Journal of the Pocono Plateau, Late Feb.-Early March 2024

of the

The

STR amendment draws crowd to Toby Township meeting

by Seth Isenberg

Tobyhanna Township supervisors’ February meeting, held on the 20th, featured an overflowing room of Short-Term-Rental owners and neighbors of STRs. The topic was second on the agenda to a hearing about the proposed new building on the former Blakeslee Inn/Sportsman property to house a behavioral treatment facility. The hearing attracted one objector, a neighbor. With no others to speak, the hearing was closed.

The proposed amendment to the STR ordinance would set into place a rule where total occupancy is two people per bedroom, plus two. Also in the amendment is a cap on the total number of STRs allowed in the township at 10% of the township’s ‘personal’ homes, which total 7,440. The cap is proposed at 750, and the number of applications so far in 2024

is 871. Of those, some have been withdrawn, others are flawed, and about 687 are through approval.

Speakers complained about Driftwood Drive in Greenwood Acres where there are seven STRs on a street with 24 homes one with nine bedrooms; and about Emerald Lakes where STRs are nearly a third of the community. Behaviors of loud parties late into the night, and skinny dipping were noted.

Jim Smyth of Camelot Forest complained about a seven-bedroom home whose renters park the street up, and blocks an emergency gate. “It’s mayhem.”

As to the parties, parking and boorish behavior, citizens were told to call the police, and call the STR Hotline. Alexis Wilkinson, local STR Rental enforcement officer at Bureau Veritas in the Pocono Pines office, passed around her business card and invited

people to call. She and her team are working “to create actions from data.”

Two of the speakers defended the good job they do with their STRs, being good neighbors and advocating others to be the same. These owners favor ‘aggressive enforcement’ of the Township’s STR rules.

An issue about being able to sell a home with an STR license in good standing, to operate as an STR for the new owner, was agreed to be considered. Current owners fear being put at the back of the line behind the cap figure, unable to sell their businesses.

Supervisors decided to explore the portability issue, and look closer at the cap. Regular business went quickly after the STRs finished: Pocono Summit Volunteer Fire Co. responded to 50 calls in January, 34 of those in Tobyhanna Twp.;

Sue Tarrant of Pocono Lake shops for wreaths at the first Craft Fair held since the renovation of the Blakeslee Community Center. The event, on February 18, drew a good crowd with lots of varied vendors. For the full story, see page 3. JP: Lor

R. Cooper

See TOBYHANNA TWP, page 6

March for Make-A-Wish® honors former PMWHS student

Student Council annual fundraiser also features Duck Donuts Day

The Student Council at Pocono Mountain West High School in Pocono Summit, is again organizing a month-long March for Make-A-Wish® fundraiser benefiting Make-AWish® Greater Pennsylvania

and West Virginia.

The PMWHS Student Council hopes to raise $5,000 through a bake sale, a homeroom donation contest and a Duck Donuts fundraiser. The community is invited to participate by visiting Duck Donuts on Saturday, March 20 from 8

a.m. to 7 p.m. at 3560 PA611 Bartonsville, where 10% of the profits will directly benefit local kids in Monroe County. Participants must mention Pocono Mountain West High School or MakeA-Wish at the register.

March for Make-AWish was created in

CCEEC plans busy March

The Carbon County Environmental Education Center has released a schedule of programs for March. Anyone interested in registering or receiving more information can call the center at (570) 645-8597.

CCEEC is located at the west end of Mauch Chunk Lake Park, just outside Jim Thorpe along the Lentz Trail highway.

Photo Contest and Display, Throughout March

Entries into CCEEC’s annual photo contest are on display throughout the month of March. Visitors are invited to vote for “People’s Choice” from among photos in landscape, wildlife, and macro categories.

Exhibit is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Yarn Tuesdays, Every

Tuesday in March, 6-7:30 p.m.

Participants can come learn to knit or crochet with all materials supplied, or bring their own project and enjoy the company of fellow crafters. A $15 donation covers all sessions. Light refreshments provided.

Bird Brains—Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m.

Participants will learn about backyard birds, play a few games, and meet one of the CCEEC’s resident

owls. The program is familyfriendly, suitable for all ages, and free of charge.

Nature Club—Sunday, March 17, 1 p.m.

For students in grades K-6. Meetings begin with discussion of club business, then on to hikes, games, or other nature-oriented activities. The program is free for EEC members,

and $5 per child for nonmembers.

Creepy Crawlers—

Monday, March 25, 10 a.m.

Open to all 2, 3 and 4-year-olds. Age-appropriate games, crafts, stories and other activities. The program is free for EEC members, and $5 per child for nonmembers.

memory of wish kid Steven Mitchel. Steven wished to go on a cruise in 2002. After experiencing the transformative power of a wish, he and the Student Council at Pocono Mountain West High School worked to share that hope and joy with other children facing critical illnesses. Although Steven passed away in 2003, the Student Council at Pocono Mountain West High School has continued Steven’s legacy of joyful generosity through a variety of fundraisers throughout the years.

Since 2004, the students, faculty, and families of PMWHS have raised more

than $55,000 in support of life-changing wishes for more than 16 children from Monroe County who are living with critical illnesses. All proceeds from March for Make-A-Wish will be used to help grant wishes for the eight local children waiting to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Supporters can also make a tax-deductible donation through the campaign’s Wish Your Way donation page: For more information, please contact Make-AWish Regional Manager Maggie O’Brien at mobrien@ greaterpawv.wish.org or 570.341.9474.

Crafts and art galore at first Blakeslee Community Center craft fair

by Lori R. Cooper

The newly renovated Blakeslee Community Center held its first craft fair at the new building. Twenty-three vendors were on hand selling everything from candles to homemade gnomes.

Eric Gaines of PPC (Pocono Photo Club) has been making digitized photography for 20 years. He also works with the Art Council and Stroudsburg. His beautiful work includes flowers and scenery.

Local artist Stephen Kager was there to take a look at the new building and shop a bit.

Sisters Kris and Judy Avery have been sewing and

quilting, respectively, for 50 years. Their crafts included hats, pillows and wreaths.

Carol Camacho makes adorable knitted gnomes in various colors that are 3 feet tall. Her daughter, Kelsey, started making door hangers about two years ago and they said they’ve been busy every weekend with different craft fairs.

Table runners, quilts and tea towels were some of the homemade products by Louise Swartz of Albrightsville. She’s been working on her craft for about three years and just got a booth at the Grapevine Antique Mart in Brodheadsville.

“Mad Mama Herbalworks” is the name of the product line by Megan Spiker.

She makes herbs and tea suggested for use for different ailments. She also organizes herbal education walks for schools and communities. To contact her send an email to madmamaherbworks@ yahoo.com.

“Vibrant Vixen” aka Michelle Amico is a visual artist who makes resin jewelry and barretts. Some of the colorful photos and paintings she did were on display for purchase.

A large crowd attended the event. There were plenty of complimentary goodies in the new back room including donuts, brownies, coffee and hot chocolate.

Board member John Livziey (who was selling his handmade wooden spoons) noted the community center is looking to hold another craft fair in the spring that will allow vendors to be on the beautifully redone front porch or set up tents outside.

Louise Swartz. Photos by Lori Cooper Kelsey Camacho, left, and mother Carol Camacho

Seth’s Sightings

I have been summoned for Jury Duty in April. I will attend to see if I am selected. Thirty-one years ago, I was selected for a jury, but the defendant chose to go before a judge instead. I am sending in the form and will share what happens.

We enjoyed another beautiful weekend. While various parts of the country were getting winter weather,

we have been teased by springtime temperatures. As I write this, the temperature outside is about 55°. At the same time, the California Sierras are getting feet of snow. I’ve been watching that storm…wow.

P.S. on that…city types from San Fran and Sacramento have decided to day trip up into the passes even as the blizzard rages,

Time to prune with Pocono Garden Club

A timely program on ‘Pruning Trees and Shrubs’ will be presented when the Pocono Garden Club meets on Tuesday March 12 at 1 p.m. at the Monroe County Conservation District, 8050 Running Valley Road, Bartonsville.

Taylor Breinich, arborist representative with Bartlett Tree Co., will present the program — just in time for spring pruning needs.

The March floral design entry will be a triangle design of your choice themed ‘Be a Lion or a Lamb.’ The horticulture entry will be a forced flowering branch, one stem not to exceed 24 inches and sized in proportion to the clear container you bring it in. The houseplant entry will be any succulent.

The club is already preparing for its popular annual flower show and plant sale. Themed ‘The Beauty of America,’ the show and sale will be held Saturday July 13, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Tannersville.

For more information, visit the Pocono Garden Club on Facebook or email

club president Nell Cadue at poconogardenclub@ gmail.com.

by Seth Isenberg

and they end up getting stuck on the road, making Interstate 80 into a parking lot at near 8,000 feet above sea level.

Critter sightings this month have been mostly the usual deer, fox, etc., and we noticed an increase in Canada geese.

I also hear an increase in bird song, with at least one recent arrival taking a turn at singing at the top of our tall cherry tree. He’s loud enough to be heard over our white noise machine, and persistent enough to be a wake-up alarm.

We’re coming up on a rare fifth Thursday of this month, only made possible because it’s a Leap Year.

We had some shopping to do last weekend and made our drive to the store around sunset so we could enjoy the beautiful colors, golds, yellows, pinks, and more. Then we were treated to a glorious full moon rising.

The WSB Penguins won two out of three games last week, then they split their games with the Charlotte Checkers. The Pens have a narrow lead on Hartford and Charlotte to hold third place in their division.

It’s time for March Madness. I am interested in your basketball picks, ladies’ and men’s. I am cheering the

shorthanded UConn Lady Huskies to go deep into the tournament. I also like Iowa and their ace, Caitlyn Clark. I’ve no men’s favorite.

The 2024 NCAA Hockey Tournaments are coming up. I like Boston University for the men, and Colgate for the women (Penn State women are ranked #15). I plan to see the Frozen Four games on TV if possible.

We’ll be riding a weather roller-coaster as winter recedes. Keep warm and dry as the weather throws its early spring tantrums.

Best of health to you all.

Police Beat

PA State Police, Fern Ridge, responded to a crash at the Route 903 overpass of the Turnpike in Albrightsville on 2-8 at 12:20 p.m. No one was hurt. One car was towed. The other had minor rear-end damage.

2-21, a trucker used a PayPal card to buy $972 worth of fuel at the Hickory Run Travel Plaza. The card was later declined.

There were a variety of fender-benders last month, particularly in Brodheadsville. No injuries. There were several DUIs,

and there were some shoplifting reports.

A 39 y/o Albrightsville man had his foot run over during an incident in Mt. Pocahontas on 12-21.

PennDOT

Be aware of a core boring crew working on Interstate 80 in Stroud Township 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. early in March.

When weather permits, crews will be out crack sealing, and pothole patching.

A contractor will be out on I-80 east of Route 115/ west

Art MinissA

by Seth Isenberg

of I-380, to clean up a fuel spill mid-March. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.

A full length Police Beat will return in the next issue.

Hatchery Road closed

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists that Hatchery Road, a township roadway located above the northbound-550 bridge on the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Northeast Extension (I-476) at milepost A83.88, is closed to traffic from Friday, March 1 through Thursday, Oct. 31. The approximate eightmonth closure is part of a bridge replacement project on the PA Turnpike’s Northeast Extension. The bridge, which carries Hatchery Road over the Turnpike at milepost A83.88, will be replaced over the next eight months. Hatchery Road Bridge is in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County.

During the closure, expect higher traffic volumes on detour roads. Motorists are encouraged to plan travel accordingly. Changeable message signs will also provide information on closures and detours. Work schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions.

Westbound Detour

Quality

Follow Hatchery Road (State Route 1001) (changing names into Penn Forest Road) 4.7 miles to Pohopoco Road (State Route 1001). Take Pohopoco Road 0.3 miles to Trachsville Hill Road (State Route 2011). Take Trachsville Hill Road 1.3 miles to State Route 209 (Interchange Road). Follow State Route 209 South 8.2 miles to Harrity Road (State Route 2007). Take Harrity Road 0.6 miles to Fairyland Road (State Route 2015). Take Fairyland Road (changing names into Long Run Road) 3.2 miles to Maury Road (State Route 2017). Take Maury Road 2.5 miles to State Route 903. Follow State Route 903 North 3.0 miles to Hatchery Road.

Eastbound Detour

Follow State Route 903 South 3 miles to Maury Road (State Route 2017). Take Maury Road 2.5 miles to Long Run Road (State Route 2015). Take Long Run Road (changing names into Fairyland Road) 3.2 miles to Harrity Road (State Route 2007). Take Harrity Road 0.6 miles to State Route 209 (Interchange Road). Follow State Route 209 North 8.2 miles to Trachsville Hill Road (State Route 2011). Take Trachsville Hill Road 1.3 miles to Pohopoco Drive (State Route 1001). Take Pohopoco Road 0.3 miles to Penn Forest Road (State Route 1001). Take Penn Forest Road (changing names into Hatchery Road) for 4.7 miles to Hatchery Road.

PMRPC commends five officers for response

by Pat Albano

At the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Commission meeting on February 21

Chief Chris Wagner noted arrests down significantly in January adding “nothing stands out in trends early in the new year.”

New business centered on commendations for five officers. Wagner stated, “commendations are hard to come by, but I have not seen five in one night in my career.” Wagner referred to an incident on January 18, in 2021 with officers dispatched after shots were fired at the Tobyhanna Shopping Center. Officers had to manage multiple crimes

scenes including road rage and two victims struck with high powered rifles, which resulted in 12 arrests and convictions.

Commendations were presented to Sgt. Robert Miller, Detective Donald Scarfo, Officer Daniel Murgia, Detetive Zackary Scheetz and Officer Carmine Saprona. Wagner added. “This is the best example of policing,” as he presented each officer with commendation plaques and promotions. Families of the officers were on hand to share in the celebrations.

Wagner reported on the 2024 hiring process noting that “Eighty-nine applicants took the police exam on Feb

11th with a 50-60% failure rate. Twenty-six applicants moved onto the next phase with 5% failing to show up. For those remaining applicants we will be setting up interviews.”

Wagner also noted, “We are replacing several service vehicles. The good news is that three new Fords are in, plus one unmarked car. We do need to replace several of the unmarked cars and any sales will go into unexpected revenues.”

There was an update on Tobyhanna Township’s Inter-Municipal Agreement Amendment that would change their selection process for representatives to the PMRPC. Mount Pocono Mayor Randy Altemose suggested there be at least

one elected officer from every municipality and Wagner suggested that this be tabled for now as voting still needs to be completed.

Wagner stated “Detective Corporal Robert Miller scored the highest tally in a promotional interview and

Tobyhanna Twp.

Continued from page 13

Tobyhanna Bureau of Fire is training, and seeking a grant. The member caught taking fuel was suspended.

DPW reports snow removal going well, and is grateful for the new backhoe. The township crew do some upgrading of township parks after the winter.

was promoted to Sergeant. This promotion along with lateral transfers creates openings in the crime room.

There was an update on a LSA and American Recovery Grant which include a forensic laser scanner which is now operational.

Bills of $948,542 were paid.

The township is seeking proposals for tree trimming work in 2024.

Locust Lake Village asked to be able to replace two failing sewage systems at their beaches with holding tanks. The rest rooms are in use for about 15 weeks. The LLV Association was directed to prepare an agreement with details including weekly pumping out the tanks.

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Vacations Vacations

ACROSS

1. Light pats

5. Pant

9. Moral lapse

12. Fail to mention

13. Resounding sound

14. Work by Shelley

15. Heading

17. Pub brew

18. More unusual

19. Leaked

21. Oscar Madison,

e.g

23. Snaky fish

24. Summer cooler

26. Misery

28. Hearts and clubs

32. Deli loaves

34. Fully

36. Small cut

37. Olympic prize

39. Supporting

41. Chinese beverage

42. Chew the fat

44. Marina sight

46. Fast cat

50. Pie shell

53. “____ Day Will Come”

54. Makeup item: 2 wds.

56. ____ capita

57. Sensitive

58. Trucker’s vehicle

59. Superman’s emblem

60. Brass horn

61. Genesis home

DOWN

1. Dummy

2. At the center of

3. Finch food

4. Hard metal

5. Fetch

6. Amino ____

7. Beach

8. Small horses

9. TV serial

10. Loiter

11. Must-have

16. Gloat

20. Extra

22. Feathered scarf

24. Sleeve filler

25. Coloring agent

27. Santa’s helper

29. Trespassed

30. Hitch

31. Health haven

33. Scholar

35. Trim

38. Newest

40. Loaded

43. Louisiana marsh

45. Blot out

46. Deal (with)

47. Tones

48. Messes up

49. Oregano, e.g

51. Undetermined number

52. Identical one

55. Baltic or Bering

➴Insert numbers 1 through 9 in each block; no repeats in row or column.➴

Obituaries

FLORENCE HEATH-BRINKLEY

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother Florence Heath-Brinkley on February 26, 2024, due to a brief illness at the age of 94. Florence had resided at the Pleasant Valley Manor Nursing Home in Stroudsburg, where she passed away.

She was born in Washington, District of Columbia, and moved to Cottage City, MD in 1936, where she attended elementary school and graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1947.

She met Ralph Heath (deceased) through Ralph’s sister. They were married on September 27, 1947 and were together for 40 years. After Ralph’s passing (in 1988)

Florence met and married Wilbur Brinkley in 1992. They were married for 17 years before Wilbur passed away in 2009.

In 2010, she sold her home in Maryland and went to live with her daughter in Effort until 2023.

Florence was a kind and generous soul, always putting others’ needs before

her own. Her love and compassion extended to all those who knew her, and she will be remembered for her infectious smile, warm personality and loving ways. She is survived by her sister Carolyn Blauvelt from Silver Springs, MD.; her three children, Elaine Morales (Ray) from NC, Janet Bilecki and Brian Heath from Effort; 5 grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren that she loved so very much. We will all miss her deeply. Rest in peace, dear mother. You will forever be in our hearts and memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Florence’s memory to Effort United Methodist Church, or Awsom Animal Shelter, in Stroudsburg. The family plans on a Celebrating of Life at Fort Lincoln, in Brentwood, MD, at an announced future date.

The Kresge Funeral Home, 1763 Route 209, Brodheadsville, is in charge of the arrangements.

www.kresgefuneralhome. com

Dianne Carol Malley, 74, of Tobyhanna, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Lehigh Valley HospitalPocono. She was the loving partner of Stephen Bunker, with whom she shared 35 years together.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Wallace and Lois (Wills) Malley.

Dianne was a customer service manager in manufacturing. She held her own, back then, in a predominantly all male industry. She enjoyed many, many things; among those were her grandchildren, key lime pie, Las Vegas, traveling, shrimp cocktail,

DIANNE CAROL MALLEY

Dunkin Donuts coffee, and keeping her spouse, Steve, in line. She was a huge Boston sports fan, and she was always in the top three of our annual family fantasy football league. She loved to cook and host all her favorite holidays with her family. Her finest quality was how she could always, no matter what, give it to you straight.

In addition to her partner, she is survived by her daughter, whom she adored, Jodi Gaudette and husband, Michael. With Steve, son, Jeff Bunker and wife, Jacqueline; daughter Jennifer Lyons and husband, Matt. She had 8 grandchildren; Stephannie

Kennelly and her husband, Brendan; Mikey Gaudette and his soon to be wife, Vanessa; Timmy Gaudette; Tommy Gaudette and girlfriend Alexis; Jaxon Bunker; Jordyn Bunker; Jocelyn Bunker; & Brinley Lyons. She also had 4 great grandchildren; Brycen; Quin; Camden; & Asher.

A Celebration of Life in Dianne’s honor was held February 24, at Pocono Farms County Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dianne’s name to the American Lung Association.

Bolock Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

ANTHONY NICHOLAS STIGLIANO

Anthony Nicholas Stigliano, affectionately known as Pops and Uncle Tony, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024 in his home in Tobyhanna. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nicholas and Florence Stigliano, Anthony was the beloved husband of Ana (Cruz) Stigliano for over 37 years. His career was marked by dedication and excellence for Citi Bank for 44 years. Throughout his life, Anthony enjoyed bowling, golfing, reading, and traveling. As an avid sports lover, Anthony was a lifelong New York Mets and New York Giants fan.

Predeceased by his parents, his sister Theresa, and his daughter Lisa, Anthony’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife, Ana; his son Joseph; his grandchildren, Jaime, Nicholas, and Evan; his great-grandchild Grayson; his nieces and nephews, Cindy, Luis, Mark, Michael, and Diana; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Michelle, Ashley, Alyssa, Sophia, Damion, Josephine, Melvin, and Madison.

Anthony will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His

warmth, wisdom, and the joy he brought to everyone will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A funeral service was held February 25 at Bolock Funeral Home, 6148 Paradise Valley Rd. Cresco.

Altoona District Meeting at FGHCOGIC

Full Gospel Holiness

Church Of God In Christ will be hosting the Altoona District Meeting on March 13, 14, and 15, at 7 p.m.

Three dynamic Church Of God In Christ speakers will be featured. The community is invited to attend.

We will be praising the Lord for all He has done and is going to do in the future. Our desire is to glorify God during this three night service.

We extend an open invitation to you to join us and help us lift our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Speakers for this service are as follows:

March 13 - Elder William Hines, Altoona District Superintendent and Pastor, Upon This Rock COGIC, Harrisburg

March 14 - Bishop Guy Glimp, Commonwealth of PA Jurisdictional Prelate, Harrisburg

Bach and Handel Chorale to present 39th Spring Concert with orchestra

The Bach and Handel Chorale and Festival Orchestra, based out of Jim Thorpe, will present its 39th Spring concert on Saturday, May 18, beginning at 3 p.m.

The performance will be in the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 526 North Street in Jim Thorpe. The chorale will be accompanied by the Festival Orchestra whose members come from Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York and Schuylkill and Bucks counties.

The concert will open with the Concerto in F Minor, BWV 1056 performed by Maestro Perry on the Harpsichord and accompanied by the Festival

Orchestra.

The concert will continue with several choruses from Bach cantatas and oratorios as well as some choral works by Handel.

The Church of St. Joseph is a beautiful cathedrallike church with beautiful Stations of the Cross, wonderful acoustics and large and comfortable seating.

Admission to the concert is $25, and tickets are available by mail by calling the chorale office at (570) 325–4794. Please consult the chorale website: www.bhchorale.org for additional information on tickets or the chorale.

March 15 - Elder Leanon Trawick, Pastor, D.D. Full Gospel Holiness COGIC, Pocono Summit You can support by attending physically, praying, or planting a ‘Seed’ via CASH APP: $fullgospelholiness / or ZELLE: fullgospelholiness@ verizon.net.

Student accomplishments praised at PMSB meeting

by Pat Albano

When the Pocono Mountain School District met on February 21, superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Robison gave updates on staff and student accomplishments.

Tobyhanna Elementary Center held their annual school play on February 15, ‘Finding Nemo.’ Eighty students participated in the play. TEC students also celebrated Black History

Month, decorating hallways and classrooms.

East Girls wrestling participated in the district 11 Championships over the weekend finishing fourth.

Three East Girl’s wrestlers qualified to compete on February 25 at the SE Regional Tournament held at East Quaker High School. Boys wrestling will compete at Liberty High School on February 23 and 24. East High Basketball teams will be competing in the district

quarterfinals against Bangor on February 23 at Pleasant Valley High School.

District librarian Victoria Savo attended a Space Exploration Educators Conference in Houston, TX which provided a complete set of new themes she will share with teachers and students.

On Saturday, February 24 the school district hosted the NE PA Odyssey of the Mind competition at West High School. The competition,

a problem-solving event, was followed by an awards ceremony after all the scores were tallied. Over 50 schools from NE Pa competed and school board members were on hand to cheer students on.

Glen Iversen, supervisor from the maintenance department, gave updates for January showing over 1,259 work orders completed. Jane Brandes of security reported eight fire drills and one lockdown drill successfully

Mt. Pocono considers sewage treatment issues

by Pat Albano

Mount Pocono Borough Council addressed a number of issues at the February 20 work session including a request for a public hearing on Act 537 Amendment Plan. On January 24, 1966, the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) was enacted to address existing sewage disposal problems and prevent future problems. To meet these objectives, Act 537 requires proper planning of all types of sewage facilities.

Brian Smith gave updates on Phase II of the Memorial Park Design, helping the borough put together an application for a DCNR grant. “This is a $500,000 project,” he said. Council president Don Struckle asked if there are any studies of what community members prefer with Smith replying, “trails.” There was also discussion of an ice-skating rink in winter.

Mayor Randy Altemose addressed the need for a drainpipe blockage ordinance, noting that drains put in at

the end of properties are not the borough’s responsibility.

“We need an ordinance allowing us to clear these,” he said. “So if we must do this, we can be reimbursed so hopefully the property owners will do it themselves.”

Council discussed community yard sale dates of Memorial Day, July 4th, one in August, and Labor Day.

High school juniors are eligible to apply to be named a junior council member. They would attend board meetings and is a wonderful opportunity for the younger generation to get involved in the community. Students are interviewed, and recommendations are received from teachers. Scholarships are also available for recipients and students receive in school credit for community service.

Council member Claudette Williams stated, “We will start recruiting sophomores now for next year.”

Altemose and council vice-president Norman Delano discussed a shade tree ordinance. “We want to protect trees going down the

street and the right of way. You cannot tell people what to do on their property.”

The board discussed excessive police calls on theft. Altemose stated, “Of the 25 calls a month to the police 95% are from Walmart. Walmart used to have security and will not stop anyone walking out the door.” The mayor suggested a higher threshold to minimize calls to police.

One final discussion

centered on the Pocono Municipal Authority lease. The Board decided to bring this up at the next meeting with an offer of $1,500 monthly for three years. Council member Debra Fulton said she spoke to Tom Ford about the newsletter. “Currently, there are not enough advertisers for the newsletter. Hopefully by mid-March or early April there will be new advertisers.”

conducted in January.

Dr. McCain, the new director for English Language Arts/Reading, presented a PowerPoint presentation on structured literacy. McCain stated, “Literacy is a four-part processing model for word recognition side-by-side with the reading brain Today we have many more tools on hand not available 20 years ago McCain added, “Two pilot programs are approved for 2022-2024 and include monthly discussions with teachers. We will be looking at new novels this summer to spark students reading interest.”

One final comment by assistant superintendent Dr. Catherine Sweeny concerned changes in curriculum programs of studies and scheduling for school years 24/25 geared to help students to their chosen career pathways. Also mentioned is how artificial intelligence may be implemented in the classroom. Sweeny urged parents to carefully review curriculum changes.