Local rock band to perform benefit concert for New Hope-Solebury High School classmate and leukemia research

By Charlie Sahner

New Hope band JC Satellite will perform "A Concert for Carly - Destroy Leuk" on Saturday, March 5 to raise awareness and money for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Three of the four bandmembers are classmates at New Hope-Solebury High School of Carly Stephens, who was diagnosed with leukemia in July, 2010.

Radio deejay "Spike" from Philadelphia's WYSP 94.1 FM will emcee the concert, which also includes an opening performance by singer/songwriter Kelly Carvin and special guest Gabby D'Angelo, another classmate from New Hope-Solebury High School.

Doors to the concert will open at 7 p.m. at the Eagle Fire Hall, 46 N. Sugan Road in New Hope. Tickets are priced at $12 and available at the JC Satellite website.

Those who can't attend may make a donation to AML Research at the Childrens' Hospital giving page. 

St. Martin of Tours Church in New Hope may close school

 By Charlie Sahner

Rumors are flying among parents of children enrolled at St. Martin of Tours School in New Hope that the institution is closing.

St. Martin of Tours School is a private Catholic elementary school serving students of all denominations from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.

Some speculate that low enrollment may be the cause.  Other parents are wondering how a potential closure might affect enrollment figures at New Hope-Solebury schools, although several parents have said on a popular local Facebook site that they would move their children to other area Catholic schools if necessary.

School teachers and staff there seem well-liked by students and parents, some of whom say they are still fighting to keep the school open.

A church spokesperson contacted Sunday confirmed the move was under consideration, but said, "The final word will come from the Cardinal within two weeks."