Living Delaware Township - Spring 2021

SPRING 2021

THE CORNERSTONE OF THE POCONOS

NOTICE: The Township Office will be closed on the following days: Good Friday: April 2nd • Memorial Day: May 31st Independence Day: July 5th

Eagle Report The season’s third Brandwein Field Trip, Search for Eagles took place in the Delaware Valley Sunday, February 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The temperature at the start was 19 degrees and at the finish 30 degrees. It was a cloud covered gray day with 31 inches of snow on the ground; however, all roads were clear and navigable. We began by watching feeder birds including two Red-shouldered Hawks at PEEC, Hairy Woodpeckers, Dark-eyed Junco, Blue Jays, and Pileated Woodpecker among others. Nine participants, wearing face covering and social distancing logged 141 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River from PEEC to the Bushkill Access and the trip’s conclusion at the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River.

Jack Padalino, president emeritus of the Brandwein Institute and PEEC a partner with the National Park Service, led the search that included seeing 35 species of birds: 21 Bald Eagles, 17 Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Red Shouldered Hawk, 1 Coopers Hawk and a Common Raven. Previous Search for Eagles Reports Continued on Page 11

IN THIS ISSUE DAILY LIVING Covid-19 Local Vaccine Sites Policy Statement for Delaware Township Activities Real ID Delaware Township Mailbox Policy Property Tax Millage Breakdown Bridge Repairs Planned Pike Co. Small Business Forgivable Loan Program Application Guidelines

DAILY LIVING

2

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Expect the Unexpected Pike County Fire Department Listing

3 3 3 4 4

LEGISLATURE News from Sen. Lisa Baker Gov. Wolf Signs 4th Renewal of Covid-19 Disaster Declaration

5

MEETINGS & EVENTS Public Notice

Delaware Twp. Welcomes Code Inspections, Inc. — Page 3

EVENTS 2021 Bulk Dump Disposal Days — Page 9

6 6 7 7

Recreation Committee Notice Planning Commission Meetings Annual Easter Plant & Bake Sale

9 9 9

PARKS & REC PFBC Announces Changes to 2021 Trout Season & Stocking Operations DWGNRA Implements Federal Mask Requirement

10 12

9

DIG DELAWARE Growing Rhubarb — Page 8

Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DelawareTownship

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

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DAILY LIVING COVID-19 Local Vaccine Sites It is evident there is significant interest among all Pennsylvanians about when they will get vaccinated. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is working to ensure that everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can get it. We must have patience as the amount of vaccine available to Pennsylvanians is extremely limited. Pennsylvania has secured second doses.

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP 116 Wilson Hill Road Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328 Phone: 570-828-2347

HOURS OF OPERATION: Building Inspector: Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 am – 11:00 am

Sewage Officer: By appointment only

Zoning Officer: By appointment only

Office:

We are ensuring that there is vaccine available for those who receive their first dose to receive their second dose at the appropriate time, 21 days for Pfizer BioNTechand 28 days for Moderna. We encourage providers to use their allocation as efficiently as possible and not “hold” allocation for second doses.

Among other considerations, doses are allocated to hospitals, pharmacies, and approved vaccinators throughout the Commonwealth according to a formula. That formula is based on county population, population 65 and older, COVID-19 cases, and COVID-19 deaths, along with other factors such as throughput and inventory on hand to determine how to allocate the Commonwealth’s limited doses of vaccine among its counties and providers. These locations are closest to Pike County, with Wayne Memorial Health System and Weis Markets providing vaccinations in Pike County when vaccines are available. However, Pike residents are not required to use a Pike County location. Visit the PA Department of Health map https://padoh.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html? id=e6f78224c6fe4313a1f70b56f553c357 to view all sites in Pennsylvania where vaccines may be available.

Geisinger First-dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments are currently unavailable. Check the below website regularly for updates, as new appointments will be posted as soon as they become available. https://www.geisinger.org/coronavirus/patients-and-visitors/covid-19-vaccine-faqs

Lehigh Valley Health Network Go to https://www.mylvhn.org/MyChart/Authentication/Login? to register through MyLVHN. Phone appointments are not currently being accepted. Everyone with a MyLVHN account is preregistered for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

If you are an essential worker: Fill out the ”COVID-19 Essential Worker Questionnaire” found under the main menu button after you log into MyLVHN.

Public Works:

If you are age 18-64 with a high-risk condition and are a new patient with LVHN, LVPG or Coordinated Health: Complete the “COVID-19 Ages 18-64 Vaccine Request” form found under the main menu button.

Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 3:30 pm

Akenac Park: Open 10 am - 6 pm.

Closed on Monday & Tuesday for sanitizing & 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

You’ll receive a notification when you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and can schedule your vaccine appointment.

Rite Aid Check the pharmacy Immunization Scheduler By going to https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/covid-qualifier

St. Luke’s University Health Network

Currently vaccinating emergency responders and people 75+ years old. Visit St. Luke’s COVID-19 page by going to https://www.slhn.org/covid-19/protect-yourself/covid19-vaccine to register through MyChart.

Wayne Memorial Health System Create a profile through the Vaccine Registration page.

At https://www.wmh.org/covid-vaccine-registration/ All recent clinics are now full. No new clinics are scheduled. If you register, you will receive an email about new clinics openin gup.

Weis Markets (Delaware Township)

Visit the pharmacy services page at https://www. weismarkets.com/pharmacy-services to check for available appointments.

Persevere PA

COVID-19 CRISIS COUNSELING PROGRAM

CONNECT WITH A FREE CRISIS COUNSELOR

CALL 1-855-284-2494 Do you feel...

Stressed?

Overwhelmed?

Alone?

Afraid?

Anxious?

During these uncertain times, you are not alone.

We are here to listen.

Please call our Pennsylvania Support and Referral Helpline 1-855-284-2494 TTY: 724-631-5600 There are trained professionals available 24/7 ready to help you navigate these unprecedented challenges.

These services are FREE & CONFIDENTIAL. This publication was made possible by FEMA Grant Number 4506-DR-PA, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

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LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

Delaware Township Welcomes Code Inspections, Inc. The Delaware Township Building Code Officer has changed as of January 4, 2021. The Township’s new BCO is Building Code Inspections, Inc. Code Inspections, Inc. is a licensed and authorized third party inspection and plan review agency.

The certified inspector designated to serve our residents is Joe Cutri. His office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am to 11:30am.

To schedule an inspection with permits issued by Code Inspections, Inc. please call 1-800-2882633. You will need the following information when scheduling an inspection: • Code Inspections construction permit number • Your name • Type of Inspection • Phone number • County and Municipality where your construction permit is located.

If you have had a permit issued prior to 2021, SFM Consulting LLC will still perform the inspections. Please schedule all inspection through www.sfmconsultingllc.org/schedule-an-inspection.

Official Policy Statement Regarding Delaware Township Activities 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.

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

e ROAD & MAINTENANCE DEPT. e Vincent Flatt | Road Master vflatt@delawaretownshippa.gov Michael Moffa mmoffa@delawaretownshippa.gov Jeff Ireland dtbos@ptd.net Chris Kimble dtbos@ptd.net

e BOARDS & CHAIRPERSONS e Planning Commission Vincent Flatt, Secretary Zoning Hearing Board Krista Predmore, Secretary Board of Auditors Chair, Dennis Lee dennisleedtauditor@gmail.com

e ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS e Building Inspector Code Inspections, Inc. codeinspections@epix.net Zoning Officer Ron Tussel rontussel@Itis.net Sewage Officer Ron Tussel rontussel@Itis.net

REAL ID Department of Homeland Security has postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from October 1, 2020, to October 1, 2021, in response to COVID-19 and the national emergency declaration. Beginning October 1, 2021, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federallyacceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. REAL IDs are now available to Pennsylvanians who want them.

PennDOT does not have a process by which customers can pre-scan and upload REAL ID documents from home. In order to get a REAL ID, you must bring your documents to one of our Driver Licensing Centers for verification in person. For the safety of our customers’ identities, PennDOT will never ask for nor accept any identity documents over the internet for any reason. Any website claiming to provide this service is not affiliated with PennDOT. As such, customers should not submit any images of personal documents to such websites as they will not be transmitted to PennDOT and could be used for fraudulent purposes. Through our website, customers may apply for pre-verification if their documents are already on file with PennDOT, however, this process will not ask you to scan and upload documents.

Delaware Township 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.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

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Property Tax Millage 2021 breakdown: Township Real Estate 8.68 mills Township Fire 1.5 mills Township Parks/Rec 1.5 mills Pike County 21.24 mills Delaware Valley School District 113.85 mills Payment Schedule for Township & County Taxes to the Tax Collector: Before 4/30/21 @ 2.00% discount Between 5/1/21 and 6/30/20 Beginning 7/1/21 10% penalty Pay Tax Collector before 12/31/21. After 1/15/22, taxes are payable to Tax Claim Bureau, 506 Broad Street, Milford, PA 18337.

Residents can pay their taxes online at Official Payments or by mail: PO Box 851, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328 https://www.officialpayments.com Follow these steps to pay your taxes online: 1. Click local payments 2. Select “Pennsylvania” as your State or Territory 3. Select “Delaware Township Tax Collector” as your Payment Entity 4. Select “Real Estate Property Tax” as your Payment Type 5. Click the green “Make a Payment” buttom to continue with the payment process or click “Schedule Future Payments” to access the AutoPay feature.

The next screen will require you to: 1. Enter your Payment Amount, including any penalties or interest; 2. Select Payment Option; 3. Then click “Continue” to proceed with the payment process.

Your convenience fee will be charged for the use of this service and will be automatically calculated. To determine the amount of the convenience fee in advance, the Official Payments website has a fee calculator.

Mary Lou will be available for in person tax collection at the Township Municipal Building from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following dates in April for the collection of taxes.

April 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 Please mark your calendars. If you have any questions in the meantime, do not hesitate to give Mary Lou a call at (570) 828-2225.

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Bridge Repairs Planned for US Route 209 in National Recreation Area The National Park Service will be undertaking some much-needed repairs to aging-infrastructure along US Route 209 over the next year. Bridge and culvert repair work on US Route 209 within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is anticipated to start in April 2021. The multiphased project will improve safety for motorists along this important and heavily traveled roadway.

Planned work includes structure rehabilitation, preventative bridge maintenance, scour protection of structures, roadway pavement maintenance, and guardrail installation at 4 bridge/culvert sites along the route. Specific timelines for each of the project components have not yet been announced. Updated information and timelines will be posted to the park’s website at www.nps. gov/dewa and on the park’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/DelWaterGapNPS when they are available.

Locations include: Bushkill Creek Bridge at approximately mile post 1.2; Toms Creek Bridge at approximately mile post 4.7; Adams Creek Bridge at approximately mile post 14.2; and Conashaugh Creek Culvert at approximately mile post 16.5.

This project will be completed in phases and not all locations will be under construction simultaneously. Motorists can expect minor delays due to heavy equipment maneuvering in the work zone and single-lane closures with flaggers during work on Route 209. We will make every effort to minimize delays while also ensuring the safety of the traveling public and those doing the work. Temporary area closures will also be in effect during some phases of the project. Depending on favorable weather conditions, work should be completed in April of 2022.

According to Chiara Palazzolo, NPS Project Manager, bridges in the park are reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration every 2 years. “Of the more than 150 miles of roads within the recreation area, Route 209 is by far the most heavily travelled. These repairs are needed to remediate the normal wear and tear expected on a highly used roadway and because of natural processes like erosion from the streams over which they pass. The increase in rainfall and storm intensity over the last 3-5 years has added to the wear and tear that we normally see.”

Work on the Adams Creek bridge will involve a 2-week nighttime closure of Route 209 to construct a retaining wall. During this phase of construction, a portion of Route 209 will be closed from 9 pm to 7 am and a detour will be implemented during those hours. The detour route to and from the Milford area will include Route 739 and Milford Road; Raymondskill Road will remain open but will not be marked as part of the official detour. Work on the Conashaugh culvert will involve a full closure of the south entrance of Zimmermann Road from US Route 209, but the north entrance to Zimmermann Road will remain open.

This project is administered by Federal Highway Administration (FHA) in cooperation with the Park and funded with Federal Lands to Parks (FLP) funds. The work will be done under contract

by Central Southern Construction CO. Inc., from Jacksonville, Florida.

For more information on Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, call (570) 4262452; visit our website at www.nps.gov/dewa; or follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ DelWaterGapNPS.

Call me today for a noobligation quote!

570.828.6145 Rebecca Gray Your Local Farmers Agent 100 MARY LOUS WAY (Route 739) DINGMANS FERRY, PA 18328 RGRAY1@FARMERSAGENT.COM

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

Pike County Small Business Forgivable Loan Program Application Guidelines The Pike County Small Business Forgivable Loan Program is designed to help small businesses that have been adversely impacted by the COVID- 19 pandemic with operating expenses so that they can retain or create jobs for low- to moderate income people.

• Has been located in Pike County for a minimum of 12 months • Has filed at least one tax return • Has at least one full-time employee • Has 100 or fewer employees worldwide • Has annual revenue of $1,000,000 or less Steps in the Process: • Is deemed to be a viable business based on evaluation of 1. Carefully review these information submitted with the guidelines application 2. Submit a Pre-Application • Has experienced disruption Form as the result of COVID-19 3. A representative from the County will call or email you to • Is up-to-date on local, state, and federal taxes or is on a help you figure out if you are payment plan eligible and to assist you with the application process The following businesses are 4. Once the County has not eligible for this loan: received all components of your application, it will go • Nonprofit organizations through a rigorous three• Real estate developers step review and underwriting • Businesses providing process assistance in the form of 5. The County Board of lobbying or other political Commissioners will make a activities decision about applications that • Private or commercial are recommended for approval golf courses at a regularly scheduled • Country clubs meeting • Massage parlors 6. The County will let you • Hot tub facilities know if your application has • Suntan facilities been approved or denied via • Racetracks or other facilities email used for gambling 7. The County will assist you Businesses that received PPP with preparing a report to loans or other assistance may document that you have met all of the requirements for your qualify for this loan program; however, proceeds from this loan to be forgiven loan may not be used for 8. The County will submit a request for funding to the State expenses covered by that or any other federal or state 9. If approved, your business program. will receive a check and loan forgiveness letter Loan Terms While the County works as quickly as possible to assist businesses in need, the entire process from application to receiving funding can take several months.

Application Due Date - A pre-application form must be submitted by March 31, 2021.

Eligible Applicants Eligible businesses must meet all of the following criteria:

Funding will be made available in the form of a forgivable loan.

For the loan to be forgiven, the business must retain or create at least one full-time equivalent (FTE) job for a lowto moderateincome individual for every $35,000 of assistance that is received.

The maximum loan amount is $70,000. Borrowers will not be required to make payments on the loan. Loans will be

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

due within 30 days if these provisions are not met.

A retained job is a position in which there is sufficient information documenting that the job would have been lost without this assistance.

Applicants must document that one or both of the following applies to the created or retained jobs: 1) the job is held by a LMI person; or 2) the job

can reasonably be expected to turn over within the following two years and steps will be taken to ensure that the job will be filled by, or made available to, a LMI person.

A created job is a position made available through expansion of the business.

Businesses must have documentation indicating that the job created will be held

by, or made available to, LMI persons. FTE is based on a 40-hour work week. This goal can be achieved with one person working 40 hours per week, two persons working part time 20 hours per week, four persons working 10 hours per week, etc.

There are no fees or interest associated with this loan.

New Fraud Attempts Target Social Media Users The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry is urging social media users to be on the lookout for fraud attempts involving fake Facebook pages and profiles. By creating fake pages and social media profiles posing as department employees, criminals can attempt to obtain the personal information of Pennsylvanians. A few helpful reminders: • The department does not communicate directly to claimants through replies to posts or private messages.

• The department will never ask individuals to call or text a phone number or send an email.

• The department’s official Facebook account has a blue check next to the name that identifies it as a verified page.

• Pennsylvanians should never divulge personal information to the department through social media.

If you have a question pertaining to unemployment benefits, the contact information for the Department of Labor and Industry is: • 1-888-313-7284 or uchelp@pa.gov (for UC/PEUC/EB claimants).

• 1-855-284-8545 or ucpua@pa.gov (for PUA claimants).

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Pike County Fire Depts.

Lackawaxen Twp. Volunteer Ambulance Service (Dept. 21) 109 PA Rt. 590, Greeley, PA 570-685-4022 Greeley Fire Department (Dept. 23) 245 PA Rt. 590, Greeley, PA 570-685-7537 Bushkill Fire Company (Dept. 24) 124 Evergreen Dr., Lehman, PA - 570-588-6033 Blooming Grove Fire Dept.

(Dept. 25) 484 PA Rt. 739, Hawley, PA 570-775-7355 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, PA - 570-6857330 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, PA 570-226-4273 Westfall Fire Dept. (Dept. 39) 101 Mtn. Ave., Matamoras, PA - 570-491-4717 Shohola Fire Dept. (Dept. 41) 325 PA Rt. 434, Shohola, PA 570-559-7525 Forest Fire Dept. (Dept. 81) 1129 Towpath Rd., Hawley, PA - 570-226-5022

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EMERGENCY MGMT. Expect The Unexpected As we approach the one year mark for the Covid 19 pandemic, the message from Emergency Management is straightforward and simple- “expect the unexpected”. Snowfalls here in the northeast have continued on a pace and ferocity that have not been seen in years, we keep “expecting” the restrictions and constraints imposed on society by the government to ease but there seems to be no consistency or end in sight. The state of Texas was just hammered by the type of weather emergency and “cascading effects” that they obviously weren’t prepared for at both a personal and community level. What is the new normal for all aspects, types and impacts of disasters is anybody’s best guess.

Here in Delaware Township, both the citizens and our municipal officials must remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility that the melting snowpack and the usual and “unusual” spring storms may overwhelm us. Specifically in regards to weather, the lesson of the Texas ice storm is that there is no “normal” weather pattern for any region of the country and we all need to adjust our “hazard” analysis accordingly so that contingencies can be made. With that concept in mind, I strongly urge you to take the time to read and follow the guidance from FEMA we have attached for this newsletter. These “best practices” and recommendations for the basis for solid personal preparedness, particularly in rural areas like ours where resources are always limited and response times can be extended by the effects of the disaster. Additional hard copies of this material and other important guides are available for free in the Township building lobby. Take some time in the interest of your family’s safety to visit READY.GOV or READY.PA for more information on preparation activities and how comprehensive emergency management activities are executed. For some of you who would like to learn even more, please consider registering with FEMA’s independent study program and completing the on line courses IS324a “Community Hurricane Preparedness” and/ or IS909 “Community Preparedness: Implementing Simple Activities for Everyone” . Particularly for those who live in our private developments these 2 classes may be valuable in your community’s plans and preparedness. While I highly recommend these 2 on line classes to provide both general guidance and hazard specific activities, they are part of a library of almost 200 classes devoted to all aspects of Emergency Management geared to both the responders and the public. Depending on your interests you may find answers to questions you have regarding activities and responses from the Township, the County and the Commonwealth during disasters. You do not need to be involved in the management or the response to take any of these courses. It is said that “Knowledge is power” and by gaining education from these and other sources, and event may leave you without electricity, but the “power” to safeguard your family will be in your hands. Stay safe and keep looking forward to spring.

important contacts for seniors 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 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/Shohola 570-685-7808 Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs 9am-2pm Milford - 570-832-1929 Hours: Wed & Fri 1am-3pm

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

LEGISLATURE News From Sen. Lisa Baker Emergency Rental Assistance Applications Available Now Renters struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic can apply now for financial assistance through a program authorized by the General Assembly last month. Applications and more information on the program are available from the Department of Human Services. Funding for the program was released to counties by Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity on Tuesday.

Funding Released to Support Struggling Restaurants, Hospitality Industry COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program – Applications accepted beginning March 15 The Senate approved legislation that was signed into law last month to provide $145 million to Pennsylvania restaurants and other employers in the hospitality industry that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Wolf’s mitigation orders. Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced last week that the funding has been distributed to counties, clearing the way for employers to begin applying for grants on March 15. The grant program will be administered by local economic development organizations and/or community development financial institutions. More details on how to apply in each county will be available within the next two weeks.

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Announces Plan to Prioritize Seniors and Vaccinate Teachers In order to help get more Pennsylvania students back in the classroom, the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force announced a new plan this week to provide vaccines to teachers without impacting the ability of seniors and other vulnerable populations to get vaccinated. This announcement came in conjunction with news of an improved distribution formula that accounts for a county’s overall population, population over 65, infection rate, and COVID death rate, the intent of which is to dramatically improve the vaccination rate of Pennsylvanians in Phase 1A, including seniors.

The new vaccination plan would not change who is eligible to receive the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in Phase 1A, including older Pennsylvanians and state residents who are more vulnerable to the virus due to various health conditions. However, teachers would now be eligible to receive the newly authorized, single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine under a separate program, which is expected to help teachers and students return to the classroom as soon as possible. In order to deliver the vaccine quickly, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the departments of Education and Health will partner with the state’s 28 Intermediate Units (IUs) to establish vaccine sites, with the support of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Lawmakers passed legislation authorizing the National Guard to deliver vaccines in February.

PUC Urges Consumers to Explore Assistance Options PUC Urges Consumers: Address Overdue Balances Before Assistance Runs Out. Consumers and businesses who are struggling with higher heating bills this winter are encouraged to explore assistance options before existing programs are changed or eliminated. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging individuals and employers to contact their utility company to learn about assistance programs that are available, including payment plans, late-payment fee waivers and other options to resolve overdue balances.

Consumers can also call PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services toll free at 1-800-692-7380 for more information.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

Governor Wolf Signs Fourth Renewal of COVID-19 Disaster Declaration to Aid in Response and Recovery Governor Tom Wolf signed a fourth renewal of his 90-day Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic. The first proclamation was signed on March 6, following the announcement of the first two presumptive positive cases of the virus in Pennsylvania.

“COVID-19 vaccinations have begun, but we are still in the early stages of vaccine administration,” said Governor Wolf. “We will continue to prioritize a safe, efficient and equitable distribution process, and expect vaccinations to increase as the federal government makes more vaccine available to states. This renewal will allow the commonwealth to maintain its response and support efforts as we continue testing, contact tracing and vaccination efforts to keep Pennsylvanians safe.”

The emergency disaster declaration provides for increased support to state agencies involved in the continued response to the virus and recovery for the state during reopening. This includes expediting supply procurement and lifting certain regulations to allow for efficient and effective mitigation.

The disaster declaration has allowed for waivers and extensions to continue to provide for Pennsylvanians and businesses under the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic, including the ability to waive the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment compensation, work search requirements, and the registration with PA CareerLink for applicants, and to provide relief from charges for employers; and allowing the commonwealth to suspend numerous training requirements and certification and licensure renewals for health care professionals, child care workers, direct care workers, direct support professionals, among other professional groups who provide life-sustaining services to our children, seniors, and vulnerable residents. It allows the commonwealth to increase the number of vaccine providers and improve vaccine distribution.

Through the disaster declaration, PEMA has been able to mission assign the National Guard to provide various types of support for long term care facilities, including providing direct patient care support, ancillary support, and testing, and at community-based testing sites. It also provides PEMA with the ability to leverage continued federal support such as non-congregate sheltering.

The renewed disaster declaration will continue to support all of these efforts, as well as allow the commonwealth to rapidly scale response efforts and employ new intervention tactics.

The Department of Health’s Department Operations Center at PEMA continues to be active, as is the Commonwealth Response Coordination Center there.

A Proclamation of Disaster Emergency is effective for a 90-day period unless sooner rescinded or extended by official action of the Governor.

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DIG DELAWARE

Growing Rhubarb

By Carol Padalino

Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable hardy enough for our Pennsylvania gardens. It is in the buckwheat family, has a sour flavor and is among the first crops ready for harvest in the spring. Many use rhubarb as a pie filling because you can cook, sweeten and combine the chopped stalks with strawberries. It can also be used in baking breads, cakes and crumbles or used as a sauce and in jams. It is not usually eaten as a vegetable because of its bitterness. Rhubarb is one of the best looking plants in the garden. Each year this long-lived herbaceous perennial produces a crop of bold, heart-shaped leaves atop thick one to three foot stalks. Most varieties of rhubarb grow best in regions where summers are cool and moist and winters are cold enough to freeze the ground to a depth of several inches. Rhubarb is generally grown from divisions - chunks of crown with at least one bud, or growing point - rather than from seed. You can buy crowns from a nursery or by mail order, or better yet, ask a neighbor for a few divisions.

In preparing the planting site, choose a spot in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Remember that rhubarb is a perennial and will remain in its location for years, so place it out of the way of annual cultivation or on the edge of the garden. I like to take advantage of its ornamental qualities and place it in a flower garden. Each plant will need about one square yard of space. Loosen your soil to about ten inches deep. Mix in three to four inches of compost or well-rotted manure and a handful of fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus and potassium such as 5-10-10.

Plant the crowns as soon as you get them to prevent their drying out. It’s best to plant in early spring when the roots are still dormant or the plants are just beginning to leaf out. Space plants three feet apart and cover the crown with an inch or two of soil. Water well, and as the weather begins to warm, buds will push up through the soil. When plants are up and growing, apply a mulch of straw or leaves to help maintain moisture and prevent weeds. Like most vegetables, rhubarb needs regular watering. It also requires annual feeding for continued production. Give each plant a handful of 5-10-10 in spring and in midsummer. Prune any flower stalks so the plant will concentrate its energy on producing robust stems, leaves and roots. Don’t harvest from the new plants their first year. You can harvest lightly the second spring after planting. By the third year, the plant should be well-developed and you can harvest for about two months each spring. Gently pull the stalks from the plant instead of cutting them. Cut stalks may rot. Only the rhubarb stalks are edible. The leaves contain a poisonous glycoside and large amounts of oxalic acid.

Add the leaves to your compost pile where the harmful compounds will break down in the composting process. With good care, your rhubarb plant will live fifteen or more years.

To Advertise Call Crystal at

845-456-1218 and ask about our special Advertising Rates!

PAGE 8

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

EVENTS

2021 Bulk Dump Disposal Days

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the meetings for the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors for 2021 will be on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Wednesday of each month on the following dates: January 13th, January 27th, February 10th, February 24th, March 10th, March 24th, April 14th, April 28th, May 12th, May 26th, June 9th, June 23rd, July 14th, July 28th, August 11th, August 25th, September 8th, September 22nd, October 13th and October 27th.

November and December meetings ONLY will be on the first and third Wednesday of each month on the following dates: November 3rd and November 17th, and December 1st and December 15th 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.

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Krista Predmore, Township Administrator

Delaware Township Vol. Ambulance Corps

Annual Easter Plant & Bake Sale -

Please join us for our Annual Easter Plant & Bake Sale! In addition to hundreds of beautiful plants and delicious baked goods, there will be raffles, including a 50/50 drawing.

The Delaware Township Bulk Disposal will be open the first and third Saturday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the Spring, Summer and Fall.

Bulk will only be available the first Saturday of the month during the winter months.

April 3, 2021 and April 17, 2021 May 1, 2021 and May 15, 2021 June 5, 2021 and June 19, 2021 July 3, 2021 and July 17, 2021 August 7, 2021 and August 21, 2021 September 4, 2021 and September 18, 2021 October 2, 2021 and October 16, 2021 November 6, 2021 December 4, 2021

RECREATION COMMITTEE NOTICE The Delaware Township Recreation Committee will hold regularly scheduled meetings on the second (2nd) Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. These meetings will be held at the Akenac Park Recreation Hall April through October, located at 119 Abbey Lane, Dingmans Ferry, PA; and at the Delaware Township Municipal Building November through March, located at 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS The Delaware Township Planning Commission will hold regularly scheduled meetings on the first (1st) and third (3rd) Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m.; with the fourth (4th) Tuesday as a workshop on an as needed basis. These meetings will be held at the Delaware Township Municipal Building, located at 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328.

Friday, April 2nd 12pm to 7pm Saturday, April 3rd 10am to 4pm Ambulance Station 135 Park Road Dingmans Ferry, PA

Dingmans

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

Ferry, PA

PAGE 9

PARKS & REC PFBC Announces Changes To 2021 Trout Season And Stocking Operations During Quarterly Meeting During its quarterly business meeting held virtually on January 25, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced several changes to the upcoming 2021 trout season, including opening day dates and stocking operations.

These changes, effective immediately, include consolidating the 2021 season into a single, statewide schedule for all Pennsylvania counties; beginning trout stocking operations earlier than usual; reinstating limited volunteer opportunities for trout stocking operations; and releasing a schedule of trout stocking dates and locations.

All changes were made by the PFBC in consultation with the Office of the Governor, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to address ongoing public health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic while preserving the opportunity to enjoy the fun and recreational health benefits of fishing.

For the 2021 trout season, the PFBC will operate under a consolidated statewide schedule for all counties. Under this revised plan, a single Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will occur on Saturday, March 27, and a single Statewide Opening Day of trout season will take place on Saturday, April 3. As a result of this consolidation, separate regional mentored youth and opening days will not occur. Anglers are also reminded that because the mentored youth days were cancelled in 2020, all Voluntary Youth Fishing Licenses purchased last season remain valid and will be honored during the 2021 season.

“Thank you to the anglers and boaters of Pennsylvania for their understanding as we continue to experience these changes together and get back on the water in 2021,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “The move to an earlier statewide schedule for trout season ensures that we can preserve our cherished fishing traditions while reducing the amount of travel across multiple opening days. We wanted to give anglers as much time and information as possible to plan ahead, and we think they will especially like having the stocking dates and locations available at their fingertips again this year on our FishBoatPA mobile app and website (www. fishandboat.com). Starting two weeks earlier gives trout anglers statewide two more weeks to enjoy everything that comes with this special time of year. We appreciate the cooperation of the anglers as we prepare for the safest season possible and encourage them to enjoy their local waters.”

To prepare for the consolidated statewide trout season schedule, the PFBC will begin pre-season trout stocking operations on February 15, 2021, approximately two weeks earlier than in previous seasons. This change will allow hatchery staff to deliver trout to many waters ahead of the Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day and, weather permitting, all waters prior to the Statewide Opening Day. Due to this change, all streams that are designated as Stocked Trout Waters will be closed to angling when stocking begins on February 15. To provide for additional angling opportunities during this time, trout which are stocked in lakes, reservoirs, and ponds during the pre-season will be open to catch-and-release angling but may not be harvested until Statewide Mentored Youth Day and Statewide Opening Day. In addition, fishing will be closed on the Lake Erie Tributaries and Presque Isle Bay from 12:01 a.m. on April 2 until 8:00 a.m. on April 3. This temporary modification to the trout season, size, and creel limits will mirror regulation changes that occur annually in the Lake Erie region prior to the regular Statewide Opening Day and are designed to protect against the overharvest of steelhead.

To achieve the highest quality stocking operations, the PFBC will be reintroducing limited volunteer opportunities in 2021. However, to protect the safety of PFBC staff and the public, volunteer opportunities will not be available to the general public. Instead, volunteers will be recruited from an existing pool of individuals who have traditionally assisted with float stocking and bucket carrying organized through local conservation organizations, schools, and other groups. All volunteers selected will be required to wear personal protective gear, including masks and gloves, and practice social distancing while participating in stocking operations.

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“We appreciate the feedback we received from many anglers who were disappointed last season because we suspended volunteer stocking help due to pandemic. While we welcome the day when we can all return to normal, we think that offering these limited volunteer opportunities this season is a big step in the right direction,” said Richard Lewis, President of the PFBC Board of Commissioners. “With the help of these experienced New Homes, ng Hom i volunteers, we will be able to most effectively spread the trout d il Remodeling & since out throughout the streams to provide the best opening day Lot/House Packages experience for all anglers as well as sustained fishing throughout the spring.” la ti o ns

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WWW.EDNIKLES.COM CALL NOW! 570.296.9200

To inform anglers of trout stocking dates and locations, a stocking schedule will be provided on the PFBC website and FishBoatPA mobile app beginning on February 1. While anglers are encouraged to reference the schedule to prepare for their fishing adventures throughout the trout season, any unsolicited “walk on” stocking volunteers will not be permitted to assist with stocking.

Anglers are reminded that all stocking dates are subject to change due to weather conditions and other factors, and they should check the stocking schedule throughout the season.

PAGE 10

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

Eagle Report Continued from Page 1

are on the Brandwein website: www.brandwein.org.

Our first bald eagle sighted was a juvenile bird perched, then took flight in the fields near Tom’s Creek. No bald eagle at Bushkill Access. No eagles at the Dingmans Access; however the toll collector said he saw three bald eagles this morning upriver from the bridge, two adult eagles on the ice eating a fish. A light phase Roughlegged Hawk flew northward as we chatted. No eagles were at Dingmans cemetery, or Route 209 mile marker 16 nest. An adult bald eagle was perched on the shale pit nest near mile marker 17 with another eagle in the nest. Photo of the bird on the nest is attached. No luck at Milford Beach. Three juvenile bald eagles were perched on the New Jersey side that we observed from the river road.

of the perched eagle. At Pond Eddy on the PA side we spotted a perched adult bald eagle in a white pine. This location is where in past there was an active bald eagle’s nest. The nest is no longer there; however, this is an area that bald eagles frequent. High above in a white pine, one where we frequently see eagles an adult bald eagle was perched.

We continued to the Mongaup Falls Observation Blind where volunteers pointed us to a perched adult bald eagle.

Common Mergansers and a raft of Black Ducks were on the water. We checked the nest along Plank Road, no eagles present.

A bald eagle flew above the Rio Reservoir Dam as we crossed it.

We returned to the Delaware and traveled up river to the Barryville-Shahola nest site.

No eagles. An adult eagle was perched near the river access just north of Barryville. By the time we reached the confluence of the Lackawaxen and the Delaware where and adult bald eagle was perched, we had observed 18 bald eagles.

The adult eagle flew from the Lackawaxen and perched in NY near the confluence of the two rivers as we waited.

Or eMail: jackpeec@aol.com and leave a message.

Meet 8:00 a.m. at the PEEC parking lot OR Meet 10:00 a.m. at the DWGNRA North Entrance Parking Area, Route 209 South @ mile marker 20, Milford, PA - just south of the Milford Bridge WEATHER PERMITTING. Dress warmly, bring binoculars, field guides, and a lunch.

THERE IS NO CHARGE An Eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” hand-out will be provided for participants by the Paul F-Brandwein Institute.

Join us to Search For Eagles Birds seen on the February 14, 2021 Search for Eagles

Mallard Black Duck Common Merganser We checked the nest near the Hooded Merganser Pierce House and behind the Wild Turkey Delaware Valley High School, Bald Eagle no eagles present.

Coopers Hawk Red Shouldered Hawk We added a pit stop at the Red-tailed Hawk PA Welcome Center. Driving Rough-legged Hawk through Matamoras we spotted Rock Pigeon a perched Coopers Hawk.

Mourning Dove Red-bellied Woodpecker The Laurel Grove Cemetery Hairy Woodpecker overlook above the tri-state Downy Woodpecker We added three adult bald monument is where we Northern Flicker eagles along the Lackawaxen. checked an active nest. No Pileated Woodpecker None were at either of the two eagle present; however we nests we are monitoring, the first Belted Kingfisher added Common Redpoll and was at Church Road, second at Blue Jay Eastern Bluebirds.

Evangelder Road, and the third Fish Crow The Eddy Farm Resort American Crow at Appert Road. overlook was quiet, no new Common Raven We concluded our field trip at Tufted Titmouse species added.

3:00 p.m.

Black-capped Chickadee By noon we were at the White-breasted Nuthatch Future Searches Hawks Nest historical marker.

Red-breasted Nuthatch for Eagles: Checked the whitewash on the Eastern Bluebird cliff, no Peregrine Falcon. We Sundays, March 7 & 14, 2021 European Starling watched five bald eagles soaring Dark-eyed Junco above, one was a sub-adult TO PARTICIPATE IN A Northern Cardinal the others were four juveniles.

SEARCH FOR EAGLES Tree Sparrow From the Indian Head Canoe FIELD TRIP Song Sparrow livery station we located the nest White-throated Sparrow on the PA side of the river. We PHONE: 845.325.0536 American Goldfinch AND INDICATE WHICH spotted an adult bald eagles Common Redpoll very close to us on the PA side. SEARCH YOU WILL BE ATTENDING. I was able to capture an image

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT OPEN TO ALL PIKE COUNTY RESIDENTS

Sponsored by the DINGMAN TOWNSHIP & DELAWARE TOWNSHIP BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS WHEN:

Saturday, May 8, 2021 9:00 am to 1:30 pm

WHERE:

Dingman Township Park, 679 Log Tavern Road (across from the Firehouse)

COST:

CASH ONLY! Car load $25*; Pick-up Truck $50* Commercial entities $100 (must be pre-registered)

* NO fee for Dingman and Delaware Township Residents! Costs are being covered by Dingman & Delaware Townships. Proof of Residency (drivers license) is required.

ELECTRONIC ITEMS ACCEPTED: • Computers/laptops and accessories (cables, keyboards, mice, speakers) • Computer monitors and printers • Battery back-up units / chargers • Scanners, faxes, copiers • Televisions • VCRs and DVD players • Video Game consoles • Radios, stereos, speakers • Telephones & Cell phones • Microwaves • NO: Smoke Detectors, Light bulbs The Recycler has the right to reject any material deemed unfit for recycling or that is leaking or otherwise would expose people to hazardous chemicals or sharp objects.

For more information contact Dingman Township (570-296-8455)

PAGE 11

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Implements Federal Mask Requirement For COVID-19 Prevention And Protection To protect the health of those who live, work, and visit national parks and National Park Service (NPS) facilities, and in support of President Biden’s Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, NPS is immediately implementing a mask requirement for employees, visitors, partners and contractors. At Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, face masks are now required in all park buildings and facilities, including those that are operated by partners, volunteers, and concessioners, or are under lease. Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, boardwalks, overlooks and observation platforms, pavilions, river access points, parking lots, and areas near restrooms, bulletin boards and informational panels, and in other areas of interest that attract large numbers of visitors.

Toll Free Numbers STATE Auditor General’s Tipline........................1-800-922-8477 Cancer Hotline............................................ 1-800-422-6237 Child Abuse Hotline.................................. 1-800-932-0313 Consumer Protection Bureau............... 1-800-441-2555 DEP...................................................................1-800-541-2050 Elder Abuse Hotline................................1-800-490-8505 Ethics Commission...................................1-800-932-0936 Health Line.....................................................1-800-724-3258 Inspector General......................................1-800-932-0935 Insurance......................................................... 1-877-881-6388

The public can find information about this requirement, other public health measures, and facility closures on the Current Conditions section of the park website: Current Conditions - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). Signs are being placed throughout the park and the Superintendent’s Compendium of Regulations has been updated to reflect the executive order. The Compendium is available at Compendium of Park Regulations - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps. gov). Information about the NPS COVID-19 response can be found at NPS Public Health Update (U.S. National Park Service).

LIHEAP............................................................1-800-692-7462

As conditions are subject to change, visitors should check the park’s website and social media channels for details on operations before they visit. Other tips to recreate responsibly are available on NPS.gov. Park rangers are on duty to provide information, protect visitors and park resources and uphold this requirement. For more information on Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, call (570) 426-2452; visit our website at www.nps.gov/dewa; or follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DelWaterGapNPS.

PennDOT - Road/Weather Cond.........1-800-331-3414

LCB...................................................................1-800-932-0602 Military and Veterans Affairs...............1-800-645-8924 Mortgage Assistance................................1-800-342-2397 PACE / PACENET....................................... 1-800-225-7223 PennDOT - Motor Vehicles.................. 1-800-932-4600 PennDOT - Potholes.................................1-800-349-7623 PHEAA............................................................1-800-682-7392 Property Tax/Rent Rebate.................... 1-800-222-9190 PUC.................................................................. 1-800-692-7380 Revenue.......................................................... 1-800-728-2937 State................................................................ 1-888-659-9962

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Turnpike Commission.................................1-800-331-3414

COVID -19 Safety Alert

Unemployment Compensation..........1-888-334-4046

NOTICE

Welfare Fraud............................................. 1-800-932-0582

Welfare Assistance....................................1-800-692-7462 Worker’s Compensation........................ 1-800-428-2383

FEDERAL Senator Bob Casey....................................1-866-802-2833 Senator Pat Toomey....................................1-855-552-1831 IRS...................................................................... 1-800-382-1274 Medicare........................................................ 1-800-829-1040 Social Security................................................1-800-772-1213

Wearing a mask is required in federal buildings.

Masks are required outdoors on federal land when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Shop Local

SUPPORT THE LOCAL BUSINESSES FEATURED IN LIVING DELAWARE

Thank you for helping to keep yourself and others safe and healthy.

PAGE 12

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2021

PAGE 13

Median Sales Prices Rose

20% from 2019 to 2020!

Contact us today to see what your property could be worth!

Davis R. Chant Realtors - Milford Office 106 E Harford St Milford, PA 18337 570-296-7717 milford@chantre.com www.chantre.com