Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Open Letter to the Chester County Commissioners

Chester Valley Trail approaching Bacton Hill Road

These are the names and email addresses of the Chester County Commissioners
Kathi Cozzone - kcozzone@chesco.org

If you live in Chester County, PA and are a cyclist, do yourself a favor and get political about the new Chester Valley Trail. This trail sat in limbo until Carol Aichele gave it a strong push. Thanks to Carol, this trail may at some point become a reality. We, here in Chester County, have been waiting since 1991 for this trail.

Today, I made my way from West Chester to the trailhead at Phoenixville Pike just south of the Battle of the Clouds Park. I biked along the trail to the Church Road bridge which is currently under construction. We left the trail and got back on it at Mill Road. This trail will be a SENSATIONAL bike riding experience for the residents of Chester County when finished. This trail is supposed to connect to the Schuylkill River Trail at some point in the future.

If I was a Commissioner, I would be doing everything humanly possible to see that this trail completes. It is planned to go from Downingtown, PA to the Schuylkill River Trail in three phases. Phase 1 is now being built. This phases goes from Valley Creek Blvd to Rt 29. Phase 2 will go from Rt 29 to ultimately the Schuylkill River Trail. Phase 1 and Phase 2 are scheduled to be complete in 2012. Phase 3 goes from Valley Creek Blvd to Downingtown and currently there are NO plans for this section.

This trail is and will be the single greatest accomplishment that Chester County has ever done for cyclists and trail users. Why the commissioners are not pushing for the completion is a mystery to me? Please, take some time and email the commissioners and ask them to complete the trail.

Once the sections of this trail in Phase 1 and Phase 2 are completed, people will use this trail. Cyclists will make their way to this trail. Currently getting to this trail is difficult as the roads in the area of this trail are poorly suited for cyclists, and joggers and families making their way to a trailhead.

The route I took to reach the Chester Valley Trail from the boro of West Chester, PA is linked here. It does require biking along Rt 30 in Frazer and biking down Planebrook Road. Neither road is great but this route is very doable for West Chester residents. The trail will attract a crowd. Motorists are going to be surprised by the amount of cyclists on local roads making their way to the trail. Townships should be looking at ways to make these roads safer. Most likely nothing will happen until a cyclist is hit and killed on his way to the trail for folks to take notice.

These three Chester County Commissioners have an opportunity to leave their mark on this county. This trail will set Chester County ahead of its neighbors and finally make cycling in busy suburban areas a reality. Folks can commute to work on this trail as it passes many large corporate parks. The effect of this trail on the county is huge. The value it adds to the area is huge. The recreational possibilities are huge. Please Chester County Commissioners, FINISH THE TRAIL.


Finance jobs in Westchester NY

We have seen a bunch of great finance jobs recently into the site. Check out...

Manager - Expatriate Tax
White Plains, NY


Responsible for managing the Firm's expatriates and Third Country Nationals including administering coordinating their worldwide tax compliance. Oversee expatriate tax administration position for the company, including accounting and payroll reporting procedures on a global basis. Manage Outside Tax Preparation Services for Expatriates including coverage and status. Review Tax Settlements for Equalized Individuals. Prepare and Analyze Costs for potential assignments. Advise others in Firm ...

Controller/CFO - Steiner Sports
New Rochelle, NY


About the Job: Westchester Company is seeking an experienced Controller reporting directly to the CFO. The company is independently run, but owned by a major Fortunes 500 company.Controller We are currently looking to hire a Controller, reporting to the CFO whose responsibilities includeImplement, maintain and operate the ERP and general ledger system.Close books on a monthly and annual basis. Reconcile all accounts to sub-ledgers.Report and analyze monthly and quarterly operating ...

Family Office Account/Finance Manager - Greenwich CT

Private high-net-worth family seeks a polished, experienced Family Office Accountant/Finance Manager to assist the principals with the overall management of their diverse assets. Handle all daily accounting transactions through general ledger; prepare monthly in-house financial statements including P&L statements & balance sheets; handle payroll and accounts payable functions; track household and business expenditures; make suggestions to gain efficiencies and reduce costs; account reconciliation for multiple account entities; prepare daily cash balance reports...

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Director, Pennington PTA After School Program - Mt Vernon

Pennington Elementary School, Mt. Vernon City School District, NY

Pennington Elementary PTA seeks a Director for its After School Program. The position is onsite Monday – Friday afternoons, approximately 20 hrs per week.
The Pennington After School Program (ASP) is a five day per week program that offers enrichment courses to elementary aged children within the Pennington school student population. The program is offered throughout the school year, broken up into four sessions.

Position Scope and Accountabilities: The Director, reporting to the Executive PTA Board, is responsible for implementing and monitoring all aspects of the After School Program. The Director will provide leadership and direction to the instructors of the ASP, and will interface directly with the PTA Vice President, Executive Liaison to the ASP and ASP Treasurer.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Develop, implement and monitor all courses and curriculum.
Hire and oversee the ASP faculty.
Manage course registration.
Organize and implement a safe sign-in and sign-out system for instructors, students and parents.
Design, prepare and distribute ASP course listings and correspondence on a timely basis
Research, create and staff new and exciting course offerings.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with PTA board members, school leadership, parents and students.
Responsible for working with the instructors on forecasting course expenses and accountable for staying within approved budgets.
Ensure that all financial data is maintained and all reporting requirements are met in a timely and accurate manner.
Create class list and teacher contact sheets.
Manage class supplies and special orders.
Facilitate quarterly planning/feedback meetings with ASP faculty.
Provide a safe, fun and enriching environment for our Pennington students.

Position duration is from August 2010- June 2011, eligible for yearly renewal based on performance.
Critical Success Factors: The Director will bring to the role experience that includes successful program development coupled with a proven history of fiscal responsibility. It will be important that this individual demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills as well as the ability to lead and effectively influence diverse teams while concurrently managing the ASP. Key to success will be a positive entrepreneurial spirit, a high energy level, a roll-up-your-sleeves approach, and a management style that quickly earns respect at all levels. Equally important will be excellent negotiation and customer service skills. Leadership experience with not-for-profit groups, either through employment or community involvement, is preferred. It is anticipated the successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree. Experience with primary age children a plus.

Respond: Please email cover letter, resume and/or questions to afterschoolprogram@penningtonpta.com. Deadline for submission is August 15th, 2010.

Full background check will be conducted.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Service Sales Rep - Brewster NY

Cintas is the leader in corporate identity uniform programs, helping companies of all sizes consistently present a clean, crisp, professional look. We also have specialized flame resistant garments and garments for cleanroom environments. In addition to offering the largest variety of uniform colors and styles in the industry, our Facility Services group helps our customers keep their businesses looking clean and professional with floor mats, restroom supplies, mops, and shop towels. Our floor mats, which can be customized with corporate logos, check dirt at the door while reducing slips, falls and housekeeping costs. We handle all of the details so our customers don't have to.

Cintas is currently looking for a Service Sales Representative - Uniform. Selected individual will provide route service to a set customer base, through the pick-up and delivery of uniforms and facility services products such as floor mats, dust mops, air fresheners, soaps, restroom paper supplies, and other ancillary products. Duties involve driving a company owned box truck to and from numerous customer stops throughout the course of the day, as well as lifting, carrying and walking clean products into and soiled products out of customer accounts. Service Sales Representatives are also responsible for customer satisfaction, by responding to customer inquiries and requests, as well as pro-active problem solving. Additional responsibilities include growing the existing route, through sales of additional items from our product line and catalog to current customers. Specific routes and customers are assigned, in order to build a rapport between the Service Sales Representative and the customers serviced.

Our Service Sales Representative - Uniform partners enjoy:

Competitive Pay
401(k)/Profit sharing/ESOP
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Package
Disability and Life Insurance Package
Paid Vacation and Holidays
Career Advancement Opportunities

Job Requirements

A high school diploma or GED, preferred
A valid driver's license
Previous customer service experience, preferably in an industrial or service industry, preferred
Previous experience working in a sales-related role, preferred
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position

APPLY FOR THIS JOB
Apply URL: http://www.cintas.com/careers

Cintas Corporation is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Dog Handler (Pet Sitter) Jobs

Growing, dynamic and successful pet care company is seeking fantastic people to join their team. Because we are a green company, please reside in or around ONE of the following areas. If you do not reside in or adjacent to these towns, please do NOT apply. Area1: Tuckahoe, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Bronxville, White Plains, Rye, Rye Brook, Harrison, West Harrison, Yonkers. Area2: Somers, Brewster, Granite Springs, Mahopac, Goldens Bridge, Carmel, Kent, Holmes, Garrison, Cold Spring.

CLICK HERE TO GET APPLY DETAILS

Job Requirements
You MUST be 21+, have worked and/or lived with a large variety of dogs (50+ lbs or more) as an adult. You must have a good knowledge of pet temperaments, have the ability stay organized, be self-motivating and be able to fully utilize advanced technologies such as GPS and Blackberry. You should be able to pass an indepth background check including urine drug test, have access to a reliable car, have an internet connection and a printer at home as well as a flexible and empathetic nature.

In exchange we offer our full-time employees such benefits as access to health care, a company car and all of it's related expenses (must have a clean and valid driver's license free of any DMV or insurance 'points' for car) as well as paid time off and opportunity for advancement. Please email your resume as soon as possible to us. Please incude your desired start date and permanent home address. We are NOT seeking full-time students or temporary/summer help. Please do not apply if you are not seeking permanent employment.

are we this stupid?


Today I open up my local paper, the Daily Local News, and on page two I read about my local school district changing the bus schedules to save money. Middle school children in one of the middle schools will now go from 7:30 am to 2 pm. The start time being changed to earlier by thirty minutes. With this change middle school kids and high school kids will be on the same buses, hence saving money. Four elementary schools will also be changed to any earlier time.

Then on page 7 in the same paper, I see an article on how even starting school 1/2 hour later can make huge performance changes in teenagers. "Giving students 30 extra minutes to start their school day lead to more alertness in class, better moods, less tardiness and even healthier breakfasts."

So does anyone on my West Chester Area School board even think about the health of the students and how to make the school day more productive for them? Does not seem so. Why does the school day have to start so early?

If school started later, kids might be able to walk or bike to school. Kids would have time for breakfast. Kids will be rested and more fit. With more sleep, more exericse and better food, a child's school day could be a whole new experience.

But why do this? Let's start them earlier and earlier to save money and make life easier for adults. And then let's all complain about students' poor performance and behavior in school.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

if you build it they will come


one of the roads to the Chester Valley Trail, rt 30, rider must turn left if coming from the west

Chester County is currently building the Chester Valley Trail. This Trail will link Exton, PA with Norristown and the Schuylkill River Trail. This trail was envisioned in 1990 when traffic was not as bad as it is now on the many roads of Chester County. The CVT crosses many roads on its way to Norristown.

Today I traveled by car to see some of the road crossings. This trail crosses heavily used back roads in and around Frazer and north towards King of Prussia. Most trails are built away from roads and provide safe places for families and novices to bike and run. The CVT does not. This trail traverses through busy areas and has to cross multiple roads

The Chester Valley trail will attract many riders. Because once built, folks will flock to it. Of the three Chester County Commissioners, Carol Aichele, has been dominant in getting this trail completed. It sat in limbo for over 15 years. In her zest to complete this project I am not sure all the dangerous road crossings have been given enough thought.

This trail has the potential to move Chester County into the greenest county around. This trail goes through very high density areas and will ultimately connect the western suburbs with Philadelphia.

But for now, the trail has some obvious shortcomings which I hope can be corrected over time:

1. This trail will currently start on N Ship Road. There is no parking there. The only way to get to it is to bike along Rt 30, a busy highway and then bike along Ship Road. Ship Road is a poor, poor road for cyclists. No shoulders and it is a busy cut through road for commuters.

2. The trail crosses at least four busy roads; Ship Road, Phoenixville Pike, Mill Road and Rt 410.
The trail will eventually have to cross rt 29 and make its way through a large proposed shopping center. Some communites are placing signage but a better alternative would be traffic lights on Rt 401 and Rt 29.

3. There is no access to this trail on Church Road which has a wonderful overpass for the trail but alas there is no way to get on it. Church Road serves a huge population that would love access to the trail. Their only alternative is to get on Swedesford Road and make their way to another access point. Again, Swedesford Road is a poor road for cyclists. No shoulders and lots of curves and hills.

4. This trail is being built from King of Prussia back to Exton hence making access in the Exton area near impossible if cyclists are fearful of Rt 30 and Ship Road. The access from Exton is Phase 3 and I understand this phase is years away.

5. Access from heavily populated Downingtown, West Chester and Coatesville is near impossible unless you are able to bike on 4 lane highways and narrow back roads.

6. There are virtually no safe roads for future commuters to make their way to this trail and on to their places of employment. This should be the final goal of this trail. Making it a viable way to commute to work for suburban folks. We see lots of bike lanes and access in inner cities but almost nothing exists for the suburbs.

The potential for this trail to be a one of kind commuting route for suburban folks is unbelievable. Not only can folks get to King of Prussia but can go on to Conshocken, Norristown and Philadelphia. Bike commuting has been nothing short of hazardous for suburbanites; four lane highways and no safe routes.The trail can be something Pennsylvania and Chester County can showcase as a way to make living in the suburbs livable in terms of being able to bike commute.

So I am asking the Chester County Commissioners to keep going with this trail. Just building the trail is not enough. Think safe routes to the trail. Bike lanes and bike friendly shoulders would be a good first step. Parking at trail heads for weekdays. Right now the trail is depending on weekend parking in business parks. Not a good option for weekday commuters.

Plowing this trail during the winter is another way to keep folks commuting. Keeping the trail clear of downed trees and litter would also go a long way to making commuting doable. And getting the trail finished all the way to Downingtown helps keep this trail available as a commuting route for folks in Coatesville trying to get to work in Exton.

new bike from Spectrum and Tom Kellogg

Titanium Custom Fit bike from Spectrum, with the Ultegra Triple Crank, it does not get any sweeter than this!!

Friday, July 2, 2010

what an idiot


If you know this guy, let him know he is one first class idiot!! Not only does he have shaved legs and NO HELMET, he was talking on his cell phone. One big wet noodle directed at this guy. I have seen him before and he bikes with a guy who also wears no helmet and is always dressed in blue. Make sure to hassle them if you see them on the road.