Deadline Approaching for PA Property Tax/Rent Relief
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
The program expansion increased the income limit from $15,000 to $35,000 (which excludes half of Social Security income) for homeowners and raises the maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters from $500 to $650.
The deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2007 is June 30, 2008.
Click
here to access information from the state.
Properties of Merit Program
The Properties of Merit program will again be kicking off this Spring. Last year's program was a big success. The Intelligencer has agreed to again feature the ballots in its publication in the fall. QNB has agreed to be a major local sponsor as well.
As you may recall, Quakertown was the first community in Bucks County to offer this program, through Quakertown Alive.
The program was founded by Siobhan Bennett in upstate New York 19 years ago. She brought it with her to the Lehigh Valley about 11 years ago where it has thrived. It has caught on in other parts of Central PA as well. Now that Quakertown Alive has helped it to expand into Bucks County, look for future references to the program in other communities nearby.
The Program
The POM program focuses on the physical assets of the town by recognizing well-maintained residences and businesses. Collectively, these properties have a dramatic impact on the quality of life for the community. QA! embraced the program because it contributes to our mission of town revitalization and an ehanced quality of life.
Last year's POM Awards Reception was held in the Quakertown Train Station in mid October. The place was packed. Therefore, a new location will be needed for this year.
Residential and commercial nominees were selected from those sent in by area residents during the summer. A team of evaluators then went out and completed a survey for each property, to create a numerical score for comparison. The top scores became the finalists and they appeard on ballots in the Intelligencer.
The properties receiving the most votes from the public were awarded the People's Choice Awards. In addition, specialty awards were given to properties and neighbors we thought were most deserving.
2007 Finalists and Award Winners
In case you missed it, here is a recap of the 2007 finalists and overall award winners:
(Businesses/Property Owners):
Commercial: Sheffield Apartments, Beautiful Smiles Dentistry/Fourth St. Partnership, Quakertown National Bank, Antiques at 200 East, H.C.Kulp Jewelers, CDF Industries, McCoole’s Tavern at the Red Lion Inn, Quakertown AutoWash, and C.R. Strunk Funeral Home. People’s Choice Award: C.R. Strunk Funeral Home.
Meetinghouse District: Thomas Paulovitz, Sharon Gilley, Dan Creghan, Nicholas Trocine, Gordon & Michelle Roeder, and Margaret Stauffer. People’s Choice Award: Georganna & Thomas Paulovitz
Park District: Michael Zinn, Lisa Lowrey, Victoria Cohen, James Smith, John Mathias, and Eric Hellman. People’s Choice Award: Victoria Cohen Trolley District: Michele & Michael Guttman, Theodore Nordmark, Matt & Tina Eichlin, and Craig Gillahan II. People’s Choice Award: Cathy & Craig Gillahan
Grand Prize Award (most votes overall): Georganna and Thomas Paulovitz (1014 Park Avenue)
Specialty Awards:
Mirror Images Awards: James Adams, Oskar Maueroeder Jr.
Best Neighbor Awards: James A. Michener Branch of the Bucks County Free Library, Michael & Judy Schmauder (C.R. Strunk Funeral Home)
Quakertown Alive! Award: Bucks County Preservationists (Michael Cygan, Daniel Soliday and Kenton Bauder
Founder’s Choice Award: Quakertown Train Station Historical Society
The guest speaker was founder Siobhan "Sam" Bennett. The MC was Quakertown POM Co-Director and QA! President Jim Wilson. Alexandria Johnson was the other Co-Director and Jennifer Nagy was the Administrative and Booklet Chair. The Reception Chair was Jack Lopez.
Nominating Committee Members were Michael Cygan, Holly Edinger, Heather Gossler, Alexandria Johnson, Jackie Mohr, Jennifer Nagy, Donald Rosenberger, Elfreide Werner, Jim Wilson and Lisa Wilson.
We could not have done this without the help of our volunteers and local business sponsors! If you would like to be involved in this year's program, please let us know by sending an email to info@quakertownalive.com.
If you would like to make a donation to support this annual event, please log on to http://www.quakertown.mypom.org.
DYK (Did You Know?): Smart Safety
Smart Safety Precautions for Our Students and Others
It is against Borough Ordinance to ride skateboards, roller blades, and roller skates on Borough streets. It's also safer to use the Quakertown skatepark rather than the sidewalks or other parts of downtown businesses or homes.
Many head injuries are avoided each year by wearing a helmet, as the professionals do in the X-Games. In fact, on the Borough website, the Quakertown Police Department reminds residents that Pennsylvania law requires all children under the age of 12 to wear an ANSI or SNELL approved helmet when operating -or riding as a passenger on- a bicycle, tricycle, or other pedacycle.
Each May, the Quakertown Optimist Club and Police Department join forces to present a bicycle safety rodeo at the pool parking lot. Check out the Borough website for the specific dates for this and other youth-oriented activites.
If you live in Quakertown, there are lots of things to do and see in town and the surrounding area. See our 
