We are members of the movement known as ReOpen Bucks, brought together by our shared desire to maintain normalcy in Bucks County, Pennsylvania during such abnormal times. These are our stories.
In this episode we catch up with Senator Doug Mastriano of Pennsylvania's 33rd Senate District, widely regarded as the leader of the reopen movement across Pennsylvania and now the Republican nominee for Governor of the Commonwealth. We discuss how he first got involved with reopen (shoutout to ReOpenPA!), what his nomination for Governor means to the movement, and what he plans to do on Day 1.https://doug4gov.com/https://www.facebook.com/Fight4pa
In this episode we sit down with Dr. Marion Mass, a Perkasie wife, mother, and pediatrician who's intimately involved in many Bucks County community organizations, including the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership and the Bucks County Courier Times editorial board. We discuss the pandemic's effects on the various age groups of children that Dr. Mass sees, how her family experienced dealing with virtual learning long before the pandemic, and what the “medical-political-industrial-academic complex” has done to the doctor-patient relationship.Find more about Dr. Mass on twitter: https://twitter.com/mass_marionand at Practicing Physicians of America
In this episode we catch up with Jennifer Spillane, a Pennsbury wife and mother who became heavily involved in her community during and due to the pandemic. As a ReOpen advocate within a highly Democrat area, Jen brings an important perspective on what it's like to fight tooth and nail against insurmountable odds. We discuss why she decided to run for Pennsbury School Board, how she converted that energy into a run for State Representative, and what she takes away from her pandemic experiences.
In this episode we catch up with Misty Law Flurry, who was one of the key community advocates who helped get Council Rock School District not only back to school, but to the front of the pack for school normalcy and parental choice. We discuss why she started using Facebook when the pandemic hit, how she eventually became a leader of multiple Council Rock advocacy groups, and why she plans to stay involved in the Council Rock community into the future.
In this episode we catch up with Vonna DeArmond, a Central Bucks wife and mother with the rather unique experience of transitioning from homeschooling to public schooling during the pandemic. We discuss what that journey was like, including the time her kids spent in cyber charter school. We also discuss her involvement in last year's school board elections, and her decision to take on the long-neglected Bucks County Free Library system, a decision that brought about immediate change.
In this episode we sit down with Jarrett Coleman, newly-minted school director in Parkland School District up in Lehigh Valley and the presumptive Republican nominee for the newly-drawn 16th State Senate district that includes Upper Bucks County. We talk about how the pandemic pushed Jarrett to run for school board, how his experience on the school board led him to run for even higher office, and how the reopen movement was intertwined at each step.www.jarrettcoleman.com
In this episode we sit down with Julia Gerlach & Angie Dempsey to discuss their experiences homeschooling during the pandemic. We chat about why and how they started homeschooling, what keeps them homeschooling as schools return to normal, and what advice they have for people who are considering switching to homeschooling. We also touch on Angie's Salt+Light Cooperative of like-minded families that has flourished throughout.
In this episode we catch up with Megan Brock to discuss the grassroots efforts that took place in Bucks County, including her work unveiling much of what happened via Right-to-Know requests.Sign up for Meg's upcoming podcast series: https://www.americangrassrootspodcast.com/Check out Meg Brock Photography: https://www.megbrock.com/Lastly, please consider donating to the legal fund to help Meg obtain Right-to-Know documents from Montgomery County that she has been awarded: https://www.spotfund.com/story/37f310da-3860-481b-beb1-6516fe3b52e3
In this episode we sit down with Jill Rockett, a Chalfont wife and mother who suffered a blood clot in her leg which required major surgery after taking the vaccine. We discuss her story, why she (and her doctor) believes that the vaccine caused her injury, and how it's affected her approach to the pandemic.To see the extent of Jill's wounds (fair warning), click here: https://reopenbucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Jill.jpg
In this episode we sit down with Kaylyn Mitchell (Quakertown Community) and Mark Byelich (Council Rock) to discuss their experience serving as School Directors during COVID. We explore what their board dynamics were like, how they pushed to get kids back in school, and what it was like to work with the unions and school administrators. The conversation ends with Mark and Kaylyn sharing advice for anyone considering serving as a school director.
In this episode we sit down with Matt Simkins to hear what it's been like to be a teacher throughout the pandemic. Matt teaches physics at a Bucks County high school, where he's made an incredible difference to his students during very tough times by adopting a simple, but powerful, tenant within his classroom: “I am not afraid of you.”https://www.youtube.com/c/SimkinsPhysicsCorner
In this episode we catch up with Karin Stewart, owner of Blue Line Hair Studio in Holland, and one of the very first ReOpen Bucks members. Karin shares her experience as a business owner who remained committed to protecting freedom of choice, in an industry where that proved especially challenging.https://bluelinehair.com/https://www.facebook.com/Bluelinehair
As a grassroots movement with a focused effort, ReOpen Bucks has brought together many people from across the political spectrum, primarily on the Republican side of the aisle. In this two-part series of episodes, we take a look at the state of Bucks County Republicanism, how ReOpen Bucks has fit into it, and what the future holds. In particular, we compare and contrast two emerging wings of the party: the more-moderate establishment GOP and the more-conservative challengers.In Part 2, we sit down with Pete Phillips, A Solebury dad who orchestrated last year's New Hope-Solebury School Board write-in campaign and is currently running for GOP committee at both the local and state levels. We discuss why Pete got involved, what problems he sees with the current establishment structure, and what his vision is for the future of Bucks County Republicanism.The slate of candidates running with Pete for Republican State Committee:https://www.facebook.com/SaveBucksGOP
As a grassroots movement with a focused effort, ReOpen Bucks has brought together many people from across the political spectrum, primarily on the Republican side of the aisle. In this two-part series of episodes, we take a look at the state of Bucks County Republicanism, how ReOpen Bucks has fit into it, and what the future holds. In particular, we compare and contrast two emerging wings of the party: the more-moderate establishment GOP and the more-conservative challengers.In Part 1, we sit down with Colin Monahan, Executive Committeeman in the Bucks County Republican Committee and President of the Palisades Republican Club, to get his perspective as someone who has worked within the party for years. We discuss his thoughts on the political demographic of Bucks County, the implications of mail-in voting, and his thoughts on the current divide among Bucks County Republicans.The slate of candidates running with Colin for Republican State Committee:https://www.facebook.com/BucksGOPStateCommitteeLink to the voter statistics that Colin discusses: https://www.buckscounty.gov/186/Voter-Statistics
In this episode we sit down with Representative Russ Diamond, four-term representative from Pennsylvania's 102nd House District and current candidate for Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor. We discuss Governor Wolf's overreach of power during COVID, how the legislature eventually reigned him in, what made Representative Diamond throw his hat in the ring for Lt. Governor, and what he hopes to accomplish in that role.http://russdiamond.vote/https://www.facebook.com/friendsofrussdiamond
In this episode we sit down with Helen Haun, New Britain Township Auditor, and former New Britiain Township supervisor. For lack of a better term, some of us like to think of Helen as the patron saint of ReOpen Bucks, because she's always been there for us when we really needed a hand with something or found ourselves in a bind. Helen was instrumental in helping us pull off a successful soccer season with BCSA, and she even coached one of our 5 and under teams.
Today we're delighted to share a conversation with all of the current ReOpen Bucks group administrators. Join Melissa Simmons, Randy Tongue, Tina Raymond, Kyrie Hogan and Josh Hogan for a peek behind the scenes, as we discuss our favorite memories, most challenging moments, and what inspired each of us to get involved.
In this episode we sit down with Mike Lebiedzinski, a father in the Spring-Ford Area School District in Montgomery County. We discuss his data analysis background and why it led him to advocate for school normalcy, how so many people got things wrong about COVID, and why women seem to outnumber men in the fight against COVID hysteria.
In this episode we sit down with Frank and Pam Masciotro to discuss their background in conservative politics and how the Bucks County political picture has profoundly impacted the experience of ReOpen Bucks, and vice versa.Frank is currently running for State GOP Committee:https://www.facebook.com/SaveBucksGOPPam is an admin of the CBSD Back on Track Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/837987203398854
In this episode we sit down with Karin Majewski, a special education teacher in Bucks County who left the teachers union and eventually created the Facebook page "Union Choice for PA Educators" after feeling like the teachers union had stopped representing her interests as an educator. We dive into the current issues with teachers unions, and also discuss what information is available to educators who wish to leave the union.https://www.facebook.com/UnionchoiceforPAeducators
Get ready to hear everything you need to know about Right-to-Know Law (RTK) and how to use it to hold government accountable. In this episode we sit down with Diane Haring, a Pennridge resident who spent years acquiring knowledge about the RTK process, and then put that knowledge to good use during the pandemic. The story of her involvement and how dramatically it changed things is one of the best kept secrets of ReOpen Bucks.
Today we catch up with John Stange, lead pastor of Core Creek Community Church in Langhorne. After churches were shutdown in 2020, John decided to give his congregation the freedom of choice when it came to masking and returning to in person worship. We discuss his leadership as a pastor, how he put the community at the forefront of his decisions, and how his church served as the venue for ReOpen Bucks events when we needed them most.CoreCreek.com (Church)DesireJesus.com (Blog)PlatformLaunchers.com (Membership Community)
In this episode we chat with Mara Witsen, a Central Bucks resident who has become known for her well-prepared and even-better-delivered speeches during public comment periods. We discuss how she got started with speaking at meetings, and what motivates her. Catch up with Mara on Twitter @SoulofSowell
In this episode we chat with Dawn Augustine about her experience as Treasurer of Bucks County Sports Association, the youth sports organization created from ReOpen Bucks to provide kids with a completely mask-free sports environment. We also touch on her involvement with turning Centennial School District around, as well as her family's recent move to freedom-loving Florida.https://buckscountysportsassociation.com
In this episode we catch up with recently-minted Central Bucks School Director Lisa Sciscio. We discuss why she decided to run for school board, how she's adjusted to the role, and what she sees for the future of Central Bucks. We also touch on her prominent decision to prevent segregation of students based on vaccination status by leading a motion to cancel a class field-trip to Washington, D.C. while it was under vaccine mandate.
In this episode we have a heart-wrenching conversation with Kayla Ottey, a pediatric nurse practitioner who was ruthlessly attacked in the media by her own employer, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and then fired for daring to speak in support of mask choice at a Central Bucks School Board meeting.Kayla's story is one of the harder ones to hear, but also the most important. After listening to this episode, I want you to ask yourself, "what would I give to stand in my truth?"
In this episode we sit down with Tim Rosanelli, owner of Maximum Impact Karate in Dublin. We discuss why and how Tim reopened his dojo for in-person training on June 1st, 2020, and why he's maintained a mask-optional policy every day since then.https://maximpactkarate.com/https://www.facebook.com/maximumimpactkarate
In this episode we chat with Kimberly Gorman to discuss her service on the Board of Directors of Bucks County Sports Association, the youth sports organization created from ReOpen Bucks to provide kids with a completely mask-free sports environment. Along the way, we also discuss Kim's leadership of the group Kids 1st Neshaminy Schools, and the family-owned small business she shares with her husband, Gorman Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center.www.buckscountysportsassociation.comGorman Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center: https://www.facebook.com/GormanHolisticHealthKids 1st Neshaminy Schools: https://www.facebook.com/groups/298265281201803
In this episode we catch up with Jessica Lieblich, long-time admin of the ReOpen Bucks Facebook group and founder of "Little Freedom Fighters of Bucks County". In late 2020 Jessica started the group to provide outlets for normalcy to families with young children, something that was nearly impossible to find at the time.To learn more about the Little Freedom Fighters of Bucks County:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1259261051094583
In this episode we catch up with Kaitlin Derstine, a New York transplant who moved back to Souderton Area during COVID and started the group "Soudy Strong Conservatives" (now known as Indian Valley Conservative Voice). Kaitlin and I chat about her experiences running a local grassroots movement, including the challenges that come with being a strong leader in such a divided time.You can check out Kaitlin's Souderton Area groups here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/soudystrongconservativeshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/ivconservativevoice
In this episode we chat with Danielle Durie, founder of the group "Unm@$king Montco" which has been one of the closest sister groups to ReOpen Bucks. Danielle describes why and how she started the group, what the journey in Montgomery County has been like, and where the group goes from here.You can check out Unm@$king Montco here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/847879009070597
In today's episode, we catch up with Jim Worthington, owner of the Newtown Athletic Club, and discuss his decision to re-open for business in June 2020. He details his involvement in the county's early pandemic preparation efforts, how shutdowns impacted our health, and why he believes exercise is essential.Watch Jim's May 2020 video announcing the reopening of the NAC here: https://www.facebook.com/newtownac/videos/252510485850682https://newtownathletic.com/https://www.facebook.com/newtownac
In this Episode we talk with Julie Wallace, an emergency room nurse who's worked on the front lines throughout the pandemic. Julie gives us a glimpse into what the front lines have been like, how she and her colleagues deal with burnout, how the vaccine mandate has impacted healthcare workers, and more.
Today we chat with Dr. Michael Thorwart, who sits on the Council Rock School Board as Director from Region 7 (Northampton). We talk about his experiences navigating the pandemic in such a critical and tumultuous position, including how he came to the conclusion that getting kids in school was the right thing to do.https://www.facebook.com/MThorwartSchoolDirector
Today I sit down with Jamie Walker, who rose to prominence during the COVID pandemic through her advocacy for school normalcy. We focus in on the initial failures of Central Bucks School District to manage the challenges of COVID, and how Jamie's lawsuit and Right-to-Know requests helped turn the tide.For a deeper dive into this story and many others that Jamie has been a part of, stay tuned for the upcoming "American Grassroots Podcast" from Megan Brock.
Meet Yanni Lambros, owner of Koffee Korner in Lansdale. When Yanni reopened Koffee Korner in Summer 2020, he gave everyone the freedom to choose whether or not to wear masks, including his own employees. Despite chronic badgering from the Montgomery County Department of Health, Yanni stood his ground and not only kept Koffee Korner open, but also made it a place of refuge for those seeking freedom.To learn more about Koffee Korner:https://www.facebook.com/OriginalKoffeeKorner
In this episode, we talk with Carl Fish, owner of Park Club Fitness in Perkasie. In April 2020, Carl was chained inside his business by Bucks County Consumer Protection and Bucks County Health Department. We discuss the events leading up to the government chaining his business, and what happened when his case finally went before a judge. Bucks County Government has yet to accept any responsibility for their actions.Watch the security footage of the chaining & unchaining here:https://youtu.be/bESy4eDbqWUhttps://youtu.be/Clf4RAka9cAFor more info about Park Club Fitness:https://www.parkclubfitness.com/https://www.facebook.com/ParkClubFitness
"It gave me hope, and a community."In this episode, we chat with Laura Schroy, one of the parents responsible for the playground reopening effort we called the "Playground Brigade." We discuss the playground efforts and how they helped define the early identity of the ReOpen Bucks movement.Connect with Laura: https://www.instagram.com/lauratanae
In this episode, we sit down with Tommy and Jessica Coates, the owners of Transcend Fitness Club in Newtown to discuss how they made the decision to be the first Bucks County business to reopen in May 2020.Keep up with Transcend here:www.transcendfit.comfacebook.com/TranscendFitnessClub/instagram.com/transcendfitnessclub/
In the first episode of this series, we sit down with Bucks County Sheriff Milt Warrell (2018-2022) to discuss how he successfully kept the sheriff's office running during the pandemic, the political fallout of his gutsy May 2020 letter affirming the constitutional rights of public, and what lies ahead.Keep up with the Sheriff via his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SheriffWarrell
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