JACKSON TOWNSHIP NEWS

Your Community News Source
Summer, 2006

FIREWORKS AT HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2006
The Jackson Township Heritage Festival has grown quite popular during the last two years and this year’s Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever! This year there are some new and exciting additions to the Festival. Saturday evening, there will be a gigantic FIREWORKS display at 9:30 pm. In the event of rain, the fireworks will go off on Sunday at the same time. Another exciting addition will be that the Cambria County Community Arts Center will be hosting a Children’s Craft Tent on Saturday from 10 - 5 and Sunday from Noon to 5. This will be for ages 5 through 12. Children will enjoy making their own crafts under the guidance of the Community Arts Center staff. Some other 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 at any time and all entertainment events will be family-friendly for all. In addition, this year's Festival will have a record 65 + food and craft booths on hand for your enjoyment.  The Heritage Festival will be held this year on Saturday, July 15 & Sunday, July 16. Official Festival hours will be 10-7 on Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday although some booths may opt to stay open for evening entertainment and activities. Entertainment on Saturday includes 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. Lady Clarabelle the Clown will be on hand from 2 to 5 for face painting and will do her own magic show at 3:00 with a few of her friends. . rabbits and doves. 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. Fireworks will be at 9:30 as the Flashbacks take a much deserved break. 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. One of the members even won a State Fiddling Championship! A dance will be held from 6 to 9 featuring The Polka Family who are from the Harrisburg area of 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. Seating will be provided at the Festival but with huge crowds, you may want to bring your own lawn chairs to guarantee your seats.  Other activities scheduled are the Big Bouncy Bunch of Fun which will feature a huge alligator jumping tent. A.J. Devlin will be giving hayrides on Saturday from 4 to 7 and on Sunday from 2 to 5. Jackson Township Boy Scouts Troop 204 will provide a wide variety of games for the young and young-at-heart. New this year is a booth that will have a place where you can create or build your own stuffed animal. The local 4-H Club headed by Esther Primel will have small animals on display. An elaborate model train display will be operating in the Senior Center Building. For those who love bingo, the Senior Center will host a bingo from 2 to 4 pm on Saturday & Sunday. In addition the Fire Company will have a "Big Bingo" at the Fire Hall on Sunday at 7 pm. This year an Under 21 Dance / Concert will be added to the Festival schedule. It will be held on Friday, July 14^th with 4 bands performing. Wade James, a local youth who has played in numerous bands is organizing the event. . . in fact his own new band, Migrations will be appearing as one of the bands. Other scheduled bands will be Kilowatt, one of Pittsburgh’s hottest new bands featuring the former lead singer of the group Punchline. Also to appear are Sincerely Yesterday and A Brand New Jersey. There is no concert admission and refreshments will be available. Also on Friday evening at 6:00 pm the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company will sponsor the 2^nd Annual Aaron Rusin Battle of the Barrel. Aaron was a firefighter who was killed in action while serving in Iraq. Funds raised from this charitable event will go towards the Aaron Rusin Scholarship Fund. Food will be plentiful this year and no one should go hungry as there is something for everyone! A sampling of some of the food items this year will include: apple dumplings, baked goods, baked potatoes, Bavarian almonds and nuts, bbq hamburgers, bbq pork sandwiches, candy apples, chicken tenders, chippers, cookies, fresh cut fries, fresh fruit cups, fried chicken, frozen smoothies, funnel cakes, gobs, grilled hamburgers and cheeseburgers, haluski, hot dogs and kraut, hot sausage sandwiches, ice cream cones, icees, keilbassi sandwiches, kettle korn, lemonade, macaroni salad, nachos & cheese, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, pierogies, pizza, potato salad, root beer floats, shaved ice sno kones, sloppy joes, strawberry shortcake, stuffed cabbage, stuffed hot peppers and tossed salad Crafts this year will feature baskets, bibs, ceramics, computer art, crochet, Czech glass, decorative stars, dog collar covers, dolls, fabric items, flower arrangements, furniture, garlands, hair and neckware, hand beaded items and jewelry, hand painted wooden and country items, hand sewn items, home decorations, home made shea butter soaps and lotions, Italian charms, knitted scarves, local photography, make-your-own bracelets, natural wood crafts, pillows, plastic canvas, pump jars, Raggedy Ann & Andys, scented wax-dipped bears and candles, sewn purses, stained glass, sterling silver, stuffed toys, teddy bears, towels, wooden signs and decor and much more! The Nant-Y-Glo Tri Community Historical Society will have a historical display in the Senior Center featuring items of local historical interest including photos, artifacts, etc. There will also be a video presentation on the history of Jackson Township and surrounding areas that will run continuously for people to take a break and enjoy the presentation. Times for the presentation will be 10-2 and 4-7 on Saturday and Noon-2 and 4-6 on Sunday in the Senior Center Building. Dulashaw Farm & Home Center will have a display of "old time" farm equipment and machinery. Other exhibitors will feature candles, children’s items, clothing, collectible items, estate planning, furniture restoration, gourmet food items, home decor, incense & burners, information, jewelry, massage therapy, novelty items, Reiki, sports cards and collectibles, sports memorabilia, swags, tanning supplies and more. One little league team, the Mariners of the ETJ Little League will be holding a silent auction to benefit Township resident, Brian Buynack to help defray medical costs. If you would like to help in this cause by donating an item for the auction, contact Al Boring at 322-4566. Area businesses and organizations have been extremely supportive of the festival effort and without them, this event would not be possible. Two major sponsors that deserve special recognition are The Waste Management and Amfire Mining. They have made sizeable contributions towards the Festival. Other sponsors include Atlantic Broadband, Conemaugh Health System, Construction Equipment Services, Dolan’s Welding & Steel, Martin Marine, Martin Oil Mercik’s Ideal Market, Naugle Insurance, Rose Excavating, Sheetz and Westsylvania. Others donating towards this event include Barnes, Saly & Company, Damin Printing, Hagerich Auto Sales, Laurel Sand & Stone, Dr. Donald Leckey, P. Joseph Lehman Engineers, Warren Oil and Wix-Pix Productions. Without the support of these generous businesses, organizations and individuals, this festival would not be possible. There are many expenses including entertainment, tent and chair rental, port-a-johns, electric, advertising, security, activities and more. This is a great opportunity to invite not only local but out-of-town friends, family, co-workers and guests to have a great time and showcase your community in a "positive light". Come and enjoy the fun, food, free entertainment and fireworks and have a GREAT TIME at the Jackson Heritage Festival.

WANT A BOOTH AT THE FESTIVAL?
For those of you who would wish to have a booth at the Heritage Festival this year, contact Dave Hirko at 749-0725 or Betty & Dave Perry at 322-0938.

FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We would like to invite those in the community who are interested in helping out with the festival to volunteer. This would also be an excellent opportunity for organizations to volunteer such as church youth groups, community groups or organizations, school groups, etc. Volunteers can help in a number of ways including setting up before the festival, trash & litter clean-up, helping with children’s games, distributing programs, delivering ice and tearing down after the festival. We welcome all volunteers. If you are interested in helping, please contact Dave Hirko at 749-0725 (day) or 322-3433 (evening) or Paulette Baker at 322-1863. Also if you still wish to set up a booth for the festival or as a business contribute towards the festival, feel free to call as well.

911 NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Cambria County 911 Center ask you post your 911 Address Number in a highly visible and obvious place that can be seen easily in the event of an emergency. Numbers should be a minimum of at least 3 inches in height for residents and 4 inches on businesses. Numbers should be a contrasting color to the background they are placed on. Numbers should be placed on, above or at the side of the main entrance so that the number can be seen from the street. If the entrance is more than 50 feet from the street, a second set of numbers must also be displayed on the mailbox or a post at the street or end of the drive. Your mailman always comes the same way but fire trucks and police cars may come from any direction so mark both sides of your mailbox. Remember to correctly display your "Street Address Number" as a County Ordinance requires it and fines can be imposed for those found in violation.

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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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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.

YOUTH FAIR SCHEDULED FOR LEIDY PARK
The Cambria County Courts and Judge Gerald Long are holding a Youth Fair at Leidy Park in Mundys Corner on Wednesday, August 2^nd from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The purpose of the Fair 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 ten years with the help of local police, fire and ambulance departments. A previous Youth Fair was already held at Mitchell Park in Vinco on June 7^th and was an overwhelming success with over 51 youth attending and 20 adults! 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.

JACKSON’S FIRST EVER FISHING DERBY A HUGE SUCCESS
The Jackson Township Recreation Commission held their first ever Fishing Derby. The event was held at the farm of Ed Simmons who has a huge pond. About 60 children turned out not to mention parents and family members. The Jackson Township Community Rod & Gun Club sold refreshments and helped the children with their fishing techniques as well as educating them on the sport of fishing. The pond was stocked with 300 trout so there was lots of action with fish being caught. Michael Smith Jr. Caught the largest trout at 16 ½ inches. Three young anglers, Brad Piker, Danielle Rager and Alyssa Rager left the derby with their limit of three trout each. Alyssa Rager won the prize for the most total inches of trout caught at 60 1/8 inches for the three fish caught.  Thanks go out to those businesses and organizations who helped by donating prizes for this event. They include: All The Right Movies, Al’s Pizza, Chickaree Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club, Crossroads Restaurant, Dairy Queen, Direct Value Outlet, Ebensburg Hunting & Fishing, G.P. Port-A-Johns, Harper & Gallo Inc., Hornicks Sporting Goods, Jackson Township Community Rod & Gun Club, Jackson Township Recreation Commission, Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company, Jeff Gore-Allstate Insurance, Jerry Johnson, Mary Ann & Anthony Zanghi, Merciks’ Ideal Market, Masters Ministry, Niner Diner, Pit Stop 271, Tee-Time, The Tire Outlet, T & P Trains & Collectibles, Valley Beverage, Vinco Pizza and Wal-Mart. The Recreation Commission certainly can be proud of their success with this initial event. Special thanks go out to the Jackson Township Recreation Commission and the Jackson Township Community Rod & Gun Club who did much of the "leg work" in organizing this event. Based on it’s success, it is hoped to become an annual event the children can look forward to each year.

ROAD PROJECTS SCHEDULED
Township Roadmasters Dave Bracken & Bruce Baker completed a road inspection of Jackson Township Roads this Spring and several road projects are scheduled for completion this Summer. The paving bid was awarded to Grannas Brothers while the low seal coating bid received was from New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company. The Jackson Township Road Crew are busy doing preparation work for paving and chipping projects as well as other needed maintenance work including drainage, berm and shoulder work. Scheduled to be paved this year is Whitettail Road from Mile Hill Road to US Route 22. In addition, JARI has requested bids for the paving for Pennzoil Drive through a $50,000. grant from State Senator John Wozniaks office. Roads scheduled to be seal coated (tar & chipped) are: Ogden Street from US Route 22 to end, Adams Avenue from Ogden Street to Kagey Street, Newcomer Road from Adams Avenue to Ogden Street, Rohrbaugh Road from Stagers Road to Township line and Stagers Road from Ogden Street to Township line. The above road projects are part of an ongoing plan to maintain all Township roads and insure that they are in the best condition possible for residents to safely use and enjoy.

VETERANS PARK LIGHTING PROJECT TO BECOME REALITY
The long anticipated Veterans Park Lighting Project will soon be a reality. After months of working on design specifications and drawings, the project was put out for bid. The project includes decorative post lights to be installed along the walking path and sidewalks at the park. In addition, electrical outlets will be added to be used for various events. Parking lot lighting will also be included as well as tying in the Senior Center & Fire Company signs which currently do not light up. A DCED grant was received earlier this year for $45,000 from State Rep. Tom Yewcic. An additional grant will be applied for as the total project could run in excess of $85,000.  Some of the current events held at the park include the Heritage Festival, Memorial Day & Veterans Day Ceremonies, Cambria County Senior Games Horseshoe Tournament and other Senior Activities events. The Recreation Commission is hoping that additional events can take place such as "Concerts in the Park" featuring a wide variety of local music talents. Christmas outdoor lighting displays and a possible Christmas or winter themed event has also been discussed in the park area. The long-awaited project could start construction as early as the middle of July following this year’s Heritage Festival.

SR. CENTER HOSTS 3^rd ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
The Jackson Township Senior hosted another successful Memorial Day Ceremony with approximately 150 attending. As in the past, the Johnstown VFW Post 155 had their Honor Rifle Team in attendance. Major Christopher McDevitt, Executive Officer of the 876^th Engineer Battalion was the special guest speaker. Also participating were Jackson Township Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts, Troop 204 as well as soloist and song leader, Betty Lybarger. Rev. Penny Adams, Pastor of Summit Chapel United Methodist Church gave the invocation and benediction. At the event, 17 names of service men and women were read who were killed in the various wars. The Senior Center provided light refreshments for those attending. A special thanks goes out to Frank Singel who faithfully organizes the Memorial Day & Veterans Day events to honor the Veterans from Jackson Township. Planning will be underway for the next ceremony which will be Veterans Day, November 11, 2006. Since Veterans Day, about 100 additional names have been submitted and completed the verification process and were added to the Veterans Memorial / Monument which now has 981 names. More names are in various stages of the verification process. 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

COMPREHENSIVE & RECREATION PLANS NEARING COMPLETION
Jackson Township is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for two very important planning projects. The first is the Comprehensive Plan which basically is a blueprint for the future. Richard Sutter & Associates have been working on the Plan for more than a year and have held public meetings, talked to key individuals, mailed surveys to all residents and compiled data of just what makes up Jackson Township. A copy of the Plan is on display at the Township Municipal Building and a Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, August 31^st at 7:00 pm at the Municipal Building with the regular Board of Supervisors Meeting to follow. The Comprehensive Plan covers everything from history to infrastructure to population to economics to housing and just about every other component that makes up the Township. A second plan under development is the Jackson Township Master Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan. This Plan addresses current recreational facilities, activities and needs and also serves as a tool in developing parks and recreational facilities that will meet the needs of residents now and into the future. Pashek & Associates was hired to develop this plan. Similar to the Comprehensive Plan, public meetings were held, persons interviewed, surveys mailed out to residents and input sought from recreational related groups and organizations. A copy of the plan is also available at the Municipal Building for public viewing.  Both plans when completed will not only help guide Jackson Township in planning and developing new projects but will also greatly increase the opportunities to apply for and receive much needed grants. Communities with proper planning in place have a far greater chance to receive additional State & Federal funds as the plans actually backup the need for particular projects. One such instance is having public restrooms at the Township Parks as opposed to port-a-johns. The surveys and input from residents compiled in the plan back up the need for such facilities as opposed to someone just saying that we need them.

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 to assist with the 2006 Jackson Heritage Festival. The areas include childrens games, parking, assisting vendors, clean-up, assisting bands and entertainers, volunteers and floaters, under 21 dance chaperones and helping with refreshments.. For more information or If interested in leading or helping on a committee, please call Dave Hirko at 749-0725 or email office@jacksontwppa.com

POLICE REPORT
Submitted by Police Chief, Bob Fatula
February, 2006 - April 2006
911 Calls Dispatched to Police: 1,098

Reportable incidents: 124
Theft-17
Harassment-14
Criminal Mischief-10
DUI (Driving While Under the Influence)-8
Aggravated Indecent Assault-7
Corruption of Minors-7
Endangering Welfare of Child-7
Receiving Stolen Property-7
Indecent Assault-6
Burglary-5
Incest-4
Rape-4
Reckless Endangerment-4
Statutory Sexual Assault-4
Criminal Conspiracy-3
Involuntary Deviate Intercourse-3
Identity Theft-2
Underage Drinking-2
Vehicle Theft-2
Assault-1
Armed Robbery-1
Defiant Trespassing-1
Disorderly Conduct-1
Drugs-1
Furnishing Alcohol to Minors-1
Public Drunkenness-1
Terroristic Threats-1

Total Accidents Handled: 27
Non-Traffic Citations Issued: 5
Traffic Citations Issued: 117

FIRE COMPANY NEWS & EVENTS
The Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company held their Annual Fundraising Drive in June. The results of the fund drive are not yet known. If you have not mailed in a contribution, please consider doing so to support your volunteer Fire Company. Just a reminder that the Fund Drive is for the Fire Company and is not the same as Ambulance Memberships which are due in September. The 2^nd Annual Aaron Rusin Battle of the Barrel will be held on Friday, July 14^th at 6 pm. Aaron Rusin was an active firefighter and was killed in Iraq. All proceeds from this event will go towards the Aaron Rusin Scholarship Fund. The Jackson Township Fire Company is planning several events. An Archery Raffle is scheduled for Saturday, September 16, 2006. A new event that is being organized focuses on Horse Racing. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2006 where the races will be presented via a video screen by a person from the Pittsburgh area. People will actually be able to place bets on their lucky horse and the event will act as a Fundraiser. A Gun Raffle will be held this Fall but no date has yet been set. For information on any of the above events, contact the Fire company at 322-3155. The Fire Company will once again host a booth at the Cambria County Fair where they will sell chances for prizes and turkeys which will be awarded at the Annual Turkey Raffle to be held on Saturday, November 18, 2006. For information on the Raffle or if you wish to donate a prize for the "prize ticket" you can contact Eric Reitler at 322-3155. The Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary also has several events planned. The Auxiliary will host the Cambria County Fire Auxiliary Association Meeting on Wednesday, October 4, 2006. The Auxiliary would like to have some door prizes to give away at this County event. If you or your business would like to donate a door prize or if you are interested in helping with the event, please contact the Fire Company at 322-3155. On October 10, 2006 there will be a Calender Party. If you are interested in hosting a table for this event, please call Angela Shoemaker at 322-4984. A Jewelry Raffle will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2006. For tickets and information, please contact the Fire Company at 322-3155.

SENIOR CENTER NEWS
The Jackson Township Senior Center has many upcoming events. Once again, the Center will participate in the Heritage Festival serving their famous Pigs-In-A-Blanket along with Halushki, Potato Salad, Tossed Salad and Cake. In addition to some very delicious food, they will also be selling hand crafted items as well. The Farmers Market Nutrition Program will distribute checks at the Senior Center on Wednesday, July 19th from 9 am to 1 pm for Pennsylvania produce. You must be 60 years of age or older, a resident of PA and meet income eligibility requirements. Also on that same day (19th) a Senior Brown Bag Event will be held. Seniors are invited to bring their prescriptions in a brown bag and a Pharmacist and Technician from Giant Eagle will be at the Center from 11:00 am to Noon to review the medication with you. They will discuss what each medication is used for, how to take the medication and possible side effects in addition to what to expect from the medication. They will also check for old medication, discontinued medications and explain how to dispose of them. They will also help to clarify any questions and concerns you may have. Free Adult Hearing Testing will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2006 from 10 am to Noon for adults. The testing will be done by a hearing specialist from the Accutone Hearing Aid Center. On Thursday, August 17th the Cambria County Senior Horseshoe Tournament will be held. Both men's and women's horseshoe throwing competitions will be held. Seniors from all over Cambria County may register for the competition. Special thanks to Sharon Hartnett and Prime Time Health for again having the Senior Games Horseshoe Tournament at the Jackson Center. For information on any of the above events, please call the Center at 322-3327. A Calendar Party will be held in September. If anyone would like to sponsor a table, donate a prize or are interested in helping or even purchasing a ticket, contact the Senior Center at 322-3327. The Senior Center has information and some applications on the following programs offered to Seniors of Pennsylvania: They include (LIHEAP) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Medicare Part B Premium Assistance Program, Food Stamps, Pennsylvania PACE / PACENET Prescription Drug Assistance Program for those 65 and older, Automobile Registration Renewal Forms for reduced auto registration fees, Healthy Horizons Medicaid Program, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program and Personal Care and Nursing Homes in Cambria County. SilverSneakers is going strong with over 50 individuals taking advantage of the Program. The program reflects senior sensitivity, promotes social interaction and friends. SilverSneakers is offered to Medicare-eligible members of Highmark and Blue Cross-Blue Shield. The Jackson Center is a participating fitness center with the SilverSneaker Program in Cambria County. If interested in this program, please contact the Center at 322-3327. Since the Center opened it's doors on May 10, 1998, the membership has soared to over 634 members. This year alone, 34 new members have joined. The Center still has special weekly events for the membership. Some of the activities offered to the members include: 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, movies shown every Thursday at 1 pm on a 60 inch television, ceramics, computer use with high-speed internet access and a fitness room with 11 machines available for exercise. Computer classes are held for those wishing to learn more about computers. Members of the Center started to throw horseshoes a couple of years ago and the Cambria County Senior Horseshoe Games were held at the Center the last two years. Bus trips have and will continue to be scheduled. In addition, monthly CamTram trips are available to different shopping areas in Blair, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties. A model train display was one of the Center's first projects and it is still up and running as well as undergoing continued expansion. The public is welcome to stop at the Center and get a free tour. New members are welcome as well as anyone wishing to volunteer in some capacity. The Center relies on volunteers to operate and stay open. The Center is a great place to meet and socialize. Membership is only $10.00 per year and any person age 50 or older is entitled to membership.

CENTRAL CAMBRIA COALITION "COMMUNITY COOPERATION"
The Cambria County Coalition has been getting rave reviews for demonstrating the spirit of cooperation among neighboring municipalities. The Coalition meets once a month and is made up of Jackson Township, Cambria Township and Ebensburg Borough. . .the three communities that comprise the Central Cambria School District. Meetings rotate locations of the three communities involved. Although only a few meetings have been held to date, much has already been accomplished.  One of the projects already moving forward is the idea of a Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan. Each Community has it’s own Comprehensive Plan and a Multi-Municipal Plan would tie the three communities together along the Route 22 corridor that comprise the Central Cambria School District. Each municipality has already passed a Resolution to authorize Richard Sutter & Associates, planning consultants from Hollidaysburg to apply for a LUPTAP Grant for a Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan. Once it is known how much funding or grants are available for this project, the three municipalities will decide on whether to move forward. Another idea that quickly took roots is the printing of a Central Cambria Recreation Guide. The Guide would list all the recreational facilities, groups, organizations, schools, activities and events in the District. Each municipality appointed 2 representatives from their Recreation Commission and Central Cambria School District also appointed representatives to help carry out this project. Heading up the Project is Matt Pfeil, Director of the Young People’s Community Center in Ebensburg. Representing Jackson Township will be Regina Markovich and Tim Davis. When the Guide is completed, it will be mailed out to each household in the District. It has not yet been decided how often the Guide will be updated during the year. The concept is to make everyone aware of the wealth of activities, events and facilities available. The Guide will take quite a bit of work so they are looking at developing a recreation map / brochure that can be mailed out earlier. The map / brochure will list all the recreational facilities in the Central Cambria Coalition area and have some basic municipal / contact information as well.  Dr. Susan Makosy attended one of the Coalition’s meetings and shared that Central Cambria is looking into attracting more swimming programs offered by the YMCA and Red Cross to the pool. She also said that the School District is looking into the possibility of opening more of their facilities to the Public such as the weight room. Dr. Jules Dill who now heads up the North Central Recreation Center in Ebensburg was also interested in letting people know what that facility has to offer as well. Several examples of similar guides were shared with the newly formed committee including the East Hills Recreation Commission in Johnstown and the Lewisburg Area Recreation Commission.  A third vital issue that is important to all 3 municipalities is the development of sewer lines along Route 22. Infrastructure is the key to growth and development which leads to jobs. Requests for proposals have been sent out to major engineering firms on the possibility of sewage lines and connections along Route 22 and adjoining areas.  Other tentative discussions by the Coalition included the possible joint purchase of a paving machine. With the high price of oil, it makes more sense to do your own paving. Cambria and Jackson Townships are exploring the possibility of sharing a paving machine which can cost between $85,000 and $125,000 or more. Some preliminary discussion has occurred on exploring the possibility of forming a Regional Police Department. Between the 3 municipalities, there is much duplication of equipment and resources. West Hills Regional Police operates successfully in suburban Johnstown. The cost efficiencies and benefits are great for everyone involved but with an important issue such as this, much planning and discussions must take place to explore the issue.  As a group, the Coalition can support important projects in the area such as the proposed Sun Coke Plant that would create 700 jobs and the completion of Route 219. Perhaps the # 1 benefit of the Coalition is that the 3 Communities can qualify for larger grants. Inter-Municipal Cooperation is often rewarded in grants and dollars to help complete important and worthwhile projects. The Coalition is a non-voting group and each Municipality must decide what joint projects it wants to participate in. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

OTHER JACKSON TWP. NEWS
~Luther P. Miller Awarded Fuel Bid
Bids were solicited for unleaded, diesel and heating oil. The first time bids were solicited there were four received including Martin Oil, Luther P. Miller, Saterlee and Ebensburg Gas & Oil. According to Solicitor Bill Barbin, the way the bids were submitted, they were not comparable to one another as each submitted pricing in different formats with various conditions or clauses. The bids were rejected and a new simple format was put out asking suppliers to quote prices based on the OPIS (Oil Pricing Information System) Rate plus their markup per gallon. Only two of the four resubmitted bids. Martin Oil was .248 cents per gallon while Luther P. Miller was the low bidder at .10 cents per gallon.

~Leidy Park Host to Various Events
The Jackson Township Boy Scouts Troop 204 plan to hold a camp out at Leidy Park. The lower multi-purpose field at Leidy makes an excellent location for such an event. In addition to camping out, the Scouts will help do some cleaning up of the Park as well. From June 28^th through July 14^th a group called "Dogs Deserve Better" with headquarters in Tipton, PA are hosting a 2006 Dog Chain Off Fundraising Event. The group approached the Jackson Township Recreation Commission and have addressed all of the concerns put forth. The focus of the event includes 15 contestants being chained to dog houses and the one who can last the longest will win a new 2006 Chevrolet Aveo Car. Other activities will include live entertainment and bands, food booths and other vendors. The Event has received widespread media coverage and may even get national attention. There is a webcam for those interested to watch on the internet and see how the 15 contestants are doing. On August 2^nd a Youth Fair sponsored by Judge Long and the Cambria County Courts will be held with emphasis on the affects of alcohol and drugs.

~3 Year Contract with Barnes, Saly
The Board approved a 3 year contract with Barnes, Saly & Company, LLP. Barnes, Saly currently performs the annual Audit of the Township records and has been doing so for 4 years. In addition they provide accounting services and training as needed. The cost proposed was $3,400 or about $300 more per year than the last 3 year contract.

~Court Program Helps Communities & Organizations
Judge Long and the Cambria County Courts have a program where those owing fines can work them off by doing work in the Community or for various churches, schools and organizations. They are known as the "Renovation Crew" and anywhere from 7 to 12 were performing work for the Recreation Commission at Mitchell Park and Leidy Park. The majority of work included painting concession stands, storage buildings, fencing and a basketball court at Mitchell. The labor is free to the municipality and the only thing Jackson had to provide was a daily lunch. Those who cannot pay their fines or choose not to work them off in this type of program could find themselves ending up in jail.

~Roadmaster Ordinance Proposed
At the April Board of Supervisors Meeting, Solicitor Bill Barbin was asked to draw up Roadmaster Ordinance concerning traffic enforcement signs. With the Roadmaster Ordinance, any time a new sign is erected or any changes made, the sign is automatically enforceable and listed in a log which is made known at the next Supervisors Meeting. This is an alternative to passing Ordinances each time new signs are erected in the Township

~Need to Sign Up For New Garbage Service?
Jackson Township’s garbage contract provides for unlimited curbside garbage pick-up as well as any large items you have to dispose of with a few exceptions (i.e. - hazardous items, Freon, tires, etc.) If you are interested in signing up for garbage service you need to call 1-800-677-4884. The cost for 2006 is $36.90 per quarter.

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 and Planning Commission Meetings. Check out the 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. To see 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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