MOSCOW BOROUGH NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2011

BOROUGH OFFICE

INFORMATION THAT IS REPEATED:  We realize that some of the information contained in newsletters is repetitive but this is necessary as an ongoing reminder to residents/businesses about issues that may happen once a year, and for new residents or businesses that receive the newsletter.    

LANDLORDS:  Landlords are reminded to provide all tenants with a copy of this newsletter or post a copy where tenants will be able to read it.  If you would like your tenants to be on a mailing list to receive the newsletter directly please contact the Borough Office at 842-1699. 

HOMEOWNERS/BUSINESS OWNERS:  Please see that all members of your household or employees of your business are aware of this newsletter.

MOSCOW BOROUGH OFFICE HOURS:  The Moscow Borough Office hours are Monday and Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

E-MAIL ADDRESSES/TELEPHONE NUMBERS:  Moscow Borough’s e-mail addresses and telephone numbers are as follows:

STATE REPRESENTATIVE KEN SMITH’S OFFICE:  State Representative Ken Smith from the 112th Legislative District, has an office located in the Moscow Borough Building.  Office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or by appointment.  Mr. Smith can be contacted at 342-2710 (Dunmore Office) or 842-8115 (Moscow Office).  

VOTING FORMS:  Absentee ballot applications and voter registration forms can be picked up at the Moscow Borough Office.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:  If you or anyone you know would require assistance in the event of an emergency please contact Kimberly Mecca, Emergency Management Coordinator, at 840-4533 or email msboro@verizon.net, to notify her of this situation.

BUILDING AND ZONING PERMITS:  Contact the Moscow Borough Building Inspector/Zoning Officer, David Lamm, prior to doing any construction or installations on your property to verify whether a permit is required.  There have been many ongoing changes at the state level which now may require a permit.  

WHEELCHAIR:  The Borough has a wheelchair available for individuals who may need one on a short term basis.    

JUNIOR COUNCIL PERSONS:  Miranda Reaser and Michelle Stefanelli, residents of Moscow Borough and students at the North Pocono High School, were recently appointed to positions of Junior Council Persons for Moscow Borough.   We thank Miranda and Michelle for their interest in representing Moscow Borough.  Junior and senior high school students are eligible for this position.  If anyone is interested for the future please contact the Moscow Borough Office.    

HAPPENINGS MAGAZINE:  The Happenings Magazine, a monthly publication, is available at the Borough Office. 

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA VISITORS GUIDE:  The Northeast Pennsylvania Visitors Guide is available at the Borough Office.
 
PENNDOT MAIN STREET PROJECT:  PennDOT officials have provided the Borough with a summary of the remainder of the work to be done on the Main Street project for this year: sidewalks and curbs will be constructed from the Dollar General to Church Street; all storm drain work will be completed on the corner of Church and Main Street;  base paving will be completed where the curbs and sidewalks were installed on Main Street; and all barrels will be removed and new traffic patterns will be created for the winter.  PennDOT encountered many difficulties with this project with numerous underground obstacles which they were not aware of which hampered the timetable.  A tremendous amount of ground water not associated with the fall storms also slowed the pace of construction.  Since the project was designed there have been changes to some properties such as new construction and change of ownerships.  New agreements and arrangements needed to be secured as progress moved forward.  We appreciate your patience as this project continues to develop. 

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES:  We strongly encourage you to support the local businesses by shopping at these locations or using their services.

 

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS/COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS:  The Borough often has opportunities for anyone wishing to complete an Eagle Scout Project or to get community service hours.  If interested please call the Borough Office.

STOP JUNK MAIL, EMAIL AND PHONE CALLS:  The Borough Office has a guide to reducing unwanted or intrusive advertising.   Go to the Borough’s website at moscowboro.com or contact the Borough Office for a copy.

TAX INFORMATION

LOCAL EARNED INCOME TAX (WAGE TAX) AND LOCAL SERVICES TAX COLLECTION:  Moscow Borough would like to announce that starting with the 2012 tax year, the Local Earned Income Tax (Wage Tax) and the Local Services Tax will be collected and administered by Berkheimer Associates.  The Moscow Borough Tax office will still be responsible for the fourth quarter 2011 Earned Income Taxes due by January 31, 2012 and 2011 Final Earned Income Tax Returns due by April 15, 2012.  This change is a result of State Legislation (Act 32) that required the consolidation of the collection of Earned Income Taxes to a County Tax Collection District.  The tax rates and all filing dates will remain the same (this is a change in the collector only).  However, there will be some changes in the employer withholding requirements.  For more details visit the Berkheimer website at www.hab-inc.com.  Employers and self employed can view a previously recorded seminar on the website if not able to attend one of the scheduled seminars listed on the website.  You will be receiving a Certificate of Residency Form from both Berkheimer and from your employer to verify personal information and your PSD code (political subdivision code) which indicates the school district and municipality you reside in.  For Moscow Borough residents the PSD code is 350606.  The Moscow Borough Tax Office will try to keep all employers, employees and residents up to date as much as possible.

NORTH POCONO SCHOOL DISTRICT TAX COLLECTION:  The North Pocono School District, in an effort to centralize its tax collection for all townships and boroughs, has taken over the responsibility for collection of all school taxes.  If you have any questions regarding this matter please contact Consolidated Tax Services Inc., 570-253-6676, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

GRANTS

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT: The Borough applied for and was approved for a grant in the amount of $100,000.00 for the purpose of installing sidewalks along the first two blocks of the easterly side of Market Street.  This project will be completed either this fall or next spring.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOCAL SHARE ACCOUNT MONROE COUNTY GRANT: The Borough applied for a grant in the amount of $280,000.00 for the purpose of curbing and paving of two public parking lots on Main Street, storm water improvements for the parking lots; and installing period lighting along portions of Main Street and Church Street.  The Borough was approved for $139,000.00 which will be used for a portion of the paving and drainage work on the two public parking lots.  An additional application was recently submitted for the remainder of funds needed for the paving and drainage work; to install period lighting along a portion of Main and Church Streets; install a clock/sign near the lower public parking area; and install sidewalks along the westerly side of Main Street from Academy Street to Hideaway Drive.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REDEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE CAPITAL GRANT PROGRAM: The Borough applied for a $500,000.00 grant for the purpose of installing curbing and sidewalks from Academy Street to Hideaway Drive; installing curbing and sidewalks along the southerly side of VanBrunt Street from Main Street to the Borough Building; paving VanBrunt Street from Main Street to the Borough Building; installing a new roof on the rear portion of the Borough Building; installing new siding on the rear portion of the Borough Building, and partitioning off a portion of the garage interior at the Borough Building so that there may be a heated bay.

AUTOMATED RED LIGHT ENFORCEMENT TRANSPORTATION GRANT:  The Borough recently applied for three grants through the Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Grant Program:

 

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT

CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATION:  The Moscow Borough Police Department is offering FREE instruction on how to properly install your child safety seat. The instruction will be supervised by a Certified Child Safety Seat Technician.  Call the Police Department for an appointment to make sure you know how to install the seat properly.

CHILD FINGERPRINTING AND IDENTIFICATION:  The Moscow Borough Police Department provides parents with Child Identification Kits several times throughout the year at numerous community events.  A Child Identification Kit is a record of a child’s personal identifying information, such as fingerprints, a recent photo, and DNA.  This kit helps identify your child if he or she is missing or lost.  Having this information recorded saves crucial time in the event that you and/or law enforcement are searching for your child.  The Child Identification Kits, photographs, and fingerprints are turned over to the parents/guardians.  They are not filed at or maintained by the Moscow Borough Police Department.  There is no charge for fingerprinting children at the Moscow Borough Police Department at community events.  Contact the Moscow Borough Police Department at 570-842-2061 or by email at police@moscowboro.com if you have any questions, or wish to find out when and where the next event will be held.

NATIONAL TAKE BACK INITIATIVE:  Moscow Borough will be hosting its Third National Take Back Initiative drop off site at the Moscow Borough Building on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to provide an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceuticals and other medications to law enforcement officers for proper disposal.  

FOUND, ABANDONED, AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY:  The police department is the central location for lost and found items in the Borough.  Residents are encouraged to make police reports for missing or stolen property.  There have been instances when the missing property is already in the evidence/property room waiting to be claimed. All property turned into our department is inventoried and kept in storage.  The rightful owner is contacted if possible.  Because storage space is limited, the department disposes of all unclaimed property every six months.  If the owner of a bicycle cannot be located or the bicycle goes unclaimed, the found bicycles are then given to the Boy Scouts to be fixed and donated to charity.  Note: Proof of ownership will be needed to claim an item.

WINTER DRIVING SAFETY:   The Police Department would like to advise all residents to use caution when driving during the winter months:

 

SNOW REMOVAL:  The Police Department strictly enforces the Borough’s ordinance prohibiting the plowing, blowing, shoveling, or pushing of snow from private property onto Borough streets, whether before or after the streets have been plowed.  Doing so creates an unsafe and difficult situation when chunks of snow become frozen, or even when a thin layer of snow freezes causing slippery conditions.  It is also illegal to blow or plow snow onto a neighbor’s property.  Property owners will be held liable, not the contractors, so please inform your contractor of this policy.

PARKING BAN ON STREETS:  The Police Department strictly enforces the Borough’s ordinance prohibiting parking on streets in the Borough from 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., November 15th through April 1st and at all times (including day time hours) during a snowstorm until the streets have been cleared.  If you have visitors during a snowstorm please ask them to move their vehicles off the streets so that the streets can be properly plowed.

SNOW ON SIDEWALKS:  The Borough of Moscow has a sidewalk ordinance that requires all residents to have their sidewalks cleared within twenty-four hours after any snowfall.  Sidewalks must be cleared the whole width, not just a small pathway.  If you live on a corner lot you are responsible for cleaning and removing snow from the sidewalks located in front and on the side of your property.  Also, you must clear the sidewalk out to the street so that access can be made from there.  Pedestrians should not have to go into someone’s driveway to access sidewalks.  Also, if your sidewalks have been cleared but get covered again due to drifting, you are responsible for clearing the snow after the drifting.  

 

 

DRIVING IN THE SCHOOL ZONE: Residents are reminded that the speed limit in the school zone is 15 miles per
hour when the lights are flashing.  Pay close attention to the school crossing guards who are crossing children at several locations in the Borough. 

MEETING OR OVERTAKING A SCHOOL BUS:  The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking any school bus stopped on a highway or trafficway shall stop at least ten feet before reaching the school bus when the red signal lights on the school bus are flashing and the side stop signal arms are activated. The driver shall not proceed until the flashing red signal lights are no longer activated.  In no event shall a driver of a vehicle resume motion of the vehicle until the school children who may have alighted from the school bus have reached a place of safety.

STREET DEPARTMENT

DRAINS/DITCH LINES:  If drains or ditch lines are located near your property do not allow them to become blocked with any type of debris, especially during rainstorms.   If drains or ditch lines become blocked, water tends to backup which may cause flooding onto your property.  Please notify the Borough Office if you are aware of any blocked drains.

SNOW REMOVAL:  There is no parking allowed on any streets during a snowstorm or until the streets have been cleared.

TREES ON BOROUGH RIGHT-OF-WAY:   Property owners are responsible for trimming and maintaining all trees on their property including the ones located on Borough right-of-way.  It is less likely that your trees will be damaged from snow or ice storms if they are trimmed on a regular basis.   For those residents who have sidewalks, you should be reminded that any trees adjacent to the sidewalks must be trimmed so that anyone walking on the sidewalk is able to do so in a safe manner.  Please take a few minutes to check any trees near sidewalks to be sure that the branches do not interfere with anyone walking beneath them.

BOROUGH RIGHT-OF-WAY:  The Borough has a right-of-way that is twenty-five feet from the center of the street to each side of the street; therefore you should notify the Borough Office prior to doing any work in this area. 
RECYCLING

WASTE WATCHER AWARD:  Moscow Borough recently received a Pennsylvania Waste Watcher recognition for Outstanding Achievement 2011 from the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania for its outstanding commitment to recycling, waste reduction and reuse in the State of Pennsylvania.  The Borough would like to thank its residents and business owners for their active participation in recycling even though the Borough is not mandated by the State to recycle.    

RECYCLING BINS:  Moscow Borough recycling bins do not belong to the property owner but rather to the property itself and should remain with the property if you move.  At this time we do not have any recycling bins but anticipate ordering some in the near future.     

LEAF PICK UP:  The Moscow Borough Street Department will vacuum leaves curbside on Mondays and Tuesdays, October 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, and 31st, and November 1st, 7th and 8th.  When raking leaves curbside please be sure that no other debris such as grass, dirt, stones, or animal droppings are mixed in.  DO NOT rake leaves onto Borough streets; keep the leaves on your property and out of ditch lines.  If you have sidewalks keep the leaves on the house side of the sidewalks.  If a drain is located near your property do not allow leaves or debris to cover the drain.   Leaves will be picked up only once per week on each street.  Please note that recycling on these days will be pushed back two days.  If you cannot wait until these dates to have your leaves vacuumed curbside by the Borough, you may bring the leaves to the Borough Building to be recycled but we ask that you empty all bags and take the bags home with you to be disposed of.  Also, if it snows on any of those days leaves will not be picked up.

YARD WASTE:   You are reminded that residents only (no contractors that are hired to provide a service to you) are permitted to drop off yard waste, grass clippings, leaves, plants, and small branches (no longer than 8’ or wider than 6” in diameter).  This does NOT include large branches or logs and is not meant for tree removal, only tree trimming of smaller branches.  The Borough must pay to have this removed so it should not be taken advantage of.  The yard waste drop off area is monitored by security cameras so anyone caught disposing of inappropriate materials such as flower pots, garbage cans, plastic bags, etc. will be fined accordingly. 

RECYCLING SCHEDULES:  Recycling schedules for 2012 are enclosed for your convenience.  Please make sure that you follow the proper schedule for your area.  Also, please note a change in the schedules for holidays and for late October and early November where recycling has been moved back two days due to the fact that the individuals responsible for picking up the recycling also do the curbside leaf pick up. 

GENERAL RECYCLING INFORMATION:  Any local business which does not currently recycle and is interested in doing so should contact the Moscow Borough Office.  If you are a business and take recyclables to be recycled please ask for weight slips and give them to the Borough Office.  These weight totals can be used for performance grants.

The Borough Office has a list of miscellaneous items that can be recycled through different organizations and charities.  This list was previously sent in the last newsletter.  If you would like a copy of this list please call the Borough Office or go the Borough’s website at moscowboro.com.
 
CHRISTMAS TREE DROP-0FF:  Christmas trees can be dropped off at the Borough Building.  All bags and decorations must be removed.  The Borough does not pick trees up curbside from in front of your homes.

PARKS

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES GRANT:  Moscow Borough was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $15,000.00 to be used for parks and recreation.  The Recreation Commission recently met and it was determined that these grant funds will be used for repairing the baseball diamond at Golden Park on Maple Street which was severely damaged during a heavy rainstorm last fall, install backstops, purchase additional bleachers, and use whatever funds are left to begin installing a new fence along the lower side of Golden Park.  Volunteers from the North Pocono Little League and the North Pocono Cal Ripken League have offered to assist with this project.  Anyone else wishing to volunteer with this project should contact the Borough Office.

PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS:   Signs are posted at Golden Park, Centennial Park, Clover Park, and New Street Park stating rules and regulations.  We ask that anyone using these parks follow all rules and regulations.  Pets are not allowed in any parks.

GOLDEN PARK:  Golden Park will be getting some upgrading with the help from two Scouts from Troop 132 in Springbrook.  Thomas Murray and Matthew Todaro are both working towards completing requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout and reached out to our Borough and our Recreation Commission for potential projects.  After meeting with both scouts the following projects were decided upon:  Thomas Murray’s Eagle Project will be the acquisition of additional signs to serve as a welcome and identification of Golden Park. Thomas is using the design of the current sign for the newly ordered ones and will place them in easily visible positions to serve as a welcome to Golden Park.  After placement of the signs is complete, landscaping will be done around them to further beautify the area and complete the project.  Matthew Todaro will continue the landscaping of Golden Park by mulching around the trees that border the perimeter of the park. The mulch will not only add to the beauty of the park, but will also serve as a protection for the tree trunks.  Matthew will also work on an inventory of the trees and their identification.  Both scouts plan to work on these two worthwhile projects the weekend of October 15th. The Borough is fortunate to have the involvement of our youth as they volunteer their time and effort to make our Borough a source of pride.

COVINGTON PARK:  Lackawanna County is spending approximately 1.6 million dollars on the county park located in Covington Township. This project, when completed, will include a new parking area, a regulation size little league field, a field house with handicapped accessible restrooms, a press box and pavilion, a soccer field, a boundless playground, and a park office and pavilion complex.  Funding for this project is through various grants obtained by Lackawanna County.

MOFFAT PARK:  Covington Township recently constructed an extensive children’s recreation area near the Moffat Pavilion on the estate grounds that is open to the general public.  One section (for children ages 2 through 5) includes shorter decks and slides, tot climbing stairs and ladders.  The second section (for older children) includes a three story mega tower, climbing walls, a variety of slides (some of which are enclosed from the third deck), a fitness ladder, crunch station and a lookout tower.  There are also three large, heavy duty swing sets.  The park also has a large pavilion and picnic area, walking trails, fishing pond and a newly constructed bocce ball court.   Stop by and spend a day at the park!

BOROUGH EVENTS

ELECTION DAY: Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2011.  Residents of the Borough vote at the Moscow United Methodist Church on Church Street, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. 

HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREATING:  Trick or treating in the Borough will take place on Monday, October 31, 2011 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT:  National Night Out 2011 was again a huge success.  Due to the construction on Main Street all activities took place at the Borough Building and Centennial Park.   Award Winners for 2011:  “Citizen of the Year” – Marc Gaughan; “Volunteer of the Year” – Mark Mecca; “Pride and Progress” – Moscow Clayworks; Best Lit House/Business” - Moscow Clayworks.   
COMMUNITY EVENTS

WEEKLY ARTISAN AND FARMERS MARKET:  The North Pocono Cultural Society is sponsoring a weekly Artisan and Farmer’s Market on Sunday’s in the parking lot of Penn Security Bank from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. weather permitting.  Please stop by on a weekly basis as some vendors change from week to week.

 

SPOOK WALK:  The North Pocono Cultural Society is sponsoring a Spook Walk at Golden Park on Maple Street on Friday, October 21st and Saturday, October 22nd from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  A $3.00 donation is requested. 

LYNN GUSE-LORENZ CANCER BENEFIT:  A benefit for Lynn Guse-Lorenz will be held at the Springbrook Fire Hall on November 5, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  There will be a $15.00 donation fee.  Kids ages 10 and under eat free.  Food, drinks, entertainment, raffles and activities for kids will be available. 

MOSCOW VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CENTENNIAL:  2012 will be the centennial year for the fire company.  Anyone who has any old pictures or newspaper articles or memorabilia is asked to contact Tim Huber at 842-7211.  The fire company would like to make copies to have on hand for the Centennial celebration.

MOSCOW VOLUNTEER FIRE AND HOSE COMPANY:  Crock Pot Cookoff: The Moscow Volunteer Fire and Hose Company is sponsoring its 1st Annual Crock Pot Cook-Off on Sunday, November 6, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the firehouse.  There will be a $10.00 unlimited sampling fee ($5.00 for children 8 and under).  Other foods will be available for purchase.  There is a $15.00 entry fee with all entrants being pre-registered.  Categories include soup, stew, chili, and other.  To register or for more information please contact Kelly Cramer at 843-6260. 
Cookie Walk:  The fire company is sponsoring a Cookie Walk on Sunday, December 11, 2011 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Homemade cookies will be for sale.   Chicken BBQ:  The members of the fire company would like to thank everyone for their support with their last fundraiser which was extremely successful.  They would also like to thank anyone who volunteered and/or donated baked goods.

ROARING BROOK TOWNSHIP FALL FESTIVAL:  Roaring Brook Township will be sponsoring a Fall Pumpkin Festival at St. Eulalia’s picnic grounds on Sunday, October 16, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  There will be live music, food, kid’s games, a decorated pumpkin contest, and displays of classic cars and emergency vehicles.  Mike McGoff, Creations Studio Gallery, will be doing a pottery demonstration.  

COVINGTON TOWNSHIP ANNUAL CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE:  Covington Township will once again host its annual Christmas Open House at the Moffat Estate on Saturday, December 3rd from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 4th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  This is a gift offered to the community.  All North Pocono organizations are invited to decorate a special tree within the mansion for this special occasion.  Contact Marlene Beavers at 842-7580 if you would like to participate in this way.  The mansion is beautiful when decorated for the holiday season and we urge you to join the celebration as Santa arrives in a horse drawn wagon amidst the songs of carolers. There will be a tree lighting at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.  Santa looks forward to listening to your child’s
Christmas “wish list” and graciously permits photographs while doing so. . . don’t forget your camera!  At Santa’s Workshop your child will create ornaments and other charming crafts.  Gifts will be presented to children and complimentary holiday refreshments will be offered to all.  Add this special event to your Christmas tradition.  Covington Township supervisors, Marlene Beavers, Tom Yerke and the Recreation Committee are working diligently to create another successful event.        

NORTH POCONO PUBLIC LIBRARY:  Weekly Events:  Tuesdays – Pre-School Story Hour at 11:00 a.m.; Tuesdays – Mexican Train Club at 12:30 p.m.; Fridays – Bridge Club at 12:30 p.m.; Fridays – Lap Sit Story Time for ages 3 and under at 10:00 a.m.  Contact the Library at 842-4700 or visit www.lclshome.org/npocono for upcoming events, including dates for Family Movie Nights.   The library is closed on any day the North Pocono School District closes for bad weather.

MOSCOW UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:  Annual Fall Auction: Saturday, November 12th at 6:00 p.m. (preview begins at 5:30 p.m.). There will be many items to bid on.  A light supper menu will be available plus coffee, tea and dessert.  If interested in being involved please call Michelle at 842-4361 or Consuelo Brown at 842-2722.   Breakfast with Santa:  Saturday, December 3, 2011.  9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  Tickets are $5.50 for adults, $3.00 for children.  Children under 2 are free.  Reservations are required.  Contact Sharon Kelly at 689-2163 or Sue McLain at 842-5621.  There will also be a cookie sale.   Sweet Pea Project:  When a child dies before, during or shortly after birth, the parents leave the hospital with broken hearts and empty hands. The loss is amplified by the fact that there are often very few tangible items to remember the child by.  Sweet Pea Project collects baby blankets to donate to hospitals and birthing centers.  The blankets are lovingly wrapped around these precious babies and then given to the parents to keep.  So far the Sweet Pea Project has donated over 2,000 blankets to grieving parents across the country.   Please consider supporting this important project by donating a brand new baby blanket or by making a financial contribution.  Blankets will be collected through the month of October 2011.  Janice Lamm will collect the blankets and take them to the blanket drop off for our area.  You may contact Janice at 842-4607.  More information can be found at www.sweetpeaproject.org. 

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA CHURCH:  Catholic Choral Society Concert:  A Catholic Choral Society Concert will be held on Sunday, October 23rd at 3:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church.  There is no admission charge.   Holiday Bazaar: The Altar and Rosary Society of Saint Catherine of Siena Church, will be holding its annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 6th from
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Included will be tricky trays, handmade crafts, baked goods, a book sale, and much more.  For more information of if you would like to volunteer to help contact Martha Andreychik at 842-9816.

 

MOSCOW CLAYWORKS:  Open studio format available on weekends. Individual Art Therapy sessions available with Frank Goryl.  For additional information call 570-357-1627 or visit www.moscowclayworks.com.  Fall 2011 Studio workshops: Ellen Jamiolkowski: Focus on hand-building techniques.  Tuesdays – Adults: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Thursdays – Children: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Class size limited to 6.  Reservations required.  Costs: $125.00 per 5 sessions. Make-up dates allowed.  Mike McGoff:  Potters Wheel for Beginners: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Class size limited to 4.  Reservations required. Costs: $125.00 for 5 sessions. Make-up dates allowed. 

ONGOING ART EXHIBIT AT THE CABIN CAFÉ:  The Cabin Café displays an ongoing art exhibit of works by local artists.  

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS:   Covington Township is sponsoring a care package drive for deployed troops for July 2012.  Donations can be dropped off at the Covington Township Municipal Office located on Route 435 at the Moffat Estate, Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or at several local businesses.  For a detailed list of items needed contact the Covington Township Office at 842-0457.  Monetary donations will be used to purchase items or be applied toward shipping costs and can be sent to Covington Township, 20 Moffat Drive, Covington Township, PA  18444, Attention: Care Package Drive.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU:  In an effort to assist our neighbors in Luzerne County who have experienced a great deal of devastation and loss as a result of the recent flooding, Lackawanna College is planning a fund raiser at the Mellow Theater on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.  Tickets are $10.00 to benefit victims through the American Red Cross.  We are looking for donated items to include a silent auction (a free nights stay, gift certificates, baskets, etc.) Please contact Rene Cullen at 570-335-3308 or at the Visitor’s Bureau at 570-496-1701.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

LACKAWANNA COLLEGE ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE (Route 435 in Covington Township):  The Lackawanna College Environmental Institute offers many wonderful programs that are open to the general public.  Go to www.lackawanna.edu/college/environment-inst.htm for a list of Fall and Winter 2011 programs for adults and children or call 570-842-1560.

NORTH POCONO CULTURAL SOCIETY:   After several years of inactivity, the North Pocono Cultural Society has seen a surge of interest from the community in response to the call for members printed in the last newsletter.  With few remaining volunteers and minimal funds, the group (long time producer of the Moscow Country Fair) has supported Moscow Borough’s National Night Out and Centennial celebration in recent years, but with new and enthusiastic members, it has taken big steps to revive its mission of providing cultural and artistic events in the North Pocono area.  Its sponsorship of The Harmonic Brass concert in September was a huge success and the weekly Artisan and Farmer’s Market held at the Penn Security Bank parking lot has been a popular Sunday event in recent weeks.  A calendar of activities continues to grow along with art happenings at Moscow Clayworks and The Cabin Café.  A Spook Walk is scheduled at Golden Park for October 21st and 22nd with ongoing art exhibits and holiday activities also on the group’s agenda.  The community can expect more musical events in the spring as the Cultural Society assumes responsibility for the former Monday’s in Moscow concert series.  Interested members of the North Pocono community are welcome to attend the group’s meetings on the third Monday of each month (contact the Borough Office for current location).  Ideas for programs are welcome; local artists/musicians are encouraged to add their names to the artist roster maintained by Frank Goryl (MoscowClayworks@gmail.com).

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY:  TOPS meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Moscow Borough Building, 123 VanBrunt Street, Moscow.  Call Kitty at 570-780-0692 or visit http://www.tops.org for further information.

NORTH POCONO KIDS CLOSET:  The North Pocono Kids Closet supplies clothing to needy children from the area.  This organization accepts monetary donations payable to the North Pocono Kids Closet, c/o Lynn Biondi, 1010 Forest Road, Lake Ariel, PA  18436.

NORTH POCONO SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER:  The North Pocono Senior Community Center, located in Covington Township, is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (closed when North Pocono schools are closed).  The center hosts many activities throughout the year.  For more information call Susan or Barbara at 842-6727.  Several activities include bingo, speakers, games, exercise, Wii bowling, crafts, health screening, free weights, nature path, and knitting club.

NORTH POCONO FOOD PANTRY:   The North Pocono Food Pantry is located at St. Catherine’s Church and is open every Thursday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.  Donations are appreciated and can be dropped off in the church hall. 

NORTH POCONO ROTARY:  The North Pocono Rotary meets on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.  Call 842-9988 for further information.

 

MINISINK LIONS CLUB:  The Minisink Lions Club meets on the first and third Thursday of each month.  Call
842-8805 for further information.

MOSCOW TRAIN STATION:  Two newly designed postcards of the Moscow Train Station, maintained by the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railway Historical Society, are available at the Moscow Borough Office at a cost of $.50 each or three for $1.00.  One is a photo taken by Kenny Ganz, Steamtown National Historic Site, and the other is a print of a painting by Sarah S. Miller. 

STEAMTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 2011 EXCURSION SCHEDULE:  For information on events and excursions call 340-5200 or visit www.nps.gov/stea.

ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR:  The members of the Order of the Eastern Star would like to thank anyone who has donated cancelled stamps to be used for charity.  If you have any questions regarding this please call the Borough Office.

MOSCOW MASONIC LODGE:  The Moscow Masonic Lodge meets the second Thursday of each month at the Lodge Hall, Green Street, Moscow.  Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. followed by a meeting at 7:30 p.m.       

YOUTH SPORTS INFORMATION

CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL LEAGUE:  The North Pocono Cal Ripken Baseball League is very proud to have completed our fourth season of play. Cal Ripken Baseball is a division of Babe Ruth Baseball.  We have grown from just twenty-four kids in 2008 to over one hundred and fifty kids this past season.  Thanks to the much-appreciated support of our business community and countless volunteers, we hope to continue to expand and grow.  The league offered thirteen teams in four divisions this past season—instructional league for ages 5 to 7; rookie league for ages 7 to 9; minor league for ages 9 to 10; and major league for ages 11 to 12.  The emphasis of the North Pocono Cal Ripken Baseball League is always on skill building, character building, and fun for all who participate.  We foster a family atmosphere that allows the players and families to form relationships that will last them a life time. All coaches in the NPCRB must go through a training program to be certified in proper mechanics of baseball; including hitting, pitching, fielding, catching and throwing.  These skills were practiced all summer long as well as during our recently concluded Fall program. North Pocono Cal Ripken Baseball is dedicated to promoting all of these things through the great game of baseball. Check out the league website for additional information (www.npcrb.com) and stay tuned for more information regarding some special events next summer for our fifth anniversary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT THE MOSCOW BOROUGH BUILDING TO BE RECYCLED

Cell Phones:  Old cell phones are given to the Moscow Borough Police Department to be utilized for 911 purposes in the United States, redeployed nationwide, and used in developing countries to improve quality of life through better communication.     Eyeglasses: Used eyeglasses are given to the North Pocono Lions Club for distribution to needy individuals. Cancelled Postage Stamps:  The “Order of the Eastern Star” is collecting cancelled (used) stamps to help raise money for “The Fraternal Fund” which helps people in need throughout Pennsylvania.  The stamps can be dropped off at the Moscow Borough Building during normal business hours.  The cancelled stamps must not be ripped and have ¼ inch around them or you can leave the entire envelope or part of the envelope to be cut at a later date. Used regular household batteries: Used regular household batteries can be dropped off at the Moscow Borough Building during regular business hours.  They can also be dropped off at Home Depot, Target and Lowe’s to be recycled.  Lowe’s also accepts rechargeable batteries.  Car batteries can be taken to Advanced Auto (341-0852), Andrus Battery (562-9788), Kelleher Battery (344-2414), and D.G. Nicholas (282-2525).   Campbell’s Soup Labels:  Campbell’s Soup Labels are given to the Moscow Elementary Parent/Teacher Association. Box Tops for Education:  Box Tops for Education are given to the Moscow Elementary Parent/Teacher Association. Aluminum Ring Tabs:  The Moscow Borough Office is collecting ring tabs from aluminum cans to be donated to various organizations. The ring tabs can be dropped off at the Moscow Borough Building during normal business hours.    Used Ink Cartridges:  Used ink cartridges are given to physical therapy students at the University of Scranton and turned in for money that is used for international service trips.   Used CFL bulbs:  Used CFL bulbs are given to PPL for proper disposal. Used American Flags:  Used American flags are given to the Boy Scouts for proper disposal.

OTHER ITEMS TO RECYCLE AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Hard and Soft Cover Books:  Hardcover and paperback books, and other papers such as office paper can be taken to Diamond K Inc., 900 Battle Street, Scranton, to be recycled Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  All metal, bindings, and plastics must be removed.  Call 346-4684 for further information.   Used Rechargeable Batteries:  Contact Rechargeable Batteries Recycling Corporation, call2recycle.org. Used Library, Membership and Gift Cards:  Send used cards to Earthworks System, c/o Halperin Industries, 25840 Miles Road, Bedford, Ohio 44146. Used VHS Tapes:  Mail to Alternative Community Training, a nonprofit company that provides jobs to people with disabilities.  Workers erase the tapes, reselling the ones that are in good shape and recycling the plastic parts of the rest.  Mail the tapes via USPS media mail to ACT, 2200 Burlington, Columbia, MO  65202.  Used Athletic Shoes: Contact Reuse-A-Shoe, nikereuseashoe.com Used DVD’s: Send used DVD’s to comfort sick kids when undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments in pediatric hospitals to KidFLicks/Barta, 11755 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1450, Los Angeles, California 90025.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Giving Effect:  Browse 1,300 charities and find out what items are on their wish lists, then complete a simple form to arrange a pickup, drop-ff, or shipment.  Participating organizations include animal shelters, Operation Kid Equip, the American Cancer Society and Habitat for Humanity. Catalogs: If you want to stop catalogs from being sent to your home check out CatalogChoice, a new online service that will tell merchants “thanks but no thanks” on your behalf.  The service is free and it’s simple.  Register at www.catalogchoice.org to search and decline, or you can add an entry.  The site is endorsed by the Ecology Center in Berkely, California, the National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Resources Defense Council.  The site was launched in October of 2009 and as of April 1, 2010 1,694,478 people had opted out of 9,181,316 catalogs.  Opt-Out of Pre-Approvals:  Call (888) 567-8688 to stop credit card companies from sending pre-approvals for credit cards. Junk Mail Reduction:  Send your full name and any variation, the date, mailing address and your signature, plus this statement: ”Please remove my name and address from your mailing list” to Direct Marketing Association, Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512 or phone (212) 790-1400. National “Do Not Call” Registry:  Call 1-888-382-1222 or visit www.donotcall.gov to have your name added to a national “Do Not Call” registry.