Living Delaware Township Spring 2019

SPRING 2019

THE CORNERSTONE OF THE POCONOS

NOTICE: The Township Office will be closed on the following days: Good Friday - Friday, April 19, 2019 & Memorial Day - Monday, May 27, 2019

Search for Eagles

Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen - Memorial Field Trip In the 50 years I’ve been leading these searches for eagles this search is the one with the most Eagles observed. The number of eagles observed, 85, may probably be attributed to the arctic vortex which froze much of the open waters north of us. Eagles may have moved further south in search of food, mainly fish in the open water of the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers.

The third 2018-2019 Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip, Search for Eagles took place in the Delaware Valley Sunday, February 3, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The temperature at the start was 21 degrees and at the finish 46 degrees. It was a clear sunny to cloudy day that began with watching feeder birds including Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Dark-eyed Junco, Blue Jays, Pileated Woodpeckers, among others. Seven participants logged 148 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper (Continued on Page 14)

IN THIS ISSUE DAILY LIVING DTVAC Annual Easter Plant & Bake Sale Fundraiser Wilson Hill Road Weight Restriction Property Tax Millage 2019 Breakdown Help Safe Haven Reach Their Goals Dingmans Ferry Lions Club

2 3 4 5 10

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Spring Fire Safety Tips

DAILY LIVING Township Receives Grant Award — Page 2

6

Safely Report Threats Via New Tip Line Making It Work For Real Pike County Fire Dept. Listing New Leadership at DTVAC MEETINGS & EVENTS Township Misc. Boards Meetings 2019 Bulk Disposal Dates & Recycling Delaware Twp. Electronic Recycling Day

7 8 8 9 11 11 11

LEGISLATURE Brown Launches ‘STASH and Avoid a CRASH’ Initiative

12

DELAWARE IN THE PAST The Story of Austin Sheldon

13

DIG DELAWARE Come Garden With Us

18

EVENTS

PARKS & REC

DTVAC Events — Page 11

Christmas Recap at Akenac Park — Page 19

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DelawareTownship

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

DAILY LIVING Township Receives Grant Award Delaware Township has been awarded $626,897 by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Multimodal Transportation Fund for its roadway improvement projects for the entire length of Doolan Road and a portion of Park Road.

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 Public Works: Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 3:30 pm Akenac Park: Open daily from dawn to dusk. Closed every Tuesday for maintenance BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: MEETINGS 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 7:00 pm at the Township Municipal Building WORKSHOPS 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 6:00 pm at the Township Municipal Building

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PennDOT received 123 applications for financial assistance from the Multimodal Transportation Fund during open application between October 2018 and November 2018 and an additional 72 resubmissions from the fiscal year 20182019 funding round. The Multimodal Transportation Fund evaluation team reviewed and evaluated these applications according to a variety of criteria including, among other items, project readiness and benefits to the transportation system. This was an extremely competitive process with numerous important transportation projects proposed that will serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. Delaware Township is thrilled to accept the funds from the PennDOT MTF and currently awaits review and execution of the grant agreement.

The Delaware Township Board of Supervisors have the paving projects for Doolan and Park Roads already put out for advertisement to receive sealed bids.

DTVAC Annual Easter Plant & Bake Sale Fundraiser Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corp will hold their Annual Easter Plant and Bake Sale Fundraiser on Friday, April 19th from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on Saturday, April 20th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Ambulance Building on Park Road in Dingmans Ferry. There will be hundreds of beautiful plants to choose from and delicious homemade baked goods including cakes, pies, cupcakes, and cookies.

A 50/50 and other raffles will be available for you to take your chance on. Also, the Easter Bunny will be available for pictures on Saturday. All proceeds from the event will be used to purchase emergency medical equipment.

Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corp. is a non-profit organization that provides emergency medical services in eastern Pike County. For more information contact the ambulance building at (570) 828-2345 or email info@dtvac.org.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

Wilson Hill Road Weight Restriction The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has placed a 10 ton gross weight limitation on State Route 2002 (Wilson Hill Road) segment 10 through Segment 70 in Delaware Township, Pike County effective January 28, 2019.

It was brought to PennDOT’s attention that vehicles utilizing this section of roadway are in excess of the proposed gross weight limitation. If the hauler (user) is making a local delivery, he may be exempt from entering into an excessive maintenance agreement.

As haulers (users) of this roadway are identified, the posting authority will determine whether the overweight vehicles are exempt of having to enter into an excessive maintenance agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The reason roadways are posted for weight limitations is that many of Pennsylvania’s older secondary and rural roadways were not designed to support the heavy truck load they presently carry.

As a result, many of these roadways are being damaged causing PennDOT to perform maintenance and repair activity in advance of the normal cycle. PennDOT’s posting and bonding policies address the problem by requiring haulers to be financially responsible for excess maintenance on the roadways they use. In this way, PennDOT can maintain its rural roadways for simultaneous use by both passenger vehicles and haulers.

Pennsylvania Law, Title 75 PA C.S. §4902(a) provides a review about overweight vehicles on posted roadways including exemptions.

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 Administrative Assistant | Permits 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 Chris Kimble ckimble@delawaretownshippa.gov Mike Moffa mmoffa@delawaretownshippa.gov John Olivieri jolivieri@delawaretownshippa.gov Shane Williams swilliams@delawaretownshippa.gov

E BOARDS & CHAIRPERSONS Planning Commission Sharon Franks, Secretary Zoning Hearing Board Lori McCrory, Secretary Auditors Dennis Lee - dennisleedtauditor@gmail.com

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

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

PAGE 3

Property Tax Millage 2019 Breakdown: Township Real Estate Township Fire Township Parks/Rec Pike County

Delaware Valley School District

8.68 mills 1.5 mills 1.5 mills 19.74 mills 110.71 mills

Payment Schedule for Township & County Taxes to the Tax Collector: Before 4/30/19 @ 2.00% discount Between 5/1/19 and 6/30/19 Beginning 7/1/19 10% penalty Pay Tax Collector before 12/31/19. After 1/15/20, taxes are payable to Tax Claim Bureau, 506 Broad Street, Milford, PA 18337 Residents can pay their taxes online at Official Payments or by mail: PO Box 851, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328 https://www.officialpayments.com

Follow these steps to pay your taxes online: 1. Click local payments 2. Select “Pennsylvania” as your State or Territory 3. Select “Delaware Township Tax Collector” as your Payment Entity 4. Select “Real Estate Property Tax” as your Payment Type 5. Click the green “Make a Payment” buttom to continue with the payment process or click “Schedule Future Payments” to access the AutoPay feature.

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

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

Mary Lou will be available for in person tax collection at the Township Municipal Building from from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following dates in April for the collection of taxes: April 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, and 30.

Please mark your calendars. If you have any questions in the meantime, do not hesitate to give Mary Lou a call at (570) 828-2225.

DINGMANS FERRY LION’S CLUB

Annual Fishing Contest Saturday, April 27, 2019 Noon to 3pm We stock Egli’s pond with over 300 trout, provide the children with hot dogs, soda/water & give prizes for the 3 largest fish caught & 1 for the smallest fish caught.

Every child who participates gets a small prize for attending.

For more information contact Lion Audrey Mervine-Mead 570-534-9947 EGLI POND ON ROUTE 739 DINGMANS FERRY, PA

PAGE 4

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

Help Safe Haven Reach Their Goals Safe Haven of Pike County is a non-profit serving Pike County for more than 27 years. We provide free and confidential services to victims of abuse, violence, and other crimes including empowerment counseling, legal advocacy, 24-hour crisis line support, support groups, assistance filing for Victim Compensation, and so much more. Our advocates are here to listen and help victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse and other crimes such as identity theft, assault, DUI crashes, stalking, and/ or bullying.

So far this fiscal year (July 2018 – Jan 2019), Safe Haven has served a total of 297 NEW clients, 79 of whom are children, which comes to an average of 42 new clients per month. Not only do our advocates work one-on-one with victims and their families, we also work hard to educate the public and bring awareness to these issues!

Want to help? There are several ways that YOU can help Safe Haven reach their goal of ending crime and abuse. Call our office

(570-296-2827) to inquire about any of these three volunteer opportunities!

1) Become a Volunteer Advocate! Volunteer Advocates receive ~65 hours of training and work directly with victims. The next FREE training will start on Monday, May 6th and run every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (5:30 pm – 8:30 pm) until May 30th.

2)Become a Mission Volunteer! Mission Volunteers donate their time and talents for non-client related activities that can be one-time or on-going (e.g.: fundraising, event planning, office administration (HR, finance, etc.), donation drives, facilities maintenance, baking, etc.)

3) Become a Board Member! As a Board member you will attend monthly Board meetings (1st Thursday of every month at 6pm) and occasional committee meetings. We are currently recruiting volunteer members – particularly those with an HR, Marketing, Accounting, and Legal backgrounds.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

Discover the Power of Choice No matter what your addictive behavior, SMART Recovery can help. For over two decades we have been offering free support groups to help people learn self-empowering tools and provide support for others in recovery. The goal of SMART Recovery is to assist you in achieving a healthy, positive, and balanced lifestyle.

Skills and tools taught in SMART can be used as part of your overall & personal recovery process.

Join a SMART Recovery Group in Pike County today!

Tuesday’s: 6:30-7:30 pm St. Patrick’s Church Office 111 E. High St. Milford, PA

Wednesday’s: 12-1 pm Milford Community House 201 Broad St. Milford, PA

Wednesday’s: 6:30-7:30pm

Delaware Township Emergency Operations Center 116 Wilson Hill Rd. Dingmans Ferry, PA Follow us on Facebook for news & updates!

SMART Recovery Pike PA

PAGE 5

EMERGENCY MGMT. Spring Fire Safety Tips Grills

Just because the weather is getting warmer doesn’t mean we still shouldn’t be thinking about fire safety around our homes. As we make the transition from indoor activities to outdoor grilling and barbecues, here are a few tips to help keep you and your families safe:

NFPA reports that US fire departments respond to an average of 2400 home fires per year that involve grills, hibachis, and/or barbecues. The leading causes of grill fires include: • Failure to clean – Make sure your grill is clean of all food greases, fats, and remnants • Too close to combustibles – Be sure that when using your grill, it is not too close to your house, or any other objects that could potentially catch on fire. Use your grill in an open area, clear of combustibles.

• Unattended grills – Never leave your grill unattended when in use. An animal could smell the great food you’re cooking, and knock the grill over. A gust of wind could cause the grill fire to accelerate, and spread.

• Leaks or breaks – Always thoroughly inspect your grill before use. If you smell gas or propane, shut it off and do not continue to use until it is checked by a professional

Fire Pits Sometimes there is nothing better then hanging out with family and friends around a fire. Have fun and be safe at the same time.

• Always keep your fire pit or open fire a minimum of 25 feet from any structures. Be sure to clear a minimum of 10 feet around your fire pit of any combustible objects.

• When burning, have a hose or bucket nearby in case you need to extinguish the fire immediately.

• Never burn pine cones, pine needles, or paper. These items can cause dangerous floating embers. Your fire should never be left unattended. Someone should be watching the fire until it has completely gone out.

Smoke Alarms You know the old saying by now... Change your clocks, change your batteries! Working smoking alarms save lives. Test your smoke alarms and change the batteries. The batteries should be changed at least once a year

Spring Cleaning We know how it goes. Long winter, things pile up. Now is a great time to cleanup!

• Clean your Dryer vent. Dryer fires are more common then you think. A lot of times it is caused by lint build up. Clean the lint trap every time you use your dryer. The dryer vent pipe should be cleaned out at least once a year.

• Clean your garage of any old newspapers and/or magazines.

• Lightly vacuum your smoke alarms. Clear the sensors of any dust that may collect. Check for any manufacturers guidelines before cleaning any smoke alarms.

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Safely Report Threats Via New Tip Line

100 MARY LOUS WAY (Route 739) DINGMANS FERRY, PA 18328 RGRAY1@FARMERSAGENT.COM

The statewide Safe2Say tip line designed to give students, teachers, parents and community members the ability to anonymously report potential threats and other problems is now live in Pennsylvania.

To report a possible dangerous or violent situation, individuals can call the state tip line at 844-723-2729. Tips can also be reported to Safe2SayPA.org or through the Safe2Say app on iPhone and Android devices.

The Safe2Say tip line gives students a way to share information without fear of repercussions or blame from their peers.

Individuals are encouraged to report physical or verbal assault and bullying, discussion about an upcoming planned attack on the school or a person, depression, excessive guilt or hopelessness, suicidal threats or selfharm, substance abuse, or social isolation or withdrawal.

The tip line was modeled after the Safe2Tell program in Colorado, which has received more than 30,000 reports since its inception in 2004, including reports of a planned school attack, suicidal threats and child abuse.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

PAGE 7

Pike Co. 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 - 570-685-7330 Matamoras Borough Fire Dept.

(Dept. 32) 506 Avenue Q, Matamoras, PA 570-491-4154 Milford Fire Dept. (Dept. 33) 107 W. Catharine St., Milford, PA - 570-296-6121 Mill Rift Fire Dept. (Dept. 34) 139 Bluestone Blvd., Mill Rift, PA 570-491-4850 Promised Land Fire & Ambulance (Dept. 35) RR 390, Greentown, PA 570-676-3818 Tafton Fire Co. (Dept. 37) 235 PA Rt. 507, Hawley, 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

Making It Work For Real As I sit down to right this article, the snow is falling again- the actualization of what the forecasting gurus have been predicting for several days now. But I’m confident that we will weather this event (no pun intended) without any significant issues here at home, as we have so many others across the years. By the time this article reaches you this storm will be just a memory and we will all be focused on the renewal of spring. As I sit back with a cup of coffee and watch the storm unfold outside my living room windows, I am reflecting on how the principles I have learned in the study of emergency management have served me well in being confident and comfortable. To be honest, many of the things or activities I undertake before during and after any of these weather events have been ingrained as a result of my service in the fire department before branching out into all hazards emergency management later in my career. So it requires reflection to be able to analyze them outside of “second nature” and in the context of the cycles and phases of emergency management.

In this article my goal is to break down some of these concepts for you in terms of how I personally make MITIGATION, PREPARATION, RESPONSE AND RECOVERY work for real when anticipating or encountering any event that could or does become a disaster.

most frequent example of these activities is the “buyout” or relocation of homeowners in floodplain areas and the prohibition of any future development. I would like to offer a perspective that anyone can apply to their own life and property.

Here are some examples of “mitigation” principles that have been in play since we began construction of our home 30 years ago that I continue to evaluate right up to this latest snowfall.

When we were designing and building our home, we were offered many additional options – of course at an additional cost. While some of these features are easily seen and provide an esthetic value others are unseen and solely exist to protect against hazards of nature. We chose to have a fireplace, not just for the beauty it added but because we knew it would provide a secondary source of heat should there be an extended power outage in the winter and even the ability to heat limited quantities of water or food if really necessary. And since it is not a true “masonry” chimney we decide to have a removable panel installed in the exterior siding enclosing the unit to provide access in the event of a chimney fire. Continuing on the fire safety side, we chose to install “means of egress” windows in the bedrooms- prior to this becoming a building code requirement in the state. Adding these design elements helped “mitigate” against fire risk and the effects of power loss. At the time of construction we also So you may be thinking increased the amount of how does the concept of foundation perimeter drains mitigation have any relevance above what the code required to a winter storm event at a in order to prevent future personal level? In this case groundwater infiltration to we are not going to look the lowest level of the house. at mitigation in the larger This investment has served “overarching” principles that us well in consideration of are required by governmental all the heavy and hurricane authorities at federal, state rains we have had in the and local levels. Those long last several years. In the range plans target specific years following Hurricane projects and infrastructure to Sandy and winter ice storms limit the impact and scope of we purchased a back up anticipated events or previous emergency generator, solar impacts that were observed. powered emergency lights They are actions undertaken and removed several trees based on an analysis of that had grown over the hazards and risks long before years to such an extent that an event occurs or in the they posed a risk to our aftermath of loss/damage electrical service line to so that a loss doesn’t occur the house. So with a little again. The simplest and examination it is easy to see

that you may be undertaking “mitigation” activities on a personal level from year to year without even realizing that is what you are doing.

And many times we can see that eventually some of the most effective mitigation activities get incorporated in to ordinances, codes and standards. At every level it requires ongoing evaluation of hazards/risk and potential impacts and taking permanent steps to lessen the effects. This helps to improve the resiliency of the community overall.

list of activities that are required in preparation for potential spring rains / floods and brush fires. My gutters/ downspouts will be cleaned again as they were in the fall to keep water away from the foundation in severe storms.

All leaf litter and tree debris left form last year and the winter will be cleaned up to limit fuel available to possible brush fires and I will make sure that my garden hoses are hooked up and can reach all the areas of my lot / property. On a township and community level, winds, temperature and dryness will Mitigation should not be be monitored and burning confused with preparation prohibited if necessary. Some although it often is. While of these preparations will it is true that many tasks need to be repeated again undertaken in advance of a in the fall when the risk of disaster or storm are done to brush fires is again elevated. help lessen the effects, they And as that cycle wanes, it will are generally not permanent be time again to prepare for or fixed in nature. They may what we are experiencing at have to be adjusted seasonally this moment. or repeated in each event in order to maintain a state For each of these seasons, of readiness. Preparation cycles and events the proper begins with being “situational level of preparation is key awareness”. Listening to and to being able to respond acting upon information appropriately as the event provided by forecasts, unfolds. So far this time it understanding the National looks like I will not have Weather Service advisory, to place my emergency watch and warning system generator in service. So for and scaling your personal now my personal response preparedness accordingly. In activities are limited to the days leading up to this keeping the fireplace storm I tested my emergency burning, coffee in the cup generator, assemble my power and shoveling from time to cords, filled my portable gas time. There have been plenty cans and vehicles, checked of events across the last thirty and ran my chain saws, years where response on purchased additional ice just a personal level hasn’t melt/rock salt, insured that allowed much time for a my supply of firewood was cup of coffee let alone the covered against freezing rain response involvement on the and ice, checked stock in the side of the fire company or freezer and pantry and made emergency management. It sure I had some additional is important to remember cash on hand should the this in your preparation and power go out. By now most of response activities during these activities are and have any disaster, the people who been second nature to me but are coming to help when I encourage you to develop you are overwhelmed are a checklist based on your placing the importance of home and lifestyle to insure yours and your family’s needs that any disruption to your ahead of their own. And normal routine is minimal. also consider that in most There are both publications cases they are responding and information on line at to multiple calls from READY.GOV and READYPA people whose circumstances have overwhelmed their that can assist in this and preparation activities or provide recommended lists/ plans to help you endure any ability to “respond” to their own needs. Be patient and event that may occur. understand that outside As stated above, preparation response may be delayed or should be adjusted seasonally. limited in terms of capability As the snow falls I am or circumstances beyond thinking about spring and their control. Keep in mind going over in my mind the that depending on the

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

situation or event return to completely normal conditions may not be possible either in your own response or with the assistance of outside agencies.

The return to pre event conditions is what we endeavor to accomplish during “recovery” and is the final phase or cycle of emergency management.

As we have all seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and winter storms Riley/Quinn recovery may be a protracted process over a period of time. Recovery begins with a realistic evaluation of what the impact of the event has been and what is needed to offset that.

State, local and community authorities will be doing the same and considering the resources involved in response and what was accomplished will factor into how long until things return to normal. In previous years and storms, recovery for me has involved removal of considerably large snow loads from the roof of my home. It doesn’t appear that this will be the case this time around.

I will be focusing on complete removal of snow and ice from my driveway, walks, decks and cars on a schedule conducive to my needs. I will replenish expendable supplies that I used during response and recovery, like rock salt and coffee. And consider what else I could or should do to mitigate the hazards or prepare for the impacts for the next event. I cannot urge strongly enough that you consider using this approach of a cyclical process for disaster response on a personal level.

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845-456-1218

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New Leadership at DTVAC At the beginning of the new year, a new Board of Directors took charge at Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps, marking the first time in several years in which DTVAC has had a full Board of Directors. Since January, the new Board has been hard at work. DTVAC has set regular monthly general membership and board meetings, established committees, set the fundraisers for 2019 and retained a Certified Public Accountant. DTVAC has again received it’s Pennsylvania Sales Tax Exemption after a fouryear hiatus and a Small Games of Chance License has been obtained to help with fundraisers.

Since January, DTVAC has been blessed with several new volunteers who have joined the organization, and some previous volunteers have returned. An ambulance that was involved in an earlier accident has received insurancepaid repairs of upwards of $100,000.00 has been returned to DTVAC. This ambulance has been inspected by the Department of Health and is now in-service. DTVAC paramedics have also been approved to assist the police with performing blood draws on suspects charged with driving under the influence. This will help keep the police in their patrol area for much longer.

The most prominent current challenge DTVAC faces is funding. To address the funding crisis, the new Board of Directors has increased billing rates and fees for medical records. Expenses including staffing have been drastically reduced. This has led to temporarily increased response times for EMS service in Delaware Township. Scholarships sponsored by DTVAC are in the process of being revamped or disbanded. Also, DTVAC is evaluating pricing from current vendors hopefully leading to cost savings. DTVAC President Michael Krauss stated, “We are a long way from where we need to be, but we are making very positive steps in the right direction to get there.”

The DTVAC Board has begun providing the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors with the financial information they have requested and the DTVAC Board looks forward to working with the Township Supervisors to ensure DTVAC has the funding and other resources to continue to serve the residents and visitors into the future.

The DTVAC Board personnel have been working with the Township supervisors and staff more than ever before.

Some goals for 2019 include improving our budget process, obtaining dedicated municipal funding, increasing fundraising revenue by 15 percent, increasing volunteer personnel by at least 20 percent, getting at least two volunteers to become state certified at the level needed to be part of an ambulance crew and developing a basic strategic plan.

DTVAC needs volunteers in both emergency response, administrative, and fundraising roles. You do not need medical experience or an existing EMT certification to volunteer. To find out more information about becoming a volunteer, please contact us at our ambulance building, (570) 828-2345. For questions about becoming an emergency response volunteer, please ask for Lt. Will; for administrative and fundraising volunteer inquiries, ask for Board Secretary Phyllis Chekenian. In addition, persons interested in volunteering can come to the ambulance building at 6:00 pm on the third Tuesday of every month to start the process of volunteering. If you are unable to help with volunteering your time for DTVAC, you can support by becoming a subscription member or attending one of our scheduled fundraisers. If you have any questions or concerns about DTVAC, please feel free to call the ambulance building at (570) 828-2345 or email info@dtvac.org.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

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 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

PAGE 9

Dingmans Ferry Lions Club Seeks New Members

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.

We need you! Assistance needed to help us with our events throughout the year. Please consider joining us in giving back to our community.

We know people have lives and may be unable to help with all events, just help when you can. We Serve!

That is the motto of Lions Clubs International. We are a small group of people that help the local community. Two of our main areas of service include providing financial assistance to those that have sight related issues and assisting the local food pantry with donations. Check our Facebook page for meeting times and places.

Facebook.com/dflionsclub.

Shop Local SUPPORT THE LOCAL BUSINESSES

PAGE 10

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

EVENTS PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors will accept letters of interest for a vacancy on the Recreation Committee. Residency in Delaware Township is required. The Recreation Committee meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:00p.m. The position is volunteer, and appointment will become effective immediately. Letters of interest are due to the Delaware Township Municipal Building, 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry PA 18328 or by email to dtbos@ptd.net.

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Krista Predmore, Township Administrator

important contacts for seniors

2019 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.

April 6, 2019 (Electronic Recycling Day) & April 20, 2019 May 4, 2019 and May 18, 2019 June 1, 2019 and June 15, 2019 July 6, 2019 and July 20, 2019 August 3, 2019 and August 17, 2019 September 7, 2019 and September 21, 2019 October 5, 2019(Electronic Recycling Day) & October 19, 2019 November 2, 2019 December 7, 2019

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING DAY

From the Pike County Area Agency on Aging

Spring 2019

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.

Fall 2019

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

Saturday, April 6, 2019 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 5, 2019 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Delaware Township Bulk Waste Area located at 145 Wilson Hill Road Cost: $10 per car load

Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corp. Events: • Plant Sale (4/19/19 and 4/20/19) • Easter Weekend Bridge Collection (4/18 through 4/20/19) • Chicken BBQ & Community Fund Day (5/26/19) • July Bridge Collection (7/4 through 7/8/19) • Pig Roast & Community Fun Day (9/1/19) • Wreath Sale (12/6 through 12/7/19)

Board of Supervisors Meetings Notice is hereby given that the meetings for the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors for 2019 will be on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Wednesday of each month on the following dates: January 9th and 23rd, February 13th and 27th, March 13th and 27th, April 10th and 24th, May 8th and 22nd, June 12th and 26th, July 10th and 24th, August14th and 28th, September 11th and 25th, October 9th and 23rd, November 13th and 27th, December 11th.

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

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.

• Lottery Calendars LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

PAGE 11

LEGISLATURE Brown Launches ‘STASH and Avoid a CRASH’ Initiative Rep. Rosemary M. Brown takes the pledge to STASH to Avoid a CRASH as she launches her distracted driving prevention initiative.

EAST STROUDSBURG – Rep. Rosemary M. Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) is calling attention to the major distracted driving issue, not only in the Commonwealth but throughout the nation, by launching her “STASH and Avoid a CRASH”

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our phones and changing our behaviors while driving our vehicles, we will remain solely focused as much as possible on the road ahead of us. I am taking the pledge The goals of “STASH and to “STASH my phone so Avoid a CRASH” are to I don’t CRASH” and I encourage the public to store encourage you to do their cell phones in their the same.” glove compartments in the hopes that it will curb drivers Brown has again introduced from using their cell phones her hands-free driving while driving their vehicle legislation to prohibit and promote overall driving calls on hand-held mobile safety. While cell phones are telephones in Pennsylvania, safely stashed in the glove except with the use of compartment, drivers will hands-free accessories, while still have the ability to accept operating a moving motor or deny phone calls via their vehicle. Also, no person car’s Bluetooth technology. under the age of 18 years of Additionally, should drivers age would be permitted to need their cell phone to use ANY hand-held mobile serve as their GPS it is telephone, including one suggested that they purchase with a hands-free accessory a docking station that while operating a moving attaches to their dashboard, motor vehicle. so their cell phone remains The punishment for out of their hands. violating this law would “There are too many families be a $200 fine, with $175 who have been tragically of that fine going to a affected by distracted driving Distracted Driver Fund to accidents, simply because the help educate young drivers driver was more interested on distracted driving and in what was occurring on his its consequences. “Other or her phone rather than states that have passed the vehicle’s surroundings,” similar legislation have said Brown. “By putting away seen reduced overall cell phone use and fewer fatalities, which may be directly related,” continued Brown. “It is my hope that Pennsylvania will be the next state to pass legislation of this kind in order to protect our citizens and promote safe driving throughout the Commonwealth.”

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For more information about this legislation, or any state-related issue, contact Brown’s district office in East Stroudsburg located at 143 Seven Bridge Road, by calling 570-420-8301. Information can also be found on online at RepBrown. com or Facebook.com/ RepRosemaryBrown.

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PAGE 12

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

DELAWARE in the PAST The Story of Austin Sheldon A tale which might be better told huddled around a campfire on a starlit evening on the banks of the Delaware, but a true story, none the less, of Pike County’s legendary hermit. Like all good tales of intrigue, reports of his life varied as they were handed down generation after generation among the residents of Dingmans Ferry.

Born into a wealthy Connecticut family around 1803, Austin was well educated and established himself as a successful blacksmith. But Austin’s seemingly charmed life took a turn when the woman he cherished was sent away to boarding school by her parents who did not favor their union. Unable to discover her whereabouts, Austin eventually married his new love, Julia Tuttle, anticipating a long, happy life together. As the story goes, not soon after they wed a violent Nor’easter struck their happy home one night while Austin was away on business.

Fearing for her life, Julia sought refuge in their dark, cramped cellar as the storm raged outside battering the doors and windows, seeking entry. This event so terrorized poor Julia that she never quite recovered and had to be committed to a mental institution where she died not long afterwards. Following her death, Austin disappeared leaving his friends and family to wonder for many long years what had become of him.

Austin had set out in search of a happier life. Always traveling on foot, he spent years wandering through the mountains of NY and Wayne County, PA. Having walked the entire distance to Milford, PA, Austin had the misfortune of meeting a group of disreputable swindlers who sold him a tract of land on the outskirts of Dingmans Ferry. His dreams of farming and raising sheep vanished as he viewed the uncultivated, worthless land he had given all his savings to purchase. While contemplating what he might do next, a fierce storm arose causing him to seek shelter in a nearby cave. And thus began his life as a cave dwelling hermit.

Due to his religious beliefs, it is said he never washed, shaved or removed his clothing and his grey beard grew to a length of several feet. He fashioned crude furniture from blocks of wood and existed on what few crops he could grow as well as any rabbits or birds he could snare. He grew to be quite deaf and passed his time reading the Bible. His life of solitude was a hard one, often battling nature. Stories are told of his battles with rattlesnakes and bobcats as well as blazing forest fires and bone chilling blizzards.

Placing his fate in the hands of God, Austin saw no need to take precautions or seek shelter when danger approached.

Seldom leaving the vicinity of his cave, thirty years passed before news of his existence became known. Once discovered, a local paper ran a story on this wild man living alone in the wilderness. Finding the story so intriguing, it was copied by larger papers across the country, catching the eye of his sister back in Connecticut who, seeing his name, hoped this might be her long lost brother. Traveling to Pike County, she met with Austin and begged him to give up his life of hardship and return home with her where he would be well cared for. Some reports claim he refused yet others believe he did indeed agree to return with her for a while, but eventually left again to return to his cave in the forest.

Nearing his 70th year, he grew lonely and longed for some companionship. Occasionally he would visit a neighboring farm and in time became attracted to a very young girl. When he asked for her hand in marriage her parents refused, threw him out and told him never to return to their home.

In April of 1877 the NY Times reported that the “Hermit of Moosic Mountain”, also called the Hermit of Pike County had been found frozen to death in a deep snow drift 10 feet from his cave. But his story does not end there. Even today bloggers report on their searches to locate his cave where he was rumored to have buried a considerable sum of money given to him by his sister. So the next time you are exploring the Poconos keep a sharp lookout for a 12x14’ cave under a slab overhang - you just may locate his fortune, adding a new story to be told around late night campfires!

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

PAGE 13

Search for Eagles (Continued from Page 1)

Delaware Scenic River from PEEC to the Bushkill Access and the trip’s conclusion at the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River.

Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC and the

Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, led the search that yielded 33 species of birds including 85 Bald Eagles (BE), 13 Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered

Hawk, and a Common Raven. The first raptor of the day was a Red-tailed Hawk. The Bushkill Access was closed and we added Black-capped Chickadee.

Returning to Route 209 and traveling north we spotted a second RT perched RT near mile marker 7. A third RT was perched east of 209 about a half mile north of Briscoe Mountain Road where we added Song Sparrow. We added 3 Wild Turkeys at the Dingmans Campground.

No eagles at the Dingmans Ferry Access: however we added Red-breasted Nuthatch at the toll booth feeders. I saw five BEs earlier this week flying above the ridge in the vicinity of the Dingmans Cemetery. They were not there this morning. I have been seeing BEs this week at the mile marker 17 nest.

We watched one perched on the edge of the nest, and a few moments later another BE flew into the nest and disappeared.

10:00 AM at the Callahan House we were joined by additional participants.

No eagles at the Metz Road nest nor were they at Milford Beach or along the River Road.

other than 50 Rock Pigeons.

the nest high on the ridge.

A rest stop at the PA welcome center brought a Cooper’s Hawk and another RT.

Crossing the dam at the Rio Reservoir we searched downstream without success. We moved on to the Delaware and traveled upriver. An adult BE was spotted high in a White Pine east of the road. No eagles at Shohola nest or in the vicinity of the Minisink Observation Blind. A Common Raven was flying downriver at the Highland River Access.

We traveled north of the Roebling Bridge on the NY side of the river and enjoyed the spectacular ice formations, including a frozen over waterfall. A juvenile BE was standing on the ice at the confluence of the Lackawaxen and the Delaware Rivers.

A new search location is the Port Jervis Cemetery at Laurel Ridge, great view of the rivers at tri-states rock where after three tries I finally discovered the BE nest. No BEs were present.

We continued to the Mongaup Falls Observation Blind by way of Old Plank Road. A juvenile BE was We located a BE nest near perched at the open water, the NPS Pierce House; then flew upriver. Slowly however, no BEs were seen. Crossing the bridge and However, we listened to BE passing the Observation chatter in the distance. We Blind we found no BEs looked at the nest through a upriver. Across from the spotting scope. blind an Adult BE was perched and was viewed We found a perched Redthrough a spotting scope. tailed Hawk behind Staples A juvenile BE was further and were able to observe the downstream and while we bird through the spotting were at the blind an adult scope. This was our tenth BE soared above. From RT of the day. We continued Plank Road we saw 2 BEs at to the Best Western, no luck PAGE 14

On the Pennsylvania side near the Roebling Bridge is the National Park Service Visitor Center where brochures, newsletters, and information about eagles is made available

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

to visitors. Two BEs seen from the Zane Gray parking area were perched in NY. We enjoyed the BEs through the spotting scope. By the time we reached the Lackawaxen eleven BEs had been seen.

spotted an additional 15 BEs upriver from Swing Bridge. The next 15 BEs found us at Appert Road.

They were an assortment of adults and juveniles, most were juveniles.

Within the next two hours we were to see a record 74 additional BEs.

Upriver from Appert Road we witnessed a remarkable event. Within ten yards of each other on the river bank Our first 2 BEs were 11 BEs were standing on the perched near Hotel Road ground at the water’s edge. then took flight. Next were Some entered the water and two perched juvenile BEs pulled fish from it, others and an Adult BE flying displaced the birds on the down river. Our 17th BE was captured fish. a perched juvenile with a distinct black mask. Three We watched this flurry BEs were at Evangelder of activity for 10 minutes Road with an additional two, before moving on. Further a perched adult and juvenile along the river we saw a similar event, eagles on the flying upriver. shoreline at the water’s edge Next we saw an adult BE feeding and displacing each in flight who then perched other. hight on the ridge. It was on this ridge a few years We watched as an adult ago that I spotted eleven BE flew from its perch BEs perched in the same and extended its tallons tree. This is probably where as it plunged to the water. the birds come to roost.

It didn’t catch a fish. The BEs 24 through 33 were 85th BE was an adult flying actively flying, perched low upriver. above the water, and in one Seventy-four BEs along the instance an adult BE made Lackawaxen, a pass at Black Ducks on the water who scattered.

The field trip concluded at Three BEs were perched near Swing Bridge. We

4:00 p.m.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

Future Searches for Eagles: • Half-day: March 10th -

Meet 12:00 p.m. NOON at the Historic Callahan House 101 Route 209 South @ mile marker 21, Milford, PA

TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEARCH FOR EAGLES FIELD TRIP PHONE: 570.296.6752 AND INDICATE YOU WILL BE ATTENDING. Or, email: jack@brandwein.org and leave a message.

• Full Day: March 3rd -

Meet 8:00 a.m. at the PEEC parking lot OR Meet 10:00 a.m. at the Callahan House.

101 Route 209 South @ mile marker 21, Milford, PA

WEATHER PERMITTING. - Dress warmly, bring binoculars, field guides, and a lunch. THERE IS NO CHARGE. An Eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” hand-out will be provided for participants by the Paul F-Brandwein Institute. Join us to Search For Eagles

Birds seen on the February 3rd Search for Eagles: • Canada Goose • Black Duck • Mallard • Bufflehead • Hooded Merganser • Common Merganser • Wild Turkey • Black Vulture • Bald Eagle

• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

• Blue Jay • American Crow • Common Raven • Tufted Titmouse • Black-capped Chickadee

• White-breasted Nuthatch

• Red-tailed Hawk

• Red-breasted

• Red-shouldered Hawk

• European Starling

• Cooper’s Hawk • Rock Pigeon • Mourning Dove • Red-bellied Woodpecker • Hairy Woodpecker • Downy Woodpecker • Pileated Woodpecker

Nuthatch

• Tree Sparrow • Song Sparrow • White-throated Sparrow

• Dark-eyed Junco • American Goldfinch • House Sparrow PAGE 15

Township Supervisors Make Tough Job Look Easy Those unfamiliar with the role of a township supervisor may wonder: What exactly do they do?

It’s a good question, and one worth exploring as Pennsylvania prepares to celebrate Local Government Week, April 8-12, which is set aside to honor the commonwealth’s public servants.

If you ask David M. Sanko, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, which represents the commonwealth’s 1,454 townships of the second class, he is pretty clear about the role of these local officials.

“Well, for one, supervisors make a tough, complex, often thankless job look incredibly easy,” he says. “It’s safe to say there is no other job like it in the public sector, and the people who do it are very committed to their communities.

“I mean, how many state or federal officials would answer their own phone? And how many of them do you see at the grocery store, the ballfield, or the post office? That’s almost unheard of, and it just goes to show that township supervisors are a rare and special breed.”

Keeping the wheels on the bus The official duties of the board of supervisors can be found in the Second Class Township Code.

PAGE 16

There, Section 607 spells out the responsibilities, which take up about a page and require local leaders to do what you might expect: Hire staff, carry out state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, and maintain township equipment and facilities.

Most important, though, the code charges the board with “the general governance of the township and the execution of legislative, executive, and administrative powers to ensure sound fiscal management and to secure the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the township.”

Unclogging sewer drains, plowing snow at 2 in the morning, fielding complaints from residents, spending evening after evening at meetings, and eating a cold dinner because a resident wanted to have a two-hour discussion about a pothole aren’t even mentioned. But guess what? Township supervisors do those things, too, and much more.

Balancing budgets and stretching tax dollars, providing quality services at an affordable cost, managing people and places, understanding state and federal laws, writing and passing ordinances, responding to residents and their complaints, working with developers, overseeing volunteer boards and committees, purchasing equipment and supplies, negotiating contracts, and making unpopular decisions also come with the territory.

Township supervisors are regular folks — your neighbors and friends — who aren’t in office for the glory, the glamour, the power, or the money, for that matter. Many earn just $1,800 a year before taxes, which translates to about $150 a month. Some are paid much less.

“Being a township supervisor is a far more difficult job than most people realize,” says Walt Whitmer, a senior educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension. “It’s a volunteer position with professional expectations.

“However, every day, township supervisors are out there doing the things that keep the wheels on the bus.”

Bev Cigler, Ph.D., professor of public policy and administration at Penn State University, agrees: “Local government is the workhorse of the governing system.”

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

While the public may be unaware of everything that’s required of a township supervisor, Cigler doesn’t think that constituents are any less appreciative.

Penn State’s Walt Whitmer isn’t surprised. “If the general public could hear the stories that I hear [from local leaders],” he says, “they would have an even deeper appreciation for their local officials.”

“People, including those who run for office, may not know the specifics of the job, but quite often they’re happy because they’re getting good service,” she says, “and that’s all they care about.”

‘The township truly is my life’

Trust, confidence remain high In fact, a recent Gallup poll backs up Cigler’s contention that voters have a lot of faith in their local leadership.

In 2018, the group quizzed a random sampling of 1,035 adults across the United States as part of its annual governance poll. The study revealed that 72 percent of U.S. adults say they have a “great deal” or a “fair amount” of trust in their local government, compared with 63 percent who say the same about their state government.

“Americans’ trust in local government has remained stable over the past decade while their trust in state government and other institutions associated with the federal government declined and has yet to fully recover,” the organization says in a news release.

Although township supervisors campaign for office and hold an elected position, that’s where the similarities with their counterparts in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., end. They don’t have expense accounts, canned speeches or teleprompters, drivers or taxpayerfunded transportation, large staffs of advisers, or even comfy, wood-paneled offices.

Instead, township supervisors are regular folks — your neighbors and friends — who aren’t in office for the glory, the glamour, the power, or the money, for that matter. Many earn just a few thousand dollars a year before taxes, and some are paid much less. Still, many supervisors have been in office for decades. Why? It’s out of a desire to improve their community and help their neighbors. As one long-time township official put it: “My day is supposed to end at 3, but I can’t tell you the last time I left then. I’m not complaining, though. I enjoy what I do. The township truly is my life.”

“Being a township supervisor is a far more difficult job than most people realize. It’s a volunteer position with professional expectations.”

“The latest ratings,” Gallup says, “mark a continuation of fairly high levels of trust for local governments – a trend that has varied little over the past two decades. Meanwhile, confidence in state government has varied more, from a high of 80 percent in 1998 when the economy was robust and unemployment was low, to a low of 51 percent in 2009, as states across the country struggled to balance budgets amid the Great Recession.”

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

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PAGE 17

DIG DELAWARE Come Garden With Us Gardeners at the SmithHarker Community Garden are preparing for the 2019 growing season. There are plots available for interested residents of Delaware Township. You are invited to join the group to grow your own organic vegetables. Delaware Township supervisors and staff generously support the garden by supplying water and cutting back weeds and grass. The participating gardeners plant and maintain their individual plots but also volunteer to maintain three public garden areas.

The Community Garden is located on Wilson Hill Road across from the Delaware Township Municipal Building. For more information or to reserve a plot please contact carolpadalino@aol.com.

Getting started

Clear your planting area as soon as the soil can be worked. Remove weeds and debris. Preparing the soil is one of the more important steps in establishing a garden space. Test the soil to determine its pH

and nutrient levels. You can purchase an at-home testing kit at the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in Milford PA. Follow the easy directions and results will be mailed to you within a few weeks.

Again, easy to read results will indicate any necessary soil amendments. Then, cultivate the area to a depth of 10-12 inches.

For spring planting, sow seeds of cool season vegetables such as peas, lettuce, spinach and parsley.

Other vegetables to consider are beets, radishes, kale, broccoli and cauliflower.

Early spring is also a good time to take action against the weeds. Damp soil makes it much easier to pull young weed seedlings. Doing it early makes things easier in a few months time. Pick up annual weeds so they do not reseed themselves. Perennial weeds are best pulled while they are small and before their roots have a chance to grow deeper. Hand weed these trying to get as much of the root as possible.

Start a compost pile if you don’t already have one.

Collect plant debris and leaves and then chop them to speed decomposition.

Add equal parts of “brown” materials such as dried leaves and straw and “green” materials like grass clippings in even layers. Keep the pile damp and turn it regularly.

And don’t forget your kitchen scraps. The kitchen

PAGE 18

is a great place to start collecting organic materials.

Vegetable peelings, fruit skins and cores, used tea bags, coffee grounds and other scraps. So, join gardeners at the SmithHarker Community Garden for fresh air, sunshine, exercise, sharing, and fresh organic vegetables! We are waiting to hear from you!

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PARKS & REC Get Ready!

Akenac Park will be opening soon. Get ready to enjoy the beach, trails, special events, boating, family picnics and much more. Check out our Facebook page (Delaware Township) and our website (www.delawaretownshippa.gov) to see what events are taking place.

Akenac Park opens Memorial Day Weekend!

Christmas Recap The Delaware Township Recreation Committee hosted the annual Christmas Event at Akenac Park on Saturday, December 5, 2018 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Christmas spirit filled the park as children visited with Santa, families enjoyed a bon fire, hot chocolate, crafts, stories and a special visit from the Dingman Delaware Children’s Choir.

Special thanks to Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Company, Dennis Lee, Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps., Pocono Environmental Education Center, the Forklife Café, the Dingmans Ferry Lion’s Club, the Dingman Delaware Children’s Choir, and Long Meadow Chapel for volunteering your time and services to making this a successful event for our community.

Thank you to Delaware Township Public Works for their work in decorating the park for the event.

LIVING DELAWARE | SPRING 2019

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