Michael Swayze's Community Resources

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  • Thank You Tilman Hausherr

    Most of the posts that I write are about social programs or community resources. Today I decided it was time to thank someone for a gift he gave. There is a web developer by the name of Tilman Hausherr who lives in Berlin, Germany. In 1997 he created a freeware program titled Xenu’s Link Sleuth. The program checks for broken web links. I’ve been using it for years to check all the links on my website. So the other day I thought it would be kind to write him a check or send him some cash. Guess what, he doesn’t want payment! He gave a few options instead, so I decided to write this article and thank him.

    You can go his website to download the program. It works great, btw. Or you can find it on the CNET download site. Additional information is available in a Wikipedia article.

    I don’t know how I would keep my website’s 1800 links up-to-date if it weren’t for Tilman’s free program. Thank you, Tilman.

    Pass it forward.

  • A Road Less Traveled

    A long time ago I learned in geometry the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. A similar rule when taking a car trip is to take the Interstate if you want to get to your destination fast. Sometimes it is more fun to take the road less traveled. A few months ago while visiting our sons in Maryland and Virginia we decided not to take I-95 but instead to go west via I-78 and make a left at Harrisburg and take Route 15 south.

    Near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania we came upon a number of what seemed to be handmade road signs advertising handmade pottery and fresh produce. On the return trip back to New Jersey we decided to take this turnoff. We followed the signs, turning onto Route 134 in Gettysburg. To be more precise we took a left onto Taneytown Road. A mile or so down the road we came to our destination, a local pottery shop and community market known as The Lion Potter. The shop is owned by David and Junko Young, an incredible couple.

    If you spend enough time at The Lion Potter you will know this is a special place. I can’t explain the place as well as a local news article did so I’ll suggest you read the piece found in the local Emmitsburg News-Journal. We bought a small pitcher and unpasteurized goat’s milk. We will be visiting their shop at 855 Taneytown Road, Gettysburg, PA. on a future trip.

    We got a postcard from David and Junko the other day. They are having their 7th annual spring cleaning sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 & 22, 2011. Their inventory of plates, bowls, mugs, vases, etc. will be priced at 50% off. Go visit them. Take the turnoff for a road less traveled.

  • LIHEAP Season Extended

    The state sent out an email recently to announce the deadline for energy assistance applications will be extended through May 2, 2011. The reason for the change is that the normal deadline, April 30th, falls on a Saturday. According to their news release “LIHEAP applications will be accepted until closing of normal business hours on May 2nd. We will continue accepting applications for USF all year long.”

    For a list of the local LIHEAP and USF application agencies, income guidelines, and resources for other energy and weatherization programs visit the New Jersey Community Resources website.