In Memory of Rick Moraux
We lost a wonderful colleague recently with the passing of Rick Moraux. Rick was extremely knowledgeable about historic buildings, especially early buildings, and he was our “go-to-guy” when we needed an expert opinion on a construction date, architectural features and/or history. He was also one of the nicest people you could ever meet with an amazing passion for preservation & integrity in his work. It is hard for us to believe that we will not have his expertise or his good friendship in the future, but he has left a lasting legacy. And we know he is with us in spirit, guiding us onward as we continue our work to preserve our important historic resources for future generations to learn from & enjoy. (Posted July 2011)
Marlene Harding Joins Board of Directors
We are excited to welcome Marlene Harding to our Board of Directors. Marlene is a consultant with over 20 years experience working in leadership development, human resources management, & organizational development and training. She previously served as Senior HR Consultant for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and as Director of Human Resources at Marriott Hotels. We look forward to working with Marlene and utilizing her many talents to help CMC grow and succeed! (Posted April 2011)
Enhanced Conservation Easement Incentives
Congress recently extended, through 2011, the Federal tax incentives for conservation easement donations. The enhanced easement incentives:
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Raises the deduction a donor can take for the donation of a conservation easement from 30% of the adjusted gross income in any year to 50%;
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Allows qualifying farmers & ranchers to deduct up to 100% of their income, and
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Extends the carry-forward period for a donor to take tax deductions for voluntary conservation agreements from 5 to 15 years, in addition to the year of donation.
For more information, please refer to the Land Trust Alliance website at www.landtrustalliance.org. If you are interested in preserving your land in Montgomery County, please contact CMC at 215-283-0383 or cmcpreserve@hotmail.com. (Posted April 2011)
SAVE YOUR HISTORIC WINDOWS!
Attention Civil War Buffs!
Manor College in Jenkintown is offering courses in Civil War history as part of their Civil War Institute. All classes are taught by members of the Delaware Valley Civil War Roundtable. For more information, go to www.manor.edu, Continuing Education. You will then see a list of options including Civil War Classes and Civil War Institute. (Posted April 2011)
Celebrate 300 Years of Willow Grove History!
Willow Grove is celebrating it’s 300th birthday this year and they would like you to join in the numerous events and festivities that they have planned. For more detailed information, go to www.willowgrove300.com. (Posted April 2011)
Weisbeckers Receive Protectors of the Watershed Award from the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
Edith & Frank Weisbecker Receive Award from Crystal Gilchrist, Executive Director of the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
Frank & Edith Weisbecker have been wonderful land stewards in donating three conservation easements to the Conservancy of Montgomery County, preserving 87 acres of their farmland and open space in Upper Hanover Township. Their property also contains springs and the headwaters of the Macoby Creek, a tributary to the Perkiomen Creek. We nominated them for this award since we felt that they deserved to be recognized for their generous donations over the years. They have set an example for other landowners to plan for the preservation of their important open space resources for future generations to enjoy. We congratulate Frank & Edith on their well-deserved recognition! (Posted October 2010)
Marcellus Shale Drilling Issue Important to Follow
You have probably seen articles in our local papers about this very important issue that is occuring in Pennsylvania, especially related to a proposed Natural Gas Severance Tax. It is the equivalent to the California Gold Rush and, while it will provide many positives to our state, there are also many serious considerations that must be dealt with regarding the long term health and safety of our citizens and our natural environment. And although the Marcellus Shale does not exist in Montgomery County, it is important that we become informed about this issue since we could eventually be affected by problems that may occur with the drilling and its related activities. For more information about this issue and what the severance tax will help to fund, please refer to the organizations listed below.
Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach & Research
PA Budget & Policy Center (Posted March 2011)