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

Rain doesn't dampen Puerto Rican Day festival

By Diane Davies-Dixon

Even the rain could not dampen the spirits of the community Sunday for the 42nd annual Puerto Rican Day Festival at Lion’s Park in Bristol.

The aroma of authentic dishes mingled in the air with the scent of rain.

The event is sponsored by the Puerto Rican Cultural Association of Bucks County.

This year, for the first time, the event featured pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino horses and a Pirate Roberto Cofresi, better known as El Pirata Cofresi, re-enactment.

Also included in the event: live music, authentic cuisine, cultural workshops and novelty vendors.

While cultural music was playing throughout the park families strolled around taking in the history of Puerto Rico. Some in the crowd return to Bristol for Puerto Rican Day because it is part of their culture.

Nilda Hillyer of Bristol Township was raised in Bristol and returns to her roots for the special event.

“The music is my favorite part,” said Hillyer. “It is my heritage.”

Hillyer also noted that she did not know about the Paso Fino horses. A lesson learned about her culture.

“The horses are so pretty,” said Jasmine Hillyer, 8.

Nicole Roemhild of Bensalem returns every year in anticipation of running into family and friends to celebrate her heritage with good music.

“Some cultural things become cliquey,” said Roemhild. “But not Puerto Rican Day.”

“I see a lot of my family here.”

Nick Fitzgerald of Philadelphia returns to Bristol on Puerto Rican Day for the atmosphere.

“I like the feeling that is generated,” said Fitzgerald.

The party-like environment is what draws him back, noted Fitzgerald.

The horses tapped around giving the crowd a demonstration on the smooth, natural, four beat lateral gait they possess.

to read more go to:http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/bristol/rain-doesn-t-dampen-bristol-s-puerto-rican-day-festival/article_a6575a47-622b-5747-bb8b-853348774455.html?TNNoMobile

Hope for Hannah

By Diane Davies-Dixon

There's a sign that greets visitors on the front door of a home in the Farmbrook section of Levittown: "No crying, this is a happy home."

Yet it's hard to remain upbeat for Vicki Pizzullo these days. She broke down within minutes of a reporter's visit to discuss her daughter Hannah's health. At 6 months old, the baby has an incurable illness that has overwhelmed the family.

Videos of newborn Hannah wiggling about in her seat making multiple attempts to get her thumb in her mouth show a normal, healthy baby. But those simple movements became painful at 4 months old. 

“She would start screaming when she would eat,” Pizzullo said, her voice cracking while choking back tears. “Everything just happened so fast.”

Hannah, who stopped eating because of the pain, would soon be diagnosed with a rare and fatal strain of leukodystrophy, also called Krabbe (pronounced Crab A) and Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy.

Krabbe is a genetic disorder that affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems, according towww.huntershope.org.

An important enzyme needed for the production of a protective covering for nerve cells known as myelin is lacking in Krabbe babies.

It is the deterioration of that covering that causes Hannah pain.

The journey for her and her family began in June.

Her father, Justin Ginion, and Pizzullo took Hannah to a hospital and were told Hannah had acid reflux and was dehydrated. She was sent home, according to Pizzullo.

“The blood work showed nothing wrong,” said Pizzullo.

“This is my third baby,” said Pizzullo. “I knew something was not right.”

to read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/bensalem/hope-for-hannah/article_d7d20ea3-f36b-5aad-add2-328a82dcd9f1.html#user-comment-area

Turning a first date into a family business

By Diane Davies-Dixon

How many people can say the first date with their boyfriend or girlfriend turned into a family business?

Corey Winter, a Bristol resident, can.

Ten years ago, he took his then-girlfriend, Jackie, to a hobby shop on their first date. That was the night Jackie bought her first RC car and found herself hooked on radio controlled racing, known among fans as RC racing.

Apparently she found herself hooked on Corey as well, since the two later married.

“It is an excellent hobby,” Corey said of his hobby-turned-business. “I was at a flying event one day with a buddy joking about opening a hobby shop. It started as a joke.”

Corey, who’s been flying RC airplanes for more than 20 years, was working in a collision center and had always dreamed of owning his own — until he was injured at work.

Today, he and Jackie own the Ultimate RC Hobby Shop and Raceway at 801 Cedar Ave. in Croydon. The business has a pit area with full electricity and a place to set up tools to work on the cars, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

About three years ago, the couple opened a hobby shop in Bristol. But customers wanted a track to race on. So, after one year in Bristol, they moved to the bigger location in Croydon, according to Jackie.

“It was very scary making the jump to a bigger place,” she said. “We wanted to do something that would be different that people would really like.”

Jim Griggs, 54, has been racing RC vehicles for 30 years. These days, he spends two nights a week at the Croydon track racing his custom-painted vehicle.

“This is my home track now,” said Griggs, a Levittown resident. “Thursday nights (when racers practice to compete on Saturdays) are priceless.”

to read more go to:http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/courier_times_news/croydon-hobby-shop-conceived-on-local-couple-s-first-date/article_11dba444-7d2c-5e71-bd6d-daca813e1ec7.html#user-comment-area

Turning rocks to roses

By Diane Davies-Dixon

Turning a concrete slab and plain rocks into a place of beauty dressed in roses for residents has been the mission of two men residing at Grundy Gardens retirement complex in Fairless Hills.
For the third year, Jackie Coyte, 69, a resident of Grundy Gardens for four years, and Wilson Drews, 76, a resident for three and a half years, have been brightening up the outdoor patio just outside the community room with colorful flower gardens.

Coyte is in charge of the perennial garden outside Grundy’s community room. In his piece of paradise he’s planted 17 different species of perennials.
There are a variety of peonies, lilies, roses, calla lilies, dwarf cannas, corn flower, irises, cabbage and others in the perennial area.
Among the many flowers in the perennial garden are irises whose root stock date back 100 years and once grew at the site, according to Coyte.

The contractors who built Grundy Gardens gave some to resident Shirley Moser who gave them to her son for his garden. At the time Grundy Gardens did not have a garden to plant them in.
To read more go to:http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/bristol/retirees-turn-rocks-and-concrete-into-a-floral-eden/article_4ff42216-436b-58be-ade1-e7c3e3dde793.html?mode=jqm

Rain stops in time for grads

By Diane Davies-Dixon

Bill Fraser/Staff Photographer

The sky opened up and the rain poured down. People in the stands ran for cover, many taking shelter underneath the bleachers.

But the rain stopped in time for the ceremony to begin. Staff quickly dried off the chairs with towels and leaf blowers for graduates of the the Harry S. Truman class of 2013 to sit on.

A blue sky reappeared, chasing away the gray just long enough for speeches to be heard.

Senior David Andrew Micholas, president of the National Honor Society, gave the opening remarks.

“We are gathered to celebrate the end of our time together,” said Micholas.

Bill Fraser/Staff Photographer

“The memories we made will be behind us as we go our separate ways,” he said. “But today also brings new beginnings for us to grow stronger.”

Class President Luke John Robinson began his speech with a moment of silence for Eddie Brodecki a classmate killed in a one-car accident last April.

“There may be an empty seat. But he sits beside us getting his diploma.”

To read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/rain-stops-in-time-for-grads/article_92058f64-881f-50d3-b6f9-8b18af8fa6a1.html?mode=story

CSL graduates celebrate

By Diane Davies-Dixon

As one journey comes to an end, another begins.

Members of the Center for Student Learning Charter School’s Class of 2013 praised their families, faculty and staff for guiding them to their destination -- graduation.

On Thursday night, CSL held the school's 11th graduation ceremony in the auditorium of Pennsbury High School East.

The auditorium was decorated with blue and orange balloons along with “Congrats graduates" signs.

Board of Trustees President Heather Humienny addressed the graduates with words of wisdom.

“There is always a lot of talk about roads to travel,” said Humienny. “Sometimes the road you have to travel is not well defined; there are a lot of twists and turns. You could have decided to get off the road.”

But the Class of 2013 stayed on the road, persevered and earned their diplomas, she said.

“This is an amazing group,” said Humienny. “You make the faculty, staff and board of trustees proud."

To read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/courier_times_news/csl-graduates-celebrate/article_ce1fc098-cc7f-569c-bc0a-5b2ffe9977e3.html#user-comment-area

Learning to cook like a pro calls out

By Diane Davies Dixon 

“I was never one for measuring,” says chef Michael Ratini. “That is why baking didn’t go so well.”

Michael Ratini shows the guests how to prepare Fennel salad
Diane Davies-Dixon/Photo

But The Culinary Institute of America graduate has certainly found his niche in the kitchen. He shared his expertise with 22 women at a recent cooking demonstration at the Brick House Presents Elite Cuisine in Tullytown.

Ratini, 22, created a meal from start to finish that pleasures the taste buds.

On the menu: Arugula Salad with Tonnato Dressing, Porchetta, Raw Fennel Salad, Fresh Fettucine with Porcini Cream Sauce and Polenta Budino.

Ratini started with Tonnato dressing for the Arugula Salad.

Michael Ratini Demonstrates how to make mozzarella
inthe pasta machine
Diane Davies-Dixon/Photo

He successfully estimated the amount of ingredients needed , according to Mary McIlvaine of Bristol.

“I always thought ‘does it turn out right if it is not measured’,” says McIlvaine.

Another interesting method to his cooking is that he doesn’t look at the time.

“I don’t usually cook with time,” said Ratini. “When it is done, it is done.”

Polenti Pudding/
Diane Davies- Dixon/Photo

He also demonstrated how to use a mandolin to grate fennel for the fennel salad.

That was something several women had never thought of using for salad.

“I learned about spices and techniques,” says Joanne Fuchs of Bristol Township. “Things you think wouldn’t go together but do.”

“Like the fennel salad” says Fuchs, “I never would have tried that.”

“The fennel salad was interesting,” says Neilia Makadok of Newtown.

TO read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/blogs/second_helpings/learning-to-cook-like-a-pro-at-the-brick-house/article_990cca8b-7084-5785-9e03-00a3b48f9317.html?mode=image&photo=1

Bensalem celebrates Memorial Day with sirens

by Diane Davies-Dixon 

Under clear blue sky, residents of Bensalem and surrounding communities lined Bristol Pike with lawn chairs and blankets. Many of them dressed in red, white and blue.

On Monday, Bensalem began the Memorial Day celebration with a short memorial service at Harry T. Clunn V.F.W. Post #9220, in Eddington.

The memorial service was followed by the parade.

Veterans of the Harry T. Clunn V.F.W. Post #9220 and Bauer-Hartman-Marszalek V.F.W. Post 9198 in Andulusia lead the parade.

Louie (Dog) Katie Stella,6,and Alexis Bahner, 11, of Bensalem
watch the Bensalem Memorial Day Parade from a step
Diane Davies-Dixon/Photo

They began marching from Suzuki Fun Center in Bensalem, down Bristol Pike to Mill Park, the city line with Philadelphia.

“I think it is the greatest thing to show the men and women in wars that we back them,” said Joseph Santivasci, 70, of Bensalem, an Army Veteran himself.

“For some people this day means a day off from work,” said Santivasci. “To me it means that people fight for what they believe in. They have so much love to give their life.”

“Freedom around the world is what we are fighting for and I am proud to be an American,” said Santivasci.

Carrie Fielding, 30, of Bensalem, has been coming to the parade since she was a little kid and carries on the tradition with her own two children.

Taking a day to celebrate and remember why the country has the freedom it does makes the day special when you grow up in a military family, according to Valerie Bahner, 48, of Bensalem.

“Remembrance of veterans and all they did,” said Bahner. “My life would not be as great as it is if not for them.”

To read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/bensalem-celebrates-memorial-day-with-sirens/article_889a13ce-f1e7-53eb-8dc8-b0e314c45029.html