January 24, 2010

Year starting on a sad note

Well, the new year is starting off with sadness for quite a few folks here in Nockamixon.



First, Blogamixon sends healing energy to the family of Palisades student Aaron Ethier, age 15, who died on Saturday, January 9th. He was the son of Ann Ethier and the late Kenneth Ethier, and lived with his mom in Coopersburg. He attended an Intermediate Unit Class at the Quakertown Freshman Center, and was a member of Trinity United Church of Chrits in Pleasant Valley.

Aaron was preceded in death by his brother, Ryan. Gentle thoughts go out to Aaron's mom, his brother, Kerry, and the rest of their family at this sad time. I can't help thinking Aaron will be especially missed by his beloved dog, Daisy, who won't understand why she never sees him anymore.

If you knew Aaron or his family members, you can write in his online guest books at Legacy or Fox 8.

Memorial contributions can be made in Aaron's name to LifePath, Inc., 2 Life Mark Dr. Sellersville PA 18960.



Photo courtesy MorningCall.com

Next, something none of us ever wants to go through:

On Thursday the 21st, right around lunchtime, I was typing away at my computer as usual, when I looked out to see a column of black smoke rising high into the sky. Last time I saw that, it was an apartment complex in Riegelsville. This time, it was the the home of Ed and Debbie Litzenberger on fire in the 2000 block of Berger Road, Kintnersville.http://www.mcall.com/photos/all-2fire-012110-eeo-pictures,0,5666101.photogallery

Firefighters from companies as far away as Dublin worked to extinguish the fire, but it was too late: the family lost everything. Anyone who's lived in Nockamixon for even a short time knows the Litzenberger family has always been there when our community has needed help over the years. Now they need our help. 

A collection has been started for donations to the Litzenberger family. They need everything from household items such as furniture, towels, clothes, food, appliances, to anything you would need on a daily basis in your home. If you would like, you can also make a monetary donation or donate a gift card to Giant, Kohl's, Lowe's, etc. You can drop the items off at the following locations:
  • Jimmy and Sue Keogh: 4264 Durham Road, Ottsville, PA  18942
  • Carl and Kathy Bahnck: 4064 Durham Road, Ottsville, PA  18942
If you have any questions, please feel free to call Jimmy at 610-636-7076 or Carl at 610-476-9854.

We're a small community of sometimes limited means, but we are generous, compassionate people. I know we'll all step up to the plate to care for our own in their time of need.



Photo courtesy Morsels and More

Lastly, Nockamixon said goodbye this week to a 40-year institution in our community. Przyuski's Family Drive-In is no more. Say bye to those cheeseburgers that still came wrapped on their own little paper plates, complete with pickles. Przyuski's was a place to eat, to meet your friends, to gather for a shake and some fries. It was one of a dying breed of family-run drive-ins that flourished in the years after WWII. In recent years, it was the site of Friday night classic car cruise-ins and some busy flea markets. But the appearance of new competitors nearby apparently was just too much, and the little drive-in quietly changed signs a few days ago.

The restaurant contiues to serve, and the sign now sports the name "Friendly's." Don't know the new owners, but sad as we are to see Przyuski's go, we wish them well in this venture. Anyone who's ever worked in food service knows the margins are thin and there's always a new competitor just waiting in the wings. It'll be interesting to see what changes are made in the building, the staff and the menu.

Rose Strong talks about this all more eloquently than I on her blog, Morsels and More (the photo above is hers). I'd just like to say thanks to Stan and crew for all the years of smiles and sundaes. We'll miss you.