THE
BOXHOLDER
JOURNAL of the POCONO PLATEAU ©2021, All Rights Reserved
VOLUME 25, NUMBER 22
April 12–22, 2021
PennDOT foreman Kyle Holman honored for saving family by Seth Isenberg
left the road and rolled over. Its engine compartment was Just before dawn on the starting to burn, and the peomorning of December 28, ple inside were not getting out. PennDOT foreman Kyle He pulled over, as did anothHolman was in his truck work- er trucker. Both grabbed fire ing Interstate 80 from the extinguishers and headed for Kidder Township barn. He was the car. near Moseywood Road when The men used their extinhe came up on a car that had guishers and put out the fire
RESCUER HONORED: Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Co. Chief Ralph Lennon, left, presents Kyle Holman with a plaque of appreciation, as Kidder Township manager Suzanne Brooks looks on. JH: Seth Isenberg
temporarily. The people inside, three adults and a baby, were stuck. With the car overturned in the snow, the best idea to reach everyone was to break open the windshield. Holman used a sledgehammer from his truck, and the men cleared the glass away. The pair then helped get the family out. A call had gone out on the rollover, reporting entrapment and fire. Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company responded. LHVFC fire chief Ralph Lennon quipped that “It was pretty nice to come around a corner and see the car there, with no fire, and all the people out.” Once the fire company arrived, the trucker left. Ambulances took the family away to the hospital for evaluation. Holman stayed behind to assist the tow truck driver in removing the car, and seeing that the Interstate was again safe to be open for traffic. Holman was recognized for his efforts at a ceremony at an event held in the Lake Harmony VFC training room on March 8. That night, chief Lennon praised him for “going above and beyond” to help this family. Other news sources reported that the State Police crash report lists that the driver had fallen asleep.
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Clarius Warehouse hearing in Mt Pocono is April 12 The public hearing about the 1.16 million square foot warehouse by Clarius Partners proposed to be built on the former Mount Pocono Golf Course will be Monday, April 12, in the council chambers of the Mount Pocono Borough building. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. The public will be invited to speak, or provide written comments. COVID restrictions limit the capacity of the hall to 37 people.
Sewer rates going up for Coolbaugh customers by Hunter James
Meredith Thompson, the township’s business manager, said the only industrial cusCoolbaugh Township tomer is the Wal-Mart Distrisupervisors discussed proposed sewer rate hikes at their bution Center. “Not raising this for 11 years April 6 meeting. No supervisor is not managing a business,” opposed the hikes, agreeing Weimer said. “If you do it a litthat they are overdue. tle bit at a time, it puts you in Supervisors’ chairman Bill a considerably better position. Weimer said the last rate If we did $2 a year in 2010, hike was in 2010. “Costs have we would be closer to the $12 been going up significantly,” rate. We are going to get some Weimer said. “We have to offset the costs. We are taking backlash with this big of an a significant loss. We are start- increase.” Supervisor Alma I. Ruizing to tap the general fund. We have to discuss the right path.” Smith agreed the gradual approach would have been the Weimer said the rate hike best. proposed for single-family “This increase is drastic, but residential customers is long overdue,” said Supervisor approximately $18 a month, Clare Colgan. multi-family and commercial Patrick Armstrong, the customers about $12 a month, township solicitor, added, and $5 a month for industrial “The amount we are in the customers. Supervisor Lynn Kelly noted hole, this increase will get us closer to break even.” the smallest increase was for industrial customers. See COOLBAUGH, page 16
PAGE 2 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021
Back on track for PMSD schools by Jeanine Hofbauer
to transportation procedures all were designed to abide by government guidelines. March 17 brought Pocono “It’s wonderful to see so Mountain School District directors back to the board room many happy students in our for the first time since the start schools,” Robison said. Voluntary summer school of COVID-19. The only inwill begin a new six-week properson attendees were the gram 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., June elected officials and administration separated by plexiglass. 21 to July 29, intended as an enrichment option. Registraas meeting observers and tion will be March 29 to May participants joined in online 10. The schedule will include by Zoom. English Language Arts, 8 a.m. Reporting four-day in-perto 9:45 a.m.; a 15-minute son instruction for students snack break; then back to the had started two days earlier, books for math, 10 a.m. to Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Robison thanked faculty, 11:45 a.m. High school Student Govsupport staff, students and parents for their role in ensur- ernment reports shared announcements for graduating ing safe surroundings. From seniors and their families. self-screening at home and Pocono Mountain East High special seating assignments
School Class of 2021 will hold its prom 5 to 8 p.m. May 15 at Pocono Raceway. West Class of 2021 will hold their prom May 22 outdoors at the high school. Graduations will return to each campus, in their own stadiums. East will be 6 p.m. Friday, June 11, and West, 10 a.m. Saturday June 12. Tobyhanna Elementary Center presented an instruction report on meaningful counseling for kids. Daily themes are Mindful Monday, techniques to calm the mind and body; Talkative Tuesday, promoting dialogue between students and counselors; Wellness Wednesday, providing recipes and activities; Think Ahead Thursday, career insight; and Funday Friday, filled with arts, crafts, and singing. Guidance personnel gave good reasons why now more than ever social
interaction is essential. Board president Rusty Johnson called the presentation “another great example that there’s a lot going on up there.”
Pocono Mountain School District’s next meeting is planned for April 21. Visit PMSD.org for sign-on instructions plus updates on the meeting agenda and location.
REGIONAL JOB FAIR MAY 13, 2021
THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021 — PAGE 3
Charges of racism raised at Mt. Pocono borough council meeting by Hunter James
Allegations of racism flew at the April 5 meeting of the Mount Pocono Borough Council. The diatribe lasted only about five minutes, before James Fareri, the borough solicitor, said, “Get your act together. In my 31 years as a solicitor, I’ve never heard anything like this. You’ve got to get the council back on track.” The discussion started after borough Manager Joshua Walker said he discovered
things missing from his office, such as the tapes from the April 4 council meeting. It was later revealed the tapes were removed to be professionally transcribed. Council later approved hiring a court stenographer to transcribe the tapes. Walker said he had not been notified they had been removed. “I’m only a phone call away,” Walker said. Walker also told council members the borough’s website had been compromised, and he was working with a
HAZLETON • PHILADELPHIA
professional to fix the site. In the meantime, it is temporarily offline, Walker said. Council approved having the Joseph Battisto Cleanup Day April 24, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, in conjunction with Pick Up the Poconos Day. It will begin at the pavilion at the rear of the borough building, Mayor Michael Penn said. The mayor also said spring cleanup days will be held April 19, 20, 21 and 22, and leaf pickup will be held April 26, Residents are asked to place
leaves in biodegradable paper or vinyl bags available at local hardware stores. The Mount Pocono Association has firmed up plans for a summer event for local businesses Sat., June 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. that will be a smaller version of the fall Harvest Festival. Council voted to waive permit fees for the event. The transfer of a liquor license from Hamilton Township to a new Wawa in the Hirschland development was
approved by council. A public hearing into the transfer was held prior to the council meeting. Council said hello to one and goodbye to another. Council members voted to hire a new member of the road crew at $18 per hour, while accepting the resignation of Robert Stank from the Parks and Recreation Commission. A letter of interest was received from Matt Hensel, but council took no action to replace Stank immedately.
PAGE 4 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021
• PUBLIC NOTICE (PAGE 1 OF 4 ) • P RO POS ED A M EN D M ENTS TO T H E CO NST ITUT ION OF PENNSYLVANIA This notice contains information about questions that will be on the ballot in the Municipal Primary to be held on May 18, 2021. The ballot questions propose three separate amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania, based on a joint resolution of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. If one or more of the ballot questions is approved by a majority of the people voting on it, each amendment approved will become law. The General Assembly of Pennsylvania first proposed the amendments during the 2020 session and approved them for a second time during the 2021 session of the legislature, as required by Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution. This public notice is part of the process of amending the Constitution of Pennsylvania. The Secretary of the Commonwealth is required to publish: • • •
A copy of the joint resolution proposing the amendments. The text of each question that will be on the ballot. A “Plain English Statement” prepared by the Office of Attorney General explaining the purpose, limitations and effects of each ballot question upon the people of this Commonwealth.
Text that appears in bold print are the changes to the words of the Constitution that are proposed by the General Assembly. If the amendment is approved, the words underlined would be added to the Constitution and the words in [brackets] would be deleted. If you need help reading this advertisement or need the text of the proposed amendment in an alternative format, call or write the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Election Services and Notaries, Room 210 North Office Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120, 1-877-868-3772 (option 3), ra-elections@pa.gov. Veronica Degraffenreid Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth
JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2021 – 1 Proposing separate and distinct amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania, in declaration of rights, providing for prohibition against denial or abridgment of equality of rights because of race and ethnicity; in legislation, further providing for action on concurrent orders and resolutions; and, in the executive, providing for disaster emergency declaration and management. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby resolves as follows: Section 1. The following separate and distinct amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania are proposed in accordance with Article XI: (1) That Article I of the Constitution of Pennsylvania be amended by adding a section to read: § 29. Prohibition against denial or abridgment of equality of rights because of race and ethnicity. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania because of the race or ethnicity of the individual. (1.1) That section 9 of Article III be amended to read: § 9. Action on concurrent orders and resolutions. Every order, resolution or vote, to which the concurrence of both Houses may be necessary, except on the [question of adjournment] questions of adjournment or termination or extension of a disaster emergency declaration as declared by an executive order or proclamation, or portion of a disaster emergency declaration as declared by an executive order or proclamation, shall be presented to the Governor and before it shall take effect be approved by him, or being disapproved, shall be repassed by two-thirds of both Houses according to the rules and limitations prescribed in case of a bill. (2) That Article IV be amended by adding a section to read: § 20. Disaster emergency declaration and management. (a) A disaster emergency declaration may be declared by executive
THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021 — PAGE 5
• P U B L I C N OT IC E (PAG E 2 O F 4) •
order or proclamation of the Governor upon finding that a disaster has occurred or that the occurrence or threat of a disaster is imminent that threatens the health, safety or welfare of this Commonwealth.
with section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and which occurs at least three months after the proposed constitutional amendment is passed by the General Assembly.
(b) Each disaster emergency declaration issued by the Governor under subsection (a) shall indicate the nature, each area threatened and the conditions of the disaster, including whether the disaster is a natural disaster, military emergency, public health emergency, technological disaster or other general emergency, as defined by statute. The General Assembly shall, by statute, provide for the manner in which each type of disaster enumerated under this subsection shall be managed.
(1.1) Submit the proposed constitutional amendment under section 1(1.1) of this resolution to the qualified electors of this Commonwealth as a separate ballot question at the first primary, general or municipal election which meets the requirements of and is in conformance with section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and which occurs at least three months after the proposed constitutional amendment is passed by the General Assembly.
(c) A disaster emergency declaration under subsection (a) shall be in effect for no more than twenty-one (21) days, unless otherwise extended in whole or part by concurrent resolution of the General Assembly. (d) Upon the expiration of a disaster emergency declaration under subsection (a), the Governor may not issue a new disaster emergency declaration based upon the same or substantially similar facts and circumstances without the passage of a concurrent resolution of the General Assembly expressly approving the new disaster emergency declaration. Section 2. (a) Upon the first passage by the General Assembly of these proposed constitutional amendments, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers are published in sufficient time after passage of these proposed constitutional amendments. (b) Upon the second passage by the General Assembly of these proposed constitutional amendments, the secretary of the commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers are published in sufficient time after passage of these proposed constitutional amendments. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall: (1) Submit the proposed constitutional amendment under section 1(1) of this resolution to the qualified electors of this Commonwealth as a separate ballot question at the first primary, general or municipal election which meets the requirements of and is in conformance
(2) Submit the proposed constitutional amendment under section 1(2) of this resolution to the qualified electors of this Commonwealth as a separate ballot question at the first primary, general or municipal election which meets the requirements of and is in conformance with section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and which occurs at least three months after the proposed constitutional amendment is passed by the General Assembly.
PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT – ARTICLE III, SECTION 9 RELATING TO TERMINATION OR EXTENSION OF DISASTER EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS Ballot Question Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law and increase the power of the General Assembly to unilaterally terminate or extend a disaster emergency declaration—and the powers of Commonwealth agencies to address the disaster regardless of its severity pursuant to that declaration—through passing a concurrent resolution by simple majority, thereby removing the existing check and balance of presenting a resolution to the Governor for approval or disapproval?
PAGE 6 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021
• PUBLIC NOTICE (PAGE 3 O F 4) •
Plain English Statement of the Office of Attorney General Joint Resolution No. 2021-1 proposes to amend Article III, Section 9 of the Pennsylvania Constitution to provide a new exception to traditional legislative procedure by allowing the General Assembly to terminate or extend a disaster emergency declaration or a portion of such declaration without needing the Governor’s approval.
PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT – ARTICLE IV DISASTER EMERGENCY DECLARATION AND MANAGEMENT
Currently, Article III, Section 9 establishes a general rule that all orders, resolutions or votes requiring approval by both the House of Representatives and Senate must be presented to the Governor for his approval or veto. Resolutions for the adjournment of the General Assembly are exempted from this process. If the order, resolution or vote is approved by the Governor, it becomes law. If the Governor vetoes the resolution, it does not become law unless two-thirds of the House and Senate vote to override the veto. The proposed amendment would create an additional exception to this customary legislative procedure for concurrent resolutions to terminate or extend, in whole or in part, a disaster emergency declaration issued by the Governor.
Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law so that: a disaster emergency declaration will expire automatically after 21 days, regardless of the severity of the emergency, unless the General Assembly takes action to extend the disaster emergency; the Governor may not declare a new disaster emergency to respond to the dangers facing the Commonwealth unless the General Assembly passes a concurrent resolution; the General Assembly enacts new laws for disaster management?
The proposed amendment will also have the effect of reversing a recent ruling of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court which held the Pennsylvania Constitution prohibited the General Assembly from passing a concurrent resolution to terminate the Governor’s Covid-19 disaster emergency declaration without presenting it to the Governor for his approval. It will change the law to allow the General Assembly to terminate or extend a disaster emergency declaration through a concurrent resolution approved by only a majority of the members of the House and Senate, without having to present the resolution to the Governor for his approval or veto. The proposed amendment is limited in that it only changes the traditional legislative process for terminating or extending disaster emergency declarations issued by the Governor. The amendment will not alter the current legislative procedure with respect to which orders, resolutions or votes of the General Assembly must be presented to the Governor for his approval on any other subject matter.
Ballot Question
Plain English Statement of the Office of Attorney General Joint Resolution No. 2021-1 proposes adding a new section to Article IV of the Pennsylvania Constitution. This amendment incorporates disaster emergency declaration and management powers directly into the Constitution by: • • • • •
Granting the Governor authority to declare a disaster emergency declaration by proclamation or executive order; Requiring each declaration to indicate the nature, location and type of disaster; Granting the General Assembly authority to pass laws providing for the manner in which each disaster shall be managed; Limiting the duration of a Governor’s declaration to 21 days, unless otherwise extended, in whole or in part, by a concurrent resolution of the General Assembly; Preventing the Governor, upon the expiration of a declaration, from issuing a new declaration based upon the same or substantially similar facts, unless the General Assembly passes a concurrent resolution expressly approving a new declaration.
Currently, disaster emergency declaration and management powers are delegated by statute to the Governor. The Governor has the sole authority to issue and manage all disaster emergency declarations, which cannot extend beyond 90 days unless renewed by the Governor.
THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021 — PAGE 7
• P U B L I C NOT I CE ( PAG E 4 O F 4 ) •
The General Assembly may override a Governor’s disaster emergency declaration by concurrent resolution that must be presented to the Governor for his approval or veto. If approved, the amendment would transfer certain of the Governor’s existing authority to respond to and manage disaster emergencies to the General Assembly. The Governor would retain the authority to issue an initial disaster emergency declaration but the declaration’s permissible length would be reduced from 90 to 21 days. The sole authority to extend a declaration would lie with the General Assembly; presently, this power rests with the Governor. Upon expiration of the initial declaration, the amendment prohibits the Governor from issuing a new declaration based upon the same or substantially similar facts without the approval of the General Assembly. The Governor would no longer have unilateral authority to manage disasters, but would have to do so consistent with the laws passed by the General Assembly. If approved, the General Assembly would be required to pass new laws establishing the manner in which each type of disaster shall be managed. If added to the Pennsylvania Constitution, the proposed amendment cannot be modified or repealed except by a judicial decision finding all or part of the proposed amendment unconstitutional or by the approval of a subsequent constitutional amendment.
PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT – ARTICLE I PROHIBITION AGAINST DENIAL OR ABRIDGEMENT OF EQUALITY OF RIGHTS BECAUSE OF RACE OR ETHNICITY
Plain English Statement of the Office of Attorney General Joint Resolution No. 2021-1, if approved by the electorate, will add a new section to Article I of the Pennsylvania Constitution. This amendment creates a constitutional prohibition against restricting or denying an individual’s equal rights under Pennsylvania law because of race or ethnicity. Generally, inclusion of this amendment within the Pennsylvania Constitution signifies that freedom from discrimination based on race or ethnicity is an essential principle of liberty and free government. This amendment applies to all Pennsylvania state, county and local governmental entities, and guarantees equality of rights under the law. The amendment, if enacted, will become a part of the Pennsylvania Constitution. As such, its provisions must be applied consistent with the other provisions of the Constitution. This equal right to be free from racial or ethnic discrimination will exist independent from any such rights under the United States Constitution or corresponding federal law. If the current federal protections proscribing racial or ethnic discrimination are abolished, the prohibition against such discrimination will remain in the Pennsylvania Constitution. The amendment is limited in that it creates a right only under Pennsylvania law. Once added to the Pennsylvania Constitution, the right to be free from racial or ethnic discrimination under the law cannot be eliminated except by a judicial decision finding the amendment unconstitutional or the approval of a subsequent constitutional amendment. If approved, the General Assembly may pass new laws to implement the amendment, but it may not pass a law inconsistent with it.
Ballot Question Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended by adding a new section providing that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged because of an individual’s race or ethnicity?
PAID FOR WITH PENNSYLVANIA TAXPAYER DOLLARS. THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS FUNDED IN WHOLE BY THE GENERAL FUND.
PAGE 8 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021
Seth’s Sightings Finally, COVID rules relaxed enough so that we could attend a Penguins hockey game in the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre. It has not been enough to watch our locals on AHL-TV, or listening on local radio to the games. We wanted to cheer, we wanted to see the skills and be wowed by the plays, and the new players. Unfortunately, our team managed to dig themselves an early hole, from which they did not come back. Even as they were losing, we were pleased to be there, dressed in our Penguins gear. Starting with games this week, more fans can come in to the building. We’ll be at another Penguins game soon. For the first night’s Passover seder, we drove to Worcester, MA, to be with family. Our dogs both were bathed and trimmed, so looked and smelled good for their long ride to New England. We started our trip with a stop at the Pocono Home and Outdoor Show in the beautifully expanded Kalahari Convention Center. After an hour, we were back in the car for our next stage of our trip via Interstate 84. At our stop in Newburgh, just at the foot of the toll bridge over the Hudson, we found a brand new Columbian restaurant. So rather than getting fast food, we masked
up and went inside to buy some fresh baked goods and empanadas to eat on the road. After two more rest stops and one to get gas, we arrived in Worcester. It was a nice night with the Chase family, and I — one of the youngest in attendance — found the hidden matzo and earned the prize of a stuffed animal. (Usually, there are little kids, but again, there was no one there under the age of 50). The following day, we brought the dogs back to the family home to have a play date with Libby, the 130-pound Leonberger (dog) belonging to Bobbi and Nick Chase. Our little Spookie seemed to get on best with the giantess. Bull — who was as tall
by Seth Isenberg
as her — was aloof, however. After the dogs’ playtime, we went home in the rain. Avoiding the highway for a bit, we took a daylight detour on local roads through some beautiful old Connecticut towns. When we returned to the highway, we made our next stop at the Trader Joe’s at the Connecticut/ New York State line. We drove through the rain and out beyond, so our last hour of driving was dry — and dark. We arrived home before midnight. As we age, the long trips are harder to bounce back from. Then again, we have been somewhat out of practice with the COVID-19 lockdown — this was our first overnight in more than a year. This last weekend while out on a drive locally, we sighted
a large, brown dog, asleep out atop a picnic table in the sunshine. We also sighted lots of people fishing as trout season begins. Critter sightings include a fine pair of young tom turkeys, just below the power lines south of White Haven. The warmer weather plus the recent rain has started spring flowers blooming — daffodils, forsythia, even some magnolia. Events are starting
up — Knoebels opens weekends starting the 24th and 25th, with WVIA member day on May 2 (a free day of rides and shows for members). Concerts and comedy shows are now on the schedule at the Mauch Chunk Opera House and Penns Peak; and with some luck, there will be outdoor festivals in the Poconos again this summer. Best of luck to all of you still searching for a vaccine. Here’s to being healthy.
SHARE YOUR STIMULUS FOR SCREENINGS And help give children the care they need for a bright future.
Pocono Mountains United Way
Click here to donate today at PoconoUnitedWay.org/Stimulus
FINANCING AVAILABLE
Out en Op TV in the
23rd ANNIVERSARY on Blue Ridge TV 13
HOSTS: Alex & JoAnne Zidock THURS. 9:30 PM
Replays: FRI. 8:30 AM & 9:30 PM SAT. 12:30 PM • SUN. 1 AM & 11:30 AM MON. 12 AM & 6 AM
ALL OUTDOORS • WILDLIFE HUNTING & FISHING CONSERVATION • ENVIRONMENT
The Healthy Start Early Childhood Screening Program will serve Monroe County children (0-5) with age-specific screenings to observe a child's normal development in the areas of speech and language, fine and gross motor skills, social and emotional growth, cognition, self-help, vision, hearing, dental and the detection of autism. Your gift will help countless children by giving them the tools they need for a healthy future.
For more information contact Roxanne Powell at Roxanne@PoconoUnitedWay.org or 570.517.3958
To make a donation please go to www.PoconoUnitedWay.org/Stimulus
Garden Club to hold Arbor Day tree planting
THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021 — PAGE 9
PMPL – A look back at 2020
Editor’s Note: This is the end of the report by the Pocono Mountain Public The Monroe County Garden The public is welcome; bring Library that started in last Club will be doing a Weeping chairs. Light refreshments will edition. Willow planting in honor of be served, thanks to Kinsley’s We provide the same exact Arbor Day on Friday, April ShopRite. CURBSIDE service for patrons 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the Polk For more information, con- who want to request books or Township Walking Park. tact Chair Robert Butler at movies over the phone and let The Park is next to the Polk robthebutler0114@yahoo.com us bring them to the car. We Township Municipal Building, For more information about provide a lot of convenient 165 Polk Township Rd, Monroe County Garden Club, services over the phone! Kresgeville. contact president Carol Akam The library received a large at carolakam27@gmail.com number of books last year from people who were cleanAre you a writer? The Journal of the Pocono Plateau has an ing out their houses. We have opening for a freelance reporter/feature writer. If you’d like two book carts with FREE BOOKS on our porch or right to help tell the stories that make the Plateau special, send inside the main doors if the an email to journalruth@gmail.com weather is bad. People really love the free best-selling fiction books. There are also a lot of free kid’s books!
Hours
PMPL has one of the few official Little Free Libraries in Monroe County. This is a world-wide phenomenon that’s finally on top of the mountain. The Little Free Library (or LFL) has a small selection of books for all ages. Give a book & take a book! That’s the motto. It’s available right at our parking lot 24/7 for everyone’s reading needs. We completely re-did our website to make it more user friendly and mobile friendly. Visit www.poconolibrary.org for more information. Sign up for automatic alerts from our blog posts and program alerts. We now have a YouTube channel and are adding new content every month. We have free crafts and ac-
Monday-Thursday 3p-9p Friday 3p-10p Saturday 11a-10p Sunday 11a-9p
951 Route 940, Pocono Lake www.940golfnfun.com
3 miles east of junction of Routes 115 & 940
THE FUN CONNECTION
10 Tee Driving Range
Gas-operated
Bumper Cars
GEM MINING ARCADE
Water Wars
Air conditioned
VIDEO & PINBALL
Paintball Batting Cage Opening Soon Shooting Birthday Party Packages & Gift Cards
18 Hole Landscaped Miniature Golf Course
Opening Soon
Trampoline Bungee ride
Opening Soon
Joanie & Pete’s Dairy King Ice Cream Parlor & Snack Bar
965 Route 940, Ste. 103Pocono Lake PA 18347
570-817-8847 x2 abitofblisstherapy.com
tivities to go for all ages. Just call the library staff and ask about our Go Bags. We used grants from the Monroe County Bar Foundation and CARES Act to purchase 30 new Chromebooks that we’ll circulate to patrons. There’s been a back-log to obtain Chromebooks, and ours are arriving next week. We’ll also be starting up with circulating hot spots to help patrons get access to the internet. It seems like 2020 would never end, and we did the best we could to make serious changes and provide safe services for the public. Our services were certainly diminished from a normal year, but this is what we did in 2020: • 10,391 items checked out. • 6,134 pre-pandemic visits to the library. • 441 visits June – December by appointment only. • 618 curbside pick-ups for library books and DVDs. • 1,193 computer uses, and over 400 times we helped people use computers even with social distancing! • 306 times people printed by emailing documents. • 2,694 times patron used our online collections of ebooks and eaudiobooks. • 971 times people viewed our YouTube content. • 241 free craft and activity “Go Bags.” • 59 programs using Zoom. We look forward to all the new ways we can serve the public as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. Visit our website, our official facebook page, or just call the staff and ask for help at 570-894-8860 x 3.
PAGE 10 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021
Pocono Job Fair aims to fill hospitality positions Region-wide event planned for Thursday, May 13 The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) is organizing a region-wide, in-person job fair on Thursday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The goal is to introduce job seekers to the hundreds of fun and exciting positions that are available throughout the Poconos’ hospitality industry. Tourism-related employers of all shapes and sizes will be on-hand to discuss their open jobs, which include full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions from entry to executive level. The PMVB’s job fair will be held at the following locations: Blue Mountain Resort – for employment opportunities in Carbon County. Employers should register at https:// business.carboncounty chamber.org The Inn at Woodloch – for employment opportunities in Pike/Wayne Counties.
Employers should register at https://business.northern poconoschamber.com Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – for employment opportunities in Monroe County. Employers should register at https://greater poconochamber.chamber master.com/eventr egistration/register/2233 Although advanced registration is not required for job seekers, employers interested in participating should follow one of the above registration links, based on where their job openings are located. By signing the Pocono Promise, Blue Mountain Resort, The Inn at Woodloch, and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions have committed to prioritizing health and safety. Masks and social distancing are required during the job fair. “As pandemic-related restrictions continue to ease and
Beasty Treats Pet Supplies & Dog Grooming Spa
New Grooming Customers Welcome We carry a full line of pet supplies and food for your pet’s needs — whatever kind of pet you have!
Grooming Services Mon-Sat
Call (570)579-7735
314 Main Street, White Haven www.beastytreats.com
the Poconos’ hospitality industry begins regaining normalcy, we understand the critical need to fill jobs and are excited to work with our Chambers, CareerLink, Pocono Workforce, and our three job fair sites,” said Marlyn Kissner, VP of Membership and Community Relations, Pocono Moun-
tains Visitors Bureau. “Partnership and collaboration are key, and we thank everyone involved.” To further support regional workforce efforts, the PMVB has opened its Job Openings site to the public. Non-member businesses that would like to publicize their hospitali-
Early Spring Bird Walk at Kettle Creek EE Center On Saturday, April 17, join a Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center staff member for a morning birding adventure. We will visit several different habitats throughout the property to see some of our early spring migrants and our usual residents courting and nesting. We will begin our walk from the KC parking lot at 8:30 a.m. sharp. We will have a few pairs of binoculars for guests to use, but feel free to bring your own. This birding program is
appropriate for teens and adults. Advance registration is required, and there is a limit of 10 participants. Cost is $6/non-members, $4/children under 12, EE Center members free. Participants are required to wear masks and practice physical distancing for all programs. For more information, call the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center at (570) 629-3061. For information on other programs visit www. mcconservation.org.
Blakeslee Animal Clinic “We Treat Your Pets Like Family” Dr. Andrew J. Church, Veterinarian
5251 Route 115, Blakeslee 1.9 miles south of Blakeslee Corners
570-643-0918 570-643-1084
Fax: 570-643-1080 ajchurchvmd@aol.com www.blakesleevet.com
ty-related job openings in Carbon, Monroe, Pike, or Wayne counties can email jobs@ poconos.org. The PMVB’s Job Openings site, which serves as an employment hub for tourism-related jobs throughout the Poconos, launched in January and is updated regularly as positions are filled and new ones become available. The site currently features nearly 150 jobs from 35 different properties.
TOALC lists summer seniors programming The Older Adult Learning Community (TOALC) announces its summer 2021 semester of virtual and outdoor in-person learning as well as classes by email, starting May 24. Summer classes will include the art of Michelangelo, author readings including celebrated journalist and commentator David Andelman, bridge, creative writing, current events, elder law & estate planning, exercise classes, existential philosophy, a film watch group, Italian, meditation, a painting class, photography, poetry, Shakespeare, and virtual art studio & museum tours. Outdoor activities will include birding, kayaking, pickleball, Tai Chi, wine tasting, and a performance by Blues vocalist/guitarist/recording artist Son Lewis. To learn more about the summer program visit www. theoalc.org or call 570-4227810.
THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021 — PAGE 11
Thanks to PA Game Commission — and Mother Nature Even if you don’t hike, hunt, or spend any time at all in nature, the forests of Pennsylvania serve you in ways that make life better. Views, for starters. Just seeing green views enhances mood, reduces blood pressure, and counteracts stress. All around Barrett and Paradise townships, unspoiled land protected by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and others unrolls in every direction. No depressing McMansions. No cookie-cutter developments. Just open sky-scapes and the seasons unfolding as you go about your business. Safe drinking water, too. In the process of managing forests to improve wildlife
habitat, the Game Commission keeps woodlands healthy. And healthy woodlands are the first, best defense of drinking water. As rain and snowmelt percolate through the soil, contaminants get filtered out before the water reaches Tank Creek, Devil’s Hole, and Mill Creek — or your well. People around the country have to pay for water that’s treated to make it drinkable. Here, preserved land supplies it naturally. Even the air is cleaner in forestland. When noxious stuff like ammonia or sulfur dioxide settles on the leaves of a tree, the tree actually absorbs the toxic chemicals — scrubbing air clean for you and your fam-
ily to breathe. Trees capture particulate matter, too — the sooty grunge that settles on windowsills in cities — which clogs the air and leads to heart and lung disease. If those aren’t enough gifts from the forest for you, here are some more: Trees absorb the carbon dioxide we breathe out and release the oxygen we breathe in. They store climate-changing carbon in their wood. They’re big-time recyclers, soaking up water from the earth and releasing it from their leaves, to fall back to earth as purified rain. And their roots hold soil in place, preventing erosion. So when the Game Commission works to keep habitat in State Game Lands 221 hospi-
LEARN MORE ABOUT LAND PRESERVATION: Delaware Highlands Conservancy will host a webinar, “Conservation Conversations,” about how you can protect your land with a conservation ENJOY THE GAME LANDS: Game lands are open easement, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 13. Information: to the public. Whether huntdelawarehighlands.org/ ing or hiking, always wear orange — something is almost events/conservationconversations/ always in season. Trailheads for Pennsylvania State Game The Greening MountainLands 221 are at the end of Pleasant Ridge Road in Moun- home project is a Green Communities project funded by tainhome, along Hardytown Road in Cresco, and off Devil’s grants from the National Fish Hole Road in Paradise. A map and Wildlife Foundation, with support from The William of State Game Lands 221 is Penn Foundation, and the at https://www.pgc.pa.gov/ HuntTrap/StateGameLands/ Weiler Family Foundation. For information, see https:// Documents/SGL%20Maps/ brodheadwatershed.org/ SGL__221.pdf greening-mountainhome/ table for game birds, deer, and bear, they’re protecting air, water, and hospitable habitat for all kinds of nature’s creatures. Including us.
PAGE 12 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021
Journal Classifieds Deadline is 5 p.m. Monday. $13/col. in. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express, as well as cash and checks. Call 570-215-0204 xt 2 to place your ad. Help Wanted
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Journal Classifieds Deadline is 5 p.m. Monday. $13/col. in. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express, as well as cash and checks. Call 570-215-0204 xt 2 to place your ad. Motorcycles
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Wanted to Buy Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201
THEME: THE OSCARS ACROSS 1. Hedgehog of video games 6. And so forth, acronym 9. *Oscar-nominated black and white movie 13. Treeless plain 14. Grazing field 15. Moses’ mountain 16. Sty sounds 17. Nelson Mandela’s org. 18. Like beer at a kegger (2 words) 19. *Posthumous nominee 21. *Anthony of “The Father”
23. “What’s up, ____?” 24. Huge pile 25. Protestant denom. 28. Feed storage cylinder 30. Load again 35. Relating to ear 37. Flighty one 39. Proclaimed true without proof 40. Musician David Lee ____ 41. Ascetic holy Hindu 43. Eastern European 44. Plural of #10 Down 46. 500 sheets 47. Looking for aliens org. 48. Kitchen whistler 50. Wails 52. Bad-mouth 53. Medieval torture device 55. Pied Piper follower 57. Politburo hat fur 61. *Daniel of “Judas and the Black Messiah” 65. Raspberry drupelets 66. Fuss, to Shakespeare 68. Void, as in marriage 69. Defective car 70. Given name of Jack Kerouac’s Paradise 71. ____ of Honor 72. Adam and Eve’s first residence
73. Money in Myanmar 74. Shoemaker without shoes, e.g. DOWN 1. Undesirable roommate 2. Medley 3. Grannies, in UK 4. Tattooed 5. Universe 6. Panache 7. *Most 2021 Oscar nominations for one film, #9 Across 8. Secret storage 9. Stole fur 10. One opposed 11. Indian restaurant staple 12. U.S. customary unit of force, pl. 15. Soaked 20. DNA and RNA 22. Argonaut’s propeller 24. Shared work surface at an office 25. *Sasha Baron Cohen’s “Subsequent Moviefilm” role 26. Be sorry for one’s wickedness 27. Pita, in UK 29. *Like Roberto Benigni’s fictional son 31. Husband to a widow, e.g. 32. Checked out 33. Stradivari competitor 34. *”Fences” winner and “Ma Rainey” nominee 36. Poker ante
38. *”Nomadland” director 42. Shadow 45. *The Trial of the Chicago 7” screenwriter 49. Greek “t” 51. Sandwich sausage
54. Necklace lock 56. Radio receiver 57. Nutritious leafy green 58. Got A+ 59. Ice on a window 60. Happening soon, old fashioned
61. Caffeine-containing nut tree 62. Editing arrow 63. Chinese monetary unit 64. Friend in war 67. *Nominee for Billie Holiday role
PAGE 14 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021
Police Beat Pennsylvania State Police announced that the PA Instant Check System (PICS) set a record for activity in the first quarter of 2021. It was the third straight quarter to experience record-breaking volume. Established in 1998, PICS is used by county sheriffs, chiefs of police of cities of the first class, and licensed firearms dealers in PA to determine an individual’s legal ability to acquire a license to carry firearms or obtain a firearm through a purchase or transfer. In the first quarter of 2021, PICS completed 427,450 background checks. At 12:25 a.m. on 4-1, a NJ woman called 911 reporting
by Seth Isenberg
a sexual assault at gunpoint that had just taken place at a Brodheadsville home. PSP sent two troopers to the home and arrested the 58 y/o man there that the victim identified as the assailant. PSP is investigating. 3-30, 11:05 a.m., a woman was walking her terrier on Blossom Ave. in Birch Hollow, Effort, when a neighbor’s German shepherd attacked the dog, killing it. PSP turned the incident over to the PA Dog Warden for further information, with charges pending. 3-22, PSP is investigating an incident where someone tried to open an unemployment claim in the name of a 56 y/o Jackson Twp. woman.
3-19, PSP-F was called about an incident in an Indian Mountain Lakes home where an invited friend stole the homeowner’s mandolin. PSP was called to a home in the Effort section of Sierra View for a 27 y/o man found deceased in his bed at 9:30 p.m. on 3-16. 3-2 at 11:26 p.m., a 27 y/o Albrightsville women fled the home of her 30 y/o boyfriend after an argument became physical, and he hit her — multiple times, and then also strangled her multiple times. She fled to the PSP-F barracks. Troopers interviewed the victim, seeing bruising scratches and cuts on her. They then
Habitat for Humanity seeks committee help Committee members are needed at Monroe County Habitat for Humanity to help us to reach our goal of repairing 30 homes in Monroe County this year. Consider volunteering your time and skill on one of these committees: • Finance Committee: Recommends financial policies, monitors financial reports prepared by the staff, reviews the annual budget, and recommends it to the full board for approval. • Homeowner Support Committee: Helps to ensure that
families will succeed in home ownership. This is accomplished through data collection and meetings with the family. • Event Planning Committee: Helps to plan our events including She Nailed It, Golf Tournament, and Volunteer Appreciation. • Public Relations Committee: Seeks to publicize all affiliate events, projects, and impact that MCHFH is having in our community. • Construction Committee: Works in partnership with the executive director to develop schedules, systems
Coming April 30, May 1 & 2 to Split Rock Resort
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and plans for home repairs and building, and acts as supervisors on Home Preservation and Home Rehabilitation projects. • Faith Relations Committee: Seeks to strengthen the support of the affiliate’s work by increasing volunteers, prayer, and financial resources by working in partnership with all community faith organizations. If you would like more information about our committees, please contact Habitat for Humanity at (570) 216-4390, or ExecDirector@HabitatMC. org.
went to the home and arrested the ‘boyfriend’ at his Towamensing Trails home. He was arraigned on assault and strangulation charges. Amidst the reports was this: PSP is investigating a person who went to a local gun shop to buy a pistol, and the PA Instant Check System denied them. There were also a handful of attempted scams reported, some caught before any theft, but sadly, many reported after money was sent.
Keeping the Rubber Side down
4/1 at 5:09 p.m., the driver of a Dodge Ram didn’t stop at the STOP sign on Minisink Trail and Old Stage Road in Penn Forest Twp. He ran his truck right into the Honda Civic of a local woman, who was driving with her three small children. The crash crushed the front end of the Civic, and sent everyone in the car to the hospital for medical evaluation. Her car was towed. PSP charged the truck driver.
The Pocono Plateau is not HIGH enough for some There were a whole bunch of DUIs this past couple of weeks — with police finding mostly hard drugs — driving while high, others driving while toking, some driving both
drugged and drunk, plus a few under the influence of alcohol only. One arrest, of a 35 y/o Pittsburgh-area driver, was after a crash off I-80 on 3-18.
PennDOT notes Drivers are alerted to PennDOT crews who are out pothole patching at night on Interstate 80 from the Carbon County line to the NJ state line. Crews are on Interstate 80 doing crack sealing during the day. A bridge repair is underway on Route 534 in Penn Forest Twp., to be complete in May. Bridge repair crews are out elsewhere in Monroe County, fixing damage from this winter. Also a PennDOT contractor will be out doing guide rail repairs along Interstate 80 at night. For travel information, go to www.511PA.com, the PA’s traveler information website, or to PA’s smartphone apps. Motorists can sign up for alerts on www.511PA.com by clicking on “Personal Alerts” in the left-hand menu.
THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021 — PAGE 15
Obituaries JAMES AND MARLENE GETZ sons; two great-granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews. James worked as a heavy machine operator most of his life. When he was not at work, you could find him fishing along the Lehigh River, or canoeing around Francis Walter Dam, or blueberry picking at Brady’s Lake. Marlene was a Eucharistic Minister at the former Christ the King Catholic Church until its closure. She then attended Faith Lutheran Church in James Getz, 91, from White Pocono Lake. Molly volunHaven, passed away March teered with Top of the Moun24,2021. Preceding him in tain Ecumenical Council Food death was his wife Marlene, Pantry. She also donated 82, who passed away July 21, regularly at the American Red 2020. They were married 66 Cross, donating over 10 years. They lived in White gallons of blood and 35 units Haven until 1973, when they of single donor platelets. moved to Pocono Lake. Together they were a great James (Jim) was born in team, making hand crafted White Haven, the son of the wooden decorations. Jim late James Franklin Getz. He would cut out wood items was one of 6 brothers and for Molly to paint. Molly also 2 sisters, all of whom have painted exquisite Pysanky passed. eggs. Marlene (Molly) was born A Mass of Christian Burial in Scranton, but spent most of her childhood in White Haven. will be held on April 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic She was the daughter of the Church, White Haven. Interlate John and Lillian Fitzsimment will follow in St. Patrick’s mons. Surviving are two daughters, Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Theresa, residing in Virginia, the Top of the Mountain Eucand Jennifer, residing in Mifflinburg; and one son, James, menical Council Food Pantry, 133 Firehouse Road, Pocono residing in Weatherly; four Pines, PA 18350. grandsons; four great-grand-
JULIA MARIE HELLER Julia Marie Heller, at the age of 79 peacefully passed away at the Cornerstone Hospice on March 16, 2021. Known as Marie to many, she was born in Scranton. She was the daughter of the late Ernest Boswell and Julia Sopack Boswell. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, John E. Heller, formerly of Long Pond, along with her three children, son Edward Heller and wife Linda, of Key West, FL, son John R Heller and wife Hilary, of Long Pond, and daughter Lisa Leno and husband Kevin, of Leesburg, FL. Marie was an incredibly loving grandmother to eight grandchildren: Brook, Brandon, Brett, Brandi, Travis, John Weston, Danielle, and Justin, as well as seven great-grandchildren. In addition to family, she loved her dog companion, Max. Her passions included her family and friends, bingo, cards and board games (especially Scrabble), camping, and she was always singing and dancing to music. A private memorial for family and friends will be held in July, 2021. In lieu of flowers, Julia has always been a big advocate for the veterans so the family asks for donations to be made in her honor to Paul’s House Valor Foundation Clinic via https:// donorbox.org/ valor-clinic-fundraiser or at their address 1130 Scenic Drive, Kunkletown, PA 18058.
BETTE JAYNE KOVICH greatly missed by all who had Bette Jayne Kovich, age 96 the fortune to know her. of Pocono Pines, went to be In addition to her parents, with her she was preceded in death Lord and by her husband of 54 years, Savior FriMichael J. Kovich, who passed day, April away on March 17, 2005. 2, 2021 Bette is survived by son, at Wesley Village, Pitt- Dennis N. Lewis of Somerset, PA; daughters, Dawn L. Dierston, surkes and husband Michael of rounded by her loving family. Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Daryl She was born in Pocono Rother of Dallas, PA; 9 grandPines on March 2, 1925 and children; 10 great-grandchilwas the daughter of the late dren; and numerous nieces, George E. and Mary nephews, and cousins. Sansenbach Newhart. A Memorial Service will be Bette graduated from Tobyheld at a later date in Pocono hanna Township High School Pines. Arrangements are by in June, 1943. She worked on the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral a military base in Rome, NY Home, Inc., Pikes Creek. where she met her first Memorial donations in husband, Dennis Lewis. Bette’s name may be made to Bette was active in Girl the Clymer Library, 115 FireScouts as a Troop Leader with her daughters. She was a house Road, Pocono Pines, PA 18350. founding member of Clymer Online condolences can be Library, Pocono Pines and volmade at clswansonfuneral unteered with St. Maximilian Kolbe Roman Catholic Church, home.com Pocono Pines. She was best known for her handmade gifts and handicrafts. Her spirit was best exemplified when at the age of 83 she drove to visit her daughter and family on vacation in Tennessee with her close friend, Jackie Boltz. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who would do anything for her family. Her sharp wit and spirit will be WINTER SCHEDULE
Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church ROUTE 940 • POCONO SUMMIT (Between CVS & Tractor Supply)
DIVINE LITURGY (MASS) Covid 19 Schedule Call for Information
Very Rev. Michael Salnicky, Pastor (570) 595-3265
PAGE 16 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, APRIL 12–22,2021
Coolbaugh
Obituaries JAMES C. BRENNAN James “Jim” C. Brennan, 80, land; brothers: Vincent Brenof Lake Naomi, died peacefully nan and his wife, Kristine, of Punta Gorda, Florida; Frank on April 3 2021 at 10:20 a.m. Brennan and his wife, Barbara, surrounded by his immediate of Reading; sisters: Kathleen family. He is survived by his O’Hara and her husband, loving wife Margaret (Davis) Charlie, of Hartford, ConnectiBrennan, with whom he cut; Eileen Pollock of Port St. shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Lucie, Florida; Margaret Murray and her husband, he was a son of the late John Robert, of Brewster, New and Mary “Una” (Priest) York; his adoring grandchilBrennan. A proud veteran of the Unit- dren, Kellylynn and Brady Brennan; and numerous ed States Army, Jim enlisted nieces and nephews whom at the age of 17, and was stationed in Korea near the DMZ. he loved. He was preceded in He later worked as a sanitation death by his beloved daughter, Kelly Lynn Brennan, and his engineer in Brooklyn prior brothers, Jack, Peter, Danny to making his home in Lake and William Brennan. Naomi. Jim was a member of Reverend Father Sean the American Legion Post 413 Carpenter celebrated a Mass in Pocono Pines. He loved his family and his presence will be of Christian Burial April 7 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, missed by all. Pocono Pines. Interment with In addition to his wife, he Military Honors followed at is survived by his son, Keith Pocono Lake Cemetery. James Brennan and his wife, Bolock Funeral Home, 6148 Darcy, of Stafford, Virginia; Paradise Valley Road, daughter, Kristina BrennanCresco, was in charge of Pickard and her husband, arrangements. Mark, of St. Moritz, SwitzerLYN M. GOTTSTEIN She was full of generosity and Lyn M. Gottstein, 56, of was a helping hand to anyone Mount Pocono, died Friday, in need. March 26, 2021 at Lehigh In addition to her husband, Valley Hospital - Pocono in East Stroudsburg. She was the she is survived by her children, Adam D. Gottstein of Mount loving wife of Jason E. Pocono, Krystina A. Duncan of Duncan, with whom she Mount Pocono, and Jasmine shared 32 years of marriage. S. Duncan of Stroudsburg; and Born in London, England, beloved grandchildren, Austin she was the daughter of the J. Gottstein, Tyrone J. Gant late Frederick and Yvonne III, Alyvia R. Gottstein, and (Travers) Power. Amirah T. Gant. Lyn came to the United Reverend Sol Quinones States in 1986 where she conducted a memorial service met and fell in love with her April 10 at Bolock Funeral husband Jason. As her family Home, 6148 Paradise Valley flourished, she moved to the Road, Cresco. Private cremaPoconos in 2001. Lyn was a tion has been entrusted to kind and compassionate perBolock Funeral Home son, who loved reading, and nature, but mostly her family. Crematory.
more vehicles.” Kelly suggested the smaller of the two homes could be used as a respite cenContinued from page 1 ter for DPW drivers when they are plowing snow, but Weimer said those facilities will be built After a 30-minute execuinto the new DPW garage. The tive session on personnel, the supervisors voted 5-0 — with no homes can be used for firefightdiscussion — to terminate Rich- er practice before they are torn down, Weimer said. ard Barnes, a township code The issue of fire came up in enforcement officer. They will be looking for a replacement, as two other topics. Ruiz-Smith said the burning ordinance well as a new DPW mechanic. should be enforced. Supervisors also discussed “People have been burning what to do with a little over leaves,” she said. “It is really $2 million in COVID funding dry, and there have been coming to the township in two phases over the next two years. winds.” Weimer said he beRuiz-Smith brought up contin- lieves residents are following uance or completion of renova- the rules, burning the proper materials and having a hose tions of the fire company, perhaps adding temporary housing handy when burning. During the work session, for firefighters, or a sanctuary in times of emergency. Thomp- the supervisors discussed a proposed fireworks ordinance, son said there is flexibility in Weimer said the ordinance the funds to do those projects. would distinguish consumer The township purchased from professional fireworks two homes next to the DPW displays. Consumer displays garage, with the idea of razing would be done by private peoboth structures to make way for an expansion of the garage. ple with legally-purchased fireworks. Professional displays “I agree with the expansion of DPW,” Ruiz-Smith said, “DPW would still require a permit. Changes in the ordinance, is only going to grow, and need Armstrong said, are that fireworks have to be ignited 200 feet away from a structure, and can only be ignited until 11 p.m., except on July 4 and New Year’s Eve, when the curfew will be 1 a.m. Weimer suggested the proposed law be circulated among the various property owners’ associations. “I think this is a great ordinance,” Ruiz-Smith said. Recycling weekends for Coolbaugh residents will be Fridays and Saturdays June 4-5, July 9-10, Aug. 6-7, and Oct. 1-2. A letter of support for an as-yet unnamed project at the Tobyhanna Army Depot was approved, at the request of Congressman Matt Cartwright. Also approved were two lot joinings and one minor subdivisions in Arrowhead Lakes. Supervisors also approved advertising the 2013 lawnmower for sale on MuniciBid.
WILLIAM B. FRANCIS William B. Francis, 83, of Blakeslee, died Monday, April 5, 2021 at home. He was the loving husband of Ingeborg (Puttenat) Francis, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. William was born in Blue Bell. He enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served 20 years in Special Forces, retiring as Sergeant. William later worked at the Tobyhanna Army Depot. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Thomas Francis and his wife, Judi of Plano, Texas, Dennis Francis of New Port Richey, Florida, Alan Francis and his companion, Karen Michaels of Northumberland; and many beloved grandchildren. Private services are being held; cremation has been entrusted to Bolock Funeral Home Crematory.