WINTER 2009Volume 32 Number 1

SUPERVISORS

John N. DiacogiannisChairman

610.865.4410

Glenn R. WalbertVice Chairman610.865.5170

John D. Nagle610.625.2912

Stephen R. Salvesen610.865.6658

Mark J. Tanczos610.867.7889

TOWNSHIP OFFICE3630 Jacksonville Road

610.866.1140610.758.9116 Fax

hanover@hanovertwp-nc.orgwww.hanovertwp-nc.org

Township ManagerJohn J. Finnigan, Jr.

Secretary-TreasurerStacy C. Milo

Assistant Secretary-Treasurer

Lori A. Stranzl

Public Works DirectorKevin T. Healy

Zoning OfficerYvonne D. Schoenly

Community RelationsDirector

Margaret Giordano

Newsletter Submissionhanover@hanovertwp-nc.org

Information deadlinefor the next newsletter

May 15, 2009

Community Center3660 Jacksonville Road

610.317.8701610.317.8704 FaxHTCC@enter.net

Recreation DirectorCathy Heimsoth

Assistant RecreationDirector

Fran Taglang

Assistant RecreationDirector

Robert Cepin

Printed on recycled paper

A NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY HANOVER TOWNSHIP, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

STATE OF THE TOWNSHIPby John N. Diacogiannis, Chairman – Board of Supervisors

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Last year will beremembered by mostof us in Hanover

Township’s government as ayear of conclusions andrestarts, of old and new andof lows and highs.

Probably the most upset-ting event for the Board ofSupervisors was the unfor-tunate passing of our dearfriend and colleague, Dr.Frank T. Colon. It was a dif-ficult adjustment for us notto have his thoughtful andcaring presence among us. Wewere blessed with over ten very capable andqualified citizens stepping forward to beconsidered for the vacancy. Local citizenand businessman Mark Tanczos was chosenfor the position and is now serving us verywell. Mark was formerly the Chairman ofthe Hanover Township Planning Commis-sion. Mark’s appointed term concludes atthe end of 2009 and he will need to stand forelection this year.

New in 2008 was the implementation ofthe separate trash and recycling collectionfees. We’re very pleased that the over-whelming majority of residents understoodand accepted the change. This year’s billingprocess is underway and we expect anothersuccessful year. As an enhancement, wehave expanded the type of material that willbe collected for recycling.

Last year we also began the implementa-tion of the new “yard waste” collection pro-gram. Township crews using a new wastecollection truck have done a fine job gettingthe program off the ground.

An enhanced schedule, coupled with apublic education effort has positioned us foreven better results this year.

As planned, roadway system improve-ments were completed as part of the JaindlLand Company development plan in thenorthern area of the Township. I believe

most people have beenpleased with the roadwayand signal improvementson Route 512 and the open-ing of Jaindl Boulevard andSterner’s Way.

The year saw us com-plete renovations to the oldState Farm Insuranceclaims office on BrodheadRoad. We also finalized aco-ownership of the facilitywith Lower NazarethTownship. Most impor-

tantly, the Colonial RegionalPolice Department moved into

this well planned and modern police facility.Also joining the police in this building

was the District Court and offices of theHonorable District Judge James Narlesky.

About this time last year, I had hoped tohave reached a fair and amicable settlementwith Bath Borough over the troubling issuesurrounding the new police station. That set-tlement never occurred and the issue unfor-tunately wound itself through the legal sys-tem and took the entire year to resolve. I amnow most pleased to report that we havereached a conclusion to the situation. Bath’slegal challenges to Hanover and LowerNazareth were denied by the NorthamptonCounty Court of Common Pleas, but wereappealed by Bath. On December 30th, anopinion was issued by the CommonwealthCourt upholding the earlier decision ofCounty Court. No further challenges areexpected. While Bath is not a co-owner of thenew facility, they remain a member partnerin the operation of the Colonial RegionalPolice Department.

A key issue that needs to be resolved thisyear is how to distribute a portion of casinotax revues to municipalities that border theCity of Bethlehem. Under law, Freemans-burg, Hellertown, Lower Saucon, Bethle-hem Township and Hanover are eligible to

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What You Wanted To Know About Taxes…… And Were Afraid To Ask

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Do you know what a mill is? Do you know how manymills of real estate taxes you pay to Hanover Township, theCounty of Northampton and the Bethlehem Area SchoolDistrict? Do you know how the assessed value of yourhouse and the millage rates are used to compute your taxes?Everyone pays real estate taxes if they own a property, butmost people don't understand how their taxes are comput-ed or how all the verbiage about millage and assessed valuetranslates to your wallet. Well, read on and hopefully some,if not all of your questions will be answered.

What You Wanted To Know About Taxes…… And Were Afraid To Ask

2009 Hanover Township Residents' Tax Millage and Taxes for a $100,000 Assessed Property

Your property values are determined by County ofNorthampton and the assessed value is 50% of the countydetermined market value. That assessed value is multi-plied by the millage rates above to determine the amount

of tax you owe on your property. The chart below showsthe values of three properties, what the assessed value isfor each of those properties and the taxes you would payto each of the three taxing jurisdictions.

The word mill means a money amount equal to 1/10 ofone cent. One mill is represented in decimal form as .001.Each year the three taxing authorities, the Township, theCounty and the School District establish the millage ratefor the upcoming year. Currently the rates are: HanoverTownship – 3.9 mills (.0039), County of Northampton –10.8 mills (.0108) and Bethlehem Area School District –37.56 (.03756).

The next chart, on page 3, shows what an increase ofone mill in township taxes would be in dollars for aHanover Township property owner. A one mill increase inHanover Township taxes would be a 25.64% tax increase,which sounds like a lot, but it would only result in $100

more in taxes from $390 to $490 for the owner of a $200,000property (assessed value of $100,000). A one mill increaseby the school district would result in the same $100increase from $3,756 to $3,856, but would only be a 2.7%tax increase.

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Okay, now that you understand all the figures, below aresome of the services provided for your township tax dollars:

Public Works• Winter road maintenance and

materials• Yard waste collection• Road maintenance-crack

sealing, asphalt repairs andmaterials

• Storm sewer inlet maintenance• Street sweeping• Leaf collection & tree trimming• Asphalt paving overlays and

materials• Street and traffic sign materials,

maintenance and replacement• Annual traffic line striping and

all intersection markings• Township-owned building

maintenance• Traffic light installations &

maintenance• Vehicle & equipment

maintenance

Administration• The administration, supervision

and control of all townshipactivities to provide theefficient operation of alltownship services

Zoning & Code Department• Licensing of contractors and

other businesses• Building codes and zoning ordi-

nance enforcement• Building and zoning permit

applications

• Building, site, and property useplan reviews

• Building inspection• Nuisance complaints• Property maintenance enforce-

ment• Property records and plans

management• Administration of construction

and zoning appeals

Parks Department• Maintenance of 12 community

parks• Maintenance of 7 tot-lot play-

grounds• Maintenance of 9 baseball /

softball /soccer / lacrosse fields• Maintenance of 8 detention

basins & berms• Maintenance of 1 major swale• Maintenance of 3 pavilions

(1 rental)• Maintenance of three park /

pool bathroom facilities• Snow removal for municipal

buildings and parking lotsand sidewalks

• Three firefighters

Recreation Programs• Subsidizing the operation and

maintenance of the CommunityCenter

• Subsidizing the operation andmaintenance of the HanoverTownship municipal pool

• Subsidizing the summer play-ground program

Colonial Regional PoliceDepartment• Funding 52.3% of the CRPD

Budget• 24 hour, 7 day a week police

protection and services toinclude:√ Canine support√ Investigative operations√ Emergency response team

training and operations√ Truck safety and weight

inspections√ Public awareness and safety

programs√ Participation in drug task

force√ Bike patrols√ DARE& Kids Cards√ DUI Checkpoints√ Citizens Police Academy

Hanover Township VolunteerFire Company No. 1• Subsidizing the 24 hour, 7 day a

week fire services and protec-tion

• Subsidizing the 24 hour, 7 day aweek ambulance service includ-ing TEAMS & ALS services

• Purchase of all emergencyvehicles (.5 Fire Tax)

continued next page

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How Hanover Township Residents' Taxes Compare with Our Neighbors

Sometimes it is important to compare what we as resi-dents in Hanover Township receive in comparison toother municipalities that either is abutting to us or aresimilar to us in Northampton County either in size or inservices provided. The chart below outlines the munici-palities that Hanover Township most resembles either in

services along the Route 22 corridor or are a 2nd ClassTownship like Hanover.

This information is presented so that residents in theTownship have an understanding as to how their taxdollars are used and how we compare to those in ourimmediate area.

Notes: (1) Hanover’s Fire Tax is .5; (2) These Townships contract and bill for refuse & recycling; (3) These Townshipsthe resident contract for their own refuse & recycling; (4) State Police protection; (5) East Allen’s Fire Tax is 1.0.

STATE OF THE TOWNSHIP continued from page 1

share an expected $1 million. The funds are intended tohelp offset the effects of the casino on public works orservices. Bethlehem Township wants the distribution to bebased on population. The other four municipalities con-sider this an unfair method and wish to remove the poli-

tics of determining allocation by supporting an equalshare distribution. At this point it is up to NorthamptonCounty Council to decide on who will collect and distrib-ute the casino tax. If you are following the story in thepress, you will recognize that this is a problem in itself.

In November of 2008 the Township launched its “new and updated”Website www.hanovertwp-nc.org with many enhancements and addi-tional items being covered. Due to the new functionality of the siteTownship Staff is able to update the information instantaneously. Weinvite residents to view the information contained on the site and to alsosign up for email notification.

The Township would like to extend a hearty THANK YOU to MikePrendeville who served as the Townships webmaster since the site waslaunched in 2001.

Ne w T o w n s h i p We b s i t e

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Preschool Registration for 2009/10 School Year Now Open

How can you get involved in your community?

NEW PROGRAM

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Complimentary Service To BloodDonors Resumes After SuspensionTo Replace Outdated Equipment

Miller-Keystone Blood recently announcedthat it has resumed complimentary cholesterolscreening for blood donors. “To help monitor andimprove the health and wellness of our blooddonors, MKBC has historically extended a free

cholesterol screening to each and every donorthat comes through our doors,” explainsCatherine Palumbo, Director of Marketing.“However, our previous cholesterol screeningequipment was rendered obsolete in June 2008because it is not compatible with a new Foodand Drug Administration (FDA) mandatedlabeling system. Therefore, we were recentlyunable to offer our donors this complementaryservice.”

Funds from the Blood Center’s 2008-2009Annual Appeal were designated to replace thisvital equipment, in the form of the OlympusAU400 Chemistry Analyzer. According toPalumbo, this new equipment will allow the

Blood Center to better serve both its volunteerblood donors and blood recipients.

“This new equipment will enable Miller-Keystone Blood Center to resume providing a vitalcommunity wellness initiative to our blood donorsby allowing us to assist in maintaining communitywellness as a whole by screening for preventableand treatable diseases,” she says. “We believe thatthis, in turn, will translate into additional blooddonations, and ultimately, additional life-savingblood products available to care for prematureinfants, accident victims and cancer patients at ourregional hospitals.”

For more information, contact CatherinePalumbo, Director of Marketing, at ext. 291, at 610-691-5850 or 800-223-6667, or cpalumbo@hcsc.org.

MILLER-KEYSTONE BLOOD CENTER RESUMES CHOLESTEROL TESTING

A new session of the General Assemblybegan January 6th with the customaryswearing in of members. There was, however,an undertone of concern during what is typi-cally a festive day of ceremony in the Capitol.Following the swearing in, leaders from bothsides of the aisle spoke of the fiscal challengesfacing the Commonwealth as revenue collec-tions are falling short of what was forecastwhen the budget was enacted in July.

According to House Appropriations Com-mittee figures, the General Fund revenueshortfall is now $814.5 million. The state iscurrently below estimate in each of the fourmajor revenue collection categories. The year-to-date General Fund revenue total is 4.6 percent less thanit was at this point last year. December 2008 marks thefourth time this fiscal year that the monthly revenue col-lections have come up more than $100 million short.

Prior to the swearing in, House GOP lawmakersreturned to Harrisburg in December to review the eco-nomic crisis and discuss how to deal with the challengesthe state is currently facing. As a result of those meetings,

task forces were to develop comprehensivestrategies that will redesign and refocus thestate’s efforts to strengthen the economy andcreate family sustaining jobs without deplet-ing dedicated one-time funding sources andraising taxes. The task forces will focus on sixkey areas including state spending, educationand job training, energy, health care, trans-portation and infrastructure and reformingstate government.

I was appointed, along with Rep. GordonDenlinger (R-Lancaster), to chair the Budgetand Economic Policy Task Force. This taskforce will develop sound budget practices,suggest responsible budget cuts and promote

innovative ideas to reduce government spending in lightof the budget deficit. The task forces are to begin theirwork immediately in an effort to have proposals preparedfor upcoming budget discussions over the next severalmonths. Our major goal is to reduce spending withoutraising taxes or increasing the state’s debt. I encourageyou to visit www.CraigDally.com for updates on the activ-ities of all the task forces.

Representative Craig Dally

Lawmakers Face Budget Blues as New Session BeginsA COLUMN BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE CRAIG A. DALLY - 138TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

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The beginning of a new year always bringsnew challenges and 2009 will be no exceptionfor the Pennsylvania General Assembly as wework to address the impact of the current fis-cal crisis. The signs of the Commonwealth’seconomic condition are crystal clear and havebeen for some time. We have seen revenuescoming in below projections on a monthlybasis to the point where they now total $814.5million, or 6.8 percent, below estimate.

That shortfall and the latest state labor sta-tistics, which show Pennsylvania’s statewideunemployment rate as well as those of Lehighand Northampton counties, increasing to 6.1percent and 6.7 percent for Monroe County,dramatically emphasize the need for greater fiscal respon-sibility and spending controls now and through the com-ing months.

It is essential that we not lose sight of the impact theeconomy is having on individuals, families and smallbusinesses across Pennsylvania. Many people are nowout-of-work and many others are struggling to make endsmeet. We must remember that as we look toward address-ing the revenue shortfall of the current budget and thespending that will be proposed by the Governor for theFiscal Year 2009-10 budget.

The Governor’s updated projection of a $1.9 billionrevenue shortfall by the end of the 2008-09 Fiscal Year maybe extremely optimistic amid the daily news of the finan-cial troubles across the nation that have impacted thebanks, investment firms, the auto industry and many

other businesses, large and small. It is impor-tant to remember that Pennsylvania’s finan-cial problems would be much more significantif it were not for the efforts made by the Senateover the past two years. The media, especiallyin Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, was quick tojump all over the Senate for what they saw asa 17-day budget impasse in 2007, even thenforgetting that the Governor and his $2.5 bil-lion in proposed tax increases were a majorstumbling block to an agreement.

You can just imagine what our currenteconomic situation would be if we allowedthose tax hikes to pass and the Governor’sspending increases to occur. Instead, the

Senate held its ground — despite tremendous pressurefrom the big cities — and in the end, not one of those taxincreases made its way to the Fiscal Year 2007-08 budget.This year, even though we passed a budget relativelyquickly – especially under the standards set during theRendell Administration years – the Senate was roundlycriticized by several media outlets for not supporting theGovernor’s spending increases – particularly for new enti-tlement programs. Again, it looks like time and eventshave proven the wisdom of our efforts.

As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Ibelieve that it is essential that we use the same fiscal pru-dence now and take whatever steps necessary to mitigatethe impact that the slowdown in revenues will have onPennsylvania’s economy, both in the short-term and thelong-term.

Senator Pat Browne

PENNSYLVANIA FACES SERIOUS CHALLENGES IN 2009A COLUMN BY SENATOR PAT BROWNE - 16TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

The Hanover Township PublicWorks Department collected 1,160 tonsof leaves and 296 tons of Yard Waste in2008! This put these items in the correctwaste stream and out of the landfills!

“NEW AT THE CURB”The Township has added to its resi-

dential curbside recycling programPlastics #1 - #7 beginning January 2009.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLINGMARKYOUR CALENDARS!Watch your local news-

paper and the Township Website for more information onthe upcoming Electronics Recycling Event with the City ofBethlehem in May. Recycle your batteries, cellphones, fluorescent lights, microwaves, com-puter monitors, televisions and more!

TOWNSHIP BUSINESSESAttention all Township Businesses: Please complete

the Mandatory Annual Commercial &Institutional Recycling Report for theYear 2008 and return to the TownshipRecycling Coordinator.

FREE SHREDDING SERVICESDid you know you can recycle

your confidential papers by havingthem shredded at the Theis/CornfeldRecycling Center and it’s FREE!

Shredding Hours are Mon-Fri 10 am – 2:30pm and Saturday 9 am – 2 pm. Anything over 4boxes; please call the Recycling Center to schedule anappointment at 610-865-7082.

REMEMBER EARTH DAYApril 22, 2009 is Earth Day! Make Earth

Day Everyday by cleaning up your yard andthe streets in your neighborhood. Organize a

neighborhood clean-up and help keep Hanover TownshipBeautiful!

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H A N O V E R E L E M E N T A R Y

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PARKING DURINGSNOW STORMS

Please do not park on thestreet during a snow storm. First,it makes plowing streets more dif-ficult and more importantly it

causes issues with subsequent snow storms both to equip-ment and our public works staff. Frozen snow and ice isnot visible where vehicles were parked and it causes dam-ages to plows when they hit it as well as jolts the driver ofthe vehicle. Please visit the website http://hanovertwp-nc.org/public_works/Snow and read our completeTownship Snow Operations Policy. With everyone cooper-ating, we can all have cleaner and safer streets after asnow storm. Without cooperation regulations will need tobe enforced, i.e. parking tickets or towing!

As noted, parking on the streets presents difficulty on allstreets during snow operations but is particularly difficult incul-de-sacs and the following roadways Grace Avenue,Jaclyn Lane, Overlook Drive, Briarstone Road andRosewood Drive.

Be aware that we usually have to plow streets at least 2times and sometimes even more depending on the severi-ty of the storm. Please do not shovel snow into the street!

MAILBOXESThe Township is not responsible for damage to mail-

boxes during snow operations. Please check your mailboxto make sure it is not overhanging the roadway. Overtime, mailboxes tend to lean one way or the other and insome instances they lean is toward the roadway.

SNOW & SIDEWALKSPlease remember if you have a sidewalk adjoining your

property all snow & ice must be removed within 36 hoursafter Hanover Township discontinues snow plowingoperations. Please do not shovel snow into the streets!

TREESPlease note that the Township, when time permits, trims

trees overhanging the roadway, to provide proper clearancefor vehicles. If you do not want your trees trimmed by the

Township please have your trees trimmed regularly.Property owners who live in corner properties should

also be aware that you should not plant anything in the"Clear Site Triangle".

Shrubs and pine trees overhanging the road have alsobecome a problem. Please keep all trees and shrubs behindthe rear face of curb.

Proper clearance for pedestrian's walking on sidewalkshas become a problem in some areas. Please rememberthis can be a liability to you.

RECYCLING UPDATEThe Township has made provisions to collect all #1

through #7 plastics (remove caps and crush) (NO plasticbags, film, plastic toys). All items must be SMALLERTHAN a 5 gallon bucket. (No Styrofoam)

Reminder: All cardboard must be no larger than 3' x 5'x 1' high, flattened and tied.

TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONWhile the Township doesn’t have a formal ordinance to

enforce this request, please DO NOT put material out forpickup before 6:00 P.M. the night before collection.

Please keep all trash & recycling cans behind the curband NOT in the street. This is particularly important dur-ing the winter months.

All garbage shall be stored in containers with lids forpick-up. Please make sure your trash and recycling issecured from the wind and animals. Your neighbor doesnot want to clean up your blowing trash or recycling

PET OWNERS1. Dogs are not allowed on Township Property.2. Dogs shall be under owner’s control at all times

when off their property.3. Please clean up after your animals.4. All dogs shall be licensed with the County. (Forms

available at Municipal Building or on the Townshipweb site www.hanovertwp-nc.org

5. Cat owners! Please be aware that as a cat ownerYOU are responsible to keep your animal on yourproperty. This has become a big problem over thepast few years.

From thePublic Works

Director

It’s hard to believe we are entering the 2ndhalf of our school year! Time has really flown!We’ve been busy here at Hanover introducingnew activities for our students to participate in afterschool. Our Theatre Group had its first production of “ToySchool” before the holidays. We have some very talentedactors and actresses in our mist! We’re also busy planningan after school science program with Mad Science of theLehigh Valley. We’re hoping this takes us right into spring

to coincide with our annual Science Day! Wehad another very successful Reflections art pro-gram, with several of our students advancing

on to the state levels. Planning for our 2nd annual Shop-ping Night Out is underway. This event will be held inApril and will once again be open to the public. Asalways, we thank our parents and community for theircontinued support so that we can continue to be the HighFlying, High Achieving Hanover Hawks!!

by Laura Kuehner

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2009 Real EstateTax Bills

Your real estate tax billwill be mailed to eachproperty owner by thefirst week in February. If you do not receive your bill bymid-February or if you have any tax questions, please callBerkheimer Tax Administrators at 866.300.1714 or610.599.3143. Payments will not be accepted at theTownship’s Municipal office. You may pay your bill inperson at Berkheimer Outsourcing, 1530 Valley CenterParkway, Suite 200, Bethlehem, PA 18017 from 9:00 AM to4:00 PM Monday through Friday only.

2009 Residential Waste &Recycling Bills

Your Residential Waste &Recycling bills for services for the2009 calendar year were mailed inJanuary to each residential propertyowner. If you do not receive your bill bythe end of January please call the Municipal office at610.866.1140 extension 235 for Francine. Our office willaccept payments during our normal business hours of 8:00AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, by mail, ordeposited into our mail slot during non-business hours

The Local Services Tax is a tax levied on individualswho are employed in municipalities or school dis-tricts that have enacted the tax. The Local Services

Tax (LST) replaced the Emergency and Municipal ServicesTax (EMST) on January 1, 2008. Hanover Township –Northampton County levies a LST in the amount of $52.00per year. The Local Services Tax is collected through pay-roll deductions from all employees. Self-employed indi-viduals must pay their own tax on a quarterly basis per PAAct 7. However, if you choose to pay the full amount withyour first quarter filing, that will also be acceptable.

The Local Services Tax is deducted for the municipali-ty or school district in which you are employed. Since theHanover Township enacted LST rate exceeds $10, the taxmust be withheld on a prorated basis determined by thenumber of pay periods established by an employer for acalendar year. In the event a person is engaged in morethan one occupation or taxing district the collection ofsuch tax shall be the taxing district in which a person isprincipally employed. The total LST paid by an individualin a calendar year is limited to $52.00, regardless of the

number of taxing districts in which an individual worksduring the year.

A refund may be requested if employed in more thanone taxing district and more than the maximum of $52.00was deducted. A copy of the LST refund request form andsupporting documentation may be sent to Berkheimer TaxAdministrator.

If you are employed in Hanover Township, there is amandatory income exemption for those whose total earnedincome and/or net profits are less than $12,000.00. Pleasebe advised that the same income exemption may not applyfor the school district portion of the tax and may result in areduced refund. If you believe you will meet the exemp-tion requirement, you must complete and return theExemption Certificate to Berkheimer Tax Administrator.

To contact the Township’s LST collector, BerkheimerTax Administrator, please call 866.300.1714 or610.599.3143. You may also refer to their website forrefund forms, exemption forms and further information:www.hab-inc.com The above information is courtesy ofBerkheimer Tax Administrator at www.hab-inc.com.

what you always wanted to know: LOCAL SERVICES TAX

POOL, PARKS & CAMPSThe Township is currently accepting

application for life-guards, gate guardsand pool staff for the 2009 summer.Camp and park counselor openings

are also being filled. If you areinterested in any of these positions,please contact Rob Cepin at the

Community Center, 610.317.8701

CROSSING GUARDSNeed some extra cash.

The Township is currently acceptingapplications for permanent part-time

and substitute crossing guards.Hours are 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. and

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. on school days.If interested, call (610.866.1140)

or stop by the municipal building.

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FIRE COMPANY NEWSHappy New Year!

The members of Hanover Township Volunteer FireCompany would like to wish you and your family a safe,healthy and happy 2009! It is our privilege to serve you,our neighbors, our friends andour families. We will continue towork hard to be highly trainedand proficient volunteers, readyto serve you in the EMS, Fire andFire Police Services. We thankyou for your support in 2008,and are thankful for the oppor-tunity to serve you in 2009.

Santa Claus DayIt was our pleasure to escort

Santa Claus around the town-ship to visit with our childrenand their families on Dec 13th.Your smiles warmed us throughout the day, as did yourgenerosity. The Grinch tried ruining the day by delayingour letters in the mail (which were mailed well inadvance). Be assured, we already have plans in place tothwart any attempts he might make in 2009.

Additional VolunteersNeeded

Consider serving alongside theFire, EMS and Fire Police personnelthat serve our community, andyour family. The Fire Companyprovides all necessary training,

either on or off site. For more information, explore ourweb site: http://www.htvfc.org/joinourteam

If you are interested, contact the Fire Chief ScottMilham at 484-239-2247 or drop by the Fire Company at100 Stoke Park Road any Monday night at 7:00 PM.

More Fire Company News next page

In January, outstandinghigh school students from

across the United States took part in a trulyAmerican Celebration, the Inauguration ofthe 44th President – Barrack Obama. Thefive-day program, the Presidential YouthInaugural Conference (PYIC) provided highschool scholars with a better understandingof the history behind the electoral processand the rich traditions surrounding the pres-idential inauguration.

“The Presidential Youth Inaugural Con-ference provided students with an opportu-nity to attend the events that coincide with theInauguration of the President of the United States” saidMarguerite Regan of the Congressional Youth LeadershipCouncil.

Inaugural Scholars had the opportunity to interact witha major presidential candidate, White House officials, con-gressional staff, political experts and other VIPs, such as

former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell(USA Ret.) and former Vice President AlGore. The scholars were also able to attend aBlack Tie Gala Inaugural Ball.

Hanover Township was fortunate to berepresented by Jeena Rantuccio a freshmanat Liberty High School. Jeena is the daughterof Janice and Joe and has a brother Joey.Jeena has set a goal for herself of attendingcollege to become a child psychologist.

At Liberty, while maintaining a 4.5 GPA,she is on the yearbook committee. Outside ofschool she devotes hours to her passion for

dance, attending Miss Tonya’s Expressions of Dance inNazareth where she takes hip hop, jazz and lyrical. Jeenabelongs to FIAT (Faith in Active Teens) at Notre Dame ofBethlehem Church where they have activities and also dovolunteer work.

Congratulations Jeena and Good Luck!

Jeena Rantuccio Receives Honor to Attend the Inauguration of the44th President of the United States of America

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Fire Company Vehiclesby Chief Scott Milham

Starting with this edition of theHanoverview, I plan on writing

a column that will respond to res-ident’s questions and concernsregarding the Hanover TownshipVolunteer Fire Company, EMS and FirePolice Divisions and/or questions regarding fire safety. Ifyou have a question please email them tohtvfc1551@aol.com or you can email them to theTownship at hanover@hanovertwp-nc.org This month’stopic is on Fire Trucks, their replacement schedule andwhy many volunteer fire companies have newer equip-ment than some paid or city fire departments.

First, many paid and city fire departments have thenewest and most technologically advanced trucks andthen some have older trucks that can either be well main-tained or not well maintained. In the volunteer servicemany companies are equipped with newer trucks.However there are many that function with older but wellmaintained trucks. Volunteer companies generallyrespond to fewer calls than most paid departments, conse-quently keeping their trucks in service for longer peri-ods of time due to less mileage and wear & tear.

Due to the fact that new trucks are very expensiveit is difficult for some volunteer fire companies topurchase new equipment. For instance a newpumper may cost at least $250,000 for the most basicof pumpers with minimal equipment on the truck andthen another $50,000 or more for the firefighting equipmentthat must be put on the truck prior to putting it in service.Additionally, the cost of firefighting gear for one firefighteris between $3-4,000, which includes a full set of bunker gear,helmet, boots and a pager to alert them to calls. This doesnot include the cost of an airpack used for interior firefight-ing. The cost of the airpack is an additional $5,000 per unitbut it is not necessary to outfit every firefighter.

Many volunteer fire organizations do not get muchfinancial support from their municipalities and rely on theirown fundraising such as pancake breakfasts and bingo tofund the purchases of equipment and trucks. Some munic-ipalities do not have a large enough tax base to adequatelyfund their volunteer fire companies. We are very fortunatein Hanover Township that our Supervisors have alwaystaken a very proactiverole in fire safety andEMS and make surethat the HanoverTownship VolunteerFire Company hasthe right tools toprotect the residentsand businesses.

There are many volunteer fire companies that areequipped with state of the art equipment that is newerthan some of the paid departments. The main reason for

this is that Volunteer Fire Companies do nothave the labor costs, pension costs and bene-fits packages that the paid fire departmentsmust incur. The starting salary of one of ourlocal city fire departments is $36,000 peryear plus the cost of the health insurance

and other benefits and the pension funding thatalso accompanies their salary. It would cost the taxpayersin Hanover Township in excess of $1,000,000 a year for afull time crew available 24 hours a day, 365 days per yearas the volunteers are. This cost savings allows the town-ship to continuously upgrade the fire trucks (every 20years) and ambulances (every 10 years) on a scheduledbasis to avoid unit breakdowns and to upgrade to thenewer technologies as they become proven technologies.

A driving force when fire trucks are to be replaced isthe National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 1901.The standard suggests that any equipment manufacturedprior to 1991 does not meet the current safety standards

and should be replaced orused as a reserve truckonly. One of the mainsafety standards thatcame after 1991 was thatall firefighters must ridein a fully enclosed cab.Vehicles manufacturedprior to 1991 allowed the

firefighters to ride in a jump seat outsideof the main cab in a seating area that had a roof and sidesbut no rear enclosure or door. If the truck is involved in arollover accident, the firefighters in the jump seat area can bethrown from the truck and seriously injured or killed. Oneof our current pumpers is a 1989 Mack (1511) which has ajump seat area like this but it is being replaced later this yearwith a new Spartan chassis with bodywork by M & W FireApparatus of Vinton, VA. There are many other safety stan-dards in NFPA 1901 that govern fire trucks such as mount-ing sirens in the front bumper instead of on the roof wherethey were normally mounted. When they were mounted onthe roof, it can cause hearing loss for the firefighters ridingin the cab. These safety standards have greatly changed theway fire trucks are designed and built, all for the safety ofthe general public and the firefighters riding in them.

The decision to follow these standards is totally volun-tary by any Fire Department or Fire Company. However,the problem in not following it is the fact that when thesestandards are not followed and someone is injured or killeddue to the fact that the fire truck does not meet the stan-dard, a substantial lawsuit may result. In conjunction withthe Board of Supervisors we have established a vehiclereplacement schedule that meets the NFPA 1901 recom-mended schedule.

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all roads open. Without our dedicated crew things wouldhave only been worse”, Kevin recalled.

Kevin identified one of his most rewarding experiencesas getting the Trash and Recycling Program up and run-ning. “Helping Jim Sterner get the Trash and RecyclingProgram up and running was one of my most rewardingexperiences; from researching and developing the contractto obtaining the grants. It was a long process, but thanks to

our residents we have a very suc-cessful Recycling Program”, Kevinreflected. Today because of theefforts of Kevin and other mem-bers of the staff, Hanover’sRecycling Program is a model forother communities in the Lehigh

Valley and Commonwealth.Kevin and his wife Sharen have been married 38 year

and are the proud parents of Thomas and Christy. They arealso the boasting grandparents of Matthew, Ashley &Alexis. Kevin and Sherry grew up in Bethlehem and rou-tinely take time off during Musikfest to enjoy the sights andsounds Bethlehem. Kevin is a big NASCAR and other rac-ing fan, enjoys hiking, canoeing, traveling and time at hiscabin in the Poconos.

Kevin plans to continue his travels during retirementand based on his strong work ethic I’m sure he’ll pick up ajob to continue doing what he does best – helping others!

KEVIN – THANKS FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE OVERTHE YEARS IN MAKING HANOVER SUCH A GREATPLACE TO LIVE, WORK & PLAY!!!

R E T I R E M E N TKEVIN T. HEALY by Jay Finnigan

On May 6th Kevin will retire after 38 years and 9 monthsof dedicated service to the residents of Hanover Township.Having started in 1970 as a 19 year-old laborer Kevinadvanced through the ranks and it 1994 became the PublicWorks Director. Hired by Al Crawford, Kevin joined atownship crew that had two otherfull-timers Franklin C. W. Frey andN. James Sterner, who laterbecame the Township’s first man-ager.

Over the years Kevin has heldsuch tittles and responsibilities asEquipment Operator, Assistant Road Foreman, RoadForeman, Animal Control Officer and Code Enforcement.Today, Kevin supervise and directs a twelve-man crewwhose responsibilities include all road maintenance, pooland park maintenance, fleet maintenance, snow removaland facility maintenance. He has also been the Township’stechnical expert. He has also been responsible for dealingwith the public, preparing bids and their specifications andcommunications equipment.

When interviewed in 2000 as he celebrated his 30thanniversary with the Township Kevin cited the 1995 and1996 snow storms as the worse crisises he had to deal withduring his tenure. “There was so much snow and nowhereto go with it. Endless hours in the trucks for every manincluding the Township Manager and still we couldn’t keep

Helping Jim Sterner get the Trash andRecycling Program up and running wasone of my most rewarding experiences.

Are you looking to bepart of a Service Club thathelps the Communityand People in need.Would you like to: makenew friends, have funand raise funds to sup-port charitable programs,

all at the same time. Consider joining the HanoverTownship Lions Club.

We are looking forward to celebrating 20 years asa service club on May 13, 2009. Our biggest serviceproject to date was building the pavilion on theMunicpal Tract. Thank you to everyone who has sup-

ported us over the years, by contributingto our eye glass collection, to our White Cane drive atthe Wawa and coming to our spaghetti dinners.

For information call Lions Willard or Bernice Kulp,610-865-5440. When reaching the answering machine,please leave your name and phone number. We havenot been able to return several calls for lack of a phonenumber.

Looking for students or scouts in need of servicetime. Consider helping the Lions.

NOTE: Next spaghetti dinner, April 18, 2009,Christ UCC, Airport Rd. serving 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Markyour calendar and join us for good food and fun.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP LIONS CLUB

Jacksonville Road610-866-8039

Bethlehem Square3926 Linden Street610-886-1000

Pointe North - 610-954-7675

CommunitySponsors

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Preschool Reading ProgramGreat Fun for Children ages 2-6“Ready to Read”Friday, May 1st 12-2 pm

Children who learn to appreciate reading at ayoung age tend to maintain a love for readingthroughout their lives. Give your little one a giftthey will always appreciate! Hanover Townshipguests gather around the community center gymto read to preschoolers in small groups. Childrenreceive small gifts as the rotate from reader toreader.

Children will also have the opportunity to doa craft, visit the Bethlehem Area Public LibraryBookmobile, participate in raffles (and have theopportunity to win one of two bicycles and aLeap Pad). The children can also enjoy pizza andentertainment.

This program is free and open to all but pleasecall to reserve your spot as it fills quickly. Call theHanover Township Community Center and refer-ence the Ready to Read Program, 610-317-8701.

SHADE TREE ADVISORY COMMISSIONDon’t pile snow or ice against the trunk of your tree when shov-

eling or snow blowing. It can cause damage to the trunk (skin) ofthe tree.

Use plant safe de-icing material when treating your walks ordriveway. Read the label before you buy.

SPRING IS COMING!!MULCH: Less is better. Put down mulch only 2 – 3 inches deep,

in as large a circle as possible around your tree. DO NOT let themulch touch the trunk-- it can cause severe problems with rot,insects, fungus, and extraneous roots.

TOPPING: DO NOT top your tree (severe cutting back ofbranches to alter the crown and leave large stubs). This exposes thecut stubs to insect and fungus problems, as well as putting outstructurally weak branches.

PERMIT: If your street tree dies it must be replaced with a treefrom the Township’s Approved list, after getting a permit (on-lineor from the Township Office). No live street tree can be removedwithout a permit.

PLANT: Arbor Day is April 24th. Plant a tree on your propertyto enhance the property value and improve the environment.

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Community Service OpportunitiesStudents interested in completing commu-

nity service hours in Hanover Townshipshould call 610-866-1140 ext 230 for more infor-mation.

Special Events Committee VolunteersThe Hanover Township Special Events

Committee is looking for individuals willing toshare their time and assist in the planning oftownship events such as the Ready to Readprogram, Sousa Concert, Tree Lighting andFair. Please call 610-866-1140 ext 230 for moreinformation.

John Phillip Sousa ConcertSunday, May 3rd • 2:00 pm

SPRINGCONCERT

Join us for a memorable afternoon of entertainment. Enjoy thewonderful music of John Philip Sousa courtesy of the combinedtalents of the Easton Municipal Band under the direction of OwenBougher, and the Liberty Alumni Band under the direction ofRonald Sherry. The Sousa Concert is now celebrating its twelfthyear and continues to be a hit – be sure to arrive early, seats fill upquickly!

Refreshments will be served before the show. The concert is freeand open to everyone. If you have any questions, please call 610-866-1140.

Township Special Events offer all resi-dents the opportunity to get together withold friends, meet some new ones, and justhave some fun. 2009 promises to be a funpacked year!!

• Ready to Read Program – Friday,May 1st, 12-2 pm

• Sousa Concert – Sunday, May3rd, 2 pm

• Hanover Fair – to be announced,please log onto www.hanovertwp-nc.org and click on the SpecialEvents tab for date and details

• Crime Watch’s National NightOut Community Celebration,Tuesday, August 4th

• Patriot’s Day Flay RetirementCeremony, Friday, September 11th

• Halloween Festival – to beannounced, please log ontowww.hanovertwp-nc.org andclick on the Special Events tab fordate and details

• Holiday Tree Lighting,Marshmallow/Weenie Roastand Sleigh Rides – Friday,December 4th at 6 pm

If you are interested in volunteer/par-ticipating or becoming a member of theSpecial Events Committee or if you haveany questions, please call 610-866-1140.

SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE NEWS

Hanover Township would like to thank the members of the Special EventsCommittee for their dedication to the township and the generous donation of theirtime to plan, organize and develop Township Special Events. It is through theircontributions that residents are able to come together as a community get to knowtheir neighbors.

The Members of the 2008 Special Events Committee were:Barbara Baldo Esq., Jacquie Cercone (Sovereign Bank), Erin Dishong

(Sovereign Bank), Emily Kocis, Jared McLaughlin (Susquehanna Bank) & MichelleMichael-Mill, Chair (Thomas Michael Agency).

And many thanks also to the “Friends of the Special Events Committee” whoare always ready to lend a hand. They are:

Cindy Doll, Danielle Romano, Cheryl Orth, Amanda Weller, and Hiedi Szekula-all of Suquehanna Bank, Patricia Weber and Dennis Matthews. Also, Vince Milite,Liz Gehman, Francine Spevack and Stacy Milo — all Township employees.

SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 2009

Special Thank You

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PRESORTEDSTANDARD

US POSTAGE PAIDBETHLEHEM PAPERMIT NO. 303

Hanover Township Newsletter3630 Jacksonville RoadBethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017-9302

Attention Businesses andOrganizations

Township Sponsorships are a great way for your Business orOrganization to gain visibility in Hanover Township!

Township Sponsorships include:

� Your Business name and logo in Hanoverview Newsletter –Community Sponsors Page – which reaches every home andbusiness in the township

� Display of personalized banner

� Your Business name and logo in printed Township EventPrograms

For more information regarding township sponsorships, pleasecall 610.866.1140 or email us at hanover@hanovertwp-nc.org.