The letter below has been making the rounds on Nextdoor.com and local Facebook pages. It is from Lt. Charles Moore from the Haverford Township Police Department and addressed to his boss, HPD's Chief Carmen Pettine. It contains information about the ongoing investigation of the burglaries that have plagued H-Town as of late. We here at Havertownies have substantiated the letter, its contents and the sender and receiver. It's legit. Remember, please call HPD to report any suspicious activity, even if you are only just a little bit wary. Don't talk yourself out of your instincts if something doesn't seem right. Just call 911. Another crime deterrent: know your neighbors. Keep in contact with them. A strong network is the best defense. ______________________ From: Lt. Charles Moore Date: July 24, 2014 at 7:52:32 AM EDT To: Carmen Pettine Subject: Burglaries Chief, While investigating the burglaries that have been happening in the Ardmore section of town a suspect was identified. This suspect sold several of the watches that were taken from one of the burglaries on Bryn Mawr Ave. to a Jewelry /Pawn shop located in Upper Darby Twp.( Some of which have been recovered). On Tues. 7-22 Upper Merion Twp. Arrested a Keith Morrison B/M age 24 for a burglary/home invasion that had occurred in their town. The characteristics of the burglary were identical to ours and the male arrested was the same person that we have identified as selling the watches in Upper Darby Twp. Our Detectives responded to Upper Merion Twp. and spoke with their detectives and interviewed Mr. Morrison. As a result of the interview and evidence already gathered we are preparing an arrest warrant charging Mr. Morrison with the Two burglaries on Bryn Mawr Ave. Although it is very likely that he is responsible for the other burglaries as well, (due to the timing and proximity to the Rt#100 line) we will continue to give extra attention to the area and follow up on all leads. Also, Mr. … [Read more...]
Friends of Haverford Trails Google Maps Bike Routes
The Friends of Haverford Trails sent out a how-to email with a step-by-step guide using Google Maps to highlight bike routes in the region. Here's how you do it (all quoted from the Friends of Haverford Trails email newsletter): The "Bicycling" layer of Google Maps highlights three types of facilities: readily bikeable trails, dedicated bicycle lanes, and bicycle-friendly roads. The roads indicated on Google Maps are generally selected for casual, local cycling. They avoid major roads with heavy traffic and high speed limits, mainly using pleasant residential “minor” roads that penetrate the neighborhoods, offer parallel alternatives to major roads, cross major roads at the best places, and/or go past parks, schools and other attractions. Roads shown specifically in Haverford Township match those roads, including bikeable major roads, which were identified in the analysis performed by the Haverford Walks and Bike committee and presented to our township's Board of Commissioners in October 2012. If you are a seasoned, experienced cyclist traveling longer distances, you will probably be comfortable on roads beyond those highlighted on the map. If you are not that comfortable with motor traffic, or are looking for a basis for discussion with younger bicyclists, you can use the map as a resource in your decision-making. Note that nearly all minor residential streets within our suburban neighborhoods are generally bike-friendly; we've just shown certain ones that work well as part of a larger network. To begin: Go to maps.google.com . On "Classic" Google Maps: (with a white area to the left of the map) 1. Search on “Haverford Township” or similar area. 2. Move pointer to “Traffic” box at upper right of map. 3. After box expands, click on down arrow. 4. Click on “Bicycling.” On the "New" Google Maps: (the map fills the whole window) 1. Search on “Haverford Township” or similar area. 2. Click on “Bicycling” below the search … [Read more...]
De-Xmas-ing
Stars are falling, angels are being stuffed into boxes, and lights are going out. It's the de-christmas-afying of Haverford Township. We're making better progress today than we predicted. What we thought would be a 3-day takedown will probably only amount to 2 broken days' worth. We've gotten everything off the upstairs tree and everything that is coming off the downstairs tree is boxed up (yes, we have TWO trees. More on this ridiculousness in a bit). Our upstairs tree is a balsam acquired on Dec. 8th at the Manoa Shopping Center Parking lot. It's still going quite strong. It's a shame to throw it out - it's even spawning new needles! Replanting a cut christmas tree isn't possible, but we may be able to get a cutting to work. Judging by the way our kids are talking about the environment and recycling, we'll soon be one of those weird families whose uncut tree come with a root bag. I'll have to construct a tree skirt out of old king size bed sheets. We'll need a jackhammer to get through the frozen topsoil to plant it. Our house will be easy to spot, though. In 10 years, the lawn will look like an abandoned pine project in some remote corner of Merry Place. Somehow the Christmas decor is getting more pervasive as our kids are growing. This year, our 8th-grader and 2nd-grader discovered the artificial tree we used as a carefree, apartment-dwelling couple in Center City. This artificial tree is about 20 years old, so no lights, no pre-assembly. All 4 of us spent 2 days bending and shaping the wired branches and finagling them down into their slots. We wired the 8-foot metal-and-paper monster up with white mini lights and real-tree discard decorations. We're going to take a hint from The Grinch and try to stuff the tree up (into the attic), assembled and pre-lit. This will probably not go well. The real tree is destined for the curb. We're lucky to live in Haverford Township, where Public Works collect and recycle xmas trees. The first pick-up will … [Read more...]
Halloween Decor Gone Bad
Guess this doc in Clifton, NJ (one of my husband's many hometowns) is running afoul of the law over his Halloween display. You read that right. Halloween. Not Christmas. How's that for scary? The bar's been raised while I was napping. That guy's almost arrested because of Halloween decorations and I have yet to bring down 1 fake pumpkin from the attic. And that will pretty much be the extent of our display. We have a few styrofoam tombstones that topple in the slightest of breezes. We have a ghost on a stick. A bale of hay. (Honestly, when did that trend start? What's scary about a bale of hay, except for all the little sheddy bits?) No East Wilmot Dead will be rolling in their graves over our ostentatious displays this All Saints Day. And this is a good thing. There are tiny kids on this street. Years ago when the college kid across the street was in middle school and our daughter was in preschool, the boy climbed the large tree in his front yard and with the help of his father, strung up a bloody, ravaged body by the neck. The "decoration" was of the adult-level scary that keeps your kid out of those strip mall pop-up Halloween stores. He and his father rigged a pulley system so the dummy could be lowered down to scare the Bejeezus out of tiny innocent trick-or-treaters and their none-too-amused parents. Naturally, our small daughter was haunted by the ghoulish creature, swaying in the wind from the tree that is directly in front of our living room window. She was very small, and asked us daily for the zombie to be taken down. We talked her through it until Halloween. We said the neighbors would take it down after that. Of course they didn't. The flesh-eaten, rotted and agape face stared at us for weeks. The leaves fell from the tree and the ghoul remained, rendering the scene in front of our house into something akin to The Others. We could not be in our living room without seeing it. Every breeze jostled the disgusting thing just enough to make … [Read more...]
Mismatched Sock Revolution?
For the past year or so, my fellow parents and I have noticed an epidemic of mismatched socks on the toes of our teens. The kids around here wear contrasting hosiery with pride. Like most parents, I poke my progeny for clues to keep me up-to-date on the latest trend amongst the teeny-bopper set (<-ha! I said teeny-bopper). So this morning when I witnessed one purple sock and one black and white striped sock on my HMS student's feet, I asked her, finally, what was up with this fad. "Fad?" she said with that less-than-subtle lilt of annoyance that is the Official Language of the Teendom. "It isn't a 'fad!' We're all just too lazy to find the matching pair." Oh and alas, no truer words were probably spoken. Yet, when we adults see fashion trends and other waves like this, we think there's some method behind their madness. It must be yet another cagey and crafty effort to sneak in a blow to the "man." Yeah. No. Just laziness. Which in itself is a pretty substantial blow to the man anyway. ... These children might be playing with us. Photo Credit: Fidelio (Gaby Av) on Flickr … [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...]
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...]
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...]