Living Delaware Township

WINTER 2013

THE CORNERSTONE OF THE POCONOS

Welcome New Supervisor Jeffrey Scheetz It is with confidence and excitement that Jeffrey Scheetz accepts his newly elected position of Supervisor in Delaware Township.

Mr. Scheetz has resided in the Township for twelve years with his wife, Jane, and has developed a keen appreciation for its people and the quality of life offered to its residents. Mr. Scheetz plans to help maintain and improve the reputation of Delaware Township as a great place to live and work.

NOTICE:

The Township Office will be closed on the following days: CHRISTMAS EVE: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013 CHRISTMAS: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013 NEW YEARS DAY: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014

As an educator with 41 years of experience ranging from teacher and coach to high school principal and college professor, Mr. Scheetz has been able to develop practical leadership skills. He intends to employ those skills for the benefit of all the residents of Delaware Township.

He has been very active in the community serving as a past president of the Dingmans Ferry Lion Club. Perhaps you have seen him serving pancakes at one of the many fund raising breakfasts. You may have also seen him proudly marching with his fellow Marines in various Marine Corps League activities throughout Pike County. He is also currently serving as the chair of the Tri-State Marine Corps League Scholarship Committee and is a volunteer with the Delaware Cemetery Association.

Mr. Scheetz plans to scrutinize every budget and expenditure to ensure that homeowners are getting fair value for their hard earned tax dollars. He is confident that with the support of his neighbors, friends and fellow Supervisors, he can help make an outstanding township even better.

Delaware Township Residents Only

Mr. Scheetz has stated that he is looking forward to the opportunity to serve all the people of Delaware Township and is humbled to be elected as one of the Supervisors of the Township.

Please welcome Mr. Scheetz as Delaware Township’s newly elected Supervisor! Board of Supervisor meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the municipal building located at 116 Wilson Hill Road.

IN THIS ISSUE DAILY LIVING Election Results

2-3

Employee Spotlight

5

Delaware Township Wins

7

Community Partnership Award Winning Plan For Your

8

New Year’s Resolution Help Us Find You

8

DAILY LIVING CONT.

DAILY LIVING Winter Preparedness See page 12

Township Hosts Vet Assistance Hours Township to Launch New Community Information Service

9 9

Fond Farewell to Supervisor Parsell

9

New Tepee at the Community Garden Habitat for Humanity of Pike County Seeks Applicants

10 11

Winter Preparedness

12

Delaware Twp. Trunk or Treat

13

DELAWARE THEN Company B, 151st Pennsylvania

14

Volunteer Infantry MEETINGS & EVENTS Events in Delaware Twp.

15

Delaware Cemetery Association Notice

15

Event Suggestions Needed

15

DELAWARE THEN

EVENTS

Company B, 151st Penna.

Volunteer Infantry See page 14

Board of Supervisors Meetings See page 15

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

DAILY LIVING Jane Neufeld Elected Auditor Jane Neufeld was recently elected to the Delaware Township Board of Auditors. She joins current auditors Mike Dickerson and Dennis Lee for a six year term. Ms. Neufeld is a graduate of Wheaton College in Massachusetts with a major in Political Science. She regularly attends supervisor meetings and township public meetings. Ms. Neufeld is an active community member in her roles as President of the Delaware Cemetery Association and a 10 year volunteer with the Delaware Township Ambulance Corps.

Mary Lou Corbett Re-Elected Tax Collector DELAWARE TOWNSHIP 116 Wilson Hill Road Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328 Phone: 570-828-2347 HOURS OF OPERATION:

Mary Lou Corbett has been re-elected Delaware Township Tax Collector. She has served the Township as tax collector for the last 18 years and is responsible for collecting tax payments on 7,800 parcels of land.

The tax collector is an elected position held for a four year term. It is the responsibility of the tax collector to send out bills for real estate taxes for the county, township and school district as well as collect payment of these taxes, keeping accurate records and distribute the funds collected to the various taxing bodies.

Building Inspector: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 am – 9:30 am

Mary Lou Corbett can be contacted via phone at (570) 828-2225. All tax payments should be mailed to: Mary Lou Corbett, Delaware Township Tax Collector, PO Box 851, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328.

Sewage Officer: Tuesdays Only 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Please do not mail your tax payments to the Delaware Township Municipal Building. Also, note that Mary Lou Corbett does not hold regular office hours at the Municipal Building. Specialized collection dates and times to be held at the municipal building are printed on your tax bill.

Zoning Officer: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Office: Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Road Department: Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 3:30 pm Akenac Park: Monday, Wednesday through Sunday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm CLOSED TUESDAYS 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

Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DelawareTownship

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LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

Paul Menditto Elected Magisterial District Judge Paul Menditto is the newly elected Magistrate District Judge for District 60-3-04 which serves Delaware, Lehman and Porter Townships following Judge McBride’s retirement in January 2014. Mr. Menditto is an experienced public servant and elected official. He plans to bring a unique perspective to the position of Magisterial District Judge and treat each individual who enters his courtroom with dignity and respect, regardless of who is the plaintiff or who is the

defendant, or whether or not an individual has legal representation.

In Pennsylvania, small claims courts are called Magisterial District Courts.

A case can be started in Magisterial District Court by any person who thinks he or she has a legal right to recover money from another person, or from a business. As Magistrate, Paul will be responsible for making decisions regarding:

• Summary offenses including motor vehicle violations and such minor offenses as disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, etc.

• Civil cases up to $12,000 including community association issues

• Landlord & tenant disputes

• Emergency protection from abuse orders • Fish and Game violations

• Setting bail at arraignments

• Conducting preliminary hearings for all criminal cases

• Performing marriages District Court 60-3-04 is located at 213 Silver Lake Road, Dingmans Ferry. The phone number is (570) 828-2880.

e BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Thomas M. Ryan Chair | Township Treasurer dtbos@ptd.net Elected in 2011, term expires 12/31/17 Robert Luciano Vice-Chair dtbos@ptd.net Elected in 2009, term expires 12/31/15 Thaddeus Parsell Supervisor dtbos@ptd.net Elected in 2007, term expires 12/31/13 e MANAGEMENT Barbara Foos Township Administrator | Secretary BarbaraF@delawaretownshippa.gov Krista N. Predmore Township Office Manager kpredmore@delawaretownshippa.gov Luis Barrios Superintendent of Parks & Grounds LuisB@delawaretownshippa.gov Charlie Kroener Road Master ckroener@delawaretownshippa.gov e OFFICE STAFF Sharon Franks Administrative Assistant SharonF@delawaretownshippa.gov Catherine Bram Office Assistant Cbram@delawaretownshippa.gov e ROAD DEPARTMENT Michael Kolenet dtbos@ptd.net Richard Heimbrook dtbos@ptd.net e BOARDS & CHAIRPERSONS Community Events Board Pam Riddlehoover pam@insureddia.com Zoning Hearing Board Ida Walker wadi42@aol.com Enforcement Officers Building Inspector, BIU Call: 866-344-9681 Zoning Officer Rick Koehler rkoehler@delawaretownshippa.gov Sewage Officer Chris Schlegel ChrisS@delawaretownshippa.gov

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

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NOW OFFERI NG H EATI NG OI L & KEROSEN E I N PI KE COU NTY

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LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

AKENAC PARK YOU CAN STILL ENJOY FISHING AND HIKING WEATHER PERMITTING! AKENAC IS CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE ON TUESDAYS!

Employee Spotlight Catherine Bram - It is with great pleasure that we welcome Catherine Bram to the Township Administrative Staff. Catherine joined us on September 16th following the retirement of Office Assistant, Mary Feisenberger.

During this short period of time, Catherine has embraced the culture of the office environment with open arms and has also creatively made ongoing projects her own. It is a pleasure watching Catherine grasp the workings of the Township and also seeing how graciously she engages residents.

We are proud to have Catherine as a part of the Township Staff.

Advertising & Articles The Township is working with Niki Jones Agency to produce this quarterly publication to assist in keeping our residents informed.

The publication is at no cost to our taxpayers. All costs are paid for through local advertising.

If you are interested in advertising, please contact Niki Jones Agency at (845) 856-1266 or if you’d like to submit information and/or articles to be published, please e-mail Krista Predmore, Township Office Manager at kpredmore@delawaretownshippa.gov.

We look forward to resident input!

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

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LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

Delaware Township Wins Community Partnership Award On September 22nd Delaware Township Emergency Management Agency was honored by the American Red Cross, Wayne-Pike Chapter, at their Patriot Dinner for their exemplary commitment to community.

The American Red Cross Community Partnership Award is given to an organization that has made a direct impact on people in areas affected by disaster.

Delaware Township was chosen for their concern of community and their commitment to humankind that was observed last October, when Hurricane Sandy left thousands of citizens without power. Delaware Township Officials collaborated with Emergency Management volunteers to create a preemptive plan of action.

They met with representatives from private communities, churches, fire departments and ambulance corps to be sure that everyone knew where to get information and resources once the storm hit. In addition, over a hundred people volunteered their “time and talents” after the hurricane struck, including preparing and serving over 2,000 meals to volunteers, said Tom Ryan, Delaware Township’s Supervisor and Incident Commander.

The volunteer spirit in Delaware Township was so inspiring and so successful that the Township

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

From left to right: Bruce Mackerly – Field Rep for Senator Baker, Joann Hudak, Ed.D Chairman of the American Red Cross Wayne Pike Chapter Board, Joe Murray Field Rep for Representative Peifer, Thomas Ryan Chairman of the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors, Peter Brown, American Red Cross NEPA Regional CEO, Jim Reinhardt American Red Cross Wayne Pike Chapter Executive Director, Krista Predmore Delaware Township Office Manager, Barbara Foos Delaware Township Secretary/Administrator, Mary Lou Corbett Delaware Township Ambulance Corp Captain, Jeff Scheetz, George Beodeker, Judy Lloyd and Gina Romer.

has now developed an emergency operation center to make sure the public is fully informed if and when a disaster strikes.

The Delaware Township Emergency Management staff is committed to providing a comprehensive emergency management system that coordinates community resources to protect lives and property through preparedness, response and recovery from all

natural and man-made hazards that affect its county. The awards dinner was held at the Inn at Woodloch, in Hawley, PA. Representatives of Delaware Township were awarded a Certificate of Recognition signed by Senator Lisa Baker and a plaque.

For more information on Delaware Township visit them online at www.delawaretownshippa.gov.

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The Winning Plan For Your New Years Fitness Resolution

By Sensei Albert Casale Your New Year’s Resolutions can become a new way of life if you spend some time thinking about how you will reach your resolution goals.

People who take some time to make a solid plan and anticipate difficulties are more likely to stick to their New Year’s Resolutions.

Physical Activity Is The Foundation Regular physical activity is an essential component of any weight loss program.

Exercisers also have twice the success in trying to quit smoking, as do their sedentary friends.

Physical activity reduces the feeling of stress, an increases feelings of energy and control. Regular physical activity has enormous fringe benefits, including better health and greater vitality.

Make Your Health and Well-Being A Priority Don’t take your health for granted. Why wait to get sick to start taking care of yourself?

By exercising and eating well now, you may save yourself hours (even years) of sick time in the future. Change for the right reasons to change your lifestyle, you deserve a little time to nurture yourself, and you will have more to give the people and things you care about.

Wrong reasons focus on self-blame and guilt, and lead to low self-esteem and negative feelings and then you feel bad and loose your motivation to exercise or follow through with other actions to improve your health.

Prepare For Change Change is not always comfortable or easy.

Adding physical activity to you life requires both time and energy. People beginning the new year overestimate their powers, and underestimate the time and energy required to

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stick to their resolutions.

If your goals are too unrealistic (you probably won’t lose 20 pounds in 20 days), you will quickly be disappointed.

Set attainable goals. I have always recommended to my clientele that instead of a weight loss goal, make your goal the lifestyle change itself: enjoying daily physical activity and eating less junk. If you are successful in achieving these daily goals, the weight loss will gradually follow.

You may wish to get some help as you prepare for change. Consider joining a fitness center or working out with a personal trainer. If you have health concerns, talk to your healthcare provider before increasing your level of vigorous physical activity.

Anticipate Difficulties Make plans to get into your program when it is interrupted by illness, travel, weather, or the million other details that may arise.

HELP 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 828-2345, or mail your order to Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps, (Attention: Sign Dept.) PO Box 186, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328.

ORDER FORM Name_____________________________ Telephone # _ _______________________ House # _ __________________________ # of Signs Without Post ________________

Ok, Let’s Get Moving!

If exercise is new to you, start slowly and build gradually. Record your workouts in an exercise log, and be proud of your progress.

Enjoy the way exercise gives you energy and reduces stress.

# of Signs With Post _ _________________

As always, we appreciate your support.

From time to time, consider what’s working and what’s not working with your exercise routine. Do everything you can do to make regular physical activity a lifelong habit. To make things easier.

Always EAT HEALTHY, BREATHE DEEP, KEEP MOVING, AND LAUGH A LOT.

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

Township Hosts Vet Assistance Hours Delaware Township will offer free assistance to veterans at the Municipal Building located at 116 Wilson Hill Road. Kerry Schimelfenig, a Department Service Officer with the American Legion – Department of Pennsylvania, will visit the Township Building on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Schimelfenig will assist veterans with their questions about benefits and can help file claims. Some of the issues he can provide assistance with include: • Compensation and pension claims • Education benefits • Enrollment in the VA Health care system • Burial and survivor benefits • State benefits • Obtaining military personnel and medical records Veterans do not need to be a member of the American Legion to receive these services. To schedule an appointment with Schimelfenig, contact the Township Office at (570) 828-2347.

If you cannot make an appointment on Tuesdays, Representative Rosemary Brown also hosts veterans assistance hours with Mr. Schimelfenig on the second Thursday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at her East Stroudsburg District Office, 696 Seven Bridge Road, Suite 101. To schedule an appointment, contact Brown’s office at (570) 420-8301.

Township To Launch New Community Info. Service Delaware Township Emergency Management is launching a new Community Information Service designed to deliver important and timely information to residents in our area using the latest technology.

This service, created by Nixle, LLC delivers trustworthy and important neighborhood-level public safety and community event notifications by web, e-mail, and cell phone. Nixle is completely

simple, trusted and available at no cost. Nixle is a new community information service provider built exclusively to provide secure and reliable communications. Its authenticated service connects municipal agencies and community organizations to residents in real time, delivering information to geographically targeted consumers over their cell phones (via text messages), through e-mails and through web access.

Township to Bid Fond Farewell to Supervisor Parsell On September 1, 1983, Thaddeus Parsell became a full time employee of Delaware Township. Since that time, he has served the Township in several capacities, not the least of which has been as Township Supervisor (serving also as Chairman and Vice-Chairman).

On December 23, 2012 Mr. Parsell retired as Road Master, but continued to represent the Township as Supervisor. After deciding that he would not run for another term, Mr. Parsell has been faithfully fulfilling the remaining months of his elected term.

It is with tremendous gratitude that we thank Ted for his true dedication to the people of this Township. He will be greatly missed, but we hope you all join us in wishing him the best in his future endeavors and in saying, “Ted, Job Well Done!!!”

Residents of Delaware Township can take advantage of Nixle! Nixle is a community information service that alerts you to public safety threats and community events via web, e-mail, and cell phone.

Sign up at www.nixle.com to register. You can also register via our website homepage at www. delawaretownshippa.gov. Click on the red box that says “click to sign up for Nixle emergency alerts.”

Register now and learn more at www.nixle.com, then share this new service with friends and neighbors to spread the word. We are very excited to have you experience it yourself.

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

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A New Tepee at the Community Garden

By Carol Padalino Nick Cotter, a student at the Delaware Valley High School, volunteered to construct a garden tepee at the Smith-Harker Community Garden on Wilson Hill Road. Nick planned, developed and provided leadership for this service project for Delaware Township.

This project was chosen by Nick to satisfy one

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of the requirements for his achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He is among the 7% of all Boy Scouts working to earn the rank of Eagle Scout this year.

The construction was completed in July 2013.

Nick, a member of Scout Troup 174, used six oak logs as the upright supports for the tepee that will eventually be covered with perennial, flowering vines.

He treated the logs with weather repellant, anchored them deep into the ground, and lashed them together at the top.

Beside the logs Nick planted wisteria and clematis which are now growing to cover the structure. The area was then landscaped with fresh soil and mulch. By next summer, the tepee will be enjoyed by children as a place to explore, hide and play in the shade.

With the addition of natural log benches, both inside and outside the tepee, Nick has provided gardeners and visitors with a place to rest and enjoy the garden views. A crew of Scouts from Troop 174, scout leaders and parents enthusiastically worked with Nick in July to provide Delaware Township and the Community Garden with a fun and education attraction.

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

Habitat for Humanity of Pike County Seeks Applicants

All applications will be reviewed in detail and qualified applicants will be required to meet in person with representatives to further review their needs, their qualifications and the expectations of Habitat for Humanity of Pike County. Families not accepted initially may reapply, stating the changes in their circumstances which they believe would justify reconsideration.

Because HFHPC will only be able to help a fraction of the qualified families in need of housing, approved applicants will be placed on a list in order of the priority of need. The family selected as most qualified will be offered the agreed upon home or construction at cost and a 30 year, zero interest mortgage will be transacted.

Habitat for Humanity of Pike County dedicated their 19th home on August 31 to the Siek family in Dingmans Ferry. Pictured from left are Siek children Hunter, 13; Jacob, 11; Logan, 7; Landin, 5; their father Bill holding Gabriella, 4; their mom Stacey, HHPC Pat Lariviere; 20th home recipient, Vincent Flatt; HHPC President Pastor, Neils Nielsen; and 21st home recipient, Ian Knox.

Habitat for Humanity (HFH) is a nonprofit, ecumenical, Christian Housing Ministry.

HFH seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of homeowner/partner families. These houses are then sold to partner families at no profit with affordable, no interest loans.

Habitat for Humanity of Pike County is currently accepting applications. The following are the general requirements:

which will be used by HFHPC to finance the building of other homes.

Willingness to Partner. Selected applicants must be willing to participate in Habitat programs which are designed to aid families in such areas as budgeting and home maintenance. Selected families must commit themselves to provide a minimum of 400 hours of sweat equity to be completed prior to occupancy. Sweat equity can take the form of actual work on your own house or other Habitat houses, to help in Habitat fund raising, office work or other tasks determined

by HFHPC. A minimum of 200 hours must be committed by the family members(s) designated as the applicant. The other 200 hours may be provided by other family members, relatives or friends.

All information provided by applicants will be considered strictly confidential and will only be used for purposes of family selection. Habitat for Humanity of Pike County can be reached by phone (570) 828-1623 or by email hfhpc@ptd.net.

DO YOU HAVE A CAR, BOAT OR RV THAT YOU NO LONGER USE? DON’T WANT THE HASSLE OF SELLING IT? Your car donation can help a family build a home, and the hope of a better life! Car, truck, boat and RV donations help Habitat for Humanity build houses in partnership with families in need of decent, affordable shelter.

Donate a car, truck, boat, RV or other vehicle to Habitat's Cars for Homes™ vehicle donation program by calling 1-877-277-4344 or visiting www.carsforhomes.org.

Need for Housing. You must verify that you are without satisfactory housing for your family or that the home or apartment you now live in is unsatisfactory due to the size of your family or the condition of the residence. Such conditions might include, but not limited to, poor heating, plumbing, electrical system, or a leaky roof.

You must also verify that you cannot obtain a conventional mortgage from another source.

In addition HFHPC expects a 1 year prior residency in Pike County. Because the Habitat mission focuses on low income families, the maximum allowable annual income is $40,000 for a family of four.

Ability to Pay. You must have a minimum annual income of $40,000 for a family of four and you must be able to make a small down payment at closing (estimated to be $2,000). The actual amount for closing costs will depend upon the total construction and transfer costs. You must give written permission for HFHPC to make a complete check of all family assets, income, credit and debts and to allow HFHPC to obtain verification of all information you provide on the Application for Housing, including statements from landlords, banks, creditors and references. Selected applicants will be expected to make timely monthly mortgage payments

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

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Winter Preparedness As the weather turns colder, we should each be preparing for whatever the season may bring.

There are many things that we can each take responsibility for including: testing our smoke detectors, cleaning out our chimney or other heating source, sealing our windows, keeping our driveways clear of excess debris, and ensuring that all electrical items are being used appropriately. These are all steps we can each take to help ensure we have a comfortable and safe winter season. New for this year, I encourage you to join us on our Nixle site to have another source to find out information in a time of emergency. It is a free service and another layer in providing information to our community.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from improper use of portable generators.

Many more people also have generators now after two years of weather incidents that have caused extended power outages. These are useful tools and if you have one, please be sure to follow the safety guidelines suggested by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Install battery-operated or plug-in (with

Portable Generator Safety Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using them are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock or electrocution, and fire.

To Avoid Carbon Monoxide Hazards: • Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents.

• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.

• Follow manufacturer's instructions. battery backup) carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home, following manufacturer's instructions.

• Test CO alarms often and replace batteries when needed.

To Avoid Electrical Hazards: • Keep the generator dry. Operate on a

dry surface under an open, canopy- like structure.

• Dry your hands before touching the generator.

• Plug appliances directly into generator or

use a heavy-duty outdoor- rated extension cord. Make sure the entire extension cord is free of cuts or tears and the plug has all 3 prongs, especially a grounding pin.

• NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet.

This practice, known as backfeeding, can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.

• If necessary to connect generator to house

wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install appropriate equipment.

Or, your utility company may be able to install an appropriate transfer switch.

To Avoid Fire Hazards: • Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

• Always store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass containers.

• Store fuel away from any fuel-burning appliance.

Information for this factsheet was provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

I wish everyone a safe, enjoyable and uneventful winter season.

Gwen McNamara, EMC

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LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

Delaware Township’s “Trunk or Treat” A Howling Success!

On Saturday, October 26th, Delaware Township hosted its first Trunk or Treat, which was deemed an astounding success.

There are several people who deserve special acknowledgement, including the Township Office Manager, Krista Predmore, who spent a great deal of time convincing those here that it was a terrific idea for the children in the Township. Once this idea was given approval by the Board of Supervisors, it was full steam ahead.

Our Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, Luis Barrios asked for permission to create a haunted house. He and Luis Usera spent many hours of their own time creating a truly spooky experience! The line to enter the haunted house stretched the length of the park!

Our Community Events Committee jumped into high speed, working to bring this event together with relatively short time. Our newest members, Mike Bukaj and Sarina Middaugh, worked with the existing members (Colleen Della Bella, Pam Riddlehoover and Robyn Eldred) and left no stone unturned in securing sponsors and tying up loose ends. The Township is truly grateful for the enthusiasm and hard work put forth in making this event so special.

The Board of Supervisors is proud of the work accomplished to make this such a successful event and is looking forward to next year’s Trunk or Treat – with even more exciting features!

Once again, many, many thanks to all who help make this event one to be remembered and recreated in the future!

LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

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DELAWARE THEN Company B, 151St Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry regular troops. The 151st was only weeks away from their enlistment ending. How would they fair in their combat?

June 30, 1863, 150 years ago, young men from Delaware Township crossed the border from Maryland into their native Pennsylvania.

They were part of a vast military force, The Union Army of the Potomac (90,000), moving northward to encounter the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia (75,000).

They would clash at the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. These young men were members of Company B (Pike County), they and nine other companies from various neighboring counties were part of the 151st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, composing the advance elements forming the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps of the Union forces.

The 151st was one of the nine month regiments formed by the request of President Lincoln in the summer of 1862. On the eve of the Battle of

On the morning of July 1st, the 1st Corps, raced towards Lee’s Southern forces west of Gettysburg. The untested 151st, 467 men led

by Lieutenant Colonel George F. McFarland, was held in a reserve position, near a Lutheran Seminary west of town. By early afternoon the Union Army, now with 2 Corps on the field in combat, the 1st and 11th, was being pressed back with heavy loses west and north of Gettysburg.

Gettysburg only 6 nine regiments remained with the Army of the Potomac. Composed of men receiving bounties and draftees, nine month regiments were looked down upon by the

The commanding general, Abner Doubleday, order his last reserve brigade which included the 151st to advance and hold back the Confederate onslaught, allowing time for Union troops to fall back to their reserve position on Cemetery Hill. McFarland’s men began to fall before they were commanded to open fire.

As they stood in line they were attacked by the largest of Lee’s veteran regiments, the 26th North Carolina (800). In less than one hour, with savage fighting on both sides at a distance of only 20 paces, the noble defenders withdrew and fell back orderly to the main Union forces at Cemetery Hill.

They had halted the North Carolinians inflicting heavy loses (550 the highest regimental lose in the war), and had given time for the main Union forces to withdraw to their safer position.

Lt Col McFarland was wounded and taken into the Seminary, where he remained until he recovered in the fall.

The 151st would suffer additional loses on the third day of the battle repulsing Pickett’s charge.

The 3 day Battle of Gettysburg cost the regiment 337 men, 72%, the second highest percent lose in the battle. Of the 21,000 wounded, 211 were from the 151st, the largest regimental number of union troops on the field.

In a report on Gettysburg, General Doubleday wrote of the 151st, “I believe they saved the 1st Corps, and were among the chief instruments to save the Army of the Potomac, and the country from unimaginable disaster”.

Today several members from Company B from Delaware Township are buried in the Delaware cemetery. Company B member, Nelson Reaser was mortally wounded and is among the “Honored Dead” interned at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. For more information on Company B, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, contact the Historic Society or visit the Historic Society museum at Akenac Park.

The Dingmans Ferry-Delaware Township Historical Society will begin its 21st season on March 20, 2014. A new events calendar will be forth coming the first week of March 2014.

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LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

EVENTS • 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 Supervisors Meetings (Meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month) Annual Re-Organization Meeting Monday, January 6, 2013; 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 8, 2013 Wednesday, January 22, 2013 Wednesday, February 12, 2013 Wednesday, February 19, 2013 Wednesday, March 12, 2013 Wednesday, March 26, 2013

EVENT SUGGESTIONS NEEDED Delaware Township’s Community Events Board is accepting suggestions on the types of events our residents would like to see in the upcoming year. Currently, the Community Events Board hosts Harvest Festival, Trunk or Treat, Annual Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting, and the Easter Bunny Breakfast. The Board seeks to bring some fun, new events for our residents so your input is critical! Help make 2014 the best year yet for our community. Please place your suggestion on the lines below and submit by mail to:

Delaware Cemetery Association Our quiet cemetery is getting ready for winter. The trees have shed their leaves, and over the hillside, the river is visible through the leafless trees - as all seem to be waiting for the first snow.

Delaware Cemetery Association will be planning for 2014 during the winter. After winter, we will have a few projects on the grounds of the cemetery: mapping out an old area of the cemetery, and placing some granite cornerstones at specific locations on the cemetery grounds. Volunteers will be needed for these projects, as well as occasional volunteer needs for operational details. Give us a call or an email if you’d like to help out.

Email: delawarecemetery@gmail.com or Jane at 570-828-9789.

Delaware Township - Attn: Community Events Board 116 Wilson Hill Road. Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

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LIVING DELAWARE | WINTER 2013

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