King of Prussia Fall 2024

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TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY

Township Administration Building

175 W. Valley Forge Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone: 610-265-2600

Fax: 610-265-0482 www.umtownship.org

Mon - Fri 8:15 am to 5 pm

Township Police

175 W. Valley Forge Road King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone: 610-265-3232

Fire and Ambulance

Emergency Phone: 9-1-1

King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company 170 Allendale Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Non-Emergency Ph: 610-265-1063 www.kpvfc.com

Upper Merion Area School District

435 Crossfield Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone: 610-205-6400

Fax: 610-205-6433 www.umasd.org

Upper Merion Community Cetner

431 West Valley Forge Road King of Prussia, PA 19406

Anonymous Tip Line: 484-636-3888 Animal Control ...610-265-3232

.........610-278-3000

& Codes....610-265-2608 Emergency and Call for Service: 9-1-1

Swedeland Fire Co. 609 A Street King of Prussia, PA 19406

Non-Emergency Ph: 610-275-0177 www.swedelandfire.org

Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company 310 Jefferson St. Bridgeport, PA 19405

Non-Emergency Ph: 610-272-9853 www.swedesburgfire.com

Phone: 610-265-1071

www.umtownship.org/departme nts/parks-recreation/ community-center

Upper Merion Senior Service Center

431 W. VALLEY FORGE ROAD (in the Community Center Bldg.) Phone: 610-265-4715 www.umssc.org

VOTING INFORMATION

Dealing with Mis- and Disinformation

Election season is prime time for mis- and disinformation. Regrettably, these efforts are being used to undermine democracy and the value of every person's vote. Just what's the difference?

Misinformation is sharing false information without intending to do harm.

Disinformation is intentionally sharing false information with the intent to do harm.

Because we've all played whisper down the lane and understand how gossip can get out of hand, we easily can innocently pass on misinformation that has important political implications. Regrettably we can no longer believe what we see or hear in newspapers, on television, and through social media. Technology has evolved to the point that it's nearly impossible to determine that which is real or true. Given the League's reputation as a trusted source of election information, what can we do? First, we need to know how to spot mis- and disinformation so we don't spread it!

Your Guide to Mis and Disinformation, a blog post from LWVUS, as part of the Democracy Truth project, offers the following tips: Research the source: Who's sharing this information? If it's online, does the website sound familiar or have any political affiliations? If it's in-person, is this individual a frequent exaggerator, or do they have a job/experience that would give them insider info?

Check the date: It's easy to get incensed over an article on Twitter, only to realize it was published years ago and no longer applies.

Cross-check: Are reliable news sources reporting the same information? If not, it's unlikely that your smaller source just happened to get a super-exclusive, juicy scoop.

Read past the headline: You know how tabloids post scandalous headlines and follow them with articles that are relatively mundane? Unfortunately, political outlets do that too. It's easy to take a snippet out of context to make an article look like it will be more dramatic than it actually is.

Question emotionally charged content: Is the person or outlet sharing this information using emotionally

manipulative language to get you upset or excited? That's a red flag. Reliable sources let the facts fuel your response, not emotional language.

If you spot mis- or disinformation, what should you do to stop it from spreading?

Don't engage: It may be tempting to comment on an inaccurate Facebook post about how wrong it is, or to click on it to read all of the writer's claims, but don't! Every like, click, share, and comment contributes to the piece's rate of engagement, which tells whatever website you're on that it's good content that they should show to more people. Many outlets take advantage of this, posting headlines that they know will have you firing back a response - because good or bad, that response will promote their piece.

Share correct information: For every incorrect piece of info you see or hear, try to share one that's correct. Instead of creating further discourse around something you don't want people to hear, get people talking about what you do want them to hear Report when needed: Whenever you see disinformation online, report it to . You can also report most social media posts to the platforms themselves.

ReportDisinfo.org

The Pennsylvania Department of State has a site to help sort out the election information that is all around us. Search online for Fact-Checking Pennsylvania-Related Election Claims.

LOCAL HISTORY

Norview Farm: Home of the Landmark Rooster and a Nod to Upper Merion's Agrarian Past

Once upon a time — before the mall, the Schuylkill Expressway and the Turnpike, before the housing developments and the industrial parks — Upper Merion Township was nearly all farms and orchards. The last remnant of that past is Norview Farm, now a park owned by the Township. Norview Farm was at one point a thriving 300-acre operation with nearly 100 cows and a large commercial garden. The DiGiambattista Family owned and ran the farm for almost 80 years until 1999.

Norview Farm was established in 1922 by Salvatore Digiambattista, an immigrant from the farmlands of central Italy. Salvatore purchased 11 acres for $4,500 and sent for his family in Italy to come and join him. He worked for the railroad by day repairing the steam engines, and worked the farm during his off times growing vegetables and keeping cows and other animals to feed his family. Soon, he began selling his extra produce to his co-workers and neighbors. It was just a few years until he was able to leave the railroad and buy a horse and

now farming 300 acres (some owned; some leased) to pasture their cows, grow grain and hay for the herd, and also grow wheat, soybeans and corn for cash crops. They sold ice cream and dairy products in the store and water from their artesian well.

With the opening of the Turnpike in King of Prussia in 1950, and the completion of the Schuylkill Expressway in 1955 came an avalanche of residential and industrial development. They began to get offers for their land, and some of the land that they had leased was sold. The land they farmed continued to get smaller, but they kept the dairy herd until 1977 when it was no longer profitable. The value of the land had skyrocketed and so had property taxes and other expenses.

The farm was down to just 10 acres by the 1990s. The family now rented space to an ice cream concession and a garden shop; and the family operated the spring water concession and the popular petting zoo. In 1999, the brothers Joe (84), Frank (75) and Albert (67) turned over the keys to Upper Merion Township to continue to operate the

Before the days of supermarkets, it was customary for various businesses to sell their wares door to door and having a “milkman” to bring fresh dairy products to your home was common. During the Depression, the Digiambattas realized that establishing a local fresh milk route would both bring in income and provide a service for the community. So, they invested in a larger dairy herd and began delivery on January 6, 1935. The dairy started with 55 customers on their local route. The farm grew to its largest in the early 1950s. Salvatore's sons, Joe, Frank and Albert were

farm as it had been, and to preserve for the enjoyment of the community. The purchase was partly funded by a county open space grant with a promise that it would be safe from development.

Today, Norview Farm continues today to be a popular spot for families and visitors to enjoy the green space, the animals, and a refreshing ice cream. The garden shop has been replaced by the Township run Farmers Market and there are special events scheduled for Fall.

Upper Merion’s Past To Enlighten

Understanding Dog Ear Infections: A Comprehensive Guide For Pet Owners

Dog ear infections are a common concern for many pet owners. Being aware of the symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures can significantly contribute to maintaining your furry friend's health and happiness. Ear infections in dogs can cause considerable discomfort and, if not treated, can result in more serious health problems. We aim to provide a detailed overview of dog ear infections, equipping you with the knowledge to recognize, treat, and prevent these infections effectively

Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of an ear infection early can make a significant difference in your dog's comfort and recovery time. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

Frequent scratching or pawing at the ear: Dogs with ear infections often scratch their ears due to itching and discomfort.

Head shaking or tilting: If your dog is persistently shaking their head or tilting it to

Treatment

Treating ear infections promptly is crucial to prevent complications. Here are some home care tips and veterinary treatments to consider:

Home Care Tips

Cleaning the ears: Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner to gently flush your dog's ears. Excess cleaner can be wiped away with a cotton ball. Avoid using cotton swabs as they can push debris further into the ear canal.

Monitoring and prevention: Keep an eye on your dog's ears and clean them regularly, especially after swimming or bathing.

Avoiding irritants: Keep your dog away from potential allergens and irritants that could trigger an infection.

Veterinary Treatments

If home care does not improve the condition, it's essential to seek veterinary assistance. Treatments your vet might recommend include:

Thorough examination: Your vet will inspect the ear canal using an otoscope to assess the extent of the infection. Your vet will also take a swab sample from your dog's ear to determine the type and severity of infection.

Redness and swelling: Infected ears often appear red and swollen. *Be sure to check under the ear flap.

Unusual odor: A strong, unpleasant smell from the ear is usually a sign of infection.

Discharge: You may notice a white, yellow, brown, or bloody discharge from the ear

Behavioral changes: Dogs in pain may become irritable, lethargic, or less interested in playing and eating.

Balance problems: Severe infections can affect your dog's balance, causing them to tilt their head to one side, stumble or seem disoriented. Some dogs may be less willing to jump or walk up/downstairs.

Ear cleaning: A professional cleaning may be necessary to remove debris and discharge.

Medications: Typically topical antibiotics, antifungals, and/or anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed, depending on the cause.

Follow-up care: Length of treatment will depend on the severity and chronicity of infection. Regular check-ups may be required to ensure the infection is fully resolved and to prevent recurrence.

Medicine

Understanding the medications used to treat ear infections can help you better care for your pet.

Over-the-Counter Options

Ear cleaners: Available at pet stores, these can help maintain ear hygiene and prevent infections.

Medicated ear drops: Some OTC ear drops can provide relief for mild infections, but it's crucial to consult your vet before using them.

Prescription Medications

Antibiotics: If the infection is bacterial, your vet may prescribe antibiotic ear drops or oral antibiotics.

Antifungals: Fungal infections require specific antifungal treatments.

Anti-inflammatories: These can help reduce swelling and pain, improving your dog's comfort.

Pain relievers: In some cases, pain relief medication may be necessary to help your dog cope with discomfort.

Contagiousness

One common concern among pet owners is whether dog ear infections can spread to other pets or humans. Typically, ear infections in dogs are not contagious. They are usually caused by factors such as allergies, moisture, foreign bodies, or ear mites. However, if the underlying cause is an infectious agent like mites, it could potentially spread to other pets. Always practice good hygiene and consult your vet if you have multiple pets showing similar symptoms.

Prevention

Preventing ear infections is often easier than treating them. Here are some tips to help keep your dog's ears healthy:

Regular ear cleaning: Clean your dog's ears weekly with a vet-approved cleaner, especially if they are prone to infections.

Drying ears thoroughly: After swimming or bathing, make sure to dry your dog's ears to prevent moisture buildup.

Monitoring for allergies: If your dog has allergies, work with your veterinarian to manage them. In many dogs, recurrent ear infections may be the only sign of allergies. Routine check-ups: Regular veterinary visits can help catch and address potential ear problems early.

Proper grooming: Keeping the hair around your dog's ears trimmed can improve air circulation and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid plucking ear hair unless deemed necessary by your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Dog ear infections are a common but manageable issue. By recognizing the symptoms, seeking appropriate treatment, and taking preventive measures, you can help ensure your dog stays comfortable and healthy. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian for professional advice and treatment. Your vet can provide personalized care tailored to your dog's specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Turning Grief Into Action After Losing Their Son To Addiction

was using heroin.

Within one week, Brendan willingly entered rehab at Mirmont Treatment Center, part of Main Line Health. Mirmont Treatment Center specializes in addiction treatment for people with both substance use and mental health disorders.

Brendan Arata was on the right track. He had been sober for 96 days. He was writing music again. He got a job at UPS, helping drivers deliver packages for the holiday rush.

Brendan self-medicated for years before it turned into addiction. It started with stealing anxiety pills at home, then prescription opioids from his friend's dad before it escalated to heroin. His 22-month battle with addiction was complicated by mental health issues and challenges navigating the path to recovery. On the evening of his relapse, the 23-year-old overdosed on fentanyl-laced drugs.

But the tragic loss of Brendan set his parents, Heather and Larry Arata, on a mission to help others struggling with addiction.

The Early Years And A Bipolar Diagnosis

Brendan grew up in Havertown, Pa., in a lively household. "Our house was a house of total creativity," recalls his mother, Heather, a 64-yearold project manager. "While our daughter was drawing and sewing, Brendan was playing piano and percussion instruments.”

Brendan and his older sister, Shelby, played sports, but Brendan's true love was music. He played xylophone in the elementary school band, co-hosted a weekly alternative rock radio show in high school, and eventually, got his own drum kit and began playing with the Blue Bond School of Music in Philadelphia.

At 15, Brendan began experiencing mental health issues and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder Heather and Larry tried everything they could to help their son. But this was 2009 and at that time, the importance of mental health wasn't as recognized as it is today

"Finding resources then was difficult," says Heather. "It was trying to figure out how to treat the bipolar, find psychiatrists who understood the disorder in children his age and find a therapist he could talk to.”

When he was around 16, Brendan was hospitalized in Bryn Mawr Hospital's Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, part of Main Line Health, for suicidal depression for the first time.

"With bipolar, there are many types of medications. We think that the medication Brendan landed on kept him stabilized from mania but made him feel more depressed. That's what we think led to self-medicating.”

Battling Addiction

A few years after graduating high school, Brendan began stealing a family member's anxiety medication as a way to find relief from his bipolar symptoms. Brendan and his best friend eventually began stealing opioids from the friend's father, who suffered from a chronic back condition. It wasn't until that friend died from an overdose in February 2016 that the Aratas knew Brendan

Nearly 8 million adults in the United States have co-occurring mental health (like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia) and substance use disorders (like alcohol, drug or prescription medication, opioid addiction). It can be difficult to know which condition comes first, or whether one causes the other. But what's clear is that experiencing both can have an intensifying effect - which makes finding the right treatment even more critical.

"At that time, there were very fewfacilities that would accommodate someone with a dual diagnosis," says Heather. "But we always say he got excellent care at Mirmont Treatment Center.”

"Addressing co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders requires a nuanced approach," explains Valerie Schina, MS, Executive Director of Mirmont Treatment Center. "Treating one condition alone isn't enough. At Mirmont Treatment Center, we emphasize integrated treatment plans that address both conditions simultaneously. This comprehensive approach includes therapy, medication, relapse prevention strategies and holistic support likestress management and family involvement. This type of care is crucial for long-term recovery.”

After being discharged from Mirmont Treatment Center's inpatient rehab program, followed by outpatient addiction treatment, Brendan stayed sober for a while. He went home, got a job, committed to outpatient treatment and saw his therapist weekly.

But his struggles didn't end there. At one point, Brendan felt the urge to use again and sought readmission to Mirmont Treatment Center. Despite his urgent need for treatment, his health insurance company denied coverage because he wasn't under the influence at the time.

Recovery And Relapse

In January 2017, things started to spiral. Brendan was hospitalized for suicidal depression several more times that year. After being again admitted to Bryn Mawr Hospital in September, he entered a partial hospitalization program (PHP) in Hamilton Township, N.J. Less intensive than inpatient hospitalization, a PHP can serve as a "step down" to help a person adjust to everyday life after they leave the hospital or rehab.

Brendan completed the PHP in November, then went to a recovery home in Jenkintown, Pa. But after two days, he called his family, saying he didn't feel safe there. Every time Brendan was discharged from treatment, the family felt a mix of hope and fear. Brendan wanted to get better, but the system at the time made it hard for him to stay on track.

"It was very frustrating as a parent not knowing where to turn," says Heather. "Many days, I just cried.”

A New Purpose

The Aratas decided to channel their pain from losing Brendan into something positive. One month after their son passed away, Heather and Larry started the Opioid Crisis Action Network (OCAN), a non-profit focused on destigmatizing addiction and fighting for legislative changes to improve data transparency in recovery homes. They also raised money to help support individuals with rent in local best-practices recovery homes.

In January 2023, the Opioid Crisis Action Network Recovery Fund (OCAN-RF) expanded its mission to focus on charitable work. The program offers resources to people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, including up to eight weeks of recovery home rent, food access, public transportation passes and clothing gift cards. OCAN-RF currently provides assistance to more than 40 clients. It also holds weekly community outreach events, gives grants to local bestpractices recovery homes and offers many alternative therapies, including recovery writing and artist workshops, trauma-informed yoga sessions, recovery meetings and gym memberships.

Additionally, Heather and Larry continue to advocate through legislation to prevent others from facing the same barriers to treatment Brendan did. Brendan's Bill (PA State Senate Bill 975) states that anyone presenting at a facility for treatment cannot be denied insurance coverage based on their sobriety status at the time of presentation. The Aratas encourage people to contact their state senators in support of Brendan's Bill.

But more than providing resources and advocating for lasting change in addiction treatment, the Aratas offer a beacon of hope for those battling addiction, and their loved ones. "It has been a healing experience," says Heather "We'll never stop grieving the loss of Brendan, but seeing how many people we're able to help eases that grip of grief a little.”

International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31 - but addiction affects individuals and families every day of the year. To learn how you can support the Opioid Crisis Action Network Recovery Fund, visit their website at opioidcrisisactionnetwork.com.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there's hope and help available. Take the first step towards healing. Call Mirmont

The Aratas brought Brendan home a few days before Thanksgiving, and he continued treatment, diligently attending an after-work outpatient program every day

Despite all his efforts, Brendan relapsed on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. The drugs he took contained fentanyl, causing him to fatally overdose. He was 23.

INJURY PREVENTION

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the handthe median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.

In addition to numbness and tingling, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause swelling, weakness, and night time pain. Patients sometimes describe dropping things unexpectedly and may have difficulty with buttoning shirts, tying shoelaces, or handling loose change.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

wrist become swollen and inflamed, the median nerve can become compressed by the transverse carpal ligament (see figure), leading to carpal tunnel symptoms.

Early on, symptoms commonly occur during sleeping hours. In more advanced cases, the symptoms can become problematic during waking hours. Many sufferers describe symptoms with benign activities, like reading the newspaper or driving a car.

Cortisone injections often provide excellent relief from symptoms. Unfortunately, symptomatic relief is only temporary, and most people experience a recurrence of symptoms after 3-4 months.

For chronic or more advanced cases, carpal tunnel surgery is often recommended as the best course of treatment.

What can I expect from surgery?

Surgery provides more space for the median nerve and relieves pressure on the median nerve and tendons. This procedure is typically done under light sedation and local anesthesia and usually takes only minutes to complete.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is frequently seen in individuals who develop swelling or inflammation in their hands. People who smoke, as well as those with connective tissue diseases, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism, may be at greater risk. Repetitive work activities can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

The median nerve acts as an electrical wire between the spinal cord and the hand. The nerve passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist along with nine tendons that bend the fingers. When the tendons in the

What can a hand surgeon do to help?

A hand surgeon can order special nerve tests to verify the extent of the problem. Custom wrist splints are helpful for early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome. These splints are worn at nighttime to relieve pressure on the median nerve and to prevent the wrists from bending during sleep.

While there are several different approaches to performing carpal tunnel surgery, usually a 1/2 inch incision is made near the wrist and use of a camera to release the tunnel under direct visualization. This minimally invasive approach minimizes discomfort following surgery and allows patients to return to activities more quickly. Over 95 percent of patients improve dramatically following surgical intervention, with most returning to daily activities within days. Many patients can resume heavier job-related activities after 2-4 weeks.

Contact us at 1-610-768-5959 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. W

13 Offices in Pennsylvania & New Jersey including:

King of Prussia · Havertown Paoli · Langhorne

Collegeville

Center City Philadelphia

South Philadelphia Willow Grove · Lansdale

Rockledge · Glen Mills

Cape May Court House

Cherry Hill

FINANCIAL FOCUS

Watch Out For Investment Scams

When you invest, you'll find that knowledge is power. The more you know about your investment choices, and who is offering them, the better prepared you'll be to make good decisions. And this diligence can also help protect you against investment scams. How widespread is this activity? Consider this: Investment fraud losses totaled more than $4.5 billion in 2023, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report.

Here are some common types of scams:

Cryptocurrency: Not all cryptocurrency offers are scams, but many are. The scammers will contact you via social media, claiming they've made a lot of money in crypto and are willing to help you do the same. They may direct you to a website or app to invest, but the “company” taking your money may not even exist, and, after taking your money, may disappear

Investment programs: These programs claim to have “proven” strategies that can enable you to get rich by investing in financial products. But these strategies are dubious at best and can cost you thousands of dollars that could otherwise go into an investment plan based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

Real estate: Typically, a real estate scam tries to get you to invest in a “world-class” or “luxury” property development, but these properties may take years to build, if they're built at all. Also, various real estate “seminars” claim they can teach you how to get wealthy by buying and selling real estate, but these programs are expensive and usually worthless.

Gold and other precious metals: Scammers who call themselves “rare coins” merchants may try to sell you gold coins, bullion or other types of precious metals, claiming that these assets will always go up in value (which isn't true) and that “now is the best time to act.” You can find legitimate ways to invest in precious metals, possibly through mutual funds, but you'll need to determine whether these assets can be an appropriate part of your investment portfolio.

So, how can you avoid these scams? Here ae some suggestions from the Federal Trade Commission:

Don't be pushed into snap decisions. Scammers will pressure you to act quickly because “space is limited” in an investment offering or a “special deal” won't last long. If someone won't give you time to consider an offer, it's not worth considering.

Be suspicious of “risk-free” claims. All investments carry risk, and no variable investments can claim to provide

REMAIN SAFE AND INDEPENDENT AT HOME

you can DO to remain safe and independent in your own home!

There are home modifications that can be done now so you can be ready to enjoy this beautiful time of year. If you have mobility challenges or just want to stay safe and independent in own home, there is technology and products that can make life easily accessible. Today there are many amazing solutions that will make your home accessible, beautiful and safe.

Make an Entryway Accessible

Install a modular ramp for entry to a front, back, or side door. This will eliminate stairs for individuals who have mobility challenges or are in a wheelchair a scooter. A modular steel ramp can be assembled in one day, is removable and reusable, fireproof, slip resistant, and has handrails.

Install a Stair Lift

When stairs become challenging, a stair lift offers a great solution. Stair lifts take you from one floor to the next with ease and are mounted with minimal changes to the stairs. Stair lifts come in varying indoor and outdoor models with an array of features such as remote control, swivel seats, battery back up, and more.

Use Portable Ramps and Threshold Ramps

Sometimes one, two steps, or an uneven surface can become troublesome. These small areas of raised surfaces are often the biggest causes of a trip and fall accident. There are many styles of aluminum and rubber ramps that can provide a smooth transition for you to maneuver

Make a Bathroom Accessible

Many falls and slips happen in the bathroom. A few easy modifications will allow you to avoid hazards that could cause accidents. Install a ADA compliant shower, sink, or toilet. Strategically place grab bars in the shower or next to a toilet for stability in a wet and slippery environment. Widen the doorways and hallways to accommodate walkers, scooters or wheelchairs. Add lever handles to doors, cabinets and faucets for easier opening.

When you are ready to start a project, look for a company with accessibility experience, who is familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines and local zoning laws. A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) has been trained by the National Association of Home Builders on remodeling existing homes to age-in-place Take advantage of a FREE evaluation to review your needs.

Amramp is an accessibility product and service company that serves residents throughout Radnor Township and beyond. Our goal is to help provide confidence so you can move from room to room or inside to outside with ease. Do not let a few barriers stand in the way of enjoying your home and spending time with family and friends.

“My modular ramp has significantly increased my quality of life. The change in my daily life was instantaneous. Short trips to store and church were almost impossible. Now I can get in and out of the house and enjoy social and community interaction. My emotional well being has been positively affected.”

“guaranteed returns.” If an individual or organization downplays the risk of an investment and doesn't want to provide risk disclosures, just walk away.

Ask about licensing or registration. Legitimate investment professionals must be registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and be licensed by your state's securities regulator before they can sell you any investment product. You can check the status of an individual or firm by using FINRA's BrokerCheck tool at brokercheck.fina.org.

Do some research. You can search online for the name of the company or individual offering you an investment opportunity. By entering terms such as “review,” “scam,” “fraud” or “complaint,” you may well find that other people have experienced problems or been victimized.

To achieve your financial goals, you'll likely need to invest for decades — so, be wary of scammers who claim to offer a shortcut to success.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

THE ARTS & COMMUNITY

Expressive Path is a non-profit creative arts organization based in Norristown, PA. We empower disadvantaged students aged 1219 by providing opportunities to express themselves through educational workshops, performances, and community service. Expressive Path offers mobile, virtual, and in-person at the Expressive Path Creative Arts Center. Our students participate in theater, dance, music, humanities, and visual arts learning opportunities. In the summer, we provide a free summer camp and on Friday nights teens can come to our Community Creators social group to stay productive, safe, and creative.

Expressive Path strongly believes in the power of collaboration for strong healthy neighborhoods. We work closely with Norristown Area School District and many other schools, nonprofits, churches, shelters, detention, and recreation centers. In 2023, Expressive Path moved to Cherry Street in Norristown to make creative arts and culture accessible to an underserved community. Expressive Path serves approximately 500 students a year in a 5county radius with a focus in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Expressive Path has several programs:

Art Education: Expressive Path provides field trips, tours, and art lectures for the Norristown Area School District and the Montgomery County Youth Center, a shelter and adolescent detention center. Many of the teens there have been abandoned, neglected, and abused, and through our program, they gain the benefit of new experiences and positive role models. Additionally, our students get opportunities to further their education, with support for scholarships, recording, and exhibition opportunities to help them reach the next step. Both literally and figuratively, teens can see a world outside their own, experiencing new possibilities.

Mentorship Program:

Expressive Path-trained teachers conduct creative arts workshops for students. These teachers are volunteers from the community and artists in theater, dance, music, humanities, and the visual arts. They work with teens in their medium of interest, helping them make important connections and guiding them toward achieving their goals.

Self-Expression Program:

This program provides opportunities for disadvantaged teens to highlight their talents at fundraisers, and community events and to display their artwork in local galleries. These students also volunteer and intern in their artistic fields of interest. Our teachers help teens prepare through additional workshops, dress rehearsals, and other support, giving them valuable information about what to expect and how to present themselves professionally and confidently. For students in the program, the result is self-esteem and meaningful, goal-related experience.

Summer Camp:

Expressive Path's Creative Arts Camp provides a fun, safe, educational experience in the arts for marginalized communities who are not afforded the opportunity. The camp is held at the Expressive Path Creative Art Center in the indoor makerspace area, backyard garden, and Cherry Street playground. The camp is for Norristown and Pottstown School Districts serving disadvantaged middle and high school adolescents. The length of the camp is July 1st through July 26th and will run 5 days a week from 9 am to 2 pm. Students receive a daily breakfast, lunch, and snack. Students benefit from a creative arts experience from Expressive Path's talented teachers and community leaders. Their arts journey includes painting, music production, poetry, games, STEAM programming, anime and comic character building, dance, cooking, and more. Students will meet likeminded peers and gain new coping, social, and academic skills. They will beautify the neighborhood through public art instilling ownership and pride in their community.

Community Creators:

This is an offshoot of our Mentorship Program, which began in September 2022. Community Creators is for underserved teens to have a safe place on Friday nights to be creative with like-minded peers. Students

enjoy a warm-up, dinner, snacks, and a presentation and activity from our community partners. A special guest from the community joins us at the Lincoln Academy in Audubon, PA to teach art, music, cooking, sports, and more. We extend these projects out in the community to students from our guest's organizations or the local public. It is an opportunity for our students to participate in meaningful activities and neighborhood beautification projects.

This program has received enthusiastic support from students, their families, NASD, and community leaders. We've enjoyed engaging learning experiences, such as building guitars in collaboration with Montgomery County Community College and exploring music production with Rotation Records. Expressive Path is eager to offer this program to students who live within walking distance of our new location on Cherry Street.

Community Service:

Expressive Path offers community service hours for students in need of academic service hours or community hours delegated by juvenile probation or another juvenile justice center. Expressive Path teaches important life skills such as data entry and marketing so that a student is inspired to make positive choices.

Jay Goldsleger, DDS

Scott Goldsleger, DDS

Natalie De Barros, DMD

David Kim, DMD

Marcela Herrera, DMD

Larry Schlarb, DMD

Skip Hoerz, DMD

Ama Soleye, DMD

Andrew Rush, DMD

Kristine Rushby, DMD

Bryan Ruda, DMD

Serena Colletti, DMD

7 lane 15-Yard with real life distances for your Handgun, Rifle, and Shotgun shooting practice.

New Shooter Lessons, Cleaning Classes, Utah Concealed Carry Permit, Tactical First Aid, Defensive Pistol, Home Defense Handgun, Reloading, RLEIA Handgun Qualification, Act 235, Shot Tec Simulator, Tactial Sporting Rifle, Women on Target, USCCA, Law Seminars

Guns, Ammunition, Cleaning Supplies, Holsters, Cases, Magazines, Reloading Supplies including PC Bullets & Better Bullets manufactured on-site, Silencers, NFA Items

Silencer Shop Kiosk!

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