok said. "So it's different."
Gema Maria Duarte can be reached at 215-949-4195 or gduarte@phillyBurbs.com
November 02, 2010 02:10 AM
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Morrisville over New Hope Solebury
From the bcct:
Bicentennial League football: Morrisville 33, New Hope-solebury 20
Quarterback Matt Cookson threw for 17 yards and two scores as the Bulldogs improved to 6-3.
NEW HOPE - New Hope-Solebury had a nice start on Friday, taking the lead on the third play from scrimmage and stopping Morrisville on its first drive.
Quarterback Matt Cookson and the Bulldogs, though, were just getting started.
"We started off well, but we knew they could throw the ball. Cookson can make plays," said New Hope coach Jim DiTulio.
Cookson went on to complete 10-of-23 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 94 yards, leading Morrisville to a 33-20 victory.
The Bulldogs (6-3 overall, 2-3 Bicentennial Athletic League) will face Springfield-M next week, then will likely take on Calvary Christian the following week in the District One Class A playoffs.
"It was 7-0, but we seemed really hyped and the momentum swung to us," said Cookson, who is playing with a separated shoulder. "Our offense is real good when we execute. With the weapons we have and the different formations and different routes, we confuse people and throw defenses off."
The Lions (4-5, 2-5) will finish the season next week against Jenkintown.
Julian Kaminoff led them with 15 carries for 122 yards and two touchdowns, including a 65-yard score down the left sideline in the first quarter. He had another TD called back because of a holding penalty and intercepted a pass on defense.
Matt Massimino threw a late touchdown pass to Michael Campion.
"We gave up a lot of big plays," DiTulio said. "Until we learn to put four quarters together, this is going to happen. We'll continue to get better."
Cookson threw two touchdown passes to Julian "J.J." Walker and another to Rickey Melendez. He also had a running touchdown called back because of a hold.
After the Melendez TD made it 7-7, the Bulldogs recovered the ensuing kickoff, and Walker caught a 30-yard touchdown pass three plays later.
Orlando Tirado and Matt Beyer ran for scores. Tirado also intercepted a pass.
"Once they scored the first time, we knew we couldn't fall apart," said Beyer, also a standout at outside linebacker. "We have a good offense, and we executed."
Morrisville coach Jim Gober said Cookson has the "heart of a lion."
"We're a whole lot better with Cookson at quarterback," he said. "When it was 7-0, it was looking bad. No. 9 (Kaminoff) is a heckuva back. I'm very happy with the way we came back. We played well and ran the ball pretty well all night."
Tom Waring can be reached at 215-949-4215 or twaring@phillyBurbs.com.
October 30, 2010 12:30 AM
Thursday, October 28, 2010
New principal in, board member out
By: GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE SCHOOLS
The school board also set the salary for the acting superintendent.
The Morrisville school board gave the acting superintendent a $120,000 salary, hired a new high school principal and gave the boot to school board member Robin Reithmeyer because she had not attended a meeting in a year.
The board hired Donald Harm, a retired employee of Pennsbury School District, to take over the responsibilities as the Morrisville High School principal, the position formerly held by acting Superintendent William Ferrara.
Harm's salary was set Wednesday night at $60,000, which will cover the reminder of the school year ending June 30. Ferrara's $120,000 salary is for one year and is retroactive to Sept. 22, when he was appointed to the position, after Elizabeth Yonson resigned also in September.
Details of Yonson's resignation haven't been disclosed because board President Bill Hellmann has cited that her abrupt leave is a personnel matter.
The salaries of Ferrara and the hiring of Harm came after more than a 30-minute long executive session, at which time personnel matters were discussed.
It's unknown whether making Reithmeyer's seat vacant was part of those discussions. The issue wasn't on the agenda, but Hellmann brought up the vacancy suggestion at the last issue for discussion.
During a brief discussion, board member Marlys Mihok said Reithmeyer last attended a meeting in October 2009. Mihok added that there were a few times the board received indications that Reithmeyer would attend some meetings, but didn't show up.
School board member John DeWilde said that he hopes for her speedy recovery.
"From what?" Mihok asked.
DeWilde didn't respond.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Morrisville Ambulance Squad annual Haunted House
Note: Parents of younger children can let the squad know their little ones may be scared and the squad will tame it down for them.
Historical society wants tapes of meetings
Historic society seeks videotapes of meetings
By: GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Bucks County Courier Times
morrisville
Morrisville residents would like borough officials to give old meeting tapes to the historical society instead of destroying them.
But that's unlikely to happen.
Sharon Hughes, president of the Historic Morrisville Society, would like to obtain videotapes of council meetings, some as old as 15 years. She argues that those tapes contain borough history. For instance, community awards have been given to local groups such as Little League and Eagle Scouts at council meetings, and those people might someday want a copy of those moments, she said.
Council President Nancy Sherlock on Friday said she wants the hundreds of videos kept in storage destroyed to preserve the "integrity of the tapes." She said council minutes are the official records and kept at borough hall for public viewing, so the tapes aren't needed.
Resident Bill Mander said the borough should consider giving the tapes to the historical society.
"If they don't want (them), then get rid of them," he said.
For now, the tapes will continue to be stored because the mayor refuses to sign the resolution approved earlier this month allowing the tape's disposal.
Mayor Rita Ledger on Friday said she won't sign it because she feels she has a conflict of interest. Ledger sits on the Historic Morrisville Society Board of Directors and has requested copies of 19 videotapes this past winter and summer and has yet to receive them.
If Ledger doesn't sign the resolution before the next council meeting, Sherlock said she will bring up the issue at the November meeting.
In the meantime, Hughes has volunteered to make copies for the public before the tapes are destroyed.
Gema Maria Duarte can be reached at 215-949-4195 or gduarte@phillyBurbs.com.
October 24, 2010 02:30 AM
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Some great upcoming events and fundraisers
Wanda Kartal said...
The Morrisville Ambulance Squads annual Haunted House kickoff is Friday 10/22 7-11pm and runs Fri, Sat and Sun through Halloween night. Be sure to stop in and experience the most exciting haunted house around our parts. $4 admission, Save $1 at the door by bringing a canned good for the food pantry.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Wanda Kartal said...
The Youth bowling league at Delmor lanes is having a Family halloween moonlight bowling fundraiser party on Sat. 10/30 4-7pm. $9 admission includes bowling, dinner, door prizes and fun, fun, fun. Bring your family then visit the Ambulance Squad haunted house the next street over and make it a night of safe fun for your family. Email DYLjuniors@hotmail.com for more info.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Wanda Kartal said...
The Morrisville Marching Band will be performinig at the Trenton Sun Center (former Soveriegn bank arena) on Wed. December 8th for the Trenton Devils Ice Hockey team at 7pm. Purchase tickets for your family to see this great band and great hockey team at their special price of $12.00 per ticket. No limit to the # of discounted tickets you can buy but they must be ordered and paid for before Tuesday November 23rd. Contact Dr. Scott at the High school for ticket purchase and more info.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Awesome PABS Fundraiser said...
Why stop while on a roll
Morrisville Performing Arts Boosters is having a PIE SALE!
Order online at www.marketday.com
Orders due by October 27
Pick up and Pay for Pies on November 5
HS Cafeteria 5:00-6:00
The student to sell the most pies gets to throw a pie in their principal's face at the Thanksgiving Day Football Game against Bristol.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
New Boro manager starts today
By: GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Bucks County Courier Times
morrisville
Morrisville has a new borough manager after more than a year without one.
Tom Bates Jr. starts his new part-time gig today.
Bates' salary will be voted on at today's council meeting, council President Nancy Sherlock said Friday. The council hired Bates during last week's work session with a 5-2 vote. Council members Eileen Dreisbach and Todd Sanford voted against the hire.
George Mount III, the borough's former manager, retired from the part-time, $41,000-a-year manager's post June 2009 after serving 12 years.
After Mount's retirement, the council agreed to an acting borough manager for a year, Sherlock said. Dorothy Gaydula, the borough's assistant secretary and treasurer, was appointed to the position. Appointed to help Gaydula was Robert Seward, who was named acting assistant borough manager. He also is Morrisville's code enforcement officer and fire marshal.
Sherlock said the borough moved fast to hire a borough manager because Gaydula gave the council notice about three weeks ago that the one-year deadline was up and she no longer wanted to continue as acting manager. Gaydula will resume her secretarial job duties at borough hall, Sherlock said.
Morrisville advertised the manager position on the borough's website, channel and at borough hall, Sherlock said. The borough received two applications and interviewed both, she added. For Sherlock, Bates has the financial background Morrisville needs and she liked his demeanor, she said.
In other news, Councilman Victor Cicero rescinded resignation comment at the work session. In September, a frustrated Cicero abruptly resigned and left the council meeting after members voted 5-3 to table a discussion on the disposal of videotapes of old council meetings.
The council didn't vote on accepting his verbal resignation in September. And Cicero didn't provide his resignation to the council in writing. All resignations must be officially submitted in writing and formally accepted.
At that time Cicero, along with council President Nancy Sherlock and Councilman David Rivella were in favor of getting rid of the tapes, some of which are as old as 15 years.
At Tuesday's work session, the council voted 4-3 to dispose of the meeting tapes. Opposing the disposal were council members Eileen Dreisbach, Fred Kerner and Todd Sanford.
Gema Maria Duarte can be reached at 215-949-4195 or gduarte@phillyBurbs.com.