Local/Regional

U-S Postal workers across the nation are poised to to help take a bite out
of hunger Saturday morning. Letter Carrier, Mark Feulner is the local
coordintor of the countrywide intiative.

"We're just asking all of our patrons tat want to donate any food to
leave non-perishable items near their mail boxes before 9am Saturday and
our letter carriers and other volunteers will collect the items."

Saturday's food drive marks the 21st year that letter carriers have collected food
donations for the needy. The donated items are distributed to various
locations, including Manna on Mainstreet.

Towamencin officials have adopted an update for the Township Property
Maintenance Code. The original version of the code was adopted 13-years
ago and is based on an international mode. It sets minimum upkeep
standards for homes and yards. Supervisor Jim Sinz voted against the
update.

"I think between our planning commission and our zoning hearing board
and our codes, Towamencin Township is smart enough to do it ourselves."

Supervisor, David Mossesso aslo voted against approval of the property
maintenance Code update.

Lawmakers in Souderton have given conditional preliminary approval
to 56 garden apartments at Reliance Road and 2nd Street. Construction
will include 96 parking spaces and some additional street parking.
According to construction plans, street widening will not be necessary.
The development will have an exit and entrance on 2nd street. The complex
will include 10 buildings and a community center. The preliminary
approval is subject to overview by several agencies, including the State
EPA, and Montgomery County Conservation District. Units in the
Relianace Garden Crossing will be rented out as apartments.

The Quakertown Visitors Center uses history to let people
know about all things Bucks County. Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director, Tara King says, a barn from the late 1880's,located
in Quakertown's Historic District was renovated over the last year.

"You can actually see artifacts from the region. The staff has been
trianed to direct people about things to do and see in Bucks County as a
whole."

King add, the costs of renovating the barn were kept to a minimum.
The Quakertown Visitors Center is open Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm.
Officials hope to add weekend hours in the near future.