Pedestiran Bridge Opens Along Route 724

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Sept. 20 to celebrate the grand opening of the Richard P. Whittaker, M.D. Memorial Bridge, a new pedestrian bridge that spans Route 724 in Union Township along the Thun Trail, which is part of the Schuylkill River Trail. The bridge is now open to walkers and bicyclists who will no longer have to cross the busy Route 724 roadway on their travels along the trail.

Among those in attendance were members of the Schuylkill River Greenways organization, which spearheaded the project; local elected officials; trail users; and Peggy Whittaker, the wife of the late Dr. Whittaker, for whom the bridge was named. Whittaker led the ribbon-cutting and was the first to cross the new bridge.

Elaine Paul Schaefer, executive director of the Schuylkill River Greenways, was the master of ceremonies for the event. “This has been a long wait for all of us, and we are thrilled to celebrate with you today,” she stated.

“It is a beautiful bridge and a beautiful day, and thank you all for coming out … to honor my late husband,” said Whittaker, who also donated funds to complete the project. “It was below freezing during the groundbreaking. What a change and this beautiful bridge is part of that change.”

According to www. schuylkillriver.org, the new bridge is situated in the area known locally as the Monocacy Crossing, where trail users previously had to descend a steep slope to cross Route 724 and ascend another slope on the opposite side of the road.

Local bicyclists said they are excited about the new bridge, which now eliminates the need for them to dismount their bicycles to cross Route 724. “The trail crossing was steep and treacherous and very dangerous with short sight lines and fast traffic; the new bridge eliminates that danger,” said Birdsboro resident Stuart Wells, who attended the ribbon-cutting event. “The grand opening (is) happy news for the many trail users - myself included who use the Thun Trail.”

For more information about the bridge and other Schuylkill River Greenways trail projects, visit the previously mentioned website or www.facebook.com/Schuylkill RiverGreenways. A video recording of the ribbon-cutting ceremony is available on the Facbeook page.

The new Richard P. Whittaker, M.D. Memorial Bridge opened to bikers and pedestrians on Sept. 20.

The Giant Company recently announced that flu vaccinations are now available at all 132 Giant and Martin’s instore pharmacies. Giant and Martin’s pharmacists will again offer drive-up flu vaccinations in select store parking lots beginning in September.

Customers can visit any instore pharmacy to receive their vaccination now. Giant and Martin’s pharmacies offer several types of flu shots for children, adults and seniors. Most insurance plans cover flu shots at $0 copays, including Medicare Part B. Flu shots are administered by immunizing Giant and Martin’s pharmacists, subject to state regulations.

Through Saturday, Oct. 2, select Giant and Martin’s pharmacies will offer driveup flu vaccinations where patients can pull into a spot in the designated area of the store parking lot and be vaccinated without leaving their cars. For more information about store locations offering drive-up flu vaccinations, as well as the dates and times available, visit www.giantfoodstores.com /pages/tgc-vaccines or www.martinsfoods.com/pag es/tgc-vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccination. While the CDC recommends flu shots by the end of October for everyone over age 6 months, certain groups of people are at greater risk for complications from the flu. These groups include people with diabetes, pregnant women, adults over age 65, children under age 5, those with asthma and other chronic lung diseases, those with kidney and liver disorders, heart disease patients and those with compromised immune systems.

In addition to flu shots, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are available at Giant and Martin’s pharmacies to adults age 18 and above. COVID-19 vaccine type may vary by location. Pharmacies offering the Pfizer vaccine can administer to teens ages 12 to 17. Parental consent is required, and the parent/guardian must be onsite. The COVID-19 vaccine is administered at no out-ofpocket cost. If applicable, an appointment for the second dose will be made at the time customers receive their first dose.

To find the nearest Giant or Martin’s pharmacy, visit www.giantfoodstores.com or www.martinsfoods.com or download the free Giant or Martin’s Pharmacy App. 6th th Annual Fall Sale Annual Fall Sale

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Chester County 4-H Presents Awards

Chester County 4-H held its Spirit of 4-H Award presentation on Aug. 12 during the Chester County 4-H Fair. Three local teens were recognized for their leadership and service to the 4-H program and their community. Melissa Johnson received the Spirit of 4-H Award, and David Gober and Ronak Suchindra were given Certificates of Achievement.

Johnson, of Glen Mills, is the president of the SPARKS 4-H Club and a member of 4H Teen Council, Golden Fleece 4-H Sheep Club, and Gum Tree 4-H Horse Club. She served as a camp counselor this summer and has helped many 4-H members