The playground at Jenks Elementary is being refreshed for the new school year, thanks to the help of volunteers from the area and members of the Friends of Children’s Park.  In addition to clean-up and gardening, the 950-foot fence surrounding the park will be re-painted and playground equipment will be fixed. Volunteering on Friday, August 22 were (l-r) Katie Livingood, Maddie Livingood (child in front), Kevin Doerzbacher (baby in pack), Paula M Riley, Eden Kainer, Colleen Yard, Eli Yard and Lucy Yard. Photo by Erin Vertreace.

POPEYE FINDS A HOME: Last week we ran this photo of Popeye, an adorable Pomeranian whose left eye had been knocked out of its socket and who had many other injuries after being hit by a car and abandoned by its owner. After the photo ran, according to rescuer Susan Senn, “We received many responses! After going through the applications, we chose a few, and we did a few home inspections/visits over the weekend. As a result, Popeye will be going to his new home in Mt. Airy with a very nice pediatrician, her 8-year-old daughter and one very bashful kitty cat who have all fallen madly in love with Popeye (and vice versa). Thank you so much for your help!” For information about other rescued animals, visit

MAN’S BEST FRIEND: Ruth Cionca, of Mt. Airy, uses clicker training and other gentle methods to teach kids and grown-ups to train their canine friends. Ruth will begin a series of nine weekly training sessions on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 to 8 p.m., at Grace Epiphany Church in Mt. Airy. The classes are sponsored by Mt. Airy Learning Tree. For more information, call 215-843-6333.