Both Chatham Park and Haverford Middle School PTOs sent emails asking for us to sign up our Giant cards to the A+ Rewards program. The emails pleas have been a bit on the desperate side, containing reports of low sign-up numbers so far. We here at Havertownies are typical Haverford Township residents, which means, we aren't about to do a bunch of investigative journalism and market research to figure out the reasons why the sign up numbers have been so low. We'd rather conjecture. Here are 3 reasons we imagine (read: made up) that the numbers are apparently a big FAIL: Everyone is afraid that the Giant shopping center will sink into the ground the exact moment they shop there. We all think that signing up our cards will mean we don't get our discounted gas or our free Turkeys! We're lazy as sh*t. Numero UNO We can't begin to Snopes out the urban legend underlying #1. We can tell you that more than 3 people have reported hearing the rumor from someone like their cousin's sister-in-law's boyfriend's niece. The story goes somewhat like this: The developer was in a big hurry to develop the quarry, and filled it in too quickly and shoddily. In fact, Lowes opened late because the foundation cracked! The whole shopping center will soon go up in a whole mess of Carrie-like into-the-depths-of-hell suckage (eeww, remember that scene at the end? *shudder* Wonder if the remake has that in it?). We haven't investigated the validity of the crack in the Lowe's foundation other than a Google search, which turned up bupkis. Havertownies are townies, after all, so we throw as much caution to the wind as is possible without pissing off the neighbors. So we go. We are particular to Chipotle and Panera... Numero DOS This concern is a bit more legit. None of the emails from the schools explained whether or not we Giant shoppers would be donating our accumulated shopping points to the school. Don't know about you, but we here at Havertownies like our shopping points … [Read more...]
MRSA in HMS
Just got an email from the Haverford Middle School. Turns out the NFL isn't the only organization with a bacterial problem. A student has been diagnosed with MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, colloquially pronounced "MERR-sahh" by the medical community). This is a very strong, antibiotics-resistant bacterial infection that can kill people. Although the numbers of deaths have decreased in recent years, it can still be a cause of death for the infected. It is not a very strong bacteria outside the body but it is still highly contagious in skin-to-skin contact and skin-to-surface contact (fabrics, toilet seats, etc.). The HMS sent out a notification, but the CDC says it is not necessary to close a school or even inform the public if a student is infected with MRSA: Closing a School Because of an MRSA Infection The decision to close a school for any communicable disease should be made by school officials in consultation with local and/or state public health officials. However, in most cases, it is not necessary to close schools because of an MRSA infection in a student. It is important to note that MRSA transmission can be prevented by simple measures such as hand hygiene and covering infections. Keep an eye out for red, swelling infections, and get more informed about MRSA. Scan the CDC website. Here's some more reading from trusted authorities: Maryn McKenna Superbug. (Click on this affiliate link to buy the book and help support this website). WIRED Science MRSA The attached PDF is a letter from Mr. Horan, HMS school Principal. He says they will be cleaning the school. He includes some preventative steps your child can take to help her avoid the infection: • Wash hands frequently using soap and warm water. • Shower immediately after all athletic practices and competitions. • Wash all practice gear immediately after game days and frequently after practices (including pads). • Do not share towels, razors or personal … [Read more...]
Chili Snobs, Unite
I hated chili as a kid. HATE. Like hide a full bowl behind a dining room bench pillow and run for the woods when a relative sits on it hate (that really happened). I hated chili, beef stew, stewed tomatoes, baked beans and kidney beans, to name a few. Of course, my mother loved all of these things, including liver, which I can't even begin to talk about. Today I still don't eat stewed tomatoes or kidney beans (or liver, but I'm not talking about that). I do LOVE a good chili concoction on top of nachos, especially if we're watching Eagles or Steelers football with friends! (not yesterday's game though. And boy oh boy is McCoy in trouble for all those times he left the ball on the field!) I may just make myself a tray of nachos and head over to the Library's Chili Cook Off on Sept. 22nd! Here are the details: 1st Annual Chili Cook Off Haverford Township Free Library Sunday, September 22 @ 4:00 pm $5.00/person or $15.00/family There will be cornbread, desserts and beverages served, all while listening to a live bluegrass, folk duo. (Guess chili isn't punk.) Stop on by! Think you can win this thing? Download a form and turn it into the front desk at HTFL. (Want your org's event on our blog or in the calendar? contact us!) photo credit: chili and cornbread by Serene Vannoy on Flickr, poster by HTFL … [Read more...]
7-11 & HPD are lookin’ for a robber guy
Official press release from the HPD: HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT 1010 Darby Road Havertown, Pennsylvania 19083 Official Press Release Robbery 7-Eleven Store 2606 Haverford Road On Thursday, September 12, 2013, at 0539 hours, the Haverford Township Police Department responded to a report of a robbery at the 7-Eleven Store located at 2606 Haverford Road, Ardmore, PA. Upon arrival, officers were informed by the store clerk that he was just robbed by a white male who implied that he was armed with a gun and demanded the money from the cash register. The store clerk handed over an undisclosed amount of currency to the male who then exited the store. He was observed fleeing the store on what appeared to be a bicycle heading towards the SEPTA bus route along Hathaway Lane. The actor is described as a white male with brown colored sideburns that attach to a goatee, and is believed to be approximately 5’9” – 5’10” tall. He was observed wearing a red Phillies T- Shirt, black shorts with a red stripe on the side, and a black baseball cap with a green emblem appearing to be a DC Shoes logo. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information, please contact the Haverford Township Police Department/ Investigations Division at 610-853-1298 ext.1230, Detective Johnson at 610-853-1298 ext.1234 or the H.T.P.D. Anonymous Tip-Line at 610-853-9213. Here are the pics: … [Read more...]
HMS 7th Heaven sang @ the Phillies!
On September 12 "7th Heaven," a select chorus of Haverford Middle School 7th & 8th graders, performed the National Anthem at the Phillies' game! Congrats to Jackie Serratore, 7th Heaven's coach, and to her students! HMS sent some official pics for Havertownies to share: … [Read more...]
West Nile Virus: Official case in HT
New from Rep. Greg Vitali: Haverford Twp. woman contracts West Nile virus On Sept. 11, the state Health Department confirmed that a Haverford Township woman was the latest to contract West Nile virus, bringing the total number of human cases in Pennsylvania to six. Other than saying that she began experiencing symptoms in late August, the department is not releasing further information. Bites from certain mosquito species carrying the West Nile virus can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. All residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of the disease. So far, 42 counties have been identified with the West Nile virus this year, with the human cases reported in Philadelphia, York, Delaware and Montgomery counties. The state is spraying to kill the mosquito population, but there are things you can do to deter mosquitoes from breeding and minimize your risks: • Dispose of cans, buckets and other containers and items that hold water, since stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed. • Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers. • Clean clogged roof gutters. • Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use. • Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes. • Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, • When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October. • Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. More information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control program is available online at www.westnile.state.pa.us. Greg Vitali State Representative 166th Legislative District … [Read more...]
Come network at the Library tomorrow morning!
The Haverford Township Annual Business Breakfast is being held tomorrow morning, Sept. 11, 2013 beginning at 7:30am. Bring your business cards, network, brainstorm and chat about all sorts of business subjects like how to get people to your website or which expenses to cut back on. If you're a freelancer, come and meet other freelancers and business people in the township. Dress is business casual and coffee, tea and continental breakfast will be provided. Stop by on the way to work! Last year the HTFL had around 100+ people show up, and it's bound to be a great event this year, too. Thanks to our generous sponsor for the Haverford Music Festival and this Business Breakfast, iradiophilly.com! Make sure to go and register at the HTFL's eventkeeper page. It's totally free! See you there. … [Read more...]
DUI Checks This Weekend
Starting last night, the area po po are out-n-about doing their jobs, conducting random DUI checks. Our Haverford Township police force are nice guys, as we at Havertownies know, after having had a few chances to meet officers (including the unfortunate incident of an accidental dial of 911 by a certain 9-month-old who shall remain nameless), but they are deadly serious about the perils of drinking and driving. Check out the press release, and then set up your designated drivers for Labor Day Weekend: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lieutenant Joseph Hagan 610.853.1298 x 1248 The Northern Delaware County DUI Taskforce will be conducting roving DUI patrols during the weekend of Friday, August 30, 2013 within its jurisdictional area. Havertown, PA - The Northern Delaware County DUI Taskforce is comprised of six municipalities - Haverford, Marple, Newtown, Radnor, Springfield and Upper Darby Townships. It has been in operation since September 2009 and has conducted 42 operations to date. The taskforce has arrested 90 drivers for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs, issued 33 citations for underage drinking, 474 citations and 576 warnings for other motor vehicle violations. The purpose of the Northern Delaware County DUI Taskforce is to save lives on the roadways and reduce injuries by aggressively enforcing DUI laws. Sobriety checkpoints are a proactive visual deterrent while also removing impaired drivers; roving patrols are traffic details with the main goals to spot and stop possible impaired drivers before they can cause harm to innocent unsuspecting motorists traveling on our roadways. The Northern Delaware County DUI Taskforce reminds all drivers over the age of twenty-one (21) to be responsible and NEVER operate a motor vehicle while impaired. Read carefully all instruction labels on prescription or over the counter medications and make arrangements prior to consuming alcohol for a designated driver. Don’t risk arrest, injury or … [Read more...]
Kids & Veggies: Jump 3x Before Carrots?
An NYT blog talks about a study where participants rated carrots as being yummier after doing silly rituals like bang the table three times before they ate the orange roots. The article outlines some other study results that suggest a "food ritual," even one as random as jumping up and down a few times, makes food seem more tasty. Researchers think the anticipation build-up is the key to adding the perceived flavor points: "The researchers found that even simple rituals, which they defined as 'a series of behaviors that are seemingly irrelevant to the act that follows,' like scraping wooden chopsticks together or tapping a soda can before pulling the tab, raised participants’ interest in what they subsequently ate or drank. And rituals appeared capable of enhancing the enjoyment not just of treats like chocolate or lemonade but even baby carrots." This makes me wonder if I shouldn't plan some odd tasks into the dreaded vegetable-eating portion of dinner. We all know the drill: we make vegetables and expect our kids to eat them. But alas, kids (and some more than others) are notorious for avoiding the bitter taste of veggies. I remember our H-town neighbors telling us that they'd try to get their kids to eat still-warm vegetables instead of waiting until the very last possible minute when the greens would be cold and soggy. Their kids waited every time though, hoping against hope that some miracle distraction would come and save them from their veggie-eating fate. It never happened. Every night turned into a royal Battle of Wills over the limp greens and roots. We haven't yet tried pureeing vege into desserts in this Havertownies household, but we're pretty close. We've added some daily vitamins as per the pediatrician's suggestion, but that doesn't seem the best way to instill healthy life habits in the kids. If you have any hints on getting kids to eat veggies, share them here or on the Havertownies Facebook Page! Photo Credit: dumbonyc … [Read more...]