Living Delaware Township Spring 2017

SPRING 2017

THE CORNERSTONE OF THE POCONOS

NOTICE: The Township Office will be closed on the following days: Memorial Day: Monday, May 29th

Board of Supervisors Welcome Ron Hough Shortly after the resignation of Supervisor Thomas Ryan, the Board of Supervisors filled the vacancy by appointing Mr. Ron Hough to Ryan’s remaining term.

Ron Hough is a long-time resident of the township. Previously, he could always be found in the front row of every Board of Supervisors meeting and has been serving the township as a member of our Planning Commission. He is very passionate about doing what he feels is in the best interest of all township residents. It is with pleasure that Delaware Township welcomes Ron to the Board of Supervisors.

Planning Commission Gets New Members The Delaware Township Board of Supervisors recently appointed four new members to the seven-member Planning Commission. These positions are volunteer and serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors. Members on the Planning Commission hear and make recommendations concerning zoning ordinance amendments, subdivisions, land developments, conditional uses and lot improvements within Delaware Township. The Township welcomes residents Thomas Ryan, William Errico, LoriAnn Hines and Robyn Eldred to join Sharon Franks, Ron Hough and Lenny Glamann. The Planning Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the municipal building located at 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania.

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!!

Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corp.

Annual Chicken BBQ Family Fun Day Memorial Day Weekend Sunday, May 28th At the Ambulance Building: 135 Park Road Dingmans Ferry, PA

Enjoy a ½ chicken with our famous seasonings, vegetables (corn or green beans), scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, dinner roll, dessert and your choice of drink for only $15.00.

Advance Sale Tickets purchased before May 15th are only $13.00.

Tricky Tray – Bouncy House – Games - Vendors Business and Family Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

Call Jeff at (845) 807-1764 for more information!

IN THIS ISSUE DAILY LIVING Dingmans Ferry Lions Club Vision Care Help Delaware Township Financial Statement Supporting Our Veterans Residents urged to Test for Radon 2017 Bulk Dump Disposal Dates PA Toll Free Numbers Breakfast with the Easter Bunny A Tremendous Success!

DAILY LIVING

Important Contacts For Seniors — Page 5

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 2 3 4 4 5 6 7

“What’s In Your Wallet?”

Pike County’s Emergency Services Pike County Fire Department Listing Being Prepared: Learn How to Store Water For Emergencies, Droughts

8 9 10 10

DIG DELAWARE Dividing Perennials in the Spring Garden

11

LEGISLATURE Improving the Way the State Handles Issues Within Planned Communities

12

Gov. Wolf, Bipartisan Leaders Announce Pennsylvania REAL ID Extension MEETINGS & EVENTS Planning Commission Meetings Board of Auditors Meetings Board of Supervisors Meetings Delaware Twp. Volunteer Ambulance Corp. 2017 Events Akenac Park Events PARKS & RECREATION Promote Your Child’s Social Health

LEGISLATURE

PARKS & REC

Act 89 Funding Plan — Page 13

Top 10 Tick Facts — Page 15

13 14 14 14 14 14 15

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DelawareTownship

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

DAILY LIVING Dingmans Ferry Lions Club Vision Care Help The Dingmans Ferry Lions Club would like to announce to all the residents of Delaware Township that we are prepared to help those who are in need of eye examinations or eye glasses but, do not posses the financial means to get them.

If you or a member of your immediate family qualify, the Lions Club is prepared to help. To learn more, simply contact Robin Jones at 570-828-2347.

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: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 am – 10:00 am Office: Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Road Department: Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 3:30 pm Akenac Park: Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day: Monday, Wednesday - Sunday 8:00 am — 7:00 pm CLOSED TUESDAYS Beach Hours: 11:00 am — 6:00 pm After Labor Day - No Swimming Permitted BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: MEETINGS 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 6:30 pm at the Township Municipal Building WORKSHOPS 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 5:30 pm at the Township Municipal Building

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LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

TOWNSHIP OF DELAWARE, PIKE COUNTY CONCISE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR PUBLICATION PREPARED ON THE MODIFIED CASH BASIS

E BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Jeffrey Scheetz Chair | Township Secretary jscheetz@delawaretownshippa.gov

CONCISE BALANCE SHEET-COMBINED FUNDS December 31, 2016 ASSETS Cash and Investments TOTAL ASSETS

2,776,464 2,776,464 LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES

All Other Current Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES Fund Balance: Unappropriated TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES

90 90 2,776,374 2,776,464

CONCISE STATEMENT OF REVENUES RECEIVED AND EXPENDITURES PAID COMBINED FUNDS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

Revenues Received: Taxes-All Sources Licenses and Permits Fines and Forfeits Interest, Rents, and Royalties State Revenue Charges for Services Miscellaneous Revenues Other financing Sources TOTAL REVENUES

1,531,361 42,099 7,264 5,440 290,871 95,488 4,288 1,976,811

Expenditures Paid: General Government Public Safety Health and Human Services Public Works Culture-Recreation Community Development Debt Service Employee Paid Benefits and Withholding Items Insurance Miscellaneous Expenses Other Financing Uses TOTAL EXPENDITURES

484,152 284,259 1,027 610,131 476,161 6,500 31,416 210,865 63,030 390 3,085 2,171,016

NET INCOME

BEGINNING FUND BALANCE ENDING FUND BALANCE

(194,205)

2,970,579 2,776,374

Ron Hough rhough@delawaretownshippa.gov John Henderson jhenderson@delawaretownshippa.gov

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

E ROAD CREW/MAINTENANCE Charley Kroener | Road Master ckroener@delawaretownshippa.gov Ed Hammond | Asst. Road Master constablehammond@delawaretownshippa.gov Mike Kolenet dtbos@ptd.net Richard Heimbrook dtbos@ptd.net Mike Moffa mmoffa@delawaretownshippa.gov Vincent Flatt vflatt@delawaretownshippa.gov

E BOARDS & CHAIRPERSONS Planning Commission Lenny Glamann lennyglamann@gmail.com Zoning Hearing Board Max Brinson maxbrinson@yahoo.com Auditors Dennis Lee dennisleedtauditor@gmail.com

E ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS Building Inspector SFM Consulting smcglynn@sfmconsultingllc.org Zoning Officer SFM Consulting smcglynn@sfmconsultingllc.org

Plan your adventure now! Group reservations are recommended.

Sewage Officer David Manter dwmanter@ptd.net

Rt 209 Bushkill, PA • 800-552-5653 • PoconoMountainAdventures.com LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

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Supporting Our Veterans Pennsylvania is home to more than one million veterans. Across the Commonwealth, we honor those who have served in our armed forces, who put personal safety and comfort aside for the good of our country. We pay tribute to the brave men and women who protect us and defend freedom and democracy, and we thank them for the rights and privileges of citizenship we enjoy because of their service. There are several ways to demonstrate appreciation and afford our heroes the recognition they deserve: Civilians and veterans alike can express their patriotism and support those in need by displaying the “Honoring Our Veterans” license plate on their cars, trucks and motorcycles. The cost is $35 and $15 of the fee goes directly to programs and services for veterans and their families through the Veterans Trust Fund.

Those who served can share their story through the “US Military Veterans Registration Plate” program. Plates include those indicating branch of service, war or campaign medal, and other honors and distinctions.

As a show of pride, and to make qualifying for discounts and other benefits easier, honorably discharged veterans can add a “Veterans Designation” to their driver’s license or photo ID. There is no cost for the special symbol, but applicable issuance, renewal or duplication fees apply.

Residents Urged to Test for Radon The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is urging homeowners to test their homes for radon. This colorless, odorless chemical is present in all 67 Pennsylvania counties and is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States. In 2015, DEP documented the highest radon levels ever recorded in the state in the Lehigh Valley.

The best time to test for radon is in the winter months, when homes are closed and radon levels are at their peak. Home testing kits may be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores for about $15 to $25.

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LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

important contacts for seniors From the Pike County Area Agency on Aging

2017 Bulk Dump Disposal Dates 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 one Saturday per month during the winter months.

May 6, 2017 and May 20, 2017 • June 3, 2017 and June 17, 2017 July 1, 2017 and July 15, 2017 • August 5, 2017 and August 19, 2017 September 2, 2017 and September 16, 2017 • October 7, 2017 and October 21, 2017 November 1, 2017 and November 18, 2017 • December 16, 2017

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 2017

PAGE 5

TO ADVERTISE CALL 845.456.1218

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 – Roadway and Weather Conditions

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

PAGE 6

Senator Bob Casey

1-866-802-2833

Senator Pat Toomey

1-855-552-1831

Congressman Lou Barletta

1-855-241-5144

Congressman Tom Marino

1-202-225-3731

IRS

1-800-382-1274

Medicare

1-800-829-1040

Social Security

1-800-772-1213

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

GROW SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TODAY

The breakfast with the Easter Bunny held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Akenac Park was a tremendous success! Residents enjoyed pancakes and sausage prepared by the Dingmans Ferry Lions Club. Face painting, crafts and pictures with the Easter Bunny took place inside the recreation hall while outside Easter egg hunts for various age groups were held and families enjoyed the new playground. The Township would like to extend their thanks to the Dingmans Ferry Lions Club for preparing and serving breakfast and partnering with the Township on the event. We would also like to thank the Township staff and volunteers for their time and talent in creating a great experience for the children of our area.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

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EMERGENCY MGMT. “WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET” A well known ad campaign for a major credit card company uses celebrities to extoll the advantages of that specific financial institution and then always concludes with the catch phrase above. The mindset of the advertiser is to convince you that they are the only financial resource you need to meet whatever demands life throws at you. That by relying on their product all sorts of advantages or rewards will be available to you. As consumers, we are drawn to these type of solicitations because in

non-profit agencIES Call

845-456-1218

and ask about our special Advertising Rates!

PAGE 8

an uncertain world access to resources can be critical in a crisis. And we want resources that provide many options and rewards. Emergency Management officials are no different and strive to fill our “wallets” (plans) with as many quality resources as we can find available at the local level. Like many consumers, we choose not to rely on one provider or institution to meet all of our needs, and recognize that a specific emergency may require us to dig deeper into our “wallets” or reserves to get exactly what is required to offset the effects of the disaster. To be better prepared emergency management coordinators must develop comprehensive lists of individuals, equipment and facilities in their jurisdiction. In fact, “resource inventory” is a statutory requirement under the Commonwealth regulations that apply to all local government Emergency Operations Plans. Last spring, the Township Board of Supervisors approved an update to our plan and made that “basic” plan available to the public as required under the provisions of “right to know”. However, the effort to build a “fat wallet” that can be opened during a disaster extends beyond that basic plan. All municipalities are required to develop a “notification and resource manual” – known as a NARM, that encompasses all types and numbers of resources within the

community that could possibly be drawn upon during a declared disaster. This second, and critical part of our plan is by law not accessible to the public and provides the framework for the “shopping list” that is needed when our plan is implemented. The list to be considered is extensive and includes both public and private assets that could be available by prearranged agreements or negotiated at the time of an incident. It begins with information on specific points of contact for organizations that may able to provide or require assistance during a disaster. It needs to include not only those public entities involved in response and recovery, but private and non-profit groups as well that may be able to contribute to the efforts community wide. This could include churches, private community clubhouses or seasonal camps that could provide temporary shelter or reception of evacuees outside their normal use, or businesses that could provide access to supplies for damage control / debris removal or repairs to infrastructure (roads, dams, etc) These need to be updated on a regular basis, the state recommends every 90 days- which can be difficult in a small community such as ours, where the emergency management officials are all volunteer. Our operational objectives are to accomplish this on an annual basis. Correct identification of persons with authority to act

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

or commit private resources prevents delays in getting support that might be needed.

Nothing can be more frustrating that calling an organization and finding out the person you were looking for is no longer there or no longer in charge of the resource you need.

In Delaware Township it includes the ability to identify what capabilities each “private” community has to stand on their own in the early phases of a disaster and what support, if any can be provided to other areas of the township if their own community is minimally impacted. Proper resource identification includes establishing written “memorandums of agreement” that specify any parameters for emergency management officials to request equipment or assistance and must include possible financial and liability concerns. These agreements can also encompass predesignated “emergency evacuation routes” that permit traffic to pass through what is normally private property. In our township this is a concern because many areas/communities have limited access. If roads are blocked by debris or flooding emergency equipment may not be able to get in or evacuees get out by normal means. This was a key point of concern during Hurricane Sandy. Identifying options during this portion of the planning process could be critical. So you can see that even a road, a gate or driveway can be a “resource”. The NARM process requires thinking “outside the box” on everything -traffic cones, rowboats, radio systems, heavy equipment, dump trucks, emergency food supplies, pharmaceuticals, security, maintenance and management staff, etc. So as the spring arrives, we will be working diligently throughout the Township to insure that our NARM contains

the most up to date information possible prior to the onset of any disaster. This will include physical visits to all entities that should be included on the list in our “wallet” so we will know both what help they can provide as well as any assistance they might require. Beginning in May we will be running State certified training programs on the National Incident Management Program(NIMS) for anyone in community organizations who has some involvement in or responsibility for emergency planning. This program is actually Federally required under directives promulgated by President Bush.

By building a cadre of informed and trained individuals another asset will be in our pocket when disaster strikes. Watch for information on these courses on the township facebook page along with an invitation to join the emergency management staff.

It must be remembered by all of our residents that disaster response and recovery are often dependent on the nature and extent of the damage and that resources from out of the immediate area (State and Federal) are at least hours if not days away. Individually and as a community we should be prepared to stand alone for 72-96 hours. A well structured NARM will help us at the community level. Personally you should make sure your “wallet” includes specific names and numbers for key contacts you might need. (family members, doctors, vets, pharmacy, etc) Finally, consider maintaining an emergency reserve of actual cash somewhere in your home disaster kit. When the power and internet are down or you physically can’t get to a bank because roads are closed – the celebrity advertisers won’t be able to help you – regardless of your credit score.

About Pike County’s Emergency Services Did You Know?

Since 1976, the number of emergency service calls in Pennsylvania has increased by 400% while volunteer ranks have decreased by 75%?

Emergency Service Calls: 1976: 101,000 2014: 410,000

Emergency Service Volunteers: 1976: 300,000 2014: 60,000

Volunteer Personnel Pike County Volunteer Emergency Services currently cost taxpayers about $35 million per year

Paid Personnel Providing the same services by PAID personnel would cost taxpayers over $950 million per year.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

PAGE 9

Being Prepared Pike County Maintains 18 Fire Departments and 86 Emergency Vehicles 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

Learn How To Store Water Properly For Emergencies, Droughts In the wake of severe weather that has plagued different areas of the country in recent years, the federal and state governments have urged citizens to prepare emergency kits containing enough food, water, medication, and other necessities for several days. Now is a good time to brush up on the guidelines as we enter the time of year that often brings severe storms and droughts.

Surveys have shown that although people are willing to save water for emergencies, many do not know how to do so properly. Townships should share the following water storage methods with their residents as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Two easy methods Standard emergency guidelines suggest storing one gallon of water per day for each person and pet for at least three days or up to two weeks. A normally active person generally needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Water is also needed for washing dishes, personal hygiene, etc. Family members’ individual needs and habits may affect how much water should be stored, as well.

There are two easy methods for storing water that has not been commercially bottled, depending on the water source and whether it is contaminated. If the water comes from a public supplier or has been disinfected, store it in clean, sanitized plastic soda bottles or milk jugs with screw-on tops.

The bottles or jugs should be washed thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Do not use hot water, as it may start to break down the plastic in the bottles and cause a leak or cause you to ingest some of the plastic.

Sanitize the containers by adding one teaspoon of household bleach to a quart of water. Pour it into the container, shake it well, and let it sit for two minutes. Empty the container and rinse it out with potable water.

Fill the bottles or jugs with water from the tap, cap tightly, and label each container with “Drinking Water” and the date it was filled. Store the water in a dark, dry, cool place.

Lackawaxen Fire Dept. (Dept. 31) 116 Township Rd., Lackawaxen, PA 570-685-7330

If the water has not been used within six months, empty the containers and use the water for plants or other non-drinking purposes. Repeat the steps to clean and sanitize the bottles and fill them with fresh water. Make sure to update the label with the new storage date. (For commercially bottled water, follow the bottler’s recommended expiration date.)

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

Purifying contaminated water

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 Mountain 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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If your water comes from a contaminated source, it must be disinfected or purified before it can be used. This is often the case after widespread flooding. Before disinfecting water, however, it sometimes must be filtered. If the water contains visible particles, let them settle to the bottom, then strain the water through a clean cloth, paper towels, or a coffee filter before disinfecting.

One way to disinfect water is by boiling it. Boiling is the surest method to make water safer to drink by killing disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Bring the water to a full, rolling boil for one to three minutes. After it has cooled, fill containers that have been cleaned and sanitized as described above.

Keep in mind, however, that boiled water will taste “flat” because much of the oxygen has been removed. To put oxygen back into the water, pour it back and forth between two clean containers several times and allow it to stand for several hours.

The second way to disinfect water is by adding household bleach. Do not use bleaches that are scented, color-safe, or have added cleaners. Add eight drops or about 1/8 teaspoon of plain liquid bleach per gallon of water. Mix it thoroughly and allow it to stand for at least 30 minutes before using it.

The water should have a slight bleach odor. If it does not, repeat the dosage and allow it to stand for another 15 minutes. Fill clean containers and store as described above.

For more information about safe drinking water, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web page for Personal Preparation and Storage of Safe Water at www.cdc.gov/ healthywater/emergency/safe_water/personal.html.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

DIG DELAWARE Dividing Perennials in the Spring Garden Perennials such as peonies, asters, and daylilies bloom for a limited time each year, but they make up for it by having a longer life. Unlike shrubs, which are woody plants, perennials are non-woody, or soft-stemmed plants. Perennials usually bloom once a season. This can be for a week or a month. Some perennials completely die back and disappear after flowering, then emerge the following year.

While you can divide most perennials anytime from spring to fall, these two seasons are the best.

Some perennials such as daylilies, purple coneflower and nepeta require division every few years when the plant grows into a crowded unattractive clump. Other signs that you need to divide perennials include extra-tall growth, weak stems, and few blooms. When dividing the plant, expose the rootball and divide its segments to create separate plants. Dig the clump to be divided by inserting a shovel deep into the soil around the perimeter to loosen roots and isolate the clump. Watering the plant a couple of days before digging will soften the soil and make the digging easier. Once the plant is out of the ground, shake off the excess soil from around the roots. This makes it easier to pull the clump apart. Transplant the newly formed perennials to a site where they do not have to compete for light and nutrients. To increase the number of flowers, pinch back the plants after transplanting. Do this every few weeks until the plants become bushy and full.

To ease transplant shock in divided perennials, work when the weather is cool in early mornings or evenings.

While most perennials benefit from being divided every few years, there are a few that don’t.

Avoid dividing these varieties: • Baptisia • Bleeding heart (Dicentra) • Butterfly weed (Asclepias) • Christmas rose (Hellebores) • Lavender (Lavandula) • Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale)

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

These plants do best when divided every 3-4 years: • Astilbe • Bee balm (Monarda) • Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) • Daylily (Hemerocallis) • Hosta • Peony (Paeonia) • Phlox • Purple coneflower (Echinacea) • Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) Dividing these plants every 2-3 years will keep them looking their best: • Aster • Blanket flower (Gaillardia) • Clustered bellflowers

(Campanula glomerata)

• Coreopsis • Lamb’s ears (Stachys) • Yarrow (Achillea) Divide perennials to keep them healthy. If they are not divided every few years, perennial clumps can die out in the middle leaving a bare hole.

Dividing protects plants from disease and insect infestation and keeps the plants beautiful. And since dividing makes more plants, you can expand your garden or gift them to friends and neighbors.

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LEGISLATURE Improving the Way the State Handles Issues from Within Planned Communities PA State Rep. Rosemary Brown·Friday Nearly one quarter of Pennsylvania residents live in some type of self-governing community. At my

district office in East Stroudsburg, my staff and I receive a tremendous amount of phone calls from frustrated residents and board members from within self-governing communities when certain issues arise.

Unfortunately, besides directing the complaint to a private lawsuit, there are not additional resources available to resolve issues. That is why I am reintroducing legislation to improve the opportunity to mediate and investigate complaints at the state level.

Communities formed under Title 68 are operated under a set of governing bylaws, which create micro governments within. When occasional serious disagreements or incidences of fraud occur in these communities, residents and unit owner boards need somewhere to turn.

Title 68 already allows for complaints regarding financial documents to be filed with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection; however, it does not assist with other complaints that may be a violation of other portions of Title 68. Examples include meetings,

quorums, voting/proxies and other association records. My bill would assign such additional tasks to the Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Since the bureau is already equipped to handle similar complaints in a way that will find resolution and justice for these disagreements and violations, it makes sense to add these issues to their purview.

The intent of the legislation is to provide assistance to unit owners and board members, alike, when they feel their rights and benefits may have been violated. It could also prevent these parties from having to enter potentially costly lawsuits. Simply put, I believe there should be a way to help mediate and investigate specific violations to ensure the rights of homeowners and boards are protected, working to create more harmonious community living.

I introduced similar legislation in the 2015-16 legislative session which was approved by the House, but not voted on in the Senate. I am hopeful we can get this through both chambers and to the governor’s desk for his signature during this session.

TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL LIVINGDELAWARE@NIKIJONES.COM OR CALL 845-754-2356

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LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

Governor Wolf, Bipartisan Leaders Announce Pennsylvania REAL ID Extension Pennsylvania has been granted an extension until June 5, 2017 from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fix state law to allow for federal REAL ID compliance after Governor Tom Wolf and bipartisan leaders including Senators Scarnati, Corman, and Costa, and Representatives Turzai, Reed, and Dermody, wrote to DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson earlier this month.

The extension will allow the Wolf administration, including the Pa. Department of Transportation (PennDOT), to work with the General Assembly to resolve Pennsylvania’s non-compliance during the current legislative session. DHS told state leaders that additional extensions may be granted, as necessary, once the commonwealth can commit to meeting all REAL ID requirements.

“I thank the leaders in both chambers for making this commitment to fix state law to allow for us to come into compliance so that no Pennsylvanians, from delivery drivers to air travelers, will be inconvenienced by the current provisions barring PennDOT from completing certain requirements,” Governor Wolf said. “My administration will continue to work with the General Assembly and the federal government to come into compliance and ensure we can resolve this in an efficient and timely manner before residents face any additional challenges.”

This extension means that on January 30th of this year, Pennsylvanians will no longer face immediate access issues when entering federal facilities. The letter from Pennsylvania leaders to Sec. Johnson can be downloaded here (see this file as a PDF), along with the federal government’s response here (see this file as a PDF).

“We are appreciative that DHS has provided an extension in order to preserve the ability of all Pennsylvania residents to have access to federal buildings,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Majority Leader Jake Corman. “This added time allows us to work together to ensure the Commonwealth becomes compliant in a way that is easy for residents and cost-effective.”

“Pennsylvania has done much to make our licenses secure, the federal REAL ID law mandates more,” said Speaker of the House Mike Turzai and House Majority Leader Dave Reed. “While many legislators have concerns about REAL ID, we will work with the Senate, Wolf Administration and our Congressional delegation to ensure compliance in a reasonable and cost-effective manner to make sure Pennsylvanians have continued access to federal buildings and air travel.”

“Without this action the freedom and mobility of millions of Pennsylvanians would be at risk,” said House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody. “We are working to fix this through a bipartisan effort of the legislature in partnership with the governor.”

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the extension granted today by DHS,” State Senator Jay Costa said.

Moving in this direction was the right thing to do, and gives us time to assure that we’re making the changes necessary to ensure the privacy of personal information is protected while allowing for compliance with current law. I look forward to a swift resolution to the REAL ID issue on behalf of all Pennsylvanians, who more than anything, deserve the right to travel and visit federal facilities freely and without complication.”

The Wolf administration and legislative leaders have been communicating about how to resolve Pennsylvania’s non-compliance due to Act 38 of 2012 and have looked at ways in which Pennsylvania can become compliant in the most cost-effective and straightforward way possible.

“We at PennDOT are grateful to Governor Wolf and the leaders of the General Assembly for their bipartisan cooperation that opened the door to this needed extension,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards said. “It delivers relief to our citizens who need access to federal facilities. We also are gratified that the Department of Homeland Security continues to acknowledge the security advances PennDOT has delivered in its driver license.”

Act 89 Funding Plan On Nov. 25, 2013, House Bill 1060 was signed into law, creating Pennsylvania’s most comprehensive piece of state transportation legislation in decades. This legislation invests an additional $2.3 billion to $2.4 billion into transportation by the fifth year of the plan. Partial funding for the new transportation package is being derived from the elimination of the flat 12-cent gas tax and modernizing an outdated transportation financing structure through the uncapping of the wholesale, Oil Company Franchise Tax. The act also increased resources for transit and created a dedicated Multimodal Fund (PDF) for non-highway modes’ capital needs.

Learn more about the plan in the Transportation Funding Plan Summary (PDF) created when the law was passed.

To see projects made possible or in development because of the plan, visit the department’s Projects website, www.Projects.

PennDOT.gov.

The plan was based on many recommendations from the then Transportation Funding Advisory Commission. The commission’s recommendations are outlined in a Final Report (PDF) and the department has implemented many of the recommendations.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 845.456.1218 LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

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Board of Supervisors Meetings The Delaware Township Board of Supervisors will hold regularly scheduled meetings on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Workshops will be held the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. These meetings will be held at the Delaware Township Municipal Building(s), located at 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328 Wednesday, April 12 & 26, 2017 Wednesday, May 10 & 24, 2017

EVENTS Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corp. 2017 Events At Our Station: • Chicken BBQ & Family Fun Day (May 28th) • Pig Roast & Community Fun Day (September 3rd) • Holiday Wreath Sale (December 1st and December 2nd)

Akenac Park Event: • Free movie night - Saturday, July 15 • Free movie night - Saturday, August 19, 2017 • Harvest Fest - Saturday, September 23, 2017

Wednesday, June 14 & 28, 2017

• Trunk or Treat - Saturday, October 21, 2017

Wednesday, July 12 & 26, 2017

• Christmas in the Park - Saturday, December 9, 2017

Wednesday, August 9 & 23, 2017

Electronic Recycling

Wednesday, September 13 & 27, 2017 Wednesday, October 11 & 25, 2017 Wednesday, November 8 & 22, 2017 Wednesday, December 13 & 27, 2017

Cost: $10 per car load Location: 145 Wilson Hill Road.

• Fall Electronic Recycling Day - Saturday, October 7, 2017, 8:00am to 4:00pm

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.

BOARD OF AUDITORS MEETINGS: The Delaware Township Board of Auditors meetings in 2017 will be held quarterly, as needed, at 10:30am on the 3rd (third) Saturday of March, June, September and December 2017. These meetings will be held at the Delaware Township Emergency Management Building, located at 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328.

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LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

PARKS & REC Promoting Your Child’s Social-Emotional Health

By Sensei Albert Casale We all want the same thing for our kids. We want them to grow up to love and be loved, to follow their dreams, to find success. Mostly, though, we want them to be happy. But just how much control do we have over our children’s happiness? While we can’t control our children’s happiness, we are responsible for our own. And because children absorb everything from us, our moods matter.

Happy parents are likely to have happy kids, while children of depressed parents suffer twice the average rate of depression.

Consequently, one of the best things you can do for your child’s emotional well-being is to attend to yours: carve out time for rest, relaxation, and , perhaps most important, romance. Nurture your relationship with your spouse. “If parents have a really good, committed relationship, the child’s happiness often naturally follows.”

What other things parents can do to make children happy, Catch your child being good! Praise your child often for even small accomplishments like playing nicely with brothers or sisters, helping to pick up toys, waiting her turn, or being a good sport. Find ways to play with your child that both enjoy every day. Talk with your child, tell stories, sing, include some type of regular physical activity such as a walk or bike around the neighborhood.

Never put a TV in a child’s bedroom. Parents should watch along with older children and try to put the right spin on what their children are seeing. Young children should not be exposed to the glorified violence on TV, including the news. TV should not become a babysitter.

Master Sensei Albert Casale is the master teacher at the Mountain Dojo Health and Wellness and School of Champions. For 41 years helping thousands of students be at their best performance and live their dreams and avoid being any body’s victim.

Top 10 Tick Facts – Deer Ticks Stir with Fluctuating Temperatures Among the top ten facts you should know about ticks, according to the PA Department of Health, is the prevalence of deer ticks on any winter day the ground is not snowcovered or frozen.

Combat Lyme Disease, now a year around concern, with a quick daily tick check at bath or shower time. Careful removal during the first 24 hours you become a host to a deer tick will likely prevent infection.

The germs spread from the tick’s salivary glands and are spit into its victim within 24 hours of the initial bite. One bite can leave the deer tick’s victim with no or barely discernible symptoms. Another victim can suffer a lifetime of pain and suffering from infection with the bacteria.

Email: mastercasale@mountaindojo.com

Planetarium to USS Pennsylvania – Popular Presentations Kick-Off 2017 Pennsylvania’s State Museum invites you indoors to explore the sun, stars, Earth and the moon. The Planetarium at the State Museum of Pennsylvania is offering those in Pre-K and Kindergarten a special look at the sky with the help of a teaching guide featuring Dudley the Duck.

Students in sixth grade and up learn how the sky can serve as a Compass, Calendar, and Clock.

This show will reveal how mankind has turned to the sky to track yearly cycles.

Adults will want to visit the exhibit, Pennsylvania at War: The Saga of the USS Pennsylvania. The exhibit, marking the Attack on Pearl Harbor, includes the centerpiece from the ship’s official silver service, uniforms, and personal effects of crew members, along with a model of the USS Pennsylvania. Continue the exploration of the USS Pennsylvania, at the PA Military Museum in Boalsburg, PA included in the PA Trails of History.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2017

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