November 2012

OUR PARADE Esther Prosser I hope you were out on Main Street on Wednesday evening, October 17 for our Elverson Halloween Parade. New this year was pre-parade music at three busy Main Street locations. Ring of Fire played at the Elverson Supply Company parking lot, the Cripple Creek Gang entertained at the deli porch and local musician, Chris Cameron strummed and sang at the Judges’ Stand on the west end. It was a 55 degree colorful fall evening with no wind. No gloves needed. Few things get me more energized than when things happen in Elverson. On parade night, the town can be its own quiet self until about 5 pm. By 6, it’s organized chaos as school buses impede traffic while band members with their instruments unload. Trucks pulling decorated floats struggle to find their parade spot while countless parents drop off kids, racing off to hunt convenient parking. Twin Valley Fire Police are out in full force doing their best to keep it orderly and safe. All of it seems difficult for many but folks don’t seem to mind. Moods are positive; anticipation is enthusiastic. I feel like we’re in this together. This year we had about 40 entries from school bands, scout groups, businesses, families and fire companies. The Twin Valley Family Fitness Center organized our Halloweeners, judging and enter- taining the costumed kids before the parade . Our theme, Home Improvements, was generated from the Main Street improvements we’ve recently completed—not an easy theme to decorate around, but creative people did it well—again, no complaints. By 9 pm, Route 23 is open, the sidewalks are empty, the traffic is slow. We’re back to calm, orderly Elverson. I could go on and on about our quiet, quaint, neighborly town until you’re tired of hearing it. I am privileged to live and work here. And our annual Halloween Parade is one more reason why I love Elverson.

Clockwise from top left: American Legion Post 537, the Warden Family, Hopewell Christian Fellowship, the Kinsey Family Legos. Our thanks to Ed Turner for providing photographs!

ELVERSON HALLOWEEN PARADE 2012 WINNERS

Best of Show—Warden Family

Best Commercial Float—Baker’s Fire, Water and Mold Restoration 2nd Place—Dig-a-ro’s Exchange

Best Non-Commercial Float— Hopewell Christian Fellowship 2nd Place—Future Fireman of Honey Brook

Best Marching Unit—Wallace and Wolitarsky Dental Associates 2nd Place—Boy Scout Pack and Troop 543

Best on Wheels - The Kinsey Family 2nd Place—Tiffers Chair

Best Scout Group—Girl Scout Troop 1489 2nd Place—Elverson Pack 37

ELECTION DAY - NOVEMBER 6TH Susan Gibble, Judge of Elections

military or veteran’s ID must designate an expiration T his is a very important time in our history and many date or designate that the expiration date is indefinite). have died for our right to vote, so I hope to see all regis- Military dependents’ ID must contain an expiration date tered voters come out and vote Tuesday, November 6th.  Employee photo ID issued by Federal, PA, County or The polls will be open from 7am until 8pm at the Commu- Municipal Government (not expired) nity Evangelical Free Church located at 52 South Brick  Photo ID cards from an accredited public or private PA Lane. We expect a large turnout for this election, so you college or university (not expired) should come prepared to wait in line. We will have the usual  Photo ID cards issued by a PA care facility, including five booths, so it will be first come, first serve. long-term care facilities, assisted-living residences or personal care home (not expired) The Voter ID Law is now on hold until the Spring Primary.  A voter who has a religious objection to being photo- The members of the Election Board are still supposed to graphed may present a “valid without photo” driver’s ask each person for an ID, but it is not required. You will license or ID card issued by the PA Dept of Transpor- be given a handout about the Spring election and the need tation for you to have one with you at that time. The IDs help with the election boards when not enough The ID’s that will be required in the Spring, if the law finally people have volunteered to serve on an election board and goes through will include: other people are brought in from outside the district to help. If I was asked to serve on a board in West Chester or  ID’s issued by the US Federal Government or the even another local area such as Honey Brook, I would not Commonwealth of Pennsylvania including the PA Dept know the people coming in to vote so an ID would be very of State ID for Voting Purposes helpful.  PA Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s License photo ID (ID’s are valid for voting purposes twelve months past If anyone is interested in serving on the Election Board, the expiration date) please contact me, Susan Gibble, Judge of Elections, Elver-  Valid US Passport (not expired) son PA 19520 or call 610-286-6187.  U.S. Military ID - active duty and retired military (a

November 2012 ELVERSON BOROUGH NEWSLETTER Page 2

GOD BLESSED AMERICA Carol Ruffner

M ayor Arleigh Hagerty has given me the opportunity to sing at the Elverson Memorial Day service on several occa- sions. I have had the honor and the privilege of leading the residents of Elverson in singing our country’s patriotic songs and I am always impressed by their support for our troops and their respect for those who have given their lives for our freedom. The Mayor and John Moll, both excellent speakers, share thoughts during the service and always speak boldly about our country’s Christian heritage and encourage us to acknowledge not only the ones who have fought for our freedom but the Author of Liberty Himself.

In years past, we have sung “America The Beautiful” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”, classic musical tributes to our nation that are filled with history and hope. This year, however, I was inspired to write a song titled “God Blessed Amer- ica” that weaves some key phrases from those two standard patriotic songs, as well as from “God Bless America” and our “Pledge of Allegiance”, into a more contemporary framework.

“God Blessed America” acknowledges that it was God Himself who made America a great nation, one that brave men and women have defended and continue to defend today. But the song also questions His future plans for us in light of the unique challenges we face in 2012. Has America already fulfilled its destiny? Are we still “one nation under God” and, if we are, have we forgotten what that means? Do we still want to be free?

As a Christian myself, I am full of hope for a bright future, whether it be on this earth in this country or in my final desti- nation so “God Blessed America” also asks for God’s blessing on America once again, a renewed dream of liberty and justice for all in a land that is noble and free. Noble and free. God bless America! God Blessed America Carol Ruffner copyright 2012

God blessed America. Sisters who sacrifice, He shed His Light on us. Brothers who fight for dignity. It shone for all the world to see. He let our freedom ring. One nation under God are we. He made our voices sing Have we forgotten what that means? Of justice and of liberty. God blessed America. God blessed America. One nation under God were we. Have we fulfilled our destiny? Pilgrim’s pride and brotherhood, God blessed America. Father God will you crown our good again? Author of our liberty, come again and set us free, God blessed America Remind us what it means to have a dream. From sea to shining sea, Land of the noble and the free, God blessed America. Of heroes who gave their lives, God bless America. God bless America!

Carol is in the process of recording this song. If you would like to be notified when it is available to purchase, please email her at [email protected].

November 2012 ELVERSON BOROUGH NEWSLETTER Page 3

PRAYER AT COUNCIL MEETINGS PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST Merle Stoltzfus Jenny Cameron

T wo decades ago, when Evelyn Snyder was our T he pumpkin carving contest was a big success. We had a mayor, she recommended (and Council agreed) to pray at great turn out, 10 families submitted pumpkins. This year we the beginning of our monthly meetings. Why do we con- also gave people the chance to vote for their favorite pumpkins tinue this practice along with many other political govern- we had 35 residents vote. It has been a heartwarming experi- ing bodies? ence having so many families come back every year, knowing it When our first amendment demanded separation of has become a tradition for their families! church and state, our founders had no thought of remov- ing God centered religion from our society. This amendment was only to prohibit the establishment of a particular religion. Atheists tend to disagree but Secularism (life without God) is also a religion. It is a religion that makes man his own god. This is a convenient way to avoid the shame of a higher authority. But shame plays a vital part in a community.

Shame is to the health of our society what pain is to our body. Shame is the indicator to our mind that something is wrong. When we smother the sense of shame, we mask the seriousness of our disease with pain killers. So, the loss of shame is an attack on all of civilization. When we become a shameless society, everyone becomes vulner- able.

Prayer at the beginning of our Council meetings is just one of the many valuable traditions we enjoy. It is good to ask why and remind ourselves that these traditions usu- ally have far deeper value than is immediately apparent. Thank you to the wise town fathers of the past for the bold, beneficial and effectual traditions.

Submission Deadline is November 15th for the December issue to [email protected], 26 East Main Street or 610-286-5115. Remember to check out the newsletter in full color online at www.elverson.org.

November 2012 ELVERSON BOROUGH NEWSLETTER Page 4

SALOME’S JEWELS AND GIFTS Maria Boulanger

lverson’s little Main Street just got a little bigger with the time where the mega stores, malls and cyber shopping domi- E recent opening of Salome’s Jewels and Gifts located at 10 nate and where you find quantity over quality. So it is very re- West Main and Chestnut Streets. Unlike the freshing to step into a store like larger chain stores and busy malls, Salome’s Salome’s, where you’ll not only has the look and feel of a genuine small town enjoy a personable shopping ex- store. This charming shop, which was named perience, but also help keep a after owner Diler Pershall’s daughter, opened little part of Main Street, USA alive for business in September. and well in our own community.

As soon as you enter the store it is obvious So, the next time you are looking that Diler has an eye for décor and pretty for something to do, take a stroll things. The store’s warm atmosphere and down our Main Street and stop in Diler's friendliness both make you feel right at at Salome’s, say hello and see all home. As you look around, you will find lovely the store has to offer. decorative items for the home or office and an array of unique jewelry, all of which are rea- Originally a native of Colombia, sonable and affordable. South America, Diler now resides in Elverson with her three children and hus- Some of the jewelry found in the store is handmade by Diler and band Jonathan. she is working on a princess collection for little girls. Diler can bring her shop to your home and host a jewelry party for you Salome’s business hours are Thursday and your guests and she has future plans to expand her busi- through Saturday from 10am - 3pm or by appointment by ness by offering jewelry making classes and birthday parties for calling 484-433-0774. You can also visit her on Facebook or children. Diler also takes custom jewelry orders if customers email her at [email protected]. don’t find what they are looking for in the store. In addition to jewelry, Diler has a passion for plants, evidenced by the beauti- Come out and enjoy a Holiday Open House and refreshments ful air plant terrariums that she creates and sells in the store. on Saturday, November 24th from 10 am to 3 pm. Free gifts are given to all who drop in on this day. Like all small businesses in small towns, Salome’s relies on the patronage and support of the local residents. We are living in a

IMPORTANT ELVERSON EVENTS

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS Turn clocks BACK one hour November 4th

ELECTION DAY TUESDAY, November 6th 7AM - 8PM COMMUNITY EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

ELVERSON FARMERS’ MARKET SATURDAY, November 17th & December 22nd 9 AM to 1 PM LIVINGOOD PARK GAZEBOS

November 2012 ELVERSON BOROUGH NEWSLETTER Page 5 Elverson Borough PRST STD PO Box 206 U.S. POSTAGE Elverson PA 19520 PAID READING, PA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT # 457