Luminaries...light them or not?

Down East typically lights luminaries Christmas Eve around dusk or before you leave for the night.  When rain or wind doesn't cooperate we light them at dusk on Christmas Day.

Looking at the weather for tonight and tomorrow we should probably light them tonight as tomorrow looks slightly worse.  Please have a neighbor light them for you if you will not be around.

Merry Christmas :-)


Question:  Anybody know how long we have been doing this?  I think it has been something like 40 years.

Requesting help with refreshing the wood chips on the connector path...

Happy Holidays everybody :-)

Joe King was asking about refreshing the wood chips for the connector trail and mentioned that the township had provided us with some from their tree trimming work.  I emailed Bill Steele, director of public works for East Whiteland Township and he already had his crew dump a the first of two loads of wood chips at the end of Winding Way.  :-)

I'm looking for some people to help spread these along the connector path in the next day or two.  Call me or send me an email.

Adam Beck
adam.abeck@gmail.com
(484)612-5018

The last of the Luminaries supplies have been delivered...

Hillside Drive

Thanks Joe King for all the hard work :-)

NOTE! Please separate the bags from the sand as the sand is wet. Sorry about that!

LUMINARY PICK UP THIS SATURDAY 12/19!

A friendly reminder to pick up your sand and premade luminary kits this Saturday, 12/19, 9am-5pm, cul-de-sac at 29 Winding Way.


Be sure to bring a bag for your sand and something to scoop with!  Also, see if neighbors can work together to pick up for one another!


Thank you for participating in this annual event!

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, December 19th Luminary Pick up!

Shout out to Joe King for stepping up and in and ordering all items for our luminary display!

Each household will receive 10 luminaries for display on 12/24!

Kits will be premade for easy pick up and all you'll need to do is grab your sand! 

When: Saturday, December 19th 9am-5pm

Where: Cul-de-sac 29 Winding Way (by the park)

Feel free to pick up for your neighbors, etc.
Also, if you know of anyone who may need assistance the evening of the display with set up, Tasneem Bookbinder has volunteered again to assist!  (Thank you, Tasneem!)

LUMINARIAS-TO BE OR NOT TO BE...

We have had 3 neighbors offer to assist in the packaging and delivering of the luminaries BUT we can't create these beautiful displays without the ingredients!

Please let Adam Beck or I know if you are interested in any of the following roles:


Supplies-(I can provide amounts, etc.)

• Sand ordering
• Candle ordering

Additional Luminaria Leaders (many hands make light work)

In the past, we've aimed to have the kits created and picked up the weekend before 12/24 (12/19-12/20).

More than ever, the world needs to spread it's light---let's start here in Downeast!

 

peace-kristen

It's almost that time!
Our annual and much envied Luminaria Event on 12/24 for our Downeast Community!

We need your help!

We are able to provide this cost free to our community for another year.  We do have some leftover bags and candles; however, we need the following:

1. Organizers-to arrange for pick ups, etc.
2. Sand order point person
3. Candle order point person
4. Runners, assemblers, helpers (Treasurer or President can sign off on Community Service hours for our MS and HS students)

Please let Kristen Cannella know if you'd like to participate to keep this tradition going.
kristenklughcannella@gmail.com
610-993-3374

Watershed Survey & Leaf Collection

Take the survey.  It didn't take that long.  I learned some stuff too.  From the East Whiteland Township website.

East Whiteland Township is working with the Chester Ridley Crum Watersheds Association to improve water quality in our local streams. Your responses to a quick five-minute survey will help us efficiently meet state requirements for public education and outreach on stormwater and create programs that will improve our streams. Please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/crcstormwater to participate. Your responses are greatly appreciated.”

Also, it looks like something was put on the books regarding leaf collection...

B. Section 163-4, subsection F is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: 

F. Leaf waste, with the exception of that being composted by a residential property owner or occupant, shall be collected monthly by the solid waste collector. The leaf waste shall be in biodegradable bags.

Just in time for our election season....drum roll, please!

DECA HAS A NEW PRESIDENT!

Thank you to Adam Beck who has generously offered his many talents and time to the President role of our neighborhood association!  Adam, and his wife Lisa, have been consistent contributors to the many events and activities throughout the years--we are in excellent hands!

I will remain on as Treasurer for our community. 

However, there are still a lot of opportunities to get involved!!

We need your talent as well: communications, event organizations, services, etc.  A vice-prez and communications person would be helpful as well as anyone else who'd like to help!

Items on deck for November/December:

1. ANNUAL LUMINARY DISPLAY (December 24th)-volunteers needed to coordinate.  We have enough money in our treasury to provide these to families at no cost for this year!
2. PLANNING FOR 2016- events and activities-need volunteers.

Information about how to reach Adam and other volunteers will arrive soon.

Please contact me via email with any questions, ideas and especially offers of help with the LUMINARY event! 

Congratulations, Mr. President!

Best to all,
Kristen
kristenklughcannella@gmail.com
610-993-3374
29 Winding Way (look for the wild turkey perched upon our fence!)

Halloween: Trick of Treating

Received an email from a DECA resident asking about the time for trick or treating. There is no official time set by East Whiteland Township, however DECA has held it from 6pm to 8pm Halloween Day.  This seems to be what surrounding communities do as well. See you on Saturday!

An excerpt from an old East Whiteland Newsletter...

East Whiteland Township does not designate a Halloween celebration date for children residing in the Township. Although most residents celebrate Halloween on October 31st, the township encourages residents with children to talk to neighbors and use discretion about the date and time for trick-or-treating, and to make sure trick-or-treaters wear costumes that are visible at night and do not impede vision or create a tripping hazard.

Adam Beck
226 Old Swedesford Rd.

Township Fall Newsletter: Land Development, Planning Commision Vacancy, workshop, etc.

Tons of news!  Sign up on the township website.

Click image to read more...

Download a copy of the newsletter from the township website.

In search of an acoustic guitar...

We are looking for a guitar for my son Kevin.  Email me at adam.abeck@gmail.com if you have one you would like to part with.

Adam Beck

A favor...

Hello. The Becks and Bevecs are hosting a GV Cross Country pasta dinner for this Tuesday, the 6th, outside of the Beck's house (226 Old Swedesford). There could be up to 75 kids so we were hoping to set up a bunch of tables and chairs. If anyone could let us borrow a few we would really appreciate it.
Please email lisasbeck@gmail.com if you can help us out.

Please be patient with street parking. It only goes from about 5:00-7:30.

Thank you,
Lisa

Entertainment Center-MUST SELL-Best Offer!

A neighbor is about to embark on new adventures in her new home...she has a light-colored wood entertainment center available for purchase.
It fits perfectly in our standard family rooms along the 9 foot wall.  It is about 6 feet high and holds large screen television, dvds, speakers, gaming units, etc.  There are glass doors on the sides AND detachable corner units which can be used elsewhere.

Interested? Place a 'best offer'! 

Call Doris at 610-647-4632.  Pick up would be 10 Beth Lane.

Babysitter Needed!

A DECA neighbor on Beth Lane requires a babysitter, M, T, Th from 7:30-12:00 for her small children.


If interested, please contact Shelbi Gaughan at 570-687-5749.

East Whiteland Township Community Survey Results

In case you missed it or you are having trouble downloading it from the East Whiteland Township site.

Click Here to Download East Whiteland Township survey results

Interesting that under 400 residents responded.  As of 2010 East Whiteland's population was just over 10,000.

Construction: Aqua Water Project Info

Thanks to Joel Stern for suggesting to post East Whiteland Township's recent Facebook status here on our website.

>To Township Residents affected by the below information, The information is being provided to our residents in an attempt to keep you informed. This is an Aqua Water project, any questions should be directed to Aqua at 877-987-2782

Dear Customer,
As part of our continuing infrastructure improvement program, Aqua Pennsylvania (Aqua) will replace the existing 12-inch and 6-inch cast iron water main on the following streets in East Whiteland Township, Chester County:
• Swedesford Road between Conestoga Road and a point 30 feet west of the Chester Valley Trail overpass
• Wood Lane between Elbow Lane and Winding Way
• Elbow Lane between Swedesford Road and Beth Lane
• Winding Way between Beth Lane and end of cul-de-sac
• Roberts Road between Winding Way and end of cul-de-sac
• Beth Lane between Elbow and Wood lanes

The new 12-inch and 8-inch ductile iron main will increase service reliability, reduce the potential for discolored water and improve firefighting capabilities in the area. The $1,290,000 project is scheduled to begin the week of September 8, 2015 with the installation of 1,240 feet of 12-inch and 6,580 feet of 8-inch ductile iron pipe, with completion expected in January 2016. Aqua will have an inspector on the job each day to answer your questions.

Following the installation of the new water main, there will be a period of time during which the main will be chlorinated and tested before being put into service. Activity on the job site will be limited during this phase. Once testing has been completed, we will transfer each water service and any fire hydrants onto the new main, then make the final connections on the side streets and abandon the old main. It is important to note that the trench will be covered with temporary black top at the end of each work day. Permanent restoration will be complete in December of 2015.

• Work hours for all work on Swedesford Road will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• A detour will be in place for all work on Swedesford Road
• Work hours for all other streets will be 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Access will be provided for emergency, mail and trash services. Residents will have access to their properties, but at times will need to enter from different directions due to changing work zones. We will notify customers 24 hours in advance of any scheduled shutdown. However, as with any construction project, an emergency shutdown might be necessary. If so, we will restore service as soon as possible.

If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact me at 610.430.0747. Should you have an emergency, including a water quality issue, please call our Customer Service Department or emergency dispatcher at 877.987.2782.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this construction while we make important improvements to the water distribution system.

Sincerely,

Jim Rosser
Construction Superintendent – Great Valley Division<

Watching the Neighborhood: Black Ford Explorer on Old Swedesford Rd

A DECA resident observed a man fitting the description of the intruder at 234 Swedesford Rd driving a black SUV sitting in his car this morning on Old Swedesford Rd.  When approached he rolled down the window and said he was taking a call.  This has been reported to the East Whiteland Police department.

I live on Old Swedesford Rd and random cars park there from time to time.  Keep your eyes open.  If you see something suspicious report it to East Whiteland Police.  Here is a recent post from the EWT Police website concerning the intruder at 234.

June 24, 2015

            East Whiteland Township Police along with other police departments across the county have been experiencing day time residential burglaries. The burglaries are typically committed between 7am and noon, after the actor believes people have left for work.
            The actor is described as an African American Male, 6’00” to 6’02”, with a “construction worker’s build”, short buzzed hair or possibly bald in his late 30s to early 40s. He typically has worn dark clothing, long pants and long shirt, work gloves and tan boots.
            He is operating a black SUV with heavily tinted windows. During most incidents, the actor will park in the victim’s driveway. He then attempts to determine if the homeowner is home by knocking on the front door. After receiving no answer, the actor will then force entry into the residence. In multiple instances, the actor has forced entry into a residence that he believed was unoccupied which has resulted in confrontations with the homeowner.
            Based on the method in which the actor first knocks on the front door of a residence before forcing entry, police believe there are county residents who may have had contact with the suspect. The suspect may have fabricated a story as to why he was knocking at the door if a homeowner answers. Police are asking anyone who has had contact with the suspect or seen the suspect, to contact East Whiteland Detectives at 610-647-2100 or email detectives@eastwhiteland.org.
            East Whiteland Police also want to remind County residents to be vigilant and careful if a stranger is knocking at their door. If they appear suspicious, call police. If a vehicle is involved, please attempt to obtain a license plate without putting themselves at risk.

In search of Apples & Pears. Do you have a fruit tree?

I'm in the process of making cider from apples or pears.  One of my neighbors has donated their apples already.  I would be happy to take any unwanted fruit off your hands.  You even get some cider in return.

Adam Beck

226 Old Swedesford Rd.

adam.abeck@gmail.com

Possible Volunteer Hours

Are your kids looking for some volunteer hours? Or do they just want to help other members of our community, out of the goodness of their hearts? If so, the Great Valley Senior Center is looking for some help this Friday from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m., moving sale items from the D.O. building to the pavilion at KDM. Our kids need to wake up early on Monday anyway, so why not have them practice on Friday?

Thank you.

Great Valley Senior Center: Flea Market this Friday...still time to drop off...

Fellow DECA Members

Garage/Flea Market Sale
FRIDAY, August 28
Pavilion behind the GVSD Administration building (37 Church Road)

Donations may be dropped at our Center (37 Church St.) any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in August from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.

GVSD was founded as a 501 (C) (3) in 2000 largely due to the efforts of Betty Colmery, a resident of Down East until she passed several years ago. This is our first venture into this type fundraising (we receive no government funds) and we are requesting donations of items that we can sell at this event.

In addition to the sale, many other fun-raising things are planned for that day - EW Fire Co. will have a truck (with firemen) on site for the children to examine, palm reading, music, raffles (filled with gifts from local merchants), and MORE! If you have items and dropping off is inconvenient for you, please feel free to call Mary Lou Clark (also a DECA member since 1958) at 610-644-7263 and we can make other arrangements. Thanks to all for reading this and make sure to save the date - AUGUST 28!

-GVSC Members

BROTHER HIGH SPEED PRINTER FOR SALE-NEW CARTRIDGES ONLY USED TWICE!

SOLD/SOLD/SOLD:




GREAT FOR SMALL BUSINESS, HOME BUSINESS, ETC.


High speed printer/fax/copier for sale: model MFC-9460CDN.
Retail price of printer: $398.00  Cartridges: $221.00


I'm offering for $150.00!


All manuals, guidelines, cords included.  Machine was only used twice!  New toner cartridges already installed for you!

Call Kristen: 610-993-3374 and leave a message if interested.

Pick up would be 29 Winding Way!

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER FOR SALE!

A light-colored wood entertainment center is available for purchase from one of our neighbors. 
It fits perfectly in our standard family rooms along the 9 foot wall.  It is about 6 feet high and holds large screen television, dvds, speakers, gaming units, etc.  There are glass doors on the sides AND detachable corner units which can be used elsewhere.


Owner is asking $150.00 or Best Offer (must sell quickly!)

Interested? 

Call Doris at 610-647-4632.  Pick up would be 10 Beth Lane.

East Whiteland Township Launching Newsletter

From the township website...

The Township is launching an electronic newsletter. It will include timely news and information, along with emergency updates when necessary. Just click the link below to get started. You will receive an email asking you to confirm your subscription. Once you do that, keep an eye on your inbox for news from East Whiteland.

Subscribe to East Whiteland's Newsletter

Great Valley Senior Center: HOOPLA (garage/flea market sale)!

Fellow DECA Members The Great Valley Senior Center (GVSC) members are planning a HOOPLA (garage/flea market sale) on FRIDAY, August 28 to be held on the pavilion behind the GVSD Administration building (37 Church Road). GVSD was founded as a 501 (C) (3) in 2000 largely due to the efforts of Betty Colmery, a resident of Down East until she passed several years ago. This is our first venture into this type fundraising (we receive no government funds) and we are requesting donations of items that we can sell at this event. Donations may be dropped at our Center (37 Church St.) any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in August from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. In addition to the sale, many other fun-raising things are planned for that day - EW Fire Co. will have a truck (with firemen) on site for the children to examine, palm reading, music, raffles (filled with gifts from local merchants), and MORE! If you have items and dropping off is inconvenient for you, please feel free to call Mary Lou Clark (also a DECA member since 1958) at 610-644-7263 and we can make other arrangements. Thanks to all for reading this and make sure to save the date - AUGUST 28! GVSC Members

Township Survey: An opportunity...

Hello Down East residents,

Let's get the word out.  Please forward this email to as many other East Whiteland Township residents as you can.

An update to the township comprehensive plan is in the works.  Let your voice be heard and take this survey. I just filled it out and many topics are covered including development, recreation, township services, conservation and many more.  Here is an excerpt from the introduction...

>East Whiteland Township is updating its Comprehensive Plan and greatly appreciates your feedback. The Comprehensive Plan is a strategic policy and action plan that creates a vision for the Township, guides policy decisions on land use and transportation, and directs Township resources (time, money and people) for the next ten years.

Your opinions will be used to assess the current state of the Township and determine future priorities in areas such as:  

+ Township Services;
+ Land Use and Development;
+ Open space and Parkland;
+ Housing; and+ Transportation.<

Click here to take the survey. 

Adam Beck
226 Old Swedesford Rd
Parks & Rec Board
Friends of Summer Stage Board

Alert: Home invasion!

At approximately 8:30 am on June 22nd, there was a home invasion at 234 Swedesford Road.
A black SUV was parked in the driveway.
The suspect is a large built, African American male, approximately 30-40 years of age.
If anyone has any information or has observed anything, please contact the East Whiteland Police immediately.

Family is safe and unharmed.

Thank you!

Traffic updates...

If you haven't seen this, here's the latest from the East Whiteland Township website.  I would imagine that's the place to check for updates.  http://www.eastwhiteland.org/

Beginning Monday 6/15/2015, East Whiteland Township will be moving the sewer project into the Phase 2 closure section. The closure will be in effect Monday-Friday from 9a to 3p. This will close Conestoga Rd between Deer Run Lane and Lancaster Ave., and Swedesford Rd. between Pine Rd and Buck Run Lane, and Malin Rd. from Birch Rd. to Conestoga Rd. 

1. The detour for westbound Conestoga Rd will direct traffic from Lancaster Ave. to Planebrook Rd. to Phoenixville Pike to Conestoga Rd.

2. The detour for Swedesford Rd westbound will direct traffic from Rt. 29 south to Lancaster Ave. west to Planebrook Rd to Phoenixville Pike to Conestoga Rd. 

3. Malin Rd. traffic will be diverted onto Lancaster Ave. west to Planebrook Rd to Phoenixville Pike to Conestoga Rd. The work is expected to be completed in 4 weeks.

Road work updates...

Two updates...

First Anne Chiccino of 244 Swedesford Road writes to us at DECA Info.

Next Tuesday, June 9th, the intersection of 401 (Conestoga Road) and Swedesford Road at the light will be closed completely. You will not be able to cross the intersection at all. The contractors that are updating the sewer system for East Whiteland will be completing that portion - right at the intersection. 

All of Down East will be able to get out of the development by driving toward Route 29. So it's not all of Swedesford! I thought you might want to notify the people in the development.

Concerning the new lights on 401 by route 202...

The following information has been provided by PENNDOT. Starting tomorrow, June 5, 2015 between 9am and 12 pm the traffic lights located on Route 401 at Route 202 will go on flash. The lights will then go to full operation on Saturday June 13th. Starting Friday June 12th new traffic patterns will take effect on Route 401 as the lanes are shifted to rebuild the lanes on Route 401 through the 202 work area

Here's a link to their Facebook page, East Whiteland Township on Facebook.

Bethany Beach vacation home for rent...

We are once again renting our Bethany Beach vacation home this summer and we have a few weeks still open in July and August. It is located at Bear Trap Dunes golf resort in Ocean View Delaware. Bear Trap has two large outdoor pools within walking distance and one indoor pool. There is shuttle service to the beach every 20 minutes. The house has 3 bedrooms and sleeps 9. To view specifics on the house and Bear Trap community you can go on VRBO-Bear Trap Dunes #585308. There you can find prices and availability. If you have any questions; call Jim Graham at c-484-639-3572 or h-610-648-0538. Thanks for your help.

Jim Graham 3 Wood Lane

Live Music : Summer Stage : Valley Creek : Check out the acts!!!

East Whiteland Twp. - Friends of the Summer Stage - Free Concerts!

Find our more at the Friends of the Summer Stage 2015 website!

Items Available: FREE and SALE!

Beautiful ELECTRIC ORGAN needs a good, musical home!  Various musical books come with her as does a deep need to be used!  FREE to you-you'll just need to pick it up from our home:).


PLAYSTATION 2 BASKET OF FUN: PS2, two controllers and 16 family fun games (Harry Potter, Monsters vs. Aliens, Family Game Night, Teen Titans).  Great for your younger gamers or for old school gamers!  Entire bundle only $20.00!!

Contact: Kristen at kristenklughcannella@gmail.com or 610-993-3374.

(pick up: 29 Winding Way).

About the DECA email list...

Hello,

If you know a neighbor who would like to be added to the email distribution list tell them to go to our website and sign up!  It is that easy.  If you are already signed up, you could even forward this email to them.

1. Visit our website at http://decainfo.blogspot.com.
2. On the right side of the page you will see a box where you can type your email address.
3. Click Subscribe
4. Check your email for a confirmation message.  This email will ask you to verify that you would like to receive emails from DECA.  Verify by clicking on the link in the email.
5. You are now on our email list!
6. All posts on the websites will be delivered to your inbox from the following email address.
   
   
   Down East Civic Association noreply+feedproxy@google.com

Questions? Send them to decaInfo@gmail.com

Perfect Toddler/Child's Bed for FREE!

 

If you have a small child ready for a new tot bed or under age 12 OR even have space limitations, I have the bed for you!

• Mattress is only 6 inch height (only two years old and in pristine condition).
• Twin bed platform, South Shore  4.5 stars out of 5 is less than 1 year old (white).
• LxWxH=74.75 x 40x 8.25 (add mattress and you're only inches off the ground).

If you are interested, call Joe or Regina King at 484-318-8149.  FREE to the first caller--you just need to pick it up at 29 Winding Way!

Come Join us for Cocktails and Hors D'ouvres at the Levin's this Wednesday at 7pm!