Saturday night, at Sharon Rearick’s home in Levittown, her Sidewalks for New Falls Road Coalition met to discuss two fundraising events and planning for a proposed walkathon in May.
Rearick’s effort started last year after her son, 23-year-old John Rearick, was struck and killed by hit-and -run driver Jonathan Simmons on a New Falls Rd. travel lane last summer.
Advertisements
Simmons is now serving a 15 to 30 month sentence in state prison.
Since August, online and paper petitions started by Rearick have garnered over 4,000 endorsers, the backing of State Sen. Tomlinson’s office and State Rep. Davis’ office, PennDOT, and Bristol Township councilman Craig Bowen.
Bowen said, “We’re doing everything we can to see that this (sidewalk) project comes to fruition.”
Advertisements
In response to an estimated $150,000 cost for sidewalks, and lack of government funding, two fundraising events are scheduled to support the effort.
On Saturday April 13, at The Comedy Works, Georgine’s Restaurant, located on 1320 New Port Rd., Bristol. One hundred tickets are available for the 9:30 show that night to support S.A.F.E
Advertisements
On Tuesday April 23, from 6-9 pm, Jo Jo’s Ice Cream, 8801 New Falls Rd, Levittown, will host the second fundraiser with 20 percent of the proceeds going to the sidewalk effort. .
And if that wasn’t enough, Rearick wants to see a 5K walkathon take place In May.
The proposed walk, originally thought to take place on New Falls Rd, is now seeking other possible venues.
Advertisements
Local officials have suggested approval for such an event to take place on New Falls Rd. would prove problematic for the busy throughway.
One idea floated at Saturday’s meeting was to look into the possibility of Bucks County Technical High School hosting the proposed 5K walk.
Advertisements
Bowen said he plans on meeting with school officials next week to discuss the idea.
Rearick, whose boundless energy and determination, said “we’re doing anything and everything we can to make this happen. It’s a process but people are surprised by the progress we’ve made in little more than six months, but we still have plenty to do. .
Advertisements
To view and or sign Rearick’s original petition see the link below.
“Sidewalks for New Falls Road, Honoring John Rearick by Making a Difference,”
Advertisements
