Hundreds support Hope for Hannah

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Posted: Thursday, April 17, 2014 10:43 pm | Updated: 11:13 pm, Thu Apr 17, 2014.

By Diane Davies-Dixon Correspondent

Not all fundraisers require a traffic director. However, Hope for Hannah did.

Orange cones and a whistle slowed traffic to allow for safe crossing.

On Thursday, JoJo’s ice cream shop on New Falls Road in Falls held a fundraiser for a little girl known in the Facebook community as Hope for Hannah or Hannah Bear.

Bundled in her zebra-striped blanket and sporting one of her knit hats and pink sunglasses, Hannah Ginion captured the hearts of everyone who met her.

Music played as the parking lots filled. Parking lots near the store were packed.

In June 2013, Hannah was diagnosed with a rare and fatal strain of leukodystrophy, also called Krabbe (pronounced Crab A) and Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy, a genetic disorder that affects the central and peripheral nervous systems, according towww.huntershope.org.

Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon
Vicki Pizzullo and Hannah Ginion

She was given a life expectancy of only 13 months to two years.

On Jan. 15 she celebrated her first birthday.

Hundreds of community members came out to JoJo’s to support Hannah and her family in their quest to spread awareness of Krabbe and raise money, which they did to the tune of $7,400.

Hoping to collect 15 to 20 baskets to raffle off, Hannah’s mom, Vicki Pizzullo, was overcome by the support her family received from people who don’t even know them.

“We have over 80 baskets and a flat-screen TV, all donated,” said Pizzullo.

Photo By Diane Davies-Dixon
Hannah Ginion

“This is an amazing community,” said Pizzullo. “They have always been so supportive.”

After working at the same place for 15 years, Pizzullo had to quit so she could stay at home with Hannah.

“You have to know what is going on with your baby,” said Pizzullo.

Now her time is dedicated to caring for Hannah and advocating to get a bill passed in Pennsylvania that would require newborns be screened for Krabbe.

“The community has been amazing writing the senators to have this put on the agenda,” Pizzullo said. “They just have to keep writing to them.”

JoJo’s owner, Debra Lee Kalbach, presented Pizzullo with flowers for her efforts in support of “Hannah’s Law.”

“There may be no cure for Hannah. But there can be for you,” she told those who gathered for the event.

Elmo, a big fan of Hannah’s, stopped by to say hi and pose for photos with the rest of Hannah’s fans.

Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon
Ashley Vitale sings ROAR to Hannah

A DJ entertained the crowd with dance music and a balloon twister twisted up some crazy creations.

All of the funds raised from basket raffles and 20 percent from ice cream sales goes to Hannah.

For more information on Krabbe, visit www.huntershope.orghttp://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/communities/falls/hundreds-support-hope-for-hannah/article_8a2766c7-8e5d-5029-997a-09c2532292a5.html

From Santa with love: A special first Christmas

By Diane Davies-Dixon

Santa Claus hitched a ride to the Farmbrook section of Levittown in Bristol Township on Saturday to visit a very special, sick little baby.

Hannah Ginion, also known in the Facebook community as Hannah Bear from Hope for Hannah, will be celebrating her first Christmas this year with family and friends.

But future Christmas celebrations are uncertain for the little girl.

Diagnosed in June with Krabbe, a genetic disorder that affects the central and peripheral nervous systems, Hannah was given a life expectancy of 13 months to two years. She will celebrate her first birthday on Jan. 15.

"We have amazing support from the community,” said Vicki Pizzullo, Hannah’s mom, while holding back tears.

Photo of Hannah Ginion by Diane Davies-Dixon

“When we were first told she was dying we thought we would be all alone,” said Pizzullo, her voice cracking with emotion.

Before Santa and his friends with the Levittown Fire Co. No. 2 of Bristol Township and Edgley Fire Co. of Tullytown visited, Hannah’s big sisters Samantha Dydak, 11, and Faith Dydak, 13, patiently awaited his arrival.

Samantha was excited for Hannah to meet Santa.

Although it was the first day of winter, it felt more like the first day of spring as the leftover snow was melting away, leaving puddles of mud.

But the weather was perfect for Hannah to be outside dressed in her “Santa loves me” shirt and red tulle skirt, while awaiting her special visitors.

The family is very cautious about taking her out and risking her becoming more ill.

Just after 2 p.m., the sound of motorcycles revving their engines could be heard, followed by the sound of sirens blaring from afar.

Neighbors, family and friends of Hannah’s circled around her, some of them dressed in their Hope for Hannah shirts.

And then the visitors appeared, a parade of supporters dedicated to Hannah. Children marched down the street displaying a banner that read “Hannah you are OUR hero! –- Your friends at the Edgely and Levittown Fire Companies.”

Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon

Joining them were the Hellraisers motorcycle club, choir members from Neil A. Armstrong Middle School and Harry S. Truman High School, Elmo, Boomer -- the Trenton Thunder mascot, and others.

As the choir sang “Jingle Bells” and “Joy to the World,” Santa stood by Hannah and her parents jingling his bells and singing to her. Then the community joined in. Many of the singers had tears streaming down their cheeks.

“Words can’t describe how nice this is,” said Justin Ginion, Hannah’s dad.

He also echoed Pizzullo’s comment about feeling all alone in this fight at one time, but now seeing that they have the love and support of the community and family to help them stay strong.

Community members took turns walking up to Vicki Pizzullo and giving her gifts for Hannah.

The Levittown Rescue Squad donated a back-up suction machine, which Hannah’s life depends on. Hannah once had her machine break and had to wait hours for a new one.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Pizzullo accepted the gifts through tears with a smile.

Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon

The Levittown firefighters donated a Christmas tree to the family a few weeks ago and decided to work together with their Edgely counterparts to bring even more Christmas cheer to Hannah’s home, according to Carl Pierce, chief of Edgely Fire Department.

Before the community parted, Pizzullo thanked them.

“We are looking forward to Christmas and making the best of it,” said Pizzullo. “She’s our angel.”

“Her sisters are so brave and strong for being so little.”

Amazed by the support from the community from the very beginning, the family is grateful for the memories the community is helping them create, said Annemarie Jordan, Hannah’s grandmother.

“These are nice memories to look back on,” said Jordan. “We are so thankful to everyone who came out.”

http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/communities/bristol/from-santa-with-love-a-special-first-christmas/article_9c7665a7-b53c-54e4-88d7-263a71c3d006.html

Never to early to start saving

By Diane Davies-Dixon

Save, save, save.

It is never too soon to learn how to manage money and save.
That was the message from a group of five girls from St. Andrew Elementary School in Newtown Township who discussed the financial literacy skills they have learned in an address to the Rotary Club of Langhorne and guests.
The occasion was a luncheon at the Bella Tori at the Mansion restaurant in Langhorne.
This year marks the fourth year for the financial literacy program at St. Andrew under the guidance of Vice Principal Rick Rosenblatt.
“The idea was to create a real bank for the students as a foundation to learn about saving money,” said Rosenblatt. “And to incorporate the idea into the curriculum.”
Inside the school is a designated area the students use as a bank. They perform real banking skills taught by tellers employed by First National Bank and Trust of Newtown.
Maria Platero, an enthusiastic eighth grader, detailed exactly what having the bank in school has taught her and her classmates.
“We learn about investments,” said Platero. “We are encouraged to work.”
She proudly boasted to the Rotarians, “We are the only school in Pennsylvania to have a bank!”
Another great plus for Platero, she noted, is the improvement she has had in her math skills.
The banking program has blossomed into adding stocks and entrepreneurship to the curriculum.
Juliana Braun, an eighth-grader at St. Andrew, detailed what’s involved in the school’s Junior Achievement Program.
“We generate wealth and learn how to manage it,” said Braun. “We learn the value of money and contributing to the community.”
Volunteers from the community come in to help teach students the ins and outs of the stock exchange and business world.
Alice Braun, Juliana’s mother and a Junior Achievement volunteer, uses a home garden as an example of how you can earn money from your own backyard.
“This enriches the curriculum,” she said, speaking of the financial literacy program.
Students come in with their allowance, money they worked to earn, and have an excitement at seeing the money grow.
The teachers find the time to work the program into the curriculum.
“They are creative,” said Rosenblatt.
St. Andrew was recently recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, an award given to top schools in the nation, according to Rosenblatt.
“This program is part of the reason (for the award),” said Rosenblatt.
Meredith Rickers, an eighth grader, is a member of the Stock Market Club.
Computerized money is used to invest in stocks to see how they would perform. Stock market game is the name of the program the kids use in competition against 400 other schools.
“At the end of the year we go to the stock exchange and see the opening bell and learn the history,” said Rickers. “We also learned people on the floor went from 5,000 to 500 in the last few years because it can now be done on the computer.”
She noted that there is no pushing and shoving on the exchange floor in New York City like you see in the movies.
“She knows her stuff and is teaching me a lot,” said Lisa Rickers, Meredith’s mother. She previously worked on Wall Street and donates time to the students teaching the trade.
Over 100 students between grade 5 and 8 participate in the school’s Stock Market Club.
The savings club is open to all students, grade K to 8.
The students are not able to work in the school bank until they are in seventh grade.
After the St. Andrew’s girls concluded their presentation, an appreciative man in the audience made mention of how many adults are financially illiterate.

“You’d be amazed,” he said.

Invasion of the tree snatchers

By Diane Davies Dixon

At a glance, the woodlands of Black Ditch Park across from Harry S. Truman High School in Bristol Township appear to be graced with a carpet of colorful shrubbery.

But what you are seeing isn’t the native landscape; it’s an attack by invasive vines that is overwhelming the forest not only in the park but throughout open space in Lower Bucks, according to Dale Frazier, president and founder of Greenbelt Overhaul Alliance of Levittown.

The vines are known as the porcelain berry, an alien species that is causing environmental harm in many areas along the East Coast, according to The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

A native of northeast Asia, the plant began life in North America as an ornamental bedding and screening plant. Birds ate the berries and soon spread the seeds in their droppings, causing the rapid spread of the vine from New England to North Carolina and west to Ontario and Michigan.

Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon

The plant grows quickly and can be difficult to remove once well established.

G.O.A.L. is looking into ways to raise funds for equipment needed to dig up and remove the strong root systems of the porcelain berry. A permanent disposal method is needed, according to Frazier.

“Last spring a group of volunteers removed 20 yards of vines which filled the back of four pickup trucks,” said Frazier.

The vines grew back quickly since the roots weren’t removed.

“The worst porcelain berry location is across from Truman,” said Frazier, adding the plant “steals the trees’ nutrients.”

He noted the plant can’t support itself so it needs to climb, weakening the trees and resulting in their collapse.

Pennsylvania over the years has faced unintended consequences of the importation of plants.

One of them is the highly active weed called the multiflora rose.

At one time it was planted nationwide on highly erodible ground to slow erosion. Between the 1930s and 1960s the plant was distributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state game commission and bureau of forestry. But with the high seed production and birds gathering the seeds and dropping them elsewhere, the multiflora rose spread out of control, according to www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

“Invasives wipe out more than forestry,” said Frazier, noting animals in woodlands become imperiled.

Some of the most invasive plants in the Bucks County area affecting the ecosystem are garlic mustard (flower), purple loosestrife (flower), Japanese knotweed (flower), shattercane (grass), multiflora rose (shrub), Norway maple (tree), tree of heaven (tree) and mile-a-minute vine (vine).

For link:http://www.phillyburbs.com/00redesign/news/local/invasion-of-the-tree-snatchers/article_91d17c36-a608-5c78-9ac5-c1f662192f01.html?mode=image&photo=1

Wishes come true with the help of the Christmas Gala

By Diane Davies-Dixon

With the month of giving upon us, The Christmas Gala, Inc.”Creating Solutions for seniors” began the season Tuesday, November 5, by setting up “Giving Trees” and posters at 10 different locations.

Impact Thrift Store on Street Road in Feasterville kicked off the event as Impact Director of Business Development,  Jo Greenewalt , helped decorate the tree that welcomes guests with the TCG, Inc. volunteers.

The Christmas Gala is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by Cheryl Campbell consisting of many volunteers  who share the mission to help local seniors in Bucks County and Burlington County.

Seniors who are low-income, receiving meals on wheels and have no family, are referred to the program through social workers and senior centers , according to Campbell.

“The main goal is to make sure every senior has a gift to open during the holiday season,” said Campbell.

Description of what the Giving Tree Program is
Credit: Diane Davies – Dixon LevittownNow.com

This is the fifth year for the Giving Tree Program, formerly named the Angel Tree Program.

Some of the seniors requests are as simple as winter scarves to help keep them warm, robes, slippers,  winter coats, blankets and sheets

Others wish for sweets and other snacks they cannot afford to buy on their own. Such as, unsalted pretzels, Whitman’s chocolate samplers, pistachios, Hershey chocolates

Another senior is requesting a CD player for entertainment since he cannot afford cable television.

And sometimes they have wishes for prayers.

One person in particular is asking for prayers that her son receives the kidney transplant he needs.

Last year the organization granted 350 senior wishes. The goal for the organization this year is to fulfill 500 wishes.

With the help from the community and local businesses there is no doubt in Campbell’s mind that it can be done.

“No wishes will be left on the trees,” said Campbell.

One business, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. gave TCG, Inc. a $4,500 grant last year to help purchase items on some of the lists. This year they increased the grant to $6,500, according to Campbell.

“It’s nice to know there is something in place for seniors,” said Amy Herzog, volunteer. “I will be there one day.”

To begin the volunteers place 10 to 15 wishes on each tree and revisit and add to the tree as needed.

TCG, Inc. takes requests from social workers and senior centers up to the last week in November.

As customers, patients, etc. enter businesses with the Giving Trees they can remove a portion of the tag from the tree if they want to donate and return the items to that location.

Some requests may come in the form of an emergency need such as glasses, food, wheelchairs, air-conditioning, etc. and are handled immediately. And those seniors still receive a gift for the holiday.

The intention of the program is not only to provide seniors with items they cannot afford on their own but to take away some of the loneliness that comes with the holiday season, according to Campbell.

The program runs through December 13. Trees and posters have been decorated with little wish lists from seniors in need at the following designated areas:

Dr. Christine Landes Dentist in Newtown

Hair Artistry in Levittown

Curves on New Falls Rd in Levittown

The Chiropractic Office of Dr. Gina Genin in Morrisville

Liberty Auto Tag in Fairless Hills

Morrisville Lanes in Morrisville

Miracle Ear in Bensalem

Impact Thrift Store in Feasterville

Turner, Cook and Snyder Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Langhorne.

Wood Lane Wellness Center Dr. Lisa Ducker and Fran Wein in Langhorne

The following businesses do not have trees but are accepting donations to be dropped off:

Keller Williams in Langhorne

Flowers by Jennie Lynne in Fairless Hills

Tina Davis Office in Levittown

Kristine Michael Lawyers office in Langhorne

Another way the community can donate is online www.thechristmasgala.com.

Conquering Chiari One Step at a Time

By Diane Davies-Dixon

September is Chiari awareness month.  All across America a walk is held on the same day to raise money for research and spread awareness of the neurological disorder.

In patients with chiari the bottom of the brain, the cerebellum descends out of the skull. Pressure is put on the brain and spine causing a multitude of health problems.

This is the second year that a walk will be held in Levittown.

Christine and Donald Mulherin organize the walk in remembrance of their daughter Ashtyn Jeanne Mulherin who passed away in October 2010 from complications of chiari. They also have a daughter Alyssa who was diagnosed with chiari.

“I don’t want anyone to go through what Ashtyn did,” said Christine.

There is another family from Levittown familiar with the struggles of everyday life with this condition.

Photo By Diane Davies-Dixon

Niki and Steven Ramirez of Levittown have four daughters who suffer from the disorder. Twins  Shayna and Bryanna, 7, Arianna, 3 and Giovanna 16 months old.

The first to be diagnosed with the disorder was Shayna.

At 18 months she began having seizures. It was during an MRI looking for the cause of seizures that the doctors discovered she had Chiari. Shayna is the only one of the four girls who has not had surgery.

After learning of Shayna’s disorder Niki wanted her other daughter Bryanna tested. Bryanna was having trouble walking, talking, fine motor skills and crying a lot.

One month later Bryanna had the first of 23 chiari surgeries.

To read more go to: http://levittownnow.com/2013/09/20/conquering-chiari-one-step-at-a-time-across-levittown/

Machining skills competition

By Diane Davies-Dixon

An international machining skills exchange and competition is under way in Bensalem.

Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon

The contest, which runs through Thursday, involves eight teams of industrial problem-solvers — five from China and three from the U.S. The teams are mostly made up of employees in the field of machining, along with students from Vicennes University in Indiana.

The Phillips Corp., in partnership with Cross Cultural Exchange of China, is hosting the competition under the direction of Fred C. Joseph, president of Phillips’ CNC Applications and Education Division in Bensalem.

The competition is designed to benefit Bensalem manufacturer Rey Trucks, which produces the parts, called trucks, that hold the wheels on the bottom of skateboards. The company is looking to improve its production process, according to a press release from Phillips.

“Each team has to come up with a design of their own,” said Chris Tan, coordinator for the Chinese teams participating in the competition.

Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon

Joseph said the teams will be judged on safety and technical standards by a panel that includes employees of Prism Engineering in Horsham, EMP Industries in Ivyland and three representatives of Chinese companies.

The designs and products developed by the teams will be owned by Rey Trucks once the competition is over.

“The team that wins gets recognition and gains knowledge,” said Joseph. “I want to turn this into an Olympics where all countries are involved.”

A celebration of the Irish

By Diane Davies-Dixon

No need to wait until St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate the Irish.

Irish eyes were smiling on Saturday when the Bucks County James F. Cawley Sr. Division 5 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians hosted the second annual Bucks County Irish Festival.

The event took place under the pavilion in Historic Fallsington at the Fallsington American Legion at 300 Yardley Ave.

“There are four divisions in Bucks County,” said Keelan. “This is the only one that has a festival.”

Live music by folk singer Billy McGovern played as the festival began and people began to arrive, many dressed in green.

“We are hoping the festival grows,” said Keelan.

Mary Ryan of Levittown, member of Ladies AOH Division 1 in Bristol, brought her family to celebrate for the second year.

“There’s good food, good people and the money goes to charity,” Ryan said. “I come for the family friendly fun.”

Gathered under the pavilion decorated in Irish pennants, families mingled among one another creating new friendships.

Jude Spellman traveled all the way from of Wilkes-Barre for the festival.

“The dancers were fabulous,” said Spellman. “Very, very good.”

Spellman enjoys the atmosphere and new friends he makes at the festivals.

“I am looking forward to next year,” said Spellman. “Hope it keeps getting bigger.”

To read more go to: http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/local/a-good-day-to-be-irish/article_ec5c4e7e-6838-5318-a5ef-159e46480465.html

Zucchini racers return to Morrisville

By Dixon Davies- DixonSunday turned out to be the perfect day for racing. A Zucchini 500 race that is
.

Dozens of excited boys and girls showed up for the third annual Zucchini 500 hosted by Morrisville First at the Morrisville Senior Servicenter in Morrisville.

Morrisville First is a community group program administered by the Bucks County Housing Group which is funded by a grant provided by the Wells Fargo Foundation. The idea to host zucchini racing was inspired by the races once held in Lower Makefield, according to Donna M. Griff, co-community development coordinator for Morrisville First.

Photo by Diane Davies Dixon

“I started searching the Internet about them,” said Griff. “This year we added the decorating contest.”

Creation stations filled with eager children were set up with all the supplies needed for a zucchini make-over.

Barbie doll heads, pins, hats, duct tape, race flags, fuzzy wire, eyes, etc.

Some participants decorated masterpieces at home and brought them to the contest.

Several people passed by the contest table before realizing the dachshund on the table was really a zucchini beneath the brown furlike texture.

This year there were 24 zucchini racers and 22 zucchini decorated for the contest.

“This is a good venue with the car show,” said Griff. “They are both related to racing.”

Families gathered outside the caution tape that surrounded the homemade wooden race track, cheering the racers on.

Only four zucchini cars raced at a time and the first to cross the finish line was the proud winner for that heat.

Many of the people who wandered into the zucchini race pit had never heard of such a race and found the race cute, they said.

“The zucchini race is a conversation starter,” said Sam Krushenski, of Morrisville, chairwoman of the race.

The cost was $3 to race and each child was given a zucchini. Participants were also welcome to bring their own homegrown zucchini or store-bought ones to the event.

Each zucchini was given its own race number to wear down the track, just like a real race car has.

To read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/00redesign/news/local/zucchini-racers-return-to-morrisville/article_13fb99e4-8e57-54a6-b236-91fe517bfb8f.html

Heroes run honors the fallen in Lower Southampton

By Diane Davies-Dixon

They honored the fallen by challenging themselves on the streets of Lower Southampton.

The brisk morning air greeted more than 165 men, women, children and even a few canines as they arrived at Russell Elliott Memorial Park in Lower Southampton on Saturday for the Feasterville 911 Heroes Run.

It was the first Feasterville 911 Heroes Run held by the Travis Manion Foundation in association with the Lower Southampton Veterans Advisory Council.

Both the foundation and advisory council share the mission of assisting veterans and the families of fallen heroes.

Not long after the death of 1st. Lt. Travis Manion in Iraq in April 2007, the Marine’s mother, Janet Manion, founded the foundation in her son’s name. Her plan was to honor the fallen by challenging the living, according to the foundation.

Before leaving for his second and final deployment to Iraq, Manion said “If not me, then who”. Those words inspired his mother to carry on and help families of other fallen service members, veterans and active duty troops.

Those words also inspired race director Steve Softly.

Richard Billy 9/11 survivor FDNY.
Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon

“Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Softly.

“Do not run with heavy hearts,'' he said. "Run, cheer, show the world we are united.”

The 911 Heroes Run unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001 and the wars since: veteran, first responder, civilian and military.

Runners final lap
Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon

The annual run began in Doylestown. Now about 50 cities participate in the 911 Heroes Run. Even some military bases organize a run in support, according to Gerry McGowan of Chalfont.

Gerry McGowan
Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon

“I have been running since the first one held in Doylestown,” said McGowan.

“It is for a super cause,” said McGowan. “Everything they do is great. They help people find jobs when they come back home.”

Phyllis and Richard Billy traveled from Upper Dublin to show support for fallen heroes of Sept. 11, 2001.

Richard Billy is a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Billy was a firefighter with Engine Company 24 New York Fire. He retired in 2005 after 22 years of service.

to read more go to: http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/local/heroes-run-honors-the-fallen-in-lower-southampton/article_32cd4e80-d644-5fde-83cc-1f3e6ff09a60.html#.UivCdgM78rA.facebook

Kids overcome fears at social skills summer camp

By Diane Davies-Dixon

Smiles lit up the stage as nearly 50 children took turns revealing their talents.

Dressed in costumes made with their own hands and using props they made, the kids enthralled their audience of parents and staff members.

For six weeks, students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism or anxiety disorders have attended summer camp in the Bristol Township School District to learn social skills that will help them function easier in society.

The talent show is part of the curriculum, according to JoAnne Allison, district supervisor of special education.

“The kids have to work in groups to develop ideas. They learn to be comfortable with what they are doing,” said Allison. “They learn to listen and learn to encourage each other.”

Those skills may come easily to many kids, but not to those with ADHD, autism or anxiety disorders, she said. 

On Thursday, the campers hosted their talent show in the auditorium of Neil A. Armstrong Middle School in Bristol Township. The performance marked the grand finale of the summer camp.

The school district partnered with the Delaware Valley Children’s Center to run the specialized camp for students aged 6 to 14. The nonprofit center is based in Wrightstown and specializes in autism diagnosis and treatment.

“It’s not often that you see a school district and behavioral partner work together,” said Allison.

During the third week of camp, the teachers began discussing the talent show with the children to help them get ideas. By the fifth week, the students had decided what they would do in the show

to read more go to:http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/bristol/bristol-twp-kids-overcome-their-fears-at-social-skills-summer/article_04ac5e01-e81c-50fd-aa58-17859830a861.html#user-comment-area

A day of community along the riverfront

By Diane Davies-Dixon

A festival of family fun and entertainment made its way down the Delaware River under a sunlit sky Saturday.

Festival of Lights Bridging the Delaware held its third annual event Saturday at Bristol Waterfront Park in Bristol.

The event was made possible by the cooperation between sister cities of Burlington, N.J., and Bristol.

The night is privately funded by corporate sponsorship, according to Joanne Schneyder.

Major sponsors for the event were Burlington Auto Group, Volkswagen, Kia and Chevrolet dealerships, Allied Electronics Inc., First Federal of Bucks County, National Lift Equipment of Bristol, National Penn Bank, The Bristol Lions Club and A Taste of Two Cities-Bristol Restaurants.

Burlington Auto Group sponsored both sides of the river this year, according to Schneyder.

“The idea is to bring families together, out on the town,” said Schneyder. “It is a really nice event for the family.”

“The main reason for Festival of Lights is to showcase the two cities,” said Schneyder.

“We couldn’t do it without the support of Bristol Borough council,” said Schneyder. ”And the help from police and emergency management.”

This year Bristol Lions Club coordinated with Schneyder for the festival.

“We had music by Gary Tosti and Joanna,” said Ron Walker of Bristol Lions Club. “The community was out dancing together.”

The event is held to promote families coming together in the community, according to Walker.

“The turnout this year was a little bigger than the last two years,” said Walker. ”We sold out of water.”

Approximately 10,000 people gathered to watch the boat parade, enjoy the music and watch the fireworks, according to J. Merle Winslow, emergency management coordinator for the event.

“We may need to think about busing people next year,” said Winslow. “Parking is limited.”

Marc Stolee, an attorney in Bristol, paraded his boat “Mamacita” down the river, showcasing a casino theme.

to read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times_news/along-the-riverfront-a-day-of-community/article_9987447a-9cbd-58f1-a0f6-3889a06f1ea0.html