Donors:
Motoring across the U.S. seeking “real Americana” visuals, a seven person Japanese film crew “discovered your Glenside area” in its quest to see “How a small town celebrates America’s Independence Day.”
“This is bigger than what lots of major cities do,” said E. Paul DiMartino, Jr., the crew’s American liason and translator, of Brooklyn, NY, as filming occurred during our community’s 107th Annual, Grand, Glorious, Patriotic Parade. That was only two-thirds of the way through the area’s three-tier celebration (also a children’s morning program and after-dark festivities) of America’s birthday.
While filming the next day in Washington, D.C., Di Martino reported back: “Our director said of all they’ve filmed so far in the U.S., yesterday’s in Glenside was the best yet!” The film is expected to air this September for Japanese television audiences.
Those are outsiders’ views of Abington and Cheltenham Townships’ huge 4th of July event, a $50,000 staging that requires lots of “Partners in Patriotism” to make it click. There’s another reason, too, why every contribution to the massive, family-friendly celebration, is vitally important -- whether it be a large, moderate or lesser amount!
Following tradition, here are major contributors, financial and in-kind givers, to this year’s event, which drew record parade and fireworks crowds: Abington Bank, Abington News & Views (Channel 190), Abington-Rockledge Democratic, Abington Township, Abington Township-Rockledge Republican Organization (ATRO), Abington Senior High School Activities, 13th Congressional District Candidate Dee Adcock ®, Donna Adelsberger & Associates, Robert Adshead, Esq., J. Alden Associates (Barbara A. Nye), Aqua America, Arcadia University, Anastasia Artuch, Associated Paving Contractors, the Philip Beals, Abington Township Treasurer Jay & Mrs. Jo Blumenthal, 153rd Legislative District Candidate Tom Bogar ®, Bond Cleaners, Thomas Bowman, Eaq., Bryner Chevrolet, James Canally, Capitol Promotions (Nancy & Jim Shenk), Cheltenham Township, Carol & David Coffin, Dr. David C. Cooper, Complete Scaffold, Inc., and Tom Corbett for (PA) Governor.
Also, Daryl’s Pastries, Day Care Centers, Abington Township Board of Commissioners’ President Carol DiJoseph (Ward 12), Michael Dunn, Esq., Edgehill Fire Co., Everlasting Fence, Co., 1st Niagara Bank, Fitzgerald’s Tire Service, Jon D. Fox, Esq., John R. Freed Funeral Home, Richard Gaglianese, Abington Township Ward 13 Commissioner and local realtor Carol Gillespie, Glasgow, Inc., Glenside Gardens’ Civic Association, Glen Legion Home Association/Cornwell, Glenside Kiwanis, Glenside News/Times-Chronicle Newspapers, Glenside Pub, Glenside Rotary, Goodman Properties, Gorovitz Family, Harry Gramlick, Hair Town, Bill Hall Entertainment and Events, the Albert L. Herrmann, A. Hudson, Eileen Koople, KYW News Radio-1060 AM, Abington Township Assistant Manager Matt Lahaza, McKinley and Celestine Lennox, Tom & Allene Lyons, the Mahara Family, Carol T. Mallen of RE/MAX Services, John & Ellen Marks, The Martinez Family, Joseph Massino Beverages/Paving, William R. May Funeral Home, David & Florence McQuiston, Ed Mebus and Tom Mellett Automobiles, Inc. (The Car Store).
Also, Montgomery County Commissioners, Paul & Dot Morse, Bruce & Virginia Murray, Michael & Deborah Nelson, John & Pat Newby, Marguerite Nowicki, Patricia O’Donnell, Shawn O’Malley, O’Neill’s Food Market, Penny’s Flowers, Prudential Financial, Gwen Punchard, Darrin & Nancy Reazor, Burton T. Richie State Farm Insurance, Joanne Rooney, Roslyn Supply Co., C.P. Ryder Co., Inc., the Sabatino Family, 13th District Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D), 153rd Legislative District Representative Josh Shapiro (D), Cheltenham Township Ward 1 Commissioner Drew Sharkey, Patricia Sharkey, Spahr-Evans Printers, Sussman Honda, Switchville Crossing Business Center (% Revere), TD Bank, Vahey Family Insurance-Allstate, Veterans of Foreign Wards North Penn Post 676, Donald Vozzy, Wachovia Bank (Wells Fargo), Weldon Fire Co. and Wesley Pharmacy.
Continuing their years of key logistical support to the celebration were participating personnel of Abington and Cheltenham Townships’ Police Departments, fire prevention/protection and maintenance specialists, and Abington’s Emergency Management Services’ staffers. Cooperating, too, were Abington School District administrators, who again permitted public access to high, middle and elementary school sites for fireworks’ viewers the night of July 4.
The celebration sponsor, the not-for-profit Greater Glenside Patriotic Association, a 501© [3] group, accepts tax-deductible contributions year-round at P.O. Box 72, Glenside, PA, 19038-0072, or through its website: www.glensidejuly4thevent.com.
William B. Hall, III -- Media/Public Relations Direction