THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW The heart of a shrimp is in its head. Withheld sneezes are the #1 cause of detached retinas. It is physically impossible for a pig to look up at the sky. In every episode of Seinfeld there is an image of Superman. The cigarette lighter was invented before the match. Most lipstick contains fish scales. Everyone’s tongue print is as unique as their fingerprint. The liquid inside very young coconuts can be used as blood plasma. You burn more calories sleeping than watching television. Wrigley’s gum was the first product to sport a barcode. Apples are more efficient than caffeine at waking you up in the morning. Elephants are the only animals that can not jump. A pack a day smoker will lose about 2 teeth every ten years. Babies are born without kneecaps. They appear between 2-6 years old. The average person over fifty will have spent 5 years waiting in line. 40,000 Americans are injured by toilets every year. The first Harley built in 1903 used a tomato can for a carburetor. Most of us have eaten a spider in our sleep. Put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in 2 days. And...Never take life too seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

CLASSIFIED ADS For Sale-Flashing Football pins for Conrad Weiser Night Games. We will look awesome with everybody flashing in the stands. Show your team spirit! Place your order now. $5.00 per pin 610-693-9722 Jeep Wrangler bikini top $50 tow bar $150 Tunturi F515 semi-recumbent exercise bike $200 Cast Iron Pump for pond or deco $30 Gateway laptop computer $500 Call-484-955-2986 1986 Harley Best Offer 693-9722 Free Kittens Call 610-488-0770

AROUND THE TOWN Sept 8- 7pm West & East Elementary Meet the Teacher night Sept 9 – 7pm at the Middle School Open House for parents Sept 10,11 & 12- Max The Crystal Skull at Art of Health 693-6760 Sept 11 - YARD SALE Patterson Dr & Ege Ct 8am Sept 14- 7pm Open House for High School parents Sept 18- 5k run 9am and Furnace Festival 11am-4pm South Church & South Freeman Streets Food, Entertainment and lots of fun. October 10- Riverfest Rotten Tricks featuring Dave Young from Robesonia playing main stage from 4-4:45pm Oct 30- Walk for Diabetes at Gring’s Mill , Call Kelly to join our team 6936011 Published by Sunshine Creations owner Vickie Correll Thank you to my Editors-Lisa Heilman and Donna Becker

OUR ROBESONIA

September 2004

Robesonia Playground. What an awesome playground season the gang had this year. Thank you Karen Young, Deb Carl and Charlie Reidler for taking care of the kids, giving them a safe place to hang out, play sports, do crafts, and have a great time. Some of the highlights this year were the annual trip to Knobels Park, scavenger hunts, breakfast, pizza parties, poker and basketball tournaments, tie-dye days, football and ping pong. Western Berks Ambulance did a great job telling the kids all about UV rays and bike safety, and answered a lot of their questions. Pioneer Hose Company let everybody use fire extinguishers to put out fires they set, and Joey had the opportunity to wear the whole fire suit. Everybody got to use the Boaster line hose and shoot water out onto the grass. Kickball was always a favorite. The kids also looked forward to pool night on Tuesdays. The playground leaders enjoyed being there for the kids and they really heard the stories and childhood adventures. Sometimes they heard the same story more than once! The kids always knew that the 3 playground leaders would be there for them and would take time to listen to what they had to say or what they wanted to do and would try to help them through a rough day. The leaders all had the ability to relate to the children on their own level which really helped them be effective as leaders and made it a great season for a group of good kids. Robesonia residents are very fortunate to have this program in our town. For a small fee, children from other boroughs and townships which don’t have a program, can enjoy the benefits also. The next time you see Karen, Deb or Charlie, thank them for the impressive job done by all of them.

SUPPORT OUR TRADESMEN • • • • • •

Weddings Pig Roasts & Rentals Clam Bakes Hot & Cold Buffet Chicken Bar-B-Ques Golf Outings

Call 610-693-6390

SUPPORT OUR TRADESMEN The Art of Health Nutritional & Wellness Center Vitamins & Supplements Bison, Elk, Organic Fruits & Vegetables Fresh Goat Milk & Cheese Organic Eggs & Chicken Classes & Lectures 381 West Penn Avenue Robesonia 610-693-6760

SEPTEMBER DINING SPECIALS Ozgood’s Grill & Bar - 610-693-6685 Monday-Wing Night $8.50 AYCE with sides Thursday-Prime Rib 8-12 & 16 oz. cuts Sunday-Breakfast Brunch 9am—1pm $8.25 September Specials-*Closed Labor Day* 3 & 4 Clam Weekend 17 & 18 Snow Crab Weekend 10 & 11 Caribbean Weekend 24 & 25 Prime Rib Weekend 319 East Penn Avenue Robesonia

HEIDELBERG FAMILY RESTAURANT Open Daily 6am to 8:30pm Banquet Facilities Gift Certificates Available

Broiled Twin Stuffed Lobster with crabmeat Served with soup & salad bar or 2 vegetables $11.95 Route 422 West in Robesonia

610-693-5060

GIANNOTTI’S FAMILY RESTAURANT Month of September Specials Dining in

FREE Domestic Draft Beer or Soda with Entrée/ with this ad To go

2 Sandwiches with French Fries $8.99/ with this ad Banquet Facilities Seat 60+ with Bar 610-693-6566 410 East Penn Avenue * Robesonia

D.P. Randler Landscaping & Mulch Outlets 610-693-8205 September Special 10% OFF All Trees & Shrubs Hours

Desiree Putt's Beauty Shop Specializing in Long hair & Eyebrow Arching 610-488-0770 194 Sheidy Road Robesonia

Mon.-Fri 8am to 6pm Sat 8am to 4pm Sun 10am to 4pm 451 West Penn Avenue Robesonia

Your Color AD just $25 per month www.ourrobesonia.com

SUPPORT OUR TRADESMEN

SUPPORT OUR TRADESMEN Duncan’s Corn Maze

Paul M. Yatron Andrew S. George Robesonia Office 127 East Penn Avenue 610-693-8881 Tuesdays 6-8pm & by appointment 520 Walnut Street-Reading 610-376-1515 www.msbk-law.com

Robesonia Flowers 924 West Penn Avenue-Robesonia

610-693-5841 or 1-800-909-5841 Mon-Thurs 8:30am to 5:30pm Fri & Sat 8:30am to 5:00 pm Closed Sunday

September Special Mums 4 1/2” $1.25 or 5 for $6.00 8” $3.00 or 3 for $8.00 14” $18.95 or 2 for $30.00 also ornamental Kale, Straw Bales And Rudbeckia

Computer Sales and Service Website Hosting & Design Virus Protection Home / Office : Free Consultation Call today for an appointment !! (610) 693-6873 [email protected]

Mark Runge Radon Contracting 610-589-4281

Testing & Mitigation DEP Certified Have your home tested For Radon Gas $10 off Testing

Starting September 10th thru October Friday-Saturday and Sunday’s 1pm—8pm Located on the Robesonia Bernville Road 610-693-8056

Dennis Rick Contracting, Inc. 610-693-9722 Insured * References New Construction * Remodeling * Repairs * Siding * Decks * Windows * Cement Work * Snow Plowing * Backhoe & Dump Truck

SUPPORT LOCAL TRADESMAN

Bookkeeping, Income Tax Preparation & Notary Service

BTN Associates, LLC. Pat Krick M & W 10am - 9pm

610-693-8786 Tues & Th 1 pm—9pm

Fri 10am - 1pm Sat 10am –2pm also by appointment 819 West Penn Avenue-Robesonia www..btnassociates.com

Jeannie Z Entertainment DJ & Karaoke For Weddings * Parties * * Picnics * Call 610-507-0219

The Villa Hair Studio

Country Carriage Rides

Specializing in Cutting & Coloring for Men * Women * Teens Perms & Highlighting Manicures & Pedicures 610-693-5446

Weddings-Anniversary-Parties-Picnics Proms-Special Occasions 1 & 2 hour tours across scenic farmland Rodney Dieffenbach 610-589-4317

YOUR MONEY Life Insurance Awareness Month, September 2004

Golden Ridge Assisted Living 610-693-5850 404 South Church Street ~ Robesonia Owned and Operated by Gary and Lynn Zerbe Offering Quality Care at Affordable Prices Pleasant rural setting. One floor living with Private and Semi private rooms PA Dutch Home-style Meals served in a cheerful dining room. *Activities * Spacious, beautifully decorated rooms for socializing and watching TV. Many accommodations and services included in daily room rates. PA Licensed Personal Care Home. Ample Parking Handicap Accessible

Now more than ever there is a need to raise awareness of the importance of life insurance. Ownership of life insurance has been declining for decades and the impact is being felt in very human terms today. A recent study of widows and widowers whose spouses died prematurely (between the ages of 30 & 55) found that fewer than one in four felt their spouse had adequate life insurance. This resulted in many surviving family members having to work additional jobs or longer hours, borrow money, withdraw money from savings and investment accounts, and, in too many cases, move to smaller, less expensive housing. In an effort to encourage consumers to take stock of their life insurance needs, the life insurance industry is coming together in September to promote Life Insurance Awareness Month. Life Insurance Awareness Month is being coordinated by the nonprofit Life & Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE) and includes the participation of many of the nation’s leading insurance companies and industry association. September was not chosen by mistake. In the aftermath of the World Trade Center and related tragedies, many of those killed did not have adequate life insurance, or any at all. Insurance professionals and companies are making a concentrated effort to educate everyone on how life insurance, or the lack of, can impact you and your families’ lives. On Wednesday, September 15th, I will conduct an educational seminar on the different types of insurance and how it fits into your financial picture. We will meet at 6:30pm at Luke’s Coffeehouse located on Penn Avenue in Robesonia. Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP no later than Sunday, September 12th to reserve your spot. I look forward to seeing you there! All questions or concerns should be directed to Connor C. Morganti, Morganti Financial Group, Inc. at 610-413-1108 or [email protected].

GET IN THE NETWORK For just $10 per month you can be in the network letting others know what you have to offer. www.ourrobesonia.com or [email protected] or call 610-693-9722 Attorney Mogel Speidel Bobb & Kershner 693-8881 www.msbk-law.com 376-1515 Bookkeeping BTN Associates LLC 693-8786 www.btnassociates.com Vickie Correll 693-9722 [email protected] Catering Brooke Barnett 693-6390 Computer Repair & Programming JAG Computers 693-6873 [email protected] Discovery Toys Denise Delp 589-2261 www.discoverytoyslink.com/denisediscoveries Driveway Sealing Alpha Seal Asphalt Sealing & Maintenance 693-8054 [email protected] www.choosealpha.com Financial Services Morganti Financial Group 693-6329 [email protected] General Contracting Dennis Rick 693-9722 Rod Snyder, Jr. 693-6848 Notary Service BTN Associates LLC 693-8786 www.btnassociates.com Pet Sitting Million Dollar Pet Sitting 693-6329 Taxes BTN Associates LLC 693-8786 www.btnassociates.com

Come Visit The # 1 Ford Salesman in Berks County! I’m right in your back yard!

If you didn’t buy from me you paid too much!

YOUR HEALTH I have two exciting things to write about this month. Yoder's Good Health Recipe and Max The Crystal Skull. Yoder's sounds like good ol’ PA Dutch but it actually comes from Kentucky. (Yes down in the holler where moonshine was made). Yoder's is made with all natural ingredients and 14 herbs, such as aged apple cider vinegar, ginseng, golden seal, echinacea, chamomile, chickweed, fenugreek, black cohosh, and more. Let me tell you about a few of the ingredients. Cider vinegar has been known as a “cure all” longer than Johnny Appleseed (in fact the real reason Johnny went around planting these seeds was the benefits of cider!!). It increases energy levels, stabilizes blood sugar levels, relieves arthritic pain, detoxes the body of toxic build up, fights free radicals of the body, and best of all burns calories and more. Black Cohosh, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, relieves hot flashes, menstrual cramps and is good for arthritis. Echinacea stimulates white blood cells and is anti inflammatory and antiviral, is good for the immune and lymphatic systems. It is useful for colds, flu, sinus, and other infectious illnesses. Now if you don’t believe me about how great people are feeling, talk to Vickie Correll. She will tell you how she feels since taking it. We have customers finding relief from arthritis, change of life, muscle aches, allergies, acid reflux, heartburn, and run down-dog tired feeling. Get some here at the Art of Health. The second news at Art of Health is we will be hosting Joanne Parks and Max The Crystal Skull from Texas. They will be here at the store Sept. 10, 11. and 12th. There are 13 of these skulls in the world. All were found in ancient ruins of Mayan and Aztec civilizations. Max is the largest at 18 pounds. They are part of the greatest mysteries such as the pyramids or Stone-henge. They defy all scientific logic. As a clear crystal carving they should have shattered, fractured or fallen apart. They are believed to be between 10,000-35,000 years old. Max “speaks” to you. I have been fortunate to see him several times. You may bring items to “charge up”. Saturday evening lecture is $25. Joanne will display and talk about Max. He has been known to heal, give messages to people, have a higher amount of energy unknown to man, and is just an amazing authentic ancient artifact. Private sessions are 1/2 hour for $50. Call Debi @ 610-693-6512 or 610-693-6760 for more information and to schedule. Payments must be made in advance to hold your spot. Sessions and the lecture have limited seating. Come and experience this once in a lifetime mystery. Written by Debi Fegley

YOUR NEIGHBORS Meet the Speicher family~ Scott, Sherry, Shayna and Amber. Scott and Sherry both grew up in Robesonia and most of their families still reside here. Scott has been employed by Grosfillex, Inc. as a foreman for the past 20 years. He enjoys golfing, especially during their trips to Myrtle Beach each summer with friends and family. He also likes spending time with friends, watching all of the Philadelphia sport teams on TV, and attending Shayna’s sporting events. He is also involved in starting an internet golf business, called Nextlevel Omnisports, LLC. Sherry has worked part-time for Larry Rabold, CPA as a payroll preparer for the past 11 years. She enjoys going for walks, working in the flower garden, reading and bowling. She’s also involved in the kids’ activities and enjoys spending time with family. Shayna is 11 years old and will be in 6th grade this year. She plays several sports~ soccer, basketball (her favorite) and softball. She is also a junior Girl Scout. She likes to ride her bike around the neighborhood and often stops to play with the neighbors’ dogs. Shayna enjoys school and spending time with her friends. She also likes playing Playstation 2 games, playing in the creek, listening to music, and shopping. Shayna likes anything with a monkey on it! Amber will be 7 years old on 9/17/04 (one day after mom’s birthday). She’ll be going to 1st grade at CW West Elementary. She’s looking forward to school and seeing all of her friends. She’ll be moving up to Brownies this fall. Amber likes riding her bike, coloring, and playing with her friends and cousins. Her favorite toys are Polly Pockets and anything with a frog on it!. Sherry’s mom, Shirley, won the landscaping contest in August held by the newsletter and DP Randler, and was featured in the Reading Eagle with her beautiful gardens. Scott’s family was responsible for the building of Fry Manor. The streets are named for Scott’s mom, Martha, cousin Jack (who started Remax) is Jackie Ave, Aunt Lynn, Harry, his grandfather who built almost all the houses in Fry Manor and his Uncle Harry, Hilda~ Scott’s grandmother and Harry’s wife, and of course Fry Avenue in honor of the entire clan. Scott and Sherry, along with his brother Gordie and wife Kathy, live in Fry Manor on properties joining Scott’s parents, Donald and Martha Speicher. How’s that for being born and raised and keeping your feet planted in Robesonia? Thank you, Speichers, for sharing your family story with all of us.

FURNACE FESTIVAL

On September 18th from 11am to 4pm the Annual Furnace Festival will be held at South Freeman and Church Streets. The theme this year is the 60’s with memorabilia from 1760, 1860, and 1960. At 9am (before most of you will arrive), the Ironmaster 5K Run sponsored by the Robesonia Community Association will take place around the Robesonia Furnace District . All runners must pay a registration fee of $12 before September 11 and $15 the day of the race. Registration starts at 7:45am and ends at 8:50am. There will be T-shirts for all pre-registrants and to post registrants as long as they last. Awards for best overall and age groups with free hot dogs and soda. Back again this year is the local band Flaming Dick & the Hot Rods along with the Center City Swing Dancers from Philadelphia, playing and dancing to lots of 50’s, 60’s and 70’s music. If you have missed this dynamic duo in the past, be sure to bring a chair and be in front of the stage this year. They will be performing two shows from 1-2pm and again from 3-4pm. I have been fortunate to catch this act before and it is entertainment at its best. There will be a kids’ tent, classic cars, and walking tours of the furnace district with Lester Breininger. I will also have the Our Robesonia tent there with town information and all the newsletter issues to date. Bring the family and enjoy the good food and entertainment . Hope to see you there!

WELCOME Our Robesonia would like to welcome Savage Fords Tim Profit, Tiggar’s Comedy Magic Shows and Balloon Twisting, Golden Ridge Assisted Living, Contractor Rod Snyder, Jr., Duncan’s Corn Maze and Denise Delp of Discovery Toys to the newsletter. I would also like to thank all the returning advertisers and the out-of town advertisers for their support and ideas. We still need a lot more people to get involved in the network for it to be successful. Any talent you have could be needed by someone here in town. Please call the newsletter at 610-693-9722 to join in. I also could use your input and suggestions for articles, family of the month, business of the month or just interesting happenings about the town. Don’t forget to check out our website www.ourrobesonia.com or E-mail Vickie at [email protected] PER MONTH PRICING Classified ad $5.00 up to 3 lines Network List $10.00 Advertisement $25.00 up to 2” x 2” ad Ad 1/2 Page $50.00 Ad Whole Page $100.00 Write your own article $50.00 1/2 page includes being posted on the internet and linked to your site or e-mail. There are also banners and other creative web ads and web design through Jag Computer Services. John and his son, Brian, have done an excellent job with the Our Robesonia website which is all donated time and effort on their part. Jag Computer Services would like to get banner ads running on the website and are in need of a business to get things started. Please call John at 610-693-6873 for all your computer repair and web design needs at very reasonable pricing.

BUYING A CAR ? If you are thinking of buying a new or used car, I highly recommend Savage Ford. I recently purchased a 2004 Explorer at the Wernersville dealership and it was a change for the better, from experiences I have had in the past with dealerships. There was no waiting for hours and hours at someone’s desk while they do who knows what. There was no fancy play with numbers that end up in your being ripped off. There was no waiting for that one and only person that does the paperwork. There was no push. If you have bought a car at one of those dealerships, you know exactly what I’m talking about. At Savage Ford I arrived for a test drive and was met by a staff that was outgoing and eager to assist. There was no waiting around because the salespeople work in sync so that if one is busy another is filling in. While on my test drive, my used van was being looked at for a trade-in. After deciding on the Explorer, within 10 minutes I knew the bottom line, a very fair deal, and was on my way to the bank. When I arrived to pick up the Explorer it was spotless and everything inside and out was explained to me, so there was no guess work as to how to operate the vehicle and accessories. And, they provided all this great service short staffed, because of the huge tent sale on Boscov’s parking lot. I want to thank Tim Profit, my salesman, Angie, John, and Jeff for their joint effort in making the purchase of my new Ford such an easy and pleasant experience. Stop in or call Savage Ford 610-678-8046 for your next vehicle purchase. You won’t be disappointed.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

HISTORY BIT

BTN Associates LLC started with one woman’s dream.

Ever since high school, Pat Krick loved playing with numbers. Her interest led her to take college accounting in high school, and to enroll in a tax professional course after graduation. Prior to going full time in her own business in 1989, Pat worked in the accounting department for a local department store, a nonprofit organization and a clothing manufacturer. She also spent 10 years as a Business Manager for a podiatry office and as a controller to a temp agency covering 5 corporations. With the help and support of her husband Chuck, Pat started a service business that would encompass all of her expertise: Bookkeeping, Taxes and Notary Service. On March 29, 2002, BTN growing and needing more space, relocated to their new location of 819 West Penn Avenue, Robesonia. For Business: BTN offers a full line of services including, but not limited to, Payroll, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, and inventory. Using state-of-the-art equipment and Peach-Tree and Quickbooks software, BTN can handle the majority of bookkeeping needs of its clients. Each month BTN provides pick-up and delivery service as requested. For personal taxes , BTN prepares Federal, State and Local tax returns right in front of you while you wait. For businesses, she offers quarterly tax prep as well as corporate, S-Corp, Partnerships, Limited Liability, and Sole Proprietor. Pat keeps constantly updated at Penn State, NCPE, and NATP, adding to her 30 plus years experience, in accounting and taxes. For Notary Work: With over 15 years experience Pat and Chuck form a team to offer a wide array of services including, but not limited to, auto and truck tags, title transfers, etc., as well as affidavits. They can also order specialty tags and authorized messenger service to Harrisburg for auto and driver licenses. Built on the pillars of excellent service, quality, timeliness and caring, BTN prides itself on its experience, personalized service, and taking time to listen to it’s clients’ service needs. “If you want people to be good to you, you have to be good to them,” says Pat. BTN offers hours for those of you who don’t want to take time off during the day to talk to your accountant. BTN is a member of the Berks County Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Female Executives, National Association of Tax Professionals, PA Assoc. of Notaries, PA Assoc. of Auto License Brokers, Inc. and The Small Business Alliance. Their motto is “Done on time every time.” Pat stays real busy with the business and all of her volunteer work and when she does get spare time she likes to go hunting, read all types of books, show her Mustang at car shows and play with her dogs. Pat and Chuck are terrific people and an asset to Robesonia. Give BTN a call at 610-693-8786 anytime or stop in Mon & Wed 10am9pm, Tues & Thurs 1pm-9pm, Fri 10am to 1pm, and Sat 10am-2pm or by appointment. See the ad in the newsletter.

Pix of Furnace Mansion in 1910 built by George Ege in 1809. S. B. Patterson resided here and managed the Robesonia Iron Company.

Robesonia Iron Company 1910 notice the Furnace Creek on the right. Featured this month because of the Ironmaster 5K Run and Furnace Festival on September 18th.

COMPUTER TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS Does your computer seem slower than the day you first purchased it. Chances are it is slower. Hard drive fragmentation starts as soon as you add and delete files or programs from your PC. To keep your system running efficiently you should De-fragment your hard drive at least once a month. What does De-fragmenting do? It rearranges the data on your hard drive in the most efficient way for your PC to retrieve it when you need it. The procedure to perform Defragmentation is fairly simple, and the time needed to perform it varies upon how bad the hard drive is fragmented. For more info on how to Defragment your PC, press F1 while on your desktop to access the Windows Help screen and search for Disk Defragmenter. This will give you detailed instructions of how to perform this procedure. If this all seems too complicated, JAG Computer Services has qualified technicians that can assess your PC, and provide the quality service you deserve. Don’t let your PC problems get you down, Call (610) 693-6873 to schedule an appointment today.