NOVEMBER 7-13, 2013 Your Local News
Nazareth Borough Budget calls for 1-mill tax hike, Page 12
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S. Chestnut Street sidewalk Project starts in Bath Boro By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
51st year for Friendship Tree in Bath.
– Home News photo
Mt. Vernon’s Friendship Tree Was planted in Bath in 1962
As a follow-up to the article two weeks ago, by museum curator Ed Pany, about the Friendship Tree that was a gift of General George Washington to his friend, General Robert Brown, after the Revolutionary War, more should be said about the tree that is growing majestically in Bath. Also known as America’s Friendship Tree, it came as a six-foot seedling of a horse chestnut tree from Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia, and arrived at the Bath Post Office in the U.S. Mail in the fall of 1962. Editor Bill Halbfoerster, who was a member of the Bath 225th Anniversary Committee, wrote the staff at Mt. Vernon, telling them that the original tree in East Allen Township had fallen prey to Nature’s elements, and it would be appropriate if they would send a tree from Mt. Vernon as a replacement and it could carry on that symbol of friendship. On October 10, 1962, the
tree was turned over to the Bath Park & Shade Tree Commission, headed by the late Charles L. V. Hahn, and planted at the eastern end of Keystone Park at Green & Race Sts. in Bath. It has continued to grow, despite being hit by a car a number of years ago. At the foot of the tree is a plaque that tells the story of the tree and its symbolism. The plaque carries these words: America’s Friendship Tree
A European Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum) Planted on Oct. 10, 1962 by the Bath Park & Shade Tree Commission this Buckeye tree was donated by the Bath Borough to commemorate its 225th Anniversary. A sapling from an original harvest of Buckeyes taken from the Ohio Valley by Gen. George Washington, it serves today as a living renewal of the friendship he knew for a native of Bath, General Robert Brown. This tree perpetuates the last living link between three patriots a symbol of their friendship and their struggle for the freedom of America.
Borough Manager Tom Petrucci announced Monday night at Bath Borough Council meeting that the sidewalk project on S. Chestnut St. would start this Wednesday. He said demolition of the old sidewalks will begin on the west side at the Red Wolf Hotel and move north in segments so as not to cause traffic problems. New sidewalks have already been installed on Green Street as part of a CDBG project, with Grace Industries of East Allen Township the contractor. For the convenience of S. Chestnut St. residents, Council voted to remove parking restrictions so that they can use the borough’s parking lot along W. Northampton St. for more than two hours and overnight during the duration of the construction time period only. Other Matters • Council authorized EngleHambright & Davies, Inc. to attempt to negotiate a new contract rate for the Borough of Bath’s AmeriHealth workers’ compensation policy 2014 renewal and serve as the broker for workmen’s compensation insurance only if successful in obtaining a lower premium rate. • Three resolutions adopted HARB Certificates of Appropriateness for 107 E. Main St. (Subway) as they await PennDOT ‘s highway occupancy permit; 135 S. Chestnut St.; and 106-108 S. Chestnut St. for signs. • Werner Enterprises has agreed to pay for damages to the traffic signal pole at Main & Walnut Sts. Petrucci said it could take up to four months to replace the signal. • A proposed rental and usage policy for borough maintenance buildings, recreation places and auxiliary facilities may be adopted in December. Councilman Michael Reph asked many questions on use on Monday, and other Council persons joined in. Most rentals will be through Petrucci or secretary Linda Hahn. • A schedule of fees is being compiled, and there will be increases for the solicitor, engineer, Right to Know admin-
istration, and zoning hearing board fees among others. • It was announced that the Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. at Monocacy Creek Park. • Two proposed ordinances will be advertised: Sanitation Third Party Collection and Delaware Valley Health Insurance Intergovernmental Agreement. • If there is no cost to the borough, a National Endowment for the Arts grant of $200,000 may be pursued. A committee of Carol Bear-Heckman, Jennifer George, and John Kearns will study it. • Petrucci said it could be another two and a half months until FEMA closes out its obligation for the Keystone Park pavilion and parking lot construction. • Councilwoman George said the Recreation & Park committee met and discussed possible projects, including a skate park. A donation from ESSA Bank is possible to fi-
nance some of the work. • The tax collector still has $41,000 to collect from taxpayers. • Petrucci said most businesses are not complying with the new sign ordinance, specially the OPEN portion. In audience comments, Mike Hennesy of the Bath Lions football team noted that money has been tight for them, but paid $500 of the $1,121.52 electric bill . . .Fire Chief Ed Demchak reported that the recent Halloween parade was successful, and Councilwomn Kathryn Roberts said it was better than Allentown’s. . . .She also complimented Petrucci for helping with the collection of leaves, filling in for a borough worker, and noted that he does an “all-around job” in his position. Demchak’s October report showed these man-hours: fire calls, 36; EMS calls, 5; drills, 84; school, 6; administration, 160; equipment repairs, 32; meetings, 61; work detail, 218; and fire police, 5.
Manoquesy Lodge #413, Free & Accepted Masons, observed its 145th anniversary at its annual banquet Friday evening in the BarnHouse Village. More than 70 persons attended, Masons and their families, and guests. Worshipful Master George M. Makoul told of the many new activities the lodge has had the past year, including a golf tournament, family night, blood donor program, and working at a farmers’ fair. In addition, the lodge hall was painted this year and new rugs installed. Two members who died the past year were remembered, Past Master Paul H. Silvius and Robert P. Heffelfinger. Entertainment was provided by Susan Kies Trickropers from Bangor, along with western-type singing. Family Night will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14 with Hope Anwell of Pa. Wildlife & Raptor Society of Mt. Bethel
bringing a bald eagle, hawk, owl, and bat as she explains the importance of raptors in our ecosystem. The lodge meets the second Thursday of each month at its hall on Penn St., Bath, and has a membership of more than 200. In addition to Makoul there are these elected officers: Matthew Silfies, senior warden; Kyle Grube, junior warden; W. Jay Mills, treasurer; George Gasper, secretary; Carl Becker, Richard Silvius and Bruce Shafer, trustees; Daniel Miller, representative to Grand Lodge; and Peter Gaglioti, substitute representative. Appointed officers include: Larry Silfies, chaplain; Patrick Ridenour, senior deacon; Christopher Hill, junior deacon; Glenn Zullick, senior master of ceremonies; Robert Holdoff, junior master of ceremonies; Corey Rosynek, pursuivant, Leonard Miller II, tyler; and Donald Wedde, steward.
Bath Masonic Lodge Has annual banquet
INDEX:
Dr. Clearie......................4
Classifieds ...................15
Horoscope......................5
Obituaries ...................16
Seniors...........................8
Cement Worker ............18
72nd Year, Issue No. 45
USPS 248-700