Living Delaware Township - Summer 2018

SUMMER 2018

THE CORNERSTONE OF THE POCONOS

NOTICE: The Township Office will be closed on the following days: Labor Day: Monday, September 3, 2018

Who Was Dingmans Ferry’s Most Famous Resident?

Admittedly, we’ve had some pretty famous folks call our little town home, but it may surprise you that one of the most popular and most interesting was a Blackfoot Indian from Northern Canada named Thunder Cloud Plante. Seeking adventure as a young brave, Thundercloud took a position as a US army scout during the Indian Wars, claiming he took this on so he could eat regularly! Thunder Cloud later traveled with the famous Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show which gave Europeans their first real look at Cowboys and Indians. Other performers of note included Annie Oakley and Chief Sitting Bull!

In the late 1800’s, Thunder Cloud made his way to Dingmans Ferry where he modeled for renowned artist, Henrietta Hashagen and it was through her work that Thunder Cloud’s image soon became the standard for the enduring “Red Man”, quickly becoming the foremost Indian model in the U.S. Other famous artists such as Frederick Remington called upon Thunder Cloud when drawing scenes of frontier life. His likeness adorns the last five dollar gold half eagle minted in the U.S. and if grandpa left you a sack of these coins you might be sitting pretty today!

Thunder Cloud and Henrietta eventually married and built a home on Mill Street where they continued to work while raising a daughter, Wanita. He lived here happily until his death in 1916. Thunder Cloud is buried in the Dingman Cemetery on the corner of 209 & 739. Even today his grave is often found to have gifts and flowers placed upon it by history buffs and even Native Americans.

The Historical Society museum, located next to the library at Akenac Park on 739, has many photos of Thunder Cloud’s family life here in Dingmans Ferry. You’ll also find a large assortment of arrowheads, Indian artifacts and many other interesting displays and souvenirs. Currently, due to renovations, they are open to the public by appointment only. (570 369 7647) And mark your calendars for our Ice Cream Social with magician Mark Mysterio – Thursday, July 19th at 7PM at the Delaware Twp Bldg, 116 Wilson Hill Road. All our programs and museum tours are free and open to the public.

IN THIS ISSUE DAILY LIVING FirstEnergy Utilities Urge Customers to “Hang Up, Don’t Pay Up” When Suspected Scammers Call Met-Ed Conducting Inspections and Maintenance During Summer Season Townships Today: Firefighter Crisis Townships Urge Governor, Lawmakers To Take Action

DAILY LIVING Employee Highlights — Page 2, 3

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

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Points to Ponder Pike Co. Fire Dept. Listing Fire Safety Tips: Grilling at Home & Camp Fires DIG DELAWARE A Workday at the Community Garden

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MEETINGS & EVENTS Township Misc. Boards Meetings 2018 Bulk Disposal Dates & Recycling Milford Valley Quilter’s Guild BINGO Pocono Buddy Walk & Family Fun Day

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PARKS & REC Ask the Sensei...

Akenac Park Survey

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EVENTS

PARKS & REC

Ice Cream Social — Page 11

Akenac Park General Policies — Page 13

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

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DAILY LIVING

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS Krista Predmore

• Township Administrator, Asst. Treasurer, Right-to-Know Officer

I came here from Layton, NJ in 2007. I have 3 kids... ranging from 3-11 (boys and girls), and we 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

live in a community. I came to the township job from a private sector job. I was interested in working closer to home and closer to my kids being in school.

Going to work for local government, there was a lot to learn about the ways, rules and processes of governments in the Commonwealth that I had never known about.

Learning about the rules that govern how a Township does things -- it is considerably different from the private sector.

You have to learn the 2nd Class Township Code in order to do the job and understand how municipal government works.

No day is the same here, everyday is interesting. As Township Administrator, I’m responsible for carrying out the daily business of the township which includes: oversight of office staff; working closely with the Road Master; getting prices for things; keeping track of all projects current and coming up; keeping an eye on those things that need to be addressed by the Board of Supervisors or the Township Solicitor; hiring staff ; answering Rightto-Know requests; being part of our Township’s Emergency Management helping our township get through an emergency and

back to operations; making sure that all the loose ends get tied up. Sometimes a lot of balls to keep in the air at one time. Delaware Township has a great group of staff members that really care about the township, spending taxpayer money responsibly and carrying out our duties in a responsible and efficient manner.

I enjoy the challenge of working with many different personalities, carrying out the goals of our Supervisors, and making things happen for the Township. I’m here to bring things to the table, do the research,

to bring the numbers and things like that. It’s up to the Board to then make informed, educated decisions, to set policy and procedure, and then no matter what their decision may be, it’s my job to see things carried out. I am also a resident, a homeowner and a taxpayer here..so the things that happen here do affect me in my personal life. I am confident that the people elected really do want to do the best job for everybody, and I enjoy being able to be a part of that process. 6 years later...

I find I still enjoy all the aspects of the job.

Akenac Park: Open Memorial Day Weekend, May 28, 2018.

Park is open from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Monday and Wednesday - Sunday.

Park is closed Tuesday.

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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Call Us At

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

LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS Vincent Flatt

John Henderson Chair - jhenderson@delawaretownshippa.gov

• Director of Public Works/RoadMaster

When I first moved here, Delaware Township was predominantly a summer home area. Now it’s predominantly fulltime people. Our biggest challenge is adapting to the times and our growth... from a vacation area to now, bringing our infrastructure up to match our primarily fulltime residents.

E BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

retired people. The residents who commute worry about the roads... getting to and from work each day. Being a working parent means focusing on what your kids are doing, and getting them to and home from their activities.

Those who are here, and are not going to and fro, are a bit disenfranchised from seeing and having things they might like to do.

job is to be in charge of all the township’s assets and our Public Works staff; maintaining and repairing, keeping everything running smoothly and working together. It includes prioritizing situations that come up; though in the past few months, I’ve certainly come across some I never thought were possible. We take resident Camp Akenac, for a noncommunications as a advertised amenity for our priority (though it seems we township residents, has For most of the people are frequently explaining slowly but surely become that live here, this is what that we are responsible for more and more. This year, we are here for - the township roads, and some with areas of Delaware woods, the scenic area, the roads in our township are Water Gap Recreation Area ruralness. For the bit more the responsibility of the closed, we will probably we need, being able to State/PennDot ). Working see more people using our get to something like our for the township, I think we Township park. Through future supermarket and the have become more efficient. the years, Akenac, like jobs it may provide makes This year started with a everything, has seen use sense. We don’t have public lengthy time of re-staffing grow and change from transportation, etc. We don’t (retirements, etc). Growth what it was when I started need a lot of building up. and change can be painful. with the township just 4 Whatever the future holds, We are on the way now. At years ago. it needs to sustain those its simplest, working for the living here 12 months a year township needs someone Living here may be easier as well as the vacationers. who wants to work and make financially, but I’d like to it a better place for local see more things geared As Director of Public residents. That’s where we toward our Seniors and Works/Road Master my all want to be.

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 PUBLIC WORKS Vincent Flatt | Road Master vflatt@delawaretownshippa.gov Mike Moffa mmoffa@delawaretownshippa.gov John Olivieri dtbos@delawaretownshippa.gov Shane Williams dtbos@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 Sewage Officer Ron Russel - ecc@masthope.org

Call me today for a noobligation quote!

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

LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

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FirstEnergy Utilities Urge Customers to ‘Hang Up, Don’t Pay Up’ When Suspected Scammers Call With utility scams on the rise, real customers of FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) utilities are speaking out about their encounters with fraudsters in a mini documentary released today.

The video, “Hang Up, Don’t Pay Up: When a Scammer Calls,” features two business owners contacted by phone scammers impersonating FirstEnergy electric company employees, and

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provides tips for avoiding scams. The con artists claimed the businesses had unpaid electric bills and threatened to shut off power if an immediate payment was not made. In both cases, the scammer’s phone number was falsified so the caller ID appeared to be a legitimate call, complete with an automated voice menu that mimicked that of their electric company.

This common scam is called “caller ID spoofing.”

These customer stories are merely a snapshot of the ever-growing list of scams targeting utility customers across the country. Last year, FirstEnergy’s utilities received 959 reports of scams from customers— more than twice the number of reports received in 2016.

The actual number of scam attempts is even higher since most are only reported to law enforcement or go unreported.

“Scammers can be very convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable, like senior citizens or business owners who rely on electric service to run their business and make a living,” said Gary W. Grant, vice president of customer service for FirstEnergy Utilities. “We want others to hear directly from victims of attempted utility scams, in hopes they’ll learn how to spot a scam in the future. Most important, if you ever receive a call demanding immediate payment to your

electric utility, hang up, don’t pay up.”

With warmer weather on its way this spring, both residential and business customers should also be on alert for door-todoor visits from scammers who demand immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. Although the scammers work yearround, they are most active in the winter and summer months, when people cannot go without heat or air conditioning.

The “Hang Up, Don’t Pay Up” video is featured on FirstEnergy’s award-winning Scam and Fraud Information website. This site describes some of the most widespread schemes targeting utility customers, and offers facts and safety reminders that can help customers avoid becoming a victim of these crimes. Customers are urged to keep the following tips in mind to help ensure the safety of their family, property and personal information:

before shutting them off.

This does not apply to Pennsylvania customers.

• FirstEnergy does not accept prepaid debit cards or wire transfers as payment, and their representatives will not demand bank or credit card information over the phone.

• Customers who suspect a scam should hang up the phone/close the door, and call the local police then FirstEnergy. Never dial the phone number the scammers provide.

“We encourage customers to contact us directly using the phone number listed on our website and on their billing statement if they need to verify the status of their electric account or the confirm the identity of a FirstEnergy employee,” said Grant. “When in doubt, always give us a call.”

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s • Customers with pastlargest investor-owned electric due accounts will receive systems, serving customers a written notice of their in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New account status, with instructions on how to avoid Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s disconnection of service. transmission subsidiaries • While FirstEnergy operate more than 24,000 representatives oftentimes miles of transmission lines make courtesy calls to that connect the Midwest and customers to remind them Mid-Atlantic regions. Visit about an outstanding FirstEnergy online at www. balance, they would explain firstenergycorp.com and follow how a payment can be FirstEnergy and its operating made using the established companies on Twitter: payment options. They will not demand payment over @FirstEnergyCorp, the phone or at a particular @OhioEdison, physical location. @ToledoEdison, @IlluminatingCo, • FirstEnergy field @W_Penn_Power, collectors – carrying @Penn_Power, company-issued photo @Penelec, identification – will offer @Met_Ed, customers with past-due @JCP_L, accounts the opportunity @PotomacEdison, to pay their bill in person @MonPowerWV.

LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

Met-Ed Conducting Inspections and Maintenance During Summer Season to Help Enhance Customer Service Reliability With the upcoming hot summer months expected to produce higher electric usage, Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed), a FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary, is completing inspections and conducting equipment maintenance in its 14-county eastern and south-central Pennsylvania service area to enhance service reliability for customers.

Cost-effective helicopter patrols have completed inspections on more than 1,300 miles of transmission lines located in the Met-Ed area. The inspections are designed to look for damaged wire, broken cross arms, failed insulators, and other hardware problems not visible from the ground. Any potential reliability issues identified during the inspection will be addressed immediately.

On the ground, Met-Ed crews are inspecting distribution circuits, including transformers, capacitors, reclosers and lightning arrestors to ensure the equipment is operational and the lines are ready to perform efficiently when demand for electricity increases during the summer, typically due to air conditioning usage.

“Summer heat and humidity results in our customers using more fans and air conditioning to stay cool,” said Ed Shuttleworth, Met-Ed regional president. “By conducting proactive inspections and equipment maintenance, we help ensure system reliability to meet this increased demand for electricity.”

In addition, a team of Met-Ed and FirstEnergy employees recently conducted readiness exercises to test the company’s restoration process used to repair storm-related power outages. Storm drills are becoming more common in the utility industry in the wake of severe weather over the last several years.

Tree trimming is another key to preparing the Met-Ed system to meet the rigors of summer operations by maintaining proper clearances around electrical systems and helping to protect against tree-related outages. Met-Ed tree contractors have trimmed approximately 900 circuit miles of electric lines since January and expect to trim another 2,600 miles by year end.

For updated company information, including hot weather tips, customers are urged to visit the 24/7 Power Center at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.

In addition to the work being done by company employees, summer also is a time when roofers, home builders, lawn service workers and other contractors work long hours. To help stay safe around electrical equipment while on the job, FirstEnergy offers important tips at www.firstenergycorp.com/contractorsafety.

important contacts for seniors From the Pike County Area Agency on Aging MEDICARE PLANS AVAILABLE www.medicare.gov Call APPRISE at 800-783-7067 Call Medicare at 800-633-4227 or 877-486-248 (TTY) Or call us at 570-775-5550 for appt. to assist you.

PIKE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION Hours 7:30am-4:00pm 570-296-3408 or 866-681-4947 DO NOT CALL REGISTRY If you want to stop those nagging calls from solicitors you can place your phone number on the Do Not Call registry by calling 888-382-1222 or go online to www.donotcall.gov SENIOR LAW CENTER Senior Law Center protects the legal rights & interests of seniors in PA through legal services, referral services and advocacy. Call their helpline at 877-727-7529 PIKE COUNTY AREA AGENCY ON AGING Blooming Grove - 570-775-5550 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm Dingmans Center - 570-828-7812 Hours: Tues & Fri 9am-3pm Lackawaxen/Shohola 570-685-7808 Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs 9am-2pm Milford - 570-832-1929 Hours: Wed & Fri 1am-3pm

Met-Ed serves approximately 560,000 customers in 14 Pennsylvania counties. Follow MetEd on Twitter @Met Ed and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MetEdElectric.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp or online at www.firstenergycorp.com.

Shop Local SUPPORT THE LOCAL BUSINESSES

LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

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EMERGENCY MGMT. 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

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“POINTS TO PONDER”

township administrator) will begin the required revision of the Township’s Emergency operations Plan.

This is required every 2 years by the Commonwealth and thanks to the disasters of a few months ago we are a slightly behind schedule.

Currently, we hope to have this completed within 90 days for the supervisors review and approval, and the approval of the County and the State. During the course of this revision to the “public” portion of our plan we will be working to incorporate the lessons learned from Riley / Quinn in order to be more effective in the next response, but as always we will be facing multiple required activities during response with limited staffing. Rewriting the plan allows us to attempt to mitigate against these shortcomings. We will also be working with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to transition to the state’s “cloud” based format, making future revisions easier. To satisfy any curiosity you may have, the existing 2016 version of our Basic EOP is viewable on the Township website.

It seems hard to believe, but it appears that summer may actually be arriving. Finally, a chance to dry out from what seemed to be the never ending rains that followed on the heels of some of the worst late winter storms in my 29 years here in the Poconos. As the deadline for this submission approached, I found myself without a clear concise theme to present for this coming season. This may be because personally and professionally as an Emergency Management Official, I find myself still trying to put to rest the outstanding issues from the severe weather previously mentioned and chart a course towards the next set of objectives and planning for the next event.

It has been difficult to effect this “spring cleaning” if you will, because all around the township and the county are reminders of the unforgiving hand of “mother nature” and the weakened infrastructure leaves all of us holding our collective breath every time the wind howls or the skies darken. As I sit down to write this, I’m watching the news coverage of the F-2 tornados Regarding debris management, additional that hit Wilkes Barre and tree removal and utility Bradford last night. restoration from the winter hurricane. As far So it is hard to coalesce a as township roads are consistent seasonal theme concerned, we have met or message, other than my regular “campaign” slogans our obligations regarding downed trees and debris of “personal preparedness within the “right of way” and situational awareness”.

As always I encourage all of and hazards to the normal you to examine these critical passage of traffic have been eliminated. So what you keys to your own family’s safety during a disaster and see remaining will likely be there until nature runs its checklists, etc are available course or property owners both at the Township building and many websites. along the roads undertake additional clean up on However, I think there is their side of the “right some value in presenting of way”. This is also true some thoughts on a variety for any tree removal or of maybe unconnected debris cleanup by Met-ed, issues and asking you, our Verizon, Blue Ridge or even residents to consider them individually and collectively. Penndot. These companies, agencies have no authority I hope you agree and find or obligation to remove or the information useful. address hazard trees outside of the utility “right of way” Within the next few weeks or across the road from the township emergency their services. Restoration management team (myself, work for cable and phone the roadmaster, public information officer and the re still ongoing and tree

crews continue to perform “mitigation” of hazards based on surveys by the utility companies. If you have trees on your property which could potentially damage / destroy your individual electric service to your home in these storms you should take steps to safely remove them. Keep in mind that if you lose your service in this way, it may cascade to a loss of power for neighbors in your area or the community.

Also, once your service is damaged, Met-Ed will not restore power to your home or business until the service connection is properly reinstalled.

The aging electrical utility infrastructure, which is often operating at close to full capacity for our area, was severely damaged in these storms and as such failed again on several occasions since the event, recently severe weather destroyed a transmission tower in Bushkill resulting in a long power outage for people outside our area.

This same storm produced significant outages in NW and central NJ. The systems and the field level personnel are taxed to the limits of capability in many cases.

Everyone needs to realize that is not a question of “IF” another power outage occurs --- but “WHEN!” makes sure generators are serviced and ready to go(tested) , extra fuel is on hand and your personal emergency plan is valid.

Township are closed to all activities. This includes the Adams Creek trail, Dingmans Falls, Childs Park, Hornbeck’s Creek, Chestnut Ridge Road and Doodle Hollow road have all been blocked off and access is prohibited for any purpose. IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THESE SITES WILL OPEN ANY TIME AGAIN THIS YEAR. While it may seem exciting or intriguing to go beyond the barriers and see the damage, there is significant risk of injury for those who choose to ignore the warnings. And if you do get injured, you will be subjecting all the local first responders from fire, rescue and ems who have to come get you at risk. A risk that is unnecessary if you follow the rules. Your life and theirs are worth more than a photo, a fish or a swim so please avoid these areas.

All of the closed areas are listed on the National Park Service- Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area website and facebook pages.

With the improved weather and seasonal influx of parttime residents, vacationers and travelers comes an increase in traffic, on roads that are already in bad shape to say the least.

Our current information from state sources is that Silver Lake Road will be completely resurfaced from rout 739 all the way to route 402 before the end of the summer. This means restrictions to one lane a significant amount of the time once construction Keep in mind that we are begins, so allow extra time technically in hurricane for travel – even just around season from now until town and use caution October, so it is a fairly when going through the good guess that we will be restrictions for the sake of impacted again sometime your safety and the road this year. Know what steps to se the road crews. The take to prepare. inconvenience is temporary but the improvement is Since the summer is upon “semi” permanent us, we have many of our seasonal residents again Those using Wilson Hill joining us and they may be Road will find marginal unaware of the significance conditions about halfway of the damage from Riley between the Township and Quinn to the many building and route 209, favorite recreation areas we are still awaiting within the township. final decisions on some Everyone should know and temporary repairs with share the fact the basically permanent solutions about all of the NPS sites above a year out, please be very the river within Delaware

LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

careful on this road. The remote possibility remain that the Park Service and the State could agree to close the road until the repairs are made. This decision will be based on any further deterioration observed as they regularly monitor it. Milford Road(SR2001), however is another story, particularly from route 739 all the way to the Lehman Township line where the next phase of the reconstruction is ongoing.

Driving in excess of the posted 35MPH limit is not only putting you in violation of the law but in imminent danger of a significant accident. Pennsylvania State Police are aware of the speeding problem and plan targeted enforcement along this section Currently this section is not on any

urgent radar with either Penndot or some of our elected officials outside the local area. Conditions are so bad in some places that emergency response vehicles must travel at significantly slower speed than normal just to maintain control and response is accordingly delayed. As Emergency Management Coordinator, I am concerned that we are at risk for a significant motor vehicle accident along this corridor. Therefore, I am asking in this issue --HELP ME, HELP YOUBelow you will find contact info for penndot and government officials. Am asking all of our residents and communities to write or contact these individuals and agencies to see if we can affect some change to the plans for rehabilitation

or temporary repairs to this dangerous section of a state road in our town.

When contacting PennDOT or your elected officials, please keep in mind the following:

P.O. Box 1509 Milford, PA 18337

• PennDOT - District 4-0 Headquarters Dennis Giordano District Executive P.O. Box 111 Scranton, PA 18501

17120-3020

• State Representative Rosemary Brown 164A East Wing P.O. Box 202189 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2189

• Be specific - PennDOT can’t fill potholes they can’t find.

• Barry Schoch P.E. Secretary of • Be concise - Nobody is Transportation going to read a 20 page letter Keystone Building 400 North Street • Reference the SR number Harrisburg, PA 17120 and not the road name.

In closing, I want to take the opportunity to wish all of our residents and their families a safe and happy summer and on behalf of all of the townships first responders our thanks for your continued support.

• Regular letters carry more weight than e-mail (But feel free to send both).

• Governor Thomas Wolff

Please remember to sign up for Code Red alerting and National Weather Service Warnings on your cell phones or tablets.

• State Senator Lisa Baker

Your family’s safety and well being in any emergency begins with your personal plan and awareness.

Camp Fires

spread rapidly when left unattended.

AGENCY OFFICIALS • PennDOT -

Pike County Office Ken Thiel Pike County Manager

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Governor’s Correspondence Office 508 Main Capitol Bldg.

Harrisburg, PA 17120 Senate Box 203020 Harrisburg, PA

Fire Safety Tips: Grilling At Home & Camp Fires Summer is here and everybody wants to be outdoors cooking, camping, and having a good time.

But that doesn’t mean safety stops. Here are a few tips to keep yourself and our community safe while enjoying the outdoors in Delaware Township.

Grill

Clean your grill. Remove any grease, and fat buildup from the grill. This should be done after each use. Keep the grill as clean as possible. Fats and grease are flammable and

could cause the flames to get out of control.

Use flame-retardant oven mitts

Never leave a grill unattended. There have been cases of houses burning down due to an unattended grill.

Keep the spare tank of gas away from the grill. Do not store this under the grill.

Never keep spare near or around heat. The pressure on the tank can build up Keep children and animals at causing the valve to open least 3 feet away at all times. and release gas.

While grilling wear clothes without long sleeves or anything that is hanging on clothing or aprons. You do not want flammable clothing getting too close to the flames.

Do not use gasoline to start a campfire. Gasoline is an extremely flammable substance. Not only is the liquid highly flammable, but the fumes are as well.

Build a campfire 20 feet away from any structure, low hanging trees or flammable material. This will help to prevent the fire from spreading out of control

Do not ever use a grill inside or in a garage. Carbon Monoxide is a toxic substance and builds up every time any Never leave a campfire fuel is burning. unattended. Even a small breeze can cause fire to

Keep water and a fire extinguisher near if possible. A little bit of water will go a long way.

When extinguishing a fire allow the wood to burn down and pour lots of water on it to safely put it out when possible. If water isn’t an option dirt or sand can be mixed into the ambers helping to put out the fire.

Let’s keep everybody safe and have a great summer!

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Park Prepares For Summer Visitors

Toll Free Numbers State Auditor General’s Tipline

1-800-922-8477

Cancer Hotline

1-800-422-6237

Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-932-0313

Consumer Protection Bureau

1-800-441-2555

DEP

1-800-541-2050

Elder Abuse Hotline

1-800-490-8505

Ethics Commission

1-800-932-0936

Health Line

1-800-724-3258

Inspector General

1-800-932-0935

Insurance

1-877-881-6388

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

Employees at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area have been busy cleaning up after multiple storms and getting facilities ready for a busy summer season. The 70,000acre national park unit is located in PA and NJ and is one of the top 25 mostvisited national park units in the country with 3.4 million visits recorded in 2017.

While most sites in the park is ready for the influx of summer visitors, several popular destinations will remain closed through 2018 due to damages from two back-to-back winter storms that hit the area in March.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the park’s website or call for updated information, maps, and directions before visiting.

• PA sites and trails that will NOT open this summer due to hazardous conditions include: Dingmans Falls Visitor Center and Trail, George W. Childs Park, Adams Creek Trail and drainage area, Toms Creek Trail, Hornbecks Creek/ Indian Ladders Trail.

• PA trails that are currently closed but are likely to re-open later in the season include: Cliff Park Trails, including Hackers Falls, Hidden Lake Trail, Two Ponds and Scenic Gorge trails at Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC), Conashaugh Trail.

• PA trails that are currently OPEN include: Appalachian Trail, Raymondskil Creek/ Falls Trail, Arrow Island Trail, Slateford Loop Trail, McDade Trail (except the section between Conashaugh and Pittman Orchard trailheads which is closed for resource protection), Tumbling Waters, Fossil, Sensory, and Ridgeline Trails and the Trail for Everyone at PEEC.

• All trails in NJ are OPEN except the following which remain closed due to hazardous conditions: Kaiser Trail, Van Campens Glen Trail These trails may re-open later this summer.

• Get Information in person, online, or by phone: Park HQ is open for summer hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily, including weekends, from May 25 to September 3.

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 8

LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

Kittatinny Point Visitor Center in NJ is open Friday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm from May 25 until September 3.

Visit the park website at www.nps.gov/dewa.

Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ DelWaterGapNPS. Call Park Headquarters at (570) 426-2452, daily, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Call Kittatinny Point Visitor Center, Friday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm at (908) 496-4458.

throughout the park except for picnic sites at George W. Childs Park and Van Campens Glen. Check the park website for group size limits and restrictions. Grills are not provided anywhere in the park and are only permitted at Milford Beach, Turtle Beach, Smithfield Beach, Toms Creek Picnic Area, Bushkill General Store Picnic Area, Watergate Recreation Site, Hialeah Picnic Area, and Namanock Recreation Site.

• Pitch a Tent: Valley View and Rivers Bend group campsites are open.

Call (570) 426-2432 for • Cool Off In or On the information on fees and to River: All beaches and boat/ make reservations. canoe launches are open Alosa River Campsites are for the season. A $10/car fee is charged 7 days a week; available to river users by reservation. Go to Alosa annual passes are available Campsites for $45.

Visit the park website for a list of businesses in the area that rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts and provide transportation or bring your own.

Dingmans Campground offers tent and RV sites.

For more information visit their website at Dingmans Campground.

Use the free River Runner shuttle to transport your own canoes, kayaks, and gear for a day on the river.

Visit www.gomcts.org/trip for schedules.

A complete list of campgrounds in the surrounding area is available on the park’s website.

a waterfall. Most other waterfalls will remain closed this summer due to storm damage. Check the park website for updates.

• Take a stroll back in time: Visit Millbrook Village, a re-created nineteenthcentury village where costumed rangers and volunteer guides provide tours and demonstrations of period crafts and trades.

Millbrook buildings are open on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm from May 26 to September 1. The grounds are open for self-guided tours daily during daylight hours. Admission is free.

Special events are held throughout the year.

• Tips for Travelers: Know before you go! Be aware of rules and regulations and check safety information for a fun and safe visit.

Plan ahead! Visit the park website or call a visitor center to find out what you can and can’t do, where you can go, what you need to bring, and what you should leave at home.

Have a Plan B and C in case the places you wish to visit are already full when you arrive. Many popular destinations are full by 10

am on weekends.

Use the Pocono Pony’s Hiker Shuttle to get back and forth between the Park and Ride lot in the town of Delaware Water Gap, PA and the Kittatinny Point/Appalachian Trail/ Dunnfield Creek Trails in NJ. The shuttle fee is $1 per person for a roundtrip fare. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes on summer weekends. Schedules are available at: www.gomcta. com/trip.

Travel on Tuesday… or Wednesday, or Thursday to beat the crowds. Weekends are busy.

• Watch Water Fall: Visit the tallest waterfalls in PA Always wear a properly-fitted and NJ! Raymondskill Falls in PA drops 165’ in three US Coast Guard-approved segments while Buttermilk lifejacket when on or near Falls on Mountain Road in the water.

NJ tumbles 75’ from side of • Go for a Ride…or a Drive: Kittatinny Ridge. Both have The McDade Trail in PA is stairs and an observation a great place to ride your area. The Tumbling Waters bike (and it’s the only trail Trail at PEEC is another in the park where bikes great place to check out are permitted). You can start and finish at the same place or do a one-way trip Delaware Township using the free River Runner shuttle to transport you and your bike on weekends.

Take a scenic drive and enjoy the views.

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Visit one of our partneroperated sites (check their websites for hours and program offerings): Mohican Outdoor Center, Pocono Environmental Education Center, Peters Valley School of Craft, Foster-Armstrong House and Nelden Roberts Stonehouse, Walpack Center and Van Campen Inn, Montague Grange.

• Pick a Place to Picnic: Picnic areas are open

LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

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PAGE 9

DIG DELAWARE A Workday At The Community Garden On Saturday, June 9, 2018, on one of their scheduled work days, a group of volunteers from the Smith-Harker Community Garden pulled weeds, clipped invasive vines and deadheaded perennials all in an effort to maintain the public areas of the garden.

Located on Wilson Hill Road, across from the Delaware Township Building, the beautiful perennial gardens are always open to the public. The plants flourishing this year include irises, phlox, lamb’s ears, lady’s mantle, day lilies, bee balm and catmint. Most of these plants are low maintenance and drought resistant, cultivated to attract bees, birds and butterflies.

Each of the volunteers also plants and maintains his own vegetable plot. For a small fee, the gardeners are assigned a plot for the growing season and plant produce of their choice. All soil amendments must be organic insuring a harvest of organic vegetables including garlic, onions, spinach, lettuce, zucchini, peppers, green beans and tomatoes.

Meeting at different times, gardeners will share growing tips, offer help when needed and even share produce when harvests are plentiful. A circular bed in the center of the garden contains rhubarb, parsley, oregano, mint and thyme for community garden participants.

The community garden has a few plots available for Delaware Township residents interested in participating.

Along with the satisfaction of enjoying your home grown vegetables, gardening provides the benefits of healthy, outdoor exercise in a beautiful, green setting.

For information on becoming a member, contact susanridyard@gmail.com.

Attention Gardeners:

HOURS:

M-F 9am-7pm Sat 9am-3pm

Grow Your Own Organic Vegetables This Summer!

LATE HOURS!

DAWN’S Tag & Title Service • Title Transfers

• Notary

• License Plates

• Taxes

• Registration

• Payroll

• Fax & Copy

• Bookkeeping

Lords Valley 123 Village Center Drive Phone: 570-224-1061 Fax: 866-488-9646

East Stroudsburg 5224 Milford Road Phone: 570-588-1313 Fax: 866-816-1096

Community Garden Plots Available Location: Smith-Harker Organic Community Garden on Wilson Hill Rd, Dingmans Ferry (across from the Delaware Township Building) Plot Size: 10 x 15 Ft. in upper garden- fenced in area Cost: $20 and eight hours of volunteer time to maintain the public garden areas.

Requirements – Only organic based materials allowed. No synthetic, petroleum base fertilizers, chemical herbicides or pesticides may be used.

Contact: Susanridyard@gmail.com or 239-571-2334

AUTHORIZED FED EX & UPS SHIPPER PAGE 10

LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

2018 Bulk Dump Disposal Days

Board of Supervisors Meetings Notice is hereby given

that the meetings for the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors for 2018 will be on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Wednesday of each month on the following dates: January 10th and 24th, February 14th and 28th, March 14th and 28th, April 11th and 25th, May 9th and 23rd, June 13th and 27th, July 11th and 25th, August 8th and 22nd, September 12th and 26th, October 10th and 24th, November 14th and 28th, December 12th and 26th.

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 6:00 p.m. and regular meetings at 7 p.m.

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.

EVENTS January 20, 2018

February 17, 2018 March 17, 2018

2018 Bulk Dump Disposal Dates

Ice Cream Social

The Delaware Township Bulk Disposal will be open the May 5, 2018 and May 19, 2018 first and third Saturday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during Spring, Summer and Fall. Bulk Junethe 2, 2018 and June 16, 2018 will only be available one Saturday per month during the winter months. July 7, 2018 and July 21, 2018

The Dingmans Ferry Historical Society invites you to our annual Ice Cream Social on Thursday, July 19th at 7 p.m. at the Delaware Township Building, 116 Wilson Hill Rd., Dingmans Ferry.

April 7, 2018 (Electronic Recycling Day) and April 21, 2018

August 4, 2018 and August 18, 2018 September 1, 2018 and September 15, 2018 October 6, 2018(Electronic Recycling Day) and October 20, 2018 November 3, 2018 and November 17, 2018 December 1, 2018

Featuring “Mr. Mysterio” Open to the public Free admission • Free Ice Cream • Bring a friend!

G:/4Bulk/BulkDisposalDays

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 2018 will be held quarterly, as needed, at 10:30am on the 3rd (third) Saturday of March, June, September and December 2018.

These meetings will be held at the Delaware Township Emergency Management Building, located at 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328.

Pocono Buddy Walk & Family Fun Day Please join us for our 9th Annual North PPODS and Friends Pocono Buddy Walk and Family Fun Day! Sunday, September 23rd 12:00-3:00 at Akenac Park, Dingmans Ferry PA. Register at: www.nepabuddywalk.com $15/Adult $10/Child Pre-register by September 10th to get a free T-shirt EDUCATE * ADVOCATE * CELEBRATE Down Syndrome Awareness For more information contact PPODSandFriends@yahoo.com www.ppodsnorth.org

LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

PAGE 11

PARKS & REC Ask Sensei……

By Sensei Albert Casale Q. (Port Jervis) Dear Sensei. My son just graduated college and will do his internship with a company that is in a bad neighborhood. My son has a little martial art training but he still feels insecure and wants to purchase a gun just in case, I don’t feel too good about his decision. What do you recommend he should do?

A. Thumbs down on the gun! The average citizen makes one terrible, frightening mistake when he buys a gun for self-defense. He sees the weapon as a talisman that magically wards off evil. In fact it is nothing of the kind. Even martial artists who carry weapons for self- defense frequently develop a feeling of invulnerability and begin to court danger in ways they never would have prior to the beginning their training. There are plenty of relatively safe and thoroughly legal venues to consider as well as being aware of caustic conditions and danger zones. He has to learn that being prepared and alert for trouble can stave off most attacks before they even begin. Of course he has to learn that you don’t go sauntering through a dark ally in a bad neighborhood after midnight leaving a nightclub.

Sensei Speaks… from his school of thought at the Mountain Dojo Martial Art Health, Wellness and Learning Center in Dingmans Ferry, PA. “Never judge what you don’t understand” For questions and comments 570-828-7386 mountaindojo@yahoo.com.

Mountain DOJO Champions Race Chandler and McKenna Curulli have worked hard with great performances proving they will always be winners. Master Casale is proud to have trained these students and is looking forward to their higher promotions at Mountain DoJo Martial Arts.

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LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

Akenac General Park Policies (adopted by the Board of Supervisors on August 9, 2017)

Park Seasonal Operational Hours Memorial Day through Labor Day 8:00am to 7:00pm Monday through Sunday.

Closed every Tuesday.

1. All individuals entering the Park are obligated to provide proof of residency of Pike County.

2. All Pike County residents shall enter the Park free of charge.

3. All Pennsylvania residents who reside outside of Pike County may enter the Park at a charge of $5.00 per person.

4. All out of State residents will be permitted to enter the Park at a charge of $20 per person.

5. All individuals within the park may rent a boat at a charge of $5 per hour per boat. Personal boats are prohibited.

6. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

7. No smoking and no vaping on premises.

8. No pets.

9. Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult.

10. No foul language.

11. No littering, dumping refuse or disposing of outside refuse.

12. No hunting.

13. No open fires. Charcoal and/or gas grills only.

14. No fireworks or explosives are permitted to be discharged or possessed in the park.

15. No solicitation or sale of goods without written approval.

16. Plant removal prohibited.

17. Harassment of wildlife is prohibited.

18. Unreserved park facilities are first come first serve. Reservations may be made with the Township.

19. Defacing and/or removal of park property is prohibited.

20. No operation of motor vehicles outside designated parking and entrance area.

21. Noise and/or music should be kept to an acceptable level and not disturb normal sensitivities of other visitors.

22. Harassment of other visitors or disorderly conduct is prohibited.

ALL INDIVIDUALS ENTERING THE PARK MUST CONSENT TO PROVIDING PROOF OF PIKE COUNTY RESIDENCY.

Akenac Park Survey The Township seeks to gather information on who uses Akenac Park, how often and for what purposes so the Board of Supervisors can appropriately plan for the future of the Park. The survey below can be taken online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B5JR2FP or you can submit a completed survey to the gate house at Akenac Park, Chris and Gina’s Café, Arnold’s or The Forklift Café. Thank you for your participation.

1. Are you a Delaware Twp. resident? __Y__N

If not, where from? ___________________________

2. Do you have children? __Y__N

Grandchildren? __Y__N

3. Number of children/grandchildren? _____

Age range of children/grandchildren ________________

4. Do you live in a community? __Y__N 5. How often do you come to Akenac Park? __Daily __Weekly __Occasionally __Rarely 6. What Akenac Park activities/events have you attended?

__Easter Egg Hunt

__Swimming

__Fund-raising for organizations

__Harvest Fest

__Fishing

__Private parties

__Trunk or Treat

__Playground

__Hiking

__Christmas at Akenac

__Movies

__PEEC activities

7. If you would be interested in volunteering for activities/events:

Name____________________________ Telephone_________________________

Email_____________________________________________________________

Akenac Park at Delaware Township is a family recreation facility. Please obey all posted rules and regulations posted at the park. Delaware Township Board of Supervisors reserve the right to review fees.

Off-Season Operational Hours September through November & April through May Hiking, fishing and playground available. Beach closed. No swimming. No grilling permitted. Park Closed December through March.

LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

PAGE 13

Firefighter Crisis: Townships Urge Governor, Lawmakers to Take Action The volunteer fire company is a long and cherished tradition in our commonwealth, dating back to 1736 when Ben Franklin founded the nation’s first all-volunteer force to fight blazes in Philadelphia.

For nearly three centuries, communities have relied on volunteer fire companies to

protect property and save lives. Today, this volunteer model is in jeopardy.

Across the state, local fire companies are struggling.

Volunteers are dwindling.

Costs are soaring. Training requirements have intensified. With donations and volunteers harder to

come by, the future of the local fire company, long intertwined in the fabric of a community, looks grim. Without real, viable solutions to address this volunteer shortage, many local stations may be forced to close their doors.

That means one thing: Pennsylvania is on the verge of a public safety crisis.

Time for action Recently, township officials from across the state passed a resolution at the 96th Annual Educational Conference of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) demanding that Gov. Tom Wolf call a special legislative session immediately to address the volunteer crisis facing local fire and emergency management services. Rep. Steve Barrar, chair of the state Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, has embraced this call for a special session.

PAGE 14

Recent initiatives to tackle the crisis, including the bipartisan Senate Resolution 6 Commission, which has been tasked with studying issues affecting first responders, are a good step but they’re not enough, said Shirl Barnhart, PSATS immediate past president and a member of the SR 6 Commission. He noted that the deadline for the commission’s report is November 30, which coincides with the end of the legislative session.

“Instead, local leaders are imploring the legislature to act now, before General Election Day, and give this crisis the attention it deserves,” Barnhart said.

“We’ve ‘talked the talk’ for long enough; it’s time to ‘walk the walk.’”

Consider these sobering facts: • Volunteers at fire companies across Pennsylvania have dropped from 300,000 strong in the 1960s and ’70s to below 50,000 today.

Volunteer fire companies help communities save money to the tune of $10 billion a year, the estimated cost of switching to a paid model for fire service.

• At least 75 percent of fire companies are struggling with manpower at a time when the state’s population is aging. The average age of a firefighter is 50-something, and people are busier today than they were decades ago.

• Communities would have to raise taxes almost $10 billion a year to switch to a paid model for fire service, according to the office of the state fire commissioner.

Gov. Tom Wolf recently declared the opioid abuse problem in Pennsylvania an emergency disaster.

Programs and funding have

LIVING DELAWARE | SUMMER 2018

been dedicated to ending this deadly epidemic.

“As local officials who are witnessing the lethal consequences of opioid addiction in our communities, the members of PSATS support this commitment,” Barnhart said. “However, we also believe we have been dealing with the volunteer fire and EMS crisis for far longer. It’s time that our hard-working fire companies and volunteers receive the same attention and recognition from Harrisburg.”

This call for action isn’t intended to distract from

the current opioid crisis.

Instead, it is related. First responders are on the front lines of the opioid battle every day. If communities expect emergency personnel to respond to overdose calls, they can’t afford to lose any more foot soldiers in this war.

Too important to lose Whether it’s helping at the scene of an overdose or putting out a house fire, volunteer fire and emergency responders keep the commonwealth’s communities safe. While local leaders are doing their

best to keep this volunteer model alive, Barnhart said, they need help from the leaders in Harrisburg.

PSATS and its members are urging the state legislature to immediately enact real and feasible solutions, such as allowing variable training standards for rural, suburban, and urban areas; granting a tax incentive for employers who permit employees to respond to calls while at work; and providing a fix for out-ofcontrol insurance rates at the State Workers Insurance Fund (SWIF).

Local leaders are imploring the legislature to act now, before General Election Day, and give this crisis the attention it deserves.

“We’ve ‘talked the talk’ for long enough; it’s time to ‘walk the walk.’”

If Pennsylvania doesn’t find real remedies soon, the day is not far away when someone calls 911 for help, and no fire company responds.

“We must make sure that never happens,” Barnhart said. “Our volunteer fire companies are simply too important to lose.”

Whether it’s putting out a house fire or helping at the scene of an overdose, volunteer fire and emergency responders keep the commonwealth’s communities safe. Yet, a lack of volunteers and increasing costs and training requirements are pushing many to the breaking point.

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PAGE 15