Living Delaware Township Winter 2020

WINTER 2020

THE CORNERSTONE OF THE POCONOS

NOTICE: The Township Office will be closed on the following days: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day: Dec. 24th & 25th • New Year’s Eve & Day: Dec. 31st & Jan. 1st Martin Luther King Day: Jan. 18th • President’s Day: Feb. 15th

Welcome Weis Market The new Weis Market is a 46,000 square-foot store which opened to the public on Thursday, November 12 at 6 a.m. The store has an expansive produce department with a wide selection of organic produce, a beer cave, wine café, full-service seafood department with lobster tank, a full-service meat department with on-premise, custom-cut Certified Angus Beef®, sushi prepared in-store daily, a deli offering a wide selection of sliced meats and cheeses along with a heat and serve meal section, an organic and natural foods store within a store, a section devoted to Eastern European cuisine, eight self-scan checkout lanes, a full-service, drive-thru pharmacy, a fuel center and Weis 2 Go Online ordering with curbside pick-up.

The milestone was marked in the community by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 19th.

The new store will create more than 140 new full- and part-time jobs. The Amy Zimmerman, Store Manager, and her team will focus intently on serving the needs of the community. Welcome to Delaware Township!

IN THIS ISSUE DAILY LIVING Fire Co. Receives Donation Responding to Covid-19 In PA Drive-Thru Covid-19 Testing Delaware Twp. 2021 Proposed Budget Introducing Delaware Twp. 1st Annual Holiday Light Display LEGISLATURE Vision Screening Bill Heads to Governor

DAILY LIVING

2 3 3 4 5 8

Township Facilities Closed Due to Covid-19 — Page 2

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Now Is The Winter of Our Discontent Toll Free Numbers Winter Fire Safety Tips Pike County Fire Departments FirstEnergy Prepares Customers for Winter Cold with Tips Delaware Twp. Ambulance Corp Needs Your Help

EVENTS 2021 Bulk Dump Disposal Days — Page 9

6 7 7 8 8 14

MEETINGS & EVENTS Public Notices Board of Supervisors Meetings Planning Commission Meetings PARKS & REC Backyard Birding during Covid-19 Search for Eagles in the DWGNRA NPS Releases Final Visitor Use Management Plan

9 9 9 11 12 13

DIG DELAWARE Gardening Hints from the Community Gardners — Page 10

Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DelawareTownship

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

DAILY LIVING Fire Co. Receives Donation The Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Company received a generous donation of $1500 from the new Weis Market located at 112 Atlantic Avenue in Dingmans Ferry. As a guest of honor at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 19th along with other community leaders, Weis used the opportunity to give back to the community by donating to local charities and good causes.

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

HOURS OF OPERATION: Building Inspector: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Sewage Officer: By appointment only

Zoning Officer:

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

T RODENTS

EST. 1982 H & ANS O F H E A LT H

O

DI

ST

CON T

L

M

E

FLEAS

AR

R

877-546-9575

WWW.MASTERSPESTCONTROL.COM

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK RM

I TE A N D

E

U

G

E

P

PAGE 2

GU

WORKSHOPS

SPIDERS

E

P

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

The Delaware Township Board of Supervisors voted on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 to discontinue all township building use requests/rentals by township residents and outside groups due to the Governor’s requirements recently promulgated in regards to COVID-19 until further notice. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Township Office at (570) 828-2347.

I TE A RM N

O

MEETINGS

PESTS IN SEASON

E

D

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

OUR “SPECIAL TOOLS AND TACTICS” TECHNICIANS ARE READY TO HELP YOU!

HOME

Open 10 am - 6 pm.

Closed on Monday & Tuesday for sanitizing & maintenance

CALL IN OUR “STAT” TEAM

&

Akenac Park:

H

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

A

L EST. 1982 A IA N S O F HE

T

Public Works:

HAVE A PEST PROBLEM?

RD

ST

CONT

L

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

Township Facilities Closed For Rentals Until Further Notice Due To COVID-19

O

Office:

T

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 am – 10:00 am

R

15% OFF

/masterspestcontrol

QUOTED PRICE FOR INITIAL SERVICE

*Not valid with any other offer including Bundle Program. Coupon is only valid when presented at time of initial visit.

Expires 03/06/2021 LDWIN20

SAVE MONEY! CALL ABOUT OUR QUARTERLY

BUNDLE PROGRAM

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2020

Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania COVID-19 cases are at an alltime high. It’s more important than ever to wear a mask, keep your distance, and download the COVID Alert PA app.

COVID Alert PA is the official mobile app by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) that uses the Exposure Notification System (ENS) provided by Apple and Google.

You can now add your phone to the fight against COVID-19 by going to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and downloading the free COVID Alert PA app to your smartphone. The app runs on iPhones that support iOS 13.5 and higher, and Android phones running Android 6.0 and higher. The app is not intended to be used by people under 18 years of age.

After you download COVID Alert PA to your smartphone, you can opt-in to receive alerts if you have had a potential exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Getting timely alerts can help you get advice on how to help yourself and protect others as well as determine when to get testing. It can help reduce your risk of unknowingly spreading the virus to your friends, family, and larger community.

COVID Alert PA works in Pennsylvania, and when you travel to other locations in the United States including: Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Maryland Michigan Nevada New Jersey New York North Carolina North Dakota Wyoming States piloting an exposure notification app with a limited population include: California Hawaii Oregon Washington

How Exposure Alerts Work

Your Privacy is Secure

When someone receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, they will receive a call from the Department of Health, their county, or municipal health department within 24 to 72 hours. If the person has the COVID Alert PA app on their phone, they will be asked if they are willing to enter a 6-digit validation code in the app.

COVID Alert PA protects your privacy and personal information. Downloading the app is voluntary, but the more Pennsylvanians that use this app, the more successful our efforts will be to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Once that person enters the 6-digit code, they will be given the option to share their random Bluetooth keys with other app users. Other app users’ phones routinely check if they have ever been in close contact (e.g., within six feet for fifteen minutes or more) with a phone that shared those same Bluetooth keys. If there is a match, the app will let them know they came in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. This is called an Exposure Alert.

The app never collects or reveals the identity of any person using the app, and never reveals who has been diagnosed as positive for COVID-19.

If you receive a positive test result for COVID-19 and do not receive a call from a public health official within 24 to 72 hours, you may call 1-877-PAHEALTH (1-877-724-3258) and inquire.

Symptom Tracking: Daily Health Check-in & PA COVID Updates App users can help fight COVID-19 by opting to tell DOH through the app how you are feeling daily and whether you have any COVID-19 symptoms. If you do have symptoms, the app will give you information on what to do. This tool also helps you track your own symptoms within the app, and you’ll get public health information based on your responses.

The app will also give users easy access to the latest facts and figures about COVID-19 in Pennsylvania from the PA Department of Health’s data dashboard.

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2020

The app detects if users are in close contact with another app user, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. It is the same technology that your phone uses to connect to wireless headphones or your car.

The app does not use GPS, location services, or any movement or geographical information.

The app will never collect, transmit, or store your personal information and is completely anonymous.

Learn more about how the ENS and the app works and visit the COVID Alert Data and Privacy webpage to learn how data is collected and used.

Downloadable Resources

You, too, can join in the fight against COVID. We invite you to spread the word about the COVID Alert PA app with your friends, neighbors, colleagues, and employers.

You can find downloadable posters about the app, as well as, stickers, postcards, and social media graphics on the Community Resources webpage.

e BOARD OF SUPERVISORS John Henderson Chair - jhenderson@delawaretownshippa.gov Jane Neufeld Vice-Chair | Treasurer - jneufeld@delawaretownshippa.gov Rick Koehler Secretary - rkoehler@delawaretownshippa.gov

e ADMINISTRATION Krista Predmore Township Administrator kpredmore@delawaretownshippa.gov Sharon Franks Office Assistant sharonf@delawaretownshippa.gov Robin Jones H.R. | Administrative Asst. rjones@delawaretownshippa.gov Lori McCrory Permit Assistant lmccrory@delawaretownshippa.gov

e ROAD & MAINTENANCE DEPT. 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 Planning Commission - Sharon Franks, Secretary Zoning Hearing Board - Lori McCrory, Secretary Board of Auditors Chair, Dennis Lee - dennisleedtauditor@gmail.com Township Historian - Tim Singleton

e ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS Building Inspector SFM Consulting - smcglynn@sfmconsultingllc.org Zoning Officer SFM Consulting - smcglynn@sfmconsultingllc.org Sewage Officer Ron Tussel - ecc@masthope.org

COVID is tough, but together Pennsylvanians are tougher. United, we can defeat the virus.

Here are resources to help individuals, families, and businesses do their part.

Keep checking back.

This guide will be kept up to date as resources and information change. You can find up-to-date information about cases in Pennsylvania at on.pa. gov/coronavirus.

PAGE 3

Delaware Township Budget - PROPOSED for 2021 The annual Township budget is coordinated and prepared by the Treasurer, the Township Administrator, and the Director of Public Works in accordance with the requirements of the PA Second Class Township Code. The budgeting process typically begins in late July, workshops are held in the fall to discuss, and the process ends in November with the advertising of the proposed budget for the next year.

Budgeting Goal The goal of the Township budget process is to comprehensively evaluate the Township's financial status and present this information in a manner that will facilitate understanding by Township citizens and the government organization. The document presents an assessment of issues and services, a plan for allocating financial resources to address these issues, and provide public services to the community in the short and long term.

Following the preparation of the Township budgets that allocate Township financial resources, they are tentatively approved and open/ advertised to the public in November. It is the final responsibility of the Board of Supervisors to formally approve the budget in December for implementation in the coming fiscal year.

Consideration of impact on budget in this COVID-19 period of time Based on information from the State of Pennsylvania, revenue for 2021 is estimated with an approximate 10% reduction. Annual expenses have been trimmed to stay within a good budget framework. Where possible, consideration of needed non-annual spending has continued to be listed, always subject to available funds and priority of need.

Delaware Township has no increase of taxes for budget year 2021.

Submitted by Delaware Township Treasurer Jane E. Neufeld November 18, 2020

PAGE 4

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2020

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP INTRODUCES ITS 1ST ANNUAL

HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY

Delaware Township Recreation presents a three evening drive through holiday light display (Saturday, December 5th, Saturday, December 12th and Saturday, December 19th from 7-9pm) featuring Santa’s workshop and 15 plus holiday displays set amongst over 14,000 lights strung throughout the trees and landscape of Akenac Park. Santa’s mailbox will be available for eager children to leave a letter with a self-addressed envelope for Santa to write them back. On December 12th (rain/snow date December 19th) Santa and his elves will arrive to “share” hot coca and cookies with all their friends as we enjoy the angelic voices of the Children’s Special Choir.* On all three evening donations of non-perishable food items will be collected for the Holy Trinity Food Pantry.

Delaware Township Recreation wishes to offer a special thank you to the Delaware Township Sueprvisors and our sponsors, Dingmans Ferry Theatre, Dingmans Ferry Bridge, Rebecca Gray-Farmers Insurance Agency, Dingmans Ferry Stone, Dingmans Shooting Range, Columbia Storage, Mountaineer Power Equipment and Rentals, The Lions Club, Forklift Café, Dime Bank, Wayne’s Lawn Care, Scout Works, Mr. Krauss and the Children’s Special Choir, Boy Scout Troop #174 and Black Bear Film Festival. We would also like to thank our Public Works road crew, Vincent Flatt, Mike Moffa, Chris Kimble and Jeff Ireland as well as our volunteers, Teras Tarquini, Mandy Librizzi, Steve Wollman, Grace Gutschmidt, Dennis Lee, Rebecca Apostol, Steve Tarquini, Robin Eldred, Yvonne Tetta, and Cathi Hewston for all their hard work and dedication in bringing our vision to life.

Call Us At

If you are interested in learning more about or volunteering for our Annual Holiday Light Event or any of our other annual events, please email us at delawaretownshiprecboard@gmail.com, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/recreation18328 or join us at our monthly meetings. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00pm. During the months of November through March, our meetings will be held in the Emergency Management Building on Wilson Hill Road and during the months of April through October, they will be held in the rec hall at Akenac Park. *due to COVID restrictions and CDC guidelines, Santa and his friends will not be in direct contact with visitors.

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2020

845-456-1218

and ask about our special Advertising Rates!

PAGE 5

EMERGENCY MGMT. Now Is The Winter Of Our Discontent by humanity including the horrific “Black Death” of the middle ages. While the mortality is not comparable by any means (not that Covid fatalities are meaningless) many of the consequences remain the same, particular the psychological. Personally, this is the longest time in my 45 years of emergency service that I have lived or operated under the constraints and shadows of a “declared emergency”.

My only comparison would be the roughly 45 day period during and after “Superstorm Sandy”. But our nation and people have endured this before, and I am not referring to the Spanish Influenza of 1918- although many parallels are there. Long before modern Emergency Management principles were formalized in WWII, our parents and grandparents lived for almost 4 years with rationing, shortages, curfews, blackouts and travel restrictions.

First and foremost, regardless of your politics, the pandemic and its impact on every aspect of our life and relationships is not going to magically disappear because the leaders of our government will be changing early next year. In the monarchy of England over 500 years ago, the average citizen saw or felt little impact of the changes at the top in any immediate fashion or time. It is true that all the advances of our age in science, engineering, technology, modern medicine and the general standard of living across all the developed nations help speed the implementation of changes in our society. However, the truth is that the impact of this virus is very similar to previous pandemics experienced

This on the heals of the greatest depression in our history. (any comparison there to today?) As with Covid those government mandated “mitigation” efforts (to limit or prevent enemy attack or insure that critical supplies went to “front line troops” in combat) people were asked to sacrifice.

They willingly did so because by 1943 almost everyone had someone directly involved in the battle against the “virus” that was Nazism and Fascism.

Across the country those who remained volunteered for all types of “support” efforts from the USO to air raid wardens and coastal observers. We would do well to look at those models and efforts to better understand how to make a difference in this fight now.

ild

ing Hom since

es

d

Re

From a psychological point for many people, being involved in those support activities helped alleviate a feeling of helplessness and added to a sense of controlling your own destiny. Now more than ever it is critical to ask yourself what can I do to help my neighbors, my community and most importantly my own family to survive this “winter” both literally and figuratively. Many new people have transitioned to the area in an attempt to minimize their exposure or avoid the inconvenience of tighter restrictions on normal life in urban areas.

Whether they have taken up residence in their vacation homes or permanently relocated, for many it will be their first full winter here.

Blizzards, ice storms and extended power outages are probably not on their mind. But, at the township government and emergency services level we continue to prepare for the next disaster within a disaster. “Continuity of Operations” must be maintained collectively and individually, while maintaining compliance with the dynamic mandates and advisories for the virus. At the local level I am working continuously with the supervisors, township administrator, roadmaster and fire dept and ambulance to remain prepared for the events that we know are inevitable between now and next spring and structuring Covid requirements into those discussions to protect our responders and workers and be able to accomplish regular work and emergency response when necessary. The supervisors just appointed a Deputy Coordinator who will assist me beginning in 2021,

New Homes, Remodeling & Lot/House Packages HIC 006369

ip

an

1963

s

Bu

As I sit to compose this article, it is almost Thanksgiving and we are entering another month of confusion and contradiction deriving from the ongoing “state of emergency” in effect due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The title I have chosen, is taken from to the opening soliloquy in William Shakespeare’s play Richard III. It was written over 400 years to relate the turbulent times of almost a century before that in England. The title character implies that the sadness and darkness being experienced by him and his family will be eased- “made glorious summer”- by the fact that his family will now assume the throne of England and everyone’s troubles (particularly his) will be abated.

The parallel between that time and today are hard to ignore and can provide us, both as Emergency Management officials and ordinary citizens, some perspective.

la ti o ns

h

WWW.EDNIKLES.COM

with the required revisions to our Emergency Operations Plan and establishing better networks with our expanding business community and our planned developments (where the bulk of our population influx has occurred). I will have more information on this dedicated volunteer for the spring edition.

Are smoke detectors present on every level of your home?

Are they less than 10 years old? If they are battery operated have you changed the batteries when you changed your clock?

Do you have a minimum of 72 hours of emergency supplies for your family, including pets and medications? Lists of While I realize that most of recommended supplies can you- if you are even still reading be found at Ready.gov or in this- are overwhelmed by the the vestibule of the township constantly changing perspectives, building? This doesn’t mean directives and prognosis for the you should be hoarding or pandemic. Remote learning, panic buying, build your telework, testing, social distancing, emergency cache week by week stay at home orders make it easy and rotate stock regularly or by to surrender and just give up. I expiration date. want to encourage everyone to try to shed their “discontent” and as Do you have know your coach John Wooden liked to tell neighbors now, at least to say hello? Many who are his players- “Focus on what you can do- not complain about what new to the community may be unaware of the impact of you can’t do”. these emergencies? Senior Are you prepared for winter citizens in particular are driving and the fact that loss of vulnerable due to both normal revenue to the state may impact isolation and complications road maintenance during storms? of social distancing caused

by Covid restrictions. It may What is your family plan seem contradictory, but more regarding extended loss of “smart, protected” community power for heat, water, septic? engagement is needed now And the possibility that shelter when an emergency occurs, or warming centers may be not less. constrained due to the virus?

At the township level we are How will you communicate doing our best to remain during power outages? as cell engaged with the mitigations phone and internet service and safeguards necessary to frequently do not function deal with the daily challenges during these events of the virus and maintain preparations for what will be If you plan on using alternative coming next. If each of us does heating sources such as the same our community as kerosene or propane heaters a whole will be more resilient do you have proper ventilation despite the pandemic. As available to minimize risk of thanksgiving arrives, and the carbon monoxide poisoning? holidays approach, I remain Do you have working CO grateful for the efforts of all detectors in place that are less those working to alleviate than10 years old? the suffering this menace has caused, hopeful for the year If you plan on using an to come and committed to emergency standby generator the effort to help protect all do you have sufficient fuel the residents of Delaware stored? And not inside your Township. My best wishes house or attached garage? and prayers to you and your Have chimneys for fireplaces, families as well as all of our wood and coal stoves been leaders at the national, state inspected and cleaned? and local level. Collectively Particularly for those of you our ability to overcome the who have only been here discontent of winter begins seasonally in years past? with that common ground.

CALL NOW! 570.296.9200

PAGE 6

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2020

WINTER FIRE SAFETY TIPS The cold weather is upon us. Which means most people will be spending a lot more time indoors. The heat will be on and you’ll be spending more time in the kitchen cooking. Fire safety may not be the first thing you think about, but steps can be taken to make sure your family stays safe. The top 2 most common causes of house fires involve cooking and heating.

Here are a few simple tips you can take to protect your family and home from household dangers that could cause harm to you and your loved ones.

Smoke detectors- Seconds count when there is a fire. Smoke detectors that work provide warning of a fire, which can double survival chances. Smoke detectors can be the difference between life and death. Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your house.

Outside all sleeping areas and in every bedroom. Smoke detectors should be checked every month Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home- Winter season can increase the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen. It is an odorless, fatal gas that is produced by heating systems, water heaters, chimneys, kerosene heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces and car exhausts. It can cause flu-like symptoms, vomiting, loss of consciousness, brain damage and even death. Install at least one on every floor approximately 5 feet from the ground. *Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries should be changed at least twice a year. Fall and spring when the clocks are changed is a great way to remember to change them.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be changed every 10 years.

Electric outlets & extension cords- Fires can be caused by overloaded extension cords and circuits or even incorrectly installed wiring. Use the right extension cord of gauge and length for the intended use. Make sure the cord is of proper wattage and current rating for what you are using it for.

• Never splice or cut an extension cord for any reason. A cut cord could possibly cause a weak point in your wire, making it unsafe • Use the correct extension cord. Make sure you have the proper gauge and length for the intended use.

• Do not place electrical cords under carpets, because they are too long. This could cause the cord to overheat and start a fire • Have an electrical professional install GFI outlets inside and out where water is present, which would include bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.

Fireplaces and wood stoves- Did you have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected? Cracks, broken brick and mortar along with creosote, can block the chimney.

• Burn dry seasoned wood to minimize chimney build up.

• Place ashes in a metal bucket container outside at least 5 foot away from house or anything that could catch fire. Do not set ash bucket on your porch or wood deck.

• Use a sturdy metal screen or tempered glass to stop sparks from escaping your fireplace.

• Child guard your fireplace and wood stove , if you have children in the house.

Space heaters- Always read the label on the cords to make sure the electric heater is set up correctly.

• Keep all furniture, curtains, papers or combustibles at least 4ft away from space heaters.

• Check your space heater power cord to make sure they aren’t cracked or frayed. If they are cracked or frayed, do not use them.

• Always turn off heaters when your family is asleep or not home.

• Heaters should be used by adults only • Make sure the electric heater is UL approved, that it has a temperature control, it should also have a shut off to protect if it tips over

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 LIHEAP.....................................................................1-800-692-7462 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 PennDOT - Road/Weather Cond..................1-800-331-3414 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 Turnpike Commission..........................................1-800-331-3414 Unemployment Compensation...................1-888-334-4046 Welfare Assistance.............................................1-800-692-7462 Welfare Fraud...................................................... 1-800-932-0582 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

Escape plan- You need one! Almost all home fires that are fatal happen between midnight and 8 a.m. During times people are asleep. When a smoke detector goes off, it’s possible you could have less than 2.5 mins to get out. Therefore every family should have an escape plan.

• Make sure to have a family meeting place, everyone should know it. Good plans are knowing two ways out of each room and having your meeting spot outside the house.

• Practice your escape plan at least two times a year • When you are safe outside, stay outside.

• Call 911 once outside Remember, your family’s safety starts with you.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season, from our family to yours, Stacy Hughes Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Company - Station 28 Fire Prevention Committee Volunteers are always needed. If you are interested please contact us at: info@dtvfc.net You can make a difference.

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2020

PAGE 7

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

PAGE 8

FirstEnergy Prepares Customers for Winter Cold with Energy Efficiency Tips As temperatures fall, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE) customers can take steps to manage their energy usage while keeping warm.

Cool temperatures can often lead to rising energy usage for customers as the need for heat increases and HVAC systems strain to keep up with higher demand. While customers are unable to control the weather, there are several things they can do to keep their homes warm without relying solely on their home’s heating unit.

Implementing the following tips will help customers use electricity wisely during the cold winter months: Turn your thermostat down.

Reducing your setting by just one degree can lower heating bills by 3 percent.

Change furnace filters regularly windows and doors. Cold to ensure your heating system drafts can cause the thermostat is working efficiently. to keep the system running unnecessarily.

Dress for the weather. Wearing Keep registers for supply or an extra layer or wrapping return air free of obstructions Consider investing in up in a blanket while you’re like curtains or furniture.

ENERGY STAR® appliances relaxing can help you feel more or heating, ventilating and air comfortable without turning up Seal any leaks with caulk or conditioning (HVAC) systems. weather stripping to prevent the thermostat.

FirstEnergy’s utilities may offer cold air from sneaking into rebates on these purchases and Close the fireplace damper your home. tax deductions may apply as when it is not in use to keep well.

Wrap exposed pipes and cold air out. water heaters that are in Other FirstEnergy energy Close the drapes at night. unconditioned spaces. conservation tips are available During the day, only open at www.firstenergycorp.com/ Make sure your home is those that receive direct saveenergy. properly insulated. If you sunlight. have less than six inches of For assistance resources Turn off lights when you aren’t insulation, you’ll benefit by available to help with high using them, and use a timer for adding more. winter bills, customers may outdoor lighting. visit www.firstenergycorp.com/ Locate your thermostat on billassist. an inside wall and away from

Brown’s Vision Screening Bill Heads to Governor for Approval HARRISBURG – Rep. Rosemary Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) announced today that her vision screening legislation (House Bill 1342) now advances to the governor’s desk for his signature after receiving unanimous support from both the House and Senate.

“I am pleased with the overwhelming support from my House and Senate colleagues on this important issue,” said Brown. “Vision impairments, especially at a young age, can hinder one’s ability to learn as well as their overall quality of life. This is why our schools should conduct vision screenings prior to children starting kindergarten to help diagnose common vision impairments along with more serious conditions that can be misdiagnosed or overlooked during an eye exam. I hope the governor would agree with the importance of my legislation and urge him to approve this bill.”

House Bill 1342 would create prekindergarten vision screenings, strengthen follow-up on failed screenings as well as authorize school districts to change the vision screening schedule if they choose.

To Advertise Call Crystal at

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

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors intend to appoint Kirk, Summa & Co, LLP, a certified public accounting firm, to perform the 2020 fiscal year audit in place of the elected auditors. Said appointment will take place at the January 4, 2021 organizational meeting held at 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2021 Delaware Township proposed budget is available for public inspection at the Delaware Township Municipal Offices located at 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania. The budget will be available for public inspection from November 23, 2020 until December 13, 2020 during the usual business hours.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Organizational Meetings for Delaware Township are scheduled as follows: Board of Supervisors on January 4, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.; Planning Commission on January 5, 2021 at 6:30 p.m., and Delaware Township Board of Auditors on January 5, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. The Regular Meeting for the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors will be held on January 13, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., preceded by the Workshop at 6:00 p.m.

All meetings will be held at the Delaware Township Municipal Buildings, 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328.

2021 Bulk Dump Disposal Days 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.

January 2, 2021 February 6, 2021 March 6, 2021 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

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 | WINTER 2020

PAGE 9

DIG DELAWARE

Gardening Hints from the Community Gardeners The Smith-Harker Community Gardeners love to share! This includes produce, tools, fertilizers, mulch etc. After years of working the soil, selecting seeds and planting, all the gardeners have developed their own ideas for creating, maintaining and planting their gardens.

Here are a few tips that our local gardeners would like to share: Andrea: The old-fashioned technique of interplanting or intercropping enhances soil fertility and cooperation among plants and minimizes the space where weeds would otherwise grow. I’ve found benefits to interplanting within tomato rows, between adjacent tomato plants using herbs such as dill and basil, carrots and flowers including nasturtium, bachelor button, and marigold. A different but similar technique is companion planting which involves the close planting of different crops that enhance each other’s growth and/or protect them from pests. My interplanting example incorporates the concept of companion planting as basil is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes.

Andrea’s favorite vegetables to grow: Fennel is currently my favorite veggie to plant in the garden. Planted from seed directly in the garden, it is no fuss with a good yield and many recipe options. Okra, also directly seeded, is another favorite as it has beautiful flowers and leaves, grows surprisingly well in our climate and is great to add to stews, soups and stir-fries.

Susan: A tool that Susan would recommend is the SoilRIPPER from Corona. It is used for breaking up and tilling the soil, preparing the garden for planting. It is durable, heat-treated and self-sharpening, with steel tines which are 9 in. wide and 6 in. long that will easily penetrate the soil.

Susan had good luck this past year with PURE earthworm castings. She used it when planting flowers and vegetables and had good yields.You need only a small amount in or around your houseplants, vegetables and flowers. Susan also made a worm casting tea to use as a fertilizer for the vegetable garden. She noticed her produce matured faster with the tea watering than other gardens.

Carol: I find making your own compost is an easy and environmentally friendly way to dispose of organic garden and kitchen waste. It also provides you with an in-expensive, high quality material that will improve the quality of your garden soil. During the winter, I keep a stainless steel bucket under the kitchen sink to collect my kitchen waste such as coffee grinds, banana peels, egg shells, vegetable trimmings etc. Every few days I trek outside and throw it on the pile. Even in the snow!

Carol: One of my favorite garden plants is the Lenten rose (Helleborus x hybridus). This plant is a shadeloving perennial with blooms that look similar to a rose and appear in very early spring, often during the Lenten season. The flowers emerge through the mulch or snow and last a couple of months. The foliage is dark green, shiny and remains evergreen through the winter. The plant is easy to grow in partial to full shade in well-drained soil.

Carol: I have a favorite garden tool called the EZ-DIGGER. I order it from Lee Valley Tools.

They describe it as a hand-forged garden tool from Asia with a specially designed steel blade. The curve of the pointed blade allows soil to be thrown to the side like a plow. This makes it easier to dig holes and trenches, I use it in the vegetable garden and in the flower beds to dig holes, to establish rows, to loosen the soil, to dig weeds and to thin out plants. “It Makes Gardening Easier” PAGE 10

CALL 845-456-1218 To Advertise in Living Delaware Township

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2020

Backyard Birding During Covid-19

By Jack Padalino

Most bird watchers in our area are staying close to home for our birding activities. This is due in part to the rise in Covid - 19 cases and the onset of winter .

This is a fine opportunity to watch backyard feeders, expand your feeding stations, and take short birding day-trips such as the Searches for Eagles scheduled for the first two Sundays in December, January, February, and March to take advantage of seasonal opportunities. That’s especially true of winter and the start of “finch season.”

Pine Siskins have already arrived in Delaware Township having moved southward across the United States, reportedly on thistle seeds at feeders. Low pine-cone production in much of the boreal zone - the evergreen forests that extend from Alaska across Canada and into the Great Lakes and New England - has pushed significant numbers of Pine Siskins and Evening Grosbeaks southward in search of food. Birders believe the irruptions are triggered by food shortages caused by a failure of the coniferous cone crop over a large geographic area. A synchronization of seed crop failures in high-latitude tree species leads to southward irruptions of birds normally dependent on those seeds.

The Pine Siskin is a small finch with a brown-streaked body. Its wings have small patches of yellow and two white wing-bars. Its tail is dark, notched, and has small yellow patches. The bill is slender and pointed. When not on the thistle feeders, it forages on the ground flocking with Juncos and Goldfinches. One reason for flocking may be that it increases the number of eyes and ears available to detect predators and may confuse them when many individuals flee at once.

Irruptions, southward autumn invasions by northern seed eating birds are dramatic but apparently irregular events. Irruptive North American species we are seeing at our feeders include Evening Grosbeaks, Black-capped Chickadees, Reb-breasted Nuthatches, Pine Siskins, and Purple Finches in addition to the normal visitors White-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco, Tree Sparrow, and American Goldfinch. Suet feeding woodpeckers include: Red-bellied, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy, Hairy, Northern Flicker, and Pileated.

The Evening Grosbeak is a chunky, big-billed finch that wanders widely in winter. The male has a bright yellow back, rump and under parts. His head is dark with bright yellow eyebrows that extend into the forehead. Their wings are dark with broad white patches and are the longest relative to body size of all finches. They descend on feeders in colorful noisy flocks of fifty or more birds to our enjoyment. We watch them consume prodigious amounts of sunflower seeds, of which they are very fond. One birder watched them devour 96 sunflower seeds in five minutes.

Seeds of box alder, ash, maple, locust and other trees make up a majority of their diet. Normally a western bird almost unknown east of the Great Lakes, the Evening Grosbeak was first reported in Pennsylvania in 1890. The Delaware Township increase in number may be attributed to the abundance of bird feeders in the northeast.

A group of grosbeaks are collectively known as a “gross” of grosbeaks.

For your own feeding station, be aware that the simple fact of providing fresh water for birds at yard feeders will often attract and help sustain a variety of birds. Keeping ice-free water for birds is important. It can be done at bird baths and other backyard water features. There are both electric-heated bird bath options and solar options combined with pumps to keep off the frost.

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2020

PAGE 11

PARKS & REC Dr. S Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip Series

Search for Eagles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River Join John (Jack) Padalino, President Emeritus of the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and the Paul F-Brandwein Institute by car caravan to search for eagles on the first and second Sundays of December 2020, January 2021, February 2021, and March 2021.

Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the PEEC parking lot or 10:00 a.m. at the north entrance to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area entrance, Route 209 south mile marker 20, Milford, PA. WEATHER PERMITTING Dress warmly, face coverings and social distancing required.

Bring binoculars, field guides, and a lunch.

The search for eagles will conclude along the Lackawaxen River approximately 4:00 p.m.

TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEARCH FOR EAGLES FIELD TRIP - PEASE REGISTER via email: jackpeec@aol.com or 845.325.0536 to indicate which field trip(s) you will be attending. There is no charge.

SCHEDULED SEARCH FOR EAGLE FIELD TRIPS Sundays - December 6 & 13, 2020 • Sundays - January 3 & 10, 2021 • Sundays - February 7 & 14, 2021 • Sundays - March 7 & 14, 2021 Eagle observation data we collect will be shared with the National Park Service, Sussex County Bird Club, Eagle Institute, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, and HMANA: Hawk Migration Association of North America.

An Eagle Identification Field Guide, and “Search for Eagles” activities publication will be provided by the Brandwein Institute.

Join us to Search for Eagles, the symbol of our nation.

Shop Local

SUPPORT THE LOCAL BUSINESSES FEATURED IN LIVING DELAWARE PAGE 12

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 | WINTER 2020

National Park Service Releases Final Visitor Use Management Plan for Delaware Water Gap and Middle Delaware River This morning the National Park Service (NPS) released the final Visitor Use Management Plan (VUM Plan) for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River. The VUM Plan is the culmination of a 5-year planning effort that began in summer 2015 and included a great deal of time, energy, collaboration, and input by neighboring town governments, chambers of commerce, industry partners, communities, stakeholders, NPS staff, and the public. The VUM Plan is available on the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/dewa/getinvolved/ planning.htm. "We thank the public for sharing their feedback with us and for their continued involvement throughout the planning process. The VUM Plan was revised with our visitors and stakeholders and not just for them. We asked and we listened." said Superintendent Sula Jacobs. The revised VUM Plan fulfills the purpose and need for the plan and the mission of the National Park Service; it also provides a guide for the protection of the significant natural and cultural resources of park while also increasing access to high-quality recreational experiences for the public. The development of the VUM Plan was informed by three rounds of public and stakeholder outreach, review, and comment.

The planning team received 830 correspondences during the Draft VUM Plan public review and comment period from October 1 to December 1, 2019. A summary of substantive comments that were of high importance to the public and the NPS responses to those comments can be found in the Public Comment Report which is available at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList. cfm?projectID=55912. “This plan reflects adaptive management strategies, flexibility, and continued public engagement,” added Jacobs. Implementation of individual plan components will be based on the availability of funds and some will require additional public review and input. Park staff will monitor changes and impacts to park resources and visitor experiences at locations throughout the recreation area using the indicators, thresholds, and site capacities identified in the VUM Plan.

Some adaptive management strategies are already being piloted in the park including the mobile or pop-up visitor center approach which brings park staff out of the visitor centers and into the park where they can reach more people; the closure of unofficial visitor-created trails at Raymondskill Falls to limit crowd sizes and protect park resources while providing safe and high quality visitor experiences; and establishing new traffic patterns to increase parking capacity at Kittatinny Point on busy weekends. The park has also begun assessing the feasibility of a permit program for hunters with disabilities including limited administrative road access and accessible hunting blinds. Highlights of the VUM Plan include the following: • Entrance Fees: Based on public feedback, the NPS will not move forward with the proposal to charge a parkwide entrance fee. The park will continue with the current expanded amenity fee structure and additional park sites may be included as amenity fee sites in the future. The park will seek stakeholder feedback when new amenity fee sites have been identified and before implementing fees for additional sites. • Revised Timelines: Timelines for actions where implementation was dependent on entrance fee revenue have been extended to reflect reduced revenue projections based on

changes to the fee structure in the revised VUM Plan.

• Trails: Improvements to the park’s trails will link trail networks, enhance accessibility, and diversify trail experiences and will be sustainably designed to protect park resources. Partnership and cost-sharing opportunities will be explored related to equestrian and biking trails.

• Picnicking: Expanded picnicking opportunities will be implemented in a variety of locations throughout the park to better meet demand, including designated areas that can accommodate large groups. Hidden Lake is one area that may be evaluated for use as a group picnic area; other expansions or improvements could take place at park beaches.

• Improved Accessibility: Several projects in the VUM Plan are intended to increase and improve accessibility to facilities and programs throughout the park.

Projects include improvements to the Loch Lomond and Hidden Lake fishing piers and trails; canoe/kayak access points with launch aids; improved online and virtual services; audio descriptions on waysides at Childs Park and Dingmans Falls; ramp access to key public buildings; trail improvements; and a permit system for hunting access. • River Camping: River camping is one of the more unique experience offered at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and on the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River. The NPS will move forward with charging a $16 per site, per night fee and establishing a reservation system for use of the river campsites. Implementation will be phased in over time, beginning in 2021. The park will continue to maintain existing river campsites; pilot alternative waste management solutions at two river campsites; and restore up to 20 river campsites in clustered groupings using creative solutions for human waste management, improved accessibility for people with disabilities, and ease of access for maintenance. Education about Leave No Trace© principles and water safety will be promoted to increase resource protection and human health and safety practices in the outdoors.

• NJ River Access: NPS will seek funding for a NJ river access study to determine the feasibility of developing a new river access on the NJ side of the park and/or the expansion of existing sites. The study will identify whether suitable locations are present and identify potential locations for further investigation. The initiation of this study will be contingent on the availability of funding.

“This plan has been heavily influenced by input from the park community and has changed based on their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. The park will use this plan as a guide in future decision-making, relying on the science, data, and the strong community voice reflected in it to ensure this park remains an important haven,” said Superintendent Jacobs. “We will continue having conversations with the park community as we move forward with individual plan strategies, some of which will require additional public review and feedback. As a result of this planning process, we hope the public will trust that we are listening, that all their voices and ideas are important to us, and that they will continue to be engaged in dialog with us about their national park.”

Call Us At

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

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2020

PAGE 13

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORP

PIKE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ESTABLISHED 1975

135 PARK ROAD, DINGMANS FERRY, PA 18328 PHONE (570) 828-2345 FAX (570) 828-2650 WEBSITE www.dtvac.org Dear Neighbor, It’s that time of year again- Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps (DTVAC) needs your help! By contributing to our annual subscription drive you will help off-set November our operating costs for another year. The Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps is dedicated to providing ambulance and other emergency 2020 medical services for the residents and visitors of Delaware Township, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania. We are committed to providing quality emergency medical care to Delaware Township and surrounding areas.

We strive for excellence through education and continuous quality improvement. We are a non-profit organization, established in 1975, that subsists primarily on Dear Neighbor, voluntary contributions including grants and donations, as well as, billing income to provide such superb service to our community.

Our organization is on time the front-line fighting COVID-19. have treated move COVID-19 patients than any other ambulance service in Pike County.

It’s that of yearof againDelawareWe Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps (DTVAC) needs your help!

By The virus has taken a serious toll on our organization. Our cost of medical supplies including personal protective equipment has tripled. We have had to adopt new costly new contributing our annual subscription you will help ourhas operating for another year.justThe treatments for our patients, astowell as new PPE protocols to keepdrive our personnel safe.

Our off-set organization expended costs over $50,000.00 additional to respond to Delaware Township Volunteer Corps is all dedicated to providing ambulance and strain otheronemergency this public crisis.

And because of this emergency, weAmbulance have had to cancel almost of our normal fundraisers, putting an additional our organization.

medical services for the residents and visitors of Delaware Township, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania. We

DTVAC volunteers and staff annually respond to hundreds of emergencies every year in Delaware Township alone and our call volume continues to increase year are committed tothe providing quality emergency medical to Delaware Township surrounding after year. DTVAC is licensed by Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau ofcare Emergency Medical Services as anand Advanced Life Supportareas.

Ambulance Service, We strive for through education anddonations continuous improvement.

We aremedical a non-profit the highest ground-based 911excellence ambulance service available.

Subscription are usedquality to purchase emergency equipment, supplies, medications, and to provide training to our volunteers. organization, established in 1975, that subsists primarily on voluntary contributions including grants and

donations, well billing income to provide such superb tocrew ourmembers community.

Our ambulance squad doesasnot haveas, enough volunteers to cover 24/7, therefore we pay forservice additional including paramedics. We must bill for our services. An ambulance transport can cost more than $2,000. Most insurance providers, including Medicare, do not cover the entire portion of the ambulance bill.

Our on the front-line of fighting COVID-19.

You can help bothorganization yourself and ourisorganization by participating in our subscription drive. We have treated move COVID-19 patients than any other ambulance service in Pike County. The virus has taken a serious toll on our organization. Our cost of medical supplies including personal protective equipment has tripled. We have had to adopt new costly As a subscription you will be patients, billed for balances on services are partlyto covered your insurance carrier insurance copays and new member, treatments fornot our as wellowed as new PPE that protocols keepbyour personnel safe.including Our organization deductibles, with the exception of deductibles as mandated by Federal Law. On non-covered services such as non-emergency transports, and patient assessments has expended over $50,000.00 additional just to respond to this public crisis. And because of this emergency, (patient is not transported) you will receive a 50% discounted rate. And because more than half of all of our emergency dispatches are in other municipalities, we we had to cancelmember almostofall of ourSubscription normal fundraisers, putting an additional strain on our31,organization. allow anyone to have become a subscription DTVAC. plans are valid from November 1, 2020 through December 2021.

About the Subscription

staff annually hundreds of emergencies There is no DTVAC “proration”volunteers for those whoand wait to subscribe, so therespond sooner youtosign up, the greater the benefit.

every year in Delaware Township ....Continued next page alone and our call volume continues to increase year after year. DTVAC is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services as an Advanced Life Support Ambulance Service, the highest 911subscription ambulanceholder service available. Subscription donations are used to • $35 Individual - covers ground-based only the individual purchase emergency equipment, medical supplies, medications, and to provide training to our volunteers.

• $55 Couple - covers the subscription holder & spouse listed on this form Our ambulance squad does not have enough volunteers to cover 24/7, therefore we pay for additional crew • $80 Household - coversparamedics. the subscription holder, spouse, cohabitants of a single residence and dependent persons living at the members including resident (up to 8).

We must bill for our services. An ambulance transport can cost more than $2,000. Most insurance providers, including Medicare, do not cover the entire portion of the ambulance bill. You can help both yourself and our organization by participating in our subscription drive.

• Additional Donation: ___________________

Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________________

About the Subscription

Date of Birth: ____________________________________ Phone Number:____________________________________________

As a subscription member, you will not be billed for balances owed on services that are partly covered

Address:_ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ by your insurance carrier including insurance copays and deductibles, with the exception of deductibles

City:as ___________________________________________ State:_______________________ Zip:__________________________ mandated by Federal Law. On non-covered services such as non-emergency transports, and patient

assessments (patient is not transported) you will receive a 50% discounted rate. And because more than half Email:_ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

of all of our emergency dispatches are in other municipalities, we allow anyone to become a subscription member of DTVAC. Subscription plans are valid from November 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021.

Name:_____________________________________________________ Date of you Birth:_ __________________________________ There is no “proration” for those who wait to subscribe, so the sooner sign up, the greater the benefit.

Household Members (if applicable). If additional, please enclose separately.

Name:_____________________________________________________ Date of Birth:___________________________________

PAGE 14

35 55 80

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2020

nt s n

in n,

military status or political affiliation, in any of its the community, activities or operations.Delaware Township

contact us.

Volunteer Ambulance Corps sells Car Seat Checks address signs at a minimal cost. If We now offer free child seat safety inspections by qualified Child Passenger Safety Technicians sign, please givehelp usensure a atyou our require ambulancea station.

Inspections car seats are appropriate for the child’s age call. and size and installed correctly. These checks take approximately twenty minutes and are by appointment only. Call us to schedule!

The fine print….

Volunteers Needed

Delaware Township Volunteer

Payment Liabilities Not Covered Ambulance Corps needs EMTs, Under the Subscription: Insurance pays fordrivers, ambulance transportation in ambulance first responders, accordance with the terms of your policy. In certain paramedics, and fundraising situations, a subscriber may be financially responsible administrative forand payment for ambulancevolunteers service that is non-covered byfor yourseveral insurance and activities you may notwithin be advised of vital this non-coverage at the If time of your service. This our organization. you would subscription does not cover services provided by likeemergency to help our organization

by In cases other medical service providers. volunteering please where the transportyour is nottime, medically necessary or not provided, you are uninsured, or where you were able to contact us. take another form of transportation, as a subscription member you will be financially responsible for 50% of Thecharges fine print…. the normally imposed by Delaware Township Payment Liabilities Not Covered Under the Subscription: Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

ualifiedInsurance ChildpaysPassenger Safety Technicians for ambulance transportation in accordance with the terms of your policy. In certain situations, a subscriber may be financially responsible for payment for Important Insurance Information: ar seats are appropriate for the child’s age ambulance service that is non-covered by your insurance and you may not be advised of this non-coverage at the will time oftry yourto service.

This subscription does not cover services Usually, DTVAC directly billare your insurance pproximately twenty minutes and by provided by other emergency medical service providers. In cases where the transport

company using a third-party billing service. In is not medically necessary or not provided, you are uninsured, or where you were able consideration and payment the subscription fee: I to take another form of transportation, as a of subscription member you will be financially responsible for 50% of the charges normally imposed by Delaware Township Volunteer hereby assign to DTVAC all ambulance benefits that Ambulance Corps.

I (or any covered family member) may otherwise be Important Insurance Information: entitled to receive from any insurance or other thirdUsually, DTVAC will try to directly bill your insurance company using a third-party party payer for services provided under my billing service.

In consideration and payment of the subscription fee: DTVAC I hereby assign to DTVAC all ambulance benefits that I (or any covered family member) may otherwise subscription, now or in the future. Failure to comply be entitled to receive from any insurance or other thirdparty payer for services provided would fraudulent subscription agreement under my be DTVAC subscription,under now or in our the future.

Failure to comply would be fraudulent under our subscription and consequently void your subscription and consequently voidagreement your subscription benefits.

This benefits. This program is not an insurance product, and this is not an offer for the sale program ispolicy. not Subscription an insurance product, and this is not an of an insurance membership is not applicable to Medical Assistance (Medicaid) offer forrecipients. the sale of an insurance policy. Subscription Non-Discriminationis not applicable to Medical Assistance membership (Medicaid) recipients.

Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status or political affiliation, in any of Non-Discrimination its activities or operations.

Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps does not discriminate the basis LIVING DELAWARE | on WINTER 2020 of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation,

911 Sign Reminder When the ambulance service, fire department or police are dispatched, they are given the “911” address by the Communications Center.

Unless this address is posted at the residence or building, it is very difficult to find where the emergency is in a timely manner. We urge all residents and business owners of Pike County to have their “911” number posted near the street in front of their home or business to ensure a timely response in the event of an emergency. The Pike County Emergency Management assigns street addresses. If you do not know your 911 address, call the Emergency Management office during weekdays at (570) 296-1911. Supplies for these signs can be obtained at many hardware stores. In addition, as a service to the community, Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps sells address signs at a minimal cost. If you require a sign, please give us a call.

Volunteers Needed Call Us At Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps needs EMTs, ambulance drivers, responders, and askfirst about our special paramedics, andAdvertising fundraisingRates! and administrative volunteers for several vital activities within PAGE 15 our organization. If you would like to help our organization by

845-456-1218

Only 4 days on the market with CHANT!

Only 5 days on the market with CHANT!

Our area is experiencing the best

SELLER’S market we have ever seen!

Houses are FLYING off the market!

Demand is HIGH Only 4 days on the market with CHANT!

Inventory is LOW

Davis R. Chant Realtors has the EXPERIENCE and the TECHNOLOGY to get your property sold FAST! Call us for a FREE Market Evaluation and find out how much 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