Local News

                The Open Line, a multi-service agency based in Pennsburg, has a lot to celebrate this year.

                Not only is the agency marking their 35th anniversary assisting the people of the Upper Perkiomen Valley, they are also experiencing a rebirth of sorts with a revised mission statement, new website, logo and tagline – “Helping people, building community, changing lives since 1975.”

                The Open Line was established in March of 1975 by the Upper Perkiomen Community Council to provide information, emergency services and transportation to local residents in need. The agency officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization in April 1976. Initial funding was given by the Upper Perkiomen Ministerial Association, churches, civic organizations, fundraising events, and a $1000 grant from the Lutheran Synod of S.E. Pennsylvania Task Force on Community Aid. 

                Today, the office is a hubbub of activity.  They offer a wide variety of free and confidential services including a community food cupboard, employment services, GED preparation courses, domestic violence resources, utility, rent and prescription assistance and counseling.

                The Penn Street headquarters also serves as a Montgomery County Information Center, where residents can get tax forms, dog licenses, maps and driver’s license manuals.

                In these economic times, agencies like The Open Line are more vital than ever, said Executive Director Lilibet Coe.

                “We have had a 12-15 percent increased demand for our services over the past year,” she said.  “We are very much needed in the community and I’m very optimistic about our future.”

                The most-utilized services include food assistance and employment counseling and GED preparatory classes, she said.

                This year, the agency has helped approximately 1,000 people with food and personal care items through emergency food donations and a government food program.  Experienced employment counselors help individuals develop or update resumes and apply for jobs and GED prep classes assist individuals with successfully obtaining a diploma.       

                Individuals can be assigned a case manager who will sit down and talk with them to find out all the areas the agency can assist them with.

                But while the agency is a source of help to so many in the community, they have not been untouched by the economy.

                The Open Line decided in March to close their office on Mondays until June 28.

                “We are hoping by June 30, after our 35th anniversary celebration, that our operating deficit will be eliminated,” said Coe. 

                The agency, which is competing for a $30,000 capacity grant from a non-profit finance fund out of Philadelphia, also hopes to purchase a new database for their computers.  They are also working on a number of additional objectives to make operations run smoothly.

                I think I have brought a different perception and experience,” said Coe.  “I look forward to moving The Open Line into the future.”

                The Open Line will be hosting its 35th anniversary celebration June 27 from noon until 3 p.m. at La Massaria at Bella Vista Golf Course in Gilbertsville.  The cost of the brunch is $45 per person and will feature a buffet, music and a silent auction. For additional information on event sponsorship, advertising in the 35th commemorative ad book, donating a silent auction item or to receive an invitation, please contact The Open Line at (215) 679-4112.

                For more information on The Open Line, visit www.upvtheopenline.org or come see them in person at 452 Penn Street in Pennsburg.

                During Tuesday night’s workshop session, solicitor Barry Tomlinson announced to East Greenville Borough Council that the proposed Local Services Tax Ordinance 4-76 has been advertised locally. Council will vote on the tax during the regular council meeting on June 7.

                Tomlinson had previously explained the purpose of the ordinance which, if adopted, would establish the Local Services Tax at a rate of $1 weekly per employee working within the borough for emergency services and road maintenance.

                According to the advertisement, the tax would “promote fairness in taxing individuals who benefit from the borough’s infrastructure but may not pay property taxes within the borough.” 

                Council is also planning to present an ordinance for a vote adding the title of “Borough Manager” and defining the responsibilities of that position.

                In other business, council reviewed another resident request for exemption from the annual trash collection fee. According to the borough website, www.egreenville.org, the $113 fee accompanies a reduction in the cost per bag from $2 to $1.

                Council President Jennifer Boyer reiterated that the waste removal contract is based on the number of residents living within the borough. Councilwoman Marita Thomson added that any fees not collected by residents will still need to be paid by the borough.

                A final decision regarding the requested waiver will be made on June 7, although the consensus of those council members present was to deny the specific request.