40 YEARS- 40 WEEKS

March 10, 2021 – December 8, 2021

First Paper

Take a look at Penny Power’s very first edition!

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Thumbs Up/Down

Browse through a sampling of Thumbs throughout the years.

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Throwback Ads

Reminisce over ads from this week’s featured year!

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Created in 1973, the Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc, (BCDAC) serves as the Single County Authority (SCA) for Bucks County, regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention, intervention and treatment and recovery support services.  BCDAC, Inc. promotes healthy individuals, families, and communities and works to eliminate the misuse, abuse and/or addiction to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.  BCDAC, Inc. supports those in recovery from addiction. The agency has a governing Board of Directors appointed by the Bucks County Commissioners, and reports to the Bucks County Division of Human Services while serving on the Human Service Director Team.  BCDAC, Inc. subcontracts with various community-based licensed agencies to provide prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services for the residents of Bucks County.

 

Drug Take Back Days are scheduled to help protect our communities from accidental deaths and the environment by safely disposing of medications at one the local drive up and drop-in locations. Visit www.bcdac.org for complete details.  The October 23rd Drive Up and Drop in Drug Take Back Day includes four sites also accepting sharps, needles syringes and their solutions and distributing Narcan.  Accepted Medications include:
Prescription and over-the-counter medications, Creams, Vitamins, Inhalers, Ointments, Pet medications, Tablets, Capsules, Patches, Liquid Medications, Nasal Sprays, Vaping devices, cartridges, pods, and e-liquids.

It’s important to dispose of medications safely, but it’s also important to safeguard medications in your home each and every day! To learn more about why it’s important to keep you medications safe and products available through office to help, please visit https://www.bcdac.org/prevention/safe_medication_storage/index.php.

 

BCDAC, Inc. funds a variety of providers who deliver preventions services in both the school and community setting. These services include educational programs for students and families, presentations, Student Assistance Program in schools, overdose prevention efforts, problem gambling educational programs, and more. To learn more about prevention services and information available visit https://www.bcdac.org/prevention/index.php or reach out to Mallory Perrotti, mperrotti@buckscounty.org, 215-444-2785.

Treatment and Recovery

The first step in accessing treatment is to have a drug and alcohol assessment to determine the type of treatment and recovery plan needed.

https://www.bcdac.org/Info%20and%20Resources/Resources%20for%20Residents_Community_rev%207.6.21.pdf

Resource and supports for individuals and their families are available in Bucks County. Here are a few we want to make sure you know about:

Bucks County Connect. Assess. Refer. Engage. Support (BCARES) is Bucks County’s warm handoff program for individuals with a substance use disorder who are in a Bucks County hospital emergency department or other hospital unit.  A Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), who has lived experience with substance use and is in long term recovery, will talk with the person and their family to provide education, resources, support and offer a direct connection from the hospital to drug and alcohol treatment. Those who experienced an overdose are prioritized. https://www.bcdac.org/recovery/bcares_-_help_for_overdose_survivors/index.php

BCARES Family Connect is made up of a group of family members who all have a loved one with a substance use disorder. The goal of Family Connect is to support families who are having difficulty coping with their loved ones’ substance use disorder by listening, sharing their lived experiences, and connecting them to resources to help in their journey. Family Connect volunteers are available 24/7 by telephone, text, email, or in-person in the community. For more information- https://www.bcdac.org/recovery/bcares_-_help_for_overdose_survivors/bcares_family_connect.php.

Bucks County Police Assisting in Recovery (BPAIR) is a program aimed towards getting help for individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment by connecting them with resources, support, and services. Participating Police Departments are here to help and support adult residents of Bucks County who are looking for help or struggling with substance use disorder. More information- https://www.bcdac.org/treatment/bpair_-_bucks_county_police_assisting_in_recovery/index.php.

Recovery Housing

Recovery Houses are located throughout Bucks County and provide a safe living environment for individuals seeking recovery and support. For more information, visit www.bucksrecoveryhouses.com.

Bucks County Recovery Residence Oversight Committee (BC-ROC) has established the Recovery House Scholarship Program to assist with funding up to 60 days of housing for individuals in need who are enrolled or eligible for Magellan/Health Choices of Bucks County. Visit www.bcdac.org or call 215-444-2711 for more information.

 

 

This Week’s Ad:

 

 

Visit Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission Online!

 

 

Printable Coloring Pages for the Kids:

Click The Image below to print…

Click Below To Print or Download
the Full Coloring Book…

 

 

More ads for Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission:

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Penny Power’s First Paper: March 11th, 1981  

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Updated Each Week! Thumbs Up/Down From This Week’s Featured Year

2011

Thumbs Down

To the thief who stole my daughter’s purse.  It’s not too late to be a decent person. Drop her purse off at the police station so she can get it back or return it to where you stole it from. We believe in karma. So the next time something horrible happens to you, think of my daughters’s purse. How do you look at yourself in the mirror? Some people have no shame.   

Thumbs Up

To Melody Lakes carolers.  What a wonderful surprise when you appeared on my porch! Thanks again for your delightful songs and Christmas wishes. Also a big thank you to all the folks at Penny Power for providing us with an excellent wat to communicate with our community! Ellen Schroy

Thumbs Up

To all of our government officials, police and military who dedicate their soul existence to defending and preserving the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, without which there would be no United States of America and possibly not even the liberty to celebrate holidays like Christmas. Cheers!

Thumbs Up

To all the folks on the 400 block of Washington Avenue, Sellersville. Thank you for being such wonderful neighbors! You truly illustrate the word “community”.  When it snows, shovels and blowers come out and everyone pitches in with cleaning the sidewalks. When a neighbor is in need, food, advice and support is offered. Even when they belong. It is a pleasure living on this street! I hope others read this and encourage their own neighborhood to connect in whatever ways they can.

Thumbs Down

To the persons who robbed and desecrated the Sellersville Cemetery by St. Michael’s stealing bronze markers and urns for scrap metal. The value of those are little, but the emotional cost to our families are great. I reported it to the Pennridge Police and you should hope they catch you before I do. I will be watching.

Thumbs Up

On Saturday, December 18, 2010, my husband and I and our 3 young daughters went to get our Christmas tree at the place on Bursonville Road. There was a gentleman, his wife and their dog getting their Christmas tree also. My husband helped him get his tree onto the cart (not a big deal, by all means). When we finally picked out our tree and went to pay, they had told us it was already paid for by the couple he had helped. We never got a chance to thank you and tell you what a bright spot this had made on out holiday season. Thanks so much for your generosity and may God bless you! Judy, Eric & Girls.  

Thumbs Up

To anyone who has quit smoking. Congratulations! It is not easy! To all the others, don’t ever quit trying to quit. You can do it! Everyone around you wants you to quit. You will feel better and so will they!

Thumbs Down

To the drivers who speed in a school zone when schools have a delay. School is open and you see the buses, yet you go over the 15MPH speed limit. Concerned community residents and drivers, don’t wait until an accident happens! Children’s lives are at risk! Slow down!

Thumbs Up

Thank you to the Crossing Guard for Quakertown Elementary School at the corner of 7th & Juniper Streets.  I know I speak for my family and many others when I say you do a wonderful job and truly go above and beyond your duty to protect our kids. During this winter so far, I have seen you attend to the sidewalks and streets more than our Borough and our School District. I feel very safe knowing that your watchful eye and kind heart are there every morning and every afternoon! Thank you so much for your dedication, it does not go unseen! Sincerely, The Jagger Family & Emmett too as well as many other families also!

Thumbs Down

To those who feel they are entitled to other people’s property and steal (money, lawn ornaments, equipment, etc., etc.) Don’t you realize people worked hard for these items? And even if they hadn’t, what right do you have to simply take something? You do not live in a third world country where stealing is for survival. There are plenty of non profit groups and services to help you out. Are you too proud to ask for help, yet not so proud as to steal something? Either you fell you are “special” and shouldn’t have to work, are lazy, or simply full of jealousy and feel no one should have nice things.  If you get a job, work hard and save, you too can acquire things you want. And then you’ll know how satisfying it is to actually earn something.    

Thumbs Down

To all those women out there who head out for an evening on the town wreaking of perfume. It’s one thing to put on a spray or two, but too many women are seemingly bathing in their perfume these days.  Take a shower and smell “clean” instead. Your over indulgence leads to headaches and respiratory issues for many of us. It’s been so bad lately that it’s easier to leave the local club rather than try to tolerate. Please take it easy with your perfumes ladies. This is truly an issue to support the adage, “less is more”.

Thumbs Up

On March 21st, I had a car accident on River Road.  I want to thank Station 42 for their friendly, professional care.  I know you guys volunteer your time to serve your community and you certainly bring a sense of security to those you serve. Also, thank you to the Upper Bucks EMS for their professional service. I certainly felt a sense of warmth and security with the care you provided. Our rural area is very fortunate to have these friendly, skilled and highly trained individuals when we need them! Thanks to all who responded! Mary.

Thumbs Up

To the boy on the 4-wheeler on Callowhill Street (in the vicinity of #601) on Monday evening (April 4th) who offered his assistance to my fiancée and I as we loaded a couch into our SUV. He came over when he saw that we were struggling to get the couch into our vehicle and offered repeatedly to help us. We told him we were okay, but when we thought we were finished and got back into the vehicle to leave he stopped us to tell us that we had left the bag containing the legs to the couch behind. He was very nice and after we left to head back home, he waved to us from several houses down the street as we drove by. It’s not often that we come across kids with good manners and he is the perfect example for all children his age. His parents should be very proud!

Thumbs Up

To the gentleman who picked me and my dog up from the side ofDelaware Road in Reigelsville, put me in his car and took me home! I broke my ankle while walking in the field. I’m very thankful you came by! Thank you! Deb 

Thumbs Down

My 78 year old mother fell on her driveway while walking her dog Tuesday morning 7am. She lay on the end of the driveway with her feet actually on Sterner Mill Road. She shattered her wrist in 10 different places. While laying on the driveway she counted 19 cars go by and not on e person stopped and asked if she needed help or called an ambulance. The 20th car passing by happened to be a nurse who stopped and helped her up and made sure she got care. My mother was sent an “angel” named Nina. Hard to believe that people are so ruthless and uncaring by just driving by and ignoring my poor mother. “Nina” even stopped by on her way home from work to check on my mother. Our family thanks “Nina” for being such a caring human being, shame on the other 19 drivers!

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Thumbs Down

On a beautiful day in the park, I crashed a baseball game that was going on.  It looked like 5th and 6th graders playing. It wasn’t the kids acting badly, it was the “coaches”. They were talking among themselves, cursing and swearing and even criticizing their own team, while some players were close by the bench. I wish I would have said something because I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I guess this is the next best thing, because you know who you are. Shame on you! Some good example you gave that day!!

Thumbs Up

Approximatelty eight years ago a “Thumbs Down” was published in the Penny Power asking for the return (no questions asked) of a WWII German helmet and a defused hand grenade that went missing from one of our display cases. On May 31st, 2011, through the change of heart from and unknown gentleman, the items were returned. The note published below arrived with the helmet. “I have taken something that was not mine and I am truly sorry. I am asking for your forgiveness, however, if I do not deserve it, I am fine with that as well”. Signed, Sorry. “You are forgiven”. A heartfelt thanks to all involved in the return of these two items. Bill Harr, Owner Sine’s 5 & 10.  

Thumbs Up

I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the 911 dispatcher, police officer, EMS/ambulance staff and the staff at Grand View ER that day and after a week, my son is finally beginning to feel like himself again. Your dedication and compassion was truly amazing and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You guys are truly angels!

Thumbs Down

To the person who set off fireworks at about 3am on the morning of July 19. You might want to think about your neighbors. Some of us have young ones who might not go back to sleep after something like that. An Ottsville Neighbor.

Thumbs Up

A big Thumbs Up to Lisa Hunsberger of Sellersville for rescuing a young girl in the children’s area of Holiday House pool on Tuesday, June 21. Lisa was with her daughter Kelsey, who was swimming in the shallow end, when Lisa noticed a girl about 3 years old alone in the pool.  She then began periodically checking on her and at one point noticed she had ducked under the water. Lisa thought she must have known how to swim due to the fact that she was alone. A short time later, Lisa noticed that the girl was at the bottom of the pool. She rushed over and pulled her up above the water. When she could finally catch her breath the girl began to scream and cry.  The girl’s grandmother had no idea how close the little girl came to drowning, then walked over and told the little girl she would be alright. This should be a lesson to all, that no child should be left unattended in a swimming pool (or bathtub). Although the lifeguards are very capable, they cannot see everything in a crowded pool. Lisa is a true hero.  

Thumbs Down

To all the folks who are missing out on getting some exercise while bending over and picking up their dog’s poop! Just think, you might even lose a calorie or two! Just bend over and stretch those tired achy muscles.  And for those of you who have a bad back, and trust me I know all about having a bad back, which I ironically acquired from bending over too many times to pick up other folks dog poop, just gently squat down and voila! Mission Accomplished! For those who walk your pooch at night, head over the store and purchase a little flashlight, don’t forget to get that exercise when its dark out. Folks that live in a development that offers waste receptacles and bags, you can still get that much needed exercise. Feel proud that you’ve done something healthy for yourself and the environment.

Thumbs Down

To the jerk who stole my son’s “Cars” bike from our yard on 4th Street in Perkasie on June 27th. He is heartbroken and doesn’t want a new bike, he just wants his bike. It is sad that a 5 year old has to learn what it feels like to be stolen from and to realize how rotten people truly are. How can you sleep at night?

Thumbs Up

To the Quakertown area residents who celebrated Fourth of July at Quakertown’s Memorial Park. During a morning walk through the park the next day I saw almost no trash in sight. I couldn’t help comparing it to the Philadelphia aftermath of the celebration as seen on TV. Huge piles of trash were being collected by front end loaders and dump into big trucks. After viewing that nightmare, I felt extremely thankful for our community residents and visitors. I hope the careless, inconsiderate people stay in Philly and don’t come to beautiful Upper Bucks County.

Thumbs Down

To the person that keeps taking our driveway sign in Kintnersville. It means a lot to my family. How would the ambulance find us with our sign missing? You should be ashamed of yourself, stealing other people’s stuff. A Very Upset 9 Year Old.

Thumbs Up

After reading the “Thumbs Down” about the removal of the road kill, I was reminded of the following story. A skunk was killed in the road in front of a minister’s parsonage. He called the sheriff , but was told “We don’t do that, and besides, I thought you ministers buried the dead.” “Oh, we do.” Said the minister, “But we like to notify the next-of-kin first!”

Thumbs Up

My thanks to the man and woman who came to my aid on Mill Street, in Quakertown on August 30th.  I was cutting my grass and slipped and fell on the slope. The gentleman was passing by and stopped to see if I was okay. The woman also stopped and made sure I was alright. She insisted I go into the house, got me a cold drink, and put a wrap on my neck to cool me off. I do not know their names, but it is good to see there are some good people in this world. My thanks to both of them for their compassion to a stranger.

Thumbs Up

To the young man who helped a woman with a flat tire in the Lowe’s parking lot in Quakertown at the end of August. When no one else took the time, he helped her take the tire off, fill her spare and put it back on! It’s so nice to see that true gentlemen still exist. He’s a credit to the human race!

Thumbs Up

To everyone who stopped to make sure I was OK on Sunday, September 18 following my accident on Route 611 and Township Line Road. It’s really nice to know people still do care. A great big thank you to all of you.

Thumbs Up

Saturday evening coming home from 5pm mass, I decided I did not want to go home and cook, so I stopped at a restaurant on Route 611.  They sat me next to a table with a family of three children, mother and father. The children were about ages 3 to 9 and very well behaved. I never said anything to them nor did they to me. They left before I did. When I asked the waitress for my check, she smilingly told me that the father of the nice family with three children paid my check. I would like to say to this family, that I will try to pass their kindness on, and would like to thank them sincerely and may God Bless them and their children!

Thumbs Up

I recently wrote a Thumbs Down about how I left $10 on the bench at K-Mart Pharmacy and someone took it. Well, a kind person replaced the money and even added more to it. Bless you, there should be more people like you in the world. Thumbs Up to Penny Power who made sure I received the money.

Thumbs Up

To the kind gentleman and his son who helped me in the Grand View Outpatient parking lot on Thursday, October 13. I had hit a pothole on my way to my appointment and was dragging something under my car. He heard me driving in since my car was scraping the ground and quickly came over. He diagnosed that it was my undercarriage guard and quickly got under my car, in the rain, with some tools and removed it so I could safely drive home. I know it sounds cliché, but it is so comforting that there are still Good Samaritans out there who are willing to help. Thank you again for your kindness!

Thumbs Down

To the thief and inconsiderate person that came onto our porch during the day on Saturday, October 22nd and stole the blue stroller that was given to our daughter for our 12 month old grandchild. You should be ashamed of yourself! The stroller you took came from a friend from our church as our daughter lost everything in Texas to the fires. Please do the right thing and return the stroller to our home on Middle Road in Perkasie where you took it from.  This young family has already lost enough for a lifetime to still endure hardships! As they cannot replace the stroller that was given to the and you stole!

Thumbs Down

Thumbs down to the person driving on Durham Road, Sunday afternoon, October 15 heading south past The Ottsville Inn. I had been enjoying the sun with my 3 cats watching a pari of pheasants walking through my yard. The pheasants headed into the hedgerow where they exited only to be hit by your speeding car. What a horrifying thump it made as feathers went flying. I tired to track you down in my own car but you kept going! What if it had been one of my cats or kids? I came back to find one of the pheasants on the side of the road with a broke leg and in shock.  I took it to the animal hospital where hopefully it can be saved. But as for you, I hope you feel really bad… because you should!

Thumbs Up

Thank you Karen and the rest of the restaurant staff. You stayed open on October 29th during the blizzard and hosted a funeral luncheon for my father-in-law. You had no power but made our day better.

Thumbs Up

Two thumbs up to the man who saw the damage being done to my yard. You and your friend with you chainsaw not only cut the tree back so traffic could use the road again, you plowed my driveway and didn’t take payment for it. I can’t thank you enough! The 77 year old on Forest Drive in Coopersburg.  

Thumbs Up

Thank you to everyone who acknowledges Vets and to the restaurants who gave free meals in appreciation of our service to our country. Being a Navy Vet, I enjoyed a few meals received many handshakes and words of encouragement. Great Job!

Thumbs Up

Here’s a big thumbs up to all the volunteers and donors who were kind enough to lend their time and/or donate food to the residents of the Palisades School District and surrounding areas during the winter storm during the last week of October. Opening up the Middle School so we could take hot showers, get a hot meal or just have some other people with whom to commiserate was so greatly appreciated. It helps restore our hope and faith in our neighbors and supporting businesses, churches and hospitals. A job well done to all of you.

Thumbs Down

To the person who stole a package off my front porch at 210 S. Main Street in Sellersville on Monday, November 28th. What kind of person are you? That was a present for my son for his birthday on December 17th. Please have a kind heart and bring back my package, no questions asked. My son is a wonderful kid and does not deserve this.  

Thumbs Down

I hope the Christmas decorations you stole from Flint Hill Road makes your Christmas nice. I always like to help someone who can’t make it on their own around the holidays.

Thumbs Up

To those breeding and selling animals when there are already so many wonderful animals in shelters waiting for their forever homes.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Updated Each Week!  This Week Features Throwback Ads from 2012

(Sorry… These specials and prices are no longer available)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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