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April 2019
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Local Government Month
Happy Local Government Month! Middletown took a new step this year in promoting civic education, inviting students to the Municipal Center for a memorable day of activities.
On April 9th, the entire second grade of Herbert Hoover Elementary School took a field trip for Local Government Day to the Municipal Center. Students spent the morning rotating between different interactive stations designed by Township staff to show them the different functions of local government in the community. Students explored fire trucks, snow plows, and other vehicles while learning about how the Department of Fire and Emergency Management and the Department of Public Works keep the community safe. They toured the Police Department and sat with members of the administration, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Department of Building and Zoning to learn their roles in the Township. Students even participated in a mock Board of Supervisors meeting, playing every role from interested citizens to Township staff and elected officials!
Commenting on the day's activities, Board Chairperson Tom Tosti stated, "We were very excited to welcome students to the Municipal Center for Local Government Day. Highlighting the importance of civics and community involvement at a young age will help encourage the next generation of public leaders."
The Neshaminy School District covered the Township event and produced a video recap, which is available
here.
In addition to piloting this program, Township staff also continued its Local Government Day presentations at other Middletown elementary schools. During this presentation, members of the administration and Police Department visited second grade classes to teach students about local government, help them learn how to find local landmarks on a map, and highlight the importance of being community helpers.
These events coincided with the Board of Supervisors proclamation of April as Local Government Month and Pennsylvania's recognition of Local Government Week the week of April 8th. Both proclamations are intended to promote civic education, enhance community pride, and engage the next generation of local leaders.
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Prescription Drug Take Back Day
April 27th is Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Prescription medication abuse is a growing and serious problem, and it is one of the leading contributors to the addiction epidemic across the region and the nation. Medication lying around after it is no longer needed can fall into the hands of those who may abuse them or become addicted. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe place for the return of medications as well as education on the dangers of abusing prescription drugs.
The Middletown Township Police Department participates in this program, and medications can be safely dropped off to one of the following locations:
- St. Mary Medical Center, 1201 Langhorne-Newtown Road, Langhorne
- CVS Pharmacy at Target, 2231 E. Lincoln Highway, Langhorne
- Giant Food Pharmacy, 4001 New Falls Road, Levittown
Drop off will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, medications can be placed in the secure box at the Middletown Municipal Center any weekday during the business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Milestones and Commendations
Middletown Township honored several individuals at the April 1st Board of Supervisors meeting.
A presentation was made for Nancy Blank who celebrated a special anniversary with the Township. This month marks 50 years that Nancy has worked for the Police Department! Nancy serves as a secretary who has completed nearly every administrative task imaginable for the Department. Since her hire in 1969, she has become known to the officers and her coworkers as a detail oriented and extremely knowledgeable employee who is eager to help in any way she can. "She's one of the most dedicated employees I've ever been around," stated Chief Joe Bartorilla, "and I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with her. I know she has had a significant impact on the Department over these 50 years."
Several other employees were honored for reaching impressive milestones of years serving the community. Some of the longest tenured employees recognized include Lieutenant Steve Foreman for 25 years and Sergeant Mike Lubold, Detective Andy Amoroso, Detective Greg Kneiss, Detective Dave Denton, Officer Jeff Swenson, and Chris Russell of the Public Works Department for 30 years of service. Officer Dennis Kucinski was recognized for 35 years of service.
Additionally, several Police Officers were recognized for their outstanding service. Officers Kyle Gracie, Christopher Viscardi, and Kevin Platenecky all received commendations for high level police work. Their efforts included successful investigations and arrest of drug dealers as well as retrieving stolen vehicles. Their work "reflects credit upon the entire Middletown Township Police Department," said Chief Bartorilla. As they received their commendations, Detective David Berry was recognized for his years of previous work as a K9 officer with his partner Dexter.
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Renaming Shasta Road
The Board of Supervisors has voted to rename Shasta Road to Detective Christopher Jones Way in recognition of the ten-year anniversary of the death of Detective Jones. "Every year on the anniversary of his death, the Police Department honors him with a memorial," noted Board Chairperson Tom Tosti. "Renaming the road shows that we haven't forgotten Detective Jones or his tremendous impact on our community. When the officers arrive to work every day, they will know that the Township is still thinking of him."
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Welcoming the New Animal Control Officer
Middletown has a new Animal Control Officer, Cheyenne Keen. Cheyenne is a life-long resident of Langhorne and graduated Conwell Egan High School. She since that time, she earned a degree from Manor College in Veterinary Technology. Prior to joining the Middletown Township Police Department, she worked as an emergency and anesthesia nurse at North Star Vets in New Jersey. Since joining the Township in March, Cheyenne has jumped right into her responsibilities handling loose animals, investigating dog bites, and enforcing other ordinances designed to protect animals and residents in the community. Outside of work, Cheyenne enjoys her own dogs while making time to travel for camping and backpacking.
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Earth Day
The annual Earth Day Celebration is almost here! Join us at Core Creek Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 27th for a day of activities, live music, and other free entertainment. For more information, please see the full description in the March 2019 eNews.
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Sports Block Party
Join friends and neighbors as they celebrate local youth sports at the annual Sports Block Party! On Friday, May 10th, from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Community Park will host Neshaminy High School varsity and junior varsity baseball and boys and girls lacrosse as they take on other local teams. This free local event includes food, activities, and live music from local band Nothing but a Nightmare. Parking is available at the Community Park and Maple Point Middle School. We hope you can join us in cheering on local youth sports teams!
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Firefighters' Park Upgrades
Firefighters' Park is set for several upgrades this year! The park will get a new playground that will provide recreational opportunities for children of all ages. Elements of the playground will also be accessible for children with disabilities, and it will include swings that children can ride with their parents as pictured to the right. Additionally, a walkway will be paved connecting the swings to the rest of the playground equipment to improve accessibility. The Township has also begun resurfacing the basketball court, and the court is expected to be operational later this spring. Lastly, the Township will repair the softball fields and install new backstops by early summer.
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Fire & Emergency Management
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Safely Firing Up the Grill
Spring is here, and for many, that means it is time to breakout the grills to enjoy some food with family and friends. To ensure a safe and enjoyable spring and summer, the Department of Fire and Emergency Management would like to remind everyone of the following safety tips:
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions
- Only use the grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area
- Keep gas hoses away from any hot surfaces while making sure there are no sharp bends in the hose
- Keep your grill clean between uses
Whether using a gas or charcoal grill, make sure the grill has cooled before putting the cover back on
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From the Permit Corner
Welcome to the Permit Corner, where you can find out about all the major construction projects throughout the community.
A new Wawa has been proposed on Lincoln Highway near the ramps to I-95. The proposal received conditional preliminary approval from the Board of Supervisors. In the near future, they will appear before the Planning Commission, and later the Board again, for final approval. If approved, the store would likely be completed in 2020.
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Board Spotlight: Environmental Advisory Council
This month, in honor of Earth Day occurring in April, we shine the spotlight on the Environmental Advisory Council.
The Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) advises the Board of Supervisors on all matters concerning protection and conservation of the environment and natural recourses in the Township. They also help in running cleanup events and the annual Earth Day celebration in Core Creek Park.
The members of the EAC are all active community members with different backgrounds in environmental sciences. Steven Donohue works for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, while Andrew McAloon worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Donna Fiedler, Lauren Lareau, Chris McCarron, and Rebecca Blank have experience in teaching and studying environmental sciences, environmental advocacy, and landscaping, while Peter Tantala is a civil engineer. All members apply their experience, knowledge, and passion to help keep the community clean and protect Middletown's natural resources.
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Upcoming Events
April 24
- Zoning Hearing Board meeting, 7 p.m. in the Public Hall of the Municipal Center
April 27 - Earth Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Core Creek Park
April 27
- Prescription Drug Take Back Day
May 1 - Planning Commission meeting, 7 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Municipal Center
May 10 -
Sports Block Party, 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Community Park
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Middletown Township
3 Municipal Way,
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-750-3800
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Thank you for reading this edition of the Middletown Township eNews! Feel free to share with friends, family, and neighbors!
We'd like to hear from you! If you have an idea for something that we can cover in the eNews, please let us know by emailing
ssadowsky@middletownbucks.org.
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