Over 80 fire companies joined forces to create branding and a website, www.montcofirefighters.org, so community members interested can locate their local fire company, learn more about the volunteer experience and fill out an inquiry form to get connected.

Since then, more than 150 interested residents have filled out inquiry forms. All materials lead back to the recruitment website and in the first year, the campaign raised awareness through media coverage, videos featuring testimonials from volunteers throughout the county, social media and digital marketing, a recruitment brochure, lawn signs and an outdoor booth display for community events to spread awareness county-wide.

Interestingly, a driving force of this campaign comes from the lawn signs spread across the county. Each fire company received 100 lawn signs to pepper in front of residential lawns, intersections, and businesses. More than 76 people saw the lawn signs and took action by filling out an inquiry form on the website.

“I grew up volunteering as a firefighter in Montgomery County and stopped roughly nine years ago because of my career,” said Ray Forlano, a firefighter at Towamencin Fire Company. “I saw lawn signs around my neighborhood and due to a recent career shift I have more time, so I figured I’d join my closest fire company.”

As a fire truck driver, Forlano noted, “There are many ways you can help that don’t involve running into a burning building. There’s a common misconception that when you get older you can’t do much to help; fire companies need fire police to direct traffic and administrative members to help with funding.”

In the news

Not only did the campaign bring back former firefighters to their roots, but it also sparked the interest of community members with no previous experience or knowledge of firefighting.

Recent national news about California wildfires inspired Micah Moono to research firefighting. After delving deeper into his research, he found the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs’ website and filled out an inquiry form.

“I began reading more local news sources about volunteer firefighters and that made me realize the urgency, especially in Pennsylvania,” said Moono. “My biggest questions were answered on the Montco firefighter’s website, www.montcofirefighters.org, so I filled out an inquiry form to get connected with my closest fire company.”

A couple of months ago, Moono was voted into the Perkiomen Fire Company as an official member.

“As a mixed-race individual, I’m not always sure what to expect in a new situation or environment. Since the first day of walking into the station the other members have been nothing but warm and welcoming,” said Moono. “Everyone shares bits of advice or feedback, or helps me get better training.”

Learning new skills

As a new volunteer firefighter, Moono assists with exterior firefighting when responding to emergency calls and participates in weekly training nights at the fire station. When he finishes his courses at the Montgomery County Fire Academy at the end of this year, he will receive his Firefighter I certificate and be able to fight interior fires.

“Although I don’t have my Firefighter I certificate yet, I learn a lot during training nights at the fire station. It’s a refreshing change of pace from my 9-5 desk job and very fun,” said Moono. He elaborated, “We learn how to do forcible entry, work the hoses, and light things on fire. At the same time, we’re learning life-saving skills.”

The fire chief’s recruitment campaign tagline is “Ordinary People, Trained for the Extraordinary” because anybody can volunteer. Volunteer firefighters come from all different walks of life, with all various work backgrounds.

“We want to spread the word in hopes people understand, regardless of their background we can use their help,” said Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association President George Wilmott II. “Most people don’t realize their local firefighters are volunteers.”

Many volunteers, similar to Moono, have no experience fighting fires. Montgomery County fire companies pay for state-of-the-art training at Montgomery County Fire Academy and the equipment necessary to answer the emergency call safely.

While the campaign is leading to an increase in new volunteer firefighters, there is still an urgent need for volunteers countywide. Fortunately, the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association will have another three years to recruit more volunteers thanks to a Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Looking ahead, the campaign will include billboard ads and more on-camera testimonials, media coverage, digital advertising including geofencing and social media marketing and outreach at community events.

“As we continue with this campaign, we hope to increase and retain the number of trained firefighters in our communities,” said Limerick Fire Department Deputy Chief Glen Russell. “It’s been a great year and we can’t wait for what’s in store next year.”

To learn more about the campaign or fill out an inquiry form and take the next steps toward volunteering, visit www.montcofirefighters.org.

The series of sinkholes have forced the closure of a stretch of the major thoroughfare for nearly one week in Upper Merion Township, but transportation officials said that both northbound lanes and the left southbound lane have reopened to traffic following “following asphalt paving operations.”

The closure still stands for the right southbound lane of U.S. Route 202, also known as Dekalb Pike, between Saulin Boulevard and Henderson Road, according to transportation officials. A roughly 10-by-12-foot sinkhole, discovered sometime late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, shut down the northbound lanes.

The closure was extended following complications found during the repair process, according to PennDOT Deputy Communication Director Brad Rudolph.

The other sinkholes, situated in both southbound lanes, were attended to over the weekend.

A “water service lateral” was found in the area’s “largest sinkhole,” Rudolph said. It was filled with flowable fill, tested “and found to have no leaks.” The other sinkhole was approximately 6 feet deep.

“This hole contained an active water service line, which due to the concern of settlement affecting the line, was backfilled as well,” Rudolph said in a statement late Sunday.

It still needs to be filled up to sub-grade elevation, he said.

Rudolph added that once flowable fill is applied, it will need 24 hours to settle before accelerated concrete is installed. It’s unclear when the final lane will reopen.

Of the graduating class members, six cadets started the Academy already sponsored by area police departments, with nine additional cadets hired or receiving conditional offers while in the Academy. A total of 15 cadets will have jobs upon successful completion of their state certification exam on Dec. 14.

MCCC Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Chae Sweet congratulated the graduates for their outstanding efforts and dedication while in the academy.

“Today marks a pivotal moment as you prepare to walk across this stage, joining the distinguished ranks of more than 4,100 who have been trained through our Municipal Police Academy since its inception in 1973,” she said. “As you embark on your careers in law enforcement, I encourage you to carry the values of justice, fairness and equity instilled in you throughout this program. Let the principles you learned at Montco guide your actions, as you serve and safeguard the diverse communities entrusted to your care.”

Coordinator of Public Services Training Programs Stephen Salera, speaking on behalf of Director of the Municipal Police Academy Georgette (Sissy) Hill, who was in attendance but had laryngitis, congratulated the cadets for their 919 hours of work in the Academy, including 26 written exams. Hill has two rules for cadets to live by, he said.

“The first is practice the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” said Salera. “We, as public servants, need to treat everyone with respect no matter the interaction.”

The second rule for the cadets is “practice makes permanent,” he said.

“Many things that we learn here at the academy are perishable skills,” he said. “Whether it be from physical training to academics, it’s important to always stay on top of your training and to keep sharp and ready for whatever you are faced with. That is why it is so important to continue to practice these skills.”

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele told the graduates they would be taking on an enormous responsibility as police officers.

“How you act, how you treat people, it matters,” he said. “It matters to your departments and how citizens in communities feel about law enforcement.”

Being a good police officer means becoming a leader in the community and a role model for others, said Steele.

“Treat everyone equally,” he said. “Treat them with respect. It’s your duty to treat them with the respect they deserve. It’s what the law and justice demand.”

Sgt. Matthew Stadulis, of the Whitemarsh Township Police Department, was this year’s class selected guest speaker. He told the cadets to remember the ceremony.

“Cadets, I want you to take a moment to look around and take this all in,” he said. “Cherish these memories. Surrounded by your fellow classmates, family, friends, fellow law enforcement officers seated behind you. Most importantly, remember this evening as it is the beginning of what will hopefully be a long and successful career. You all have worked extremely hard to get to this point and have earned the recognition you are receiving this evening.”

Salera later recognized the achievements of Class 2302. Cadet Lt. MacLain Brostrom received the Sgt. James R. Miller Marksmanship, the Corporal Brian Kozera Physical Fitness and the Platoon Leader Merit awards. Cadet SSgt. Max Bernstein received the Award of Distinction. Cadet Cristian Ochoa received the Professional Development Award.

Cadet SSgt. Max Bernstein, Class 2302 Valedictorian, congratulated his classmates on all they’ve achieved in the Academy. He challenged them to remember what it means to be a police officer.

“Every action that we now take on and off duty represents our municipalities and policing as a profession,” he said. “The public expects us to be confident and knowledgeable about what we’ve learned over the last 24 weeks, and they deserve no less. Class 2302, each one of us is ready for this challenge.”

John McGowan, on behalf of the McGowan family, presented the $2,500 Chief John J. McGowan III Memorial Scholarship to cadet Sgt. Richard L. Henning. The McGowan family started the scholarship fund in memory of their husband/father, Chief John J. McGowan, III, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2010. The scholarship is awarded annually to a cadet who has completed the program and is financing his or her tuition and has been helpful to many cadets over the years.

Daniel Czaplicki, of the Quest for the Best Foundation, awarded cadets Sgt. Chase Rondeau and Sgt. Richard Henning each with $3,436 Quest for the Best Scholarship Award. Quest provides funds and/or services “to those who are committed to strengthening the common good of mankind.”

Brian Ferry, FirstNet Principal Consultant, AT&T Foundation, awarded a $1,000 scholarship to 10 cadets as part of a $20,000 scholarship awarded to both Municipal Police Academy classes this year. The Class 2302 recipients are: Alexander Garcia, Sgt. Richard Henning, Sgt. Brandon Kinest, Ashley Narke, Sgt. Conor Perdoch, Sgt. Chase Rondeau, Nicholas Sonetto, Donnell Wessels, Thomas Wood, and Dylan Zerby.

Lastly, the $1,000 Whitpain Police Association award was given to Cadet Nicholas Sonetto. The award is given to a cadet who has exemplified superior conduct throughout the duration of the police academy program. The award goes to the cadet who went above and beyond to help, encourage, and support their fellow cadets.

The graduates of Class 2302 are SSgt. Max R. Bernstein, Philadelphia; Lt. MacLain L. Brostrom, Downingtown; Brock N. D’Aulerio, Warrington; Matthew P. Fernandez, Newtown; Alexander M. Garcia, Philadelphia; Sgt. Richard L. Henning, Hatfield; Sgt. Brandon M. Kinest, Levittown; Jeremy R. Mask, Sellersville; Ashley L. Narke, Eagleville; Cristian M. Ochoa, Norristown; Sgt. Conor G. Perdoch, Yardley; Sgt. Chase H. Rondeau, Worcester; Brian L. Salguero, Trenton, N.J.; Nicholas D. Sonetto, Fort Washington; Donnell J. Wessels, Abington; Kaeli H. White, Perkasie; Thomas J. Wood, Pottstown; and Dylan M. Zerby, Doylestown.

Since 1973, the Municipal Police Academy at MCCC has been the training center for more than 4,100 cadets with a consistent graduation rate of more than 90 percent. The 919-hour curriculum allows successful students to articulate up to 15 credit hours toward an associate degree in Criminal Justice. The Academy is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. Many of the Academy’s alumni serve as officers and in leadership roles throughout Montgomery County and the region. MCCC operates the Municipal Police Academy in the Health Sciences Center at the Blue Bell Campus.

The flyers, one stating in part “Stand Up White Man” with a link to a white nationalist website and one promoting a white supremacist film, were found in plastic bags weighted with stones, according to police. Residents of the three townships who called police to complain about the offensive material reported seeing a white minivan tossing the items into the driveways, police said.

The propaganda, distributed under the cover of darkness overnight Dec. 9, was found in the 100 block of Springhouse Lane, the 300 block of Oak Road and the 100 block of Lismore Avenue in Cheltenham, Lt. Andrew Snyder said.

“We never had it in Cheltenham before; it was the first time we were informed,” Snyder said. “We’re aware of it and keeping an eye out, but we have to balance the nature of the materials, which are offensive, but not illegal, just very distasteful, with free speech rights.”

Because the materials did not pose any threats, littering would be the only offense that could be cited, he said.

Springfield police got a call at 8:19 a.m. Sunday from a resident of the Oreland section of the township who reported finding the propaganda in the driveway, police Chief Michael Pitkow said.

The flyers, an estimated 20 in all, were found on Rech Avenue, Ronald Circle and Lynn Avenue, he said.

“After we got the first call, we scooped them up,” Pitkow said.

In 2019, similar flyers were left in the Flourtown section of the township and within the last two years in Wyndmoor, he said.

“Even though it’s offensive, they know they have First Amendment protection,” Pitkow said. “We could summon them for littering; we have a township ordinance that prohibits that,” but the township didn’t find out who distributed the materials, he said.

“As before, in 2019, we don’t condone the behavior, but unfortunately we have to deal with it,” Pitkow said.

The flyers were also left in the driveways of multiple Fort Washington homes in the Washington Manor subdivision of Upper Dublin, 6abc.com reported.

Residents there had video of a white van from which it appears an object is being tossed, the report says.

While Abington homes previously have been targeted, there were no reports of residents receiving any flyers over the weekend, Lt. Steve Fink said.

“We’ve seen that in the past, but we haven’t seen these particular flyers,” he said. “It’s offensive and annoying to some people, but they usually do not cross the line of the First Amendment.”

The propaganda is affiliated with White Lives Matter, a network of white supremacists who engage in “pro-white activism” on a designated day each month, Morgan Moon of the Anti-Defamation League Center on Extremism said in an email.

The “Our Children Pay the Price for Our Inaction, Stand Up White Man” flyer distributed locally “is one of the more popular pieces of propaganda commonly distributed by WLM,” she said.

The QR code on the flyer links to the group’s national Telegram channel and “serves as a springboard for further involvement in the organization,” she said.

The other flyer promotes a white supremacist film with a link to a channel run by a white supremacist author and live streamer, Moon said.

“Propaganda campaigns, like this one, allow white supremacists to maximize media and online attention for their groups while limiting the risk of individual exposure … and public backlash,” she

said.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony to honor the veterans laid to rest in the cemetery. Invited guests include Lansdale Mayor Garry Herbert.

Towamencin DAR began sponsoring Wreaths Across America at Wentz’s UCC in 2019 with plans to continue into the future. The chapter purchased wreaths that will be placed on the tombstones of soldiers who fought in all wars dating back to Revolutionary times, with each name read aloud.

The non-profit Wreaths Across America was founded in 1992, to conduct a yearly wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony has been expanded and carried out across the country simultaneously.

“As a nurse, I know just how important it is that families have the tools they need to live full, healthy lives,” Collett said. “Each year, my Family Health Fair aims to connect people with a diverse set of mental, physical, and behavioral health resources in a fun, family-friendly environment.

“I’m grateful to our wonderful vendors and generous hosts at the Ambler Y for helping local families stay healthy this holiday season and beyond!”

More than 100 attendees of all ages explored 40+ vendors offering a wide range of health and wellness services, sampled farm-fresh apples from Shady Brook Farm, got vaccinated with Eric’s RX Shoppe, and enjoyed an afternoon of free family fun.

During the event, Collett also hosted donation boxes for the Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard and Hatboro Toys for Tots, which collected dozens of socks, pajamas and toys for neighbors in need.

Officially taking over from interim Superintendent Dr. Marykay Feeley Dec. 4, Smith said her short-term goal is “to get to know stakeholders, both internal and external … build relationships with teachers, students and staff and with the township and other external organizations. To listen and learn.”

Long-term, the goal is “to meet the needs of all students and make sure they have access to provide them with the best possible education we can,” she said.

“I do not have other specific goals,” Smith said. Having reviewed the district’s comprehensive plan, “I want to learn and hear from constituents — what they’re proud of and what they see a need to grow.”

Assistant superintendent at Perk Valley

With 20 years’ administrative educational experience, Smith spent the last seven as an assistant to the superintendent and then assistant superintendent for the Perkiomen Valley School District. Prior to that, she was a middle school principal in both the Upper Perkiomen and Northwestern Lehigh school districts and began her career as a physics and math teacher in the Parkland School District in Allentown.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education mathematics & physics from Kutztown University, a master’s in educational leadership from Wilkes University, and a doctorate in education administration from Immaculata University.

“I loved my time in Perkiomen,” but “was ready to take the next step,” Smith said.

“I was very selective of where I would go,” she said, noting she sought “a district I believe was aligned with my beliefs — a progressive school district that believes in equity for all — very much aligned with who I am as an educator.”

“You don’t pass up a district like Upper Dublin,” she said.

“I was looking for a district that has more of a community feel,” Smith said, one smaller than Perkiomen, which has 5,100 students compared to UD’s 4,100.

A resident of Emmaus, she and her husband plan to move to Upper Dublin in two to three years, after their children, a sophomore and senior in high school, graduate, she said.

When she was a middle school principal, “I lived in the community and found I missed being part of that,” she said.

‘Entry plan’ from focus groups

Smith said she has developed an “entry plan” based in part on surveys and focus groups held during the district’s application process.

Two areas stood out — “to look at special education programming as well as relationships with the township,” she said.

Smith has participated in interviews for a new director of student services, who oversees special education, she said, adding, “We’re close to having a recommended candidate.”

Acknowledging “every district has its challenges,” Smith has not yet identified any in particular. “The biggest challenge will be that I’m new,” she said.

“I have felt extremely welcomed by everybody” — custodians, teachers, staff, the school board — “they want me to be successful.”

The interview process included stakeholders from different groups, 25 people in the first round, Smith said.

“That sent the message that the district is interested in the thoughts and opinions of the stakeholders. What clinched it for me was the interview with the school governing board and the executive leadership team,” she said. “There is a genuine desire to do good work for the kids. I could feel that; it felt good.”

Strengthening achievements

Asked about thoughts on closing the achievement gap, Smith said, “I think there are some changes now in terms of reading instruction, the science of reading and how our brains learn to read.”

There should be “a strong core program guaranteed for all students … all having a similar experience,” she said. Upper Dublin is working on strengthening Tier 1 instruction and having interventions in place.

“You have to remove barriers,” which could be language, socioeconomic or others, Smith said. “The way we are presenting materials in a classroom, presenting in multiple modalities. Not one size fits all … making sure we are helping students figure out how to best demonstrate their knowledge.”

While she has dealt with some cultural hot button issues during her tenure, Smith said, “To my knowledge those issues are not prevalent in Upper Dublin.”

Every community “has varying perspectives and you have to honor all, but continue to support our mission and provide equity,” she said. “It can be tense, but staying the course and continuing to more forward for what is best for all students, while honoring other opinions” is the goal.

In a press release announcing the Sept. 27 board approval of Smith, UDSB President Jeffrey Wallack said, the “four pillars” of her approach “resonated with the board: developing our team, listening and learning to build trust, honoring diversity and promoting equity, and communicating meaningfully.”

“Dr. Smith is, in her own words, truly committed ‘to ensuring that every student receives the support necessary to realize their unique potential.’”

Ian Berg, a Democrat from Blue Bell running for school board, died Oct. 27, according to a statement by fellow “Wiss Strong” candidates.

“Ian Berg’s passing is a profound loss, not only to his family and friends but to the entire community. We are grateful for our time with him, and we will honor his memory by continuing to work towards the causes he held dear. His legacy will live on in the positive changes he sought to bring about and the lives he touched along the way,” read an excerpt in part posted to the Wissahickon Democrats website. The statement was signed by fellow candidates Joe Antonio, Paul Badger Jr., Zeffy Karagiannakis, and Steve Walker.

Berg was one of five candidates elected to the nine-member school board that represents Ambler, as well as Whitpain and Lower Gwynedd Townships.

Democrats swept the suburban school director race in the 2023 election, according to results from Montgomery County’s election summary report. Figures recorded Antonio with 8,279 votes, Karagiannakis received 8,272 votes, Badger had 8,255 votes, Walker received 7,930 votes, and Berg had 7,825 votes.

Wissahickon School District Communications Director Kristen Rawlings confirmed Berg “was elected, even though he had passed away,” something Rawlings said “is a very unusual situation.” She recalled two previous school board vacancies taking place over the past eight years.

Rawlings said district officials then implemented protocols to begin filling Berg’s vacancy after the “new school board (was) put into place” Monday evening. The term would begin this month and continue until December 2025.

Those interested should submit a resume and letter of interest to School Board President Amy Ginsburg by 4 p.m. on Thursday. Submissions can be filed online or in-person to the school district administration building from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 601 Knight Road. Visit www.wsdweb.org/school-board/school-director-candidate-interest-form for more information.

School board members will then interview candidates publicly at 7 p.m. on Dec. 11, according to Rawlings. A formal appointment will follow.

Around 1,000 people participated in the parade that’s become a holiday fixture in the Montgomery County borough that Ambler Main Street Manager Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier estimated goes back at least six decades. But thousands more showed up for the festivities as Wahl Kunzier observed the crowds were “six people deep at least.”

“It was extraordinarily successful,” Wahl Kunzier said, noting that “it looked like a Music Fest day.”

She attributed the amount of people participating and the weather cooperating to the 2023 parade’s success.

This year’s Ambler Holiday Parade had about 51 floats, according to Wahl Kunzier. Along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, neighborhood groups, dance groups, mummers, cheerleaders, marching bands, football players, and girl and boy scout troops made up much of the parade. Roughly 15 volunteers helped orchestrate the annual event.

“I think it’s just great because people sit and they go to their same spot every time. People that live along the parade route have parties,” she said. “I just think it brings the community together.”

Wissahickon Middle School custodian Lenny Robinson served as the parade’s grand marshal.

“He is probably the kindest person I’ve ever met. He does so much for the community. It was an honor for us to have him be the parade marshal,” she said, adding “the parade started off with such a good vibe with him leading the parade. It was amazing.”

Ambler Heights won the grand prize, the Fruitful Children’s Foundation took second and Cub Scout Pack 164 was awarded third place, according to Wahl Kunzier.

St. Nick will return to the borough at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7 as “Santa Arrives by Train” at the south side of the Ambler station, 100 S. Main St. Wissahickon Middle School students will also sing holiday carols and Sweet Briar Cafe is expected to serve hot chocolate, according to Wahl Kunzier. Visit amblermainstreet.org for more information.