Atglen Fire Company Annual Pig Roast Slated For Saturday

Atglen Fire Company Pig Roast Flyer 2011

Atglen Sportsmen’s Club Will Host Youth Day This Sunday

This from the Daily Local News this morning:

Designed to expose youngsters to outdoor sports, the event on Sunday September 25th, features archery, sporting clays, rifle shooting, and other fun related outdoor games. 

Activities that include demonstrations and live fire will be supervised by certified personnel. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. with activities running from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Youth Day is free of charge and is open to all youngsters. Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Door prizes will also be awarded. 

The Atglen Sportsmen’s Club is located along the Octorara Creek just south of Atglen.   Directions to the club are below.

For more info or directions, go to the club’s website, atglensportsmensclub.org. or call John Pawlowski at 610-384-5483.

Directions to Atglen Sportsmen's Club  

Atglen Sportsmen's Club is off Route 41, 15 miles north of US Route 1. 

From US Route 1, take 41 North. (you will pass through a traffic light at route 10 and a second traffic light at Highland Avenue.

At the third traffic light (bottom of hill), turn left onto Route 372 West.

Go one block to Stop Sign and make a left onto Main Street.  (less than 1/8 mile)

Go 3/10s of a mile to the second street on the right. (just over a small bridge) and turn right onto Steelville Mill Road.

Go approximately one mile to the next stop sign (just over a narrow concrete bridge) and turn left onto Creek Road.

Go about 1/2 mile to a fork in the road.  Stay to the right.

The club is the first driveway on the right.

The Club House is on the top of the hill.

From Route 30, drive approximately 5 miles south on Route 41 and make a right onto 372 West. Then follow the directions above.

Obama Voluteers Stage Atglen Voter Registration Drive

This from LancasterOnline over the weekend:

Volunteers from Organizing for America turned out on a blustery day at Atglen Community Park Saturday to register citizens to vote.

The community action group, begun by President Barack Obama, has an active group of volunteers in the Octorara community, according to Parotta, and they currently are holding a voter registration drive in the area. By 10 a.m., the volunteers had already registered six new young voters.

The volunteers said students just turning 18, residents new to the area and former non-voters are welcome to stop by the Schoolhouse Apartments in downtown Parkesburg any Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Volunteers are staffing an Organizing for America phone bank and handling voter registrations.

Parotta said the organization also welcomes new volunteers to help with the phone bank.

Rhett Lipscomb is coordinator of the Octorara area Organizing for America chapter. She can be reached at 610-857-1124.

Atglen 2010 Drinking Water Quality Report

Atglen CCR Water Report 2010

Atglen Library Announces Annual Book & Bake Sale

By Robbyn Kehoe

Atglen Public Library will hold its fall book and bake at the new Atglen Community Park on Ridge Avenue on Saturday, September 17, from 8:00 to 4:00. 

There are literally thousands of books for sale, as several previous sales have been rained out. This sale will be held rain or shine under the new pavilion at the park. The bake sale will feature its usual goodies and bottled water. Face painting for kids and acoustic music are also scheduled.

Materials for sale include both donated and ex-library books, audiobooks, and movies on DVD and VHS. Adult hardbacks and audiobooks are priced at a $1, with paperbacks at $0.50. Children's hardbacks are $0.50, with paperbacks at $0.25. DVDs are $2, and VHS are five for $1.

The Library will also host its Community Yard Sale on September 17. Atglen residents are invited to register at the library to hold yard sales at their home for $10 or at the Atglen Community Park for $25 (a table will be provided). 

The Library will advertise the event and provide maps and signage. As this is a fundraiser, residents who don't wish to pay for registration are encouraged to hold their sales on a different date.

Come and enjoy a day with friends and neighbors, searching for bargains, or making a few dollars for yourself.

Atglen Church Announces Community Park Grand Opening

By Robbyn Kehoe

Penningtonville Presbyterian Church will host the Grand Opening of the Atglen Community Park on Sunday, September 11, 2011.

A worship service will be held in the pavilion at 10:55 a.m., followed by a flag raising by Rachel Norris and her Girl Scout Troop at noon. The community is invited to stay for a potluck picnic lunch; please bring a dish to share. 

The community welcomes home church member Master Sargent Denim Kurtzhals from his tour of duty overseas and will recognize the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

All are welcome. Please invite your friends and neighbors to this community event.

Fire Company Consolidation Meeting Minutes

Note:  Several times over the last several weeks, these pages have contained news story and commentary on the merger talks taking place between the Parkesburg, Atglen and Pomeroy fire companies and the 8 municipalities they serve.  These talks, which began in 2010, are moving quickly toward a single consolidated fire fighting organization with the eight municipalities, including Parkesburg, footing more of the total cost of fielding and maintaining an all volunteer fire fighting force.

Beginning with these minutes from the July meeting, Parkesburg Today will publish details of the discussion to both educate and keep our readers informed.

Western Chester County Fire Company

Reorganization Committee Minutes

                                                           

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 (Approved on August 16, 2011)

Meeting was called to order by Brad Sinrod at 1905 hrs

Attendees: Brad Sinrod, Ray Stackhouse, Leo Scaccia, Willard Marsh, Bill Winters, R.P. Scott, Gene Ratcliff, John R. Ford, Barry Edwards, Jim Reagan, Ray Campbell, Steve Webb, Danny Tribbett, Frank Haas, Ed Haas, Tom Scott, Stephanie Silvernail

Excused: Tony Sirna, Larry Constable, Rich Klinger, Chuck Persch, Brian Gathercole, William Kochel

New members: None

Special Guest: Russ Guthrie

Approval of June Minutes: Approved as written by the group with three grammatical changes.

Handouts: Agenda, June minutes, Items developed by Russ Guthrie including CD of June presentation, If you want a CD of Russ’s presentations, call or e-mail Ray and he will get you one. The material is too large to send through most e-mails.

Old Business:

Received: Copy of payment invoice from Atglen Fire company to Russ Guthrie amt of 250.00 dollars, Payment of 4,500 dollars from Chester County EMS Council to Russ Guthrie. The only township still outstanding is Atglen boro, who has commented that the check has been approved/written and is being sent to Russ.  The next round of 250.00 dollars is due at the September meeting. Total given to Russ as of tonights’ meeting. 6,500.00 dollars

All municipalities have accepted and have presented signed resolutions.  All fire companies have completed MOU’s

Russ has Power point slides that outline current run district, representatives of each municipality, fire companies and business/citizen reps. 

All members present had time to review. There were no changes, yet several positions are still open.

New Business:

Russ Guthrie will be running each meeting from this date forward. Brief minutes will be kept and copies of material and power point presentations will be available for members to review.

There was discussion to shore up and tie down the representatives of each municipality and fire companies

There was a service map review.

Open discussion on Fire Administrator role in initial set up of organization.

Open discussion on Fire District Board Makeup continues.

Russ displayed a potential/possible budget with numbers he does know. As numbers become more exact, we will know true budget for new organization. Russ feels his numbers tonight are very accurate but will still need some information for final budget.

Russ explained 10 tables to the attendees and has handouts available if you would want one. Please see Leo at the next meeting.

At this point, other than a few number changes, Russ states that his job of investigation is complete. He asks that before the next meeting that all municipalities and fire companies take a straw poll to see if the members are in or not in and to make the final decision to move forward with the consolidation. He asked also that the group needs to decide if we would chose process one with an “authority” versus the simple consolidation process number 2.

He applauds the efforts and willingness of the group to make this happen with little difficulty. The August meeting, he will ask officially if all parties are in agreement with moving forward. Members are urged to attend or have representation for potential vote. From the group, the sense is that we will continue to move forward.

Russ will be meeting with East Fallowfield Township on September 13 during their work meeting. All entities are invited to attend for information gathering and dissemination.

Wrap-up, round table. The “quarter” was passed and in general, all members were happy with progress tonight and the plan for the future meetings.

Next meeting will be August 16 at 7pm at the Huston Center at Brandywine.

Meeting adjourned at 2100hrs by Brad Sinrod.

Respectfully submitted: July 21, 2011

Leo Scaccia

Secretary

Thanks to Parkesburg Fire Commissioner Ray Stackhouse for making these notes available.

Area Youth Win 4H Fair Awards

More than 200 projects were entered for exhibition at the Chester County 4-H Fair held last week in Chester Springs.

This year's submission featured several projects in sewing, artwork, pet care, woodworking, horticulture, club displays and project record books for horses and livestock.  

The following Octorara area youth won awards:

Grand champion winners include:

• Kyle MacCauley of Atglen for Photography

Educational Poster winners include:

• Lauren Berush, Gabby Smith of Cochranville for Officer's Books

Reserve Grand Champions include:  

• Chris Macauley, of Atglen for Beef Education Poster
• Alex Taylor and Gabby Smith of Cochranville for Officer Club Books

Parkesburg And Two Neighboring Fire Companies Receive Daily Local Red Rose

Parkesburg's, Atglen's and Pomeroy's volunteer fire companies and the communities they serve, received a Rose over the weekend from West Chester's Daily Local News.

Each Saturday, editors at the paper take a moment to recognize positive, and not so positive, events, accomplishments and developments around Chester County on the editorial page of the paper, awarding an editorial 'Rose' or 'Thorns' to distinguish the development/accomplishment

Saturdays was our volunteer fire company's turn and those leaders participating in regional talks focused on merging the Parkesburg, Atglen and Pomeroy fire companies.

Here's what the daily local wrote at the top of their Roses and Thorn column Saturday morning.

"[We want to] recognize the Atglen, Parkesburg and Pomeroy Fire companies and their participating communities for the ongoing discussions to merge the three companies together into a single western Chester County firefighting organization. Their discussions took another step forward this week. Those involved in the discussion have never seen this level of cooperation and collaboration. Theses municipalities and fire companies, as well as their representatives in the discussions, have earned and deserve a big Red Rose."

A big Red Rose it is! 

Saturday's DLN Roses and Thorn column is here.

Mt. Zion AME Church Building Fund Dinne

When: August 20, 2011, SATURDAY, 11am - until sold out.

Where: 405 Zion Hill Rd., Atglen, PA


What: Fish or chicken dinner including choice of meat, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, string beans, roll and drink. - $7,  sandwich only: $4

Delivery available.  Call 610.593.2531 for details

Pomeroy Fire Company, Sikorsky Helicopter Strike Deal

Pomeroy Fire Company firefighters train at Allegheny Regional Airport Authority ARFF Training Center in Pittsburgh. Six specially trained firefighter/EMTs are now on call for Sikorsky Global Helicopter, and will supplement the Sikorsky team. (Photo courtesy of the Daily Local News)

As the Parkesburg Fire Company ponders its future including a possible merger with Atglen's and Pomeroy's volunteer fire companies, this Daily Local News article from back in the Spring announcing an agreement between Sikorsky Global Helicopter and Pomeroy Fire Company to provide emergency supplemental staffing, provides a profile of Pomeroy Fire Company's leadership and capabilities.

Money quote:

"Pomeroy fire company operates with 25 volunteers and now 13 salaried career firefighter/EMTs (emergency medical technicians).  Of the 13 salaried staff, six have special Aircraft Rescue Fire Firefighter, or ARFF, certifications in order to work with Sikorsky’s team."

Read the entire article and watch a video featuring Jared Dalmas, Pomeroy Fire Captain here. 

Penningtonville Church Opens Atglen Playground

By Robbyn Kehoe

Rev. Jason Link invites area residents to come out and play! 

Penningtonville Presbyterian Church is putting the finishing touches on its Atglen Community Park at Ridge Avenue and Chester Street. 

Built on church property with help from community donations and muscle and a wildly successful fundraiser, the new park will be open to the public.

The park features a playset, swings, and wiffle ball field. A pavilion will be finished next week as the concrete floor is poured and electricity is wired in. 

An Eagle Scout project will soon provide benches for the pavilion. 

The church and its members should be commended for identifying a need and pooling resources to better our community.

Local Paper Weighs In On Fire Company Consolidation

In an editorial published today, The Southern Chester County Weekly wrote glowingly about consolidation discussions currently underway between the Parkesburg, Atglen and Pomeroy fire companies.

Money quote:

"That’s why it’s pleasantly unusual to see three companies actually willing to surrender some of their individuality for the safety and health of those they serve."

Read the entire editorial here and share your thoughts on Facebook or by leaving a comment on Parkesburg Today.

Parkesburg Fire Company Considers Consolidation

Jennifer Carboni has a good piece in this morning's Daily Local News about discussions currently underway to consolidate the Parkesburg, Pomeroy and Atglen fire companies into a single volunteer fire fighting organization.

The plan being considered would bring Atglen, West Sadsbury, Parkesburg, Sadsbury, Highland and East Fallowfield into a single fire district

The expectations is that equipment, manpower and facilities would be better used and be less expensive under a single fire protection umbrella.

Brad Sinrod, part-owner of a company with rental properties in Parkesburg including the Parkesburg Bank apartment building on Main, is co-chairman of the steering committee.

The money quote comes from Parkesburg Fire Commissioner Ray Stackhouse:

"That's what we're looking at in our area … individually, all of our fire companies and ambulance companies are struggling to survive while operating independently."

You can read the entire article here.

A Drive Along The Scenic Octoraro Creek

Bob Taylor of Christiana posted this video of a leisurely drive Along Creek Road south of Atglen, back and forth over Mercer's Mill covered bridge and then continuing further down Creek Road towards West Fallowfield on Facebook this morning.

Its not clear who the creator of the video is but it looks like Rick & Rosie Woodhouse, proprietors of Gabriel's Hill Bed and Breakfast in Christiana, deserve the credit.

Here's the description accompanying the video on YouTube:

Down the hill, through the bridge, up the hill to the park and back again. The drive along the Octoraro Creek has been designated as a Pennsylvania Scenic River. The creek borders a large portion of Wolf's Hollow Park. Mercer's Mill Covered Bridge is just over a mile from Gabriel's Hill.

Enjoy the scenery and the relaxing music!

New Logo, New Growth Comes To Parkesburg Today

As of this morning, Parkesburg Today has a new logo.  

Designed by Brandon Malone, a 2006 Octorara grad and son of current school board member John Malone, the new logo takes my mug off our front page (a collective 'Thank goodness!' is in order) and ushers in a new era of growth and expansion at Parkesburg Today.

Not to worry though, Parkesburg Today will remain the trusted source of news for all things Parkesburg and Octorara.  

Over time though, these pages will include more information from more people on surrounding towns and townships including Atglen, Highland, Cochranville and West Sadsbury.

In August we'll change our platform and format to allow readers more direct interaction with Parkesburg Today.  

Finally, in August we'll announce Parkesburg Today's first, of what will be several, county-wide sister sites gathering and publishing neighborhood and community news.

Atglen July 2011 Newsletter

July 1, 2011 Atglen Newsletter

Area Fire Company's Respond To Suspected Gas Leak

Area fire companies respond Saturday evening to a suspected gas leak at the Acme plaza

This short description of a suspected gas leak at the Acme plaza came from Pomeroy Volunteer Fire Company's web site:


Saturday, July 16, 2011 Parkesburg (28), Atglen (26), and Pomeroy (29) Fire Companies were dispatched to 120 W. First Ave at the Family Dollar for a Gas Leak Outside on the evening of July 16th, 2011. 

Units responded right after dispatch due to returning from various motor vehicle accidents and EMS incidents in the coverage area.

Engine 28 (Parkesburg) responded and arrived on-scene to establish Family Dollar Command. Engine 26-1 (Atglen) made the response along with Engine 29-1, Engine 29-5 and Ambulance 29-2 (all Pomeroy).

Chief 29 was on-scene and assisted Parkesburg Command with the operations. The incident was evaluated and the odor of gas was detected and determined to be in the area of construction near Family Dollar where work was taking place for a new store coming into the complex near Family Dollar.

Command requested PECO to the scene and advised while they awaited Atglen and Pomeroy units could clear the scene. After 20:00 hours, Pomeroy and Atglen units cleared the scene leaving Engine 28 on-scene.

Atglen FireCo Buys New Engine

This from Atglen Fire Company's home page:

On Monday June 20th. 2011 Chief Winters,Sr., Deputy Chief Winters,Jr. and FF/Board member David Stoltzfus traveled the 25 miles to the Goshen Fire Company to pick up our newest Engine 26-1.

This unit is a 2001 Pierce Dash pumper with seating for 8 and a 2000 gallon per minute pump , carries 750 gallons of water, 20 gallons class A foam, 30 gallons class B foam which operates through a Foam Pro system to 4 discharges.

This unit will carry a full assortment of engine company equipment and some vehicle rescue equipment.

Without the hard work of our Treasurer Jack Assetto and Fire Chief William Winters, Sr. the purchase of this unit would not have been possible.

The entire active crew would like to say thank you for the long hours put into this project.

Read the entire article hear and view more pictures of the new engine here.