A December newsletter is on the District's website. I don't remember newsletters coming out so regularly before. It contains no ads, and doesn't reek of politics. Things may be looking up!
I mean no disrespect in posting this. I am posting this information because I know that Nancy is greatly respected throughout our community and know that many may not know about this.
I wanted to let everyone know that Nancy Sherlock's father has passed away. There will be a service at Hoopers in Morrisville tonight 6-8pm for anyone wishing to attend.
Pennsylvania lawmakers deadlock on school vouchers, drilling fee By Angela Couloumbis
Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau HARRISBURG - In the end, despite hours of both backroom deliberation and floor debate, state legislators on Wednesday could not reach agreement on two of the marquee issues in the Capitol this year: a natural-gas extraction fee and taxpayer-funded vouchers for children in failing public schools.
Shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday, the Senate narrowly approved a bill to redraw congressional districts, making that measure one of the few on a fast track to Gov. Corbett's desk before lawmakers depart for their winter break.
But the drilling fee and voucher questions - both priorities for the Corbett administration - now seem certain to be pushed into 2012, where their fate remains uncertain. Next year is an election year for most legislators, who will be wary of tackling controversial topics before facing voters.
On redistricting, the Senate voted 26-24 on 18 new congressional districts as part of the once-in-a-decade process of redrawing those boundaries as well as state legislative lines. Pennsylvania's congressional lines are drawn by the legislature, where both chambers are controlled by the GOP.
Although the map was on track to be approved - the House is expected to do so next week - it has been criticized by Democrats, who call it a thinly veiled attempt by Republicans to gerrymander districts.
"To all the spin doctors out there: Good luck, because you're going to have a hard time defending this," Sen. Lisa Boscola (D., Northampton) said on the Senate floor. "I'm glad I'm not you. The voters are very intelligent, and they will see through this."
In particular, the proposed new district for U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan (R., Pa.) has been singled out, with Democrats alleging it was drawn to excise Democratic areas in favor of more solidly Republican ones.
A favorite pastime Wednesday was conjuring up the animal - or monster - that the proposed district resembles. State Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D., Chester) came up with Cerberus, the three-headed dog in Greek mythology that guarded the entrance into the underworld.
Meehan's district will now include parts of five counties - Delaware, Chester, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Berks.
Democrats late Wednesday tried to amend the map, but their GOP counterparts swiftly swatted that effort down, saying it was skewed to benefit Democratic candidates. They defended their plan as fair and appropriate.
"Is it perfect? No. But it is a solid, constitutional map," said Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R., Bucks).
On the drilling fee, the Senate and House for months have been wrangling over how to best apply a so-called local impact fee on natural-gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale.
The Senate has championed the proposal, but the House has been more divided on both the logistics of a fee as well as on whether one is necessary. The impact fee appears headed toward a legislative conference committee, where bills go when there is an impasse between the two chambers. Or it could just die.
Last week, House Speaker Sam Smith (R., Jefferson) had said that if no action was taken on a Marcellus Shale bill before Corbett's budget address in February, the measure would be in danger of being mired on the legislative sideline.
"The longer it goes, the more it allows detractors to muck it up," said Smith.
On vouchers, House Republicans spent hours behind closed doors Wednesday debating a scaled-down version of the bill that the Senate passed in October. In the end, it was a no-go, and that bill, too, will get pushed into 2012.
It's only gerrymandering when the other guys do it!!
What's so hard about placing fees and taxes on the extraction of natural resources from the state's environment? Especially when the ecological impact is already being felt and likely to become far worse. I also hope the companies doing the fracking are paying into the superfund, as once they leave, the less left behind will be substantial.
Finally, the vouchers seem like a good idea for failing districts, but who gets to decide on the definition of failing? And how will the districts, especially those struggling financially, deal with the added cost of the revenue leaving their budgets. The answer is more taxes for Joe Taxpayer.
Morrisville School Board retains legal representation amid board disagreement
By John Williams BucksLocalNews.com
MORRISVILLE – In what ended up being a contentious decision, a majority of the Morrisville School Board reluctantly reappointed the law firm of Begley, Carlin and Mandio, LLP as the district’s legal representation.
Newly-elected school board member Wanda Kartal told Board President John DeWilde that she had submitted an RFP (Request For Proposal), which asked the district administration to consider soliciting bids for a replacement at solicitor in order to find the cheapest and best representation.
Kartal, along with board member Ted Parker, felt that it wasn’t inappropriate to reappoint Begley, Carlin and Mandio because “the law firm made political contributions” to other candidates during the latest election.
Former board member Marlys Mihok uttered “you’re wrong” from the audience, following Kartal’s comments.
Kartal also said that there was a motion at the agenda meeting to table the appointment of a new solicitor pending RFP approval. Morrisville School District Business Administrator Paul DeAngelo said the RFP was submitted and until the board approves it and explores other legal options, a solicitor must be in place.
The board approved Begley, Carlin and Mandio to serve as solicitor for a time period of one year, although the language of the motion is unclear on whether that is the end of the school year or the end of 2012.
Part 2 District superintendent Bill Ferrara told Kartal that as an administrative team they cannot put an RFP out. He said it must be written up, given to the school board for approval and distributed to all applicable parties.
“It’s a process,” Ferrara told the board.
Jack Buckman, a school board member, said that he wasn’t opposed to considering alternative options, but not this year.
“We have professional service, we have to make the right decision based on the fact that our solicitor has done a very good job,” he said. He cited ongoing litigation with the tech school as a reason for keeping the legal team based out of Langhorne.
Thomas J. Profy, IV, Esq., represents Begley, Carlin and Mandio for Morrisville School District.
“I would like to see those [cases] finalized until we do anything of this nature,” Buckman noted. “Your only consideration cannot be price. I would be opposed to another solicitor at this point.”
Board member Stephen Worob said, to his knowledge, that Morrisville’s current legal counsel “has done a pretty good job.”
“I don’t even think there was an opposition or any negative speaking about them before the election,” he said. “The consensus was that he was doing a good job. My concern is that when you get a new board is that everything is supposed to look non-political and before you get a chance for a while to work with the solicitor to see how things work out…maybe then, if you don’t like it, you can say ‘we want to go with someone else.’”
Worob also said that he was opposed to bringing in a new solicitor at this time.
Parker said there’s nothing wrong with changing solicitors or attorneys “even up to the day of a trail…it happens all the time in the profession.” Parker said that he won’t agree to a full year – which means past the end of the school year.
Damon Miller, board treasurer, said that any firm that submits an application to the forthcoming solicitor opening will be considered evenly, and “as a matter of who-contributed-to-who, will be looked at the same way.” He suggested that a timetable be written into the RFP.
Superintendent Ferrara said that can be arranged.
The board approved the reappointment of Begley, Carlin and Mandio by a vote of 8-1.
“I will say that I’ve never felt that you’ve done anything on the edge,” said DeWilde prior to Profy’s appointment as solicitor. “You have done as we’ve asked; you’ve informed us on what our options are and thank you for your time.”
Ferrara congratulated Profy and said he was happy to work with him on legal matters and will continue to look forward to it.
Former board member Marlys Mihok uttered “you’re wrong” from the audience, following Kartal’s comments.
The squeakiest wheel in town gets another shot of reward-for-bad-behavior grease from the media. If Morrisville got a dollar every time Mihok says something wrong, we'd be a very rich town indeed.
To be honest, I don't put any stock at all in donations because they are not in any way a promise of/for something, they are just a donation. What I do know is that its never a good can of worms to open by anyone because lies will be forthcoming.
Its very interesting to hear people like Buckman say its not political when Begley, Carlin and Mandio are the biggest Republican firm in Bucks County and let's not forget the board's last solicitor, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick. These people are such a crock.
My suggestion to the new board is to get a handle on Bill Ferrara asap. It sounds like he thinks he is running the show.
It is commonplace to hire a different firm when boards change, don't believe differently. If it was the other way around we all know it would happen. What is done on a regular basis during these events is that the solicitor who began the work, finishes it and then is done while the newer solicitor works as the board's solicitor. This is basic stuff and seasoned politicians like Buckman, Worob and yes Ferrara all know how it works. Do you think George W. kept any of Clinton's people on staff?
Does there have to be a binding contract with the solicitor? The borough's solicitor is "at will". I don't know how this normally works as far as school code goes.
Notice to all Families with kids in the 19067 area who need a little help this year. Toys for Tots will be held this Friday (12/16) , Monday (12/19) and Tuesday (12/20) from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the First Baptist church in Morrisville. If you have a child and live in the 19067 zip, bring one proof of identification showing your 19067 residence and your child will receive a Christmas gift. Please pass on to your friends who may be struggling this holiday. This is a great project the church does and really warms your hearts to help someone in need.
It's perfectly ordinary banter, Squiffy. Bally Jerry...pranged his kite right in the how's yer father...hairy blighter, dicky-birdied, feathered back on his Sammy, took a waspy, flipped over on his Betty Harper's and caught his can in the Bertie.
Stricter rules for teen driving take effect before year's end Story Comments ShareShare Print Create a hardcopy of this page Font Size: Default font size Larger font size
Posted: Friday, December 16, 2011 3:04 pm | Updated: 9:35 pm, Fri Dec 16, 2011. By GEMA MARIA DUARTE Staff writer | 0 comments Kevin Munoz is glad he waited until he was 17 years old to get his driver's permit because he understands the importance of driver safety more than when he was a year younger. "You're more mature at 17 than at 16," the Morrisville teenager said Friday morning. "You're more aware and careful on the road. You're aware of the responsibility you're taking on as a driver."
Although Kevin, 17, doesn't agree with the three main upcoming rule changes for drivers under age 18 that Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law in late October and will take effect Dec. 24, he understands how some will help the public. For instance, he agrees with the new law on seat belt use. Anyone in a vehicle under the command of a junior driver must wear a seat belt or the driver will be hit with a primary violation. Under the current law, seat belt use was a secondary offense, so a driver could not be pulled over unless a primary offense also occurred. Kevin also agrees with the restriction on the number of passengers allowed when a junior driver is at the wheel. That rule allows just one passenger under age 18 who is not an immediate family member for the first six months after a teen gets a junior driver's license unless the driver's guardian is in the vehicle. After the six months and a clean driving record, a junior driver can have up to three non-family members in the vehicle. But that could change right back to one rider if the driver is under 18 years old and commits any traffic violation or causes an accident. "Having more people in the car can be distracting," said Kevin, who so far has about 20 hours of behind-the-wheel time. Current law requires 50 such hours of driving experience before a permit holder can take a driver's license test. After Dec. 27, that number will increase to 65 hours. Ten of those hours will have to be night driving and five must be in bad weather conditions, such as rain or snow. Current permit holders who have not passed the on-road driver test will need to meet the new requirements. Kevin and Morrisville teenager Nick Castillo said 50 hours is enough time to get experience for those who are good drivers. However, Nick understands the need for more training hours for those who really need it. Before Nick, 17, can take his driving test in the next week or so, he said he needs to perfect parallel parking. Parent Georgette Davis said 50 hours of driver training is enough. She strongly supports driver education in high school. Davis suggests that more education on driving laws and defensive driving is needed for young drivers between 16 and 21 years old. In 2010, 99,001 licensed drivers were ages 16 and 17 in Pennsylvania, according to state Department of Transportation. "These changes are critical to protect young drivers," said state Rep. John Galloway, D-140. "It is too easy for young, inexperienced drivers to overrate their skill, and these rules should help protect them as they continue to learn and develop as drivers." In every age group, male drivers are involved in more crashes than females, according to PennDOT. Last year, 154 crashes were caused by teenage boys under age 16 in the state, compared to 48 by teenage girls in the same age bracket. Drivers age 16-20 totaled 27,149 crashes -- 15,797 male and 11,352 female, according to PennDot. For more teenage driving facts and new rules, log on to PennDOT's website, www.dot.state.pa.us.
Morrisville High School students once again are in the holiday spirit. Woodworking students in Kevin Jones’ Technology Education classes made about 50 wooden toys that will be given to needy children in the Morrisville area.
“I’m so glad the toy drive idea caught on,” said Jones. “It’s really neat when you think about the cycle of the project. The wood is grown here and sawn by a member of the school’s alumni and now the students are making presents for their Morrisville neighbors.”
Senior Leo Hernandez adds, “I wanted to do something nice for the kids less fortunate than myself. Everybody deserves a good Christmas.”
It has been an ongoing project. For the last seven years, Jones’ students have shaped, sanded and stained pieces of wood, transforming them into small cars, trucks, helicopters, bunnies and ducks. They also crafted wooden tic-tac-toe boards that the children always enjoy. The gifts are distributed before the holidays by 21st Century Learning Center through the Ivins House in Morrisville.
Jones noted Morrisville’s woodworking students were recognized two years ago by the Minwax Corp. as runners-up in the Community Craftsman Award category. As a result, Minwax donated $900 worth of stains and finishes to the Morrisville High School woodworking program.
Once again, Morrisville music students got everyone in the holiday spirit during
the (Formal) Winter Concert held in the high school auditorium Thursday, Dec. 15. More than 100 attended this annual event, which, like Winterfest, has become a Morrisville School District tradition.
Throughout the program, produced by Dr. Michael Scott, Director of Instrumental Music and Mr. Skip Woolston, adjunct Director of Vocal Music, the students dazzled the audience with their talent and musical skills.
The concert opened with a performance by students in Dr. Scott’s Basic Guitar class, followed by the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and Middle and Senior High School Chorus. Dr. Scott commented on the advancement of the “basic guitar” students, noting that most had no experience whatsoever before joining the class in September. They deserved a round of applause for their progress and practice, he said.
Among the songs performed by the student musicians from the Intermediate and High School: Jingle Bells, Symphony No. 40, Where Are You Christmas, Cambridge Carol, All Blues, Boogie Woogie Santa Claus, Tenor Madness, Chameleon, and Christmas is the Time.
Special thanks go out to the various Performance Arts Program Boosters and the following community groups that support Morrisville’s music program: Morrisville-Yardley Rotary Club, Ritchie Costelow Memorial Scholarship Foundation and the Morrisville Educators Association (MEA) and private contributors.
In welcoming the audience, School Superintendent William Ferrara thanked the families and friends for supporting the special holiday concert and, most of all, their ongoing support of the students.
FALLS Vislosky a no-show as supervisor term comes to an end
Posted: Monday, December 26, 2011 5:50 am | Updated: 6:45 am, Mon Dec 26, 2011. By Joan Hellyer Staff Writer | 7 comments Dorothy Vislosky’s near half-century of public service in Bucks County drew to a close last week at the Falls supervisors meeting. It was supposed to be the last meeting that she could weigh in on issues, including the township’s 2012 proposed budget, on behalf of Falls residents. But Vislosky was a no-show. That didn’t stop about a half-dozen township residents from sporting black T-shirts with white trim that said “End of an Error.” Over the phrase was an image of a witch riding a broom. The back of the shirts read: “Our long township nightmare is over.” Vislosky, a former district judge and Pennsbury school board member, was elected to the supervisor seat in 2005. Her tenure was marked by often combative interactions with fellow supervisors, township employees and Falls residents. Vislosky’s absence last week was duly noted by Chairman Robert Harvie at the end of the meeting. “This was one of the smoothest running meetings we’ve had in a while. I’m sure there is a secret to why that it is, although it’s not much of a secret,” Harvie said. The newspaper was unsuccessful last week in its attempts to reach Vislosky for comment. She also didn’t attend the supervisors’ first meeting in December. Vislosky initially registered earlier this year to run for re-election. She also registered to run for a Region 2 seat on the school board. The octogenarian dropped out of the supervisors race before the May primary. The Democrat who cross-filed in the school board race secured a spot on the Republican ballot in the November race, but then lost in the general election. In a supervisors meeting prior to the November election, Vislosky said she really didn’t want to be on the school board. “But I would go if the public tells me to,” Vislosky said. “I would rather be in Florida finishing my books.” Vislosky has homes in Florida and Lower Makefield, as well as her residence in Falls. She’s one of two supervisors leaving the board this year. Philip Szupka opted not to run for a third term. They will be replaced by Jeff Rocco and Brian M. Galloway, who will be sworn in during the board’s Jan. 3 reorganization meeting at the township building off Lincoln Highway.
In compliance with Section 687 PA Public School Code of 1949, the Morrisville School District Board of School Directors will hold a Special Board Meeting at 7:30 pm on January 4, 2012 in the LGI Room of the Intermediate/Senior High School, 550 W. Palmer Street, Morrisville, PA. The purpose of the meeting is the 2012-13 Budget and such other lawful matters as may come before the Board.
19 comments:
A December newsletter is on the
District's website. I don't remember newsletters coming out so regularly before. It contains no ads, and doesn't reek of politics. Things may be looking up!
http://www.mv.org/files/filesystem/December%20Newsletter%202011-2.pdf
That is good news. Thanks for the post Jon.
I mean no disrespect in posting this. I am posting this information because I know that Nancy is greatly respected throughout our community and know that many may not know about this.
I wanted to let everyone know that Nancy Sherlock's father has passed away. There will be a service at Hoopers in Morrisville tonight 6-8pm for anyone wishing to attend.
oh my goodness thank you for the news on Nancys Father I had not heard and feel terrible about her loss. I appreciate the post.
Prayers to the family
The Perry Family sends its thoughts and prayers to Nancy and her family.
From today's Phila. Inquirer
Pennsylvania lawmakers deadlock on school vouchers, drilling fee
By Angela Couloumbis
Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG - In the end, despite hours of both backroom deliberation and floor debate, state legislators on Wednesday could not reach agreement on two of the marquee issues in the Capitol this year: a natural-gas extraction fee and taxpayer-funded vouchers for children in failing public schools.
Shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday, the Senate narrowly approved a bill to redraw congressional districts, making that measure one of the few on a fast track to Gov. Corbett's desk before lawmakers depart for their winter break.
But the drilling fee and voucher questions - both priorities for the Corbett administration - now seem certain to be pushed into 2012, where their fate remains uncertain. Next year is an election year for most legislators, who will be wary of tackling controversial topics before facing voters.
On redistricting, the Senate voted 26-24 on 18 new congressional districts as part of the once-in-a-decade process of redrawing those boundaries as well as state legislative lines. Pennsylvania's congressional lines are drawn by the legislature, where both chambers are controlled by the GOP.
Although the map was on track to be approved - the House is expected to do so next week - it has been criticized by Democrats, who call it a thinly veiled attempt by Republicans to gerrymander districts.
"To all the spin doctors out there: Good luck, because you're going to have a hard time defending this," Sen. Lisa Boscola (D., Northampton) said on the Senate floor. "I'm glad I'm not you. The voters are very intelligent, and they will see through this."
In particular, the proposed new district for U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan (R., Pa.) has been singled out, with Democrats alleging it was drawn to excise Democratic areas in favor of more solidly Republican ones.
A favorite pastime Wednesday was conjuring up the animal - or monster - that the proposed district resembles. State Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D., Chester) came up with Cerberus, the three-headed dog in Greek mythology that guarded the entrance into the underworld.
Meehan's district will now include parts of five counties - Delaware, Chester, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Berks.
Democrats late Wednesday tried to amend the map, but their GOP counterparts swiftly swatted that effort down, saying it was skewed to benefit Democratic candidates. They defended their plan as fair and appropriate.
"Is it perfect? No. But it is a solid, constitutional map," said Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R., Bucks).
On the drilling fee, the Senate and House for months have been wrangling over how to best apply a so-called local impact fee on natural-gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale.
The Senate has championed the proposal, but the House has been more divided on both the logistics of a fee as well as on whether one is necessary. The impact fee appears headed toward a legislative conference committee, where bills go when there is an impasse between the two chambers. Or it could just die.
Last week, House Speaker Sam Smith (R., Jefferson) had said that if no action was taken on a Marcellus Shale bill before Corbett's budget address in February, the measure would be in danger of being mired on the legislative sideline.
"The longer it goes, the more it allows detractors to muck it up," said Smith.
On vouchers, House Republicans spent hours behind closed doors Wednesday debating a scaled-down version of the bill that the Senate passed in October. In the end, it was a no-go, and that bill, too, will get pushed into 2012.
It's only gerrymandering when the other guys do it!!
What's so hard about placing fees and taxes on the extraction of natural resources from the state's environment? Especially when the ecological impact is already being felt and likely to become far worse. I also hope the companies doing the fracking are paying into the superfund, as once they leave, the less left behind will be substantial.
Finally, the vouchers seem like a good idea for failing districts, but who gets to decide on the definition of failing? And how will the districts, especially those struggling financially, deal with the added cost of the revenue leaving their budgets. The answer is more taxes for Joe Taxpayer.
Morrisville School Board retains legal representation amid board disagreement
By John Williams
BucksLocalNews.com
MORRISVILLE – In what ended up being a contentious decision, a majority of the Morrisville School Board reluctantly reappointed the law firm of Begley, Carlin and Mandio, LLP as the district’s legal representation.
Newly-elected school board member Wanda Kartal told Board President John DeWilde that she had submitted an RFP (Request For Proposal), which asked the district administration to consider soliciting bids for a replacement at solicitor in order to find the cheapest and best representation.
Kartal, along with board member Ted Parker, felt that it wasn’t inappropriate to reappoint Begley, Carlin and Mandio because “the law firm made political contributions” to other candidates during the latest election.
Former board member Marlys Mihok uttered “you’re wrong” from the audience, following Kartal’s comments.
Kartal also said that there was a motion at the agenda meeting to table the appointment of a new solicitor pending RFP approval. Morrisville School District Business Administrator Paul DeAngelo said the RFP was submitted and until the board approves it and explores other legal options, a solicitor must be in place.
The board approved Begley, Carlin and Mandio to serve as solicitor for a time period of one year, although the language of the motion is unclear on whether that is the end of the school year or the end of 2012.
Part 2
District superintendent Bill Ferrara told Kartal that as an administrative team they cannot put an RFP out. He said it must be written up, given to the school board for approval and distributed to all applicable parties.
“It’s a process,” Ferrara told the board.
Jack Buckman, a school board member, said that he wasn’t opposed to considering alternative options, but not this year.
“We have professional service, we have to make the right decision based on the fact that our solicitor has done a very good job,” he said. He cited ongoing litigation with the tech school as a reason for keeping the legal team based out of Langhorne.
Thomas J. Profy, IV, Esq., represents Begley, Carlin and Mandio for Morrisville School District.
“I would like to see those [cases] finalized until we do anything of this nature,” Buckman noted. “Your only consideration cannot be price. I would be opposed to another solicitor at this point.”
Board member Stephen Worob said, to his knowledge, that Morrisville’s current legal counsel “has done a pretty good job.”
“I don’t even think there was an opposition or any negative speaking about them before the election,” he said. “The consensus was that he was doing a good job. My concern is that when you get a new board is that everything is supposed to look non-political and before you get a chance for a while to work with the solicitor to see how things work out…maybe then, if you don’t like it, you can say ‘we want to go with someone else.’”
Worob also said that he was opposed to bringing in a new solicitor at this time.
Parker said there’s nothing wrong with changing solicitors or attorneys “even up to the day of a trail…it happens all the time in the profession.” Parker said that he won’t agree to a full year – which means past the end of the school year.
Damon Miller, board treasurer, said that any firm that submits an application to the forthcoming solicitor opening will be considered evenly, and “as a matter of who-contributed-to-who, will be looked at the same way.” He suggested that a timetable be written into the RFP.
Superintendent Ferrara said that can be arranged.
The board approved the reappointment of Begley, Carlin and Mandio by a vote of 8-1.
“I will say that I’ve never felt that you’ve done anything on the edge,” said DeWilde prior to Profy’s appointment as solicitor. “You have done as we’ve asked; you’ve informed us on what our options are and thank you for your time.”
Ferrara congratulated Profy and said he was happy to work with him on legal matters and will continue to look forward to it.
Good find. Thanks for posting.
Former board member Marlys Mihok uttered “you’re wrong” from the audience, following Kartal’s comments.
The squeakiest wheel in town gets another shot of reward-for-bad-behavior grease from the media. If Morrisville got a dollar every time Mihok says something wrong, we'd be a very rich town indeed.
To be honest, I don't put any stock at all in donations because they are not in any way a promise of/for something, they are just a donation. What I do know is that its never a good can of worms to open by anyone because lies will be forthcoming.
Its very interesting to hear people like Buckman say its not political when Begley, Carlin and Mandio are the biggest Republican firm in Bucks County and let's not forget the board's last solicitor, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick. These people are such a crock.
My suggestion to the new board is to get a handle on Bill Ferrara asap. It sounds like he thinks he is running the show.
It is commonplace to hire a different firm when boards change, don't believe differently. If it was the other way around we all know it would happen. What is done on a regular basis during these events is that the solicitor who began the work, finishes it and then is done while the newer solicitor works as the board's solicitor. This is basic stuff and seasoned politicians like Buckman, Worob and yes Ferrara all know how it works. Do you think George W. kept any of Clinton's people on staff?
Does there have to be a binding contract with the solicitor? The borough's solicitor is "at will". I don't know how this normally works as far as school code goes.
Notice to all Families with kids in the 19067 area who need a little help this year. Toys for Tots will be held this Friday
(12/16) , Monday (12/19) and Tuesday (12/20) from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the First Baptist church in Morrisville. If you have a child and live in the 19067 zip, bring one proof of identification showing your 19067 residence and your child will receive a Christmas gift. Please pass on to your friends who may be struggling this holiday. This is a great project the church does and really warms your hearts to help someone in need.
It's perfectly ordinary banter, Squiffy. Bally Jerry...pranged his kite right in the how's yer father...hairy blighter, dicky-birdied, feathered back on his Sammy, took a waspy, flipped over on his Betty Harper's and caught his can in the Bertie.
Sorry old man, we don't understand your banter.
Stricter rules for teen driving take effect before year's end
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Posted: Friday, December 16, 2011 3:04 pm | Updated: 9:35 pm, Fri Dec 16, 2011.
By GEMA MARIA DUARTE Staff writer | 0 comments
Kevin Munoz is glad he waited until he was 17 years old to get his driver's permit because he understands the importance of driver safety more than when he was a year younger.
"You're more mature at 17 than at 16," the Morrisville teenager said Friday morning. "You're more aware and careful on the road. You're aware of the responsibility you're taking on as a driver."
Although Kevin, 17, doesn't agree with the three main upcoming rule changes for drivers under age 18 that Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law in late October and will take effect Dec. 24, he understands how some will help the public.
For instance, he agrees with the new law on seat belt use. Anyone in a vehicle under the command of a junior driver must wear a seat belt or the driver will be hit with a primary violation. Under the current law, seat belt use was a secondary offense, so a driver could not be pulled over unless a primary offense also occurred.
Kevin also agrees with the restriction on the number of passengers allowed when a junior driver is at the wheel. That rule allows just one passenger under age 18 who is not an immediate family member for the first six months after a teen gets a junior driver's license unless the driver's guardian is in the vehicle. After the six months and a clean driving record, a junior driver can have up to three non-family members in the vehicle. But that could change right back to one rider if the driver is under 18 years old and commits any traffic violation or causes an accident.
"Having more people in the car can be distracting," said Kevin, who so far has about 20 hours of behind-the-wheel time. Current law requires 50 such hours of driving experience before a permit holder can take a driver's license test.
After Dec. 27, that number will increase to 65 hours. Ten of those hours will have to be night driving and five must be in bad weather conditions, such as rain or snow. Current permit holders who have not passed the on-road driver test will need to meet the new requirements.
Kevin and Morrisville teenager Nick Castillo said 50 hours is enough time to get experience for those who are good drivers. However, Nick understands the need for more training hours for those who really need it. Before Nick, 17, can take his driving test in the next week or so, he said he needs to perfect parallel parking.
Parent Georgette Davis said 50 hours of driver training is enough. She strongly supports driver education in high school. Davis suggests that more education on driving laws and defensive driving is needed for young drivers between 16 and 21 years old.
In 2010, 99,001 licensed drivers were ages 16 and 17 in Pennsylvania, according to state Department of Transportation.
"These changes are critical to protect young drivers," said state Rep. John Galloway, D-140. "It is too easy for young, inexperienced drivers to overrate their skill, and these rules should help protect them as they continue to learn and develop as drivers."
In every age group, male drivers are involved in more crashes than females, according to PennDOT. Last year, 154 crashes were caused by teenage boys under age 16 in the state, compared to 48 by teenage girls in the same age bracket. Drivers age 16-20 totaled 27,149 crashes -- 15,797 male and 11,352 female, according to PennDot.
For more teenage driving facts and new rules, log on to PennDOT's website, www.dot.state.pa.us.
On the earlier post about how solicitors are replaced after each election:
It is true, and it makes sense to get staff in place that understands the mission that you are trying to achieve.
Clean house New School Board! You really did get a mandate!
Toy Drive
Santa’s “Elves?”
Morrisville High School students once again are in the holiday spirit. Woodworking students in Kevin Jones’ Technology Education classes made about 50 wooden toys that will be given to needy children in the Morrisville area.
“I’m so glad the toy drive idea caught on,” said Jones. “It’s really neat when you think about the cycle of the project. The wood is grown here and sawn by a member of the school’s alumni and now the students are making presents for their Morrisville neighbors.”
Senior Leo Hernandez adds, “I wanted to do something nice for the kids less fortunate than myself. Everybody deserves a good Christmas.”
It has been an ongoing project. For the last seven years, Jones’ students have shaped, sanded and stained pieces of wood, transforming them into small cars, trucks, helicopters, bunnies and ducks. They also crafted wooden tic-tac-toe boards that the children always enjoy. The gifts are distributed before the holidays by 21st Century Learning Center through the Ivins House in Morrisville.
Jones noted Morrisville’s woodworking students were recognized two years ago by the Minwax Corp. as runners-up in the Community Craftsman Award category. As a result, Minwax donated $900 worth of stains and finishes to the Morrisville High School woodworking program.
A Most Enjoyable Evening – The Winter Concert
Once again, Morrisville music students got everyone in the holiday spirit during
the (Formal) Winter Concert held in the high school auditorium Thursday, Dec. 15. More than 100 attended this annual event, which, like Winterfest, has become a Morrisville School District tradition.
Throughout the program, produced by Dr. Michael Scott, Director of Instrumental Music and Mr. Skip Woolston, adjunct Director of Vocal Music, the students dazzled the audience with their talent and musical skills.
The concert opened with a performance by students in Dr. Scott’s Basic Guitar class, followed by the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and Middle and Senior High School Chorus. Dr. Scott commented on the advancement of the “basic guitar” students, noting that most had no experience whatsoever before joining the class in September. They deserved a round of applause for their progress and practice, he said.
Among the songs performed by the student musicians from the Intermediate and High School: Jingle Bells, Symphony No. 40, Where Are You Christmas, Cambridge Carol, All Blues, Boogie Woogie Santa Claus, Tenor Madness, Chameleon, and Christmas is the Time.
Special thanks go out to the various Performance Arts Program Boosters and the following community groups that support Morrisville’s music program: Morrisville-Yardley Rotary Club, Ritchie Costelow Memorial Scholarship Foundation and the Morrisville Educators Association (MEA) and private contributors.
In welcoming the audience, School Superintendent William Ferrara thanked the families and friends for supporting the special holiday concert and, most of all, their ongoing support of the students.
FALLS
Vislosky a no-show as supervisor term comes to an end
Posted: Monday, December 26, 2011 5:50 am | Updated: 6:45 am, Mon Dec 26, 2011.
By Joan Hellyer Staff Writer | 7 comments
Dorothy Vislosky’s near half-century of public service in Bucks County drew to a close last week at the Falls supervisors meeting.
It was supposed to be the last meeting that she could weigh in on issues, including the township’s 2012 proposed budget, on behalf of Falls residents.
But Vislosky was a no-show.
That didn’t stop about a half-dozen township residents from sporting black T-shirts with white trim that said “End of an Error.” Over the phrase was an image of a witch riding a broom.
The back of the shirts read: “Our long township nightmare is over.”
Vislosky, a former district judge and Pennsbury school board member, was elected to the supervisor seat in 2005.
Her tenure was marked by often combative interactions with fellow supervisors, township employees and Falls residents.
Vislosky’s absence last week was duly noted by Chairman Robert Harvie at the end of the meeting.
“This was one of the smoothest running meetings we’ve had in a while. I’m sure there is a secret to why that it is, although it’s not much of a secret,” Harvie said.
The newspaper was unsuccessful last week in its attempts to reach Vislosky for comment. She also didn’t attend the supervisors’ first meeting in December.
Vislosky initially registered earlier this year to run for re-election. She also registered to run for a Region 2 seat on the school board.
The octogenarian dropped out of the supervisors race before the May primary. The Democrat who cross-filed in the school board race secured a spot on the Republican ballot in the November race, but then lost in the general election.
In a supervisors meeting prior to the November election, Vislosky said she really didn’t want to be on the school board.
“But I would go if the public tells me to,” Vislosky said. “I would rather be in Florida finishing my books.”
Vislosky has homes in Florida and Lower Makefield, as well as her residence in Falls.
She’s one of two supervisors leaving the board this year. Philip Szupka opted not to run for a third term.
They will be replaced by Jeff Rocco and Brian M. Galloway, who will be sworn in during the board’s Jan. 3 reorganization meeting at the township building off Lincoln Highway.
Reposted from MV.org...
NOTICE
In compliance with Section 687 PA Public School Code of 1949, the Morrisville School District Board of School Directors will hold a Special Board Meeting at 7:30 pm on January 4, 2012 in the LGI Room of the Intermediate/Senior High School, 550 W. Palmer Street, Morrisville, PA. The purpose of the meeting is the 2012-13 Budget and such other lawful matters as may come before the Board.
Wanda Kartal
School Board Secretary
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