Here we are in our first issue of the Bucks County Herald, and it sure feels great not to be the forgotten orphans anymore, where news coverage is concerned! Applause to Publisher Bridget Wingert, for recognizing the news hole in our area and doing something positive about it. I’m looking forward to seeing this paper grow into a thriving member of our Upper Bucks community.

Speaking of community, that’s why I’m here. My name is Mary Shafer, and I’m a professional writer. I’ve lived in Ferndale for several years, and will be writing this column the first issue of each month. We’ll share the smaller, folksy happenings that don’t make headlines, but still hold interest for township residents. Think of it as a kind of over-the-back-fence, neighborly chat.

Are you planning a family reunion, neighborhood barbecue or block party? Renovating your home, putting in a swimming pool or building a barn? Celebrating a hard-won promotion, graduation, anniversary or milestone birthday? Is a long-absent relative returning for a visit? Have you recently gotten a new pet, or lost one? Or perhaps you’re involved in some community service or volunteer work. Send your stories here to the paper, or email them to me at notes@thewordforge.com.

Now, to the good stuff.

The first new happening I have to report is the formation of a group of Upper Bucks residents concerned about the threat of over-development to our groundwater and other natural resources. They’re calling themselves The Gallows Run Watershed Association (GRWA), and they’re working on behalf of us all to protect our area’s rural character. President Todd Stone of Kintnersville says to watch for their official public debut at Durham Day on Saturday. Anyone interested in joining should visit their table there.

Sandy Weber over on Ealer Hill wants to recognize the Palisades Sports Booster Club for all their hard work. Last year, the Club raised nearly $12,000 to contribute a basketball scoreboard, baseball batting cage and some football equipment to the Palisades High School sports programs. The club welcomes all interested parents, whether they have kids in sports or not, to participate in raising funds through their sales at the stadium Snack Stand. We especially appreciate the hardworking ladies who run their operation like a well-oiled machine for all evening stadium football and soccer events, as well as inside for home basketball games. President Patti Skow, Vice President Phyllis Walton, Secretary Binny Silverman and Treasurer Sally Delmar hustle along with Volunteer Coordinator Martha Kaucher and former President Joanne Allen to keep spectators fed and plied with hot and cold drinks. We wish them luck in their efforts to convert one of the showcase closets to a vending window nearer the gym!