March 23, 2023

Whitpain's Shade Tree Efforts Highlighted

On Thursday, March 16, Whitpain participated in the Bird Town Tree Giveaway Workshop, which was held to help educate and inform other municipalities trying to start their own native shade tree giveaway program.

Supervisor Joyce Keller and vice chair of the Shade Tree Commission Mark Eberle spoke at the workshop and highlighted the Township's annual tree giveaway program, which distributes a grouping of three native shade trees to residents on a first come; first serve basis. This year’s annual giveaway will once again be held at Prophecy Creek Park on Sunday, April 23 at 8 a.m.

The presenters also discussed the Township’s efforts to increase its tree canopy and shared information on efforts to secure grants for reforestation and meadows.

Skippack Pike Road Work Starts Monday

PennDOT is installing fiber optics along Skippack Pike beginning Monday as part of a project to improve the safety of intersections.

Work is taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday between Wentz Road and Butler Pike and will result in lane closures. Intersections impacted are Wentz Road/Parkwood Road, Cathcart Road, Union Meeting Road, Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Walton Road, Lewis Lane, Narcissa Road/Prophecy Creek Park, and Butler Pike.

Intersections will eventually be improved by replacing and installing new traffic signals, signal supports and related equipment; replacing signage; constructing ADA curb ramps; and restoring pavement markings.

Please allow extra time when traveling through the work area. The work is weather dependent.

Supervisors Recognize Do Better 4 Steve Founders

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors recognized the Cammarota family who established Do Better 4 Steve to honor their son Steve’s selfless legacy.

Although Steve was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease as a young child, he dedicated his life to service and his community before the disease ultimately took his life. However, his memory lives on through Do Better 4 Steve’s charitable works in our community.

Click here to read the proclamation

Click here to learn more about Do Better 4 Steve 

Below: Liz, Sam, and Steve Cammarota along with (from left) Supervisor Joyce Keller, Supervisor Michele Minnick, Supervisor Chair Scott Badami, Supervisor Jeff Campolongo, and Vice Chair Kim Koch.

Police Officers And First Responders Recognized For Lifesaving Care

Whitpain Police Chief Ken Lawson on Tuesday joined with the Board of Supervisors to present a Unit Citation to three officers at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting.

Sergeant Brian Daly and Officers Rich Houser and Matt Frank were recognized for successfully resolving a difficult and dangerous call.

At the same meeting a Lifesaving Commendation was awarded to a number of police and first responders who rendered lifesaving emergency care at a call earlier this year. Whitpain Police Sergeant Ivan Kosty, Officer Brian Richard, and Officer Samantha Friel were recognized for their efforts along with CSFC Firefighter Joelle Lesniak, Montgomery County Telecommunicator Brian Spatz, Plymouth Medics Christine Tarozzi and Thomas Godin and Plymouth EMT Connor Seal. 

Below: Officer Matt Frank, Chief Lawson, Officer Rich Houser, and Sgt. Brian Daly along with (from left) Supervisor Joyce Keller, Supervisor Michele Minnick, Supervisor Chair Scott Badami, Supervisor Jeff Campolongo, and Vice Chair Kim Koch

Crisis Intervention Award Presented To Police Department

Chief Ken Lawson and the Whitpain Police Department were presented with the Crisis Intervention Specialist Program Commitment Award at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors’ meeting. 

This award commemorates the full department completion of a 3-day basic crisis intervention specialist class, demonstrating a commitment to mental health, de-escalation, and support.

Representatives from Montgomery County Emergency Service (MCES) presented the award in partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Mental Health.

Below: Anna Trout, Montgomery County Health and Human Services, Michelle Monzo, MCES, and Pam Howard, Montgomery County Health & Human Services, present the Crisis Intervention Award to Chief Ken Lawson. 

Township Recognizes Women's History Month

The Board of Supervisors and Township staff shared a PowerPoint presentation commemorating the contribution of key women who have served Whitpain over the last seven decades.

Some of those recognized are elected or appointed officials and others served as key staff members. Regardless of their role with the Township, all of those honored contributed their unique talents and insights to the community.

Click here to view the presentation

From The EAC: Earth Hour On March 28

Please consider observing Earth Hour, a global initiative of the World Wildlife Fund, that encourages people to take one hour to turn all of their lights off and reflect on something they can do to heal and nurture the planet.  

The action takes place every year on the last Saturday of March and has been observed by over 35 countries and 400 cities around the world.  Mark your calendars for 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. March 28 to spend an hour of peace and beauty in which to contemplate your efforts to live harmoniously on the earth, and kindle positive intentions for the future.

Contact the Environmental Advisory Council at EAC@whitpaintownship.org