Penn Township Fall 2023 Newsletter

Penn Township

VISION STATEMENT

“To provide a healthy, vibrant, affordable, economically successful, progressive community where citizens feel safe, enjoy their neighborhoods and access to their local government and have a great place to live, work and raise their families or retire.”

MISSION STATEMENT

“To facilitate the health, safety and well-being of the Penn Township community by providing residents, visitors and the business community with the highest quality of municipal leadership, municipal service and strategic, sustainable, effective and visionary planning in order to enhance the quality of life for all.”

Penn Township, Chester County, PA

260 Lewis Road West Grove, PA 19390

Phone: 610-869-9620

Fax: 610-869-9194

Email: office@penntownship.us www.penntownship.us

Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:00am - 4:00pm Closed Fridays Appointments available

Penn Township Public Access Information Channels: FIOS/Verizon Channel 36 & Comcast Xfinity Channel 966

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Victor Mantegna, BOARD CHAIR

William "Radar" O'Connell, VICE CHAIR

Curtis A. Mason, Sr., MEMBER

Jay Ennis, MEMBER

Laura Sperratore, MEMBER

Board of Supervisors meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. Work Sessions are held on the third Wednesday of January through April, September, and October at 6:00 p.m.

Agenda deadline is the Thursday before each meeting at noon. Agendas are posted at least 24 hours before meetings.

HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Scott Steele, VICE CHAIR

Larry Waltman

Patricia Moidel

Raymond Mackey

Robert Davis

David and Lorie Maicher

Joan Fitzwater Jackson

STATE SENATOR

Carolyn Comitta

STATE REPRESENTATIVE

John Lawrence ROADMASTER

Karen Versuk 302-690-6245

DISTRICT COURT 15-3-05

Honorable Scott Massey AVON GROVE

SCHOOL DIRECTORS

Jeff Billig, Katie Leonard, Rick Dumont

EMERGENCIES

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Chuck Freese

AGREM REPRESENTATIVE

Chuck Freese

FIRE COMPANY

West Grove Fire Dept. & Ambulance Division

PARAMEDICS SCCEMS

Medic 94

POLICE PA State Police - 911

TOWNSHIP STAFF

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS/ ROAD MASTER/ PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Karen Versuk

TREASURER/FINANCIAL OFFICER

Lisa Myers

TOWNSHIP SECRETARY/RIGHT TO KNOW OFFICER/EVENTS

Caitlin Ianni

BUILDING PERMITS COORDINATOR/ ZONING LIAISON

Amber McEwing

PARKS AND FACILITIES TECHNICIAN

Danny Peters

OFFICE INTERNS

Mariana Aguilera Lara, Kailey Mitchell

PLANNING COMMISSION

Scott Steele, CHAIR

Ralph Churchill, VICE CHAIR

Bill Wells, MEMBER

Bruce Van Kleeck, MEMBER

J.Dennis Newbold, SECRETARY

Meetings are the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm.

“Penn Township - A great place to live, work, and retire!”

Penn Returning to Normal Fall 2023

Penn Township, Chester County, PA by the Penn Township Supervisors

No one was sad to bid 2022 farewell, and with it, the COVID-19 pandemic and everything associated with it. While the illness still lingers, it is nice to have a full slate of events, activities, and projects so that we can all resume the business of living.

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is “When will the Sports Park be built?” The answer is both simple and complicated. Phase 2, which consists of the pickle ball courts, bocce, basketball/hockey, mega-all abilities playground, sensory-friendly play area, and expanded trail and parking lot will be built in 2024. We weathered the delays caused by COVID, staffing issues at the National Park Service, which is funding a portion of the project, and in March, a request by the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma for an archaeological review of the park prior to construction. With all of that now complete, nothing of significance was discovered by the archaeologists, the Phase 2 bid will be awarded at the September 6 public meeting. Phase 3, which consists of the fields and associated amenities will go out for public bid after Phase 2 is awarded.

While we remain challenged by the closure of Jennersville Hospital, we are excited to welcome the long-term commitment ChristianaCare promises to bring to our community when they reopen in a micro-hospital design. The emergency room will be comparable to that of Jennersville’s and will also feature a ten-bed short term observation unit as well as a full host of diagnostics. Meanwhile, Penn remains committed to keeping SCCEMSMedic 94 front and center in our community with the development of the Southern Chester County Emergency Operations Center to house both Medic 94 and AGREM. We anticipate that project to be completed in 2024. As we continue to offer programming of practical, recreational, and social significance – and just plain FUN -- such as Sunset Park Day, Sunny Day Camp, Fall Fest, Winter Wonderland, shredding days, CPR and Stop the Bleed classes, movie nights and concerts, and kids’ fun days all free of charge to the community, please stay tuned and connected by liking or joining our Facebook page, signing up for email blasts, and watching for our newsletters every winter and summer.

Finally, 2023 brings to an end the tenure of long-time Supervisor Curtis A. Mason, Sr. His presence and impact on the community of Penn and all of southern Chester County has been nothing short of remarkable. He has served this community in which he has lived his whole life with creativity, passion, and dedication. We thank him for his service and please, if you see, Curtis, thank him as well. Penn would not be what it is today without Supervisor Mason.

As always, thank you for supporting us in our work for the community of Penn, a great place to live, work, play and retire!

Respectfully submitted, Board Chair Victor Mantegna, Vice Chair Bill “Radar” O’Connell, Supervisors Curtis A. Mason, Sr., Jay Ennis, and Laura Sperratore

Penn Township celebrates two major projects

The groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Sports Park and the Emergency Operations Center took place on May 18

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer

Penn Township is facing the future with major improvements for the community in both safety and recreation. On Thursday, May 18, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for both the first phase of the Sports Park and the new Southern Chester County Emergency Operations Center.

Among those taking part in the festivities were the Penn Township Board of Supervisors—Victor Mantegna, Bill O’Connell, Jay Ennis, Curtis Mason and Laura Sperratore—as well as State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, State Rep. John Lawrence, Deputy County administrator Eric Walschburger for the Chester County Commissioners, and Pennsylvania DCNR regional advisor Drew Gilchrist.

The first ceremony was for the Penn Township Sports Park on North Jennersville Road. The 43-acre site was obtained by the township from Star Roses in 2016 with funding from the township, a National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Chester County Office of Open Space. The E. Kneal Dockstader Foundation has also provided grant funding for trails, parking, an outdoor classroom, and story walk which comprised the first phase of park development.

“Today we mark the beginning of an exciting journey toward seeing a long time vision of this board (of supervisors) and this community,” said Victor Mantegna, the chair of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors. “We’re confident that the Penn Township Sports Park, with its playgrounds, sports fields and trails, story walk and E. Kneal Dockstader Environmental Education Center will promote healthy activity and provide endless economic and recreational opportunities to our residents and businesses.”

The new Phase 2 portion of the park development will include an expanded parking lot, trail, stormwater management area, inclusive playground which includes a sensory friendly area, bocce, basketball, pickleball, hockey and more. The contract to begin work on the project is expected to be awarded by the township supervisors at the meeting on Aug. 2.

“This park will serve the region well for many generations to come,” Gilchrist said.

Photo by Marcella Peyre-Ferry

The Penn Township community and elected officials came together to celebrate the groundbreaking on the new Penn Township Sports Park.

The second groundbreaking has an impact far beyond the township limits. The new Southern Chester County Emergency Operations Center and Medic 94 House will provide a permanent base of operations for Medic 94 advanced life support service.

Joining the group for the dedication were Medic 94 board members, the Operations Center Working Group, AGREM representative Chuck Freese and representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police and Christiana Care.

“This is an exciting moment for our community as it marks a sig step forward in answering emergency response capabilities and the safety and wellbeing of residents in our region,” Mantegna said.

Medic 94, which serves 17 area municipalities, was founded 40 years ago at what was then the Southern County Medical Center. In 2001, the corporate structure changed to make Medic 94 independent of the hospital even though it continued to be housed there. When Jennersville Hospital closed, the need for a new home became urgent. The Board of Supervisors were committed to keeping the organization in Penn Township. The new building to be constructed at 863 W. Baltimore Pike will be their new home plus the building will provide a base for Avon Grove Regional Emergency Management and serve as an emergency operations center for Southern Chester County.

“We do our best to serve this community and we will continue to do so with your help and blessing,” Medic 94 CEO Bob Hotchkiss said.

Photo by Marcella Peyre-Ferry

Joining the group for the dedication of the Southern Chester County Emergency Operations Center were Medic 94 board members, the Operations Center Working Group, AGREM representative Chuck Freese, and representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police and Christiana Care.

Penn Township Parks & Recreation Committee

Herb MacCombie, III, Chairman

As summer turns to fall the Penn Township Parks and Recreation Committee is excited as the Township is set to receive bids for the Second Phase of the Improvements at the Penn Township Sports Park. Bids for the residential recreation area, which includes the park entrance and parking lot, pickleball, basketball/hockey rinks, bocce, volleyball, and playgrounds for a variety of age groups and skill levels, will be received by the Township on August 29, 2023. All bids received will be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Committee, Township Staff, and the Township Engineer. A recommendation is expected to be made to the Board of Supervisors at their meeting on September 6, 2023. Once a contractor is selected it is expected construction will take about one year to complete. It hasn’t been easy to get to this point, just when the Committee thought all of the hurdles were behind us, the Township was notified by the National Parks Service that the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma was requesting an archaeological survey as part of the Township efforts to secure funding for the third phase of the proposed improvements. This notice immediately put a hold on the Township abilities to solicit bids for the second phase. The Delaware Nation was particularly concerned with potential sites containing burial and associated funerary objects of the Lenape people. An extensive study was conducted by Archaeologist Richard White and his team from A.D. Marble. The study consisted of approximately 90 dig sites throughout the park in search of artifacts. While no significant archaeological resources were found relating to burial and associated funerary objects of the Lenape people,

four small pieces of pottery were found and catalog. The Final Report was submitted to the National Park Service, the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission and the Delaware Nation. In May the Delaware Nation notified the National Park Service they concurred with the findings of the report and no future investigation was required. Shortly after that the Township was advised by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources that the Township could again solicit bids for Phase Two. Despite the lose of several months while the investigation was completed, the Township did receive a Comprehensive Report providing an excellent summary of the archaeological history of the area surrounding the proposed park and the Lenape people that once interacted in this area.

A contract for funding for the Third Phase, the youth sports fields and associated improvements continues to work it way through the National Park Service. It is anticipated that final approval will be received in early fall and the Township Staff is already working on a bid package for the remaining improvements. Exciting News for sure.

The Penn Township Parks and Recreation Committee remains steadfast in its commitment to providing first class recreational facilities for the residents of Penn Township and their guests. We thank the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, the Southern Chester County Refuse Authority’s E. Kneale Dockstader Foundation, the Commissioners of Chester County, the Chester County Planning Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Commonwealth Finance Authority, and the National Park Service for their financial support of the very deserving project. We also want to especially thank Karen Versuk, the Township Director of Operations and her wonderful Staff, for their dedication to preparing the grant applications and working very hard to secure the necessary support and funding to make this project a reality.

The Pennsylvania State Police Camp Cadet of Chester County invites children and adults, with special needs, or disabilities and Special Olympics participants, with their families and friends to join us for a free law enforcement based “Sunny Day Camp”.

When: September 23, 2023

Rain Date: September 24, 2023

Check in 9 am -Activities 10-1 pm

Where : Penn Township Park 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390

Police Vehicle Displays!

Music!

To find out more and to register online visit www.cccampcadet.org

More senior citizens and people with disabilities will be able to access property tax relief through an expansion of the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

The expansion, which increases the maximum rebate to $1,000 and increases the income limit to $45,000, was officially signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro in August of 2023.

“Many seniors in our area rely on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to help make ends meet,” Comitta said. “By expanding the program, we are bringing vital relief to more of our neighbors and helping more seniors stay in their homes.”

Under the expansion, nearly 175,000 more Pennsylvanians – including an estimated 2,300 in Chester County – will qualify, and many of the 400,000 seniors who already qualify will see their rebates nearly double.

Comitta, who serves as a member of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, voted in favor of the legislation (HB1100) earlier this year.

This is the first permanent expansion of the program in more than 15 years. The legislation also increases the income limit each year by the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index.

“For too long, seniors have missed out on relief, solely because of the automatic cost-of-living adjustment in their Social Security payment,” Comitta added. “With this expansion, we are making sure that seniors and individuals with disabilities can continue to take advantage of the program.”

Supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has distributed more than $7.6 billion to Pennsylvania residents since its inception in 1971.

Applications for the 2022 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are still open. Residents can apply for the program online at mypath.pa.gov or by completing the PA-1000 paper application. Applicants must submit copies of income statements from 2022 and paid receipts of property taxes from the year 2022 (local, school, county) or a Rent Certificate completed by a landlord.

Assistance with the application is available by appointment at Senator Comitta’s district office at 17 E. Gay St. in Downtown West Chester. To schedule an appointment, call (610) 692-2112.

EVENTS 2023

Another year of bringing the community together for family friendly events will soon be behind us. We’ve had a lot of fun this year trying new things, bringing back old pals, and once again welcoming the community to the heart of Jennersville. This has been the first year, since the 2020 pandemic, that we’ve felt that things were “back to normal”. While we know some things will never change, it was nice to see everyone’s smiling faces once again. We truly work hard to offer events that everyone can enjoy; a fun, healthy and safe space for families, friends and loved ones of all ages to gather.

EVENTS 2023

Here are some snapshots of our 2023 events. We’d like to thank Pam Thompson for taking most of these photos for us, she does a fabulous job! If you’d like to provide feedback or suggestions about our events, scan the QR code for our events survey.

ChristianaCare Plans To Open A Neighborhood Hospital On West Grove Campus

ChristianaCare has announced plans to create a neighborhood hospital at its newest campus in southern Chester County: ChristianaCare West Grove campus.

The neighborhood hospital will include a 10-bed inpatient unit and a full-service emergency department. Patients will benefit from access to vitual technology for specialty care services, such as neurology and cardiology.

We anticipate an opening date in late 2024, although the date is subject to change due to the significant work that is needed to renovate the existing facility. Heather Farley, M.D., MHCDS, FACEP, ChristianaCare's co-lead for the campus development strategy, answers questions about the neighborhood hospital.

What is a neighborhood hospital?

Also called micro-hospitals, neighborhood hospitals are generally small hospitals tailored to the needs of the specific communities they serve. Neighborhood hospitals typically have an average of 8-10 inpatient beds. These hospitals treat common emergency care needs such as falls, injuries, heart attacks and strokes. The wait times for treatment at neighborhood hospitals tend to be shorter than at traditional hospitals. Some patients who require additional treatment or observation can be cared for close to home in the neighborhood hospital inpatient care area.

What kind of care will I be able to receive at the neighborhood hospital?

The neighborhood hospital at the West Grove campus will be able to treat common emergency care needs such as falls, injuries, heart attacks and strokes. Diagnostic capabilities will include ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), X-ray and laboratory services. If a patient needs a higher level of care than can be provided at the neighborhood hospital, the patient will be stabilized at the neighborhood hospital and then transferred to a larger hospital where they can receive that care.

Will the neighborhood hospital include an intensive care unit (ICU) or operating rooms?

No, the neighborhood hospital will not include an ICU or operating rooms. Patients with complex, acute care needs and patients who need surgery will be assessed and transferred to a larger hospital where they can receive a higher level of care.

Why was the neighborhood hospital model selected for this location?

ChristianaCare strives to deliver the best care possible in the most sustainable way that is equitable, affordable and meets the needs of the diverse communities we serve. We are committed to being a long-term, trusted health care partner to our neighbors in southern Chester County. In planning for our West Grove campus, ChristianaCare listened to the community and met frequently with community leaders and organizations, and also conducted an extensive review of historical and projected demographic data. Based on this information, we determined that the neighborhood hospital model will provide the right mix of health care services and provide a foundation for long-term growth

Heather Farley, M.D., MHCDS, FACEP, ChristianaCare's co-lead for West Grove campus development strategy.

at the West Grove campus to meet the evolving needs of the community. Will there be other services at the West Grove campus in the future?

Yes! We look forward to adding additional services to the West Grove campus over time, based on community needs. Services that are currently being evaluated for potential future phases include outpatient diagnostic services and cardiology and other specialty services.

Will there be job opportunities?

We expect that new jobs will be created. Staffing plans are still being developed. Job openings will be posted to Careers.ChristianaCare.org when they become available.

Where can I learn more?

Follow ChristianaCare on social media to stay up to date on the latest information about the West Grove campus and our other services throughout the region.

Scan the QR code or visit ChristianaCare.org/westgrovecampus to sign up for our mailing list and receive periodic email updates about the West Grove campus.

ChristianaCare Primary Care is Nearby -- in Jennersville, West Grove and Kennett Square, PA

Residents in southeastern Pennsylvania have options for care at three ChristianaCare primary care practices located in Jennersville, West Grove and Kennett Square. Combined, these three practices are now the "medical home" for approximately 25,000 residents in these communities. Each of the practices provide optimal primary care services, including physical examinations, preventive health screenings and immunizations, chronic disease management and care for acute illnesses. The primary care practice at Kennett Square also offers a full range of women's health services, including well woman visits including annual pap smears, long-acting reversible contraception options and obstetrics and gynecological care.

The three practices are accepting new patients at the following addresses:

ChristianaCare Primary Care and Women’s Health at Kennett Square 721 East Baltimore Pike, Suite 100, Kennett Square, PA 19348

Phone: 610-765-4200

ChristianaCare Primary Care at West Grove

390 Vineyard Way, West Grove, PA 19390

Phone: 610-806-5450

ChristianaCare Primary Care at Jennersville

900 W. Baltimore Pike, Jennersville, PA 19390

Phone: 610-806-5611

Dr. Farley speaking about the West Grove neighborhood hospital at a recent community meeting.

Looking Ahead to Fire Prevention Month

Every year, in communities across the United States, October is Prevention Month. It’s a time for families to learn about better ways to prevent fires, to discuss fire safety, and to ensure your home and family are protected with fire safety tips and reliable protection.

The focus on fire safety is a tradition in place since 1922, with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) leading the charge nationally. Here, in the greater West Grove community, and in Penn Township, the West Grove Fire Company has dedicated itself to fire prevention and safety training for the community throughout its history. The WGFC has been recognized for its school and community fire safety programs, which have reached thousands of people each year, helping young students and adults learn about fire safety through fun and informative programs held each October in public and private schools and daycare centers, and in community centers.

Here are several ways you can participate:

Cooking Safety

This year’s national campaign is focused on Fire Prevention Week: Sunday, October 8 – Saturday, October 14. The theme for 2023: “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention™,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when cooking.

Fires and injuries from cooking are a concern. Did you know? Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. What can you do? The good news is you can prevent most cooking fires and burns. Help keep your family safer with some simple but effective tips. You can find safety materials in English and Spanish from the NFPA here: https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/ Fire-Prevention-Week/About

Getting Kids Involved

Young children will be exposed to fire safety programming during October with the West Grove Fire Company in the schools with demonstrations, learning opportunities, and chances to see fire trucks and meet real firefighters. Parents and grandparents should encourage young children to pay attention to these safety lessons in school. Then, when children come home for school, they should be encouraged to practice how to call for help in an emergency (dial 911), how to evacuate to a family meeting place, how to “stop-drop-and-roll” in a fire, and where the family’s smoke detectors are located (and test them together with your children). This reinforces the safety lessons they will experience when the WGFC comes to their schools.

During the COVID pandemic school closings in 2020, the WGFC produced a fire prevention video for parents and grandparents to watch with children. This video hosted by the fire company’s own “Firefighter Lisa” is a great way for parents to share fire safety lessons with small children. See the WGFC website home page or directly at: https://www.wgfc. org/content/front/FirePrevention2020.cfm

Planning Ahead for Fall

With the Labor Day holiday behind us (and the traditional “end” of the summer season), the West Grove Fire Company urges everyone to start to set aside time for fall tasks that help prepare for a safe fall and winter season. Here are a few quick things to put on your “to do” list for fall: Schedule a Chimney Cleaning

Now is the time to make sure your chimney is ready for heating season. Whether you are using a fireplace to burn wood, use a special stove for wood chips or pellets, or simply have a furnace, all heating methods typically make use of a chimney. The NFPA recommends getting your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year by a qualified professional. This work should be scheduled and completed before the heating season gets underway.

A great resource on this topic can be found on House Beautiful at: https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/cleaningtips/a35397922/how-often-to-clean-chimney/ and heating safety tips from the NFPA can be seen here: https://www. nfpa.org//-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Heating_Safety.pdf

Can Your Address Be Seen?

Fall is a time to trip back bushes and trees that might block your house number from being seen easily form the street during an emergency. Now is the time to prune back that summer growth so that first responders can see your house number. Keep in mind that house numbers should be visible from both directions on your road, visible easily at night, and, if you have a long or split driveway, be displayed in a way that helps first responders find you quickly in an emergency.

Be a WGFC Volunteer and Serve Your Community

The West Grove Fire Company is a volunteer organization that is supplemented by career staff for our EMS and Fire operations and we welcome and encourage new volunteer members. Please feel free to fill out our online membership application. If you would like to pick up an application in person stop by one of our fire stations either in West Grove, New London or in London Britain Townships. We meet Monday evenings at 7:00 pm for training and on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7 pm at our West Grove station for our business meetings. If you see someone at the firehouse feel free to stop in anytime. Even if you do not have interest in responding to ambulance or fire calls, there are a number of roles for which we need assistance, including building maintenance, public relations, community education, vehicle maintenance, bookkeeping, fundraising, etc. We welcome all kinds of people to membership -- this is your community fire company and it needs volunteers to make it successful.

You can apply directly on the fire company website at wgfc.org. Questions can be addressed to the Membership Secretary: membership@wgfc.org

RECYCLING DOESN’T END AT THE CURB!

Industry perspectives

By Patti Lynn, Recycling Resources Manager

You gave your food cans and bottles a good rinse, stored them in a container separate from your household trash, and tossed in your clean mixed paper. You placed the recycling cart at the curb on collection day. Congratulations, you’ve recycled! Or have you?

Well, not exactly. You’re doing the right thing, but it’s just the first step in the recycling process – the “set out.” Next, the hauler collects it, transports it to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for sorting and baling. These commodities will be marketed to a paper mill, plastics broker, or metal recycler to eventually be manufactured into new products.

Recycling is a process. Residents are the first step. So, who better to teach us about the processing other than MRF managers?

Jeff Furmanchin of Total Recycle in Birdsboro wants us to know, “Contamination in single stream recyclables is the largest cause of downtime and damage to processing equipment. Please keep hoses, wires, construction debris and yard waste out of your recycling. Lithium-Ion or rechargeable batteries of any type need to stay out of recycling and trash bins, as they are an enormous fire hazard.” (These batteries only belong in a household hazardous waste collection program!)

Scott Mengle, Director of SECCRA Landfill, manages a dozen drop off bins across southern Chester County. He says, “Just because an item bears a recycling symbol doesn't guarantee its actual recycling. This poses financial and logistical challenges, as non-recyclable items disrupt sorting, increase costs, and devalue recycled materials. To preserve the financial and environmental sustainability of recycling programs, it's important to know what is truly recyclable. 'When in doubt, throw it out’ to ensure our success.”

Matt Cougle of Cougle’s Recycling wants us to know that water bottles (PET #1) are recycled into carpet and clothing. PET is also re-made into new bottles, closing the recycling loop. “It starts in your home. Keep food, liquids, and cigarette butts out of bottles. They make recycling much harder. Get those clean and loose (not bagged) bottles in the cart!”

Better to recycle right, than to recycle more.

When in doubt, check it out! Let’s get Trash Smart!

VOLUNTEERS KEEP US RUNNING

Penn Township has many events throughout the year that require multiple helping hands. Our volunteers do not only help us on the day off, but they are a crucial part of the behind-the-scenes. You will find our amazing volunteers at the gate greeting you as you walk in, directing you to where you may need to go, keeping everyone safe inside the moon bounces, or handing out goodies. Our volunteers help us set up and get everything prepared and ready for the big day.

A special thank you to the Avon Grove Lions Club, Avon Grove Honors Society, and Avon Grove Best Buddies. We sincerely thank you for your time and effort in helping us during events!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER WITH US PLEASE SCAN THE QR CODE AND FILL OUT THIS GOOGLE FORM. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING, PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE OFFICE, THANK YOU!

Penn Township Newsletter

Venmo is coming to Penn Township!

You asked and we have responded! Penn Township will now be able to accept credit card, debit card, checking and saving account transactions via the Venmo app for permits, community room and facility rentals, event registration, and more. We will still accept personal or business checks as well.

Q&A:

- Venmo charges 3% when using a credit card.

- Venmo does not charge any fees for use of debit card or routing number.

- Venmo is a part of the PayPal family and safe to use

- Venmo transactions will be accepted starting October 1, 2023

Red Rose Inn Tours Dates

The Penn Township Historical Commission will be hosting free tours on the historic Red Rose Inn again this year. See tour dates below.

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Sunday, December 10, 2023

12 PM to 2 PM

Group or private tours can be set up through our office - 610-869-9620.