It’s back-to-school time again, the sun is slanting toward its autumnal equinox, and things are gearing up for a lively season here in Nockamixon. As this issue goes to press, it’s not certain that the Palisades High School semester will begin on Tuesday, as scheduled. Apparently, some teachers felt ill and left early on Thursday, August 28 due to foul air from ongoing construction, and the Superintendent will be making a decision on that. Freshman orientation was already cancelled due to a scheduling conflict with building safety inspections required to open the building, and currently the cafeteria and kitchen are operating without benefit of refrigeration because that particular system isn’t yet operational. Stay tuned for more developments…

Recent Supervisor meetings have drawn record crowds, a positive sign for citizen involvement in our local government. The November election is on everyone’s mind: Anne Lyons has thrown her hat back into the ring as a write-in candidate in the Supervisors race. Democrat candidates John MacFarland and Erin Miller are hosting a barbecue picnic at the Judie and David Much residence on Sept. 20th. And of course, Republican Henry Gawronski is always campaigning. Conspicuously low-profile is Jim Litzenberger, his running mate. Hopefully, we’ll hear more from everyone at the October 2nd Candidates’ Night, sponsored by the Gallows Run Watershed Association. Watch for more information on this much-needed public forum.

Anne brought before the Board of Supervisors the request to pay for safety warning signs on Frogtown Road, where resident Barbara Berger’s horse was struck by a passing vehicle about a month ago, and ended up having to be put down. The road runs right through the Bucks County Horse Park, and several crossovers put the animals and their riders in danger.

Congrats to the Board for “taking the reins” on this issue and approving the expenditure, which will put a caution sign on either end of Frogtown Road, four along the route, and two more on School Road, which also has significant equine traffic. Anne says anyone with suggestions of other vulnerable areas should contact her at the Township Building.

This past weekend, the Nockamixon Historical Society wound up the tenth season of their Free Summer Concert Series on a real “up” note, with a terrific performance by the Sounds of Swing at the middle school. Lots of folks enjoyed the pleasant weather, yummy refreshments and jump-jivin’ of the Big Band-era music. A few people even got up to cut the rug a bit, including Henry and Elaine Gawronski, and one gentleman well into his 80s with his lady friend. Great to see everyone having a good time, and thanks to Chris and Roger de Socarras for all their hard work arranging and producing such a fun community event.

Happy 70th birthday to Kintnersville’s Tom Lyons, the Tire King himself. We hear a big bash is planned for later this week that’ll keep all of Bethlehem awake. Have fun, birthday boy!

Sandy Weber reminds everyone to watch the township newsletter and website schedules for next spring’s Cleanup Day. She and sons Justin and Brandon joined a group of friends and neighbors to pick up trash on Ealer Hill. “I think the boys found it was more fun than they expected,” Sandy reports. She says the participants later received certificates from the Township, attesting to their community service, which they can add to their professional portfolios when entering the job market. Doing well by doing good: it’s a great idea.