Abington Township Newsletter RED LIGHT CAMERA ENFORCEMENT

Abington Township
RECENT BOARD ACTIONS
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Motion to adopt PennDOT Snow and Ice Agreement,
Abington would assume responsibility for winter road
maintenance for state owned roadways in our
community, on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7:30PM.
Bid Authorization for Water Disposal/Transfer Station
operation: The Waste System Authority is responsible
for the management of the Solid Water Plan for the
eastern portion of the County and controls the disposal
of all municipal solid waste for the member
communities.
Adoption of the Wastewater Service Agreement
between Cheltenham Township and Abington
Township.
Public hearing on Ordinance No. 2055- An Ordinance
amending Chapter 108- "Nuisances" Section 12"Weeds" Bamboo on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at
7:30PM.
Ordinance No. 1931 adopted to amend Chapter 65
"Burning."
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 14-023 One-Year
Action Plan and Community Development Block
Grant Budget.
Deer Hunt in Karebrook approved for the season from
September 20, 2014-January 24, 2015.
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
Columbus Day- Monday, October 13th
Trash/Newspaper Pick-Up on 14th
Veterans’ Day- Tuesday, November 11th
Trash/Newspaper Pick-Up on 12th
Thanksgiving- Thursday, November 27th
Trash/Newspaper Pick-Up on 28th
Christmas - Thursday, December 25th
Trash/Newspaper Pick-Up on 26th
New Year’s Day - Thursday, January 1st
Trash/Newspaper Pick-Up on 2nd
Martin Luther King, Jr. - Monday, Jan. 19th
Trash/Newspaper Pick-Up on 20th
Presidents’ Day - Monday February 16th
Trash/Newspaper Pick-Up on 17th
CONTACT YOUR TOWNSHIP
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Telephone: 267-536-1000
Fax: 215-884-8271
www.abington.org
Address: 1176 Old York
Road Abington, PA 19001
Public Works/Trash 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tax Office
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
267-536-1025,1026,1027,1028
Newsletter
Fall 2014 Volume 18, Issue 3
RED LIGHT CAMERA ENFORCEMENT
Following a two-month warning period in August and September, Red Light Cameras
become fully operational on October 1 at three Abington Township intersections where
enforcement is most difficult: Old York and Susquehanna Roads, Old York and Old
Welsh Roads, and Fitzwatertown and Moreland Roads. The state-mandated fine for redlight running is $100. If an officer were to make a traffic stop for red-light running, the
fine would be $127.50, and the driver would incur 3 points; however, no points are
incurred with Red Light Camera fines. During August, the first of the two-month
warning period, 510 violations were submitted by Gatso, the company providing red light
camera technology. Of the total number of violations recorded, Abington Township
residents accounted for 26%, and non-residents accounted for 74%. The Abington Police
were pleased to report that during this first month for which complete statistics were
available at press time, they did not see an increase in rear-end accidents that are
sometimes attributed to Red Light Cameras being installed. Abington Traffic Safety
Officer Posey reminds citizens to keep a safe distance when driving behind vehicles. The
goal of Red Light Cameras is to reduce accidents and injury-related accidents for the
safety and wellbeing of the public.
ABINGTON TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
OPEN HOUSES: 6:30 P.M.- 8:30 P.M.
• Abingt on Fire Company Monday,October 6, 2014
•
McKinley Fire Company Tuesday,October 7, 2014
• Roslyn Fire Company Wednes day, October 8, 2014
• Weldon Fire Company Thursday, October 9, 2014
• Edge Hill Fire Company Friday, October 10, 2014
2015 BUDGET MEETINGS Don't Fall for PECO Scam
All workshops and meetings are scheduled
for 7:30 P.M.
10/10/14 - Budget package forwarded to
Commissioners
10/16/14 - Thursday - Budget Workshop
10/23/14 - Thursday - Budget Workshop,
Capital
11/13/14 - Thursday - Preliminary Budget
Meeting - 7:30 P.M.
11/20/14- Thursday - Budget Workshop as
needed
12/18/14 - Thursday - Final Budget Meeting
Public Hearing on Millage Ordinance7:30PM
All Meeting are held in the boardroom of
the Township Building,
1176 Old York Road Abington, PA.
Financial Statements for 2013 are on the
website under Finance Department.
Economic Development Events
Keswick Fall Fest
Saturday, October 11th
Noon to 6pm
Rain Date: 10/12
Keswick Trick or Treat
Saturday, October 25th
5pm to 7pm
Holiday Events :
Keswick: Friday 12/5 6-9pm
Ardsley Tree Lighting: Saturday 12/6 6PM
Roslyn: Sunday 12/7 4-6pm
McKinley: Saturday 12/13 4-6pm
For Information on Programs Contact
Tara 267-536-1002
53rd Annual Specialty Dog Show
The Great Dane Club of Pennsylvania invites
you to their 53rd Annual Specialty Dog Show
on Sunday October 5th at the Abington Friends
School on 575 Washington Lane in Jenkintown,
PA. Come and see over a hundred of the best
Great Danes on the East Coast.
Local residents and businesses have been receiving calls from scammers claiming to be
representatives of PECO Energy. The callers, who appear to have mostly foreign
accents, are telling people that their electric bill is overdue and that they must obtain
green dot money cards, or some other prepaid method, and make payment
immediately or their service will be shut off. If you receive any calls from someone
claiming to represent PECO, do not fall for this rouse! If you believe there is a problem
with your PECO account or your bill is overdue, you can contact PECO customer
service at 1-800-494-4000.
NEW Township Website
Coming Soon
In 2013, the Board of Commissioners approved a capital budget which included an
update to our website. Since then, we have asked for and received public input for
suggestions of features and designs for the new website. We have begun developing the
website based on those suggestions and the direction of our own internal committee.
We hope to have the page live early in 2015. In the meanwhile, we are asking for
Abington Township residents to continue to send us your suggestions and your best
pictures from community events for our photo galleries. Please send your submissions
to news@Abington.org and stay updated on our township events and follow us on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/AbingtonTownship.
Volunteer Opportunties !!!
The Abington Police Athletic League, located at St. John
of the Cross School in Roslyn, needs more volunteers to
help supervise and mentor young people in sports, arts &
crafts, and other programs to help with various jobs at
the PAL site. The PAL center is open Fridays or Saturday
nights, 7PM-11PM, for those age 11 through grade 12. There are
additional volunteer opportunities through Abington Police
Department's Community Policing Division. To inquire, call Dave
Rondinelli in Abington Community Policing at 267.536.1074.
Environmental Advisory Council Workshops
Why Rain Barrels?
Collect your free rain water to lower your
water bill: use for lawn, garden or washing
cars ~ Keep rain water runoff out of our
streets & sewers to reduce pollution in
streams and lower our water treatment and
sewage costs ~ learn to make your own
barrel.
On Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014,10:00 AM at the
Township Training Center, 2299 Florey
Lane, Abington, PA
★ Attend to get a rain barrel for as low as
$25 (instead of $100+) Info at EACAbington.org
★ Custom colors & painted art barrels
★ Directions at http://goo.gl/maps/1tYK8
Green Tip: Please put out your
recycling bin only when it is at least half
full
Energy $aving Expo
Find Your Key to $aving Money
by $aving Energy
Learn how local residents have
saved up to 40% on their energy
bills. Join us on Monday,
November 17, 2014 at 7:00 PM
at the Abington Township 1176
Old York Road, Abington, PA
19901
Recycling events at the Township
Florey Lane Highway Yard
Paper Shred Event on Saturday,
Oct. 18, 9 AM to 12 PM
Anything with a Plug E-Cycling:
Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 AM to 1 PM
For more information visit:
Abington.org/refuse/index.htm
Library Programs
Adult Programs:
Witches and Vampires and Demons, Oh My!
Thursday, October 30, from 7-8:30pm at Abington
Library- A discussion of "The All Souls Trilogy" by
Deborah Harkness.
The Ruth and Robert Abel Memorial Book &
Film Discussion Group: Wednesdays at 7pm at
Abington Library - Nov 12 "The Secret Scripture"
by Sebastian Barry; March 18 " The Goldfinch" by
Donna Tartt; April 8 "Poetry" by Maya Angelou;
May 6 "The Circle" by Dave Eggers.
Reducing Stress this Holiday Season through
Meditation: at Abington Library on Thursday,
Dec. 4 at 7pm. This session is being facilitated by
Jim Rose.
In Book and Film with Jennifer Kurowski:
Monday, December 8 at 7pm at Abington LibraryA discussion of Charles Dickens "A Christmas
Carol" continues.
FREE Blood Pressure Screening:
Wednesday December 10, from 10:30am- 11:30am
at Abington Free Library.
Children's Program:
Abington Library
Drop-in Story Times- Thursdays, Oct. 2 - May 21
from 11-11:30am led by Jenkintown Kiwanis Club
members and library staff. Children must be
accompanied by parent/caregiver. (All ages)
Teen Book Club- Monday, December 1 from
6:30-7:30pm. Book will be announced. First 10 to
sign up will get a free copy of the book!
Roslyn Branch Library
Pajama Parties- Mondays from 6:30-7:00pm: Nov.
10 and Dec. 15. Stories, songs, finger plays, and
crafts. Children are invited to wear their pajamas
and bring a stuffed animal to cuddle. Registration
begins Sept. 8. (Ages 3-6)
Baby Days- Mondays, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1 at
6:30pm. Tuesdays, Nov. 4, Nov. 18 and Dec. 2 at
11am. (Ages 5 months- 2 years) Babies and
caregivers will sing songs, read stories, and do
finger plays. Registration begins October 13.
Friends of Abington and Roslyn Libraries Events
Mimi Zabel Jewelry Silent Action- Month of
November. Donate now! This is a great
opportunity to purge your jewelry box of items you
no longer wear and benefit you library. Please drop
jewelry donations at the Circulation Desk.
Election Day Bake Sale- Tuesday, November 4
contributions of home-baked goods on Nov. 3 or
Nov. 4 are needed for this event and will be greatly
appreciated.
Barnes & Noble Book Fair- Saturday, December
13 at Barnes & Noble, 102 Park Ave in Willow
Grove. Activities will be held from 9am-3pm. A
percentage of net sales using the voucher number
will be donated to Abington and Roslyn Libraries.
Responsible and Safe Use of Sewers
Article1-2
We have been experiencing increased frequency of sanitary sewer pipe blockages
caused by foreign objects such as handy wipes, rags, paper towels and plastic items
that are flushed down the toilet. These items MUST be disposed in the trash. The
resulting sewer backups caused by these foreign objects result in backflow into
basements. PLEASE NEVER flush any of these objects. Remember, the water may flow
away from your property, but there are always properties upstream from you which
could cause a blockage and backflow into your basement. Please respect your
neighbors by not flushing these objects and never draining oils into the sink to prevent
blockages.
Shade Tree News
We need Tree Tenders!
The Abington Township STC seeks assistance with tree inventory, bare root tree
planting, mulching and light pruning throughout the year.
No prior experience is needed. We will train you. Key dates include:
"Let's Talk Trees" Mondays, September 22 and October 6, 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Join the conversation with other local residents interested in learning and greening
Abington Township at the Abington Township Public Library.
Please register in advance at: http://abingtonfreelibrary.org/events/361
Bare Root Tree Pickup and Planting- Saturday, November 15, 10 AM to 4 PM
Assist residents with tree pickup and planting, or support a project to plant street and
park trees- your choice!
Grove House, 1383 N. Easton Road, Roslyn PA 19001
Tree Tending- Ongoing, scheduled according to volunteer availability
Team up with an existing member of the STC to mulch and prune young street trees
throughout the township. Suitable for youth group service projects
PHS Tree Tenders - Basic Training, Philadelphia- This 3- part class runs 10/8, 10/15 &
10/22 from 5:45 -9 PM
The PHS Tree Tenders program offers hands-on tree care training and covers tree
biology, identification, planting, proper care, and working within your community.
Available for ISA, PA LA, Act 48 and PLNA credit.
Register at: http://phsonline.org/events/phs-tree-tenders-basic-training-philadelphia
Annual Arbor Day Celebration and Watercolor Exhibition- Saturday, April 25, 2015,
10 AM to 3 PM
Plant and tend trees & sharpen garden tools plus enjoy the second annual watercolor
art exhibition!
Grove House, 1383 N. Easton Road, Roslyn PA 19001
Please join us! Contact Rita Stevens at abingtontrees@gmail.com or 215.435.2781
Radio City Christmas Spectacular Featuring the Rockettes
The Bureau of Parks & Recreation has arranged
for a 56-passenger bus to leave from Alverthorpe
Park on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 7:00 A.M.,
arriving in New York at approximately 9:15 A.M.
Showtime is 2:00 P.M. Before the show you will
be on your own to tour the city. Promptly after the
show we will board the buses to return to Alverthrope Park at
approximately 7:00PM . Cost is $97.00 per person (Transportation & Show
Ticket). Register in person at Alverthorpe Manor, Mon.-Fri. 8:00 A.M. to
4:00 P.M. or by mailing the form and fees to: Abington Parks & Recreation.
515 Meetinghouse Road
Jenkintown, PA 19046
For more information: Phone: 215-576-5213 Email: parksdata@comcast.net
Web: www.ABINGTON.ORG/ PARKSREC
Tethering Ordinance
S 58-2. Rules and Regulations for the tethering of dogs
outdoors.
It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, fasten,
chain, tie, restrain, or allow a dog in such person's care
or located on such person's property to be fastened,
chained, tied or restrained by means of a rope, chain,
strap, or other physical restraint in a matter that:
Deprives the dog from access to necessary sustenance
or clean water; or
Deprives the dog from access to sanitary shelter which
will protect the animal from inclement weather in such
manner as will allow the dog to remain dry and retain
its proper bodily temperature; or
Prevents the dog from having the ability to rest in an
area that is reasonably safe and sanitary; or
Prevents the dog from being able to move around an
area that is reasonable in size, based on the size of the
animal and the area that is otherwise available for the
dog's movement; or
Uses an anchor, latch or similar tethering device which
enables the tether to become entangled around any
object so as to limit the dog's freedom from within the
tethered area or causes the dog, or any of its
appendages, to become entangled by the tether; or
Otherwise creates a condition that is cruel, unsafe,
unsanitary, inhumane or otherwise creates an
immediate danger to the life and health of such animal.
Reminder: All dogs are required to be vaccinated
for rabies, licensed, and on a leash when they are
off of their owner's property.
Briar Bush Nature Center
Autumn Fest
FREE seasonal festival at Briar Bush. Come enjoy
hikes, crafts, animal shows and more. Great for the
whole family!
Sunday, October 26 from 1-4:00 P.M.
Billy Jonas Band Concert
Benefit concert for Briar Bush Nature Center at
Mitchell Performing Arts Center on November 2 at
3:00 P.M. Tickets are $5 per person; children under
2 are free. Register online at www.briarbush.org.
Feather Our Nest
Join us for dinner, drinks, live and silent auctions,
DJ, and unique entertainment at Keneseth Israel
Synagogue on Saturday, November 1 at 6:30 PM.
Commissioner Walks
Join Commissioner Thomas Farren at Baderwood
Park, Highland and Ghost Road in Abington on
Saturday, November 8 at 9-10:30 A.M.
Join the Conversation
Alternate Perspectives: How different cultures view
the environment
Join Robert Dostal, professor of Environmental
Ethics at Bryn Mawr College, for a look at the role
culture plays in one's environmental perspective
on Wednesday, November 19 7:00 P.M.-8:30 P.M.
Board of Commissioners
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 6
Ward 7
Ward 8
Ward 9
Ward 10
Ward 11
Ward 12
Ward 13
Ward 14
Ward 15
Vice Pres., Steven N Kline
Michael Markman
Lawrence F. Jones, Jr.
Jimmy DiPlacido
President Wayne C. Luker
Stephen J. Kalinoski
Benjamin V. Sanchez
Peggy Myers
Dennis C. Zappone
Thomas Hecker
John L.Spiegelman
Thomas J. Farren, Sr.
Carol E. Gillespie
Lori A. Schreiber
Thomas Bowman
kline4ward1@comcast.net
mmarkman88@gmail.com
larryjonesward3@gmail.com
jimmydiplacido@gmail.com
wayneluker@aol.com
skward6@yahoo.com
bensanchez.ward7@gmail.com
meg40@aol.com
dczapp1@verizon.net
info@hecker4ward10.com
spiegs@spiegs.net
tafarren@gmail.com
cgil3@verizon.net
loriforroslyn@hotmail.com
tbowman1999@aol.com
Daylight Saving Time
As you turn your clocks back on
November 2nd, please remember
to replace your smoke detector’s
batteries.
If your smoke detector is older
than 8 years, please replace it
with a fresh one.
Residential Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens are shallow, planted depressions that are designed to absorb water from
your roof, allowing it to drain directly into the soil. Typically, a downspout from your
home is disconnected from the storm sewer system and diverted into the rain garden,
which can prevent hundreds of gallons per year from entering the Township's storm
sewer system and help to decrease the pollution in our community streams. Rain
gardens are one of the most cost effective ways to manage storm water runoff and can
be a beautiful addition to your existing landscape design.
What is Rain Garden?
A rain garden is a planted shallow depression designed to catch and filter rainfall
runoff. The water sinks into the ground, aided by deep rooted plants that like wet and
dry conditions. A residential rain garden should dry out between rains and should
only hold water for one day (24 hrs). This timeframe prevents standing water that
could create mosquito habitat.
How to Build a Rain Garden
Find the Right Location: Near a downspout or in a low spot were water collects.
Size the Rain Garden: To capture flow from a 1-inch rain falling on the drainage area.
Prepare the Garden Bed: Dig out the bed and mix the soil with sand compost.
Plant Attractive Native Species: Plant drier species on the perimeter and wetter
species in the interior of the garden.
Perform Care and Maintenance: Water plants, mulch, prune and weed as you would
any garden.
Get more information
The Township Engineer's office has a beautiful manual on building a rain garden
available for $10.00. Check out the following websites: www.phillywatersheds.org;
www.ttfwatershed.org; www.wvwa.org/.