Find the Dollar Dog hidden in one of our ads and enter for your chance to win a basket of goodies from local businesses! Send your entry by October 31 to:
The Community Connection Monthly, P.O. Box 201, East Greenville, PA 18041
Name ___________________________
Address _________________________
City _____________________________
State _____ Zip ___________________
Phone (day) _______________________
Phone (evening) ____________________
Which ad had the hidden Dollar Dog?
Congratulations to Susan D. of Bally! She found the dollar dog hidden in the Cedar Hollow Farm ad and won a bread baking class!! Find the dollar dog hidden in this months issue and enter for your chance to win!
FIND ME!
AcresofFun!
CEDAR HOLLOW FARM IS A SMALL FAMILY FARM STARTED IN 2020. THE HOUSE, FARMLAND, OUTBUILDINGS SUCH AS THE BARN, AND SILO DATE BACK TO THE 1800'S!
Every fall for the past 4 years we welcome back our beloved customers for our fun Fall activities. The corn maze is open starting weekends, Saturday, September 14th and continues through Saturday,
November 2nd, 10am - 5pm. This year, our 8 acre interactive corn maze is all about The Upper Perkiomen Valley. We offer many activities for children of all ages.
Our market is open for fresh fall produce, pumpkins, mums, straw bales, corn shocks, and other fall decor from Friday through Sunday, 10am - 5pm. Other activities to enjoy on our farm include apple slinging, straw bale maze for the littles, a pick your own pumpkin patch, and fall photo backdrops for the perfect instagram worthy photo. Visit with the farm animals including sheep, alpacas, friendly cows, and the hysterical antics of the baby goats. Don't forget quarters to feed the many free range chickens! After the corn maze, grab a lunch at our concession stand featuring hot dogs, walking tacos, pickles on a stick, pumpkin cake, apple cider donuts, and our popular apple cider and fruit slushies! Make it a romantic date by packing a blanket and grabbing a shady secluded area to enjoy your lunch. Or grab a seat on one of our many picnic tables.
If fright is what you crave, come out on Friday, October 11th for our spooky night time flashlight maze! It's dark, it's daring, and it's fun! Don't forget to bring a well charged flashlight... you wouldn't want to get caught in the corn maze in the dark! We are excited for our 4th year! See you soon!
THE WALK
I’m
with your dog. The majority of clients that seek me out have a hate response to loose-leash walking. It’s so much easier to say than to do!
I had a client send me an email the other day about how horrible their dog walked on a leash at the park after our first session. Of course, I was very disappointed with my client because they hadn’t even started with one of the suggested first steps. Having her start at the park was like diving straight into the deep end of the pool without ever learning how to doggy paddle or float. Needless to say, they sank like a rock. They had to physically carry their 80-pound dog back to the car. I responded to her email, ”If you were to teach a new driver how to drive, would you start them on Interstate 95, or would you find a nice quiet parking lot?”
Loose-leash walking is exactly what it sounds like. You have a nice loose leash between you and your dog. Not enough practice with too many distractions is where problems begin and sadly end. Most people just give up. Begin your training by having the dog follow you around the house either on the left side of you or the right while on a leash. Every couple of steps give your dog
a treat at the take out window for following you. The “take-out window” is where the treats should be dispensed down the outside seam of your pants, right next to your knee. Make kissy noises or slap the side of your leg to encourage the dog to follow you. You need a high rate of reinforcement in the beginning (that means lots of treats). Gradually ask more steps from your dog, as he is getting it give less treats. When your dog is following you from one end of the house and back for one treat that’s when it is time to take it outside to the yard not the park.
www.molassescreekdogtraining.com You owe it to them to be worthy of such devotion. Train without pain. Marion O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI 267-934-6999
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Wednesday, October 9th at
Congratulations!
Family Caregivers Network is pleased to announce that Rebecca Boyd, a certified nursing assistant, and Shannon Glerum, a registered nurse, have officially earned certification as Certified Dementia Care Practitioners (CDPs) from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.
Rebecca Boyd, CNA, CDP, has been employed with FCN for eight years, providing clinical support to clients and families. She is the current Director of Community Relations at Family Caregivers Network. Her achievements reflect her commitment to hard work for positive outcomes in healthcare and we are thrilled to congratulate her on this accomplishment!
Rebecca Boyd, CNA, CDP
Shannon Glerum has been employed with Family Caregivers Network for ten years, providing clinical assessments and nursing care management, helping clients and families live safely at home. She excels in her knowledge of the aging process and care of dementia clients, and we are delighted to congratulate her on this professional achievement!
Shannon Glerum, CNA, CDP
The CDP credential is awarded to professionals with specialized training in dementia care who demonstrate advanced knowledge in communication strategies, behavioral interventions, person-centered care, and family support. This certification is a testament to their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with dementia and providing expert, compassionate care to those affected by the condition.
A Certified Dementia Practitioner’s focus is on preserving the dignity and individuality of dementia patients. They are trained to provide care that respects the patient’s life history, preferences, and needs while fostering a more positive and respectful caregiving experience. Rebecca and Shannon implement and manage the Family Caregivers Memory Matters program, which offers a person-centered care approach by integrating innovative dementia care practices using specific cognitive activities for the patient at home. This approach helps reduce challenging behaviors such as anxiety, aggression, and depression, often seen in patients with dementia.
This certification aligns with the Family Caregivers Network’s mission to provide the highest level of care for aging adults and those living with cognitive impairments. It underscores the dedication of their employees to professional development and specialized services.
Family Caregivers Network is an award winning, PA licensed home care agency serving individuals with assistance at home in the Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Lehigh, and Northampton counties. To learn more about Family Caregivers Network and how we can help your loved one, please visit our website or give us a call!
215 - 541 - 9030
Every year, the month of October is dedicated to celebrating the invaluable contributions of physical therapists and the positive impact they have on the lives of millions around the world. Physical Therapy Month serves as a time to recognize and honor the hard work, dedication, and expertise of these healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall quality of life.
Physical therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals who specialize in treating individuals with physical limitations or disabilities. They work with patients of all ages to help them restore and maintain movement, reduce pain, and prevent disability. Through personalized treatment plans, including exercises, manual therapy, and other interventions, physical therapists help patients regain strength, flexibility, and function, enabling them to live life to the fullest.
The celebration of Physical Therapy Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of physical therapy in healthcare and to recognize the
significant achievements of physical therapists in improving the health and well-being of individuals across the globe. It also serves as a reminder of the critical role that physical therapists play in promoting health and wellness, preventing injuries, and enhancing the overall quality of life for patients.
As we celebrate Physical Therapy Month this October, let us take a moment to appreciate the dedication and expertise of physical therapists and the positive impact they have on the lives of individuals and communities worldwide. Their unwavering commitment to promoting health, restoring function, and improving quality of life makes them true healthcare heroes deserving of recognition and appreciation.
Broomsticks became associated with witches through folklore and superstition. They were believed to aid in flying and magical rituals, symbolizing female empowerment and connection to nature in various ancient cultures.
JACK O' LANTERNS JACK O' LANTERNS
The jack-o'-lantern originated from an Irish myth a bout a man who invited the devil to drink, then tricked him into transforming into a coin to pay for their drin ks. Afterward, he pocketed the coin alongside a cross, preventing the devil from escaping. When Jack eventually died, he was denied entry to b oth heaven and hell due to his deceitful nature. Instea d, he was given a single ember from hell to light his way , which he placed inside a carved turnip. This image of Jack wandering with his lantern became the inspirat ion for the modern jack-o'-lantern tradition.
HAUNTED HOUSES HAUNTED HOUSES
Haunted houses are intriguing attractions that evoke fear and fascination. Often steeped in folklore, they feature ghostly legends and eerie atmospheres, drawing thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts to explore their dark histories.
BROOMSTICKS BROOMSTICKS
Halloween
TRADITIONS
WITCH HAT WITCH HAT
Witch hats have roots in medieval Europe, symbolizing the supernatural. Originally practical, their pointed shape evolved into a cultural icon, representing witchcraft, folklore, and Halloween festivities throughout history.
WITCHCRAFT AND SPELLS WITCHCRAFT AND SPELLS
Witchcraft encompasses a wide range of practices involving the use of spells, rituals, and herbal remedies. Often rooted in ancient traditions, it seeks to harness natural energies for healing, protection, and transformation.
Biking the Perkiomen TRAIL
By: Zach Brown, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
Montgomery County, Pa., is home to nearly 100 miles of trails, and we are on a mission to explore all of them. This week, I grabbed my bike for an early morning bike ride on the Perkiomen Trail.
The 20-mile Perkiomen Trail makes up more than one-fifth of Montco’s nearly 100 miles of trails, carving a path northtosouth from Green Lane to Oaks. I wanted just a little more for my my ride so I set my destination a few miles farther south – the Visitor Center at Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Park-to-park, the trail would carry me through small towns, up and down a mountain, and across open fields, always within shouting distance of the Perkiomen Creek that lends its name to the trail.
I started out in the early morning hours from the parking lot on the north side of Deep Creek lake, site of the park’s amphitheater, a playground and picnic area.
The trail loops around Deep Creek Lake, but I took a shortcut across the bridge, through the adjacent parking lot
and onto the trail, which runs along the shoulder of Deep Creek Road for a brief stint before turning off into the trees.
The northernmost sections of the trail are developed, but there are a pair of brief stretches where riders must either share the road or use a widened shoulder before the trail truly comes into its own.
One of the hallmarks of the trail in this early section is the road crossings. The trail meanders through the villages of Salford and Spring Mount before the real fun begins.
Just south of Spring Mount, about five miles into my ride, was the biggest challenge I would face on the day: climbing Spring Mountain.
The warning sign comes one-quarter mile before the climb. A 12% grade takes riders up a 200-foot ascent to the top of Spring Mountain before shooting down the other side.
I couldn’t do it and had to hop off. It was the only climb that I couldn’t handle on the route, but I knew if I was going to make it 22 miles, I couldn’t spend all my energy this early.
As hard as the ascent was, the descent was scarier. The trail is paved going up the north side, but it’s all gravel on the downslope. It’s very easy to build up too much speed.
Jumping a rut or missing a corner are real possibilities if you aren’t watching your speed.
At the bottom of the hill is Schwenksville and flat riding between the town and creek. The trail passes by restaurants and a bike a shop with a convenient trail-facing Coke machine for thirsty riders.
In Schwenksville, you’re riding on a rail trail. It’s flat and straight, except for one awkward detour up to street level and around a pair of homes before returning to the route.
The trail continues south through the community of Graterford, past the trailside Vincent’s Pizzeria & Grill, the Graterford Trailhead and the clubhouse for the Pennsylvania Live Steamers, a group of scale model steam engine enthusiasts.
Just south of Graterford, the trail crosses over Route 29. This is easily the most dangerous crossing on the route as cars speed by on the busy road.
This also marked mid-point in my route, though the symbolic midpoint was just ahead in the town of Collegeville.
Collegeville is home to Ursinus College and is the largest town serviced by the trail. The gravel path gives way to pavement at the intersection of Main Street and Third Avenue.
DaVinci’s Pub sits on this corner, and if you’re looking for a hearty meal or to grab a quick drink, this is the place. If you’re looking for something a little faster – say, pizza – The Pizza Stop also sits along the trail. You’ll also find a diner, fast food restaurants and a variety of sit-down places within a two-block section of trail.
After Collegeville, the trail has the feel of an unpaved driveway – a crushed stone path that backs up to small country homes along the creek.
Many of the homes have the feel of summer cottages that are now year-long residences. I can envision the Perkiomen Creek being the Jersey Shore of its day –a waterfront spot to spend your weekends in the summer, where kids can splash around in the shallow waters while the parents enjoyed drinks in the cooling shade.
The trail winds along in unison with the creek the rest of its way, the only interruption comes when a small gathering of homes splits the two apart just north of Oaks. As the trail detours around them, we get a brief on-road section at Upper Indian Head Road.
From this point on, the trail is paved and fast with a slight downhill grade that carries riders through Lower Perkiomen Valley Park (a great stop if you need a restroom or want to sit down to a picnic lunch).
Here, riders can choose to continue on the Schuylkill River Trail or take a slight detour around the Audubon Loop that
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leads to the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove – the first American home of the famed naturalist and artist.
The Audubon Center includes seven miles of trails – mostly walking and hiking – as well rotating art exhibits in Audubon’s home-turned-museum.
Guided canoe trips along the Perkiomen Creek are also offered on select days throughout the summer.
For this ride, I skipped the Audubon Loop and made a beeline for Oaks. This is where the Perkiomen Trail ends, connecting with the Schulylkill River Trail as it travels between Phoenixville and Philadelphia.
The former industrial complex in Oaks has become one of Montco’s largest entertainment centers. The intersection sits in the shadow of Arnold’s Family Fun Center – featuring go-karts, laser tag, bowling, an arcade and a bar and bistro. Just a short ride further can take you to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, the American Treasure Tour, a movie theater, about a dozen restaurants and a pair of hotels.
My ride took me in the opposite direction, across the Perkiomen Creek for the final push eastward to Valley Forge.
This was the fastest part of the journey, and with the trail paralleling the stopped traffic along Route 422, 15 miles per hour felt even faster.
By this point the trail is already in Valley Forge National Historical Park, passing by Pawling’s Farm and Betzwood Picnic Area.
This is where I made the hard right off the SRT, taking Sullivan’s Bridge across the Schuylkill River.
Sullivan’s Bridge was completed in 2016 and includes a built-in viewing area where riders can pull off to the side to take in the sites of the river as it flows At the south side of the bridge, the trail crosses over Valley Forge Park Road (Route 23), a tricky intersection that is immediately followed by an uphill climb to the Visitor Center on the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail.
Anyone who has ever competed in the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run knows this hill well. It’s a quarter-mile climb to the top – one last push before patting yourself on the back for a job well-done and another reminder that this trail is not for beginners.
From here, all of Valley Forge Park is within your grasp. The five-mile JPM Trail carries riders on the ups and downs of the hilly terrain past some of the park’s most-visited spots – the recreated Muhlenberg Brigade Huts, the newly reconstructed Fort John Moore, the United States National Memorial Arch and the line of cannon at Artillery Park.
end of the line – the final landmark on a journey that began 22 miles away. But more adventures remain to be written along the Perkiomen Trail. What will your adventure look like?
HANDY HINT
Clean out pumpkin “guts” with a hand mixer instead of cleaning pumpkins out by hand, use a hand mixer. That’s right, “get all those strings cleaned out!” The mixer does the heavy lifting of loosening the pumpkin strings. Then you’re free to scoop out the guts.
Answer to September Puzzle
Hey
kids, color me!
October community events 20 24
HEY READERS!
Submit your event to: donnao@ccmonthly.com and we will print it for FREE! Please submit by the 12th of the month prior to the month you would like your event to appear. Event listings are available on a first come first serve basis.
Krausdale Alpacas Open Gate Tour
Date: October 19 - 20 10am - 5pm
Location: 5169 Kraussdale Rd., East Greenville Kraussdale Alpacas is proud to be a stop on the Lehigh County Open Gate Tour, Free Admission. Meet the alpacas and learn all about them, see fiber demonstrations, and check out the alpaca store.Enjoy the delicious goodies from the Lower Milford Residents Association (LMRA) Bake Sale.
Community Fall Fest
Date: October 19th, 3pm - 5pm
Location: New Goshenhoppen Park, 618 3rd st. East Greenville Hayrides, Moon Bounce, Inflatable Obstacle Course, Free Sausage sandwiches, hotdogs, movie popcorn, coffee bar, homemade pies, photo booth and much more. Contact Upper Perkiomen Community Church, 267-923-5298, for more information about our free event.
Upper Perk Halloween Parade
Date: October 27, 6PM
The route of the parade starts at the Red Hill Fire Company parking lot on 4th street; proceeding down Main Street through Red Hill, Pennsburg and East Greenville, ending at East Greenville Fire Company’s parking lot on 4th Street. Parade start time of 6:00 p.m.
Train Ghost Stories at the UP Library
Date: October 10, 6pm
Location: Upper Perk Library, 350 Main St. Red Hill Speaker Kenneth Serfass will take us on a journey through the haunted history of railroads. These stories,whether true or simply the product of vivid imaginations, add a spine-tingling twist to the romance of rail travel. Visit mnl.libcal.com/calendar/UPVL or call the library at 215-679-2020 to reserve a seat. FREE
