Pilot Shot Down in Germany; From Chalfont Pa

Lt. Albert F Wick - WWII Pilot Killed in Action

Memorial Day is a day to honor those who sacrificed their lives in order to protect the greatest Country in the world. Veterans Day is a day to honor all those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Please see the end of this story for more interesting information about the two holidays and the difference between them.
The story of Lt. Wick is fitting for Memorial Day, but it's also appropriate for Veterans Day as a reminder that those who serve are among the most courageous among us, and deserve appreciation and respect and should be an inspiration to remain vigilant as citizens. As citizens, it is our responsibility to maintain the principles of America, which was created by the people, for the people.  


On Wednesday, August 19, 2015, The Chalfont VFW presented a medal honoring Lt. Albert F. Wick, a pilot in the Army,  who was killed in action on September 19, 1944 in Germany during WWII.

 The original Chalfont VFW Post 5588, chartered in 1946, was
established, and named for Lieutenant Albert F. Wick.
The late Albert F. Wick, formerly a Chalfont resident graduated from  Doylestown High School
in 1939. He was drafted into the Army and underwent basic training
in Sioux Falls, SD. Following initial training, Albert applied for Air Corp
School and was accepted for aviation training. He completed pilot and
navigation training in Texas.
After being introduced by a friend, Albert and Arlene (nee Williams)
were married in Lansdale, PA, on December 9, 1943.

Albert was stationed in England, not far from London,
and served with the 860th Bomber Squadron, 493rd Bomber Group (H).
He flew both B-24 and B-17 Aircraft in the ETO. On September 19,
1944, while flying his 23rd combat mission, Albert was shot down over
Germany. The crew’s tail gunner was the only survivor of the crash.
Lt.Wick would have been eligible to take leave after his 25th mission.

Lt. Wick is buried at Port Lorraine American Cemetery, St. Avold,
France, Plot K, Row 33, Grave 20, (ID 0-702989) as confirmed by the
American Battle Monuments Commission.

The Post later named in honor of Lt. Wick dissolved in 1981. The current Chalfont VFW Post 3258 was chartered on May 15, 1996, with 47 members. The Post today remains active
with 78 members.

From the Memorial Foundation Organization: 

Two national Holidays, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, honor the sacrifice of Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and celebrate the people who served and the values Americans hold as a nation: duty, honor and civic responsibility.

The holidays, though they commemorate the sacrifices of thousands of American service members, are distinctly different. Memorial Day is the older of the two holidays, having its roots in the Civil War. First known as Decoration Day, it was instituted by former Union Army Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, to honor those who died in the armed forces. Logan, later a U.S. senator from Illinois, became the first commander-in-chief of the organization of Union veterans called the Grand Army of the Republic.

With General Orders No. 11, Logan designated May 30, 1868, "for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country" and conduct special services as circumstances permitted.

The establishment of Veterans Day as a national holiday had a different purpose. It stems from the armistice that ended combat in World War I, Nov. 11, 1918. It honored all who had served in the U.S. Armed Forces in World War I. The holiday was officially called "Armistice Day" in 1926 and became a national holiday 12 years later.

It would probably still be known as Armistice Day had World War I, "The War to End All Wars, lived up to that nickname. A few years after the day became a national holiday, the United States entered a war — World War II — that called on more than 16.5 million American men and women to serve in the U.S. military. Of those, some 292,000 died in battle.

Representative Edwin K. Rees of Kansas proposed that Nov. 11 be set aside as an occasion to honor those who served America in all wars instead of only World War I. Shortly afterward, in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed the bill which officially changed the name of the holiday and broadened its purpose.

In 1968 a congressional law attempted to move Veterans Day to this forth Monday in October, but the original date of Nov. 11 was kept because of its historic significance.

Memorial Day and Veterans Day honor the sacrifices of innumerable individuals who sacrificed themselves to preserve the freedoms all Americans enjoy, with Memorial Day remembering those who gave their lives, and Veterans Day honoring all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Chalfont City Council Votes To Limit Business Opportunity

After many eloquent and impassioned residents of Chalfont stood up to voice their concern about the council passing Ordinance 427, the council voted 4-3 to pass it.

Tracey Bowen, Mike Kelly, and Michael Horvat voted no.

Ordinance 427 changes the infrastructure from a balanced ratio of business and residential, to a 90% residential area, with a proposed drive through fast food restaurant and a 54 unit three story town home development. Thus, the vision of a walk-able, shop-able, village with character, is to become residential with highway like turn-offs with quick stop and go instead of walk and stay.

One resident, who lives on Westview where yet, another new development is going, spoke up about her concerns that the council seems to care more about making the developers happy and takes little, to no consideration about what the residents want.

She also raised some red flags that the company that did the demolishing on Westview, were unsafe and had dumped material in the middle of the street.

Another resident who lives in the Butler/Bristol area, stated that almost a year after the demolishing of the farmhouse on the corner of Butler/Bristol, there is still garbage and dangerous debris. That workers come and go, including late night hours which is disruptive to the community.

Councilman Michael Horvat stated that the Developers, who have grand plans for Chalfont, have everything to gain from these developments. The Developers are highly experienced in law and rhetoric; whereas the members of the council are a bit at a disadvantage. Horvat felt rushed and implied there should be more time and/or more thorough due diligence.  He mentioned that the ordinances seems to exist not as a guideline to keeping Chalfont cohesive and safe, but they can be changed to suit a developers wants rather than maintain the vision that the community had agreed upon.

Councilman John Abbot disagreed with Horvat, and stated he made an effort to talk to the residents regarding the Butler/Bristol development. He knocked on 10 doors. He only spoke with 2 residents, and they liked the idea of the development. He admitted it was the middle of the day when he did his canvassing, which might explain why he spoke with few people.

One resident brought up the idea that instead of townhomes at the Butler/Bristol corner, something good for the community could be a creative use. A library. Or an organization such as a YMCA.

In the Revitalization Plan
 (link here: http://www.ecode360.com/documents/CH0570/public/185441708.pdf )
it was recommended that the council/manager be creative in reaching out and finding small business to add to the Chalfont community. Offer incentives. To work at creating an image of a cheerful small historic community where you could walk to shopping and parks. There has been no outreach nor branding of Chalfont. Indeed, the same eyesores continue to exist; the overgrown vacated bank, the overgrown lawns on foreclosed homes, or sold homes, the Chalfont school sat for years with broken windows. Sidewalks on mainstreet remain broken. And the burnt-out carwash, is allegedly going to become a "soft-touch" car-wash.

The residents on Westview complain constantly about the unsafe drivers on that road and one council member stated that the addition of more residents on Westview will cut-down on speeding because there will be so much more traffic congestion!

There are so many blighted areas in the community that have existed for years and continue to exist.
This is an example of a council/manager that is not able to get things done. 2 of our historic buildings will be demolished.

These new developments going in contain items that, if not maintained, (water features, a drainage ditch, a park, snow on sidewalks) will fall back to the borough to handle. They have proven they can't handle taking care of the blight that has existed for years; adding more possibilities of blight that they can't or won't fight, is concerning.

Judging from the passionate residents at the meeting on November 8th, and the passage of Ordinance 427 despite the pleas to slow down and reach out to the community and exercise more due diligence; there are only a few people on the town council who seem to be actually listening and understanding the residents.

The lawyer for the Envision group, Mr. Ed Murphy, made it clear that, even if the ordinance is changed, there is nothing to guarantee that the development plans will come to fruition. If  the council tries to limit the proposed townhomes any further or places any other restrictions, the proposed development would cease being financially rewarding to the developers, at which time, they would vacate the plans.

Apartments Coming To The Chalfont School - Belle Property

Here is the resolution posted on the Chalfont Borough website regarding another new apartment building in Chalfont.

This is Resolution 2016-24

This approves the development of 18 multiplex units and 4 apartments on the lot of North Main Street, Hamilton Street, and Church Street.

On page 4 of this document, it states that in lieu of a public hearing, the borough council offered residents the chance to comment on the proposed public plan a public meeting. Most residents state they were never made aware of this proposed apartment building.

http://www.ecode360.com/documents/CH0570/public/246026502.pdf

The Difference Between Freedom and License

I was looking through a history book of Chalfont, created by Mary Jane Clemens and published in April of 1977.

I will be sharing interesting facts from the book - as it is a fascinating look at the early days of Chalfont.

I was very moved by "The Patriot's Primer" written in the book. Very simple, but very powerful.

“Believe in Freedom and Independence for our Nation under God. Pledge full allegiance to “Old Glory” – to the liberty and justice for all that it represents. Be vigilant for its keeping. Know the difference between freedom and license.

I had to look up the word license as it is applied in that sentence. I realized it must have meant something a bit different in 1977 the way it was referenced in that line.

And this is what I discovered: 

Freedom and license must not be confused: freedom embraces responsibility and is guided by reason and virtue; license is choice without restraint; irresponsibility.
It's not my fault. I don't recall. I wasn't aware.

Freedom is an acceptance of a wide range of behavior, as long as it is compatible with the common good; people should be allowed to choose freely how they want to live.
Freedom is taking responsibility for our actions.
Freedom, within the context of mutual respect, leads to independent and energetic action. This is 
preferable to forced conformity. It is good for individuals and the community. If I can choose to become a teacher or a doctor or an entrepreneur rather than being forced into a job, I will be happier in my work and more likely to succeed. This benefits me, but it also benefits the community. Of course, freedom is not an absolute: if my free action seriously violates the common good, it should not be permitted.
Freedom is a positive force in many areas. In writing a paper for an English class, a certain independence in choosing the topic and method helps the learning process. A coach gives her athletes a degree of freedom to make decisions in a game, and new situations will arise that demand creative solutions. In government, the freedom to vote gives people a stake in their future. In all of these examples, self-discipline and responsibility are required if the freedom is to be successful.


"Freedom refers to self-determination....
To the extent that we can determine
for ourselves who we shall be,
we are responsible for our lives."
Germain Grisez and Russell Shaw
Beyond the New Morality



License
Self-abandonment
License is the throwing off of all responsibility. It is a carte blanche to do as we feel. As such, it is incompatible with virtue and destroys community.
License leads to reckless and dangerous action. On the personal level, license leads to moral chaos. If my actions are based merely on whim or the impulse of the moment, they are unpredictable, even to me. On the social level, license leads to anarchy — the lack of all dedication to the common good. This is obviously bad for the community, but license is also bad for those who exercise it. I strive to be free from responsibility rather than to be free to take charge of my life.

License can cause damage in the very places where freedom enriches. If license rules in choosing topic and method, an English paper might not even remotely relate to English. Athletes cannot succeed in a sport by acting on mere whim, for each sport requires discipline, and team sports demand a high degree of cooperation. If the members of a society, if politicians, ignore all restrictions of law, that society will not survive. License abandons personal responsibility and so loses the creative energy and success of freedom.

"None can love freedom heartily
but good men; the rest love
not freedom but license."
John Milton
Tenure of kings and Magistrates

And so, I remind myself that I must be vigilant and, much like Ben Franklin did, remind myself to do all things in moderation. And to stay aware and alert and active to what is happening in Chalfont. To make sure those in charge are not acting with abandonment and for self serving enrichment.

Who profits from the surrender of reason and liberty? Politicians.

In an endless sea of distractions, let us not forget those who worked so hard to make Chalfont a charming, cheerful community!

Last Day Of Chemo!

Spotted this sign the other day in Chalfont. A good reminder to treasure each day and be kind to your neighbor - you never know what they might be going through!

Goodbye Halloween!

 A quick look at the spirit of Halloween that the residents of Chalfont captured so well!
Quick tip for anyone suffering candy belly aches: chew a peppermint!

Butler and Bristol Housing Development in Chalfont Pa

Patrick Henry: "To cover with the veil of secrecy the common routine of business, is an abomination in the eyes of every intelligent man, and every friend to this country.”

There are 3 new housing developments/apartment buildings planned for Chalfont's future.

The Newest and Most Pressing Development is coming in at the Butler and Bristol intersection. On July 12, 2016 at the Borough Meeting, a 57 unit townhome tract, a (possible) Dunkin Donuts, and one other possible commercial unit were brought up as a suggested project, to be built on 7 acres. This land, previously owned by Rich Dreyer,  is now owned by Envision Land Development.  In order for this to occur, there must be a substantial change in the Borough Ordinance.

THE CONCERN: Chalfont was zoned to balance commercial (business) with residential building in a nice cohesive percentage. However, at the October meeting the first reading of the ordinance Zadell would like to change: Ordinance  427; this is to amend the Chalfont ordinance zone. Which, in essentially says: "WE once dreamed Chalfont would be a wonderful town; a kaleidoscope of business and residential, a peaceful community were one could shop and walk home."

The original purpose of the Butler Avenue Commercial Overlay was (as stated in Section 27-1008.1 of the zoning ordinance) to encourage innovative planning with contribute to village character and vitality of community.

Provide for a mix of commercial and business uses that share infrastructure, thereby reducing congestion while promoting efficient traffic flow and increased pedestrian access.

The proposed amendment would require at least half the development to be residential and would permit up to 90% to be residential, thus there is no balance of commercial/business.

During the October 11th meeting (2016), the "first reading" of Ordiance 427, amending the Chalfont Borough Ordinance by amending the Butler Avenue Gateway Commercial Overlay Zoning district passed the "first reading" by a vote of 4 in favor and 3 opposed.

None of the residents were informed of this possibility prior to the reading. This proposal came up during the July 12th Borough Hall meeting. Residents were not made aware of the possibility of town-homes being built in an area zoned commercial.

Township manager Sandra Zadell assured the residents who voiced their opposition and concern, that prior to the November 8th meeting in which the final vote takes place, residents would be informed.

As of this article, dated 10/31/2016, residents deny being contacted by the Borough or the Council.
Residents also complain there is no email address to reach any of the Borough Council members.

Many concerns range from possibility of Chalfont accepting federal funding from the Government for the Refuge Resettlement Program  to increased traffic congestion, to the over saturation of housing in Chalfont, when already, the average house for sale in Chalfont stays over 180 days on the market, and many are in foreclosure.

Residents all agree on one thing; they were not informed of this major amendment to the code, and feel there is a lack of communication that, at this point, feels purposeful and secretive.

As a vital part of the community, please plan to attend the November 8th meeting (after you vote!) so you can express your concern (or approval) for this development. It is the final vote, if it goes through, it will be very difficult to repeal.

Most residents are in agreement they would like to see this project tabled until January, which will give them enough time to