Friends of Pastorius Park committed to park

On behalf of Friends of Pastorius Park, I would like to reiterate a few points that I made In my interview with Brendan Sample, that were excluded from the Feb. 23 article that focused on second dog biting at Pastorius Park “Second dog attack in Pastorius Park as city, friends group discuss solutions”

As there seems to be persistent confusion regarding our organization's position on dogs at our park, I would like to be crystal clear: FoPP's role at the park is one of stewardship and care for Pastorius Park's landscape and assets. It has never been our organization's role to enforce any laws regarding dogs. Having said that, responsible dog ownership is something we all demand at our park. In past years there have been occasions when disruptive dogs and their owners have been asked by their park peers to leave, and they have done so.

At our meeting on Jan. 30, it was agreed by both PPR and FoPP that Pastorius Park is NOT a designated dog park, but a multi-use, passive green space (as it was originally designed to be), to be used by individual park goers as such and in compliance with city rules and regulations. FoPP's meeting with PPR was wide-ranging, and focused on PPR's stewardship program, this spring's upcoming pond restoration project, and a conversation about ways to ensure that city ordinances regarding dogs be disseminated to and understood by the public, including improved signage.

FoPP is a volunteer organization committed to making Pastorius Park a safe and enjoyable experience for all. We have proved this repeatedly for years, most recently with repair of all the park's benches, tree maintenance, and our ongoing involvement (with both funding and volunteer workers) in restoration and maintenance of the park's water system, in collaboration with PPR.

Tracy Gardner

President, Friends of Pastorius Park

Chestnut Hill Hospital is a life saver

Recently, thanks to my alert wife and responsive EMTs, I was whisked to Chestnut Hill Hospital ER where the process of saving my life continued.

Most of the first 24-48 hours are a blur for me, but the basic details are that I was stabilized in the ER, in and out of ICU, and eventually moved to a single room for the duration. Finally, after many tests and much attention from lots of caring doctors, including my own doctor, I was discharged.

Why am I sharing this personal story with you? Because several concerned, well-meaning neighbors registered something akin to horror that we would choose the local community hospital.

My recent medical episode was not a one-off. We have needed Chestnut Hill hospital numerous times since moving to Erdenheim, and it has always been there for us.

My thoughts about the hospital, nurses, doctors, and support staffs can be summed up this way – professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, friendly, hard working.

My feelings – grateful that Chestnut Hill Hospital is here serving our diverse community.

Dennis Brookshire

Erdenheim