May 4 Screening of Doylestown Explorer William Geil is a Major Success

A nearly sold out County Theater showcased the story of a Doylestown local,, William Edgar Geil, a little known explorer . Geil wrote 10 books, including four on China, and traveled throughout Asia, Africa and the South Pacific. A film of his work was shown with a discussion at the County Theater. Ticket proceeds were contributed to the Doylestown Historical Society which has a research center dedicated to his work.

After Geil's death in 1925, his widow, Constance Geil, who lived in “The Barrens” estate in Doylestown Borough, packed away all of his photographs and research materials. “We had a period of 80 years from Geil’s death in which he fell into obscurity,” Judge Ed Ludwig, founder of Doylestown Historical Society said.

Following his widow’s death, a local rare book collector bought the Geil collection at auction. In 2007, his heirs donated the bulk of the explorer’s papers and photographs to the Society. Karl Stieg, a Doylestown native who lived for four years as a child in China and is local to Doylestown, shot thefilm on location in Doylestown and Beijing.

For more information about the standing Geil exhibit, visit the Doylestown Historical Society, 56 S. Main Street. Or check www.doylestownhistorical.org   

What the Gas Industry Doesn't Want You to Know

By Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers

A group of scientists from 22 universities sent a letter to the Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu, because of their concern that six of the seven people appointed to his Natural Gas Subcommittee had significant ties to the oil and gas industries. With Dr. Chu's resignation, the next Secretary of Energy is Ernest Moniz, whose work at MIT is funded by Big Oil and who is a strong proponent of natural gas. At present, the fracking industry is exempt from seven federal laws,including the Clean Water and Safe Water Acts and the Superfund Law regarding pollutants. More here: http://bit.ly/ZpSMmE

What If Children Mattered No Matter Where They Lived–and Died?

By Peter Hart 

Seeing the atrocity this way prioritizes issues like national security–and obscures the fact that children were killed in their sleep, and that the person alleged to have killed them was a member of our military.  This particular incident is, in some ways, just a more horrifying version of many others U.S. attacks that killed children in Afghanistan, or the drone attacks that have killed hundreds in Pakistan. Read more here: http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article33367.htm

 Chalfont Labryinth Walk in the Gloaming

As we gather silently at 4PM the Labyrinth on at 137 Callowhill Road in Chalfont, please be prepared to walk the path with your lantern or candle, says Beth, who is organizing the event. The gathering will be held at the gloaming, "the time between sunset and dark" she says.  Warm drinks, cookies and potluck will be served indoors.  In addition, monetary donations are being collected for families in Haiti. All are welcomed to this spiritually enriching event. For more information contact: at 215-822-2299 or Huldah44@Verizon.net

 Hurricane Jobs - $1000 Per Week in NJ

Call 904-797-5998 to apply. Room and board are being provided.

 Nov. 25th - 10 AM Sacred Paths Labyrinth Walk of Abundance at Michener

On Sunday, October 28th at 10 AM, all are invited to join the Sacred Paths labyrinth walk at the Michener Museum. Labyrinth walks offer a nature-based form of walking meditation that fosters personal intentions, growth and enlightenment.  

This walk continues to help to feed the hungry of Bucks County. Local food banks need 75% more items this year. Come to the labyrinth walk with packaged food products. Help to fulfill an objective of donating over a ton of food to help feed people.

Sacred Paths labyrinth walks also include a drawing to enter and win a community-blessed prayer shawl of comfort. The Sacred Path labyrinth walk is undertaken in the spirit of friendship. Please join us at The Michener Museum at the corner of Ashland and Pine Streets in historic downtown Doylestown.

Spiritually-based gatherings are held on the first three Sundays of every month by the Sacred Paths community at the Plumsteadville Grange, 5901 Easton Road in Plumsteadville, PA. Email SacredPathsHere@gmail.com

Sept. 12 - Supreme Court and Toll Brother Appeal To Develop Historic Land

By Carol Stuckley

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is scheduled to hear Toll’s Appeal on September 12, 2012. Darrell Zaslow, Esq. will represent the (Resident) Parties to the Appeal and it is our understanding that John Rice will represent Upper Makefield Township. The (Resident) Parties and Upper Makefield Township will be united against Toll’s appeal.

Please be advised that it is likely to take several months after the Court Hearing before we receive the final published DECISION from the Supreme Court. We will keep you informed of further progress as it occurs.

The legal issues at large, while directly and initially focused on preserving our community, are of paramount importance to the integrity of the judicial system throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the entire US. For more information email: carol.stuckley@gmail.com

August 26th - 10 AM - Another Popular Labyrinth Walk At The Michener Museum

On Sunday, August 26th at 10 AM, all are invited to another popular Labyrinth Walk at the Michener Museum. Members of the Sacred Path Community will be available for guidance before the walk.  A labryinth amulet prize will be part of a drawing. The labyrinth was built in Doylestown, PA on Pine and Ashland Streets as a result of a revival of interest in sacred arts, ceremonies and rituals. Labyrinths offer a nature-based form of pilgrimage that is associated with personal intent towards enlightenment. Contact SacredPathsHere@gmail.com.

Massive Natural Gas Pipeline Construction into busy Manhattan Begins Without Public Notice

The Spectra Energy pipeline was approved to connect New York City’s West Village and New Jersey to deliver 800 million cubic feet of Marcellus Shale natural gas to the area. Crews have begun prep work for equipment, according to the Sane Energy Project, which will be used to drill under the riverbed and start the process of laying the pipe itself. The group learned that the pipeline construction will commence on Ganesvoort and the Hudson River Greenway, near the West Side Highway and 14th Street.

 Pennsylvania Statehouse's Large Donations from Gas Drilling Industry

By Stephanie Spear

Top recipients of industry money given between 2000 and April 2012 were Governor Tom Corbett (R) with $1,813,205.59, Senate President Joseph Scarnati (R-25) with $359,145.72, Rep. Dave Reed (R-62) with $137,532.33, House Majority Leader Rep. Mike Turzai (R-28) with $98,600, and Sen. Don White (R-41) with $94,150. Read More: http://bit.ly/NDwZR5

China Rates the U.S. Human Rights Record

A day after the U.S. state department released its report about human rights violations in 200 countries, China issued it's own report about violations in the United States: "The United States has mighty strength in human, financial and material resources. However, American society is chronically suffering from violent crimes; its citizens' lives, properties, and personal security lack proper protection."  

Read more by Cory Suter: http://bit.ly/M8AnWU

"Caught red handed" purging voting records - Why?

By Bev Harris

Four hundred and eighty-eight voters, all but four lifelong Democrats, and nearly all Black, had their voting history erased by Shelby County (Memphis) election workers, setting them up for purge from the voter list. These selective alterations appear to target the race of US Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-09). More: http://bit.ly/KlNK4B

Community Groups CAN count the Vote

By Pat Beall and Adam Playford

In 2008, the Humboldt County Election Transparency Project did find something out of the ordinary: 197 ballots dropped by machines.

That led to an examination of the elections software used in Humboldt, about 200 miles north of San Francisco. So many problems were found, the system was decertified for use in California. It continues counting ballots in two Florida counties without incident, although a state Division of Elections advisory urged counties to get an upgrade. Read more: http://bit.ly/JgWWKu

Americans Overestimate the Cost of Installing Solar Panels

While only 3% accurately understand that installing solar can cost less than $1,000 upfront, 4 out of 10 U.S. Adults (40%) think it requires $20,000 or more in upfront costs, grossly overestimating the true cost of installing home solar, according to a SunRun poll. 

One option, installing solar can cost as little as zero dollars upfront using solar power service. Solar power service – also known as third-party-owned solar – has become the preferred way for some consumers to go solar in the nation’s leading solar markets.  In California for example, according to data from the California Solar Initiative (CSI) about three-quarters of those going solar choose solar power service. More here: http://smrt.io/JgE4Vi

June 3rd; 6th Annual Heritage Festival

The 2012 Haverford Music Festival, an all-day, family-oriented event, will present continuous live music with free admission to all venues from noon to 8 p.m.  Food, beverages and information are provided by festival vendors/sponsors. Native Americans activities will include storytelling, making hoop sticks, pony bead necklaces, face painting. friendship dance and display of Native American items. As the festival organizer, the Haverford Township Civic Council benefits from festival proceeds and uses those proceeds to fund community-based programs in Haverford Township. For more information, contact: http://bit.ly/IqLfxE

Doylestown Airport Runway Expansion by Authorities Who Are Pilots

Geoffrey A. Graham, Solicitor, Lou McKay and Fred Beans, members of the Bucks County Airport Authority Board were present at the Buckingham Supervisors meeting with Jon Forest, to discuss proposed changes to the Doylestown Airport property.  Many are pilots who park planes at Doylestown Airport and have an interest in airport expansion.

The current proposal they presented indicates that  720 feet to runway 5 (that end of the runway closest to Doylestown Borough).

Residents uncovered documents in 2005 that revealed earlier plans to convert Doylestown Airport into a jetport with major disturbances to the quality of life in Bucks County.  This was a proposed runway expansion to accommodate jets that as a regional jetport for Philadelphia Airport that required an extended runway into local roads and pedistrian areas, noise abatement, treetop cutting and fuel dumping of low flying small jets.  

Mr. McKay said in January, 2012 that the airport would continue operating as it does now, but that the demographics for the use of the airport are evolving due to the price of fuel remaining high, and that will change who flies in the future. Join the meeting on April 25th, 7:30PM at the Buckingham Township Building, 4613 Hughesian Drive to contribute your comments.

“No New Permits” Call Today Against Water Withdrawals from the Susquehanna Basin

By Iris Marie Bloom

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission has been busy rubber-stamping four-year, multimillion gallon water withdrawal permits to fracking companies at each of its quarterly meetings. This accelerates fracking, and no cumulative impact study's been done.

 NVDA Training: There will be a training for non-violent drect action the night before the meeting in Harrisburg. Get more details and sign up for the training - more here: http://savethesusquehanna.wordpress.com/sign-up-for-the-eventtraining/

Email: protectingourwaters@gmail.com  call 215.840.6489 

Sunday, March 25th 12N - Play with Your Muse

Rev. Edie Weinstein, author of "Bliss Mistress" will present Spring Awakening on Sunday, March 25.  As the Winter chill gives way to the warmth of Spring and the Equinox just passed, it's the perfect time to celebrate the seeds you have planted in earlier stages in your life. This presentation invites you to interact with the 'you' that may have let your dreams slumber and is waking up to the wonder of re-birth. It includes exercises that invite your creative Muse to come out and play.

Contact:  Natalie Joy Kaye - 215-579-1836 

Online Dating Makes People Picky and Unrealistic

Searching through the web for seeking a "soul mate" focuses more on faults in both viewing profiles and in person. This leads to quick exits when the relationship gets complicated. More:

http://science.slashdot.org/story/12/02/08/1324241/study-online-dating-makes-people-picky-and-unrealistic

Ohio's Republican Sec. of State Calls for Repeal of His Party's Election Reform Bill

"I would rather have no bill than one with a rigid photo identification provision that does little to protect against fraud and excludes legally registered voters' ballots from counting" said Ohio Secretary of State John Husted.  He asked the Ohio state legislature to repeal their controversial Election Reform Bill rather than see a referendum by voters in November.

More: http://bit.ly/yVzkx2

Lead Toxicity and General Aviation Airports

Submitted by Mike Barnes

Earthjustice recently filed a notice of intent to sue, and are hoping to file suit within the next month. As they prepare for this filing, they are reaching out to individuals and organizations who are concerned about lead poisoning and aviation pollution. 

Despite the elimination of lead from motor vehicle gas and the widespread acknowledgment that no quantity of airborne lead can be deemed safe, airplanes continue to emit tons of lead every year. The impacts of these emissions are particularly strong in communities near airports. Over 20,000 airports still use leaded avgas, and millions of people in nearby communities suffer the consequences. The community around Portland-Hillsboro Airport is particularly at risk, as Portland-Hillsboro is responsible for over 1,000 pounds of annual lead emissions.

Contact:  Avi Allison, Earthjustice Legislative Assistant, T: 212-791-1881 ext. 8230.

Live TV Broadcast of Redistricting Plan Court Hearing

PCN to do live television broadcast of redistricting plan court hearing next week. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Tuesday announced it has agreed to allow the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) to televise the court‚s Jan. 23 oral argument session on the state's legislative redistricting plan. According to the court, PCN asked for permission to air the proceeding live as opposed to the usual practice of recording the sessions for future broadcast. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Supreme Court's Harrisburg courtroom on the 4th floor of the state Capitol‚s Main Capitol Building. The court notes that observers will be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis.  More here: http://www.fairshapepa.org/

Former Chase Bank Exec Admits Banking Industry Caused Mortgage Mess

James Theckston says borrowers made poor decisions but that bankers were pressured from the top to produce no stated income on faulty mortgage applications according to NYT Op-Ed Column.

Read More Here: http://nyti.ms/zh16Au

Big Banks Cause 67 PA Counties to Lose Millions in Mortgage Recording Fees says Lawsuit

The first lawsuit has been filed in the state of PA against a bank over the issue of failing to record mortgages bundled into mortgage-backed securities through MERS (Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems). MERS is a private company that was set up by big banks.

MERS had already been blamed for confusing and clouding millions of property titles, and causing people to lose their homes through a faster foreclosure process and contributing to the US financial crisis. http://bit.ly/skJYBU

Washington County is seeking a class action suit for restitution of $100 million in fees in counties across Pennsylvania.  Evie Rafalko McNulty, president of the Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds Association and the recorder in Lackawanna County estimated that Lackawanna County, where Scranton is the county seat, lost $1.3 million in recording fees.

Read more here:  http://bit.ly/trqr95

Voting Booth and Ballot Box Seals are Not "Tamper-proof"

Tamper-evident seals on voting machines and ballot boxes are used by many states’ election officials. Seals are intended to protect from fraudulent modification. They also are there to protect paper ballots from fraudulent substitution or stuffing. 

Oct. 21, 5-9PM - Opening of Arts Exhibit at Greenshire Artist Community 

Join the Greenshire Arttist Community  for an exciting exhibit featuring Solebury Sculpture Ashley Saunders, exhibiting his  "imagines in bronze".  Exhibiting Artists: Also showing are Alix von Auenmueller, Ron Bevilacqua, Taryn Day, David Ellsworth, Wendy Ellsworth, Edgar Hall, Nancy Hill, Mark Ludak, Robert Noonan, Colleen O'Brien, R. Woolstan Rapp and Amy Schuler, sharing their creative works: wood sculpture, fine wood turning, bead art, oil, mixed media, photography, and pottery.

3620 Sterner Mill Road • Quakertown, PA 18951

Bucks County League of Women Voters Sponsor Two Candidates Forums

Monday, October 10, a forum featuring candidates running for Newtown Borough Council will be held at the Chancellor Center, 30 N. Chancellor Street in Newtown.  The forum is from 7:30 to 9:00 P.M.  Candidates in attendance include Larry Auerwick, Robert King, Gerald O’Malley, John Salvatore, Mike Sellers, and Julia Woldorf 

The second forum is Friday, October 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Water Wheel Restaurant, 4424 Old Easton Road in Doylestown.  This forum, co-sponsored with the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce will feature candidates running for County Commissioners:  Diane Ellis-Marseglia, Det Ansinn, Charles Martin, and Rob Loughery.

Citizens are encouraged to attend to learn more about the candidates.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. Call 215.230.9986 for membership information.

October 25th -  Skill Sharing & Family Potluck - Transition Town Media

Transition Town Media will be hosting another tasty potluck dinner on Tuesday October 25th from 6-9pm, at the Media Recreation Center, between 3rd & 4th Streets, and Jackson & Monroe.  This month’s theme is re-skilling, and will include demonstrations from skilled local artisans.  

Featured skills will include growing and using herbs (culinary and medicinal), furniture making, weaving and other fabric arts, fermentation, and others.  Between the delicious food, and the varied demonstrations, this is sure to be a family friendly event, so bring the kids, as well as a dish to share.  For more information on the topic of re-skilling.

More here:  http://www.transitiontowntotnes.org/thegreatreskilling/home

Five Year Old Doylestown Girl Tries Weather Reporting

 http://bit.ly/oV3dMG

Citizens Rally  Against Cong. Mike Fitzpatrick's Stance on Jobs Creation and Retention

The gathering of 100 citizens in front of Cong. Mike Fitzpatrick's office in Doylestown is the highlight of months long activities to showcase the needs of people in Bucks County, PA.  Penn Action, a citizens action group, had visited the Congressman's office five times with letters from constituents asking for a series of town halls dedicated to his vote to defund Medicaid, privatize Medicare and repeal the Affordable Care Act.  Although each time they specified their issues, he was often not available to address their concerns. 

 Pittsburgh City Council Votes to place Community Bill of Rights and Ban on Gas Extraction on  Ballot in November

By Ben Price

On Monday, August 1^st, Pittsburgh City Council, by a vote of 6-3, approved the placing of a referendum question on the November ballot that will allow City residents to amend the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter. The proposed amendment includes a Community Bill of Rights, and a ban on extraction of natural gas within the City to protect those rights. Council members voting in favor of the measure were Burgess, Harris, Kraus, Peduto, Rudiak and Shields. Voting against the measure were Dowd, Kail-Smith and Lavelle.

Pittsburgh is a home rule city. This means it creates its own laws on any topic not exclusively regulated by the state. 

Contact: mailto:benprice@celdf.org

July 23rd 7PM - Meeting About Cong. Fitzpatrick's April 15 vote to end Medicaid

By Robin Stelly 

This public meeting to explore the ramifications of Cong. Fitzpatrick's April 15 vote to effectively end Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act.  The meeting will be held at Pennswood Village Game Room, 1382 Newtown Langhorne Road, Newtown, PA. Participants will be talking about the deficit and ways to reduce it beyond destroying America's safety net 

 Video:  Patriotic Millionaires Demand to be Taxed!  Watch Here

Perplexed over laws that protect against fair taxation, millionaires call themselves "patriotic' and have their say:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqIgb48iq6w

Gas Drilling Connected to Nearby Earthquake

The second quake to strike Lancashire, England since April, has experts speculating that it may be a result of the controversial practice.  Dr. Richard Dixon, spokesperson for environmental group WWF Scotland said: "Whether the shale gas drilling and the earthquake are linked certainly needs investigated. However, we already know enough about the environmental problems associated with fracking to know that it should be banned in Scotland."  http://bit.ly/j2cfbe

 Mayor Speaks; He Quit his job after Nosebleeds were Reported Following Fracking

By Former Mayor Calvin Tillman of Dish, TX 

It has now been one year since we had the ordeal that would forever change our lives.  This was the results of an entire week of my two young children having frequent nose bleeds while they were sleeping at night.  These incidents coincided with strong odor from the natural gas compression station and processing facility in our area.  

It was at this point when me and my wife made a decision to put our home on the market and move from DISH.  This was a very tough decision and one that me and my family put a tremendous amount of thought and effort into. I often ask people, "what would it take for them to uproot their family and move away"?  While considering that, think about how much time and effort I have put into this little community.  This community was a big portion of my life for six years, and that is difficult to walk away from.  Also, I believe I made a difference in those six years.  Although we were well known for changing the name of our community, and our public battle with the natural gas industry, we accomplished so much more.

We cut the town's debt by over 50%, built a very nice municipal park and library which provides computers with internet access to the community, as well as wii fit systems to area residents.  We also have won the Governor's challenge on fitness four of the six years I was involved and two of the four years I served as mayor.  Another proud moment was when we installed solar panels on our municipal building.  We did all of this without raising taxes or putting undue burden on the taxpayers.  Another thing that I am very proud of, is that we partnered with area churches to develop programs to help our area youth.  This was very successful and well attended by our area youth.  However, the thing that I am most proud of, is that we came together as a community and stood shoulder to shoulder to protect our turf.  For these reasons, it was an extremely difficult decision to walk away from; to ensure my children's health, I did just that.

We have also managed to get some improvements on the natural gas processing facility and compression stations.  However, there are still some needed improvements, and I will continue to support the citizens of DISH TX in making this facility as good as it can possibly be.  I did not want to move from DISH, but rather felt that I had no other viable option.

Although, I have moved out of DISH and off of the Barnett Shale, I will still be very involved in the issues surrounding natural gas production, as well state and local politics on a variety of subjects including private property rights, and holding our state agencies accountable.  Even as a private citizen, I hope to make a difference both in the State of Texas and around the country.  We are also fine tuning how Shaletest.org will work around the country.  We expect to make big strides with Shaletest.org in the near future.

You will not see me running for higher office anytime soon.  I am thankful to those who have urged me to take that step; however, at the moment, I think that I can make a bigger difference in my current roles.  After spending the last few months dealing with the legislative session here in Texas, I have little confidence that I could make a difference there.  I also have a family that have sacrificed a great deal over the last six years and I have a lot of making up to do.  So I will choose my roles very carefully and do my best to make a difference.

I am still speaking and have done several events recently, telling my experiences and discussing Shaletest.org, which also has a mission to educate the public on shale gas issues.  However, I am limiting myself to one weekend a month to do these type of events.  Please see Shaltest.org, to schedule an event with me or other members of the Shaletest.org team.  I still do not charge a speaking fee and never will, and hopefully our story can be helpful to others around the country.

Another thing that I would like to do in the future is a series of videos that dissects a portion of this issue and discuss steps I believe we need to take to improve the situation.  I will try to do a couple of these a month as my schedule permits.  If someone has something in particular you would like me to discuss on camera in one of these videos, I would certainly do that.  Perhaps I could even talk about something specifically, that you could show your local officials or other groups.  I will let you, let me know, what you would like in that area.  I would like to thank the citizens of DISH, and others around the United States as well as the world who have supported me and my family through all of this.  Please know to all of you that have adopted me as your mayor, that I am still your mayor and will support you however you need me too.  Thanks again.

Calvin Tillman
Former Mayor, DISH, TX
(940) 453-3640

  How Fracking Threatens Your Food; Petitions Downloadable

June 20 - Trenton Statehouse - Citizens meet up to oppose contamination of local food and water. Food and Water Watch dot org posts national downloadable petition. Click here for upcoming meet up details:

http://bit.ly/ifkGVC

The group reports that the region's large fresh water supply that serves 15 million people, is  targeted by global gas drilling companies.  Fresh water helps companies to push gas from porous rocks two miles underground.  Now Foodandwaterwatch.org urgse scientists to look at the effect on food grown on nearby farms.  The process is called "horizontal drilling" -- which the industry nicknamed "fracking" because it cracks the rock that contains the gas.  Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on lobbying for the fracking of local waters.  Food and Water Watch says there is nothing natural about the process that uses 500 chemicals that seeps into water and food, and alters the ozone.

A letter from Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) to the EPA urges further study, including the role of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank in maintaining records.  The article notes the reluctance of the U.S Department of Agriculture to study the effects of fracking on agriculture.

Salon:  http://www.salon.com/life/sustainable_food/index.html

http://www.populist.com/

Gas Pipeline Company is given Eminent Domain Status in PA

Citizens Voice.com

News writer David Falchek reports that Laser Northeast Gathering will be declared a worthy recipient of eminent domain rights to condemn private property after a narrow vote. Rejecting Judge Colwell's legal reasoning, the Public Utilities Commission majority sent the recommendation back with a minor assignment: Determine if granting a certificate of public convenience is in the public interest.

In opposition, Bucks County's own former Commissioner, now PA's Lt. Governor, James Cawley, warned of "grave implications for individual Pennsylvanians and their communities." He said his colleagues' decision would upset the balance in easement negotiations, giving more power to pipeline companies. http://bit.ly/lWkxfn 

Lt. Gov. Cawley (717) 787-3300

Your Government Contacts:

http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/contactus/

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/ - Public Utility Commission Website

http://bit.ly/lpps8J - Your State Legislators' Email Addresses

Middle Class Warriors Storm J.P.Morgan Chase Stockholder's Meeting

Organizers say 100's of clergy, homeowners, businessmen and union members from across Ohio gather to have their voices heard. Citizens support further investigation of Chase's role in unfair lending practices that contributed to mortgage crisis.   More here: http://bit.ly/mpSTnu

Federal Agency Rules Boeing Can't Move Plant to Avoid Union

By Mike Elk

The CEO of Boeing--one of the chief executives, not the CEO, said that the reason they wanted to move the plant to S.C. was because the workers went out on strike and Boeing didn't want to have to deal with the union. Now, the National Labor Relationship Board has ruled, has issued basically the equivalent of an indictment, saying that this is illegal, a corporation cannot do this, this is a violation of the National Labor Relations Act. By threatening somebody's ability to strike, by doing retaliatory things like moving a factory if workers strike, you are limiting their ability to collectively bargain.  Read here: http://bit.ly/jDGn2t

Citizens Win Victory to Restore D.E.P. Inspectors of Marcellus Shale Drilling

By Jerry Silberman

In case you missed it... we won!  DEP rescinded the policy we've been campaigning so hard for them to rescind.  You did it, we all did it together. We have restored the authority of DEP inspectors to issue violation notices against Marcellus Shale gas drillers without waiting for political approval.  Is it possible that carrying out three demonstrations in one week had something to do with it, along with our ongoing fax and phone call campaign?  You bet!  

With a large demonstration in Philadelphia Saturday April 23rd (300); a large demonstration in Harrisburg on April 27th (150 on a weekday!); we had an impact! While 60 people demonstrated outside, offering "frack water" to passersby for a taste test and otherwise engaging the general public, we sent a delegation of eight people inside, carrying our sharply worded letter to Governor Corbett insisting that the policy be rescinded.  We spoke to the director of the Governor's office about the barium poisoning in Bradford and other counties; the arsenic poisoning in southwestern PA, urged a moratorium, and absolutely demanded the DEP inspectors' authority be restored.  The very next day, it was.  More below:

http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/pennsylvania-dep-rolls-back-approval-process-for-shale-violations/

More than 55,000 Sign Petition to Save Medicare

Instead of ending Medicare without a challenge, 55,000 are opposing the Republican led initiate by exercising their right to be hard.

When Republicans tried to privatize Social Security, Americans halted the plan.  Now people want others to know that the mission to save Medicare is just as critical.

Before one more safety net program is destroyed, a series of senators are supporting this petition.  See more> http://www.medicarenotmillionaires.com/  

Fracking Hazard in Pennsylvania- Video

http://www.wnep.com/wnep-brad-leroy-gas-drillingemergency20110420,0,1884646.story

Gas Driller Chemicals Were Injected Into Wells, Report Says

The chemicals have been used by companies during the drilling process that seep into rock formations deep underground. The report by Congressional Democrats, released late Saturday, also faulted companies for at times “injecting fluids containing chemicals that they themselves cannot identify.”

More>http://bit.ly/dWSYJN 

Globalist Drilling Companies Score Big, but Americans Not Told the True Costs  and Damage of Massive Drilling

By David Horn

House Resolution 1380, given the feel-good moniker of the "New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act " or "NAT GAS Act," was announced on Wednesday, April 6, in the U. S. House of Representatives.The bill is 24-pages long and rewards the fracking industry with tax credits and products to help "drive" consumption. The bigger the vehicle, the more tax credits given.

Spearheaded in Congress by Reps. John Sullivan (R-Ok), Dan Boren (D-Ok), John Larson (D-Ct), and Kevin Brady (R-Tx) and 77 co-sponsors. 

By Ben Geman

Cornell University professors will soon publish research that concludes natural gas produced with a drilling method called “hydraulic fracturing” contributes to global warming as much as coal, or even more. The conclusion is explosive because natural gas enjoys broad political support – including White House backing – due to its domestic abundance and lower carbon dioxide emissions when burned than other fossil fuels. More:  http://bit.ly/heqpLV

See Proposed Bill: 

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr1380ih/pdf/BILLS-112hr1380ih.pdf

House of Representatives Contact Information:

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Gas Driller Alters Land after the Property Owner says,"No"

By David Barndt

I was contacted and met with Triana Energy’s representative Mark Moyer the last week in October, where he explained they wanted to build a 14 acre water impound pond and an 8+ acre drilling pad site. He brought with him a surface land agreement for me to sign and put “whatever amount of money I would like”. I guess he thought I would sign but I DID NOT sign anything.

One month later I get a call from Mark Moyer saying they are going to start the drilling pad site and removing the timber, I said NO. One week after that he calls again with the same statement and I said NO. Then came the second week in December I get a call from a neighbor they are timbering the roadway and pad site. I drove the 230 miles up there and the timber is gone. After they took the timber an offer was made of 1000 dollars plus little for damages and I said no because the timber was worth more than that.

Since that period of time they drilled a gas well and now proposed a 24,000 square foot refining station that will take more land,

Timber removed, fencing and power poles added to the middle of my property. Let's not forget they have NO surface right agreement.  I asked Mark Moyer a simple question, who pays the tax on this refining station on my property and his reply was “you do”. I am sure they will handle this exactly the same way they handled the drill pad. They will just do it without my knowledge.

Attached are some articles in the local newspaper and another one to be printed for this week.

            Hebron Township property owner looking for answers – 3/25

            Residents address drilling concerns- 2/23

The bottom line is I need help. I don’t have a lot of money to fight a large corporation that is pushing a property tax payer around.

If you could help me in anyway, whether it’s directing me to the proper organization or law office that is passionate about what’sEthically right I would appreciate it.

Please forward this to anyone you feel would be interested. If there are any questions please contact me anytime.

Best regards,

David 

[mailto:barndtdavid@comcast.net]  

National Natural Landmarks Photo Contest

By Gary Stoltz

Spring has sprung, which means it is time to grab the camera, get outside and take advantage of that extra daylight. Entries are now being accepted until June 30, 2011 for the 8th annual National Natural Landmarks Photo Contest. We are seeking images that highlight the diverse and significant natural features of the designated 586 National Natural Landmarks (NNLs). Once again, each entrant is allowed to submit up to three photos depicting different NNL sites (not featured in large format in the current year's calendar). More than 8,000 copies of the 2011 calendar, featuring five Northeast NNL sites were distributed nationwide.

Winners will be announced in September and the top 13 winning photos will be displayed in the special edition 2012 calendar, commemorating the NNL Program's 50th anniversary (1962-2012). Please visit  http://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/photocontest.cfm for official entry rules and form, and to view winning photos from previous years. There is also a public flyer available for download, if you wish to further advertise the contest in your park/office/community. 

Gary M. Stolz, Refuge Manager
U..S. Fish & Wildlife Service
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153
215-365-3118 office
610-804-3552 cell

Bucks Neighbors Vanquish Toll Brothers

By Carol Stuckley 

After a very long battle before the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board, then in the Court of Common Pleas and most recently in Commonwealth Court, we just today received notification that the “residents” have vanquished Toll and their scores of lawyers in our battle to remove the high density rezoning provisions to specific land parcels (controlled by Toll) granted by certain supervisors back in 2006.  The proposed high density rezoning affects land parcels in Upper Makefield and Newtown townships (i.e. the White and Melsky Tracts).

The battle is not yet over as Toll could appeal all the way to the PA Supreme Court (they did so before and lost to the township and neighbors in the historic Dolington Land case).  If Toll does not appeal the Commonwealth Court’s decision, we the neighbors, and the townships will be back in front of the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board to contest the validity of the FCO high density rezoning ordinance.

Many thanks to all of you for your continued encouragement and support over this long and arduous five year period.  We look forward to your continued support as we battle for justice and for the preservation of our townshipand quality of life, in opposition to the boundless greed of developers.

"Community Visionaries" Event Major Success

Cheltenham Transition Towns honored six community enterprises for outstanding efforts towards sustainability. s:  Showing off their "reusable" awards from Transition Cheltenham: Steve Strahs, Citizens Call, an online local news website; Diane Williams, LaMott Community Garden Group; Susan Myerov, Tookany-Tacony Frankford Watershed Partnership; Bill Mettler presented the awards on behalf of Transition Cheltenham; Olga McHugh, Cheltenham Chamber of Citizens; and Cynthia Blackwood, Friends of High School Park and co-chair of Arts in the Park.  

The event, held on March 13th, celebrated Cheltenham Transition Towns becoming the 78th official Transition Towns group to be established in the U.S.  Ten "Action Tables" held everything people needed to know to get involved in the issue of their choice in their communities.  As usual, Cheltenham had some of the finest food around as part of a pot luck supper, from curries to vegan and desserts that compete with the highest-end restaurants in the nation.  Bucks Transition Group was on hand to help with the festivities as was other members from Transition Towns groups in Media and Philadelphia.  

Please go to www.transitioncheltenham.org for full details 

Feb 19th Delco Environmental Fair

http://delcoenvironmental.tripod.com/

 All day session on pressing matters and plans for environmental matters that concern residents of the Delaware Valley region.  Here is the schedule:

Washington Crossing Dress Rehearsal!

Dec. 12th - Join the Annual Rehearsal of the troops crossing of the Delaware in preparation for the glory of Gen. George Washington and his troops historic feat on Christmas Day.  Donations will be collected.

July 3 - Washington Crossing Park Reopens

One State Park Ranger shared his hope that Washington Crossing Park would become a part of the Pennsylvania Park Service which manages all of the Delaware Canal Park in Bucks County which is adjacent to Washington Crossing Park.   Meantime, the park will be reopened days ahead of celebrations of the Fourth of July.

http://www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing/