Editorial

            No doubt you spent some quality time outside this past weekend enjoying the May weather in April. By tonight the forecasters have promised more seasonal temperatures and, what else, rain.

While the warm weather we recently experienced brought out plenty of folks intent on getting a head start on their gardens and other house and yard work, it also acted as a lure for walkers, joggers,

bicyclists, motorcyclists and an occasional horseback rider. It was a preview of the summer of 2010. Our region has much to offer to anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors.

There are plenty of parks, trails and playgrounds to enjoy but the activities aren’t confined to those places. Motorists must remember to take extra care when traveling the roads in our area. Most of the roads in the region are barely two-lanes wide and lack sidewalks. Caution must be taken by all to keep everyone safe.

Leave the cell phone in your pocket or purse as you navigate the roadways, and be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists. Don’t take your eyes off the road to change the radio station or CD unless it’s safe. Avoid distractions or conversations inside your car that could prompt you to take your eyes of the road. It only takes a fraction of a second for a tragedy to occur.

Slow down as you approach the top of that hill – you never know what’s waiting on the other side. Don’t be in such a hurry. The wind from your passing vehicle could send a cyclist for a spill. Give pedestrians and bicyclists some extra room when you navigate around them.

Those who choose to take the slow road to their destination via the shoe leather or pedal express need to remember that they, too, are responsible for what happens on the road. Travel safely and give yourself enough room to react to a road-hog driver. It is never a good idea to play chicken with 5,000 lb. ,four-wheeled behemoths – you just won’t win. Bicyclists should be reminded that they must follow the same traffic laws as cars. Stop at red lights and stop signs.

Pedestrians should cross at crosswalks or intersections and be on the lookout for turning vehicles. Wear reflective clothing and avoid dark clothes when walking or bicycling at night. Motorists can’t avoid what they can’t see.

These are just a few tips - there are many more which will help keep everyone safe. Take time to learn them – your loved ones will thank you.

If everyone chooses to respect each other, we can all safely enjoy the roads.

Share the road and enjoy the season – spring is here!

                Congratulations and good luck to the Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance Association as it embarks on the daunting task of construction a state-of-the-art facility to better serve the citizens of the community.

                More than 60 years ago the group began serving the emergency medical needs of the area.  With a single Buick ambulance purchased at a cost of $6,000 and 30 volunteers with first-aid training, the group began to serve the public.  When the call for help came in, a Community Nurse was called to respond with the volunteers.  The ambulance and staff were primarily used to transport patients to a hospital back then - a far cry from today’s lifesaving emergency medical procedures used. 

                The new group completed their first year of operation by logging 105 calls!  The total mileage on those calls was 4,576. 

                Today the organization has three ambulances along with full-time paramedics and emergency medical technicians available to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Often two full crews are on duty to serve local citizens.

                Even with the current slow-down in the building industry, our region continues to grow with the need for more emergency medical services.   The group responds to an average of nearly five calls every day.

                There are more developments in the area that are desired by, and designed for, older residents and, well, we’re not getting any younger ourselves.

                The group has a budget of nearly half a million dollars.  Responsible management for a business that provides such an important service to the community is a must.  A nine member board of directors governs the organization.

                Four of the directors must be active, responding medical volunteers.  The other five members cannot be responding medical volunteers or staff.  The medical responders bring the knowledge of the service to the table, while the non-responders bring a variety of business and personal skills to the management team.  The mix appears to be working well for the group.  Many of the board members have more than 12 years of service!

                Some, like president Frank McCauley, chief Bob Eisenhart and deputy chief and paramedic Bob Niedzwiecki, have more than 16 years of service.  Those are impressive numbers for a group of lifesavers. 

                With the level of training and qualifications constantly improving, the group is looking to construct a state-of-the-art facility to accommodate educational, organizational, staff and future growth needs.  The facility will provide safekeeping for the association’s inventory of life- saving equipment and technology that the group is constantly updating and improving. 

                With the support of local governments and citizens, there is no doubt that they will accomplish their goals.  After all, it is the community that benefits from all of their hard work and dedication.

                Support this project.  You or someone you care for may need their help one day – and you deserve the best!