Harsh Winter Delaying Opening Of Camelback’s $163 Million Waterpark Complex

TANNERSVILLE, PA — Shedding winter layers for swimsuits at Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia will take a month longer than expected.

The newest addition to Camelback Resort, a 453-suite hotel and a 125,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, was tentatively scheduled to open in March. The 16-month, $163 million construction project has been delayed due to winter’s tight grasp on the region.

“Obviously, we’ve had tremendous weather difficulties, and that is a fact, but we are probably 95 percent on schedule,” Arthur Berry, president of Camelback Resort told the Pocono Record.

Read more:

http://www.timesleader.com/news/business-local-news/152089723/

Pennsylvania Nuclear Reactor Returns To Full Power After ‘Hot Shutdown’

The southeastern Pennsylvania nuclear reactor that unexpectedly shut down Monday night was returned to full power Friday, owner Exelon Corp. announced.

Repairs were made to a valve that closed automatically on one of the Limerick Generating Station Unit 1 reactor’s main steam lines, according to a news release from the company.

The valve closed due to a broken fitting, Exelon spokeswoman Dana Melia had said. The Unit 2 reactor at Limerick, in Montgomery County about 30 miles south of Allentown, was unaffected by Monday’s incident.

Read more:

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2015/02/pennsylvania_nuclear_power_pla_2.html

15 Cheap Cities Where You Don’t Need A High Salary To Buy A House

NEW YORK (TheStreet) — Are you making enough money to afford a home in your area?

In some areas around the country, earning little more than $30,000 annually may be enough to afford a house, whereas in other, more expensive areas, you will need almost five times as much.

HSH.com, a mortgage research data Web site, analyzed fourth-quarter data to determine the minimum salary needed in order to be able to afford a home in the 27 largest metro areas in the United States.

For the third quarter in a row, Pittsburgh was found to be the most affordable city in the country, with an annual median salary of just $31,716.32 needed to afford a home there. Those working in San Francisco need to make 4.5 times the amount that Steel City workers earn to afford a home.

Read more:

http://business-news.thestreet.com/philly/story/10-cheap-cities-where-you-dont-need-a-high-salary-to-buy-a-house/13055140

Witnesses Testify At Richard Como’s Preliminary Hearing

WEST CHESTER, PA – The criminal case against former Coatesville Area School District Superintendent Richard Como opened a new chapter Friday in a lengthy preliminary hearing at the Chester County Justice Center.

The former superintendent, who abruptly retired at the start of the 2013 school year amid the discovery of racist and sexist text message exchanges with the district’s athletic director, faces a slew of felony theft charges resulting from a nearly yearlong grand jury investigation that concluded late last year.

On Friday prosecutors from the Chester County District Attorney’s Office called several witnesses in an effort to put forward enough evidence to send the case to trial.

Como is accused of defrauding the district out of thousands of dollars during his time as superintendent. While a large portion of the alleged thefts revolve around the purchase of championship football rings, many of the charges stem from a series of alleged smaller thefts that plagued the district for years.

Read more:

http://www.dailylocal.com/general-news/20150227/witnesses-testify-at-richard-comos-preliminary-hearing

Appliance Recycling Coming To Althouse Arboretum, March 7th

Saturday, March 7th, 9am to 1pm
at Althouse Arboretum, 1794 Gilbertsville Road, Pottstown, PA 19464, USA
No fee, donations accepted

Drop off your old appliances at the Arboretum, refrigerators, air conditioners, microwaves, washers…..anything that is labeled as an “appliance.”  Volunteers will be there to assist you. Call 267-371-2288 with questions.

All you have to do is drive in, volunteers will unload and you drive out, one Spring chore off your list!

Drop off appliance during event hours only.
No electronics or TVs.

HOOVER FINANCIAL ADVISORS ADDS CFP®

Malvern, PA – Sara A. Nelb, CFP® recently joined Hoover Financial Advisors (HFA). Her appointment as a financial planner was announced by Peter K. Hoover, president and founder of the firm.

In her new position, Nelb will work with HFA clients to help them manage and maintain financial plans and achieve their singular goals. Prior to joining HFA, she was senior investment officer at The Haverford Trust Company in Radnor. Before that, Nelb held various positions at QVC in West Chester, including business analyst for Sales and Product Planning.

Nelb, who holds a B. S. degree in Business Administration from Drexel University, graduated magna cum laude. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association and holds a FINRA Series 65 license. She is also a past participant of Business on Board for the Arts & Business Council in Philadelphia. The CFP is a resident of Radnor.

“I’m excited to be part of the financial planning process,” says Nelb. “To work with a great team and contribute to the process that helps clients reach distinctive objectives is rewarding.” “It’s rewarding for HFA to have Sara on board,” adds Hoover. “Our company is celebrating our 10^th anniversary this year. We opened with one CFP. With the addition of Sara, we now have three.”

HFA, which is headquartered on Moores Road in Malvern, was launched in 2005 by Hoover, who has been an independent financial advisor for more than 30 years.  Since its inception, HFA has quadrupled in size. In addition to the CFPs, employees include financial advisors, insurance and tax specialists, attorneys, an investment analyst, a certified portfolio manager, and an information services manager. In 2012, HFA was selected as Small Business of the Year by Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry. For more information, visit its website at petehoover.com or call 610.651.2777.

Pennsylvania House Votes In Favor Of Selling Off State Liquor System

HARRISBURG — The effort to change Pennsylvania’s state liquor monopoly is on a familiar path filled with many obstacles.

The state House voted Thursday to approve turning the wine and liquor retail and wholesale business over to the private sector, but the proposal faces a rough road in the Senate, which failed to take action on a similar proposal in the last session. And Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf favors improving the service in the existing stores to generate more money for the state rather than licensing them to the private sector.

Thursday’s House vote was 114-87 for the proposal, with every Democrat and a few Republicans opposed.

Read more:

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2015/02/26/House-to-vote-on-Pennsylvania-liquor-privatization-bill/stories/201502260159

FCC Approves Internet Neutrality Regulations

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday approved regulating the Internet as a utility in a 3-2 partisan vote, handing a big victory to Net neutrality proponents who lobbied for a decade for tough rules to protect consumers.

The FCC’s action forbids telecom companies from blocking websites, and slowing or speeding up some Internet traffic. This means that all Internet streams should be treated the same, or neutrally, without preferences.

The FCC also voted to make it easier for municipally run Internet providers to expand and compete with Comcast and other private telecom companies, a move lauded by activist groups.

“Some states have created thickets of red tape to limit competition,” said FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler, who spearheaded the changes. “What we’re doing today is cutting away the red tape.”

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20150227_FCC_approves_net_neutrality_regulations.html#U82MxlMqFvJ5vFJw.99

First King Of Prussia Restaurant Week, dineKOP, Runs March 2 Through 8

UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA – For seven straight days King of Prussia will be overflowing with enough asparagus bisque, Kona Crusted Sirloin, Chili Glazed Salmon and crème brulee to dazzle even the most jaded celebrity chef.

All those dishes and many more will be showcased by the town’s top restaurants during the inaugural King of Prussia Restaurant Week, also known as the snappily honed-down “dineKOP.”

Not surprisingly the brains and heart behind dineKOP, which runs March 2 through 8, is King of Prussia District (KOP-BID), producers of the annual Beerfest Royale.

Read more:

http://www.timesherald.com/lifestyle/20150227/first-king-of-prussia-restaurant-week-dinekop-runs-march-2-through-8

Act 1 DeSales University Performing Arts Presents: Dancing At Lughnasa

Saturday ◊ February 28, 2015 ◊ 8:00 p.m.
Main Stage of the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts
2755 Station Avenue
Center Valley, PA 18034

By Brian Friel • Directed by Dennis Razze

“The poetry of this play…like the most fragrant music, strikes deep chords that words cannot begin to touch.” –The New York Times

This extraordinary Irish drama, set in the Autumn of 1936 near Ballybeg, Ireland, is a memory play about the five brave Mundy sisters and their older brother Jack, who has just returned home after 25 years as a missionary priest in Africa. As the sisters prepare to celebrate the festival of the God Lugh they erupt into a wild dance celebrating their way of life before it changes forever. Ages 13+

View a preview of the show on YouTube

Click Here to Buy
Last Minute Discount
RUSH Tickets
for ONLY $9.99!
Price of Regular Ticket at the door $24.00
Rush Tickets available online only.

32 Arrested, Including 4 Alleged Drug Pushers, In Norristown Drug Operation

NORRISTOWN, PA – Two phone calls months apart from each other allowed investigators to link together two drug rings that delivered crystal meth and heroin to the streets of Norristown and other parts in southeastern Pennsylvania.

District Attorney Risa Ferman announced Wednesday the arrest of 32 people, including four major alleged drug pushers, in Norristown in a joint operation appropriately dubbed “Operation Snow and Ice Removal.”

“This is a series of drug trafficking arrests that have been made in two overlapping drug trafficking rings that relate to the sale of crystal meth, heroin and cocaine, primarily in Norristown but with tentacles in southeast Pennsylvania,” Ferman said at a press conference.

Read more:

http://www.timesherald.com/general-news/20150225/32-arrested-including-4-alleged-drug-pushers-in-norristown-drug-operation

Get To Know Montgomery County Community College At Spring Open Houses

Blue Bell/Pottstown/Lansdale, Pa.— Montgomery County Community College will hold three open houses this spring to provide prospective students and the community with information about the College’s programs, campuses and activities. The open houses are free of charge and are open to the public. For more information or to pre-register, visit mc3.edu/openhouse or call 215-641-6551.

The College’s Central Campus, located at 340 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell, will hold its open house on Saturday, March 28 in conjunction with the Montgomery County Wellness Expo. The open house runs from 10 a.m.-noon in Parkhouse Hall, while the Wellness Expo runs from 9 a.m.-noon in the lower lervel of College Hall.

Presented by Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, Blue Bell Rotary and Montgomery County Community College, the annual Wellness Expo offers free screenings, educational information, presentations and giveaways throughout the day. Health Checks—including reduced cost 26-panel blood screening; Ultra C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Homocysteine test; and Prostate-Specific Antigen test—will be offered from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on a first come, first served basis. To pre-register for Health Checks or for more information about the Wellness Expo, visit advance.einstein.edu or call 484-622-0200.

The College’s West Campus, located at 101 College Drive in Pottstown, will hold its open house on Thursday, April 16, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Gallery in North Hall.

The College’s Culinary Arts Institute, located at 1400 Forty Foot Road in Lansdale, will hold its open house on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-noon in conjunction with the final round of its student Iron Chef Competition. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the College’s students in action; tour the kitchens and classrooms; and learn about MCCC’s Culinary Arts and Pastry and Baking Arts associate degree programs, as well as its Culinary Enthusiast and Junior Chef classes.

All three open houses will provide prospective students and their families with information about MCCC’s credit and non-credit programs. Admissions representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the admissions process, transfer opportunities, e-Learning, financial aid and intercollegiate athletics, among other topics. In addition, faculty representatives will be available to discuss the 100+ associate degree and certificate programs that are part of the College’s comprehensive curriculum.

To learn more about all that Montgomery County Community College has to offer, visit http://www.mc3.edu.

MCCC, Pottstown Organizations Hold Free Children’s Dental Sealant Program

Pottstown, PA — Montgomery County Community College’s Dental Hygiene program is partnering with the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation and Community Health and Dental Care to offer a free Children’s Dental Sealant program on March 28 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The sealant program, held at Community Health and Dental Care, 11 Robinson St., Suite 100, Pottstown, is a community outreach effort during which free oral examinations and sealant placement will be provided for children ages 6-14.  Space is limited, and examinations are by appointment only on a first-come, first-served basis.  Appointments can be made by calling 610-326-7405.

A dental sealant is a clear, preventive coating placed on permanent back teeth in order to prevent dental decay.  During the sealant programs, preventive services will be performed by licensed dental hygienists in consultation with licensed dentists.  Auxiliary support services will be provided by the College’s dental hygiene students.

For additional information, call 610-326-7405

What You Need To Know About The Bill To Privatize State Liquor Sales

Legislation to end Pennsylvania’s 82-year monopoly on liquor sales is due for a vote Thursday in the state House.

The plan would dramatically change the way alcohol is sold in Pennsylvania.

House Bill 466, sponsored by Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, is similar to a proposal that cleared the House in 2013. It would close the 600-plus state stores and replace them with 1,200 private licenses.

“In a year when we are faced with a potential $2 billion budget deficit, I personally think it is important to consider avenues for revenue other than taxes,” Turzai said in a memo to colleagues seeking support.

It was estimated last session that the proposal would generate about $1 billion up front, with continued revenue from existing liquor and sale taxes.

Read more:

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-bill-to-privatize/article_a18654d0-bb6b-11e4-bc93-6bbbd42717b0.html

Mount Joy Names Second Interim Police Chief In Less Than A Month

Mount Joy borough officials appointed a new interim police chief Monday after accepting the resignation of the former interim chief, who was only on the job for two and a half weeks.

At Monday’s meeting, council accepted the resignation of Luis Mendez, who began as interim chief on Feb. 6, and reinstated him to his former position of part-time patrol officer.

Council then appointed Maurice “Bill” Williams as the new interim chief.

Williams, a retired lieutenant from the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, will take leadership of Mount Joy’s police department on the condition that he passes pre-employment testing.

Read more:

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/mount-joy-names-second-interim-police-chief-in-less-than/article_88aed5f0-bc6e-11e4-b902-bbcbb68bf956.html

UCLA’s Feinberg To Be Named Geisinger Head

David Feinberg, M.D., chief executive of UCLA Health System, will become the sixth chief executive of Geisinger Health System, claiming the top spot at a medical care network with 23,500 employees that has been lauded as a model in the fast-changing world of health care.

On May 1, Feinberg officially claims the reins of a nonprofit that has greatly expanded its reach and now includes Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township and Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. The health system now hopes to refocus on improving health care delivery and outcomes.

In a conference call with reporters Monday, Feinberg said he studied Geisinger’s approach for years, hoping to learn and maybe adopt their approaches. But he never imagined leading the system, which he called a dream come true.

“Geisinger is so important to American medicine today,” he said, calling the system one of the first with integrated insurance, facilities and doctors. “American health care is transitioning from a system where we are paid on volume, where more difficult cases result in more costs even as outcomes have not improved by as much. Geisinger has shifted from volume to value by measuring outcomes for patients.”

Read more:

http://citizensvoice.com/news/ucla-s-feinberg-to-be-named-geisinger-head-1.1837860

Thanksgiving Payroll Snafu Cost Luzerne County Government $2,000 In Bounced Check Fees

Luzerne County ended up reimbursing employees about $2,000 for bounced check fees caused by late paychecks last November, officials said today.

County Budget/Finance Division Head Brian Swetz said about 50 employees submitted requests for fee reimbursements, most between $20 and $35.

The impact of the fees was lessened because two financial institutions waived fees — PNC Bank, which handles the county’s banking, and the Luzerne County Federal Credit Union, Swetz said.

Read more:  http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/152031362/

Tesla’s Plans For Lehigh Valley Mall Supercharger Station Stall

Tesla Motors Inc. has scrapped plans to build a supercharger station at Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township.

Township commissioners approved the project in August and Tesla hoped to begin welcoming motorists last fall, but couldn’t get around a roadblock put up by J.C. Penney, according to Mayor Ed Hozza Jr. and a PPL Corp. spokesman.

The station was slated for property in the parking lot west of the Grape Street mall entrance near J.C. Penney. In order to supply the station with power, PPL needed to run an underground electrical line through the lot, a section of which is owned by the department store.

J.C. Penney rejected the utility’s request for an easement to put in the line, PPL spokesman Paul Wirth said Tuesday. PPL proposed an alternate route for the line, but hasn’t heard back from Tesla on how to proceed.

Read more:

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/lehigh-county/index.ssf/2015/02/tesla_lehigh_valley_mall.html

Another Delay For New PATCO Cars

PATCO’s long-delayed rebuilt commuter cars won’t be rolled out this month as planned, as continuing glitches in signal systems have forced another delay, PATCO officials said Tuesday.

Last month, PATCO executives had said the first eight of 120 refurbished cars would be put into customer service in February.

But PATCO president John Hanson said Tuesday, “They’re not going to be ready by the end of this month.”

PATCO is withholding millions of dollars in payments to Alstom Transport Inc. while the manufacturer tries to fix the problem, Hanson said.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20150225_Another_delay_for_new_PATCO_cars.html#EAwF5emuLcpmrJV8.99

Washington County Hamlet’s Residents Worry About Safety Of Tap Water

Sunlight spilled through a window into Pat West’s darkened kitchen as she filled a glass with water.

“It smells fine. It looks fine,” said West, 70, holding the etched glass to her nose and peering at it. “I still drink the water, but my kids won’t.”

West and her husband, Don, raised 13 children in their two-story house in Millsboro, a hamlet in East Bethlehem, Washington County.

Theirs is one of four houses on Harmony Avenue, where the Wests have lived since 1959. Between them and the Monongahela River is Tri-County Joint Municipal Authority, which is under orders from the state Department of Environmental Protection to reduce potentially carcinogenic chemicals in the water it pumps to homes.

Read more: http://triblive.com/news/washington/7788472-74/county-tri-tthm#ixzz3SaZF6eYU
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