Never underestimate the power of the medium. As a result of your publishing my story about the tree that was threatening to destroy all the communication lines that run along Bodine Road, and VerizonÕs complete lack of interest with respect to its own supply lines, everything changed.
The day my article appeared on the Charlestown Website, we got a call and a visit from a Verizon foreman. By the next day (Saturday), a second supervisor appeared. And by noon the tree that had been endangering the lines was properly cut away by Asplundt.
To all those who understood what I was doing (especially Tom Baldwin and Jonathan Mozi) my thanks for providing a catalyst. To those who didnÕt get it, well, at least you know the supply lines are safe.
Paul Stevens

Overnight traffic restrictions to affect Pa. Turnpike drivers
UPPER MERION -- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) between the Downingtown and Valley Forge interchange to be prepared for nighttime bi-directional single-lane closures scheduled to be in effect through Friday, July 30 between milepost 312-319 in Charlestown.
The right-lane will be closed overnight Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. - 5 a.m. eastbound and 8 p.m. - 6 a.m. westbound the following morning and Friday night eastbound from 9 p.m. - 8 a.m. and westbound 9 p.m. - 7 a.m. Saturday morning.
The general contractor, Nyleve Construction, will be installing overhang brackets and under deck shielding on the new bridge that carries Bodine Road across the turnpike at milepost 315.8 between the Downingtown and Valley Forge exits.
Motorists should stay alert for slow moving or stopped traffic when approaching the work zone. The contractor's schedule is dependent on the weather and subject to change.

The effects of the rain and wind storm that attacked us on Thursday, June 24 are not yet over. We lost several very old beautiful trees - some planted in the early 1900s by William F. Bodine, whose house and property, Pigeon Run Farm, we have owned for the past 26 years. One of those trees grew along Bodine Road. And when it came down and punched a massive hole in one of our barns, it also fell across and got hung up on Verizon's communication and FIOs lines that run along the road.
I called our tree service company to clean up and remove the various trees. However, when they got to this one, they said they couldn't finish cutting and removing it because, if they did, it would roll over and wipe out all of Verizon's supply lines along the road. This, in turn, would cause a complete failure of all communications to a lot of our neighbors and I don't know how many others.
So, trying to be a good citizen, I called Verizon. I have spent almost three weeks and countless hours working to get Verizon to understand that, if we finish cutting and clearing this tree, all their lines will be destroyed and it will require emergency services and who knows how much money to repair the damages. My calls were met with complete indifference. I was told they don't do trees; that the problem was turned over to "a local construction company" who takes care of their poles, and that a foreman would come out to see the problem. He never showed up.
We are left with no recourse but to have the tree cut up and removed. And so, fellow citizens, if you suddenly find yourselves without telephone, FIOs, high speed internet and all other communication services, you will know why. And if you decide to bombard Verizon with complaints, I wish you good luck. Plan to spend twenty to forty-five minutes on hold because, as their recording says, they will be experiencing extremely high call volume.
Paul Stevens

• "Phoenixville's Vale-Rio Diner up for sale on eBay" by Bonnie L. Cook in today's Philadelphia Inquirer is available on-line from the paper's web site by clicking here.
  
• "Vale-Rio for sale on eBay" in today's The Mercury is available on-line from the paper's web site by clicking here.
  

On the night of June 24th, both of my cars were broken into, and personal belongings were stollen. I thought this was something the community should be aware of in the case that this becomes a regular occurance. The thief took place on Ravenhill Road. Michael Richter

The purpose is to discuss these issues, not make any recommendation, and that discussion will include the impact on animal owners if required to create a buffer zone adjacent to riparian areas like streams, springs, wetlands, etc., and the cost of creating such a buffer zone including loss of pasture. The impact of animal waste in the water supply will also be addressed. The meeting will include farmers who have used riparian buffers who are willing to describe the experience. It is envisioned everyone will have an opportunity to express their views at this meeting or subsequent meetings, and to ask questions.