Phoenixville Area Blogs Karen Johns - Life in Phoenixville

Phoenixville Weather

OvercastOvercast (41oF • 5oC)
Humidity: 55%
Wind: N at 5 mph
Sat 31 - 47 oF » Mostly Sunny «
Sun 29 - 47 oF » Mostly Sunny «
Mon 29 - 49 oF » Mostly Sunny «

     _____________

Phoenixville Ladies T-Shirt

  Phoenixville Apparel

Send us an email to add your blog to this page>

Karen Johns - Life in Phoenixville
As a child, I have distinct memories of my grandparents & parents in daily conversation with neighbors over our backyard fence. The sharing of the day's news over that old fence has now been replaced by the telephone & internet. I give my wistful acknowledgement & a tip of the hat to that long gone time, & open this blog for the neighbors of the Phoenixville area to communicate on just about any subject that comes to mind. Welcome to my backyard fence, where the gate is always open!

  • ALERT! Attempted abduction in Phoenixville
    Received via email from a concerned parent:

    Dear Parents / Guardians:

    This morning there was an attempted abduction of a student as she was walking to CAT Pickering Technical School. The attempted abduction took place near the intersection of Potthouse and Charlestown Roads. A white male, approximate age 40, with grey hair and scruffy facial hair, driving a older grey colored Ford F150 pickup truck with a black bumper sticker of a fishi...ng rod in the back window behind the driver, pulled up beside the female student as she walked along the road. The person attempted to grab her and pull her into the truck. The girl ran away from the vehicle and made her way to CAT Pickering School where she reported the incident. CAT Pickering administrators immediately notified the police.

    This incident reminds all of us of the need to be vigilant at all times. Phoenixville Area Schools will, age appropriately, let the students know of the incident and remind all students of the precautions they should be taking while walking around their neighborhoods.

    If you have any information or see a vehicle matching the description, please call the Schuylkill Township Police Department or 911.

    Alan

    Alan D. Fegley, Ed.D.
    Superintendent
    Phoenixville Area School District
    386 City Line Avenue
    Phoenixville, PA 19460


  • CHRISTMAS VILLAGE AT WESTRIDGE - PHOENIXVILLE, PA
    Dear friends and associates, some of you may wonder why you are receiving this – it’s simply because we don’t want to miss anyone so we are sending this to our contact list.



    My grandson, Andy Bailey and I have been building our Christmas Village since Christmas 1990 (he was just 5 then). Fourteen years ago we leased a permanent home in the basement of the Westridge office / Victorian farmhouse at 970 Township Line Rd., Phoenixville, and opened our village up to all who wish to enjoy the Christmas “whimsy” of our display.



    Please pass this on to any of your friends might be interested in visiting our Christmas Village,



    Whether you live near Phoenixville or are far away, we wish you a very merry Christmas!,



    Pat & Brad Peck and our grandson, Andy Bailey.



    CHRISTMAS VILLAGE AT WESTRIDGE - PHOENIXVILLE, PA - SHOW HOURS

    Come see our Christmas Village at Westridge

    in the basement of the Westridge Farmhouse (office)

    970 Township Line Road, Phoenixville, PA



    Over 150 lighted porcelain houses, trains and lots of other animation.



    14th year at Westridge!

    “spectacular and inspiring” - The Phoenix, "phenomenal" - The Mercury,

    "miniature Engineering Marvel" - Daily Local News



    Hours: 2 to 4 p.m.



    DATES:





    Saturday Dec 3 Sunday Jan 18

    Sunday Dec 4 Saturday Dec 24

    Saturday Dec 10 Saturday Dec 31

    Sunday Dec 11 Saturday Jan 21

    Saturday Jan 17 Sunday Jan 22



    Hours: 2 to 4 p.m.



    For directions and more information see our web site at:

    Click here for the ►CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

    http://mysite.verizon.net/patandbrad/christmas/



    Or for directions click on

    http://mysite.verizon.net/patandbrad/christmas/id13.html



    or call me at (610) 983-0129


  • Limerick License Renewal - PLEASE TAKE ACTION! GET YOUR CONCERNS ON THE RECORD!
    Received via email for distribution.

    ****

    ACTION ALERT


    NRC IS DECIDING THE FATE OF OUR REGION



    Your Health and Everything You Own

    Are Further At Risk!



    PLEASE TAKE ACTION!

    GET YOUR CONCERNS ON THE RECORD!



    Write NRC

    DEADLINE 10-28-11



    E-Mail: Lisa.Regner@NRC.gov



    OR Mail To: U.S. NRC

    Lisa Regner, License Renewal

    Mailstop TWB-05-BO1 M

    Washington, D.C. 20555



    Include:

    Limerick License Renewal - NRC I.D. Docket 2011-0166



    PLEASE Forward This Information To Friends, Family, Neighbors, Co-Workers

    Urge Them To Take Action!




    NRC MUST STOP RE-LICENSING AGING NUCLEAR PLANTS LIKE LIMERICK

    BEFORE ITS TOO LATE

    LIMERICK MUST BE CLOSED, NOT RELICENSED,

    TO PROTECT OVER 8 MILLION PEOPLE



    CONTACT ELECTED OFFICIALS TODAY

    Ask Them To Contact NRC And

    OPPOSE Limerick Relicensing



    Their Voices Are Urgently Needed Too!

    The Body Of Evidence For Them To Support This Request Is Overwhelming!

    See Attached List Of Officials' Phones, Faxes, Addresses





    Limerick Nuclear Plant's Harms and Threats

    Profoundly Impact Millions Of The Region's Residents.



    Limerick Harms and Threats Are Unprecedented!



    Limerick Nuclear Plant's License Expires In 2029 - Exelon Wants To Run It Until 2049

    Threats and Harms, Already Unacceptable After 26 Years, Are Increasing!



    Since 1985, Unprecedented Environmental Harms, Threats, and Risks From Limerick Include:



    1. Radiation Into Air and Water From Routine and Accidental Emissions



    2. Major Air Pollution Under Health Based Standards of the Clean Air Act



    3. Schuylkill River Depletion and Major Drinking Water Contamination



    4. Radioactive Groundwater Contamination



    5. Radiation Reporting Levels Increased Dramatically After Japan Disaster



    6. Alarming Cancer Increases, Especially In Children, Since Limerick Started Operating



    7. Deadly High Level Radioactive Wastes Packed In Vulnerable Fuel Pools On Site



    8. Lax Fire Safety Regulations



    9. Accidents and Leaks From Corroding, Deteriorating Equipment Plus Miles of Buried Pipes and Cables



    10. Increased Risk of Meltdown From More Frequent and Stronger Earthquakes and

    Other Natural Disasters



    11. Threats From Unguarded Terrorist Attacks With Planes and Missiles, Cyber Attacks



    12. Need for an Updated Evacuation Plan and Increased EPZ



    13. Increased Costs to the Public - More Cancers and Other Costly Illnesses, More

    Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations from Massive Increases in PM-10 and TDS, Treatment of Public Drinking Water, Environmental Clean-Up



    14. Dangerous, Dirty, Harmful, and Costly Nuclear Power Is Not Needed. It Can And Should Be Replaced With Safe, Clean, Renewable Energy.



    List Compiled By The Alliance For A Clean Environment - September 2011



    Conclusion: Harms, threats, and risks can and should be expected to increase continuously until Limerick's current operating licenses expire in 2029. It woulACTION ALERT




    NRC IS DECIDING THE FATE OF OUR REGION



    Your Health and Everything You Own

    Are Further At Risk!



    PLEASE TAKE ACTION!

    GET YOUR CONCERNS ON THE RECORD!



    Write NRC

    DEADLINE 10-28-11



    E-Mail: Lisa.Regner@NRC.gov



    OR Mail To: U.S. NRC

    Lisa Regner, License Renewal

    Mailstop TWB-05-BO1 M

    Washington, D.C. 20555



    Include:

    Limerick License Renewal - NRC I.D. Docket 2011-0166



    PLEASE Forward This Information To Friends, Family, Neighbors, Co-Workers

    Urge Them To Take Action!




    NRC MUST STOP RE-LICENSING AGING NUCLEAR PLANTS LIKE LIMERICK

    BEFORE ITS TOO LATE

    LIMERICK MUST BE CLOSED, NOT RELICENSED,

    TO PROTECT OVER 8 MILLION PEOPLE



    CONTACT ELECTED OFFICIALS TODAY

    Ask Them To Contact NRC And

    OPPOSE Limerick Relicensing



    Their Voices Are Urgently Needed Too!

    The Body Of Evidence For Them To Support This Request Is Overwhelming!

    See Attached List Of Officials' Phones, Faxes, Addresses





    Limerick Nuclear Plant's Harms and Threats

    Profoundly Impact Millions Of The Region's Residents.



    Limerick Harms and Threats Are Unprecedented!



    Limerick Nuclear Plant's License Expires In 2029 - Exelon Wants To Run It Until 2049

    Threats and Harms, Already Unacceptable After 26 Years, Are Increasing!



    Since 1985, Unprecedented Environmental Harms, Threats, and Risks From Limerick Include:



    1. Radiation Into Air and Water From Routine and Accidental Emissions



    2. Major Air Pollution Under Health Based Standards of the Clean Air Act



    3. Schuylkill River Depletion and Major Drinking Water Contamination



    4. Radioactive Groundwater Contamination



    5. Radiation Reporting Levels Increased Dramatically After Japan Disaster



    6. Alarming Cancer Increases, Especially In Children, Since Limerick Started Operating



    7. Deadly High Level Radioactive Wastes Packed In Vulnerable Fuel Pools On Site



    8. Lax Fire Safety Regulations



    9. Accidents and Leaks From Corroding, Deteriorating Equipment Plus Miles of Buried Pipes and Cables



    10. Increased Risk of Meltdown From More Frequent and Stronger Earthquakes and

    Other Natural Disasters



    11. Threats From Unguarded Terrorist Attacks With Planes and Missiles, Cyber Attacks



    12. Need for an Updated Evacuation Plan and Increased EPZ



    13. Increased Costs to the Public - More Cancers and Other Costly Illnesses, More

    Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations from Massive Increases in PM-10 and TDS, Treatment of Public Drinking Water, Environmental Clean-Up



    14. Dangerous, Dirty, Harmful, and Costly Nuclear Power Is Not Needed. It Can And Should Be Replaced With Safe, Clean, Renewable Energy.



    List Compiled By The Alliance For A Clean Environment - September 2011



    Conclusion: Harms, threats, and risks can and should be expected to increase continuously until Limerick's current operating licenses expire in 2029. It would be irresponsible for NRC to approve license renewals until 2049.



    Attached Are Packets Which Can Be Printed And Circulated.

    They Clarify Some Issues Above Including:

    A. Limerick's Routine Radiation Releases Linked To Skyrocketing Cancer Increases

    B. Limerick Destroying The Schuylkill River

    C. Meltdowns, Evacuation Plans, Emergency Plans

    D. NRC's Weakened Regulations, Lax Enforcement, Negligence, Rubberstamp Permitting

    E. News - Articles On NRC'S Failed Policies and Oversight

    F. Exelon Deception

    G. Financial Injustice and Deception

    H. Limerick's Electric Can Be Replaced - There Is No Need To Relicense Dirty, Dangerous, Costly Limerick Nuclear Power

    I. Solar News Dispels Exelon "Myths"



    For more information on harms, threats, and risks from Limerick Nuclear Power Plant

    Visit: www.acereport.org



    For Questions Or If You Can't Open Attachments

    Contact ACE (610) 326-2387 aceactivists@comcast.net



    Why Your Voice Is Urgently Needed!



    Exelon is buying silence and support for their profits over your health and safety, through campaign contributions and donations. Your voice is needed in support of your interests instead of Exelon's profits.





    NRC's public hearing 9-22-11 was stacked in favor of Limerick relicensing by a parade of people with a vested interest for one reason or another. They focused on financial issues, while ignoring unprecedented harm and risks to the health and safety of you and your family. Many supported Limerick relicensing based on outright lies, claiming Limerick was clean, safe, and reliable. Facts clearly dispute those lies. Limerick is filthy, NOT clean. Limerick is a ticking time bomb, NOT safe. Nuclear power is NOT always on. It has had to be shut down (sometimes, for long periods), due to earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, drought and heat, human error, and more.



    Exelon's contributions are buying silence and support at the expense of your family's health and safety. Officials and...

  • ALERT - NRC Meeting on Limerick's Environmental Harms and Threats 9-22-11
    ACTION ALERT!

    Received via email:


    There's An Opportunity For You To Speak Out To Help Stop Limerick Nuclear Plant's
    Unprecedented Environmental Harms And Health Threats



    After 11 years of collecting a body of evidence of extraordinary harms and threats associated with Limerick Nuclear Plant's routine operations, it's clear to ACE that Limerick must be closed, not relicensed.



    For Issue Summaries and Viewing Latest ACE Report TV Shows: www.acereport.org
    For Fact Sheets Call ACE (610) 326-2387



    The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will be making a decision that will greatly impact the health and safety of your family and future generations. There is an opportunity for the public to weigh in on issues the Nuclear Regulatory Commission should evaluate as potential Environmental Impacts of an extension of Limerick Nuclear Plant's Operating License.



    NRC Will Hold Two Meetings and On-The-Record Public Hearings

    Date: Thursday, September 22, 2011

    Time: 2:00 P.M. and/or 7:00 P.M.

    Location: Sunnybrook Ballroom, Pottstown

    50 N. Sunnybrook Road in Pottstown



    ACE will have an information table from 1 to 2 and 6 to 7.





    Limerick's Environmental Threats and Harms

    Impact Families From Pottstown to Philadelphia



    Take This Opportunity To Object

    To Being Continuously Poisoned By Limerick Nuclear Plant's Radiation and Other Dangerous Toxics.



    NRC won't protect you because it's the ethical and moral thing to do. Your voice is needed now!

    NRC previously weakened regulations and safeguards, jeopardizing your future to accommodate Exelon profits.

    NRC's Denial, Weakened Regulations, and Negligence Can Lead To Disaster!



    Tell NRC: Limerick Must Be Closed, NOT Relicensed!



    Evidence shows Limerick's electric can be replaced with energy that won't poison you and your environment with radiation and other dangerous toxics every day, or threaten to turn you into a nuclear refugee losing everything you own. FACT: Limerick can close and the lights won't go out!



    Major Threats Will Continue As Long As Limerick Operates.

    Serious Harms Will Increase If Limerick Is Relicensed.





    Detailed Information On Limerick's Threats and Harms Were Compiled By ACE

    For More Information Call (610) 326-2387



    1. Routine Radiation Releases

    Every day Limerick operates you and your environment will be poisoned with a broad range of radionuclides,

    including two you heard about associated with Fukushima - Iodine-131 and Cesium-137.

    Radionuclides associated with Limerick's operations are already confirmed in our region's air, water, vegetation, soil, milk, fish, and children.



    2. Unprecedented Threats To Drinking Water

    Detailed Information Available On Each Issue Below:



    A. Continued Radioactive Contamination of the Schuylkill River, 24 Hours A Day, 365 Days A Year, With More Radiation Showing Up At Water Treatment Plants From Limerick to Philadelphia, without being continuously monitored or filtered out. (Phoenixville Water Works, American Water Works, Aqua PA, and Philadelphia Water Department).



    B. Schuylkill River Depletion By Over 12 Billion of Gallons Each Year Due To Cooling Towers



    C. Pumping of Contaminated Unfiltered Mine Water Into the Schuylkill River to Operate Limerick.



    D. Huge Increases In Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Discharges From Limerick Into The River. TDS can transport a broad range of radionuclides and other toxics used at Limerick into the river. TDS increases can cost water treatment companies more for treatment and equipment, cost the public more for drinking water, and increase a broad range of serious health problems.



    E. Radioactive Leaks and Spills Contaminated Groundwater. Exelon's limited and questionable self-monitoring doesn't guarantee radioactive contamination hasn't already spread. Earthquakes could be shaking and breaking buried pipes carrying radioactive water. Deterioration and corrosion could also cause leaking. Radioactive leaks could go undetected for long periods and spread into hundreds of residential wells.



    3. Huge Increases In Major Air Pollution From Limerick's Cooling Towers and Other Limerick Air Pollution Sources

    Detailed summary available.



    4. Cancer Increases, Especially in Children.

    After Limerick started operating in 1985, there were shocking cancer increases far above the national average,especially in children. Detailed summaries are available.

    Other serious health problems far above state averages, associated with Limerick's radiation releases and other dangerous toxics include:

    Infant and neonatal mortality

    Lower Respiratory Diseases

    Cerebrovascular Diseases



    Exelon Has Pending and Recently Approved Permit Requests for Limerick Nuclear Plant that Will Significantly Increase Environmental and Health Harms, as well as Financial Costs to the Entire Region.



    Limerick's License Doesn't Expire for 18 More Years. Relicensing Would Result In Operating Limerick 20 More Years (After 2029).



    Everyday Limerick Operates Our Risks Increase:



    · Every day for 20 more years, more radiation would be released into our air, water, food, soil, vegetation, and fish, poisoning us, our children, and future generations with additive and synergistic radiation doses from many routes of exposure.



    · Risks of more radioactive leaks and spills into groundwater from miles of buried deteriorating, corroding pipes, as well as increasing and more dangerous earthquakes.



    · Drinking water from the Schuylkill River will be further at risk, both from depletion and concentrations of synergistic combinations of Limerick's radiation releases with other dangerous toxics, and mine water pumping.



    · As a major polluter under health based standards of the Clean Air Act, Limerick's dangerous air pollution toxics will continue, and include harmful permitted increases.



    Schuylkill River -Exelon Asked To:



    · Increase Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) discharges from Limerick, to limits four times "Safe Drinking Water Standards".



    · Eliminate temperature restrictions, lower flow restrictions, reduce monitoring, and eliminate future public participation.



    · Pump more contaminated mine pit water (adding more mines) into the river (UNFILTERED) to supplement the river flow for Limerick operations.



    Air Pollution From Cooling Towers:



    · Limerick was granted the permit conditions in 2009 that allow an 8-fold increase in dangerous Particulate Matter (PM-10) from the cooling towers.



    Uprates - Exelon Asked To:



    · Run Limerick harder, causing more air pollution, more water contamination and water use, as well as increased risk of disaster.



    · Exelon was already allowed to have small uprates for Limerick, but in addition wants even larger Uprates.



    Public Costs For Approvals Of Exelon's Relicensing and Increased Pollution Have Been Ignored.



    · Public's Costs Associated With Limerick's Pollution Are Obviously Astronomical! PUBLIC COSTS For Relicensing Would Dwarf Any Benefits Claimed By Exelon.



    Increased Costs For Additional Harms and Threats Need To Be Evaluated and Include:



    Cancer Increases Above The National Average. For Example:

    One Child Tracked in 2009 (From Age 6 Months to 2 Years) - Expenses Over $2.2 Million

    Childhood Cancer Rates Skyrocketed to 92.5% (1995 to 1999) Higher Than The National Average In Six Communities Close to Limerick. The upward trend shows a link to Limerick. Limerick started operating in 1985. Rates rose to 30% higher by late 1980s, 60% higher in early 1990s, then 92.5% higher by late 1990s.



    Thyroid Cancers Increased Above The National Average. For Example:

    Thyroid Cancer Rates Increased by 128% in Montgomery County, Home of Limerick, from 1985 when Limerick started to 1997. The 1998, 1999, 2000 rates were 75% higher than the national average.

    Limerick links are clear:

    - We know Limerick's radiation releases impact the thyroid

    That's why potassium iodide pills are distributed for an accident.

    - Thyroid Cancer Rates for Counties Downwind and Closest to Limerick

    Montgomery County - 56.2% higher than U.S. average - mid 2000s

    Chester County - 53.9% higher than U.S. average - mid 2000s

    Berks County - 14% higher than U.S., but upwind - mid 2000s



    Infant and Neonatal Mortality Far Higher Than The State Average Previously.



    Increased Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations From Increased Asthma Attacks, Other Serious Respiratory Disease and Disabilities, Including Heart Attacks and Strokes - From Increased PM-10 and other Toxics Emitted From Limerick's Cooling Towers.



    Increased Costs to Water Systems and Their Water Customers (Pottstown to Philadelphia) From More Mine Water Pumping That Includes: TDS, Manganese, and Iron - Far Higher Than Standards.



    Increased Costs for Public Water Systems and Their Customers Due To Limerick's Toxic Packed TDS Discharges Four Times Higher Than Safe Drinking Water Standards from Phoenixville to Philadelphia.



    NOTE: Exelon, makes billions in profits each year. Its CEO makes millions, yet Exelon has failed to install the kinds of filtration that could effectively reduce contamination into the river from mine water pumping, its own wastewater discharges, and our air.


  • Disaster Recovery Center opens in Chester County
    The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Chester County Department of Emergency Services has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to help residents and business owners with their recovery from the recent storms and flooding. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to answer questions about low interest rate loans.

    Opening Date: September 20, 2011

    Address: Chester County Government Services Center
    601 Westtown Road, Room 042
    West Chester, PA 19380

    Hours: Tuesday (September 20) from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    Beginning Wednesday (September 21) 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

    Disaster officials recommend that you register before visiting a DRC so if you have any questions about the application process they can be answered face to face. You may visit any DRC regardless of where you live or work.

    To register for assistance, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly. Or register at DisasterAssistance.gov; the screens will prompt you through the registration process. You can also apply by web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), Call 1-800 621-3362. Operators assist callers seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.


  • ALERT! Mosquito spraying set for East Vincent Township & Phoenixville Borough
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 20, 2011
    News Release #34
    For more information call 610-344-6752

    Mosquito Spraying set for East Vincent Township and Phoenixville Borough
    Chester County to control adult mosquito populations

    Map of spray area - http://www.chesco.org/health/lib/health/maps/treatmentarea34.html

    WEST CHESTER, PA– Due to the high number of mosquitoes in the above referenced areas caused by flooding from recent storms, the Chester County Health Department will conduct a mosquito control treatment between 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM on the evening of Wednesday, September 21, 2011 (rain date September 22nd) in the following locations:

    EastVincent Township: Old Schuylkill Road and Route 724 between Reitnour Road and Old Schulkill Road and Route 724 intersection Click here for a map of the spray area.

    Phoenixville Borough: Black Rock Preserve

    The treatment will be administered with truck-mounted equipment. The equipment dispenses Permanone RTU, a permethrin insecticide product, at a rate of 1.5 ounces per acre. It is recommended that residents stay indoors and close windows during treatment for approximately one hour after spraying is complete.

    Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. All residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis.

    Margaret Rivello, County Health Director, warns that “Although spraying is conducted to help reduce the mosquito populations, treatments cannot totally eliminate mosquitoes. Residents should take precautions to help reduce contact with mosquitoes and breeding areas.”

    The Health Department recommends the following precautions to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas:

    • Dispose of open containers on your property that may collect water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, etc.

    • Keep your property clear of old tires or avoid areas where they may be stored.

    • Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers so that water will not collect.

    • Clean roof gutters, particularly if leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.

    • Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.

    • Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.

    • Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.

    • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools when not in use. A swimming pool left untended for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.

    • For stagnant pools of water, homeowners can buy BTI products at lawn and garden supply stores. This naturally occurring bacterial product kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

    In addition, take these simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites:

    • Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

    • Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.

    • When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during the summer.

    • Use insect repellants. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer label directions. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

    For more information on West Nile Virus, visit the Health Department’s website or call 610-344-6752.

    #34#


  • Health Department to Distribute Potassium Iodide Tablets
    Received via email.

    ****

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    July 21, 2011
    News Release #19
    For more information call 610-344-6252


    Health Department to Distribute Potassium Iodide Tablets


    West Chester, PA – The Chester County Health Department will be offering potassium iodide (KI) tablets to people who live or work within a 10-mile radius of the Limerick Nuclear Generating Station. (Visit the Health Department website for a map of the 10-mile radius.) The tablets will be distributed on Thursday, August 11, from 2 pm – 7 pm at the Kimberton Fire Company in Phoenixville, PA. The fire company is located at the intersection of Pike Springs Road and Firehouse Lane. The tablets are provided at no cost to residents.

    This event is for:

    residents who have KI tablets that exceed their expiration date.
    new residents who have recently moved near the nuclear power facility.
    those who work or attend school within a 10-mile radius.


    Individuals will be able to pick up tablets for their family members and those who are unable to pick them up on their own.

    In the unlikely event of a radiological emergency, potassium iodide helps protect the thyroid against the harmful effects of radioactive iodine. Residents should only take potassium iodide tablets upon the instructions of Pennsylvania State Health Officials and the Governor.

    For Chester County residents who need KI tablets and cannot attend this distribution, tablets are available at the Chester County Health Department. For more information, please call 610-344-6252 or visit us online at www.chesco.org/health.


  • Video of Phoenixville's 2011 Fireworks!
    YouTube video of Phoenixville's 2011 Fireworks!

    http://youtu.be/EMmFxXwcOeo

    Posted to YouTube by coolboy42795.

    A big thank you to coolboy!

    If anyone has video of the fireworks please send them to this blog, and thanks!


  • Phoenixville's 2011 July 4th Fireworks Event!
    Phoenixville's Annual 4th of July Fireworks event will be held July 04, 2011 at Friendship Field located at the corner of Fillmore Street and Franklin Avenue.

    Rain date is July 05, 2011.

    The fireworks display, by Schaefer Pyrotecnics, Inc., is scheduled for approximately 9-9:15 p.m.

    Visitors may park in the lot behind the reservior at Reservior Park, Franklin Commons, or the Santa Anna Club and at the Bethel Baptist Church on Fairview Street.

    Handicapped parking inside Friendship Field and rest facilities will be provided.

    Seating for the event will be available at Reservior Park and Friendship Field.

    The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets after 7 p.m.

    Vendors Petrucci's Ice Cream & Water Ice, Tracy J. Wilke, and Michelle Ferko will provide cold refreshments, funnel cakes, french fries, and small toys.

    Friendship Fire Company's Dive Unit will be on hand with glow-in-the-dark trinkets for sale.

    Alcohol, drugs, and pets are not permitted at Friendship Field.


  • NRC to host meeting on Limerick Nuclear Power Plant - Wednesday 18, 2011
    My apologies for the late posting as the Ace Report show was televised earlier this evening.

    ****

    From Donna Cuthbert



    This Information Can Help You Protect The Future Health, Safety, and Financial Interests of You and Your Family.


    Limerick Nuclear Plant could turn us into nuclear refugees, just like those in Japan. Don't believe for one minute it can't happen here.


    A radioactive disaster at Limerick Nucleat Plant could happen for many reasons.


    While Limerick is 3rd on the Earthquake Risk list, that is just one thing that could trigger disaster.


    Many of you received a letter from Exelon recently illogically suggesting there is no cause for concern because Limerick has "redundant safety systems" and can withstand a severe earthquake or other natural disaster.


    Japan's "redundant safety systems" FAILED. Japan's nuclear disaster was due to loss of power, then a loss of cooling water.


    Extended loss of power then loss of cooling water could happen at Limerick Nuclear Plant due to a fire, mechanical failure, a terrorist attack, or human error, in addition to a severe tornado or earthquake.


    ACE investigations found NRC protects Exelon's profits over your safety.


    You can't rely on NRC for prevention of a nuclear disaster at Limerick.


    ACE shows why in our current TV show. "The ACE Report", Channel 28, will run each Tuesday, 7:00 to 8:00 P.M., for the next five weeks.


    NRC is hosting a meeting tomorrow night at the Limerick Township Building on old Route 422, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.


    Don't be fooled. NRC and Exelon are focused only on an earthquake. They claim all is safe at Limerick. ACE's 10-year investigation suggests otherwise.


    If you plan to attend NRC'S 5-18-11 meeting tomorrow night, we encourage you to watch:


    "The ACE Report" TV Show TONIGHT!

    "Lessons From the Japan Nuclear Disaster - Why It Can Happen At Limerick Nuclear Plant".


    Prevention is Imperative, given the consequences. Ask NRC to:


    1. Extend Back-Up Power To Last For Days, Not Just Hours AND Require SAFEST Fire Safety Procedures


    2. Guard Limerick against A 9/11 Type Terrorist Attack With A Plane or Missile


    Terrorists say nuclear plants are a target. Limerick could be a prime target, with almost 8 million people within 50 miles.

    Fuel from a targeted small plane crash could lead to fire and meltdown. Missiles can penetrate nuclear fuel, releasing deadly radiation.

    May 3, 2011 - 5 were arrested under terror law near a British nuclear plant.

    Insider Threat Even In Questions - An Al-Quaida suspect worked at Limerick during refueling each year from 2002 and 2007.


    3. Extend Limerick's Evacuation Zone To 50 Miles, Not Just 10


    4. CLOSE Limerick - Not Relicense Until 2049.


    For more information on major issues of concern, see attachments.


    NRC has the oversight authority over Limerick Nuclear Plant and is almost sure to approve Exelon's dangerous requests to operate Limerick harder and longer, unless there is a groundswell of public opposition.


    WE MUST END NRC'S RUBBERSTAMP PERMITTING TO REDUCE OUR RISK OF DISASTER.


    We urge you to tell NRC to:


    Say NO to Limerick "Uprates" - to operate Limerick harder - This is no benefit to you, only increased risk of disaster. Uprates also mean increased Schuylkill River water use and radioactive contamination, more radioactive and other hazardous air emissions, more radiation into the soil, vegetation, milk, food, fish, and you.

    And more deadly radioactive wastes to store in our back yard or to dangerously transport through our communities.

    Say NO to OPPOSE Limerick "Relicensing" - to operate Limerick longer - Limerick was licensed for 40 years (until 2029) because that was the life exepctency of the massive complicated system that operates Limerick. It is too dangerous to operate Limerick longer. Too much can go terribly wrong.


    Can't attend the meeing tomorrow to ask NRC in person?


    e-mail paul.krohn@nrc.gov or Send a Letter to:


    Paul Krohn, NRC Branch Chief
    Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Region 1
    475 Allendale Road
    King of Prussia, PA 19406-1415


    ENERGY FACTS: WE WON'T NEED LIMERICK NUCLEAR PLANT AFTER 2029 WHEN ITS LICENSE EXPIRES.


    We can and must begin to transition to far safer, cleaner, cheaper, and more dependable energies NOW. After Fukushima, everyone should see the need. Don't believe nuclear industry spin. Nuclear power is far too dangerous, pollutin, and expensive to taxpayers and ratepayers. There are many reasons nuclear power will become less and less reliable in the future.


    Nuclear power can be replaced NOW with solar, wind, and geothermal. Battery-back-up systems available now turn these energies into dependable base load power. All it takes is your voice to create the political will for a safer energy future. FACT: DOE's 2006 report shows the entire nation could have 55 times our nation's electric needs just from solar power alone. Elected officials must stop caving into nuclear industry lobbyists continuing to give the nuclear industry the lion's share of our taxdollars. Speak up now to stop astronomical taxpayer subsidies and giveaways, and risky loans provided to dangerous and costly nuclear power.


    If we subsidize anything it should be to individual residents and small businesses to help purchase their own solar, wind, geothermal, battery back-up systems, and cost saving energy efficiency measures.


    http://www.acereport.org/ace.html