Journal of the Pocono Plateau Mid-September 2023

of the POCONO PLATEAU

VOLUME

NUMBER

Tobyhanna Township seeks contempt order vs TTVFC

by Ruth Isenberg

The deadline for Tobyhanna Township Volunteer Fire Company to return fire apparatus to the custody of the township and vacate the fire station was midnight on August 20. They met that deadline, but township supervisors are far from satisfied.

In a letter addressed to the residents, supervisors called out what they termed “shameful and illegal activity,” charging TTVFC Station 41 with stripping the trucks of all usable equipment.

The trucks will have to be re-equipped with hoses, radios, breathing masks and bottles, fire tools and more. They estimate the cost at several hundred thousand dollars to equip the units well enough to respond to emergencies.

TTVFC had filed for a Stay on the Court of Common Pleas ruling issued by Judge C. Daniel Higgins on July 19. On August 18, Judge Higgins

denied the Stay, meaning his original order stood, directing the TTVFC to turn over the titles for all equipment except for two pieces to the township, and vacate both buildings..

The supervisors, through solicitor Harry Coleman, petitioned the court to find TTVFC in contempt of court. As of press time, supervisors had not yet received word of the date for a hearing.

According to township supervisor David Carbone, the township does not

know where the removed equipment is now, so they are moving ahead to re-equip the units, and expect to recoup the costs as an attachment to the contempt order.

Carbone said that Atty. Coleman filed a report with the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department regarding the removal of the equipment. Reportedly, the cameras in the fire house were covered over as the units were stripped.

You can read the full copy of the supervisors’ letter on the township website, tobyhannatownshippa.gov on the News and Events page, under the Township Announcements tab.

It’s back to school for PMSB

by Pat Albano

Pocono

Mountain School

Board kicked off its first meeting of the new school year on August 23 at the Swiftwater Campus. Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Robison discussed orientation for 190 kindergarten students, referring to them as “future Cardinals.”

Students along with parents had an opportunity to have photos taken. Robison cited honors students from East/ West High Schools with a

From the Statehouse

Protect Yourself from Scams

by Rep. Jack Rader (R-Monroe)

In the wake of recent arrests involving scams against older residents, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG) is again reminding people of all ages to be on the lookout for someone trying to cheat them out of their hardearned money.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• Never send money or gift cards to someone you do

not know. Also, gift cards are for gifts, not for paying debts or bills.

• If you are suspicious or have concerns about a solicitation, call your local police or the OAG hotline at 800-441-2555.

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

“Sweepstakes” scams have been common for years, so be vigilant and use common sense. If you did not sign up for a sweepstakes, you could not have won.

Answer to puzzle on page 13

• Sign up for scam warning text alerts from the Office of Attorney General at www.attorneygeneral.gov. Mobile carrier rates may apply.

Additionally, the OAG recommends an acronym to evaluate unsolicited phone calls or emails:

S: Sudden – The call or email is unexpected.

C: Contact – Scammers will contact you by phone, email or in-person.

A: Act Now – The request will be urgent and assert penalties if you do not act quickly.

M: Money or Information

– The scammer will request money or personal information.

Pennsylvanians who believe they have been victims of a scam should file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling 800-441-2555 or emailing scams@ attorneygeneral.gov.

GPA of 3.5 or higher, which will be noted on college applications. She added, “Seven students from West High School visited Penn State and took a tour of the campus.”

For the new school year, the district will initiate a pilot program for hall passes. The e-pass is a new digitized version.

Robison welcomed back faculty and administration adding “Orientation went well. We have 32 new teachers this year as opposed to 11 last year. New teachers have established a relationship with respective mentors.”

Robison closed out her report reminding everyone that the new school year begins on Monday, August 28. She added “the last few days were extremely busy, and we are all excited to begin the new school year.”

Support Services noted a busy July with 825 work orders. These include preparing football fields, repair and restoration of windows, painting, and ground upkeep.

Chief Financial Officer Joseph Colozzo reminded the Board that the preliminary budget is due in January 2024, a month earlier than previous years. The budget includes subsidies already approved for ventilator and boiler plant upgrades. These

projects require Board approval and a letter of commitment to move forward.

Board member Rusty Johnson asked, “Where is this money coming from?” with Colozzo answering, “The district, but we will seek reimbursement from the federal government.” The aggregate total of projects exceeds $34 million. Johnson added, “In the past we tried funding some of these internally, and in doing so can save 10% of total costs.”

Board member Ronnie Byrd added, “Given the dollar amount, we need a manager to oversee the entire project.”

Board member Anna Lopez asked about potential outside projects and board member Christina Grape-Garvey asked about a time-frame for completion.

The motion on the bond proposal passed.

Dr. Catherine Sweeny, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, addressed one final comment on truancy stating the district has engaged the services of a truancy consultant for students who frequently miss classes. “Instead of threatening to go to court, we now seek to get to the root of the problem on why students are missing,” she said.

The next PMSB meeting is Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.

570-829-2600

Talking Dirt

Protecting Clean Water Together

by Carol Hillestad for the Brodhead Watershed Association

With some of the downpours we’ve had this summer, you may have noticed creeks and streams running muddy brown, looking like dark beer.

It’s easy to think, “oh well, that’ll clear up.”

But it’s not natural, or normal, for rain — even quite a lot of rain — to erode enough soil into a creek to make it run muddy.

The cause is usually stormwater that hasn’t had a chance to seep into the soil slowly, the natural way. Instead, at building sites and acres of paved and roofed-over warehouses

and super centers, water that has nowhere to go scours its way to the nearest creek. Dirt, debris, and sheer volume of concentrated water beat up and erode the banks.

You’re right that, to our eyes, it eventually clears up — when the sediments suspended in the water eventually sink and lay down a blanket of silt.

In the meantime, the cloudiness in the water can clog the gills of fish and the guts of filter-feeders like fresh-water mussels. Sediment blanketing the natural bottom of gravel and stones prevents trout from reproducing, smothers fish eggs, and kills insect larvae and freshwater crustaceans. Muddy water also holds heat, endan-

gering cold water fish. And it can carry chemical contaminants that compound the risks.

To trout, bugs, and aquatic plants, mud can be a deadly menace.

If you care to, you can help. When you see mud streaming from a construction site, let your township or borough officials know. Or call the Monroe County Conservation District to speak to a specialist. If you live where detention basins

and swales are used to control stormwater runoff, don’t assume someone else is making sure they are kept clear and open — check them out yourself. Clogged swales and outlet pipes make for big trouble downstream.

Find out more at https:// extension.psu.edu/stormwater-basics

Be Alert for Dirty Dirt! When you get an offer of free, “clean fill,” delivered and may-

be even spread for you, your scam-alert antennae should go up. Ask questions! What is the name of the professional who certified the soils are clean? Can you see the documentation of the soil sampling at the site the fill is coming from? Is there a PA-DEP Certification of Origin of Clean Fill? That “free” fill could be hot fill — contaminated, and dangerous. More information at https://www. mcconservation.org/clean-fill. html

For humans, fish, and every living thing, Brodhead Watershed Association protects water quantity and quality throughout our area. Get involved! Become a member! www.brodheadwatershed.org

Brodhead Watershed Association protects water quality and quantity throughout our area. Get involved! Become a member! www.brodheadwatershed.org

Stroudsburg Walking Tours to benefit Monroe County Historical Association

The Monroe County Historical Association is pleased to offer walking tours of historic Stroudsburg three days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Guests, led by knowledgeable tour guides, will explore the charming streets and hear fascinating stories about Stroudsburg’s rich history. The one-hour walking tour will share information

Annual Fundraising Event benefits KCEEC

Plan to attend the Annual Kettle Creek Environmental Fund Dinner at Trout Lake on Thursday, September 21, starting at 5:30 p.m.

about iconic buildings, lesser-known landmarks, and tales of residents who helped shape the community.

Tours begin at the Monroe County Historical Association’s temporary office at 748 Main Street, Stroudsburg. Reservations are not required but are encouraged. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for youth 7-17, and children six and under are free.

All proceeds benefit the

Monroe County Historical Association, a 501(c) 3 non-profit cultural and learning center that assists the area’s diverse community of residents and visitors in connecting the past with the present.

For additional information or to make a reservation, please contact the Monroe County Historical Association at (570) 421-7703 or visit www.MonroeHistorical.org.

The Kettle Creek Environmental Fund (KCEF), an organization of individuals interested in supporting the KCEEC, is pleased to invite members of the community to their annual fundraising event. Since their inception in 1991, they have been able to raise over one million dollars in support of the KCEEC, including $100,000 toward the Center’s mortgage. Over the years, funds raised have been used toward construction of a new sugar shack (2003) for public maple sugaring at the Meesing Outdoor Site, the purchase of a 46-acre parcel of land (2004) to adjoin the 120 acre Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, and building the Mattioli Outdoor Learning Pavilion (2008). In addition, many program materials have been purchased to enhance their environmental education programs for county residents of all ages. Proceeds have also gone

toward the purchase of a 15-passenger handicapped accessible bus for educational programs and funding to continue to send all Monroe County 4th grade students to the Tannersville Bog.

Join us during the cocktail hour for games and raffles. Prizes are donated by area residents and businesses which include artwork, unique handcrafted items, dinner outings, service donations and more. Drawings for a 50/50 raffle, and a basket of cheer will also be offered.

The Rose Schoch award, which is given to individuals for their outstanding contributions to environmental education, will be given out at the dinner.

A delicious Taste of Italy dinner will be served. The cash bar opens and games begin at 5:30 p.m. Cost of the dinner is $50/per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance; deadline is August 31.

For more information, to purchase dinner tickets or to donate prizes, call (570) 6293061. Visit mcconservation. org to download a printable RSVP form.

Open Monday to Saturday 570 643-2283

Seth’s Sightings

A doe, a fawn and buck crossed right in front of us when we were just about home one night last week. Of course, there was someone right on my tail who had to stop suddenly after I slowed then stopped to let them pass. At nightfall, when driving around the Pocono Plateau, keep your distance. We enjoyed having The Super Moon light the night last week. It was impressive, larger than we expected, and very bright.

Over this past weekend, Ruth and I volunteered for the coffee break event that the Weatherly Area Community Library works with PennDOT on a Labor

Day weekend Saturday. It was fun to meet all the people as they got out to stretch and enjoy the parklike setting of the White Haven Rest Area. A couple of families picnicked. Some turned their visit into a mini-picnic as they enjoyed the food we offered. One couple coming from Ohio even gave us food, presenting the group with corn and tomatoes they’d picked that morning. The next day we attended the car show at Pocono Raceway, volunteering for the Blakeslee Rotary. The near 90-degree heat spell had us all running for air conditioning last week.

by Seth Isenberg

In my condition, I couldn’t stay out in the sun very long before retreating to shade, then indoors. I did buy a new pair of pocket shorts so I could show off my old man legs in the heat.

We started sighting fall colors last week on some trees here and there. By Labor Day weekend, we were sighting changes in everything from the tips of our burning bushes to some of our flowering plants. It’s the start of a long and likely very colorful foliage season. Retrieving the Retriever: One day last week, we were heading home and found a minor traffic jam at the corner of Berwick and

Church Streets in White Haven. A loose Golden Retriever was doing its best to circle a pickup truck driven by the state’s dead deer pickup team. The dog likely scented the dead deer on the back of the truck as it stopped at the STOP sign. We were the first in line coming up Berwick Street and stopped for a safe retrieval of the Retriever by its leash-toting owner.

We’ve been keeping an eye on the transactions at a local yard sale and spotted an electric organ for sale it was sold when we passed by later that day, so…would that be an organ transplant?

On Labor Day, we took a ride into a beautiful sunset. It seemed like a perfect restful way to get ready for what is turning out to be a

very busy week. A bonus to this is that we have sighted lower gasoline prices, which is always good news.

Halloween decorations are making their appearance everywhere we go. I’m not sure about Labor Day weekend as the start of decorations, but I am always up for a laugh.

On our schedule the Palmerton Festival is this weekend, on the 8th to the 10th, and the Fall Weatherly Hill Climb the 17th and 18th both free to attend. We also plan to go to the Bloomsburg Fair which runs the 22nd to the 30th when the weather is nice, to see the sunset on their skyride and also enjoy Fair foods and some of the acts on the Free stage (probably on Thursday to see the Mahoney Brothers and Elton John Tribute act).

Also on our schedule is college and pro football. Penn State is off to a very good start. Fly Eagles fly, and go New England Patriots.

St. Luke’s Care Now offers fast, convenient care for minor illnesses and injuries when your primary care doctor can’t see you immediately.

• Minor illnesses and injuries including: the common cold, flu, sinus infections, sprains, strains, broken bones and more

• A St. Luke’s provider is always available.

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• Comprehensive Occupational Medicine services available for local employers

stlukesCareNow.org

Healthy wishes to all to get through mid-September. We’ll catch up you with in a couple of weeks.

HOSTS: Alex & JoAnne Zidock

Kutztown U announces Spring 2023 degree recipients

Kutztown University has conferred degrees for more than 1,060 students for the 2023 spring semester. Kutztown University announces degree conferment twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. Commencement exercises are held in May and December;

however, students finish the requirements for graduation throughout the entire year. Awarded degrees following the 2023 spring semester, were:

Andrea Nicole Byrd of Tobyhanna, Bachelor of Science in Social Media Theory and Strategy

Dean’s List Roster

Albright College

Stephanie Brown of Tobyhanna, a graduate of Pocono Mountain West High School who studied Biochemistry; Alyssa Byrd of Tobyhanna, a graduate of Pocono Mountain West High School who studied Digital Communications; Ebony Hicks of Blakeslee, a graduate of Pocono Mountain West High School who studied theatre; Aaliyah Rojas of Albrightsville, a graduate of Pocono Mountain West High School who studied theatre

Alvernia University

Ciena Schoch of Blakeslee, majoring in Nursing

Tufts University

Aaron Apostadero of Tobyhanna, Class of 2024

Widener University

Rhiannon McNulty of Long Pond

Wilkes University

Tyler Armand of Tobyhanna, Kahlasia Carter of Long Pond, Jeffery Lew of Pocono Lake

Morgan Brook DeSandre of Pocono Lake, Master of Science in School Counseling (Licensure)

Chayse A Henry of Tobyhanna, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Cum Laude

Kayla J Patney of Tobyhanna, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design Magna Cum Laude

The cumulative grade point average necessary for honors distinction is: with honor (cum laude) 3.40;

with high honor (magna cum laude) 3.60 and with highest honor (summa cum laude) 3.80.

Students who have requested privacy (FERPA) are not listed publicly.

Ham Dinner and Preserves Sale at PLUM

Pocono Lake United Methodist Women of Faith invite the community to enjoy good food at their delicious homemade Ham Dinner and Preserves Sale at the Church on Saturday, September 23, from 5–6 p.m. This year we are again offering pre-ordered takeout to be picked up at the church- located at 1188 Route 940 in Pocono Lake. Scrumptious ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables, homemade applesauce, rolls, and homemade desserts are included. Cost of the meal is $15. Order dinners by emailing poconolakeumc@

gmail.com or calling the church office at 570-6462650.

Homemade Jams, Jellies, Mustard, Butters, Salsas and many varieties of Preserves will also be available for purchase when you are picking up your dinners.

The Pocono Lake United Methodist Church Women of Faith and friends sponsor and staff the event. Proceeds support local and worldwide charities. For more information, please call the church office at 570-646-2650.

Registration open for Pick Up the Poconos Day

Volunteers needed for September 23 region-wide litter cleanup

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) is seeking volunteers for its next region-wide litter pick-up day on Saturday, September 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (rain or shine). The bi-annual event is just one component of the PMVB’s overall “Pick Up the Poconos” campaign, which has resulted in nearly 34,000 bags of trash picked up. Volunteer forms may be filled out at PickUpthePoconos.com. The deadline to register is Friday, September 15, at 5 p.m.

There are more than 20 pickup locations across Wayne, Pike, Monroe and Carbon counties from which volunteers can choose. The PMVB is currently working with the listed townships and boroughs to identify which roads need to be cleaned. Detailed information will be relayed to volunteers closer to the event date via the contact information shared on the sign-up form. Please help spread the word by sharing the event on Facebook.

Thanks to Penn-

DOT and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the PMVB provides supply kits to each volunteer containing t-shirts, gloves, trash bags, safety

vests and other supplies. For resources and safety tips on picking up litter, please visit PickUpThePoconos. com. For more information on getting your community

or organization involved, please review and complete the Group Registration Form. The deadline to submit a group registration is Tuesday, September 12, by 5 p.m.

High Holiday schedule listed

Congregation B’nai Harim has scheduled High Holiday Services, beginning Friday, September 15 for Rosh Hashanah at 7:30 p.m., continuing at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, and 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, with Tashlich at Pinecrest Lake. Services will be held in the sanctuary at Route 940 and Sullivan Trail in Pocono Pines, and via Zoom.

Kol Nidre will begin Yom Kippur services at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, with services beginning at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 25 and continuing throughout the day with a healing service and an afternoon service featuring Jonah Yizkor. High Holiday tickets are included with full membership. Full members may include immediate family

during the holidays. Associate members pay half-price ($50 per person) for High Holiday tickets for each holiday.

The Break Fast will be held at the Lake Naomi Club following Yom Kippur Services. Registration deadline is September 16. Learn more by calling 570646-0100 or visiting www. bnaiharimpoconos.org.

Police Beat by

8-28, 8:48 p.m., Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department (PMRPD) patrol officers were dispatched to 162 Diane Lane in Barrett Twp for a report of two deceased individuals on a deck. Family friends found the bodies after going to the house to check on the couple’s well being. Police investigators arrived and found Deborah Oliver, 68, and Michael Oliver 69, had suffered gunshot wounds. All evidence located at the

Seth Isenberg

scene indicate that this is an isolated incident and is being investigated as a domestic event. Autopsies were to be conducted on 8-30, with the investigation open pending the results.

8-26, just after 3 p.m., there was a three car fenderbender among local drivers on Route 115 and Emmas Way. No injuries.

8-24, 8:41 p.m., a 34 y/o Mountain Top man crashed his Subaru Legacy Outback into another car while driving west on Interstate 80

in Tobyhanna Twp. PA State Police – Fern Ridge barracks arrived, and met the driver, who smelled strongly of alcoholic beverage on his person and breath. He had trouble balancing and following commands. After being Mirandized, he refused to speak. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI and taken to the Monroe County DUI Center.

8-23, the 19 y/o driver of an ’06 Honda Civic from Whippany, NJ, was driving her car on Route 209 and began a turn onto Weir Lake Road, but right into the side of a ’24 Chevy Equinox SUV owned by a Kunkletown man. The crash spun the SUV around on the road, while the Honda ended up off the road in a parking lot. The Honda was dented but driveable. The

SUV needed to be towed. The SUV driver had a minor injury, and refused medical treatment.

8-21, 10:30 p.m., a 29 y/o Brodheadsville woman was arrested for throwing a water bottle at a 37 y/o Stroudsburg woman hitting her in the face during what was a verbal altercation on Legion Road near the West End Fair. The 29 y/o was given a notice to appear in court on a harassment charge.

8-17, just after 7 a.m., a local woman driving north on Route 715 took a moment to look at her phone, and drove right into a utility pole. She was seriously hurt and the West End LV EMS unit took her to LVH-Pocono for care.

There were two more DUI reports in this batch, with one just leaving the crashed car behind and walking away. Also in the reports were domestic incidents including one where the man pointed a handgun at the woman and made terroristic threats.

PennDOT

Be alert for a bridge repair team on Route 209, and a bridge inspection crew on Sullivan Trail and also on Interstate 380. Be alert for a guide rail replacement team also on Interstate 380 through to 9-21.

A crew is active in Monroe County doing pothole patching, and another doing drainage work.

Milling and paving work is continuing on Route 534 in Carbon County.

Sign-on Bonuses Available

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Area Funerals

GLENN A. BATCHLER

Glenn A. Batchler, 87, of Brodheadsville, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Whitestone Care Center, Stroudsburg. He was the loving husband of Margery (Rawlinson) Batchler. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in February.

Born in Brodheadsville, he was the son of the late Wilbur Batchler and the late Mabel (Walz) Batchler.

Glenn was a repairman for Sears in the electronics department for most of his life. Ever since he was a young teenager, he was fascinated with tinkering and fixing up things at home. He was a former owner and operator of a TV repair shop for several years. He was also an Air Force veteran.

Glenn had a wonderful sense of humor, but most of all, he was a loving and caring husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He will

be deeply missed by all his friends and family.

In addition to his wife, Margery, he is survived by a sister, Virginia Ng of Brodheadsville, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, LeRoy and Leon Batchler.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 13, from 11 a.m. to Noon at the Kresge Funeral Home, 1763 Route 209, Brodheadsville. Memorial services will follow at Noon with the Rev. Joseph Cain officiating. Interment of the ashes will follow in Buena Vista Cemetery, Brodheadsville. www.kresgefuneralhome. com

GENE L. REED

Gene L. Reed, 93, of Brodheadsville, passed away on August 23, 2023, at home with his family under hospice care. He was the husband of the love of his life, the late Faye (Warner) Reed, who passed away in 2006.

He was born in Spring Valley, IL, on January 15, 1930. He served in the United States Army and retired after 20 years of service. He brought his family from Germany and retired at Tobyhanna Army Depot. He went on join Mt. Pocono Fire Company where he spent many years and met very special friends along the way. He worked for 20 years at Cramers Cashway in Pocono Summit and East Stroudsburg. After retiring, he worked for the Nolan gas station in Tannersville for many years.

Surviving are his three sons, Rick (Mary Ann) of Stroudsburg, Michael (Debbie) of Hazleton, Steve and Penny Pietsch of Sarasota, FL.; a stepson, Charlie (Patti) Warner of Effort; two daughters,

Lisa (Darrell) Wagner of Kunkletown, and Christy Davis of Brodheadsville; and a nephew, a niece, and two cousins all residing in Illinois.

He has eleven grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Faye, he was preceded in death by a stepdaughter Robin Visser. his parents, Leonard Reed and Clara (Brunnenmeyer) Reed, a sister, and four brothers.

He was loved by all, including his beloved dog Chewy. He loved his family unconditionally and cherished all his longtime friends.

A special thank you to a loving friend Georgi and to Amanda for her love and care.

As requested, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice, 502 VNA Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

Cremation will be entrusted to the Kresge Funeral Home, Rt. 209 Brodheadsville.

www.kresgefuneralhome. com

INGRID JOHNSON

Ingrid (Halfmann) Johnson, 82 of Pocono Summit passed away in her home on August 25, 2023. Born in Otterberg, Germany she was the daughter of the late Karl and Christina (DeHooge) Halfmann. Ingrid was the beloved wife of the late Brian Johnson.

Ingrid was the co-owner and operator of Handyman Rental Center and the Party Shack for over 30 years. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing and knitting. She was an active member of the former St. Mary’s Church and a current member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Cresco. Ingrid will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Christine Ducey and her husband Matthew; sons, Kevin Johnson and his wife Susan and Thomas Johnson and his wife Kelly; grandchildren, Christopher, Cameron, Stephen, Kaitlin, Patrick, Jenny, Sarah and Emily; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Ella and Faye and nieces and nephews, Diana, Christopher, Renee, Denise, Christel and Udo. Ingrid is preceded in death by her brother, Werner Hoffman.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place September 7 in the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cresco. Contributions may be made to Awsom Animal Shelter, 3129 Godfrey Ridge Dr, Stroudsburg, PA 18360. The Bolock Funeral Home, Cresco, was in charge of arrangments.

Blessing of the Animals set at

Pocono Lake UMC

Pocono Lake United Methodist Church will host a Pet Blessing at the church on Saturday, October 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The blessing will be officiated by Pastor Janice Puliti. It is open to the entire community and to all pet lovers at no cost.

ROUTE 940 • POCONO SUMMIT

(Between CVS & Tractor Supply)

Very Rev. Michael Salnicky, Pastor

DIVINE LITURGY (MASS)

For Mass Times Call (570) 839-8090

For Parish Office Call (570) 595-3265

Pastor Janice will conduct a blessing of your animal upon arrival and you will be given a certificate to acknowledge the blessing. Donations will be accepted for AWSOM Animal Shelter. Blankets, towels, petfood and any unused pet supplies are welcome gifts.

Pocono Lake United Methodist church located on Route 940 between Pocono Pines and Blakeslee. For more information, call the church 570-646-2650 or email poconolakeumc@ gmail.com

Please visit us on facebook or at www. poconolakeumc.org

Fancher of Pocono Pines unites experiential learning and advocacy in Capitol Hill

Alvernia University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) candidate, Tyler Fancher of Pocono Pines, visited Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. with the DPT cohort, faculty and staff to advocate for, educate on and discuss legislation surrounding the physical therapy profession with senators and representatives.

“I organized the trip to Washington D.C. to enlighten our students on the process of American Physical Therapy Association Gover-

nance (APTA) House of Delegates which develops policies and positions of the APTA,” said Alvernia University Doctor of Physical Therapy Director of Clinical Education, Pamela Unger, PT, DPT, CWS. “I was so proud of our students’ attention to the issues and their ability to communicate compassion and concern for these issues to our senators and representatives. They represented our DPT program and Alvernia very well.”

Fancher and the group spent the first two days in Capitol Hill in listening sessions with the APTA House of Delegates learning about various bills passed by the APTA. Two professors, Unger and Claire McCann, PT, DPT, are in the House of Delegates as well. The third day was spent discussing various bills with local senators and U.S. Congress and Senate representatives of the implication of legislation specifSee CAPITOL HILL, page 16

Capitol Hill

Continued from page 15

ic to the physical therapy industry including physical therapy assistant (PTA) supervision, payment and reimbursement rates in the Medicare system; the role of physical therapy treatment in the fourth trimester of pregnancy and the inclusion of rehabilitation services in underserved areas.

“Traveling to D.C. for the first time to advocate for the profession I’ve worked so hard to be a part of was a pivotal moment in my life. Sitting in discussion with the senators and their representatives truly set the tone for how I will choose to stand up and defend my career as a physical therapist not only for myself and fellow PTs but mainly for my patients,” said Maximillano Karabachian, DPT Class 2024. “My patients are the main reason I am here today. They give me a purpose. Preparing my speech on why patients in

rural cities deserve easier access to health care was next to common sense. However, because this was my first time, my nerves were running rampant. It took several calls to my parents and siblings back home to ground me and remind me why I am here and why this is important to me. Advocating in D.C. lit a fire deep in my soul that motivates me to aspire to greatness- a feeling I will continue to pursue.”

The group also educated the senators and representatives on their work with the pro bono clinics that serve the Reading and Berks County communities. Out-of-state students even had the opportunity to spend the day with delegates from their home state and visit their respective senators and representatives in Utah, NY, NJ, VT, DE and WA.

“As a student who helps run our pro-bono clinic within Berks Community Health Center, I get to see the direct influence of PTs in these communities and

our impact on patients’ lives. I appreciated the time we were given to advocate for our profession and the lives of our patients,” said Samantha Donmoyer, DPT Class of 2024. “I enjoyed speaking about bill H.R. 4829, which allows PTs to participate in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. I was very anxious to

be the only student in one of my meetings on Capitol Hill, but I was very grateful to my professor, Dr. [Christopher] Wise, who joined me.”

Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university with a liberal arts foundation founded by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1958. The university serves over 3,000 students

in Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia with a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts education, strong technical training in many high demand majors, ever-expanding experiential learning opportunities through study abroad and internship experiences and community engagement through its Franciscan-based community service model.