Conshy Courier FREE Vol. 2 No. 10 October 2017
Pastor Rich Andrews with Conshohocken Vineyard Church Celebrate Their Third Anniversary
John Brothers’ 100th Year in Conshohocken page 7
Flanigan’s Boathouse 113 Fayette Street Conshohocken, PA 19428 610.828.2628
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CONTENT 4–6
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
7, 9
BUSINESS
11
HEALTH & WELLNESS
16–17
COMMUNITY EVENTS
18
20
21
HOME & GARDEN OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS
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22
BEFORE YOU GO
You may send your letters to The Editor at: Info@MontCoMedia.com, or through our website at www.MontCoMedia.com
ON THE COVER
Conshy Courier FREE Vol 2 No. 10 October 2017
www.facebook.com/ConshyCourier
Pastor Rich Andrews of Conshohocken Vineyard Church Photo Credit: ME Photo and Design, LLC in Media Pa. Photo Credit: ME Photo and Design, LLC in Media Pa.
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October 2017 | MontCoMedia.com | Conshy Courier | 3
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
CMS Students Place First at TSA National Competition
TSA National finalists were honored at the Colonial Board of School Directors meeting on September 19. A team of Colonial Middle School (CMS) students placed first in “Biotechnology Design” at the 39th Technology Student Association (TSA) National Conference in Orlando, Fla. this summer. The team, comprised of Victoria Brach, Jocelyn Freed, Caroline Kay, Abby Minecci, Liza Smaliak and Arya Venkat won the event that focused on the use of bioremediation in ocean trash. In the process, microbes consume and neutralize harmful aspects of microplastics. The CMS squad of Dhruv Agarwal, Evan Chan, Luke Gaumer, Kevin Shi, Will Stanczak and Dean Suchsland placed sixth in the “Biotechnology Design” event. Freed, Kay, Minecci, Smaliak and Venkat also teamed to place second in “Medical Technology Issues.” The team researched Bionic Skin, which can be used to aid burn victims and people with prosthetic limbs in an attempts to give a sense of real skin. Also for CMS, A team of Sean Beausoleil, George Clark and Nolen Morasco finished fourth in “Catapult Design”, while Agarwal, Minecci and Smaliak teamed up to earn fourth place in “Construction Challenge.” Also, Cayce Becker, Caitlin Dougherty and Allie Fergus teamed with Minecci and Shi to place fourth in “Website Design.” Individually, Arya Venkat placed fourth in “Essays on Technology.” High school team again dominant in engineering Plymouth Whitemarsh High School continued its strong showing in the “Engineering Design” event. This summer, the 4 | Conshy Courier| MontCoMedia.com | October 2017
team of Pat Corpus, Thomas Demianovich, Giancarlo Donnini, Scott Horry, Karen Minecci, Blake Rosen and Casey Sharpe won a second-place trophy.A total of 35 Colonial School District students were among the more than 7,700 students from across the United States, Turkey, Germany and Japan who competed at the TSA national event.
More Than 100 AP Scholars For PWHS Again Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PWHS) had more than 100 students named Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars by the College Board in 2017. It marks the third time in four years that PWHS has had at least 100 students receive that honor. Among those students, Class of 2017 graduates Noah Goldstein and Shane Westerfer were named AP National Scholars. To be named an AP National Scholar, a student must earn an average score of at least 4.0 on all AP exams taken and a score of 4.0 or higher on eight or more of these exams. AP exams are scored 1.0 through 5.0. Westerfer scored a perfect 5.0 on six of the eight exams he took. He and Goldstein are among 13 PWHS students named AP National Scholars in the past seven years. continued on page 6
High School Entrance Nearing Completion
The renovation of the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PWHS) entrance is nearing completion. The entrance is the final main phase of the two and a half year project to restore the 65 year-old building. “Anyone familiar with the way the building was three years ago may not recognize it now,” said PWHS Principal Dr. Jason Bacani a 1993 graduate of the school. “When the School Board began this project, they said it was time to bring the quality of the building in line with the quality of our instructional programs and our students’ high level of achievement. That has definitely been accomplished. “We feel like we are in a new building,” he added. “When people come through the new entrance, walk the clean bright hallways, see our state-of-the-art, climate-controlled classrooms and visit our new central cafeteria, they will definitely feel PW Proud!” The Colonial School District (CSD) will celebrate the high school renovation with a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon on Saturday, October 7. The ribbon cutting will kick off the Colonial School District Education Foundation’s (CSDEF) first Foundation Day. Foundation Day will be held on the PWHS campus from noon until 6 p.m. The event is a way to connect with current, former and future families in the District as well as CSD alumni, and to educate them about the Foundation and how it works with the community to support our students. Other highlights include: • Student-led tours of the renovated high school • A Craft and Home-based Business Fair in the new PWHS cafeteria
• • •
Food trucks Clinics for elementary students in Sports, Music, Art and more! The money raised from Foundation Day will directly support the CSDEF Annual Fund initiatives of STEAM and AVID that provide Colonial’s children with innovative technology resources and provide secondary students in the academic middle with the tools to change “if they go to college” to “when they go to college.”
October 2017 | MontCoMedia.com | Conshy Courier | 5
PWHS Scholars
continued from page 4 Goldstein and Westerfer are also among 23 students named AP Scholars with Distinction this year. Scholars with Distinction must score an average of 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3.0 or higher on five or more of the exams. Others achieving that level include PWHS Class of 2017 members Sydney Brown, Zyanne Clay-Hubbard, Raquel Dunoff, Rebekah Epstein, Alexander Goldring, Gabrielle Isaac-Herzog, Christopher Johnson, Dillon Johnson, Lauren Kim, Sarah Manno, Liam McLaughlin, Alice Nicholson, Nathaniel Reichley, Elizabeth Stricklin, Laurel Suchsland, Rachel Tavory, Sara Tenaglio, Rhea Trainson, Matthew Walker, Samantha Ward and Benjamin Wightman. Twenty students were named AP Scholars with Honor. Scholars with Honor must average at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and 3.0 or higher on four or more of the exams. AP Scholars with Honor in the Class of 2017 include Mollie Fink, Jared Harris, Adlai Lamason, Douglas Luba, Daniel Margulies, Mark Melvin, Giavanna Piazza, Caroline Slagle, Andrew Slutsky, Anastasiia Sosnovskikh, Kateryna Ternopolska and Samantha Wert. Current PWHS seniors named AP Scholars with Honor include Brandon Cohen, Sam Cohen, Meghan Ely, Savanna Goldstein, Ryan Heaton, Eric Jordahl, Amanda Nerenberg and Thomas Weinstein. Fifty-eight students were named AP Scholars. AP Scholars must score 3.0 or higher on three or more AP exams. AP Scholars in the Class of 2017 include, Max Baker, Evan Berman, Kyle Blumenthal, Grace Branscome, Joseph Brzozowski, Jillian Bukstel, Andrew Caplan, Adam Center, Alexandria Chin, Amanda Colton, Michael Digiovine, Riya Dindigal, Angelina DiSanto, Dillon Famous, Jessica Fineman, Zachary Finkelman, Brett Finkelstein, Weiharik Garcia, Tyler Goldman, James Han, Julia Jimenez, Amanda Kan, Evan Klein, Ciaran Malley, Matthew McKinnon, Olivia McMaster, Rachel Mellon, Antonio Paladino, Anya Popko, Lauren Quigley, Molly Raimondo, Michael Renner, William Saltzburg, Alex Sandberg, Philip Smith, Sophie Stein and Coby Waks. Current PWHS seniors named AP Scholars include, Gozzal Berdimuratova, Joshua Berger, Shreya Bhutani, Mollie Blum, Alexandria Dippolito, Nikolas Elvins, Maddy Fair, Steven Fandozzi, Jessica Freels, Alyssa Green, Robert Gutman, Joshua Joffe, Ari Kaganovsky, Sanya Kunicki, Michelle McGrath, Bridget McTamney, Erin Moore, Brian Paul, Jake Tassoni, Christopher Ward and Remi Weinstein. PWHS offers more Advanced Placement courses than most public and private high schools in the region. Last May, 331 PWHS students participated in 600 AP examinations and 75 percent earned a score of 3.0 or higher. Based on AP exam participation and performance, the Washington Post has annually ranked PWHS among the most challenging high schools in Pennsylvania and the nation.
Hong is National Merit Scholar
Plymouth Whitemarsh High School senior Justin Hong is one of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 2018 National Merit® Scholarship Program. About 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. Justin has a 4.69 GPA and is a member of his class Steering Committee, the Micro-Finance Club, the Mock Trial Club, the Anti-Domestic Violence Club and DECA, and he plays the trombone in the band. He has been selected for the Montgomery County Band each of the past three years. Justin also received the Mock Trial Club’s Best Witness Award, and he won the medal for high role-play score in Food Marketing at the Pennsylvania DECA competition last April. Justin will be a first generation college student. He plans to major in marketing and is applying to the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University among others.
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education. —Martin Luther King, Jr. 6 | Conshy Courier| MontCoMedia.com | October 2017
BUSINESS
John Brothers Celebrates Past 100 Years
In the foreground of the above picture, the John Brothers replacement parts storefront can be seen. This storefront operated from almost the beginning of their business in 1917 into the 1940s. In the left background, the Garrett Mansion can be seen. This is the site of the current John Brothers building. This picture can be seen hanging in John Brothers’ current waiting area. If you are ever at the intersection of Harry Street and East Second Avenue (perhaps on your way to the Great American Pub for an “adult beverage”), you probably have seen a white building surrounded by a large number of cars parked in a seemingly random fashion. During warm weather the garage doors of this building will be open, and from within, the very distinctive sound of tools using compressed air will be heard. What you may not know is that the family operating this car repair and sales business is celebrating their Centennial year this year (2017). That’s right “John Brothers” has been in Conshohocken, providing all manner of car care and other services to all members of the local community for the past one hundred years, using the same Pennsylvania state inspection station number (“671”) and at least part of their original telephone number (“639”) during this entire time. Quite the accomplishment given that the vast majority of businesses are only in operation for no more than 5 years. In 1917, John Brothers opened its doors to the public as the “Conshohocken Motor Service” company during the very early days of the “horseless buggy” at a store front located at 110-114 East Hector Street (currently the site of a set of “nearly twin” houses with garages at street level). The first, and maybe most forward-thinking owners of this business, were brothers George W. John, Sr. and Nicholas John. As the business expanded, George and Nicholas opened a second store for replacement parts on Fayette Street just below Second Avenue in what is now the building occupied by the Great American Pub. This second storefront remained in operation through the 1940s. In 1922, the rapidly expanding business moved from East Hector Street to the ground floor of the Rambo and Regar factory building, which stood on 116 West Hector Street at the corner of Robinson Alley and West Hector Street (This area is the current site of a parking lot across from the old section of Washie’s Firehouse). For the next 19 years John Brothers prospered at this site. In 1941, John Brothers outgrew their quarters on 116 West Hector Street and erected a modern, purposed-built building located at 8 East Second Avenue between Harry and Fayette Streets. This building is currently the site of Piermani’s Beer Distributers.
In 1946, John Brothers acquired a mansion diagonally across from their 8 East Second Avenue location at Harry Street and Second Avenue. This mansion was owned by the Garrett Family and was sold to John Brothers after the last Garrett family member living at the mansion passed away. In the foreground of the above picture, the John Brothers replacement parts storefront can be seen. This storefront operated from almost the beginning of their business in 1917 into the 1940s. In the left background, the Garrett Mansion can be seen. This is the site of the current John Brothers building. This picture can be seen hanging in John Brothers’ current waiting area. A new building was erected on this site. The front of this building became the “John Bros. Firestone Store,” selling all manner of garden and lawn equipment. The back of this building and an adjacent building were used for car repairs and as a gas station. The basement of Garrett Mansion is still being used to house building infrastructure systems (heating, hot water, etc.). After 1962, the Firestone Store ceased to exist and the automobile repair business expanded into what was the Firestone Store area of the building. So if you are ever in the neighborhood of East Second Avenue and Harry Streets, stop by and congratulate the 3rd generation of John Brothers. The current crew consists of George W. John, III (aka “Billy”), Mike, and Stephen, along with their father George W., Jr. (aka “Big Bill”), who is a son of original founder George W. John, Sr. John Brothers is a business that has thrived for 100 years in the small, tight-knit community of Conshohocken. They must be doing something right!!! Mike Poniatowicz – Conshohocken Historical Society – September 19, 2017
The above picture was taken in front of John Brothers 116 West Hector facility, which they occupied from 1922 until 1941.
October 2017 | MontCoMedia.com | Conshy Courier | 7
Conshy Funfest 2017
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only
Hometown Newspaper “Good News” Newspaper Conshy Norristown Courier Local
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Maurice and Staff of Tony and Joe’s Pizzeria
Publisher Teresa Parris Editor Brian Hanna Social Media Editors Mackenzie Breinlinger Ciara O’Callaghan Columnist Yaniv Aronson Alayya Arrison Contributors Walter Ault Katie Kohler Sarah McGlinchy Graphic Designer Terry Seale
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Conshy Courier and Norristown Local publications of MontCo Media LLC, are published monthly. The publisher assumes no liability for typographical errors except to reprint that portion of the advert that was incorrect. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Opinions expressed by columnists are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MontCo Media LLC. Reproduction of these pages or their content is permitted only with prior approval from the publisher.
Dads-Nick & Joe with Babies Beau & JT 8 | Conshy Courier| MontCoMedia.com | October 2017
Face paint at Conshy FunFest
Copyright 2017
BUSINESS
Taste Of Conshohocken
with Yaniv Aronson, Chair of the Conshohocken Plymouth Whitemarsh Rotary Club
By Yaniv Aronson with Pastor Rich Andrews This is a continuing column highlighting individuals, businesses and charities that work to better our community. Rich Andrews is the Founding Pastor of the Conshohocken Vineyard Church (CVC). CVC meets at 10:30am on Sundays at the Hub –100 Four Falls Drive, West Conshohocken. What brought you to Conshohocken and what did you do before moving here? In February 2014, I felt strongly that God was calling our family to move to the area to start a new church. Although I’ve recently moved back to Conshohocken, I feel like I’ve always been here. I grew up in King of Prussia and beginning in the mid-‘90s, I was invited to provide the entertainment for the West Conshohocken Christmas program, which I’ve enjoyed doing for the past 20 years. Before starting CVC, I worked as a pastor at Blue Route Vineyard in Media, as well as a high school math teacher in Philadelphia, and as a freelance web developer. What is the Vineyard Movement and how does the Conshohocken Vineyard Church fit into this mission? The Vineyard is a global family of churches with a common set of core values based on the teachings of Jesus. We value sharing the news of Jesus and his kingdom, healing and deliverance, and compassionate ministry with the poor. Vineyard churches also value intimate worship, actively equipping ordinary people for ministry, responding to the initiative and leading of the Holy Spirit, and joining God’s mission in the world. Each Vineyard church is
unique to its specific context among diverse populations. I see CVC as a small but significant part of the larger Vineyard movement with a specific vision to express the reality of Psalm 23 to people living along Route 23. What is your favorite aspect of being a pastor? I enjoy having a front-row seat in the lives of people in our community. I get excited when people experience the goodness of God in a new way or have restoration in their relationships. I love seeing people engage in loving service to the community and one another. How do you see the Conshohocken Vineyard Church as a part of the local community? Are there specific events you have planned this year? I see CVC as a partner supporting the work of charities and organizations already doing good in the community by providing volunteers and assistance where there is need. This year, we plan to offer arts’ activities for children at community events like the Conshohocken Fun Fest and will also be hosting a free Performing Arts Camp for kids the first week of August (check https://www. conshohockenvineyard.com/grow/performing-arts-camp-for-kids/ for details). As a young pastor at a newly founded church, where do you see the church in the next five or ten years? I’d like to see our church grow to be known as a community that loves like Jesus. www.conshohockenvineyard.com rich@conshohockenvineyard.com • 484-254-6466 October 2017 | MontCoMedia.com | Conshy Courier | 9
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To all of our readers! Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.
Betty Butera Offering • • •
Caregiver / Companion Services Light Household Duties
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
“FALL” Back Into Routine This October: How Structure Can Help Decrease Depression By Alison Seponara, MS, LPC Whether you are still coming off of your summer high or just trying to figure out ways to create less chaos in your life, creating a daily routine can help. Routine helps to organize your life so that it makes sense to you; in turn, providing a sense of structure and familiarity. Although, this can be a daunting task if you struggle with depression. Depression is a debilitating illness in which most people avoid routines and patterns. While we can often identify situations that trigger our depressive symptoms, most people’s depressive episodes are not always predictable. Establishing a daily routine can combat depression’s unpredictability because it creates stability for an unstable mind (www.healthyplace.com). Believe it or not, creating a routine can actually make you feel more relaxed and less anxious. Not to mention you will feel proud of yourself for following through with the choice
to better yourself. According to examinedexistence.com, “One of the more fitting reasons why routine is important is because it keeps you from having to regularly schedule your days ahead of time. You already know what you are doing each and every day. Once you are finished with a task, you already know what is next on your schedule.” This kind of structure provides direction in your life and gives you the energy and self-confidence to act instead of standing still because of a lack of direction. Whether struggling with depression or going through a major life change, there is no question that routine and structure will leave you with a sense of ownership, order, and organization of your life! Experts have suggested that you make these daily-routine exercises a PRIORITY, especially if you struggle with depression: 1. The same wake-up and bedtime every day a. Ensure that you get plenty of sleep (at least 7-8 hours a night) b. Go to bed thankful and wake up thankful: Before you go to bed and first thing when you wake up in the morning, say “Thank You.” Thank the universe for another day of life. May sound a little silly – but believe me, it’s life-altering. 2. Self-care time a. Set aside time each day to take particular care of yourself (i.e. meditating, taking a walk, meeting with friends, journaling, yoga, reading, or anything YOU like). b. Keep a big bottle for water on your desk and fill it each morning, keeping in
mind that you should finish it by the end of the day. c. Get in a workout: Aim to do a 30-minutes of exercise three times each week. 3. Meal times a. Set meal times and try as hard as you can to stick to them. b. Have a snack that contains protein at mid-morning and mid-afternoon each day. Eating regularly will avoid blood-sugar highs and lows that can affect your mood and energy. Questions or Comments? AlisonSeponaraLPC@gmail.com or (610) 952-4169
October 2017 | MontCoMedia.com | Conshy Courier | 11
LuLu Stewards Of LuLu Shrine
The Pink Pearls Of Hope Tea
Presents
12th Annual Beef and Beer Comedy Night
The Historic St John AME Church The Reverend Edith J Patterson-Payne, Pastor #610-825-6082
on
Co-Chairpersons Sister Edna Brock & Sister Stacy Hudgen
@
Saturday, November 4, 2017
5140 Butler Pike Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Saturday November 4th, 2017
Doors open 6:30
7:00 Beef and Beer Buffet
Sponsored By
# 610-316-3712
# 267-348-7320
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
BYOB (set ups provided) Open seating
Admission $30.00
Sister Mary Spotswood And Sister Brenda Wade “The Experience”
Community Outreach Representatives of the Susan G. Komen Foundation-Philadelphia
Breast Cancer Awareness Presentations Great Games, Gifts, Food & Fun!
8:00 Comedy Show To buy tickets go to
www.JCPEntertainment.com For more info call: 610-277-3619
We can now offer you assistance in selecting/enrolling in Medicare Health and Supplemental Insurance Plans for both initial enrollments and plan changes during the "Open Enrollment" period.
12 | Conshy Courier| MontCoMedia.com | October 2017
To Be Held At
The Conshohocken Community Center At The Fellowship House
515 Harry Street Conshohocken, PA 1942
Adult Donation: $25
Now Providing Notary Services
Children Over Twelve: $10
October 2017 | MontCoMedia.com | Conshy Courier | 13
Businesses on Fayette Street Old and New
ACME
MILLERS
AMERICA
MOORE
BANK
MORTUARY
BILLOWS
MUSIC
CHARLES
NATIONAL
CHEVROLET
OFFICE
N M S R N P T C R S E U M V A
CONSHOHOCKEN
POST
E S O N U I
CVS
PUDGES
DINER
SELF
ELEVEN
SERVE
FARGO
SEVEN
L F C O N S H O H O C K E N T
FEINE
SHIRLEYS
C H A R L E S F M E Q N L W Y
FIRST
SMITHS
S W O L L I
FUNERAL
SNEARS
HAIRSTYLIST
STORE
HOME
THE
MARKET
TRADESMEN
MEAT
WELLS
L I C
M M O F T Y E S T A R T
V S A E I
A F R E E M M H R E
S H A N R L A F G K E C A E M F T R G O U L D I
R R D A L O
U I
C E A M E H
O E T I
U E I
A A M S S R E E I
R M S E L F D E N I
B R S N R
A E R O T S N F C H O B Y L S
B Z I
V E A R E L
T E L O R V E H C R D B I
L I
S N E A R S N E V E S E H L S Z R F E I
N E P O S T T S S T
Wa nte d
MontCo Media LLC is seeking part-time advertising sales representatives. Set your own schedule!
Do you live in the following towns? Conshohocken, West Conshohocken, Plymouth Meeting, Lafayette Hill, Norristown, East Norriton, West Norriton and Eagleville. A great opportunity to earn extra income ! Are you self motivated and love the community you call home? MontCo Media LLC is looking for experienced advertising sales professionals to call on local businesses and area professionals. The ideal candidates will have print and digital, magazine, newspaper or business to business advertising sales experience. Straight commissions. Call 610.825.3300 or email us at Info@MontCoMedia.com
14 | Conshy Courier| MontCoMedia.com | October 2017
KICKIN' OFF FALL with a
CRC Fall Youth Rowing Program The Conshohocken Rowing Center will be offering opportunities for a six- week program for both female and male athletes. This program is FREE to Conshohocken residents ages 13-17, and is open to the public at a cost of $650. Practices will be held on the following days: Fridays 4:00 to 5:30 • Saturdays12:30 to 3:00 • Sundays12:30 to 3:00. This program runs from September 22, 2017 to October 27, 2017. This is a program for all levels of experience. All interested participants should email rowingcrc@gmail.com
"WINE & CHEESE" On Thursday, October 19th from 5-8 PM
EVERYTHING 10% OFF ! 537 Germantown Pike Lafayette Hill, 19444 www.GigisConsign.com
October 2017 | MontCoMedia.com | Conshy Courier | 15
OUR COMMUNITY EVENTS
To be included please submit your listings online at MontCoMedia.com by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Please email to Info@MontCoMedia.com with any questions, or call us at 610-825-3300.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 The Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Soldier’s Grove, Commonwealth Ave. and State St. Harrisburg, PA 17110 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Outdoor event and open to the public. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 Let’s celebrate our Teachers today in Colonial School District ~ Thank you for your continued commitment to our children!! It’s World Teachers Day today! Join us at Feine for Conshy’s Monthly First Thursday Celebration and support our local businesses. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 Today is the last day to complete and submit your online survey for the Conshohocken Comprehensive Plan Task Force! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 CSD 1st Annual Colonial School District Education Foundation Day. For Vendor and Sponsorship opportunities contact Denise Marks at 610-834-1670, ext. 2151 1st Annual Egyptian Festival at St. Mary &St. Mercurius Church, 209 West 5th Avenue. Festival goes from 12:00 pm to 7:000 pm. Julian’s Café Concert Series @ 7:30 pm: The Newspaper Taxis LIVE! in Concert Tribute to THE BEATLES. The Newspaper Taxis provides a Fab Four experience unlike any other, performing a wide selection of songs from across the entire Beatles universe. Join us for a night of great Beatles music. The dance floor WILL be open, too! Suggested free-will donation: $10/Person $20/Family at the door. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 Last day of the 1st Annual Egyptian Festival at St. Mary &St. Mercurius Church, 209 West 5th Avenue. Festival goes from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12 5:30-8 pm. $5 Donations. The Montgomery LGBT Business Council Fund-Raiser at Bridgeport Brewing Company, 13 DeKalb Street, Bridgeport. More information call Richard Buttacvoli at 215-939-7746
globally. This event sells out every year, so don't wait to get your tickets -- they will not be available at the door! Event tickets are $50; designated driver tickets are available for $15. Tickets are available at cpwrotary.com. For more information, including participating breweries as they're announced, please visit facebook.com/ ConshohockenBeerFestival. Latino Ball: An Unforgettable Night in Old San Juan Latino Connection. TBA gfernandez@thelatinoconnection.net latinoball.org. An evening of music, culture and business education brings together Latino - American professionals from across the United States and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We honor Lo Mejor de Lo Mejor, recognizing businesses for their ongoing efforts in providing excellent customer service to Latinos. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 The Colonial School Board will hold its Monthly business Meeting in the District Office General Meeting Room at 7:00pm. This meeting is open to the public! THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 At 7:00 pm at the Borough Hall. The Comprehensive Plan Task Force invites all residents of the community to meet the CPTF members and hear about the progress of the Comprehensive Plan. There will be guided activities to encourage participation in the community visioning process. This night will be designed to provide opportunity for public input on designing the future of our borough. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 Mah Jongg tournament at William Jeanes Memorial Library. Check in at 9:30 am. Play egins at 10:00 until 4:15 pm. $40.00 fee will include 5 hours of Mah Jongg play, breakfast, snacks and a light lunch. Prizes: 1st Place $250.00; 2nd Place $125.00 and 3rd Place $75.00 Register online at Jeanslibrary.org. Questions: 610 -828-0441. All proceeds benefit the library. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Conshohocken’s Annual Halloween Parade. See ad on back page! Julian’s Café Concert Series: 7:30 pm: Anne Hills and Jay Ansill. One of the most beautiful voices in contemporary folk, (www.annehills.com) joins forces with multi-instrumentalist composer and arranger (www.jayansill.com) for a concert that fuses folk music, poetry and classical music. $15/Person-$30/Family Freewill donation requested at the door.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 The 4th Annual Conshohocken Beer Festival will be held at A.A. Garthwaite Stadium (the A-Field). The festival will once again benefit the Conshohocken Plymouth Whitemarsh Rotary Club, allowing the organization to continue to spread its mission of "service above self" both locally and 16 | Conshy Courier| MontCoMedia.com | October 2017
Ongoing Events Mondays Conshohocken Business and Professional Women Meets the 4th Monday of each month. Please visit website for more information at http:// www.conshohockenbpw.org KnitKnights, every Monday, 6:30pm. The KnitKnights welcome knitters and crocheters of all ages and skill levels, including beginners, to join us as we meet, mentor, learn, show, and share. The Conshohocken Plymouth Whitemarsh Rotary Club meets Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. at the William Jeanes Memorial Library (4051 Joshua Rd., Lafayette Hill). The CPW Rotary satellite club meets on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on the second floor at Guppy's (2 Maple St., Conshohocken). For more information, please visit cpwrotary.com and facebook.com/ CPWRotaryClub. Tuesdays Food Cupboard & Clothes Closet Ministries of The Historic St. John AME Church every Tuesday from 12:30pm to 2:00pm. 100 East Eighth Avenue Conshohocken, PA. For information contact 610-825-6089 Everyone is welcome! LEGO Club is Back!! Collaborate and Create!! Tuesdays after school Ages 510 3:45-4:30pm Kiwanis Club of Conshohocken meets at 7:00 pm Tuesdays at Andy’s Diner, Ridge Pike, Conshohocken. Contact: ConshyKiwanis@gmail.com. Wednesdays WPBN/Conshohocken/Plymouth/ Whitemarsh Chapter meeting the 3rd Wednesday of each Month Register online at www.PWBN.org St Matthews Senior Group meets monthly on the third Wednesday of each month at 12:30. Everyone is welcome to join. Lunch $5. Adult Book Club @ Conshy Library 3rd Wed of each month 6:45-8 pm. Intercessory Prayer Time & Ministry Fellowship of The Historic St. John AME Church meets monthly on the third Wednesday of the month beginning at 6:45pm.100 East Eighth Avenue Conshohocken, PA. For information contact 610-825-6089 Everyone is welcome! Thursdays The CPW Rotary The Conshohocken Plymouth Whitemarsh Rotary Club meets Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. at the William Jeanes Memorial Library (4051 Joshua Rd., Lafayette Hill). The CPW Rotary satellite club meets on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on the second floor at Guppy's (2 Ma-
OUR COMMUNITY EVENTS Conshohocken Library Events
Babies @ Library
Tuesdays @10:15 Tuesday 10/3, 10, 17, 31
Preschool—Thursdays @10:30 Oct. 5 Library Rocks!! Oct. 12 Love My Teeth Oct. 19 Read For The Record
No Story times on Tuesday 10/24, or Thursday 10/26
LEGO Club is Back!! Collaborate and Cre-
ate!! Tuesdays after school Ages 5Ͳ10 3:45Ͳ 4:30pm
Ongoing Events
Save the Date
ple St., Conshohocken). For more information, please visit cpwrotary.com and facebook.com/ CPWRotaryClub.
Saturday, November 4
Sundays Farmer’s Market The Spring Mill Farmers' Market every Sunday through October, 2017. East Hector and Lee Streets Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. For more Information contact ben@gnrpastures.com Call 215-962-5372.
Pink Pearls of Hope Tea @ 12:00pm to 4:00pm at The Community Center at the Fellowship House 5th & Harry St. Conshohocken, Pa. Fundraiser in partnership with The Historic St. John AME Church and the Susan G. Komen Foundation-Philadelphia for Breast Cancer Awareness. Adult Donation: $25 Children Over Twelve: $10 Lulu Stewards Of Lulu Shrine 12th Annual Beef and Beer Buffet. 7:00 PM—BYOB For information call: 610-277-3619 See ad on page 22. Saturday, November 25th Support our Local Businesses on Small Business Saturday. Follow our Facebook page for Check-in location to pick up your passport for the day to win cool prizes from our businesses!
Join us for this 90’s Halloween Classic Movie!! All ages and faces!! Hocus Pocus Sat 10/28 start time:11:30am
Conshy Courier 2nd Annual Holiday Shopping Expo. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Community Centre at the Fellowship House, 515 Harry Street, Conshohocken. Vendor opportunities: Info@MontCoMedia.com
Adult Events:
Wed 10/11 6:30pm Movie Capote
Wed 10/18 Adult Book Club 6:45-8pm ~ Her
Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
11/25/2017
Council News
#CONSHYSMALLBIZ
October 2017
Ike Griffin, President * Karen Tutino, Vice President * Robert Stokley, Senior Member Tina Sokolowski, Anita Barton, Jane Flanagan and Colleen Leonard Senior Members
OCTOBER MEETINGS AND EVENTS
ZONING HEARING BOARD: - Monday, October 2nd @ 7:00pm; Borough Hall
MUNCIPAL AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING: Tuesday, October 24th @ 6:30-8:30; 601 East Elm Street
COMPRESENSIVE PLAN TASK FORCE: ThursENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL:- Thurs- day, October 2nd @ 6:30—7:30 day, October 19th @ 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Borough Hall VOTING MEETINGS are televised the Thursday evening following the meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Comcast PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: - Thursday, channel 965 and Verizon channel 20. October 12th @ 7-9pm; Borough Hall COUNCIL MEETING: - 1ST & 3RD Wednesday October 4th & 18th @ 7 PM Borough Hall.
Borough Administration 400 Fayette Street, Suite 200, Conshohocken, PA 19428 Phone: (610) 828Ͳ1092, Fax: (610) 828Ͳ0920 Hours: Monday Ͳ Friday 8:30 a.m. Ͳ 4:30 p.m. citizenrequest@conshohockenpa.gov
October 2017 | MontCoMedia.com | Conshy Courier | 17
HOME & GARDEN Prepare Your Outdoors For Trick-Or-Treaters! Decorate your door: This is the first step in any trick-or-treating preparation session. Set up some Halloween decorations on your front door or in your yard, and don’t hold back! The spookier the better. Don’t forget a few jack-o-lanterns, either. If you want to break the mold a bit, try a no-carve pumpkin this year. Note: If you do decide to go with a lit pumpkin, make sure it’s placed well away from areas that trick-or-treaters will be walking through. Optimize your lighting: Since your front yard will be getting more foot traffic than usual on Halloween, it’s important to make sure your guests can see so they don’t take a tumble. If you don’t have any exterior lights over your front door, consider adding a few lanterns along your walkway so you don’t have children falling down in your yard. Hide your valuables: This isn’t about robbery so much as accidental damage. If you have any delicate ornaments, flowerpots or statues around your front door, relocate them until November. That way, they can’t be damaged if that cute little mummy trips on his or her costume. Buy plenty of candy: Nothing squashes a child’s hopes and dreams like knocking on a door that doesn’t have any candy left. To ensure the survival of youthful happiness in your neighborhood – buy plenty of candy. If you live in one of these extremely popular trick-or-treating neighborhoods, consider going to a wholesale store like Costco or BJ’s, just to be safe.
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Wear a costume: It’s not as bad as running out of candy, but answering the door on Halloween wearing a sweater and jeans is kind of a buzz-kill for the kids. Even if you put it together in five minutes, a costume is always a good idea! From brightnest.com
Consider Taxes Before Converting Your Home Submitted By Maureen A. Cardamone; To a Rental Property CPA Manager St. Clair CPAs P.C. Have you ever thought about becoming a landlord? This option may be tempting if your local real estate market is surging and rental rates are strong, especially if you’re already planning to relocate or downsize to a smaller home. Ideally, you’ll be able to shelter most or all of the rental income with tax deductions and eventually sell the property for a higher price than you originally paid. In the meantime, however, it’s important to understand the confusing tax rules that apply when a personal residence is converted into a rental. Special Basis Rule Once you become a landlord, you can depreciate the tax basis of the building part of a residential rental property (not the basis of the land) over 27.5 years. In plain English, this means you can deduct from your taxable income a portion of the building’s value every year for the next 27.5 years. However, a special basis rule applies to a rental property that was formerly a personal residence. Under the special rule, the initial tax basis of the building portion of the property for purposes of calculating your post conversion depreciation write-offs equals the lower of: • The building’s fair market value (FMV) on the conversion date, or • The building’s regular basis on the conversion date. Regular basis usually equals original cost plus the cost of any improvements (excluding any normal repairs and maintenance). When You Sell The rules become really confusing when you sell the property. To determine if you have a deductible loss, a similar special basis rule applies. That is, you must use the lower of: • The property’s FMV on the conversion date, or • The property’s regular basis on the conversion date. Additionally, you must reduce the initial basis by depreciation deductions taken during the rental period. The special basis rule and the depreciation deductions greatly reduce the odds of having a deductible loss on a sale, especially when property values are below historical levels. With
property values recovering in many areas, however, the chances of reporting a taxable gain have increased. Your tax basis for purposes of calculating whether you have a taxable gain on a sale is simply the property’s regular basis on the sale date. Regular basis generally equals the original cost of the land and building, plus the cost of any improvements minus depreciation deductions claimed during the rental period. Sellers in Limbo When a converted property is sold, you must use the special basis rule to determine if you have a deductible loss on the sale, but you must use the regular basis rule to determine if you have a taxable gain. Following two different basis rules can sometimes cause sellers to have neither a taxable gain nor a deductible loss. This happens whenever the sale price falls between the two basis numbers. Confused? Here are some examples of how to calculate gains and loss to help clarify. Example 1: No tax gain or loss on sale To illustrate how this works, suppose you convert your home to a rental while the market is recovering — but it hasn’t returned to its previous peak by the time you sell. Here’s how the numbers might shake out: If the net sale price is between $222,000 and $287,000, you have no tax gain or loss, because the sale price falls between the two basis numbers. Example 2: Modest gain on sale Alternatively, suppose you convert a property in a market that’s still in the early stages of recovery, and you intend to hang onto it for a while before selling. If the net sales price is above $268,000, you have a taxable gain. For example, with a net sale price of $345,000, you must report a taxable gain of $77,000 ($345,000 – $268,000). That is because, in this example, the post conversion depreciation deductions reduced the regular basis and the value of the property jumped. As a result, the sale price exceeds the regular basis, which produces a modest taxable gain on the sale. Example 3: Big gain on sale Now, let’s suppose you convert a property in a strong market. You’ve owned it for years and its FMV never fell below what
you paid for it. In this case, the special basis rule for determining if you have a tax loss does not apply. Assuming the property is sold for $360,000, your taxable gain would be a whopping $151,000 ($360,000 – $209,000). In this example, the post conversion depreciation deductions reduced the property’s basis and the value jumped after the conversion. So the sales price substantially exceeds the basis, generating a significant taxable gain on the sale. Principal Residence Gain Exclusion Fortunately, some landlords may be able to shelter their gain on the sale of a recently converted property with the principal residence gain exclusion. When allowed, the gain exclusion really helps: Unmarried property owners can potentially exclude gains of up to $250,000, and married joint-filing couples can potentially exclude up to $500,000. Important note: If you qualify for the gain exclusion, you can’t use it to shelter the part of a gain that’s attributable to depreciation deductions. In the previous example, if the gain exclusion applied, the taxpayer must still report a taxable gain of $26,000, which equals the amount of the post conversion depreciation deductions. But that’s much less than the total gain of $151,000. To qualify for this exclusion, the tax rules require that you use the property as your principal residence for at least two years during the five-year period ending on the sale date. So, it’s impossible to meet the two-year usage requirement once you’ve rented the property for more than three years during that five-year period. So, this tax break is allowed only if you’ve rented the property for no more than three years after the conversion date at the time you sell. Ready to Convert? Home-to-rental conversions can be a lucrative financial proposition for some property owners. But the tax rules can be confusing. To help understand the rules and evaluate whether you should become a landlord, contact your tax advisor. He or she can help decide what’s best for your situation. Beyond taxes, your tax pro will help you factor other considerations into your decision.
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OBITUARIES A Life Cut Short By Yaniv Aronson, Adjunct Professor at the Montgomery County Community College This fall, I started my sixth year teaching high school and my tenth year teaching at the Montgomery County Community College. What is usually an exciting and fast-paced time of year turned heartbreaking last month. One of my former college students, Jenna Burleigh, was murdered, in a tragedy that has now received national attention. I have never lost a student before, and I never thought I could ever lose a Jenna Burleigh student like Jenna. From our fierce debates in class, to her elegant and passionate writing, to her impressive video editing skills, Jenna embraced the work of Communications, Filmmaking, and Media, in a field and subject area woefully low in female students and professionals. I spoke with a veteran teacher in my high school, 31 years to my six. She had lost a dozen or so students throughout her career. She said the sadness may not hit me for days, or even months, but then I will stumble on a piece of student work and it will all come rushing back. She said to enjoy my students while I have them, work hard for them, and leave none of them behind so that they can make their mark on the world. The loss of Jenna is certainly felt in the MCCC community, among faculty, students, and her family, but what comes to my mind is that, today, the world is less bright, less creative, and less fun. We will never know a world where Jenna gets to leave her full mark but must make the most of a world where we were lucky enough to have her presence, if only briefly.
Borough Council News
On Wednesday, 9/20, Conshy Council voted to authorize the sale of the Old Borough Hall, 703 Fayette Street. The property includes approximately 0.528 acres as well as existing structures containing approximately 12,899 square feet. This is locally called the LeeLand Mansion. The new owners are, HOW Properties is based here in Conshohocken with properties in Philadelphia, and surrounding areas. No immediate plans on what’s next for the mansion. 20 | Conshy Courier| MontCoMedia.com | October 2017
L-R Barbara Clarke & Mia Williams Not pictured is Edward Hojnacki
Honoring Our School Custodians This year we honor our school custodians at Conshohocken Elementary. Often their work goes unnoticed, not this year. We caught up with the hard-working crew preparing ahead of opening day back in August. Thank you! Not pictured is Edward Hojnacki.
Rotary News CPW Rotary inducted two new members, Gary Buchert and Franklin Lan, on September 11, 2017.
CLASSIFIEDS PERSONALIZED
CHILDREN’S BOOKS • Many titles from which to choose.
WANTED
Customer Service Sales Associate
Email: TimelessTales@verizon.net
Farmers Chavarria Agency is seeking marketing/sales support from a highly motivated and energetic candidate to support the office growth. Office is located in Conshohocken on Fayette Street. Ideal candidate will have telemarketing experience and interest in exploring career options in insurance. Flexible schedule with 15-20 hours weekly with opportunity for full time position if growth supports the need. Please email your interest to MChavarria1@farmersagent.com
WANTED
COMPUTER OPERATOR
experienced playwright to offer guidance for new script.
Monitor & control electronic computer & peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering & other data according to operating instructions. Monitor & respond to operating & error messages. Enter commands at a computer terminal & set controls on computer & peripheral devices. Drug test & background check. Req. Bachelor's Degree in Engineering concentrated in Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering. Send resume: AMEKOR Industries, Inc. 500 Brook Rd., Conshohocken, PA 19428.
• Unique because they cannot be purchased in stores. Call Norma @ 610-761-2714
Call: 484-687-3475
PART-TIME HELP WANTED Walk dogs during the day From 10:30am—2:00pm Loretta Cleveland, CPDT 610-941-3687 www.ThePositivePooch.com
THE NEW AVON LLC SIGN UP Choose from 3 kits, starting at just $25, which give you all the essentials you need to get you up and running. SHARE Hand out Avon brochures to family and friends and put your free Avon E-Store to work so your customers can shop with you 24/7. EARN Work where you want, when you want and you can earn up to 40% on all sales and more than $1,000 in 90 days with our new Kickstart program www.AvonWithTeresa.com 860 -729 - 4922 AvonofPA@gmail.com
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October 2017 | MontCoMedia.com | Conshy Courier | 21
BEFORE YOU GO
Falling Leaves
By Pastor Bradley E. Lacey, First Baptist Church at Conshohocken They’re charming; are they not? Falling leaves, that is. I know that they make a mess, but they breed nostalgic reminiscences, just as spring flowers stir romantic feelings. I believe that it was Soren Kierkegaard who remarked that a young man’s thoughts looked earthward in spring and heavenward in autumn. Do allow, please, for this middle-aged man’s ramblings to be directed to earthly concerns but all the while be reflective of heavenly considerations. Black and White or Bust: I had thought that the racial divide was diminishing, but perhaps I am naïve. The eruption of racial tensions over the last several years has been terribly disheartening. Black lives do matter, but so do all lives, even lily-white ones like mine; similarly, white men have been complaining that they have been forgotten in recent decades, but it would be helpful to remember what black men and women endured for many decades prior to recent ones. Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned a day when the color of one’s skin wouldn’t matter. I believe that it will always matter, but for reasons other than the all-too-familiar ones that find their origins in the blight of racism. It is an aesthetic issue for me: I believe that black skin is beautiful. Two of my step-daughters are half-black, and they are lovely to behold. My other step-daughter is half-Egyptian, and she is, also. My grand-daughter is a quarter Irish, a quarter English, and half-black, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize a beautiful young girl when you see her. It is also a spiritual reality: The Kingdom of God is populated by men, women, and children of all races and ethnicities. Every tribe, nation, and ethnicity will be throwing their crowns at the feet of Jesus when all is said-and-done. My lovely little church, which will have a place at the crown-throwing ceremony, is comprised of black and white, Asian and Hispanic, and we have had Islander and Indian amongst us as well. We share partnership in the Gospel with two preponderantly African-American churches in town. I praise God for the riches of His mercy and grace that He has so adorned my life with such beautiful manifestations of His divine beauty. I wouldn’t have it any other way, and neither would God! Political Peregrinations: It’s a log road with no turns, as the old saying has it. The journey is long and often meandering in its way. Take our recent political history. Eight years of Bill Clinton, followed by eight years of George W. Bush, followed by Barack Obama for the next eight – and now, nearly one down and three, if not seven, to go with Donald Trump. Some of you thought you’d never see the end of President Clinton, Bush or Obama. Some of you similarly fret over the current occupant of the Oval Office. It really does appear to be a long road with no turns, doesn’t it? I encourage you, whatever your political affiliation: The country is greater than any one man, and God is greater than the country, even one as dear to us as our own. We would do well to heed the instruction of God’s Word: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and for all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight 22 | Conshy Courier| MontCoMedia.com | October 2017
of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2.1-4). It may run against the grain of our political flesh, but it is what God wants of us. Christians in Communist China want to be known as good citizens of China; hence, they pray for their leaders, notwithstanding the enmity of the political leadership towards the Gospel. Jesus taught us that prayer can move mountains, and we know that it can move God to change hearts. We would do well to pray for our governing leaders also – they certainly need it! Last Call: I am old-fashioned, so I would encourage you to find a good church near where you live. Make sure that it is grounded in God’s Word and that it is welcoming of newcomers. God honors those who honor Him, and if ever we needed His protective cover, it is now. Think of your children, given the current climate of threat and danger. They will need to know that there is something more than extra-curricular activities to whom and to which they may turn as crisis strikes. Think of your own souls. God has been so good to those of us who live amidst the comforts and the opportunities of the western world. It is behooving of us to be thankful and to worship Him. Our children have returned to school; let us, then, return to God’s House. An old-fashioned notion, to be sure, but a wise and good one. There is beauty to autumnal foliage, even as it falls, as there is wisdom to autumnal reflections, wisdom that is urgently needed as the world around us appears to be falling apart.
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