‘Firefly Field’ Playground Opens

MILFORD –  Come and play, experience Firefly Field – a playground for all kids.  Tri-State’s premier playground is open.  Kids of all ages will have a chance to enjoy the unique Excavating Pit – a spacious, cool and comfortable sand area, the Curved Track Ride – a fun glide ride that offers 8 to 12 year olds a challenging workout, the magnificent Playweb designed to build balance and  creative thinking for 4 year olds and up, or the Sway Fun- a giant adaptive glider offering exciting movement for children of all ages.  These are just a few of the over 50 pieces of play equipment at Firefly Field.  Also included are numerous wheel chair accessible covered areas and pavilions, all ideal for picnics and caregiver comfort.

“I’m excited that we have finally opened,” said Ronnie Biondo, Board Member and co-founder of the playground.  “We want Firefly Field to be filled with children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers all enjoying the outdoors and safe play.”  Designed for children of all abilities and from all walks of life, it is an all-accessible playground conceived for the advancement of inclusion, self-determination and our children’s future success by creating a place where all kids can play, share and learn.

The project has been subsidized primarily by the Biondo Memorial Foundation and generous donations from many local businesses and individuals.  Additionally, the town of Matamoras donated the acre of land where the playground sits.  Ernie Bertuzzi, local owner of Ebcor Construction Company, managed the challenging construction of the project and,  along with numerous crews, worked very hard to meet the opening date.

Joe Biondo, Board President and co-founder of the playground said, “ I really think there is nothing else quite like it – Firefly Field has been adapted so it is truly accessible. Scott Eck, our talented designer and project manager,  has used real imagination and creativity with the layout.  Now, we just want the community to come and enjoy it.”

Firefly Field is conveniently located at Airport Park, Matamoras, PA.  Please direct inquiries and donations to The Biondo Foundation, 221 Broad Street., Milford, PA 18337.  Contact Maria Crawford at 570 686 2402.

Bring the children and a picnic lunch.  Come and play! Experience Firefly Field from 7:30AM to 8:30PM seven days a week.

Thousands Lose Unemployment Benefits in PA

State Senate Committee Held Responsible

HARRISBURG – More than 17,000 jobless workers, including 50 in Pike County, will lose unemployment benefits  as of July 18 because a bill that would use federal money to grant them an extension is being held up in a Senate committee – after it passed the House nearly unanimously, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today.

“Help for these Pennsylvania workers is being denied because of the Senate’s failure to act,” Tartaglione said. “The federal government recognized the difficulty in finding work in a historically weak market and sent help through the economic stimulus package. There is no excuse for putting these families through the anxiety of not knowing where to turn to next.”

Tartaglione called on Republican leadership in the Senate Labor and Industry Committee to release House Bill 1770 to the full Senate for a vote.

“Holding the bill hostage in committee is undemocratic and mean-spirited,” Tartaglione said. “This economy has already caused enough damage to families and communities without politics adding to it.”

With a half million Pennsylvanians unemployed – 200,000 more than on this day last year — the Obama Administration has reached out to help by offering $145 million to extend coverage for those who lost their jobs just after the start of the recession. House Bill 1770, which passed the House 197-1 more than a week ago, would make technical changes required to receive the federal help, but has been stalled in the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.

Pennsylvania’s rural counties are facing an unemployment crisis, Tartaglione said.

“Rural counties have the highest unemployment rates in Pennsylvania. Putting money into the hands of the unemployed while jobs are scarce, puts money into local businesses, boosts the sagging economy, saves homes and helps preserve jobs,” Tartaglione said. “Short-term aid that improves the quality of life in our neighborhoods brings immeasurable benefit.

Note: The total number of workers losing jobless benefits in counties in your coverage area can be obtained by emailing jkurish@pasenate.com.

Rendell’s $355 Million Investment in Water Infrastructure Trickles Down to Pike County

HARRISBURG- On July 21, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced the investment of $355 million in 111 green infrastructure, drinking water and wastewater projects in 47 counties, including Pike.

“The grants and low interest loans provided today by the PENNVEST Board of Directors continues the commonwealth’s commitment to strengthen our economy while also making wise investments in our water resources,” Governor Rendell said. “These projects will put people to work to meet many environmental and public health challenges in scores of communities across the state.

Most of the funding, $248 million, is for low-interest loans; $107 million in grants represents PENNVEST’s second allocation from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Here’s what the money will but at home:

• Shohola Township received a $494,417 grant to install new drainage pipes and structures and stabilize four landslides, all along Rosa Road, to reduce sediment contamination of the Delaware River.
• Matamoras Borough Municipal Authority received a $1 million loan to replace more than a mile of water distribution mains to reduce leaks and line breaks and improve fire protection.
• Milford Borough Municipal Authority received a $22,495 loan to install leak detection equipment to reduce water loss in the system.
• Milford Borough Municipal Authority received a $234,994 loan to replace 3,700 feet of deteriorated and undersized water mains and replace fire hydrants and refurbish others to reduce water loss from leaks in the system and improve fire protection in the borough.

PennDOT Introduces ‘E-PennDOT Digest’

Electronic Newsletter will Highlight Key Initiatives, Feature Unique Programs

HARRISBURG – The public is now able to learn more about the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s diverse programs and services through a new electronic newsletter, E-PennDOT Digest.

“This newsletter will help the public to understand that PennDOT’s scope is much broader than the yellow trucks you see on the roads,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “While maintaining highways and bridges is a major component of our work, we also have many other programs that are vital to Pennsylvanians.”

E-PennDOT Digest is a quarterly online newsletter that provides updates on key initiatives, such as the Accelerated Bridge Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Unique projects and partnerships from across the state are highlighted, as well as news related to public transportation, aviation and rail freight. Employee features are also included, detailing how PennDOT employees go the extra mile to serve taxpayers.

The newsletter is available by clicking on E-PennDOT Digest under the “News & Media” link on PennDOT’s Web site: www.dot.state.pa.us. Visitors to the site also have the option of subscribing to the newsletter by providing a current e-mail address.

Suggestions for future articles or comments related to E-PennDOT Digest can be e-mailed to the PennDOT Press Office at RA-penndotpress@state.pa.us

Governor Rendell Announces Recovery Funds to Upgrade Diesel Technology

HARRISBURG– Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that the commonwealth has been successful in attracting nearly $5 million in competitive grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to reduce diesel pollution and protect jobs.

The Department of Environmental Protection, in coordination with Norfolk Southern and GE, will use a $1.5 million grant to replace two pre-1973 four-axle 2,000 horsepower engines with one larger engine with advanced technology, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and improved diesel emission reductions. The project will keep employees working at Norfolk Southern’s Juniata Locomotive Shop.

“This investment protects the jobs not only of the workers who rebuild the locomotives, but also the workers who depend on the trains they power,”  Rendell said. “As a bonus, the project will slash emissions of air pollutants and fine particles that can harm the health and quality of life of Pennsylvanians.”

In addition to the grant to DEP, the Allegheny County Health Department received a $3.49 million grant to replace transit buses with diesel hybrids and repower others; retrofit dump trucks with diesel particulate filters; and repower a switch locomotive.

Pennsylvanians also will benefit from a $4.3 million grant to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association will fund a wide range of diesel projects in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, including replacing transit buses and off-road engines, retrofitting dump trucks, replacing cement trucks and repowering boats.

To learn more about how the federal economic stimulus will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.

PA’s $6 Million Settlement with DISH Network

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Tom Corbett is announcing that Pennsylvania, working together with 45 other states, has reached a nearly $6 million consumer protection settlement with Colorado-based DISH Network.

The agreement resolves a series of allegations involving Dish Network, including:

• Not fully informing consumers about the terms and conditions of their contracts or “free” offers.
• Failing to disclose that some equipment was used or refurbished.
• Advertising prices without adequately disclosing the applicability of rebates.
• Misrepresentations by third-party retailers, who were promoting and selling DISH Network services.
• Violations of state and federal “Do Not Call” laws.

“It is important for consumers to have complete and accurate information when they are shopping for services, including satellite TV, so they understand exactly what they are getting for their money,” Corbett said.  “This agreement helps resolve hundreds of complaints here in Pennsylvania and improves the way these services are advertised and promoted in the future.”

The agreement requires DISH Network to pay restitution or other appropriate relief to all consumers who have valid complaints. The settlement covers unresolved complaints that have already been filed with the Attorney General’s Office, dating back to January 2004, along with any new complaints filed during the next 150 days.

Pennsylvania residents can call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection hotline at 1-800-441-2555, or file an online consumer complaint.

The settlement also requires DISH Network to fully comply with the Consumer Protection Law in the way they advertise rebates, “free” offers and other promotions, in order to prevent any consumer confusion.  Additionally, the company is required to clearly disclose all terms and conditions in their contracts, must require all third-party retailers to comply with the terms of the settlement and must obey all state and federal “Do Not Call” laws.

Under the terms of the agreement, DISH Network will pay $5,991,000 to settle consumer protection allegations with Attorneys General in 46 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Commissioners Issue Statement Claiming Metzger Lawsuit Without Merit

MILFORD – The Pike County Commissioners have a policy that they never discuss personnel matters in public. This policy is based on recommendations made by their present Solicitor and from prior Pike County Solicitors. However, a past employee who recently sued the County, Dawn Metzger, has decided to make her personnel matter public. The Commissioners have not even been served with a copy of her Complaint, which was filed in the Federal District Court in Scranton; however, copies have already been sent to the news media. Given the accusations in the Complaint, the Pike County Commissioners believe it is necessary to respond publicly. However, this will be the only press release given in this matter.

First and foremost, the Pike County commissioners decided to remove Dawn Metzger, Director of Pike County Children & Youth Services. The Commissioners based this decision on information received from the Court of Common Pleas of Pike County, employees that worked under Dawn Metzger, and the third party individuals who had continual contact with Ms. Metzger as Director of Pike County Children & Youth Services.

After a lengthy investigation, the Commissioners decided it was best to remove Ms. Metzger from her position. She was given a due process hearing before her removal. She was represented by counsel throughout the process. She was also offered a new position at the Pike County Correctional Facility as a Treatment Counselor, which in consultation with her counsel, she agreed to accept. The commissioners then transferred her to a new position. Six days later, she advised the Commissioners that she would not be accepting her new position. She was then terminated from her new position at the Pike County Correctional Facility for job abandonment.

It is unfortunate that this matter has become public. The Commissioners will vigorously defend their decision to remove Ms. Metzger as the Director of Pike County Children & Youth Services. They are confident that the Court will dismiss her claim under the “Whistle Blower Law” as it is without merit.

Publisher’s Note: The Pike County Press was not provided with a copy of the lawsuit but obtained a copy directly from the Administrative Offices of the US Courts.

Why I Do What I Do Featuring: Ann Gillerlane

Sharing is Fundamental – This young lady is happy to share her snack.

Executive Director of the Center for Developmental Disabilities

Story and photos by Irene C. Prokop

MILFORD – Hearing that you are going to have a baby can be joyful news; learning the baby has developmental challenges, on the other hand, can be devastating. Young children with emotional and physical disabilities can wreak havoc on families, often tearing them apart permanently when every minute of the parent’s attention is focused on the needy child. For families in Pike County and the surrounding area, however, there is enormous hope and help through the Center for Developmental Disabilities (CDD) in Milford.

Ann Gillerlane, Executive Director of the Center, explains: “Parents come to us, often frantic, because they know something is not quite right with their child but the pediatrician has taken a ‘wait and see’ attitude. Or the Mental Health/Mental Retardation (MHMR) agency has sent them. Or they’ve heard about us and know we work with children who have developmental delays and disabilities.”

“Delays are one thing,” she continues. “Like if a child isn’t walking by 18 months, but starts to at 20 months, that’s a delay. A disability, on the other hand, is a condition like Cerebral Palsy. For that, the family is looking for life-long support for the child. Often MHMR stays connected to them from infancy through adulthood when they provide adult services for the child.”

CDD provides several kinds of services. For babies from birth to three years, there is Early Intervention. These services, which include occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT) and speech/language pathology (SLP) are conducted in the child’s home and are only available to Pike County residents. That means the therapists involved must travel to individual homes throughout the county. “We’re very fortunate to have a committed staff,” says Gillerlane. “These are therapists who are very invested in their communities and in giving back to their communities. They enjoy working with the kids and most of them have been with us for many years.”

Between the ages of three and five, providing services for the children becomes the financial responsibility of the Delaware Valley School District, and that means sending them to CDD, if needed.  “Our two-and-a-half-year olds come in one day a week to become acquainted with the staff, other children, and the classrooms. Then, when they turn three, the school is a familiar place to them. Our full-day program, which began in 2005, is held five days a week for 180 days. The autism program, however, never closes.” There is also a private rate available to families who live outside the school district.  For the preschool population, CDD also offers behavioral  services for children who can’t self-regulate their emotional outbursts as well as a regular, preschool academic program.

While the county has sponsored services for young children through CDD since 1991 (when there were only 4 or 5 children in the program), Ann Gillerlane came on board in 2003 and quickly became a key player in taking CDD to the next level. Today the two programs (Early Intervention and the Infant/Toddler Program) provide services for 170 children. Family Support Services are also provided which include home visits, visits to area daycare centers and support groups for parents/caregivers to facilitate the development of a positive parent-child relationship. These services are also designed to help the family access other community support groups.

“Our funding comes from federal and state sources as well as local donors,” Gillerlane explains. “We have an involved parent population, a very active Board of Directors and generous local donors; however, we currently have a high debt load because of the move to the new building.”

The new facility, part of the PennStar Bank structure on Routes 6/209, was purchased by CDD Last year when they outgrew their space at 221 Broad Street.  The modern, spacious building has numerous classrooms, a board room, therapy rooms, an administration area, an outdoor play area and a generous second-floor which will become a Pediatric Outpatient Clinic. Therapists can provide occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech/language pathology to patients not part of CDD. Gillerlane hopes to have the clinic open by this fall.

“Unfortunately, recent state budget cuts are not helping us financially,“ Gillerlane continues.  “Reducing staff would reduce the quality of care. The state mandates a ratio of one staff member for every ten children in a regular pre-school; here, we have one-to-three. Individualized services require individuals. We are not willing to compromise.”  That means kicking up the fundraising.

The annual campaign, which is the largest fundraiser of the year for CDD, will get an extra boost this year when a new staff-member comes on board to guide the event known as Chefs Do Dinner. (Watch for the announcement of the new staff member as well as Dinner particulars in coming issues of the Pike County Press and online at pikecountypress.com).

Chefs Do Dinner (also with the acronym CDD) has been held at the Best Western Inn in Matamoras and features area chefs who prepare and serve samples of their signature dishes, buffet style, enabling dinner attendees to sample as much, or as little, as they like from each chef’s station. Eagerly anticipated by the community, this event has entertainment, fabulous food, a cocktail hour, and the chance to support a local non-profit agency that provides services to the children of Pike County – those children who live next door, or nearby.

Raising money, supervising a new school building, substituting in the classroom, lobbying in Harrisburg, guiding the staff – seems like Ann Gillerlane has a full plate.

So, why do you do what you do, Ann?

“For social justice. I believe everyone deserves equal opportunity and access to those opportunities should be provided to everyone. We all have different talents. I believe those talents should be supported to give each individual the chance to be the best he can be. Kids – regardless of their delays or disabilities – are the easiest population to work with when it comes to that.”

Ann Gillerlane, Executive Director of the Center for Developmental Disabilities, in a rare moment at her desk.

Center of Hope - The school’s new building is part of the PennStar Bank complex on Route 6/209.

Room to Grow -The outdoor playground will be expanded in the future.

Academics, including computers, are a part of the pre-school program at CDD.

Bring in the Sun – Bright classrooms are a joy in the new school.

CDD Mission Statement:

The Center for Developmental Disabilities believes every child is capable of learning, growing and developing.  We believe each child and family is unique regarding its priorities, needs, culture, values and lifestyles.  We believe each family has the right to make choices regarding the supports and services they receive.  We believe services should be directed toward supporting children and families within their chosen communities.  We believe in a multi-disciplinary approach that bases program design on evaluative date resulting in the achievement of educational and therapeutic goals.  We believe in interagency collaboration to provide the most comprehensive services to children and their families.  We believe each child’s and family’s integrity is respected and maintained through the principles of positive supports.  CDD will not reject or eject any eligible child for services. CDD maintains strong alliances with other community based programs to maximize resources available to families in a comprehensive manner.

CDD maintains a strong commitment to provide a consistent, quality educational, behavioral and therapeutic program to Pike County’s children.  We remain creative, responsive and dedicated to our community’s requests and needs regarding children with developmental disabilities and delays. The provision of these services is in compliance with civil rights compliance regulations and laws.

For more information call 570-296-3992.

Pennsylvania Identifies Potential High-Speed Rail Projects for $8 Billion in Recovery Funding: Governor Rendell Lauds Rail Focus on State, National Levels

 HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania has submitted to the federal government a list of projects to be considered as candidates for portions of the $8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act high-speed rail funding, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today.

“Investments in high-speed rail help to meet rising consumer demand for expanded transportation options while easing stresses on our highway and bridge infrastructure,” Governor Rendell said. “The candidate rail projects we’re outlining would not only jump-start local economies, but also will help spur our progress toward a more efficient transportation system.”

The initial project list was developed based on the projects’ alignment with federal guidance, provided through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which required that projects’ feasibility be supported by rigorous financial and environmental planning. The initiative is part of President Obama’s proposal to invest in efficient, high-speed passenger rail in addressing the nation’s transportation challenges.

The pre-application was discussed today by Pennsylvania’s Stimulus Oversight Commission.

PennDOT submitted the following as candidate projects for potential formal application later:

• Keystone East Corridor Harrisburg to Philadelphia — funding would include track, signal, power and catenary upgrades, grade crossing removal and station improvements or replacements.
• Scranton to New York Rail Passenger Rail Service Program Phase 1 — funding for part of a proposed restored 133-mile passenger rail corridor between Northeastern Pennsylvania and Hoboken, N.J., with connections to Penn Station in Manhattan.
• Pittsburgh High-Speed Magnetic Levitation Project Phase 1 — funding to design and construct the first segment (Pittsburgh International Airport to Downtown Pittsburgh) of a Maglev, or magnetic levitation, line between the airport and Monroeville/Greensburg.
• Keystone West Harrisburg to Pittsburgh High-Speed Rail Feasibility and Business Plan Study — funding for a feasibility study of enhanced intercity passenger rail service between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. One Amtrak train a day in each direction now serves this corridor.

The candidate project list is part of a pre-application process, which will initiate dialogue between the FRA and the state on the projects’ feasibility and eligibility according to the established criteria. The FRA will offer guidance on criteria under which the final candidate project list should be formally submitted.

Following discussions with the FRA, PennDOT will submit its final candidate projects under their appropriate categories, or tracks. Track 1 addresses recovery through final design or construction of projects with completed environmental clearances and preliminary engineering, and also through completion of project clearances or preliminary engineering. Track 2 aims to substantially upgrade existing services or develop new high-speed rail corridor or intercity passenger rail services. Track 3 candidates would help establish a pipeline of future high-speed/intercity passenger rail projects and early-stage service development planning. The deadline for project applications under Tracks 1 and 3 is Aug. 24, while the Track 2 deadline is Oct. 2.

“We’ve been working to wisely invest the state’s $1.5 billion in transportation-related recovery funding, and I would be pleased to receive additional support to help modernize our passenger rail system,” Governor Rendell said. “A high-speed rail investment would complement the state’s nearly $1.2 billion base transit investment, paying dividends for the public and local economies.”

In addition to the state’s annual transit investment, PennDOT is developing a state Passenger and Freight Rail Plan, which will serve as the basis for Pennsylvania’s strategic investments utilizing federal and state dollars. The plan will contain an inventory of the statewide rail system and how it connects to other transportation modes, as well as analyze and identify future passenger and commodity flow trends. The plan is expected to be completed this fall.

“Our steady investment in public transportation and the planning already completed or under way makes Pennsylvania fertile ground for investment of these recovery funds,” Governor Rendell said. “I commend President Obama for his focus on this important transportation mode and, should we receive the financial backing, these projects will have grassroots and administrative support.”

The FRA is expected to award the first round of grants for selected projects by mid-September.  For more information on the candidate projects or submitted application, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.

Spiny the Porcupine

This little critter was spotted along Silver Lake Road in Porter Township, Pike County, on a recent afternoon. Porcupines, which like to eat tree bark and salt, are North America’s second largest rodent (beavers are bigger), according to the PA Game Commission. Adults are about 30 inches long, including their 6- 10-inch tail, and weigh nine to 15 pounds. A porky may have up to 30,000 quills, each of them one to four inches long. Even though porcupines cannot shoot their quills, as popularly believed, the name “porcupine” means “one who rises up in anger!” So beware of trying to pet one.