JACKSON TOWNSHIP NEWS

Your Community News Source
Spring, 2006

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & JOBS PRIORITY
The Board of Supervisors at their February meeting approved the formation of an Economic Development Committee for Jackson Township to promote growth, development and job creation. One of the number one items people were not satisfied with from the feedback on the Comprehensive Plan Surveys was jobs and economic development opportunities. This group was formed as a direct result of the Comprehensive Plan recommendation and information and feedback from those completing the citizens survey mailed out in October of 2005. Eight people have agreed to serve on this committee to get it started. They include John Bahorik - VP of Operations and Owner of Penn Metal Fabricators, Tom Dolan Sr. - President and Owner of Dolans Welding & Steel Fabricating, Inc., Guy Ellenberger - Networking Consultant / Engineer, Don Krens - Owner of Direct Value Outlet, John Letizzia Jr. - Owner of Laurel Medical Supply, Brad Minemyer - Manager of Waste Management's Laurel Highlands Landfill, Tom Romeo - Business & Government Import / Export Consultant and Kathy Spaid - Branch Manager of First National Bank of PA located in Vinco. This group of people each bring a wide range of expertise and skills to the group and collectively, can really begin to make things happen. The Jackson Township Economic Development Committee was organized to promote development including industrial, commercial and residential as well as job creation. This group of professional and business associates will work in assisting developers, businesses and employers and assist in addressing their needs and requirements to carry out their proposed project or development. The Committee will work as a partner in making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and interact with local water and sewer authorities and the Planning Commission. They will also interact with County, Regional, State and Federal government as well as economic and industrial development agencies such as JARI. There is no limit to the items that could be discussed. Some of the items could include the development of an industrial park, new housing development, expansion of existing businesses, marketing and promotion of Jackson Township, grants and funding sources, sewer and water infrastructure, transportation, commercial and retail development and much more. The Committee will begin by meeting monthly and start this initiative with the assistance of Richard Sutter, a professional planning consultant who is helping develop Jackson's Comprehensive Plan. Everyone on the committee seemed excited about the potential that lies in Jackson Township and hopefully this group will be able to jump start development within the Township.

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INFORMATION NEED UPDATED?
If you received this newsletter and your name or address information is incorrect, or if you know of any resident of Jackson Township who didn’t receive it, please call the Township Office at 749-0725.
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JACKSON JOINS WITH CAMBRIA TWP. & EBENSBURG TO FORM CENTRAL CAMBRIA COALITION
Jackson Township recently joined forces with neighboring Cambria Township and Ebensburg Borough in forming a new group called the "Central Cambria Coalition". A resolution was passed by the Supervisors at their February meeting to join this group with the purpose of discussing common issues and seek efficiencies through joint municipal cooperation. All three municipalities feel that there is much common interest. Some of the common interests Jackson already shares includes the Central Cambria School District, the Route 22 Corridor and the Ebensburg-Salt Lick Water Line. Some ideas identified as possible topics for discussion include Sewage needs along Route 22 west, Collective support for the proposed coke plant, Encouraging development along the Saltlick Water Project, Marketing the area for economic development and tourism, Promotion of the new Ghost Town Trail extension, Joint purchasing and equipment sharing, Joint approach to recreational programs and facilities, Discussions with PennDOT for highway improvements, GIS development, Joint update of comprehensive plans and coordinated zoning, Development of intergovernmental agreement for shared services and Consideration of regional police services. The group initially will meet once per month rotating municipal locations. Any action proposed by the Coalition would have to come back to each individual municipality for a vote of each individual Board or Council. Often grants and funding opportunities are far greater when several municipalities are working together. One of the items in the resolution passed by each Board or Council is that the Coalition will seek grants and funding sources to carry out feasibility studies and projects beneficial to the Coalition. At the first official meeting held on March 9^th some of the items discussed were sewage along Route 22, a Joint Comprehensive Plan, equipment sharing, line painting, cross promotion and coordination of recreation events within the Central Cambria Coalition, windmills, outdoor furnaces, development and the Sun Coke Plant proposed for Cambria Township.

LANDFILL GAS PIPELINE HELPING LOCAL ECONOMY
Most of you have heard about the landfill gas pipeline constructed from the Laurel Highlands Landfill in Jackson Township to a line owned by Dominion Peoples where landfill gas is converted to gas available for consumption by residential, commercial and industrial customers. What most of you may not how is how this newly constructed pipeline is helping the economy of Cambria County. A meeting was held at Sunnehanna Country Club on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 where Keystone Renewable Energies presented the Landfill Gas Project before local officials, County Commissioners, State Representatives and local business owners. The gas from this pipeline will not only help businesses in the Johnstown area retain current jobs and remain competitive but also create new jobs. Businesses present included Johnstown Wire Technologies, JWF Industries and Gautier Steel. Currently these companies employ over 1,000 people with family sustaining jobs. Between the three companies, the potential exists to create nearly 500 new jobs. In addition the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority plans to use the new low cost energy at the former Sani-Dairy site where a Bio-Technology Park is being created. New businesses at that location will create over 1,000 new jobs. The Authority will also use the low cost energy to entice new companies into the Johnstown area. As part of the project, a sewer line is being constructed down Dishong Mountain Road that will carry leachate from the landfill to the Dornick Point Sewer Plant. The line is 6.5 miles in length and approx. 5 miles is available for public use. Taps are being installed at each residence but no tap fee is required being this project is privately financed and no public funds are being used. Waste Management will finance 75% of the cost with Johnstown Regional Energy paying the additional 25%. The Rager Mountain Project which includes the landfill gas plant, pipe line and sewer line cost about 8.2 million which is being financed by County National Bank. A 15 year contract is in place to sell gas to Dominion Peoples where it is distributed for consumption. The Laurel Highlands Landfill Project will produce 500,000 MMBTU’s in it’s first year and increase over time. To give you an idea of the amount of energy that will be produced from the landfill gas, estimates show that it would be enough to heat 45,000 homes. A similar project is going ahead involving the Shade & Southern Alleghenies Landfills in Somerset County. That project has a price tag of 15 million and involves 12.5 miles of new pipeline to be constructed. That project will break ground in May of this year. When both projects are up and running, the energy produced from 1 year of landfill gas flow is equivalent to preventing the use of 1,755,000 barrels of oil. Kathleen McGinity from the Pennsylvania DEP was on hand where she noted that Pennsylvania is now the # 1 producer of wind energy, solar energy and recently won an award for being the leading State in the nation on Methane Energy Projects. She said other energy sources being developed involves turning sulphur coal into diesel fuel and creating energy from acid mine drainage.

PROPERTY OWNERS ENCOURAGED TO CLEAN UP
Spring is upon us and we would like to encourage all property owners to take advantage of the nice weather and do a "Spring Clean Up". One of the most common complaints received is that of unsightly piles of junk or rubbish on properties in the Township. This also includes junked and abandoned vehicles. The Township has made an effort to work towards elimination of some of the blight on various properties and has had some success but there is much more to be done. Al Gillin has agreed to help out with vehicle removal and you can read more about this in the following article. The Laurel Highlands Landfill has a great program for tire recycling and the cost is only $1.00 per tire, far below what others charge. The new garbage contract allows for unlimited curbside pickup of large items unless they are hazardous. 1 Free Landfill Pass per quarter can be picked up at the Township Municipal Building. The free pass can be used for a "pick up" load of any non-hazardous junk or items you wish to remove from your property. Jackson also has recycling at the Municipal Building that includes clear glass, plastic, brown glass, newspapers, metal cans and magazines. Pennsylvania Cleanways also offers appliance and electronics recycling several times during a year. Take some time and take a look around your property and see if there’s any unsightly piles of junk or abandoned vehicles that you can remove to help beautify Jackson Township. If you have any questions on any of the above programs, please contact the Township Office at 749-0725.

JUNK VEHICLE REMOVAL
If you have a junked vehicle that needs removed from your property and you’re not sure how to go about it, perhaps the following information will help. Al Gillin who operates a licensed junkyard along Adams Avenue has agreed to tow any junked vehicles that you would like to have removed from your property. According to Mr. Gillin, in most cases there will be no charge to any Township resident for this service unless there is great difficulty getting to the vehicle to pick it up. If you wish to have junked vehicles removed from your property, you may contact Mr. Gillin at 322-4366 to see if you qualify for this free service.

TIRE RECYCLING AVAILABLE
The Laurel Highlands Landfill offers recycling. Tires can also be put in a recycling bin for a minimal cost of $1.00 per normal-sized vehicle tire. This does not apply to any commercial establishments

JACKSON ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY LITTER CLEAN-UP PROGRAM
Jackson Township groups over the years have participated in various litter clean-up programs sponsored by PennDOT and Pennsylvania Cleanways. While being a great program, PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program is for State Roads only. Now Jackson Township has a similar program where Township roads can be adopted as well. Your group of neighbors, church, business or organization is welcome to participate by adopting a Township road or street. One group, Neighbors Who Care has already stepped up to the plate and has expressed interest in adopting several roads in Jackson Township. By adopting a highway you would be required to perform a minimum of 2 litter clean-ups per year. Some groups may want to do more than that depending on the need. If your group wishes to adopt a road, Jackson Township will provide gloves, safety vests and garbage bags for the clean-up effort. Your group will also have a name plate posted on the road that you have adopted. At the time of the clean-up, release forms must be signed by those participating. Jackson Township currently has 14 groups involved in cleaning up various sections of 15 roads within Jackson Township on one of the 3 available programs. According to Don Godish who is in charge of the Adopt-A-Highway program for Cambria County, Pennsylvania has more volunteers in this type of program than any other State in the US. These programs encourage community pride and will help make Jackson Township a cleaner place to live. If your group of friends, neighbors, organization or business would be interested in adopting a Township Road or a portion thereof, please feel free to contact the Township Office at 749-0725.

Groups in Jackson Adopt-A-Highway Program:
Anderson Drive Neighbors Who Care
Bald Eagle Street Neighbors Who Care
Courter & Fairview Avenues
Neighbors Who Care
Griffith Avenue Neighbors Who Care
Harmony Drive Neighbors Who Care
Kissell Lane Neighbors Who Care
Mile Hill Road Mile Hill Neighbors
Pike Road West Neighbors Who Care|
Your Street Your Group or Business?
(Are you interested in this program? Call the Township Office at 749-0725)

Groups in PennDOT Adopt-A-Highway Program:
Benshoff Hill Road Neighbors Who Care
Chickaree Hill Road Waste Management - Laurel Highlands Landfill
Dishong Mt. Road Committee to Preserve Rager Mountain
Route 271 Nanty-Glo Moose
Route 271 Pike Grace Brethren Church
Swigle Mt. Road Swigle Mountain Neighbors
US Route 22 Appalachian Chiropractic
US Route 22 Cambria Co. Christian School
US Route 22 Chickaree Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club
US Route 22 St. Pauls Lutheran Church

Groups in Pennsylvania Cleanways Program:
Adams Avenue Jackson Twp. Troop 204 Cub Scouts
Fords Corner Road Residents of Fords Corner Rd.
Pike Road East Jackson Twp. Troop 204 Boy Scouts

PENNDOT GRANTS FULL ACCESS INTERSECTIONS ON RT. 22
After several meetings with PennDOT including two that were moderated by the Cambria County Commissioners that included local and State politicians, it was decided that the best option for the Chickaree Hill / Mile Hill Road intersection and the Fords Corner & Pike / Whitetail Intersection was to have full access with yellow blinking "caution" lights. This is contrary to the previous design that involved "slotted turning lanes" and would not have permitted left turns at those intersections. That option would have created hardship and inconvenience for residents and businesses by not permitting the left turns and causing motorists to travel to the nearest "jug handle" or interchange to turn before they could go the direction they originally wanted to travel. For the Chickaree Hill Intersection, not allowing left turns could have been disastrous by having trucks go west bound, change lanes several times, cross over the east bound lanes, turn on the jug handle and then pull out into the east bound lanes. Recent traffic counts show that approximately 3,500 trucks each month pull out at that intersection from the landfill and quarry and almost all of the trucks travel east bound. Open intersections allowing full access were on the original Route 22 plans which were only changed after concerns arose about safety. After several meetings and much discussion, it was decided that the open intersections originally proposed by PennDOT was the better option than the slotted turning lanes. As an additional precaution, yellow safety caution lights will be erected at each intersection. Although the Supervisors wanted an overpass at Chickaree Hill and an underpass at Fords Corner with on / off ramps, money was not available according to PennDOT and the open, full-access intersections with blinking lights was the next best option available to the Township. By having full access to make left and right turns or travel across Route 22, these areas also become more attractive for all types of development. There has already been several inquiries concerning truck terminals locating in the area of the Chickaree Hill intersection. As water and sewer projects move forward along the Route 22 corridor, Jackson Township will be an attractive place to locate a business, plant or new residential development.

2006 CONSTRUCTION TARGETED FOR WAGNER WATER PROJECT
Construction should finally get under way this year on the Wagner / Pintail Road Water Project after the Township has committed five years of Community Development Block Grant Funds totaling over $518,000. The latest engineer’s cost estimate put the project at $615,303. Right-of-ways have been negotiated and one remaining agreement that involves Pennsylvania State Game Lands needs to be negotiated that will clear the way for the project to be put out for bid and then construction begin. Some engineering costs have already been paid. The actual price of construction will not be known until bids are received from contractors wanting to do this project. The contract will be awarded by the Cambria County Redevelopment Authority which administers the Block Grants for Cambria County. A Representative & Consultant from the State will be touring the project area to determine if it qualifies for additional funding and grants. The project involves putting water lines into service 22 homes in the Wagner & Pintail Road areas of Jackson Township. Currently many residents are supplied by poor quality, low yield water wells. According to Mr. Larry Custer, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority, there are programs that offer assistance to low - moderate income families to tap into the new water line.

Past CDBG funds have helped with many projects in the Township. They include:
~Water and Sewage Line Improvements
~Senior & Handicapped Activities Center
~Storm Drainage Improvements in Vinco
~Tennis Courts - Mitchell Park
~Basketball Court - Mitchell Park
~Softball Field & Bleachers - Mitchell Park
~Sewage Line - Loraine Road
~Sewage Line - White Street
~Water Line - Mundys Corner
~Housing Rehabilitation for Special Needs Families
~Demolition of Dilapidated Structures
~Water Line - Solar Street, Mundys Corner

HERITAGE FESTIVAL PROMISES TO BE BETTER THAN EVER
The Jackson Township Heritage Festival has grown quite popular during the last two years and planning is underway for the 3^rd Annual Jackson Heritage Festival. Last year, from start to finish, the festival brought people together from Jackson Township and surrounding communities for a weekend of food, fun and entertainment. The business community supported the event and without their help it would not have been possible. Some of the changes you can expect to see this year will be that the tents for entertainment will be erected in the Senior Center Parking Lot. The Jackson Fire Hall adjoining lot will be used for handicapped parking. Also, there will be no alcohol served on the Festival Grounds and all entertainment events will be family-friendly for all. The Heritage Festival will be held this year on Saturday, July 15 & Sunday, July 16. Festival hours will be 10-7 on Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday. Entertainment on Saturday that can be confirmed a magic show by Magician & Illusionist John Robertson from 11:45 - 1. A popular country band from Western PA, Gashouse Annie, will appear for the first time at the Festival. They have opened for numerous concerts featuring Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn and many more. They will be performing from 2 to 5. Back by popular demand are the Fabulous Flashbacks who will perform from 7 to 11. They were a big hit last year with their Oldies Show.  Sunday will begin with a Community Church Service from 10:30 to 11:30 featuring Rev. Darryl "Doc" Dawson of New Day and special music. The Masters who perform gospel music and are based out of Jackson Township will put on a concert from 12-1:30. Beavercreek, a real crowd pleaser put on an excellent show with Bluegrass Music the last two years and will once again be performing from 2-5. A dance will be held from 6 to 9 featuring The Polka Family who are from northeastern PA and play throughout the eastern and Midwestern states and have quite a following. Last year the standing-room only crowd enjoyed the bands music and showmanship. Other activities scheduled are the Big Bouncy Bunch of Fun and A.J. Devlin will be giving hayrides on Saturday from 4 to 7 and on Sunday from 2 to 5.  This year an under 21 dance / concert will be added to the Festival schedule. It will be held on Friday, July 14^th and could feature anywhere from 4 to 6 bands and refreshments will be available. Wade James, a local youth who has played in numerous bands is organizing the event. Additional details will be announced as they are confirmed. For those of you who would wish to have a booth at the Heritage Festival this year, contact Dave Hirko at 749-0725 or Paulette Baker at 322-1863 or you can download the form from the Township Website at www.jacksontwppa.com.  There are many expenses to hosting the festival and the budget is over $9,000 for 2006. In order to put on a successful festival this year we are once again counting on local support. If you or your business would like to be a sponsor, please call Dave Hirko at 749-0725 to receive an application. or you can download the form from the Township Website at www.jacksontwppa.com. By being a sponsor you will be recognized in advertisements in the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat & all five Mainline Newspapers as well as flyers and posters displayed throughout Cambria County. In addition a program distributed to everyone attending will also recognize those helping to sponsor this event. We hope you’ll consider being a part of the Jackson Township Heritage Festival in 2006.

YOUTH FAIRS SCHEDULED FOR MITCHELL & LEIDY PARKS
The Cambria County Courts and Judge Gerald Long are holding two Youth Fairs in Jackson Township this year. The first one is at Mitchell Park in Vinco on Wednesday, June 7^th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The second one will be held at Leidy Park in Mundys Corner on Tuesday, August 2^nd from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The purpose of the Fairs is to make young people aware of the dangers and harmful effects of using drugs & alcohol. Students from Elementary through High School are invited to attend and it promises to be a fun time for all! Admission is FREE and there will be FREE refreshments, T-Shirts, Games and lots of other Prizes including FREE drawings for sweatshirts and bicycle helmets. The program has been a success for the past eleven years with the help of local police, fire and ambulance departments. Last years Youth Fair events were a huge success with over 65 attending at Leidy and over 100 at Mitchell. Be sure to get your children who are students to this event as well as their friends. For additional information, please feel free to contact Carol Lacey, Youth Fair Coordinator at 472-1494 or call the Jackson Twp. Municipal Bldg. at 749-0725.

SUPERVISORS APPROVE PHASE III OF STREET LIGHTS
The Jackson Township Planning Commission recommended 35 additional street light locations in what will be the third phase of a highly successful program. Some of the criteria used include intersection locations, hazardous curves, safety, number of residents to benefit and additional costs that would have to be incurred such as installing poles and cable where they currently aren’t available. There are currently about 80 street lights in the Township from the first two phases. The Board of Supervisors approved the lights proposed by the Planning Commission at their March 30^th meeting.

In addition, several existing Mercury Vapor lights on Township owned properties will be changed over to Sodium Vapor which offers more lighting capability. If you would like to recommend a location for a future street light, please do so by calling the Township office at 749-0725. Any recommendations will be evaluated by the Planning Commission for future consideration.

SENIOR CENTER TO HOLD MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
The Jackson Township Senior Center will host a special Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29th at 11:00 a.m. The ceremony will honor the service men and women who were killed in all wars as well as all other Veterans. The event is open to the public and it is hoped that the turnout will be good as last year’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony when over 400 turned out to help dedicate the Jackson Township Veterans Memorial / Monument. Since Veterans Day, about 100 additional names have been submitted and completed the verification process so they can be added before Memorial Day. Many additional names have been submitted but need to be verified for Veteran status and / or residency.  As in the past, the Johnstown VFW Post 155 will have their Honor Rifle Team in attendance as well as other participating groups and a special guest speaker to be announced. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend. Plan to attend and show your support in honoring all Veterans on this special day. If you are aware of additional names of Veterans who are not on the Memorial / Monument they can be submitted by obtaining a form at the Township Municipal Building, Senior Center, Water Authority or Sewer Authority. Forms can also be found on the Township website under the veterans link. The Township website is: www.jacksontwppa.com If there are any questions on the Memorial Day Ceremony or the Memorial / Monument, please feel free to call Frank Singel at 322-3327 or Dave Hirko at 749-0725.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
Jackson Township welcomes anyone interested in serving on a Authority, Board or Commission to submit a letter of interest in the event that any openings should occur. If you are interested, your letter would be kept on file at the Township office where you would be contacted if an opening would occur. Authorities include the Sewer Authority and Water Authority. Commissions include Planning & Recreation. There is also the Zoning Hearing Board. All letters should be mailed to Jackson Township Supervisors, 513 Pike Road, Johnstown, PA 15909.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS
Heritage Festival - Help needed for planning the 2006 Jackson Heritage Festival.
Leaders needed in the following areas:}
Parking, Advertising, Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteers needed in the following areas:
Under 21 Dance, Festival Layout, Sponsors & Fundraising, Parking, Vendors, Children’s Activities, Entertainment, Advertising, Volunteers, Floaters

POLICE REPORT
Submitted by Police Chief, Bob Fatula
December, 2005 - January, 2006
911 Calls Dispatched to Police: 800

Reportable incidents: 65
~DUI (Driving While Under the Influence) - 8
~Criminal Mischief - 6
~Reckless Endangerment - 6
~Theft - 6
~Harassment - 5
~Receiving Stolen Property - 4
~Assault - 3
~Burglary - 3
~Criminal Trespassing - 3
~Disorderly Conduct - 3
~Accessory to Fraud - 2,
~Criminal Attempted Burglary - 2
~Drugs - 2,
~Altering Serial # on Firearm - 1
~Arson - 1
~Attempted Theft - 1
~False I. D. to Police - 1
~Firearm with No License - 1
~Firearm with No Serial # - 1
~Identity Theft - 1
~Resisting Arrest - 1
~Selling Alcohol to Minors - 1
~Terroristic Threats - 1
~Underage Drinking - 1
~Vehicle Theft - 1

~DUI (Driving While Under the Influence) - 8
~Harassment - 7
~Theft - 7
~Reckless Endangerment - 6
~Receiving Stolen Property - 4
~Disorderly Conduct - 3
~Assault - 2
~Accessory to Fraud - 2
~Burglary - 2
~Criminal Attempted Burglary - 2
~Criminal Trespassing - 2
~Drugs - 2
~Altering Serial # on Firearm - 1
~Criminal Mischief - 1
~False I. D. to Police - 1
~Firearm with No License - 1
~Firearm with No Serial # - 1
~Identity Theft - 1
~Resisting Arrest - 1
~Selling Alcohol to Minors - 1
~Vehicle Theft - 1

WATER AUTHORITY NEWS
The Jackson Township Water Authority would like to pass along the following information on water conservation from the PaDEP.

DROP BY DROP: USE WATER WISELY
Water is an important natural resource. We use it everyday at home and at work in so many ways that we take it for granted. However, water is no longer the "sure thing" that it was in the past. We need to reassess our attitude about water and how to conserve it. Our water resources are not unlimited. They are affected every day by precipitation, population growth, economic development and pollution. Because water is a resource that must be shared, competition for its use is an ever-increasing management problem. In the past, we tried to solve our supply problems by constructing storage facilities and developing new resources such as wells and reservoirs. However, these measures can be both economically and environmentally costly.

Average Daily Water Use
Be aware of how much water you use! Awareness is the first step in conservation.

Metered Water
If your water use is metered, review your water bill. Divide your water usage by the number of days in the billing period and also by the number of residents in your household. After determining your average daily water use, it is important to compare you and/or your family’s water use to the statewide residential/water use average of 62 gallons per person per day (GPCD). Is your and/or your family’s water use average more or less than 62 GPCD? If it is less than 62 GPCD, you and your family are doing a good job conserving water. However, if your or your family’s water use averages more than 62 GPCD, serious consideration should be given to the following suggestions:

Repair All Leaks
A dripping faucet is more than annoying, it’s expensive. Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water. Hot water leaks are not only a waste of water, but also of the energy needed to heat the water. Leaks inside a toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. Toilet leaks can be detected by adding a few drops of food coloring to water in the toilet tank. If the colored water appears in the bowl, the tank is leaking. If you have a leaking faucet or toilet, stop pouring money down the drain and repair it.

Water Saving Tips Outside the Home
~Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways, steps and sidewalks.
~Wash the car with water from a bucket. If a hose is used, control the flow with an automatic shut off nozzle.
~Water the lawn only when needed. If grass does not spring back after walking on it, it probably needs water.
~Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day. Do not water on windy days.
~Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only. Do not water the street or sidewalk.
~Use soaker hoses and trickle irrigation systems to reduce the amount of water used for irrigation by 20 to 50 percent.
~Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to reduce evaporation from the soil surface and cut down on weed growth.
~In landscaping, use native plants that require less care and water than ornamental varieties.
~Cover the swimming pool to prevent evaporation.
~Adjust the lawn mower to a higher setting to provide natural ground shade and to promote water retention by the soil.

SEWER AUTHORITY NEWS
Thanks Dowey!
The Jackson / East Taylor Sewer Authority would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Dowey Croyle for serving as Chairman on the Sewer Authority Board for the past thirteen years. Mr. Croyle is a charter member of the Sewer Authority and was very instrumental in bringing a public sewage system to Jackson and East Taylor Townships. Mr. Croyle volunteered many "thankless" hours on right-of-way issues, construction problems, training employees and helping with the maintenance on the sewer line and pump stations. Mr. Croyle can be very proud of what he and the other Board members have accomplished for this Community in the past thirteen years. Mr. Croyle’s knowledge of the sewer system will be greatly missed and hard to replace. The Board members and staff wish Mr. Croyle all the best in his future endeavors.

FIRE COMPANY NEWS & EVENTS
Finally, Spring has arrived! The Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company would like to remind residents about "Brush Fire Season". They know everyone is anxious to get their property in shape for summer, so please burn brush responsibly. Pick a day that is not windy or wait until after a rainfall and ALWAYS burn away from any structures. Upcoming events include a Gun Raffle which will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2006. Bingo is sponsored by the Auxiliary and is held every Sunday evening. For information on any of these events, call the Fire Hall at 322-3155. Just a reminder that a Fund Drive will be held during the first week of June. Firemen will be around knocking on doors and passing out envelopes for your convenience. As in the past, they express their thanks and gratitude for the strong support received from the Community.

SENIOR CENTER NEWS
Frank Singel, President of the Senior Center would like everyone to know that there is program information and applications available at the Center for Jackson Senior Citizens. They include Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, Medicare Part B Premium Assistance, Food Stamps, PACE / PACENET Prescription Drug Assistance to those 65 and older, Automobile Registration Renewal Forms for reduced fees, Healthy Horizons Medicaid Program for needy Seniors, Literature on new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program and information on Personal Care and Nursing Homes in Cambria County. Fall Risk Screenings will be held at the Center on May 4^th from 10 am to 12 noon and is open to the public. The program will consist of a short risk screening and printed materials on fall prevention topics, a home safety checklist, and three levels of exercise. You need to schedule an appointment by calling 322-3327. Appointments are 10 minutes apart. Sharon Hartnett, Director of the Cambria County Prime Time Health and Area Agency on Aging is arranging the program. Rex Davis, Apprise Coordinator will be at the Center to counsel people on the Medicare Prescription Plan - Part D with 15 minute time period appointments beginning at 10 am until noon on April 20^th, May 30^th and June 21^st. Call the Senior Center at 322-3327 for more information. Events held earlier this year included free Tax Preparation Assistance which over 100 individuals took advantage of. A Community Blood Screening was also held in March with over 140 attending. Terri Wilson, Nutrition Advisor for the Penn State Cooperative Extension in Ebensburg presented a program entitled "Healthy Plate" which addressed the topic of eating healthy. Silver Sneakers continues to be going strong. Over 50 individuals have taken advantage of the program. The program reflects senior sensitivity and promotes social interaction and friends. Silver Sneakers is offered to Medicare-eligible members of Highmark and Blue Cross-Blue Shield. The Jackson Senior Center is a participating fitness Center with Silver Sneakers in Cambria County. If anyone is interested in the program contact the Center at 322-3327. The Senior Center recently got new computers which are now installed. Thanks goes out to State Rep. Tom Yewcic which made the new computers possible with a grant for $8,000.00. Also many thanks to Guy Ellenberger, a local resident who works as a Networking Consultant and who volunteered his time to set up the new computer room. Senior Center members have full use of the computers during the hours the Center is opened. The computers are hooked up to high speed cable internet and are networked to printers. Since the Center opened on May 10, 1998, the membership has reached over 550 members. Since January 1^st of this year, 34 new members have joined. The Center has special weekly events for membership. Some of the activities offered to the members are lunch 3 times a week, parties, bingo, knitting, line dancing, weekly Pinochle Party, speakers and events on health issues concerning the aged population, monthly blood pressure screening, weekly movies shown on the 60 inch television, ceramics, pool table, computer use with internet and an exercise room with 11 machines available. The Center has classes for beginning computer users, painting, crafts and many others. Members started to throw horseshoes several years ago and the Cambria County Senior Games Horseshoe Competition was held at the Center for the last two years. Bus trips have and will continue to be scheduled and every month, the CamTram takes trips to different shopping areas in Westmoreland, Indiana, Blair, Somerset and Cambria County. A model train display is one of the Center’s first projects and it is still up and running, bigger and better than ever. Stop in and get a tour of the Center and you may want to join and / or become a volunteer. The Center relies on volunteers to operate and stay open. It’s a great place to meet and socialize. Membership is only $10.00 per year and you are eligible to be a member if you are age 50 or older. Center hours are Monday - 7-9 PM, Tuesday & Wednesday - 9 am to 3 pm and Thursday 9 am to 4 pm. If you have any questions on the Center or it’s wide array of activities, please call 322-3327 for more information.

OTHER JACKSON TWP. NEWS
~Supervisors Purchase New Police Vehicle
The Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a 2005 Chevrolet Impala with police package from Gap Chevrolet of Windber for the price of $17,065. Gap was the lone bidder for the cruiser which will be used as an unmarked vehicle for the Police Department.

~Supervisors Make Requests to PennDOT
The Supervisors at their March 30^th meeting approved making two requests to PennDOT to conduct traffic studies. The first one will involve reducing the truck speed limit on Swigle Mountain Road. Since the opening of Amfire Mine, there have been hundreds of trucks daily and many complaints have been received at the Township about trucks going too fast, especially on hills along the road. The second request will be that PennDOT designate the area in front of the Cambria County Christian School complex as a school zone similar to the one in front of Jackson Elementary on Route 271. Both requests are the result of safety concerns. Once traffic studies are conducted by PennDOT, the results will be made known to residents.

~Who’s New Around the Township
We would like to welcome those who have been recently appointed or hired by Jackson Township. On the Planning Commission, Paul Wyrwas was appointed to serve filling the remaining term of Debra Nagel who submitted her resignation. We thank Debra for serving on this Commission for several years. The Recreation Commission welcomed newcomers, Karl Smith, Regina Markovich and John Lythgoe. One position was previously held by Ashley Baxter who had to resign due to other commitments and the other two positions were previously vacant. New part-time police officers hired include Allen Berkey, William Hines, and John Higgins Jr. Hines previously worked for Jackson. The positions were left open due to the "turn over" of other part-time officers.

www.jacksontwppa.com
Jackson Township has a valuable source of information to help keep you informed. If you haven’t checked out the Township Website, please feel free to visit www.jacksontwppa.com The website is constantly updated with new information. As always, you can read the monthly approved minutes of the Board of Supervisors Meetings and check out the updated. Minutes of the Planning Commission are also now online. A recent addition has been what is called "The Annals of Jackson Township" which were published in the Nanty Glo Journal during the 1940's. Basically the articles are an account of the history of Jackson Township. Dick McDowell, resident and member of the Nant-Y-Glo Tri Area Community Historical Society has been converting them into electronic format in order that they can be put on the Township Website for all to read and enjoy. Calendar of Events to find out what’s going on in Jackson Township. Check out the updated pages including the Links page where there are hundreds of resources for you to use. The kids have their own links section. . just click on the Jackson Township Kids Page and check out Kidslinks. Tosee some of the pages that have been updated recently , click on "Whats New" on the home page. If you have any suggestions of what you would like to see on the Jackson Twp. Website, please call Dave Hirko at 749-0725 or email to office@jacksontwppa.com

PLANNING A BUILDING PROJECT
If you are planning on a building project be sure to visit or call either the Jackson Township Office at 749-0725 or Harry Baker, Zoning Officer at 322-1425. Your project could involve zoning, stormwater or planning. Also with the Pennsylvania State Building Code, inspections may be required as well. Be sure to allow plenty of time to get any necessary permits prior to building. By doing this, your project can be addressed in plenty of time before you actually begin construction. Also if you are planning to pave or alter your driveway, a driveway permit is required. Roadmasters Bruce Baker & Dave Bracken said that driveway permits are not to inconvenience residents but are necessary to make sure there is a swale or pipe to direct stormwater. They also make sure that driveways are not higher than the road so snow plows don’t catch the edge of the driveway. When a driveway enters onto a Township road, a safe sight distance is also very important. PennDOT requires permits for driveways entering onto State roads within the Township.

JOIN JACKSON ONLINE NEWS
Township residents who have access to the internet can now join our new email group to receive up-to-date Township news by email. To subscribe just go to the Jackson Township website at www.jacksontwppa.com and subscribe to the Jackson Township Online News by entering your email address in the space provided. You will then be sent a confirmation verifying that you wish to subscribe to the online news. You must return the confirmation via email to be added to the newsletter list. We also encourage you to invite others to join. If you encounter any problem signing up, just email us at office@jacksontwppa.com or call us at the Township office at 749-0725 and you can be added manually.

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