Living Delaware Township

FALL 2014

THE CORNERSTONE OF THE POCONOS

NOTICE: The Township Office will be closed on the following days:

Columbus Day: Oct. 13 • Election Day: Nov. 4 • Veteran’s Day: Nov. 11 • Thanksgiving: Nov. 27 & 28

The Greatest Show Above the Earth at Dingmans Ferry Our part of eastern North America is on a flyway along which vast numbers of birds migrate to and from North and Central as well as South America. The Delaware Valley acts as a corridor for the migration of both large and small flocks of various species. Spring is particularly colorful with the migration of warblers and other perching birds. Summer brings somewhat of a lull as nesting species retire to protective nest sites. However, August marks the beginning of the majestic fall migration of the diurnal birds of prey. “The Greatest Show Above The Earth: Migrating Raptors.” Proximal to Dingmans Ferry is the Kittatinny Shawangunk corridor along which are several vantage points to observe phenomenal hawk migrations. Winter brings the invasion of many northern birds, particularly finches and Bald Eagles.

Delaware Township is in the path of and proximal to the prominent north-southeastern flyway habituated by predatory birds, raptors.

The Kittatinny-Shawangunk Ridge and Corridor

Little Schuylkill and Susquehanna, as well as the water gaps through which they flow. There are also wind gaps, boulder fields and other outstanding landscape features.

which is a relatively unbroken ridge extends 250 miles across parts of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. It begins at Rosedale, NY at the northern end of the spectacular Shawangunk Ridge, crosses New Jersey in to Pennsylvania at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and continues in Pennsylvania almost to the Maryland border. Along its gently curving paths are spectacular geologic features including ice caves, famous rivers; the Delaware, Lehigh,

For three quarters of a century and more, ornithologists, hawk watchers, birders, (bird watchers), and nature lovers have observed, studied and photographed autumn hawk migrations. Hawk Mountain is the most famous of the hawk watch sites. Important sites proximal to Delaware Township include High Point State Park, Sunrise Mountain, and Raccoon Ridge. Somewhere between10,000 to 20,000 migrating raptors of 16 species are counted every autumn. Among them are Bald Eagles and rare Golden Eagles.

In addition to being a migration flight line, the Kittatinny-Shawangunk Ridge and Corridor provides vital stopover habitats for migrating raptors and neotropical songbirds on their arduous migration. These stopover habitats (Continued on Page 11)

IN THIS ISSUE DAILY LIVING

MEETINGS & EVENTS

LEGISLATURE

A Busy Time at Delaware Cemetery

2

Open Letter - Litter Concerns

3

Common Sense for a Healthier Lifestyle

5

Help Us Find You

6

Harvest Fest Sponsor Registration Form

7

Identity Theft Soars - Learn How to Protect Yourself E-Z Pass Phishing

DAILY LIVING

Legislative Update

10

PARKS & REC Park & Visitors Bureau Wins Award

16

Please Don’t Feed the Bears

17

Fireworks Frequently Asked Questions

18

Recreation in Delaware Township

19

Delaware Twp. Ambulance Corp Meetings

6

Trunk or Treat & Haunted House

8

Harvest Fest

8

Fall Clean Out

9

Board of Supervisors Meetings

9

Planning Commission Meetings

9

14

Community Events Board Meetings

9

15

Board of Auditors Meetings

9

Back to School Keep Kids Safe — Page 4

DIG DELAWARE

EVENTS

Planting for Fall Color — Page 12

Come Join the Legion Family at Post 851 — Page 9

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DelawareTownship

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

DAILY LIVING

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 – 9:30 am Sewage Officer: Tuesdays Only 8:00 am – 10:00 am Zoning Officer: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Office: Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

It has been a busy time for the cemetery.

No, not that way…

In honor of the Pike County 200th Anniversary, the Delaware Cemetery Association Board of Managers has put up some new signs. Down on Route 209 is a new sign; there is now a sign on Route 739 indicating where to turn into the cemetery Main Entrance; a new sign when you enter the cemetery off Route 739; and a new sign at the top of the path down to our Olde Poor Lot. We are very proud to be part of Pike County’s 200 years, and will work to keep Delaware Cemetery neat and presentable for another 200 years.

We have been hard at work putting together a website. The website address is www.delawarecemeterypa.com . Take a look! It is still a work-in-progress; with more history to add, and a Search capability still being developed. In addition, announcements and information will be placed on the website as needed for plot-owners and for people looking for Delaware Cemetery information. We are most grateful to Branden Babcock and Victor Carlos Cornejo, students at Sussex Community College, and their Professors Robert Reeber and Craig Mackey, who have created this website as an intern project. The summer greenery is still bright as this is being written, but the fall color season will soon highlight the beauty of our Delaware Cemetery.

Road Department: Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 3:30 pm Akenac Park: Monday, Wednesday thru Sunday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm CLOSED TUESDAY After Labor Day - No Swimming Permitted

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: MEETINGS 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 6 pm at the Township Municipal Building WORKSHOPS 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 5pm at the Township Municipal Building

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LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

Open Letter - Litter Concerns Hello Neighbors: I am writing this letter as a concerned citizen of Delaware Twp. in Pike County Pennsylvania. I am a full time resident and tax payer of this little wonderful area that we reside in. I am taking the time to write to express my concern with the abundance of litter that has slowly plagued our area, becoming progressively worse in the last few years.

e BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Thomas M. Ryan Chair | Township Treasurer dtbos@ptd.net Robert Luciano Supervisor dtbos@ptd.net

Take a stroll out of your driveway and see if you can drive, walk, ride a bike a ¼ mile without viewing litter on the side of the road. Some roads are in much worse shape than others as the litter has gone from some litter to litter everywhere, rather quickly.

Jeffrey Scheetz Vice-Chair | Supervisor dtbos@ptd.net

The litter is coming from all different sources, residential homes that don’t pick up in front of their property, waste disposal companies with their new fancy trucks, where they grab, dump what they can and drop the can somewhere in the near vicinity from where they stood. Sometimes spilling out what remained in the can on to the roadway. Some of the litter is coming from nonresidents or part timers who would rather dump their garbage on our roads than either take it out with them or pay for proper waste disposal. Look at the recent surge in illegal dumping at local business dumpster’s, where it has forced business owners to install cameras just to protect the dumpsters from being abused. It’s coming from the back of open bed pick up trucks, where coffee cups and fast food bags are thrown into the back in hope that it will follow the driver to their next destination, but usually blows out onto the roadway. Some of it is coming from individuals that just do not CARE and would rather throw it out the window then wait to get to a garbage can. There’s a garbage can at every gas station for free, and fast food establishment, if you buy something.

e MANAGEMENT

The litter is just not unsightly, but it spilling into our creeks, lakes, water sources and is environmentally hazardous and it needs to stop. It’s absorbing our tax dollars since we’re left to clean up the mess when the litterers have left their garbage for us to clean up. There are littering signs with fines posted, but who is enforcing it, no one. I implore the concerned residents of this County and Township, to make a stand. If you see something, say something. If you notice the recycling/ garbage trucks leave garbage or litter behind, get the truck number and report it to the Township and also complain to the waste management company. If you see someone litter from a vehicle, get their license plate and report it to your local Township and State Police or Sherriff. If a resident is leaving garbage in front of their residence that has spilled into the street, call the Township and report it.

Luis Barrios Superintendent of Parks & Grounds LuisB@delawaretownshippa.gov Charlie Kroener Road Master ckroener@delawaretownshippa.gov

e OFFICE STAFF Sharon Franks Administrative Assistant | Permits SharonF@delawaretownshippa.gov Catherine Bram Clerical Secretary/Project Coordinator Cbram@delawaretownshippa.gov Robin Jones Admin / HR Assistant rjones@delawaretownshippa.gov

e ROAD DEPARTMENT Michael Kolenet dtbos@ptd.net Richard Heimbrook dtbos@ptd.net

Look folks, we can continue down this path and it will continue to just get worse or we can as a community at the very least try to correct it. Delaware Township has three road personnel to handle all the road issues and projects that arise. The resources and budget are just not there to handle the volume of road litter that is quickly overrunning our beautiful area.

e BOARDS & CHAIRPERSONS

In closing, I would like to start a community volunteer day or days where we come together and at the very least start the process of picking up some of the litter and work together, brain storm ideas on how we can change the tide.

e ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

All the Best, G. Narducci

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

Krista N. Predmore Township Administrator kpredmore@delawaretownshippa.gov

Community Events Board Mike Bukaj mikebukajgopgov@yahoo.com Planning Commission John Naturale eileen44@ptd.net Zoning Hearing Board Max Brinson maxbrinson@yahoo.com

Building Inspector BIU Call: 866-344-9681 Zoning Officer Rick Koehler rkoehler@delawaretownshippa.gov Sewage Officer David Manter Cell: 570-350-9171

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BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS TO KEEP KIDS SAFE Taken from the Pike County Dispatch August 21, 2014 Kids around the country are getting ready to go back to school and their safety is always top priority for parents. Back to School is the perfect time for AlertID and the National Crime Prevention Council (home to McGruff the Crime Dog®) to share an important new app and 7 simple tips to get the school year off to a great and safe start.

neighborhood watch where members can share photos and information regarding suspicious activity with neighbors, police and even Homeland Security.

AlertID has partnered with the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) to create the McGruff Mobile App. AlertID is the free national online and mobile service, which helps to reduce crime while providing a safe way for people to receive and share trusted public safety alerts and information. Download the McGruff Mobile smartphone app (powered by AlertID) and enroll for a free membership. Once enrolled, members are able to view an interactive map displaying crimes and sex offenders in their neighborhoods. They will be able to receive alerts and information via email or mobile device for multiple locations such as their homes, schools, offices, or current locations.

• Map out a safe way to walk to school or to

After signing up, members then have the ability to receive law enforcement emergency alerts, crime and sex offender alerts, prevention tips, and much more. It also includes a virtual

In addition to downloading McGruff Mobile so that parents can be aware of dangers in their neighborhoods, please review these seven simple tips to keep kids safe for Back to School:

the bus stop. Avoid crossing busy roads and intersections, if possible. Do a trial run with your kids so that you can discuss areas to avoid along the way, such as vacant lots, construction areas, and parks where there aren’t many people. Encourage kids to walk to school or the bus stop with a sibling or friend, and wait at bus stops with other children.

• Snap a photo of your child and enter upto-date descriptions into the My Family Wallet™ (located within McGruff Mobile).

If the child goes missing, members may access the information on their smartphones and send it quickly to law enforcement when every moment counts.

• Ask about the safety and emergency plans for your children’s school. How is local law

enforcement involved? How are students and parents involved? What emergencies have been considered and planned for?

• Create a group on AlertID with your school administrator to share emergency information with staff, parents and others via email and push notification.

• Talk to your children about their day. Ask your children if they see anyone bullied, if they are bullied, or if anything else makes them feel uncomfortable. Look for warning signs of bullying, such as a sudden drop in grades, loss of friends, or torn clothing.

• If you see something that is suspicious in your neighborhood, report it to local law enforcement and post information and updates to your neighbors on AlertID to help reduce crime.

• Teach children to resolve problems without

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fighting. Talk to them about other ways they can work out a problem, such as talking it out, walking away, sticking with friends, or telling a trusted adult.

63 • 2014

New Homes Additions Renovations HIC 006369

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• Keep an eye on your children’s Internet use. Talk to your children about what they do online - what sites they visit, who they email, and who they chat with. Encourage them to speak up if something makes them uncomfortable, or if they witness forms of cyberbullying, such as threats or harassment.

The McGruff Mobile app is available for download on ITunes or the Android market.

To sign up for a free AlertID account please go to www.AlertID.com.

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

Common Sense For A Healthier Lifestyle

By Sensei Albert Casale I am amazed by the numbers of people who still think that medicine would offer everything they wanted to be and stay healthy, and by the number of people who tell me they don’t have the time to exercise, or eat healthy meals, or get a good nights sleep. Well the truth is, if you don’t “make” the time to be healthy, your not likely to be around as long as your kids and grand children would like.

Starting a plan to for getting healthy and to live the best life possible for as long as possible can be achieved with some simple common sense.

Here are some tips to help start a healthier lifestyle.

• Find your purpose, your purpose will fuel

(always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program).

• Revitalize your diet. The symptoms of our modern society, such as overweight, constipation, circulatory disturbances, and heart problems, are caused for the most part by poor nutrition and eating too many calories.

• Smoking. The health dangers of smoking are so well known—there is no need to recite them here. There is no argument that smoking is very destructive to your health and beauty, the only solution is to consider smoking an absolute NO-NO

• Alcohol shouldn’t be used as thirst-

quencher. But if you sip it slowly, savoring each sip, to prolong relaxation after work or a pint of beer to refresh after an afternoon on the golf course can be an acceptable pleasure. When excessive drinking occurs your looks will tell everyone else and can cause your organs not to function properly.

Olympic Champion Master Al Casale will start his excellent classes for kids. Tuesday, September 9th at 6pm at the Mountain Dojo Martial Art Learning Center and School of Champions in Dingmans Ferry. The training includes martial art confidence, health, fitness and get better grades in school. To preregister or for information call 570 828 7386.

Email mastercasale@mountaindojo.com

your performance, define clearly what you want in life.

• Manage your stress. Stress can be good or bad…Good stress can help you make structural decisions. Bad stress can lower your immunity and make us susceptible to illness. You can train your body to respond more positively to stress. Like deep breathing and meditation.

• Get your body in motion. In cultures where people live long and healthy lives, rigorous physical activity is the norm.

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

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Delaware Township Ambulance Corp.

Monthly Meetings: General Membership meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month.

Board of Director’s Meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month.

PAGE 6

As Always, We Appreciate Your Support

HE LP US FIND YOU Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps is now taking orders for reflective house signs.

The signs will enable emergency responders to locate your premises even faster in an emergency. The numbers are installed on a metal backing plate with reflective house numbers. You may purchase your sign with or without a metal post. The cost of the signs is listed below.

Remember…We can’t help you if we can’t find you! $15.00 double-sided sign $20.00 double-sided with pole Signs can be picked up at our Ambulance Building on Park Road when completed.

To order, or for more information, please call 828-2340, or mail your order to Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps, (Attention: Sign Dept.) PO Box 186, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328.

____________________________________ NAME ____________________________________ PHONE ____________________________________ HOUSE # ____________________________________ # of SIGNS WITHOUT POST ____________________________________ # of SIGNS WITH POST

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

Delaware Township Presents

TRUNK-OR-TREAT and Haunted House

EVENTS Making Delaware Township Fun – One Event At A Time!

Trunk Sponsors Needed:

I would like to thank the members of the Delaware Township Events Committee for all their help in putting together a year of great events for the community. From the Valentine’s Square Dance that benefited our local food pantry and the Easter Egg Hunt to Free Movie Nights and Concerts at Akenac Park, we have had a fun filled and busy season! But let’s not forget the upcoming Harvest Fest and Trunk or Treat, both were a huge success last year and we are working to expand the fun this year! Coordinating these events take a team effort, donations from local business and community members and of course the support of our Delaware Township Supervisors. We enjoy helping our community through bringing family friendly fun to Delaware Township Residents. A big shout out and thanks to all of you who come out and enjoy the events we pull together!

See you at the event!

Mike Bukaj,

Delaware Township Events Committee Chairman

Prizes for best decorated trunks!

Delaware Township’s

Akenac Park Saturday, Oct. 25th 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

(Rain date: Sunday, October 26th)

Community Organizations and Residents Encouraged to Decorate their Trunk and Hand Out Candy. Great for your Business and Lots of Fun too!!!

Costume Contest Ghosts, Goblins, Princess’ and Super Hero’s welcome!

If you would like to sponsor a trunk or bring a trunk full of candy, please plan for approx 1000 trunk or treaters and contact Mike Bukaj at 570-832-1090 to register.

To register call Mike Bukaj 570-832-1090

“A Dickens Christmas at Akenac Park”

HARVEST FEST Akenac Park Route 739, Dingmans Ferry

Saturday, September 27, 2014 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Rain Date: Sunday, September 28th Crafters - Vendors – Hay Rides Pumpkin Pick’in - Food – More!

See Registration Sign-Up Sheet on Page 7

Vendor spaces are free but limited. If you would like to reserve a space contact Mike Bukaj at 570-832-1090.

Akenac Park will be hosting a Dickens’ Christmas Event on Dec. 12th and 13th. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday the 12th.

In honor of Charles Dickens, there will be a reading of “A Christmas Carol” for the children.

A special guest appearance from Scrooge himself will take place during the reading. In order to make this a successful holiday event, we need as many volunteers as we can get. Volunteers for the Dickens’ Christmas Event will help with: · Tree lighting and caroling · Horse and wagon rides · Holiday stories for the children · Pictures with Santa Clause · Children’s holiday gift shop · Roast chestnuts, treats and refreshments · Tree decorating and gingerbread house contests Attendees are encouraged to dress according to the 1820s - Charles Dickens era.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or want to know more about the Dickens’ Christmas Event, please call the Delaware Township at 570-828-2347.

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

PAGE 7

Come Come Join Join the the Legion Legion Family Family at at Post Post 851 851

Annual Harvest Fest

Sponsor Registration – Sign Up Form

Join the Post, the Sons of the Legion or Join Join the the Post, Post, the the Sons Sons of of the the Legion Legion or or the Ladies Auxiliary.

Please call for more the Ladies Auxiliary.

Please call the Ladies Auxiliary. Please call for for more more information and an application. information information and and an an application. application.

All ALL yOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST ALLyou YOUcan CANeat EATbreakfast BREAKFAST

Saturday, September 27, 2014

3rd Saturday of Every Month, 8am to 11am 3rd 3rd Saturday Saturday of of Every Every Month, Month, 8am 8am to to 11am 11am Includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, juice, Includes Includes pancakes, pancakes, eggs, eggs, sausage, sausage, bacon, bacon, juice, juice, coffee, and much more! coffee, and much more! coffee, and much more!

11:00 am – 3:00 pm Akenac Park – Route 739 - Dingmans Ferry

BINGO BINGO BINGO

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC OPEN OPEN TO TO THE THE PUBLIC PUBLIC Wednesdays-Doors open at 10am Wednesdays-Doors Wednesdays-Doors open open at at 10am 10am calling starts at 12pm calling starts at 12pm calling starts at 12pm 50/50 Games-Fishbowl-Pull Tabs50/50 50/50 Games-Fishbowl-Pull Games-Fishbowl-Pull TabsTabsLate Bird Games Late Late Bird Bird Games Games Progressive & Regular Jackpot Progressive Progressive & & Regular Regular Jackpot Jackpot Progressive Starts at $200/50 Balls Progressive Starts at $200/50 Progressive Starts at $200/50 Balls Balls $25 and 11 Ball Added Weekly $25 and Ball Added Weekly $25 and 1 Ball Added Weekly

(Rain Date: Sunday, September 28th) Please return this form and enclose your sponsorship/donation check : o

Bronze Level $25

o

Silver Level

$50

o

Gold Level

$100

o

Other

Hall HALL RENTALS HALLRentals RENTALS

For information call Dan Locke at For For information information call call Dan Dan Locke Locke at at 570-828-7812 570-828-7812 570-828-7812 American Legion Post 851 American American Legion Legion Post Post 851 851 107 Ball Park Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 107 Ball Park Road, Dingmans 107 Ball Park Road, Dingmans Ferry, Ferry, PA PA

Sponsor Name:____________________________________________________________________ Payable to: Delaware Township For additional information, please call Mike Bukaj: 570-832-1090 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vendor Booth Registration (FREE) – NO early breakdowns, Please!

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ Vendor Type: ______________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ___________________________________________________________________

Dingmans Dingmans Ferry Ferry Lions Lions Club Club Vision Vision Care Care Help Help

E-Mail: ___________________________________________________________________________

Making Delaware Township Fun, One Event At A Time!

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

If If you or member of your If you you or or aaa member member of of your your immediate family qualify, immediate family qualify, the Lions immediate family qualify, the the Lions Lions Club is prepared to help.

To learn Club Club is is prepared prepared to to help. help. To To learn learn more, simply contact Robin Jones more, at more, simply simply contact contact Robin Robin Jones Jones at at 570-828-2347.

570-828-2347.

570-828-2347.

PAGE 8 PAGE PAGE 88

LIVING LIVING DELAWARE FALL 2014 LIVING DELAWARE DELAWARE ||| FALL FALL 2014 2014

Fall Clean Out Time to do your Fall cleaning. Come to the Township building and get your resident bulk sticker to rid of your bulk items. Just fill out an application and bring proof of residency. Bulk days are held every 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, from 8am to 4 pm. Located at 145 Wilson Hill Rd (behind ball field #4) ITEMS FOR DISPOSAL: Steel, Aluminum, Propane Tanks, Washers, Dryers, Heaters, Batteries, Tires, Sofas, Chairs, Etc‌. We also provide an area to dispose of branches, leaves and other mulch products.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT Items that contain FREON such as motor vehicle air conditioners, household refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioners, water coolers, vending machines, icemakers, and dehumidifiers.

As of January 24, 2013, THE TOWNSHIP CANNOT ACCEPT ELECTRONIC DEVICES such as desktop and laptop computers, monitors and peripherals including printers, keyboards and mouses, and tablets like iPads and Kindles, as well as televisions with viewable screens larger than four inches. The devices contain potentially hazardous heavy metals that make landfilling undesirable and potentially dangerous to the environment.

Electronic Recycling Day Will Be: October 11, 2014, from 8am-1pm at the Delaware Township Municipal Building. $10 per car load.

Board of Supervisors Meetings (Meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month)

Workshops begins at 5:00pm Regular meetings begin at 6:00pm Wednesday, September 10, 2014 Wednesday, September 24, 2014 Wednesday, October 8, 2014 Wednesday, October 22, 2014 Wednesday, November 12, 2014

TIRES: WITHOUT RIMS Car $3.00 each Lt. Truck $4.00 each Lg. Truck $10.00 each

COST: Auto Trunk Load $10.00 Mini Van/SUV $25.00 Small Pick Up Truck $50.00 Pick Up Truck $75.00 Appliances: $10.00 each

TIRES: WITH RIMS Car $4.50 each Lt. Truck $5.00 each Lg. Truck $11.00 each

Wednesday, November 19, 2014 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building. Workshops are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. AS NEEDED.

COMMUNITY EVENTS BOARD MEETINGS: (formally known as the Recreation Board) 1st Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Emergency Management Building on Wilson Hill Road.

BOARD OF AUDITOR MEETINGS: 3rd Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Emergency Management Building on Wilson Hill Road.

Support Your Local Advertisers SHOP LOCAL LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

PAGE 9

LEGISLATURE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Low-Cost Vehicle Registrations for Retirees Retired Pennsylvanians receiving Social Security or other pension funds whose incomes are under $19,200 annual may register one passenger car or non-commercial light truck at a reduced rate. Instead of the regular $36 fee for a passenger vehicle or truck, retired Pennsylvanians pay just a $10 processing fee. The discount does not apply to title fees, transfer fees or sales tax.

Fast Notifications for Parents The House recently passed legislation to help keep our schools safe and prevent violent incidents. House Bill 1801 would require the development of hotlines and Internet notification systems for students, parents, teachers, school employees and community members to report potential or actual violence or possession of weapons on school property.

This bill has been sent to the Senate for its consideration.

Do you Have Unclaimed Property?

Did you know millions of dollars in unclaimed property comes into the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property each year? The most common types of

PAGE 10

unclaimed property are dormant bank account, stocks and dividends, uncashed payroll checks, uncollected utility deposits, unredeemed gift certificates and items in safe deposit boxes.

Check the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property for any financial asset that has been left inactive for a period of about five years. Call the Bureau of Unclaimed Property toll-free at 1-800-222-2046 for additional information or visit www.patreasury. gov. Please call my district office if you need assistance with this process.

PA 529: College Savings Plan The Pennsylvania Department of Treasury wants to help families start saving for college by offering free online enrollment in the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan – a $50 savings.

The offer is valid through Sept. 30. To take advantage of this promotion, use the code “SAVE2DAY” when prompted during the enrollment process.

Families will also have a chance to win one of five $529 college savings accounts by registering at www.PA529.com by Sept. 30. Pennsylvania’s 529 College Savings Programs allow taxpayers to save for college tax free along with a number of other financial incentives. Those incentives vary depending on the type of 529 plan selected.

Veteran’s EXPO Mark your calendars, Representative Rosemary Brown will host a Veteran’s Expo on Saturday, November 1, 2014 from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at Middle Smithfield Elemetary School, 5180 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg.

Safety In Youth Sports With the fall sports season getting underway, students, parents and coaches should be aware of two recent state laws aimed at protecting student athletes.

Act 59 of 2012 raises awareness about the dangers of sudden cardiac arrest by requiring coaches and parents to complete an online training program to learn how to identify symptoms.

Under the law, student athletes must be removed from practices or games if they display symptoms, and they cannot return to play until cleared to do so by a medical professional.

Similarly, Act 101 of 2011 requires the removal from play of a student athlete who shows symptoms of a concussion, such as confusion, headache, nausea, blurred vision or memory loss. Parents and their student athletes are required to sign a concussion awareness sheet annually before the student is allowed to participate in a sport, and coaches of those sports must complete a concussion certification course each year.

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

Additional information about both laws, and access to the online training course related to sudden cardiac arrest, are available through the Department of Health website. www.portal.state.pa.us

Mentored Adult Hunting Program The Mentored Adult Hunting Program authorized by the General Assembly last year is now available for the first time this hunting season. The program allows adults 18 years of age or older, who have never hunted before, to participate and learn about hunting through the experience of a licensed hunter mentor. Adults who wish to participate in the program must obtain a permit from the Pennsylvania Game Commission at a cost $20.70 for residents and $101.70 for non-residents. Permits are available through issuing agents and online at the commission’s “Outdoor Shop.”

To be eligible, the applicant may not hold or have held a hunting or furtaking license, or a mentored youth hunting permit, in Pennsylvania or any other state or nation. A person may participate as a mentored hunter in no more than three licensing years.

The program is fashioned after the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, which is available for children under age 12. Both are designed to expose more people to the sport of hunting.

Click the link below for more information about both programs.

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

The Greatest Show Above the Earth at Dingmans Ferry Continued from Page 1 such as those in Delaware Township are the avian version of rest stops along the highways.

They are vital to the birds’ survival during one of the more stressful and dangerous periods in their lives.

264 Bird species have been identified near us within the National Recreation Area, the Pocono escarpment and state lands of northwestern New Jersey and the Appalachian Trail, including ridges of the Kittatinny Mountains. To receive a free checklist of these 264 birds send a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) to: Brandwein Institute, P.O. BOX 873, Milford, PA 18337.

PAGE 11

DIG DELAWARE Planting for Fall Color

By Carol Padalino Gardens during spring and summer are usually very colorful. It takes more planning to keep a garden looking great through late summer into the fall. Overlooked are perennials that flower, fruit, or have colorful foliage in the fall. By carefully selecting and using perennials that add color during late summer and fall, gardens can be freshened up without actually adding additional plant material. Here are some plants that will provide flower and/or foliage color interest.

Asters and hardy mums are the two most traditional perennials for fall flower color.

Hardy mums come in yellow, bronze, red, white, orange and burgundy and are hardy in zones 5-9. Asters are available in white, pink and lavender. They are available either in compact or taller forms and are hardy in zones 4-8. There are also fall-blooming Sedums which are heat and drought tolerant. The color range is white, pink, red, burgundy and lavender.

Generally

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hardy in zones 4-9, one particular favorite of butterflies is Autumn Joy sedum. Heuchera, Coral Bells are primarily grown for their foliage.

The Heuchera foliage colors deepen as the temperatures cool.

Other perennials with beautiful fall foliage are the Hostas. Usually a staple for the shade garden, many varieties of Hostas turn lovely shades of gold before frost and can look great alongside other fall interest plants in the shade garden. The Bloody Geranium, Geranium sanguinem, named for the glowing red colors the foliage develops in the fall, has flowers of

pink, purple and white throughout spring and summer. A number of different ferns turn shades of red, orange and gold. These include the sensitive fern, ostrich fern and royal fern.

Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, a favorite of the landscape grasses, turns an outstanding red fall color. Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana, is a tough perennial that has attractive blue flowers and golden fall foliage. It is also drought tolerant. Peonies can offer wonderful golden shades of color to the garden especially during years with good growing conditions.

Spring is not the only time of year for brilliant garden color. Fall is one of the best seasons in which to let your garden shine. With this large selection of perennials, your plants can change color as the weather cools adding spice to your fall garden.

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

List and Sell your home with us!

BUYERS! We have the largest inventory of homes in the Poconos.

Sellers

Buyers

• Weekend listing appointments are always available • Nobody sells more homes than we do • We’ll get you the highest price in the shortest amount of time • We advertise everyday, everywhere and especially online with the biggest and best home selling Internet sites • Ask about our global home warranties

• We offer our Independent Family of Home buying Services – One Stop Shopping when you purchase your home through Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Wilkins and Associates • We can show you any home listed in the MLS • Open seven days a week Bringing families home to the Poconos since 1988

www.wilkins1.com | www.facebook.com/BHGWilkins | find us on linkedin.com

Weekend and evening appointments always available.

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

570.421.8950 STROUDSBURG OFFICE

570.588.3440 BUSHKILL OFFICE

570.839.4174 MT. POCONO OFFICE

570.296.6946 MILFORD OFFICE

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Identity Theft Soars Don’t Become a Statistic — Learn How to Protect Yourself Identity theft, which occurs when someone uses your personal information to steal your hard-earned money and ruin your credit, is one of the nation’s fastest growing crimes.

In recent years, Pennsylvania ranked No. 14 among the states with the highest rates of such thefts, which strike more than 15 million people a year, many of whom reported the fraudulent use of their credit cards and bank accounts. As a result, victims, ranging from the elderly to tourists and children, lost an estimated $24.7 billion in 2013.

As a public service and to keep you and your family members from becoming a statistic, our township is sharing the following checklist from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

We urge you to take these seven steps to protect your identity and your assets: • Shred all sensitive documents, including bank statements, credit card bills, receipts, utility bills, ATM receipts, and pre-approved credit offers.

One of the most common methods of identity theft is “dumpster diving,” where a thief will root through trash bins in search of vital information.

Identity theft is no small crime. In fact, it strikes more than 15 million people a year. You can protect your- self, however, by guarding vital

information, including your birth date and Social Security number.

• Use unique passwords that only you know.

Ideally, all passwords should be a mini- mum of eight characters and include at least one symbol that is not a number or letter, such as an ampersand (&) or percent symbol (%). Never use the same password for all of your accounts and be sure to change your passwords every month. Avoid re-using old passwords or using birthdates, friends’ names, maiden names, or easily guessed words, such as “God,” “password,” “administrator,” etc. Most important, never use your Social Security number as a password.

• Never write down your passwords. Try to memorize all passwords so that the information is not susceptible to theft. Keep in mind, if you forget your password, procedures are often in place at banks and other places to reset or remind you of your password. While these procedures may be involved and time- consuming, they are better than risking your financial security.

• Be wary of providing your Social Security, account, and credit card numbers, passwords, and user IDs. Be suspicious of any communication that asks for this information or directs you to a website or toll-free number where you are asked to enter it. If the communication pertains to an existing account or a government program that you are enrolled in, the person or entity there should already have this information. When in doubt, hang up the phone or delete the email and consult your local Blue Pages, the back of your credit card, or a previous financial statement for a trusted contact number. If the communication was legitimate, the entity or agency will be aware of it and direct you to the appropriate personnel.

When approached about participating in a new account or program, do not hesitate to check up on the person or company soliciting you before supplying sensitive information. Another option: Simply ask the entity to accept a substitute for your Social Security number. While many companies use Social Security numbers to identify accounts, they are often willing to substitute another number for this purpose.

• Secure your mail. Never leave mail unchecked for long periods. In addition to dumpster diving, identity thieves often attempt to pilfer sensitive documents from full mail- boxes.

They know that the longer a mailbox is left unchecked, the more likely it is to contain this information. If you are going away, call the Postal Service toll-free, (800) 275-8777, and ask it to hold your mail. Likewise, if an expected bill doesn’t arrive, immediately contact your credit or service provider because an identity thief may have diverted your mail to another address.

Opt out of junk mail by contacting the sender

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and asking to be removed from their mailing list; calling 888-5-OPT-OUT (888-567-8688) to be removed from mailing lists for free credit card offers; or contacting the Direct Marketing Association to request the removal of your name from their mailing lists.

When sending mail, do not leave it in an unsecured mailbox.

Instead, drop your outgoing letters in a blue Postal Service mailbox or take it into the local post office.

In addition, never put identifying information, such as account numbers, on the outside of your mail.

Never leave mail unchecked for long periods.

In addition to dumpster diving, identity thieves often attempt to pilfer sensitive documents from full mailboxes.

They know that the longer a mailbox is left unchecked, the more likely it is to contain this information.

• Use extreme caution when surfing the Internet. Only provide personal information to secured sites that use encryption technology because it is all too easy for identity thieves to use the Internet to intercept key details. By using secured sites — denoted by an “https” URL in your web browser’s address bar or a small yellow padlock in the browser’s lower right corner — you can ensure that no one else can view your data transfer. Data encryption further scrambles the information so that if there are eavesdroppers, they only see meaningless random characters. In addition to using secure sites, make sure you have upto-date virus protection on your computer to protect against malicious programs, such as Trojan Horses, that can record your key- strokes, websites visited, and personal information saved on your computer. Even if you have adequate virus protection, you should avoid storing personal information on your computer. Also, by using disposable email accounts for each Internet transaction, you enhance your security and can avoid spam emails.

• Check your credit report today. Often, identity theft victims aren’t aware of the theft until it is too late and their credit rating has been seriously damaged. However, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report every 12 months. Take advantage of this to be absolutely certain that your credit information is accurate. Free reports are available from the following credit reporting bureaus: Trans Union, (800) 680-7289)/www.transunion.com; Equifax, (888) 766-0008/www.equifax.com; and Experian, (888) 397-3742/www.experian.com.

One thing to keep in mind about identity theft: Some people have spent years trying to clear their name with creditors. However, with a dose of care and caution, you can avoid a similar headache.

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

E-Z Pass Phishing Beware of E-ZPass Phishing: Recently a number of residents received suspicious emails, like the one displayed below, claiming to be from the E-ZPass Service Center. These notices ARE NOT from E-ZPass but rather are a phishing scam aimed at stealing your personal information.

If you have any questions about the validity of any message received from E-ZPass, please contact the E-ZPass Customer Service Center at 877.736.6727 for guidance. It is also recommended that you file a complaint with the CyberCrimes Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation here: www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

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PARKS & REC Park and Visitors Bureau Win 2014 American Recreation Coalition Beacon Award Superintendent John J. Donahue announced today that Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) have been selected as winners of the 2014 American Recreation Coalition’s Beacon Award for the National Park Service (NPS).

The Beacon Award recognizes outstanding success in harnessing the power of technology to improve public experiences and federal recreation program management.

This past fall, the NPS partnered with PMVB on a social media initiative called #TakeOnPocono.

The partners implemented a strategy beginning in 2013 to let pictures “do the talking” about the region’s offerings. The campaign encouraged photographers and smartphone camera users to take pictures of scenic areas within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and other areas in the Pocono Mountains, and then tag their pictures on Instagram with the hashtag #TakeOnPocono.

Tagged photos were featured on the PMVB website and contributors were eligible to win weekly prizes and a grand prize getaway to a local Pocono Mountain resort. Information about the program was shared through park

Visit

www.delawaretownshippa.gov to sign up for

Nixle Emergency Alerts

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and partner websites, Facebook, and with signs at scenic vistas. The photos uploaded have included professional-level shots and created a new channel for sharing the park’s diversity and beauty.

The award was presented at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on June 9, 2014, by The Honorable Mark Schaefer, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Deputy Administrator, NOAA, and Derrick Crandall, President, American Recreation Coalition. Brittany Berger, PMVB’s Social Media Coordinator, and Deputy Superintendent Bill Leonard accepted the award on behalf of both agencies.

According to Leonard, “This project was a great example of partners working together to showcase the park and the region and while achieving the NPS Director’s goal of bringing the parks to the people through social media.”

The #TakeOnPocono initiative is still underway and more information can be found at www.800poconos.com.

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

Please Don’t Feed the Bears How to Keep Bears at Bay

As Pennsylvania’s 15,000 bears try to pack on the pounds before a long winter’s nap, many are coming closer to residential areas to hunt for food. Here are some tips on how to stay safe by keeping bears at bay:

• Play it smart. Do not feed wildlife. Food placed outside for wildlife, even in bird feeders, can become “bear magnets.” In prime bear areas, restrict bird feeding to late November through late March, when bears den. Avoid foods that are particularly attractive for bears, such as sunflower seeds, hummingbird nectar, and suet. Bring feeders inside at night or suspend them from high cross wires.

• Keep it clean. Don’t put garbage out until pick-up day, throw table scraps outside for animals to eat, or add fruit or vegetable waste to your compost pile. Also, clean your barbecue grill regularly, and if you feed pets outdoors, consider placing food dishes inside overnight.

Encourage your neighbors to do the same.

• Keep your distance. If a bear shows up in your yard, stay calm. From a safe distance, shout at it like you would to chase an unwanted dog. Make noise and let the bear know it is not welcome. Bears have very poor eyesight, so if you don’t make noise, the bear may not be aware of your presence.

• Eliminate temptation. Urge neighbors to work together to reduce an area’s appeal to bears.

• Ask area businesses to keep trash containers closed and bear-proofed (chained or locked shut).

• Check, please! If a dog is barking or a cat is clawing at the door to get in, try to determine why. Do so cautiously, however, turning on outside lights and making noise.

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

AKENAC PARK IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED FOR SWIMMING AS OF SEPTEMBER 1st!

YOU CAN STILL ENJOY FISHING AND HIKING DURING THE FALL SEASON! Rent the Building Need a large space to host a party?

Rent the Delaware Township Hall at the municipal building! Not only is the hall large but it has a fully equipped kitchen for all of your needs. Submit a building use request with the specifics of your event to the Board of Supervisors along with a $150 nonrefundable down payment. Resident rental fees are as follows: Hall (Including Kitchen) Key Deposit

$ 150.00 $ 100.00

For more information, please contact the Township Office at (570) 828-2347

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Fireworks Frequently Asked Questions

By Rick Koehler, Zoning Enforcement

Q: Can I use fireworks in Pennsylvania?

A: State law prohibits the use of Consumer and Display Fireworks in Pennsylvania without a permit.

Items defined as “ground and hand-held sparkling devices”, “novelties” and “toy caps” in American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) Standard 87-1 are not currently regulated by State Law; therefore, their sale and use are permissible. These “non-fireworks” are the only

types allowed to be sold from tents, stands, convenience stores, retail establishments and other various outlets not licensed by the Department of Agriculture. (Title 35, Chapter 13A, Sections 1271 & 1275)

Q: Can I buy regular fireworks – not sparklers or novelty items – under any conditions?

A: This answer depends on whether or not you are a Pennsylvania resident.

Pennsylvania residents: May purchase Consumer Fireworks only with a display permit issued by the municipality wherein the display will take place.

Non-residents: An amendment to the Fireworks Law, effective November 30, 2004, makes it legal, upon proof of out-of-state residency status, to purchase Consumer Fireworks from a facility licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture provided the Consumer Fireworks are transported directly out of state by the seller or purchaser. (Title 35, Chapter 13A, Section 1275)

Q: How do I get a permit for a fireworks display?

A: The Commonwealth does not issue permits for firework displays and does not oversee the issuance of permits by the municipalities.

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A permit for a fireworks display must be obtained from the municipality where the display will take place. The municipality is the only governing body with authority to issue this permit under reasonable rules and regulations adopted by them. Upon inspection of the display site by the fire chief, or other designated officer, and the posting of a bond of at least $500 for any possible damages, the municipality may issue a permit to a person they deem competent.

If you are hiring someone to perform the display, that person or corporation must be registered with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. If you are not hiring someone, you can attempt to obtain the status of “competent operator” from the municipality where the display will take place.

Questions concerning display permits should be directed to the appropriate municipality.

Any business entity that performs provides or supervises fireworks displays or exhibitions for profit must register annually with the Office of Attorney General. For more information, contact the Office of Attorney General, Criminal Law Division, at (717) 787-3391.

(Title 35, Chapter 13A, Sections 1273, 1274, 1275.2 & 1276.2)

Q: Who enforces the Fireworks Law? A: Any Law Enforcement Officer having jurisdiction may make an arrest and confiscate fireworks under the Fireworks Law. To report a violation of the Fireworks Law contact the Police Department servicing your area as would to report any other crime. (Title 35, Chapter 13A, Section 1278)

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

Recreation in Delaware Township

LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2014

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