Live Nativity Dec. 6

DINGMANS FERRY – The public is invited to a tree lighting and live nativity at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 103 Delaware Crest and Silver Lake Roads, Dingmans Ferry.

The event is sponsored by Lutheran Men in Mission. Featured will be live animals from Country Ark, music and Christmas caroling and the story of the birth of Christ on a “fantastic” outdoor stage. Refreshments will include hot chocolate and donuts.

For information, call (570) 828-7411.

Lia Sophia Tips For Holiday Glam

DINGMANS FERRY — Shimmering lights and ornate decorations make the holidays a festive time of year, but there’s no reason why the adorning should be limited to Dingmans Ferry-area homes. With the proper accessories, local women can get in the spirit and deck themselves out, too, by following a few simple guidelines for holiday glam.

“The holidays are an ideal time for women to have fun with their style and add some glitz to their everyday apparel,” said Emma Dolan, local Advisor for lia sophia. “Whether a woman is going to a cocktail party after work or attending a formal affair, the right jewelry can turn a basic outfit into an eye-catching look, perfect for any type of holiday gathering.”

According to Dolan, area women will want to keep the following tips in mind when accessorizing with jewelry this holiday season:

* Mix your Metals – All types of metals, especially matte gold, shiny silver and polished hematite, can be mixed to add interest to jewelry ensembles. Contrasting metal textures are another fabulous option.

* Make a Statement – Bold accessories, such as chandelier earrings or a bejeweled cuff bracelet, instantly add a touch of drama to even the simplest outfit. When wearing a statement piece, such as a bib or collar necklace, or glitzy cocktail ring, keep your other jewelry simple.

* Catch the Light – Faceted gemstone beads and crystals add color and sparkle to any outfit. Get this look with long, layered necklaces and stretch bracelets.

* A Classic Twist – As you carry on with the festivities of the holiday season, explore the reemerging pearl trend. Strands of white, gray, and colored pearls mixed with lengths of chain are simple and elegant, with a modern twist. Try layering pearl and chain necklaces, or opt for multi strand necklaces featuring a combination of faceted crystals and pearls.

* The Dark Side – Don’t be afraid to explore the trend of darker metal colors, such as hematite and pot black, which pair well with holiday’s popular blacks and grays. Keep it sleek and simple with pure metal pieces, or go for a little more shine with the addition of crystals.

“From updated metals to classic staples such as crystals and pearls, there are endless holiday jewelry options to match your personal style,” added Dolan. “It’s just important not to incorporate too many of the trends at once. Remember that your jewelry should accent, not dominate, your look.”

Through in-home demonstrations, Dolan offers a wide array of fashion jewelry, including festive accessories to accompany holiday wardrobes, to women in the Dingmans Ferry area. According to Dolan, lia sophia presents women with an extensive line of high-quality products and an unparalleled opportunity to own their own business.

“There’s no reason why local women can’t treat themselves to a little glitz and glam this holiday season,” said Dolan. “Fashionable jewelry is the perfect gift for a woman to give to herself!”

For more information about lia sophia, please contact Emma Dolan at www.liasophia.com/emmadolan.

About lia sophia

lia sophia is a unique direct selling opportunity offering fashion jewelry through personalized in-home demonstrations. The company’s goal is to improve the lifestyles of its Advisors, Hostesses and Customers with products and opportunities. lia sophia connects women to their dreams, from obtaining beautiful jewelry to empowering their financial futures.

For further information, visit www.liasophia.com or call 1-800-487-3323.

Crafters Wanted for Dingmans Event

Vendors and crafters are wanted for a Christmas bazaar at the Dingmans Ferry United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $15 per space or two for $25. Participants must provide their own table. Space is limited. Call now (570) 828-2288 to reserve space.

Dinner Theater in Dingmans Ferry Oct. 2-3

The cast is busy rehearsing for a comedy dinner theater “Mission:Possible” to be held at the Dingmans Ferry United Methodist Church on October 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. Pictured are M.T. Socket who is planning an “extreme church Makeover,” Dr. Phyllis, who interviews the pastor’s wife while shamelessly plugging a multitude of her own self-help books and Tess T. Honcho, who appears on a cooking infomercial where, much to her horror, her infamous green marshmallow salad gets tweaked beyond recognition. All of this and much more promises to provide a night of hilarity served up with a delicious meal all for the price of $20 per ticket. Seating is limited. Call (570) 828-2288.

McDade Trail Getting Longer

Volunteers from the Student Conservation Association helped work on new sections of the McDade Trail in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area this summer. (Photo by Rich Degnan, National Park Service)

Story By Susan Koomar

DINGMANS FERRY – Residents on the Milford end of the McDade Trail will be able to take a much longer hike next summer if all goes according to plan.

National Park Service officials expect to open a new section of trail that will extend from Raymondskill Road south to Bushkill – 12 miles one way. The northern end of the trail now runs just three miles from Milford Beach to Raymondskill/Pittman Orchard.

Much of the trail has been constructed. The next step is installing 12 pedestrian bridges that range from 25- to 80-feet long. That work will begin this fall by a private contractor, said Rich Degnan, facility manager of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

“My goal is connectivity,” he said.

A new section of trail north of Smithfield Beach will have three timber bridges constructed by park staff. Degnan hopes to keep that part of the project moving through the winter.

“Even when it’s 20 or 30 degrees, we can go out and build bridges,” he said.

McDade Trail work has been deferred as a result of three major Delaware River floods. Hikers and bikers can view the river from many sections of the trail. Degnan credited his staff with resiliency and determination this summer – a season when rain could have further delayed the project.

“They put extra effort into it despite the weather. They didn’t let the weather get them down. Their attitude is ‘Let’s get ‘er done,’ ” he said. “We kept moving to a different location – whatever was highest and driest.”

Park employees had help from volunteers of the Student Conservation Association this summer. The students constructed a rock wall along a steep section of trail near Turn Farm along River Road.

After the new sections open next year, the park service will seek volunteers to patrol and help maintain the trail. A volunteer bike patrol already exists.

“It’s a lot of trail to cover,” he said.

Degnan knows firsthand how popular the trail is. Residents of Sunrise Lake Estates, he and his wife bike the trail about twice a month.

The project dates back about ten years, made possible by federal funds and named for longtime 10^th congressional district representative Joseph McDade of Scranton.

In addition to the McDade and other trails, hikers can follow 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Learn To Manage Rainwater On Your Land

DINGMANS FERRY-Penn State Cooperative Extension and the Pike County Conservation District will be sponsoring a program on Tuesday, September 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. for homeowners who are interested in “Managing Rainwater on Your Property.” The program will be held at the Delaware Township Building, 116 Wilson Hill Road in Dingmans Ferry.

Stormwater runoff is created when rain or snowmelt accumulates and runs across the surface of the land. As residential and commercial land development creates more impervious surfaces, the volume of stormwater increases. Parking areas, streets, rooftops and even a lush lawn growing on compacted soil are impervious surfaces that don’t allow water to absorb into the ground. Traditional drainage systems concentrate runoff from these surfaces and remove it as quickly as possible by a system of gutters, curbs, pipes, sewers, and channels. Stormwater runoff impacts our streams and watersheds, causing declines in water quality, degradation of fish habitat and contributes to more frequent flood events.

“Managing Rainwater on Your Property” will focus on designing, installing and caring for landscapes that benefit our local environment by reducing stormwater, flooding and water pollution. You will learn how increased impervious surfaces are affecting our watershed, how residents can capture runoff on their own property and how conserving water saves energy, money and protects our watersheds.

This informational program is free. The Pike County Conservation District has received grant funding to make available 40 rain barrels at a discounted price of $55 each for attendees of the program.  All registration and payments for the rain barrels are due before September 22^nd and made payable to the Pike County Conservation District. Only one rain barrel per household and the rain barrel must be picked up the day of the event.

For more information or to register, please contact Michele Ulmer at the Pike County Conservation District, 556 Route 402, Hawley, PA 18428 before Tuesday, September 22^nd at 570-226-8220. Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Grand Opening for Infinite Health & Wellness

DINGMANS FERRY – All are invited to attend the grand opening of the Dingmans Medical Center for Infinite Health and Wellness on Saturday, August 29, with an Open House from Noon to 3 PM. There will be light refreshments, face painting for kids, free blood pressure screening, free glucose screening, gait analysis and a raffle.  At 12:30 PM there will be a photo session and ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Dingmans Medical Center is located at 1592 Route 739 in Dingmans Ferry. Bring the whole family to meet the doctors and staff of internal medicine and pediatrics, as well as a cardiologist, podiatrist, dentist & more! The phone number at the Center is 570-828-8000 for more information.

Poker Run and Barbeque to Benefit Community Programs

Sheila Korick, Development Specialist, Community Outreach Coordinator for Safe Haven of Pike County hops a Honda.

DINGMANS FERRY – The Delaware Township Republican Club is sponsoring a poker run on Saturday, September 12 (rain date Sept 13) to benefit both Safe Haven of Pike County and the Pike County Sheriff’s Crime and Drug Prevention Program!

The starting location is the Village at Delaware Ridge, across from the Dime Bank in Dingmans Ferry.  It will end at the Side Street Tavern in Dingmans Ferry with a BBQ and DJ from 3 – 5 PM.
Motorcycles and classic cars will travel a designated route (a map will be provided), and draw playing cards at the designated stops. The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run.
The Village at Delaware Ridge parking lot will open at 8 AM, registration is from 9:30 – 11AM.  Breakfast will be available for purchase during registration hours. Fees are $25 per driver and $10 per rider, which covers admission to both the poker run and the BBQ.  Children under 8 years old ride free.  Participants will start their engines at 11AM.

The BBQ will be held from 3- 5 PM at the end of ride destination (Side Street Tavern in Dingmans Ferry).  Admission to the BBQ for non-poker run participants is $15.  Please contact Sheila Korick at Safe Haven 570-296-2827 for any questions.  Safe Haven offers crisis intervention, emergency shelter, supportive counseling, medical and justice system advocacy, school education and support programs, a 24-hour hotline, and community awareness prevention/education programs.  Please check out their website at www.safehavenofpikecounty.org.

Marcel Residents Sewage Woes

Seventy-two Percent Rate Increase Sought

By Jim Davis

DINGMANS FERRY — A group of Marcel Lakes residents, already unhappy with the quality of their sewage service, is up in arms after learning that the company that provides the service is seeking a 72.7 percent increase in their monthly fee.

Earlier this summer, the Clean Treatment Sewage Company sent a notice to their customers stating their intent to seek the rate increase effective October 1. The increase has to be approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the state agency which approves rates charged by public utilities. If the increase is approved, the typical monthly bill for a residential customer will jump from $68 to $117.44.

According to Debbie Sorchik, the office manager at Clean Treatment, the company is seeking the rate increase in order to recoup losses the company incurred as a result of not being able to charge a “standby fee,” a fee charged to owners of undeveloped lots within the development with the premise that they can, at any time, tie into the community’s sewage system.

A recent court order decreed that the company could no longer charge the fee, as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection imposed a moratorium on sewage permits in Marcel Lakes in 2005; if land owners cannot get a sewage permit, the ruling states, they should not be charged.

Residents of the community are not happy, though. They claim to have a long-standing history of problems with Clean Treatment, much of it documented in court papers, including an October 2005 overflow at a sludge plant that caused untreated sewage to flow into a nearby stream. They also feel that the company has, in the past, asked them to assume costs that they feel should be paid by Clean Treatment.

“We have no objection to paying a fair rate for a service that we’re getting,” said resident Stephen Sutter. “But [they’re] not giving good service.” He went on to note that residents don’t have problems with any of the numerous other utilities who supply services. He singled out Marcel Lake’s water provider, Pennsylvania American Water.

“They updated everything at their own expense,” said Sutter. “Then, after that, they asked for a rate increase.”

Sutter spoke of a friend of his who had owned land in the community for 30 years, who had paid standby fees, taxes, and community fees over all that time. Now, he’s ready to retire, and because of the moratorium, he can’t develop his land. After all he has invested, now he’s looking to get out of the community, and Sutter doesn’t think it’s right.

Marcel resident and community board member Mary Hanel echoed Sutter’s sentiments. “You’re going to charge us all this money and you haven’t done anything?” she asked. “We’re going to go through the procedures and fight this, we’re not going away.”

Residents wishing to challenge the rate increase have several options available: they can file a complaint with the PUC; they can send a letter to Clean Treatment, explaining objections to the rate increase; or, they can be a witness at a public hearing, if any are held. No public hearings are scheduled yet, but it is possible that they may be held in the future.

Chicken Barbecue/Charity Auction

DINGMANS FERRY – At the Dingmans Ferry United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 29, 11AM-3PM – Rain or Shine. Come enjoy delicious chicken barbecue and an auction for charity. Preview Auction Items at 11AM. Bidding begins at 1PM. Call 570-828-2288 for more information or if you would like to purchase advance tickets for Chicken Barbecue. Dinners only $8.50. Walk-ins are welcome!