O&R Lights Up River Gauge For NY, Pa Emergency Services

PEARL RIVER, NY – As part of an upgrade to its electric system serving a riverside neighborhood in Port Jervis, N.Y., O&R took some steps recently that will make life much easier for emergency preparedness managers in New York and Pennsylvania during the spring flood season.

While conducting the upgrade to improve electric service reliability along Second Street, O&R installed an overhead streetlight at the end of the circuit serving the neighborhood. That streetlight shines on the depth gauge painted on the side of the Port Jervis-Matamoras Bridge that spans the Delaware River, linking New York and Pennsylvania. O&R provides electric service to Port Jervis as Orange & Rockland and to Matamoras as Pike County Light & Power Co.

This gauge is key to first-responder operations in both New York and Pennsylvania during spring flood season. Emergency preparedness managers in both states keep a sharp eye on the gauge to plan their operations from the evacuation of low-lying riverside areas to road closings to activation and deployment of emergency services personnel.

Until this light was installed, typically during night-time hours emergency preparedness managers either waited for first light to view the marker or shone a spotlight from high on the riverbank to see the markings etched into the bridge.

Barry Short, the Public Affairs Manager for O&R and its sister utility in Pennsylvania, Pike County Light and Power Company, said, “This new light is a win-win for our customers who live along the Delaware in two states. The most important data during a river flooding emergency is timely, accurate information about the status of the river. This new light helps make that critical information more fully available faster and easier to the right people who know how to use it best.”

Pike Pets Needing Homes

SHOHOLA — Check out these sweet pooches waiting at the Pike County Humane Society for a family who can take one of them home. To see them and the other adoptable dogs and cats, bunnies and guinea pigs, visit the shelter on Lee Road in Shohola. Please call 570-296-7654 for directions and winter hours or get more information at www.pikecountyhs.blogspot.com

PATCHES: When Patches owner moved, she found herself homeless and now she needs a loving family who is looking for a very friendly and sweet, housebroken, calm and well-mannered, cuddly 6 year old Jack Russell pooch. Debarked, she is quiet and laid back and will be happy to move into a caring home where she can be an affectionate companion, a gentle playmate and a devoted family member easy to care for and love.

PATRICK: One-year-old 120-pound Patrick is a big adorable good-natured fella who needs an experienced Saint Bernard owner who can work with his puppyish exuberance and teach him how to be a well-mannered buddy. Surrendered for playing too rough, he needs patient and consistent appropriate training to become a good companion and playmate -- and a home suitable to his large size. If you are a Saint Bernard person looking for a young guy to take into your heart and your home, and you can give him the attention and time he needs, you’ll want to see Patrick, and let him win you over with his kind and loving ways.

MAGGIE: Sweet and affectionate best describes this loveable 10 year old beagle mix who needs a family to cuddle with and love. An easy-going, easy-to-care-for gentle pooch, she enjoys the company of everyone who comes her way -- kids, adults and other gentle dogs. If you have room in your home and your heart for this sweetheart, come and see her firsthand and plan on taking her home to be a devoted companion whose greatest pleasure comes from the pleasure of your company. She sure does have a lot of love to give!

Martha Lorin Performs Benefit For the Columns

Photographed from left to right: Lori Strelecki; Executive Director of the Pike County Historical Society; Martha Lorin and Stephanie Anne Brown; Cliff Park Inn. (Contributed Photo)

MILFORD — Winter Wednesdays, a musical offering hosted at the Cliff Park Inn on Wednesday’s in February for the benefit of the Columns Museum, was officially kicked off on February 3 with the sultry jazz vocals of Martha Lorin.

In an intimate setting in one of the many lovely rooms at the Cliff Park Inn, Martha sang to the delight of all in attendance.

The Columns is much appreciative to all this year’s performers for donating their time and talents.  Most recently, on the 17th, famed jazz pianist and vocalist Ronny Whyte performed in the Cypress Room at the Cliff Park Inn, and on February 24 current Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) President and piano man Ray Weeks was scheduled to perform in tribute to his late wife, and PCHS long time Board Member, Emily Shadel.

For more information, visit online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.

River Road Closures During Amphibian Migration

BUSHKILL — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Superintendent John Donahue has announced that motorists can expect River Road to be closed for several nights over the next few weeks to protect migrating amphibians. The earliest closures are expected to occur on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13. Every year, there are a few spring nights when warm rains fall and myriad wood frogs, spotted salamanders, spring peepers and other spring-breeding amphibians suddenly feel the ancestral urge to search the environment for prospective mates.

The trigger for these road closures will be forecasts calling for rain with mild temperatures. Since the amphibians are active principally at night and have completed their treks by dawn, the closures will be between approximately 6 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. In the past, motor vehicles have taken a massive toll of these species causing impacts on the breeding population.

For the eighth year in a row, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will accordingly take steps to protect migrating amphibians by closing River Road in Middle Smithfield Township from park headquarters south to a point north of Shawnee on the mild, rainy nights. This action also offers a rare opportunity for the public to view this special moment in our surrounding environment.

Gates at the Hialeah picnic area on the southern end of River Road within the park and at headquarters near the intersection of Hidden Lake Road and River Road to the north will be closed and locked. Drivers are reminded that skirting these gates will result in fines of $50 to $150, at a minimum, and that the potential injury to members of the public from that action will be a criminal offense.

Pike County Historical Society To Host “Thank You” Wine And Cheese Reception

MILFORD — The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) is pleased to invite the public to a very special social.

An ongoing campaign to have 23 original World War II posters preserved and framed has proven to be quite successful, and the public is invited to help us pay tribute to the generosity of those who sponsored a poster.

The posters where found, many years ago, tucked away in an attic closet of the 22-room mansion known as the Columns Museum, home to the PCHS. They were folded and in a manila envelope. The first step in preserving these treasured pieces of poster art were taken by, then, Milford resident and local framery owner Maryellen Walsh.  Ms. Walsh gladly offered to carefully unfold them and to mount and wrap the posters in archival materials, free of charge, until the day came when the PCHS could afford to have them framed and preserved for the ages.  An ongoing campaign to do just that has seen great success, thanks to the sponsorship campaign.  The posters are currently on exhibit in the Music Room of the Columns Museum, and on March 20th a reception will be held as a “thank you” to the sponsors.

Posters still available for sponsorship will be displayed as well in hopes of getting a few more saved.

The reception will begin at  4 p.m. on Saturday March 20, and is free of charge. Please call 570-296-8126. For more information, visit online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.

Celebrate Safely, Soberly this St. Patrick’s Day

DUNMORE – If you’re planning to drink this St. Patrick’s Day, PennDOT asks you to designate a sober driver in advance.  Impaired driving is one of America’s deadliest problems.

PennDOT invests about $2.8 million annually into DUI enforcement, which includes funding for approximately 400 local police departments and Pennsylvania State Police.

Penalties for infractions such as trying to purchase alcohol with a fake ID, and consuming or transporting alcohol while underage, may include a fine of up to $300, up to 90 days in jail and a 90-day license suspension for a first offense. Adults who are cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor face steeper penalties including up to a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail.

If you plan on using alcohol to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, law enforcement officials and PennDOT offer these tips:

• Make a promise to your family, friends and coworkers and most importantly to yourself to NEVER drive after you have been drinking. Keep this promise!
• Designate one person in your group who will not drink any alcohol and will drive everyone home. Make sure you do this BEFORE the group starts to drink so the driver can remain completely sober.
• Don’t let a friend drive if they’ve been drinking. Call a taxi or get a nondrinking friend to do the driving. Ask others to help you stop your friend from driving.
• Be a responsible party host. If you are hosting a party, be sure to have plenty of food and nonalcoholic drinks available, plan a variety of activities to keep the focus off drinking, watch your guests for signs of intoxication, and never let a guest drive if he or she has been drinking.
• Remember, impairment begins with the first drink!

Wear your seatbelt! Your seatbelt is your best defense against drunk drivers. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up.

Gresham’s Supports Food Drive

HAWLEY – The United Way of Pike County and Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber came together to thank Tom Regenski, Paul Regenski and Joe Regenski owners of Gresham’s Chop House on Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley for their generous donation to the February-March Food Drive. The food drive will benefit local area food pantries.

“As local business owners we are well aware of the financial strain that the economy has put on our residents. We want to help our local food pantries as much as we can and hope that everyone will contribute to this and other community food drives.  We are proud to be in a community that comes together to support their friends and neighbors in need,”  said Tom Regenski, owner of Gresham’s Chop House, An Italian Steakhouse.

“We are in the midst of a severe economic crisis that is straining family budgets throughout Pennsylvania and across the country. The United Way and the Hawley Lake-Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce are in a joint effort to replenish the supplies at the food pantries to ensure that families are getting help to meet their basic needs. On behalf of The United Way of Pike County, I would like to thank Tom Regenski, Paul Regenski and Joe Regenski for their generous donation,” said Catherine Capasso, executive director of the United Way of Pike County.

All of the contributions will be donated to local area food pantries. In addition to canned foods, non-perishable food items and paper products, personal items such as: toothpaste, bath soap, shampoo and toiletries are also being encouraged.  Donations can be dropped at any of the following locations:  The Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce, Route 6, Hawley (located in the Lakeside Level of the Visitor Center on Route 6 in Hawley), or Misc. Essentials A Kitchen Shop, Route 6, Hawley (located in the IGA Shopping Center) or The United Way office located at 105 W. George Street.  To have large donations picked up, contact Catherine Capasso at the United Way (570) 296-9980.

For more information about The Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber you can contact Debbie Gillette, Executive Director at (570) 226-3191 or visit their web site: www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com For more information regarding the United Way of Pike County you can contact Catherine Capasso, executive director at (570) 296-9980 or visit their web site at www.unitedwaypike.org, or call toll free 888-306-6963. For further information about any of the agencies providing services in Pike County can be found at www.PikePaHelp.org. *Give* *Advocate* *Volunteer* and Live United!

Auction To Decide Pocmont’s Future

By Susan Koomar

BUSHKILL – A landmark Pike County resort could reopen as it is or become senior housing, a sports camp or a religious retreat, depending on the outcome of a public auction set for Friday, April 16 at 1 p.m.

The versatility of Pocmont Resort & Conference Center will be key to its future, said John Cowley, the Scranton-based auctioneer hired to sell it. The 160-room hotel employed about 60 people when it closed in November. Pocmont’s back taxes have been paid following resolution of a property tax assessment appeal. But the 155-acre resort was at risk of foreclosure so First National Community bank has taken the deed and put Pocmont on the block.

The minimum bid will be $3.5 million. It would cost $20 to $30 million to build something like Pocmont, which includes swimming pools, fitness center, banquet facilities and its own sewage treatment plant, said Cowley. The resort has hosted everything from the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner to a convention of llama owners.

Cowley, an auctioneer with 20 years of experience, is now mounting an advertising and publicity blitz to bring out potential buyers. He’s already had a dozen hits on the Pocmont listing online, which includes a virtual tour of the property via slideshow. More than $30,000 will be spent to promote the auction in national magazines for niche markets such as retirement communities, as well as prominent newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Philadelphia Inquirer.

“It will be a concerted effort,” said Cowley. “To have it empty is doing no one any good.”

Cowley has contacted Agency on Aging officials in Pike and Monroe counties. Pocmont could serve as a three-tiered senior center offering independent living, assisted living and a nursing home.

“They have nothing like that (in these counties). There is a need,” said Cowley.

The property could reopen more quickly as a resort, camp or retreat center. Pocmont is zoned for a variety of uses under Lehman Township rules. A national hotel chain could have Pocmont reopen in a matter of weeks, said Cowley.

“It’s not often a property in such excellent condition (goes up for auction),” he said. “That might be a sign of the times.”

Potential buyers will have ample opportunity to kick the tires before they bid. Pocmont will be open for tours from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28, as well as Saturday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 7. Also, Cowley will host a media day at Pocmont this week to drum up more publicity for the sale.

“Anybody who comes to see this property will not go away underwhelmed. It takes three hours to tour it,” he said.

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has not yet been contacted by any potential bidders, but PMVB President Carl Wilgus says Pocmont “is a valuable facility and does have the potential to be successful.”

Part of that success could lie in the resort’s prime access to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, one of the most-visited locations in the National Park system thanks to its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia.

“In 2008, we saw more than 24 million visitors to the Pocono Mountains and a large number of these visitors were coming from an urban environment looking for some kind of outdoor recreation, relaxation and a natural environment,” said Wilgus. “All of this speaks positively for Pocmont’s location near the Delaware River and its proximity to New Jersey and New York residents.”

Beyond the main Pocmont Resort property, the auction will also include a 14.34-acre site across Bushkill Falls Road from the hotel. The property borders Bushkill Falls. Bidding for the wooded tract will start at $100,000.

Pocmont’s listing for auction ends six decades of ownership and/or management by the Artzt family. The resort rebounded from a devastating fire more than a decade ago, but fell victim to effects of the national recession in recent months.

More information about the Pocmont auction is available online at www.cowleyone.com.

Builders Oppose New DEP Regulations

“It’s Too Expensive, And It’s Just Not Necessary”

By Josh Wengler

MILFORD – Developers whose planning documents were unexpectedly returned to them without comment by the PA Department of Environmental Protection over the last few months are being asked to resubmit their plans with an extra set of analyses that the engineering and building community says are unnecessary and far too expensive.

After months of confusion and increasing pressure from everyone from township level officials up through officials from the state legislature, the state agency has finally begun to acknowledge its error in judgment in the way it rolled out a new policy requiring extra analysis and/or municipal level ordinances to regulate on lot septic systems. Throughout the region, the building community and municipal Sewage Enforcement Officers have been up in arms over the new policy since DEP began wordlessly returning planning modules back in December.

As modules came back to the townships, officials were left to scramble for information on why, with no clear answers from DEP. Since that time, municipal officials, builders associations, and most recently county and state legislators have been lobbying the agency for meetings to clarify exactly what they want to get halted development back on track.

“DEP came out of left field with this,” said builder Ed Nikles Sr., a prominent figure in the Pike County Builders Association. “Without contacting townships or anything, they began requiring institution of sewage ordinances before they would approve anything. It was a total surprise to us. I know a lot of people who had pending projects in the works, and they still don’t know what’s going on. It’s completely stopped all development until they get what they want.”

‘What they want’, according to a recent letter from DEP secretary John Hangar to the Wilkes Barre field office, which serves Northeastern Pennsylvania, is proof that sewage systems do not pollute groundwater in areas where the quality of that water is high. Therefore, Hangar’s letter instructs NEPA officials to contact all who have applications pending and inform them that they have to submit anti-degradation analyses for any new system, a proposition Nikles says is unfair to people who already had their plans in, and unduly costly to boot.

“Where is the scientific proof of degradation in this watershed?” Nikles asked. “Our soils have been tested appropriately, and the studies show that the type of septic systems used (mostly raised sand mounds) in our area simply do not degrade groundwater. It’s not fair for them to put the burden of proof on regular people this way. It’s too expensive and it’s just not necessary.”

Though DEP’s response to a recent blizzard of complaint letters has been slow, beleaguered Regional Planning Chief Darryl Fritz said at a recent meeting that he believes sand mounds will prove themselves to be effective at eliminating effluent in the watershed, and that his office is working with individuals and municipal officials to ease the transition to the new regulatory structure Harrisburg’s central DEP office wants to implement, which would require municipal regulation of all new septic systems at considerable cost in time, expertise and cold, hard, ever dwindling cash.

Harrisburg has circled its wagons around the municipal regulations and anti-degradation analyses for now, but the building community and elected officials are pushing for a change in the new policy, and their numbers continue to swell as the debate continues.

County Secures $500k Grant For Emergency Training Center

MILFORD — Pike County Commissioners were notified last week that the county received a $500,000 grant to help build the proposed 911 emergency operations and training center in Blooming Grove.

The grant was awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and according to a letter from State Senator Lisa Baker, the county’s grant application was “of the highest caliber and clearly stood apart from other submissions during an extremely competitive time.”

On a related note, the commissioners pushed back the date for opening construction bids for the project again. Bids were due, and opened, on January 27 and were originally scheduled to be awarded on February 17, a date which was first pushed back to March 3, and now stands at March 11. According to Thomas Farley, the county’s solicitor, officials are taking great care in reviewing the numerous bids received.