Living Delaware - Fall 2022

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Water Gap National Recreation Area

Delaware Scenic River

S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip Series

Join Jack Padalino, President Emeritus of Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and Brandwein Institute, partner with the National Park Service, by caravan to search for eagles on Sundays during December 2022, January 2023, February 2023, and March 2023. Meet 8:00 AM at PEEC or 10:00 AM at the parking lot of the north entrance to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Route 209 south of the Milford, PA bridge.

PERMITTING.

warmly, bring binoculars,

and a lunch. The search for eagles

conclude along the Lackawaxen River

4:00 PM.

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP

116 Wilson Hill Road Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

Phone: 570-828-2347

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Building Inspector: Tuesday and Thursday 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Sewage Officer: By appointment only

Zoning Officer: By appointment only Office: Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Public Works: Monday through Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm

Akenac Park: Off Season

Operational Hours

September through May Hiking, fishing and playground available.

Beach closed. No swimming. No grilling. No personal watercraft permitted. Closed every Tuesday for maintenance.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

MEETINGS

2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 7:00 pm at the Township Municipal Building

WORKSHOPS

2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 6:00 pm at the Township Municipal Building

Dingmans Ferry/Delaware Twp. Historical Society

It’s Been a Great Season for History!

It’s been a great season for the Historical Society. The museum has been open at least twice a month with a greatly increased number of visitors touring and learning the history of Dingmans Ferry. Early this season, we provided a tour for over 240 students from Dingman/ Delaware Elementary School and Shohola Elementary School. The students showed great interest in finding out about the early days of this area.

We are working on adding an automated informational system to the museum facility which will describe each room’s content and displays. The narrative will be activated by the visitors as they tour. This will not take the place of our guides, who will continue to be available for additional information and to answer questions. As usual, the museum contents are upgraded and enhanced continually.

The Society’s free monthly presentations have been a major success this season with record attendance. We have been able to present Jonathan Kruk, a professional historic storyteller, who portrayed Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin. We have also had informational programs presented by Frank Salvati, highlighting our early inhabitants, the Lenape Indians, and the role of the local Indians during the Revolutionary War and The Battle of Minisink. As always, the program presented by the Delaware Valley Raptor Center on the birds of prey of the area included display of live birds that were rescued by the Center. This program was extremely well-attended and enjoyed by all. Presentations for the remainder of the season will include the history of Dingman’s Ferry and Bushkill on September 18th and Antique Bottles of the area #2 prepared and presented by Ed Nikles of Milford on October 16th. Please visit our website for additional details at www.dingmansferryhistoricalsociety.org

We hope you had a wonderful summer season and have a great remainder of the year!

Become a Resource Parent with Pike County Children and Youth Services

“Being a resource parent is a very rewarding experience,” says Carla Brown, Resource Parent Coordinator. “Resource parents have the opportunity to make a real difference in a child’s life, at a time when they truly need it.”

Due to the increasing need, Pike County Children and Youth Services (C&Y) is seeking individuals to serve as resource parents, formerly known as foster parents.

Resource parenting is a service which provides a family life experience in an approved household for children who temporarily cannot remain in their homes. The basic purpose of a resource parent is to provide a safe, nurturing environment, to promote the child’s maximum growth and development, to work toward achievement of the permanency goal of the child.

“I am glad that I decided to participate in this service, and I encourage others to do the same,” said one local resource parent. “Knowing that I

have been able to make a positive impact on my resource child’s life is priceless.”

To become a resource parent, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 21 years of age

• Be a U.S. Citizen

• Obtain criminal history clearances, child abuse clearances, and FBI clearances

• Pass a physical examination; be free from communicable diseases and be able to handle stress

• Are successful in managing your own family life and finances

• Possess patience and understanding for the needs of children of all ages

• Acquire 6 hours of training

Resource parents will receive training and support from C&Y staff throughout the placement. In addition to support, resource parents will receive a daily stipend for each child in your care to assist with living expenses.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a resource parent, please contact Carla Brown, Resource Parent Coordinator at (570) 2963446. The agency will happily answer any questions about the program.

YOUR DINGMANS FERRY HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD.

Note of Thanks!

recognize

—Carol Padalino

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

e BOARD OF SUPERVISORS e

John Henderson Chair

jhenderson@delawaretownshippa.gov

Jane Neufeld Vice-Chair | Treasurer jneufeld@delawaretownshippa.gov

Rick Koehler Secretary rkoehler@delawaretownshippa.gov

e ADMINISTRATION e

Krista Predmore Township Administrator kpredmore@delawaretownshippa.gov

Robin Jones H.R. | Administrative Asst. rjones@delawaretownshippa.gov

Jamie Montague Permit Assistant jmontague@delawaretownshippa.gov

e ROAD & MAINTENANCE DEPT.

Rich Bailo | Acting Road Master roadmaster@delawaretownshippa.gov

Scott Axelband saxelband@delawaretownshippa.gov

John Klause dtbos@ptd.net

e BOARDS & CHAIRPERSONS e

Planning Commission

LoriAnn Hines, Secretary

Zoning Hearing Board Krista Predmore, Secretary

Board of Auditors Dennis Lee dennisleedtauditor@gmail.com

e ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Building Inspector Code Inspections, Inc. codeinspections@epix.net

Zoning

Tussel rontussel@gmail.com

Tussel rontussel@gmail.com

Delaware Township Public Works Report

The following projects have been completed:

• Culvert replacements on Long Meadow Road, Log & Twig Road and Spencer Road

• Log & Twig Road paving

• Spencer Road paving

• Line painting on Doolan Road, Park Road, Chestnut Ridge Road, Nichecronk Road, Emery Road, Myck Road

• Renewal of the PennDOT Winter Maintenance Agreement for snow removal on Wilson Hill Road

• Roof replacements at Akenac Park: Historical Society Building, Lifeguard Building, and Gatehouse

Upcoming:

• Request for proposals on the 2023 lawn maintenance contract

• Preparation for winter: preparing plows, spreaders and fleet. Ordering road salt.

Please keep the following policies in mind as we prepare for winter:

Mailbox Policy

Damage to mailboxes and/or posts from snow thrown from the snowplow is not the township’s responsibility. Property owners have the sole responsibility for the repair or replacement of the mailbox

and post in the event the snow cast from the plow is the cause of the damage.

Official Policy Statement regarding Delaware Township Public Works activities during winter or other weatherrelated events

In accordance with commonwealth statutes and compliance with the Township’s promulgated emergency operations plan, Delaware Township Public Works (road department) equipment and employees are only authorized to enter any private community or development in direct support of responding emergency services- fire department, ambulance corps or state police, to an incident dispatched by Pike County Public Safety for the sole purpose of assisting in providing access to or egress from the emergency scene for emergency vehicles and personnel responding, or as requested by the emergency service officer in charge or the incident commander via established radio communication or cell phone.

All community associations, boards and members should be reminded that these are the only times and conditions under which Municipal resources are permitted to operate within private property or on Commonwealth or Federal Roads, regardless of weather or other circumstances, as part of the

adopted “emergency operations plans”, compliant with Federal and State NIMS (National Incident Management System) directives. Commonwealth statutes relating to the assumption of liability for 2nd class townships and employees, prohibit any actions outside of these adopted policies. Residents who call 911 and request assistance for any valid

emergency, fire, medical, etc. can be assured that a comprehensive response from all appropriate agencies will be initiated, however, even during “declared disaster emergencies” the responsibility for ongoing road maintenance, hazard or debris removal during any phase of a disaster remains with the property owner or community association.

Pike County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

YOU

THIS EVENT

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pike-county-household-hazardous-waste-collectionevent-tickets-381685992077

Date and time: Sat, October 29, 2022, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EDT

Location: Dingman-Delaware Middle School 1365 Pennsylvania 739 Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

About this event:

The Pike County Conservation District, Pocono Source Water Protection Collaborative, Pike County Commissioners, and Office of Community Planning are joining forces to bring a Household Hazardous Waste collection event to the residents of Pike County, Pennsylvania. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is any product that can be found in a household that is considered toxic, flammable, etc. and requires careful handling and disposal. Examples of these hazardous products include items such as herbicides, motor oils, and pesticides. It can be difficult to properly dispose of this HHW but doing so improperly can lead to health and environmental harm. If your household has wastes as described above, please consider registering and attending this event.

• This is an event for Pike County residents ONLY.

• To register, you will need estimated material types and quantities.

• Review the list below for examples of acceptable and non acceptable items. We will NOT be accepting paints.

• NO TVs, Electronics, or appliances!

• Please be aware that we WILL NOT be accepting materials in anything bigger than a 5 gallon pail. NO DRUMS.

• This event if for household disposal ONLY. No businesses or contractors please.

• Substances brought to the disposal event MUST be in ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

•

reserve the right to reject any material that is listed as

Acceptable or is above the allowable size limit.

• Please note: Abandoned material will be handled as Illegal Dumping.

• If you are unable to make an electronic payment, please contact the Pike County Conservation District at (570)226-8220.

Acceptable:

Pesticides/Garden (insecticides, fertilizers, herbicides, mothballs,etc.), Household cleaners(drain cleaners, oven cleaners, etc.), stains, varnishes, sealers, adhesives, glues, epoxies, fuels, gasoline, kerosene, aerosol cans, car products(motor oil, antifreeze, etc.) pool chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, and bulbs(intact), Mercury, mercury containing devices, acids, batteries (no alkaline), fire extinguishers.

NOT Acceptable:

paints,commercial waste,biological waste,construction debris, ammunition, explosives, electronics,tires,used absorbent materials, household garbage, appliances, unidentified wastes, propane, radioactive materials,flares.

Latex (water-based) paint is not considered HHW if it is in solid form. It can be disposed in your regular household garbage if you adhere to the following guidance:

• Paint and paint fumes may be hazardous in liquid form. Solidify first, then dispose of paint.

• Do not pour paint down household drains.

• Do not throw liquid paint in the trash.

To solidify leftover water-based paint, simply remove the lid (outside, ventilated, safe area - protected from rain, children, pets, animals) and let dry. Once dried, the can may disposed in household garbage. Tips to dry paint:

• Open can in a safe ventilated area and allow to dry.

• Paint Hardener – Most home improvement/hardware/ paint stores carry a paint solidifier. Simply purchase, follow directions, and when paint is dried, discard with trash collection.

• Get a sturdy cardboard box and fill with claybased kitty litter, pour the paint onto kitty litter and let dry. When dry, dispose of this dried mixture with your trash.

• Pour kitty litter into paint can, just enough to absorb the paint. Leave

lid off in a safe and ventilated area and allow to dry. When dry, dispose with your trash.

Since this is our first HHW collection event ever in Pike County, we felt it important to collect the most dangerous waste possible. We can follow up with another event in the future that will include paint and/or we hope to have a collection site available in the near future.

Please note: The Pike County Sheriff's Office will also be present providing medication takeback at the exit of the collection event. This is free. Please consider bringing your unused medications for proper disposal after you dispose of your Household Hazardous Waste.

Put unused/expired medications in a Ziploc bag. Bottles/ liquids are not accepted.

Visit the program website for more details: https://www. pikepa.org/drug_take-back_program.php

Pike County Fire Depts.

Lackawaxen Twp. Volunteer Ambulance Service (Dept. 21)

109 PA Rt. 590, Greeley, PA570-685-4022

Greeley Fire Department (Dept. 23)

245 PA Rt. 590, Greeley, PA570-685-7537

Bushkill Fire Company (Dept. 24)

124 Evergreen Dr., Lehman, PA - 570-588-6033

Blooming Grove Fire Dept. (Dept. 25)

484 PA Rt. 739, Hawley, PA570-775-7355

Dingman Twp. Fire Dept. (Dept. 26)

680 Log Tavern Rd., Milford, PA - 570-686-3696

Central Fire Dept. (Dept. 27) 574 Westcolang Rd., Hawley, PA 570-685-7344

Delaware Twp. Fire Co. (Dept. 28)

131 Wilson Hill Rd., Dingmans Ferry, PA - 570-828-2223

Delaware Twp. Ambulance Corp. (Dept. 28)

135 Park Rd., Dingmans Ferry, PA - 570-828-2345

Hemlock Farms Fire & Rescue (Dept. 29)

1053 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, PA - 570-775-6447

Lackawaxen Fire Dept. (Dept. 31) 116 Township Rd., Lackawaxen, PA570-685-7330

Matamoras Borough Fire Dept. (Dept. 32) 506 Avenue Q, Matamoras, PA - 570-491-4154

Milford Fire Dept. (Dept. 33) 107 W. Catharine St., Milford, PA - 570-296-6121

Mill Rift Fire Dept. (Dept. 34) 139 Bluestone Blvd., Mill Rift, PA 570-491-4850

Promised Land Fire & Ambulance (Dept. 35) RR 390, Greentown, PA 570-676-3818

Tafton Fire Co. (Dept. 37) 235 PA Rt. 507, Hawley, PA570-226-4273

Westfall Fire Dept. (Dept. 39) 101 Mtn. Ave., Matamoras, PA - 570-491-4717

Shohola Fire Dept. (Dept. 41) 325 PA Rt. 434, Shohola, PA570-559-7525

Forest Fire Dept. (Dept. 81) 1129 Towpath Rd., Hawley, PA - 570-226-5022

Falling into Winter

By Matt Light, Emergency Management Coordinator

This summer was a brutal one and many parts of the United States have felt the effects of long droughts and others dealing with flooding. Here in our neck of the woods we’ve seen the Delaware River running quite low as well as local ponds and lakes lower

than normal. The dry weather has affected the foliage this year as the leaves have already begun to turn and fall from the trees.

The farmer’s almanac is predicting some extreme cold with many winter storms and will be “slushy, icy and snowy” weather this season and I feel that aligns with my personal opinion on how this winter will go. The time to prepare for winter is upon us and that doesn’t just go for weather related incidents but also what

we might face economically. We’ve seen prices for home heating oil and propane increase drastically in price and we still don’t know how the supply chain issues or electrical infrastructure will hold up throughout the winter season.

Before the cold weather sets in for the season, you should consider the types of equipment you’ll need to make it through an emergency such as loosing power for an extended period of time,

fuel to heat your home is not available, commuting troubles in bad weather, and identifying fire hazards within the home. Start to become more aware of possible issues you might face and think about how you will mitigate against those issues. Below are a few pointers to think about this winter season.

Fire Safety

• Cleaning of chimneys or wood stoves

• Cleaning of dryer vents

• Testing smoke alarms

Maintenance

• Generator servicing and testing

• Top off all Oil and or Propane tanks

• Cleaning gutters (clogged gutters can cause ice dams)

Commuting

• Proper tread amount on tires

• Emergency Car Kit with food and blankets

• Self-rescue kit

(Getting your car unstuck from snow or ditch)

Safety is always a tremendous concern of mine and should be for you as well. Make sure you are thinking about safety in all areas of what you do and while you are doing them. During winter emergencies, response times for EMS are longer due to weather impacts so planning ahead and using better judgement could save your life or others. If you would like to learn more about being prepared for an emergency and other information not covered in this newsletter, I hold seasonal Emergency Preparedness seminars that covers specific items for car kits, equipment, self-sufficiency mindset techniques and more. Please contact Delaware Township if you are interested or follow the Delaware Township Facebook page for upcoming Emergency Management events.

Falling into Fall

As the air gets chillier and the leaves turn from green to orange, you begin to prepare for the cold months ahead. You’re excited to see the trick-or-treaters on Halloween and have a nice turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. But have you considered the number of fire safety risks that arise during the fall? Here are a few crucial helpful fire safety tips to keep you and your family enjoying the fall season.

Once Daylights Savings Time hits, it’s always a the time to change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. This precaution is to make sure your alarms don’t fail when you turn on the heat in your home. You can’t forget to test the smoke alarms after you change their batteries. Just for good measure, check up on all fire extinguishers (if you have any, hopefully you do) when you adjust your clocks.

Are you excited to decorate your home and whip up some creative costumes for Halloween? Maybe even have the family over for a nice home-cooked meal on Thanksgiving? Remember that fire safety should always come first, even on these wonderful holidays. Keep any decorations away from flames or other heat sources, and be sure to use battery-operated lights instead of fire-lit candles in your jack-o-lanterns. On Thanksgiving Day, be careful using the oven when cooking.

We all know the leaves begin to fall during fall (pun intended). However, they too, can be a fire safety hazard. As leaves and other kinds of flammable debris

build up around your home, get into a routine of removing them periodically. Trim your trees and rake up any leaves or twigs to ensure this. Don’t store any fuel in your house or garage, and keep your roof and gutters clear of any debris as well.

Be sure to have your HVAC system inspected, cleaned, and serviced by a certified professional. If you happen to use space heaters, make sure there is at least three feet of space around them. Don’t place any fabrics on them, and turn them off when you go to sleep at night or out for the day. Lastly, be sure to hire a professional to clean and inspect your fireplace. Keep anything flammable a couple of feet away as well. You’re going to want to make sure your fireplace is in good shape for the cold winter months.

There is nothing more important than the safety of your family. Everyone in your home needs to know how to behave responsibly to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a fire. However, because fires can start at any time without warning, it is also very important that the members of your household know how to react in the event of a fire. It's a good idea to review fire prevention and safety tips with your family every fall, and several other times throughout the year.

Feel the doorknob and cracks around a door before opening. If you feel heat, don't open it. Closed doors prevent the spread of fire.

If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.

Teach your kids how to respond in the event of a fire.

Make sure young children know how to dial 911.

Establish and practice a fire escape plan with your family that includes a designated meeting area outside the home.

Practice stop, drop and roll with your children so they learn how to escape beneath a fire.

Teach everyone in your family multiple ways to escape from every room in the event of a fire.

Make sure that there is a sufficient quantity of smoke detectors in your home.

Verify each month that smoke detectors are in working order.

Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use a fire extinguisher.

Do not place lit candles where they can be reached by children.

Never leave burning candles unattended.

Do not leave candles burning when you go to sleep.

Don't leave cooking food unattended on the stove.

Keep everything that might be flammable away from your stove.

If you can't get out, call 911. Stay where you are and signal for help with a flashlight or brightly colored object through a window.

Donations

PANCAKE

PANCAKE

PEANUT

POTATO

SPAGHETTI

LEGISLATURE

From Senator Lisa Baker

Education Improvements Enacted by the General Assembly

When the General Assembly passed the 2022-23 state budget last month, we also enacted several provisions to improve education in Pennsylvania.

One problem we addressed was the potential teacher shortage faced by schools across the commonwealth. We took the first steps toward attracting more quality educators by streamlining the process for out-of-state teachers to receive certification in Pennsylvania. This critical provision will help get teachers who move to Pennsylvania into the classrooms quicker without any unnecessary delays due to red tape.

Additionally, we extended continuing education requirements to ensure good educators aren’t taken out of the classroom when we need them most. We also created a new Committee on Education Talent Recruitment that will provide grants and other resources to ensure we get the

enrollment so more high school students can enroll in higher education classes. This offers more young people a chance to earn college credits before high school graduation, better preparing them for college and allowing them to reduce the total cost of earning a degree.

Supporting education also means

PA ABLE Helps Pennsylvanians with Disabilities

PA ABLE is a savings program that helps to provide increased financial independence for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Since being created by the General Assembly five years ago, the program has helped nearly 7,000 Pennsylvanians and their families save more than $75 million.

PA ABLE accounts allow individuals and families to save without affecting eligibility for means-tested federal benefits – and they offer tax advantages. Growth in PA ABLE accounts is tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified disability expenses – which can include day-today things like groceries or rent, or larger, more long-term expenses such as assistive technology or vehicle modifications.

Eligible Pennsylvanians can open a PA ABLE

account and choose from investment options or an interest-bearing checking account to best meet their savings goals. PA ABLE is administered by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. To learn about program eligibility and how to open a PA ABLE account, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.

EVENTS & NOTICES

Public Notice

Board of Supervisors Meetings

Notice is hereby given that the meetings for the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors for 2022 will be on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Wednesday of each month on the following dates:

September 14th and 28th October 12th and 26th

November and December meetings

ONLY will be on the first and third Wednesday of each month on the following dates:

November 2nd and November 16th December 7th and December 21st

All meetings to be held at the Delaware Township Municipal Building, located at 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328. Workshops will begin at 6:00 p.m. and regular meetings at 7:00 p.m.

NOTICE is hereby given that the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors will hold workshops to discuss the FY 2023 budget on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Wednesday, October 12, 2022 and Wednesday, October 26, 2022 directly following the regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors at the Delaware Township Municipal Building, 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328. The public is invited to participate.

2022 Bulk Dump Disposal Days

BULK DISPOSAL ITEMS

In an effort to relieve the pressures of storing unwanted bulk items on your property, Delaware Township has initiated a program to meet the needs of our residents. You may bring your unwanted bulk items the First and Third Saturday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to the recycling station located at 145 Wilson Hill Road (behind the ball field #4). You may pay by cash or check. Checks are to be made payable to “Delaware Township.”

NO TRAILERS ALLOWED.

ITEMS FOR DISPOSAL

Steel, Aluminum, Propane Tanks, Washers, Dryers, Heaters, Sofas, Chairs, Etc….We also provide an area to dispose of branches, leaves and other mulch products.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT items that contain FREON such as motor vehicle air conditioners, household refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioners, water coolers,

machines, icemakers, and dehumidifiers.

As of January 24, 2013, THE TOWNSHIP CANNOT ACCEPT ELECTRONIC

As of

DELAWARE

Two Fall Favorites - Queen Anne’s Lace and Teasel

By Carol Padalino

cluster of tiny, white flowers. These biennials are in bloom during the second year from spring into fall.

The Queen Anne’s Lace plant, also known as Wild Carrot, is a wildflower herb. Having originated in Europe, the plant is now found in many parts of the United States . While in most places the plant is considered an invasive weed, it can actually be an attractive addition to a wildflower garden.

Queen Anne’s Lace herb (Daucus carota) can grow to heights of about 1- 4 feet tall. This plant has attractive fern-like foliage and hairy stems that hold a flattened

Queen Anne’s Lace is said to have been named after Queen Anne of England who was an expert lace maker. Legend has it that when pricked with a needle, a single drop of blood fell from her finger on the lace leaving a dark purple floret found in the flower’s center. The sweet, carroty aroma of the root is immediately recognizable and explains another common name, Wild Carrot.The name Wild Carrot is derived from the plant’s past history of use as a substitute for carrots.

In late summer, when blossoming is over and the fruits begin to ripen, the sides of the flower head curl inward, creating a deep cup that resembles a nest of a bird. Thus, another common name of the plant is Bird’s Nest. The plant is closely related to our cultivated carrot and it root is said to have many medicinal uses.

Caring for Queen Anne’s Lace

Spotted Lanternfly

From the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

About Spotted Lanternfly

The Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), is an invasive planthopper native to Asia first discovered in PA in Berks County in 2014.

Spotted lanternflies feed on sap from a myriad of plants but has a strong preference for plants important to PA’s economy including grapevines, maples, black walnut, birch, and willow. Their feeding damage stresses plants which can decrease their health and in some cases cause death.

It’s not just our plants at risk, it’s our economy.

The Spotted lanternfly can impact the viticulture (grape), fruit tree, plant nursery, and timber industries, which contribute billions of dollars each year to PA’s economy.

• An economic impact study estimates that, uncontrolled, this insect could cost the state $324 million annuallyand more than 2,800 jobs.

Pennsylvanian’s Quality of Life can be impacted.

Spotted lanternflies excrete honeydew, a sugary waste that attracts bees, wasps, and other insects and this waste builds up on any surface below them. The build-up of waste also leads to the growth of sooty mold and black-colored fungi.

in a garden is simple. Other than occasional watering in extreme drought, it requires little care and no fertilizing. But to prevent its spread, deadhead before the seeds have a chance to disperse.

Teasel (Dipsacus sylvestnis) is an introduced weed found along roadsides in the northeastern United States and Ohio Valley. It is a biennial reaching a height of 5 - 6 feet tall. It is a species of flowering plant known by the common name Fuller’s teasel. The plant is native to Eurasia and North Africa and naturalized in America. Early wool manufacturers used the seed heads in the processing of wool. The seed heads, covered with stiff, hooked points, were attached to a spindle for the purpose of teasing or combing cloth to raise the nap.

The spiny, robust teasel plant can be found in grassy meadows, woodland borders, abandoned fields, landfills, roadside ditches and forest edges. Teasels grow in a variety of soils from sandy with

abundant moisture to heavy clay in poorly drained areas.Teasel leaves can be 12 inches long and 3 inches across. The leaves form a saucer-like shape around the stem allowing for the catching and holding of rainwater. The flowers bloom on stiff egg-shaped heads that are up to 4 inches long. Once mature, flower heads become dry and hard.

Teasel is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of ailments. The plant also has some culinary uses. The young leaves are edible and can be consumed raw, cooked or added to smoothies. The root can be used in a tea or for making vinegar. The plant’s seeds are an important winter food source for some birds and when flowering, the heads are attractive to bees. Teasels are sometimes grown as ornamental plants for the dried seed heads to be used in the floral arranging industry.

References - Wildflowers and the stories behind their names

How to stop the spread of Spotted Lanternfly

Join the effort to control and prevent the spread of Spotted lanternfly.

• Any efforts you make in destroying the Spotted lanternfly or its egg masses help reduce populations on your property and in your community

◊ Spotted lanternfly can be controlled by a combination of:

— physical removal at any life stage

— removal of Tree-of-Heaven host trees — pesticide applications

• If you are in a quarantine area, please “Look Before You Leave” as Spotted lanternfly can move easily.

• Use the Resident Checklist to complete inspections of vehicles, trailers, or any outdoor items before movement within or out of quarantine locations.

• Report Spotted lanternfly sightings:

◊ 1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-888-422-3359), Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

◊ Online SLF Reporting

• Businesses & Employers: A Spotted lanternfly permit is required for businesses, agencies, and organizations(agricultural and non-agricultural) working

Sign up for the e-newsletter, The Spotted Lanternflyer, that provides the latest information and updates. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Penn State University and Extension to control and contain Spotted lanternflies. Learn more about current research efforts and Spotted Lanternfly program activities.

by Phyllis Busch The Secrets of Wildflowers by Jack Sanders

PARKS & REC important contacts for seniors

Thanks for a Wonderful Summer at Akenac Park

Thank you to the Delaware Township Seasonal Staff at Akenac Park for making it a wonderful summer season in the Park!

Enid Resto, Park Supervisor

Lifeguards: Skyler Bower, Kelly Roff, Shane Naturale, Eric Fass, Liam Fass, Hannah Bush

Gatekeepers: Natalie Bowers and Ashley Jacobs.

The Park’s seasonal staff are tasked with keeping residents safe while swimming and enjoying a day with family and friends. We appreciate all their hard work during this exceptionally hot summer.

After Monday, September 5, 2022, the beach will be swim at your own risk if the weather permits. The park is closed every Tuesday and we can longer accommodate requests for building or park reservations until next summer. In addition, due to ongoing vandalism at the bath house, the bath house will be closed for the season.

We wish our seasonal staff good luck in everything they do in the new school year!

Congratulations Eagle Scouts!

From the Pike County Area Agency on Aging

MEDICARE PLANS AVAILABLE www.medicare.gov

Call APPRISE at 800-783-7067

Call Medicare at 800-633-4227 or 877-486-248 (TTY) Or call us at 570-775-5550 for appt. to assist you.

PIKE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION

Hours 7:30am-4:00pm 570-296-3408 or 866-681-4947

DO NOT CALL REGISTRY

If you want to stop those nagging calls from solicitors you can place your phone number on the Do Not Call registry by calling 888-382-1222 or go online to www. donotcall.gov

SENIOR LAW CENTER

Left: Evan Williams;

Right: Hunter Doerin

Senior Law Center protects the legal rights & interests of seniors in PA through legal services, referral services and advocacy. Call their helpline at 877-727-7529

PIKE COUNTY AREA AGENCY ON AGING

Blooming Grove - 570-775-5550

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

Dingmans Center - 570-828-7812

Hours: Tues & Fri 9am-3pm Lackawaxen/Shohola570-685-7808

Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs 9am-2pm

Milford - 570-832-1929

Hours: Wed & Fri 1am-3pm