Township’s First Community Day Well Attended
The Board of Supervisors extends a big thank you to all who helped make Upper Makefield Community Day a success! With all the positive feedback, planning will soon begin for our next event.
The first Community Day was September 21 at Brownsburg Park. Some activities included ultimate frisbee, the Sol Feinstone Science Fair, Touch-a-Truck experiences with our police, fire, ambulance and public works vehicles, an inflatable slide and a free tennis clinic. A DJ kept the mood lively while kids and adults made pinecone bird feeders and visited with some of our volunteer board members. Participants also enjoyed complimentary coffee, donuts, pizza and water ice.
Thanks go to our volunteer boards, staff members and these organizations: Colonial Farms, Dominick’s Pizza, Rita’s, The Friends of Washington Crossing Park and Sol Feinstone Elementary School. Everyone worked together to create a fun day for all!
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2025 Preliminary Budget Presentation October 15
The Preliminary 2025 Township Budget will be presented to the public on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Board of Supervisors meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Township Building.
Upper Makefield Township staff prepares a Preliminary Budget each year, incorporating recommendations from each department after review and input from the Board of Supervisors at two Budget Workshops. After the public presentation, the Preliminary Budget will be available for review online here and at the Township office.
By law, the 2025 Budget must be adopted by the Board of Supervisors before the end of the calendar year after a public comment period.
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Fire Company Open Houses
Friday, October 11, Upper Makefield Fire Company
Friday, October 18, Lingohocken Fire Company
Families and future volunteers are welcome to learn how the Upper Makefield Fire Company and Lingohocken Fire Company serve our community. Look for fun activities as well as firehouse tours and tips to reinforce this month’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Smoke Alarms: Make Them WORK For You!”
Upper Makefield Fire Company. If your family loves trucks, our emergency vehicles will be open to explore. In addition, our local firefighters, police officers and paramedics will be leading many fun, interactive activities at Upper Makefield Station 71, 1221 Taylorsville Road from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Details.
Lingohocken Fire Company’s Pizza and Prevention Open House is Friday, October 18, from 6-9 p.m. at the fire house located at 1090 Washington Avenue in Wycombe. Kids can use a fire hose on the squirt house, meet Marshall from Paw Patrol, and tour fire trucks while learning about fire safety. Details.
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Volunteers Needed for Township Boards and Commissions
We Need Your Skills and Talents
Volunteering with Upper Makefield Township is a great way to get to know your neighbors while bettering our community. Most appointments are made by the Board of Supervisors at the beginning of each calendar year, so your application now is timely! Here's how to get involved:
Explore Volunteer Opportunities: The Township offers several boards, commissions and volunteer programs in areas such as environmental conservation, parks, planning and historical preservation. Check out the Boards and Commissions page for details.
Attend Meetings: Regular meetings for various boards and commissions are held throughout the year. Check the meeting schedule on the Township Calendar to stay informed about upcoming meetings.
Submit a Volunteer Application: If you find an area of interest, submit a volunteer application. Download Volunteer Application.
Contact the Township Office: For specific questions or guidance on available opportunities, contact the Township at 215-968-3340.
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Steps to Avoid Mail Theft, Which Rises During the Holiday Season
Mail theft is on the rise – it jumped 87% between 2019 and 2022. The United States Postal Service and its enforcement arm, the United States Postal Inspection Service, last year announced "Project Safe Delivery" to help combat the problem, and reports indicate the program is helping. However, with the holidays approaching, it is a good time for reminders to stay vigilant and take precautions against mail theft. The majority of mail theft is reported by banks identifying fraud with checks, credit cards and other vital information, but you can help by adding an at-home layer of protection.
Incoming Mail
- Pick up ASAP: Collect your mail soon after delivery to avoid the time it may be unattended. Ask a trusted neighbor to help if you aren’t home.
- Hold mail during absences: Use USPS mail hold services if you’re away.
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Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery: Preview images of your incoming mail through this free service.
- Consider using “Hold for Pickup” for items you order.
- File Change of Address forms as soon as possible and advise financial institutions and credit card companies of your address change too.
Outgoing Mail
- Don’t use the red flag on your mailbox—it signals thieves that there may be something worth taking.
- At the Post Office, use the indoor mail slots instead of outdoor collection boxes.
- Avoid mailing sensitive information: Use online services or certified mail for sensitive items.
- Request “Require Signature” for important items you are sending.
- Never send cash.
Monitor Your Mail, Bank Accounts and Credit Reports
Monitor your mail for missing bank statements. Monitor your bank accounts and credit reports regularly for suspicious activity.
What to Do If You May Be a Victim of Mail Theft
If you suspect mail theft, take immediate action: File a report with the United States Postal Inspection Service, report it to the Upper Makefield Police Department and monitor your financial accounts.
Sources:
USPIS. United States Postal Inspection Service. File a Report.
USPS. United States Postal Service. News about Project Safe Delivery, September 2024.
FCEN. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, U.S. Treasury. September 2024 Report.
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Voters’ Guide to the General Election
Here’s what you need to know about casting your vote on or before the November 5, 2024, General Election.
Register to Vote by October 21, 2024
If you are a first-time voter or have moved and not yet registered to vote in Bucks County, October 21, 2024, is the last day to register to vote in the 2024 General Election. Please view the Bucks County Voters page for answers about registration, voting locations and more.
Apply to Vote by Mail by October 29, 2024
If you prefer to vote by mail, you can apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot. The Board of Elections must receive your application by October 29, 2024, not later than 5:00 p.m. Once you receive your ballot, carefully follow the instructions. It must be received by the Bucks County Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on November 5, 2024.
Election Day - November 5, 2024
Polling Places Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
You can vote in person at your designated polling location. To find your polling place, visit the Bucks County Board of Elections Polling Page.
Voter ID Requirements
First-time voters or those voting at a new polling place will need to show identification. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, U.S. passport or voter registration card.
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Apply Now for Tree Rebates
Upper Makefield's UMTree Grant Program offers homeowners a unique opportunity to enhance their properties while contributing to the community’s ecological health. The grant will reimburse property owners up to $975 or up to 12 trees for planting native trees. Funds come from developer fees paid to the township, not tax dollars.
Why Plant Trees?
You may want to add trees to your property for many reasons, including:
- Building a buffer for land near streams and creeks
- Restoring land impacted by severe weather and flooding
- Promoting a wildlife habitat
- Shading your home in hot summers and creating wind barriers from winter storms
- Improving air quality
- Reducing energy costs
All property owners are eligible to apply for rebates, per the following guidelines: UMT will reimburse up to $50/tree (total tree cost, plus shipping) for Pennsylvania native trees, $25/tree for tree planting, and $6/tree for deer protection. For more information, download the application.
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Calendar
October 11, 2024—Fire Prevention Night at Upper Makefield Fire Company. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fire Company website.
October 15, 2024—Township 2025 Budget Presentation at Upper Makefield Township Building, 7:30 p.m. If you can't make this meeting, you can view it online the day after the meeting. Budget documents will also be posted here.
October 18,2024—Lingohocken Fire Company Open House at 1090 Washington Avenue, Wycombe. 6-9 p.m. Details.
October 21, 2024—Last Day to Register to Vote for General Election. Details.
October 26, 2024—National Take Back Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Safely dispose of unused medications at the Police Department as part of the National Take Back Day event. The Police Department is at 1076 Eagle Road, Newtown. A medication collection box is also available in the Police Department lobby during weekday office hours.
October 26—Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Strayer Middle School 1200 Ronald Reagan Drive, Quakertown
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain or shine. Poster with details.
November 5, 2024—General Election Day – Where to vote and how to follow election results. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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