DVSA- Holiday Food Drive 2024

Townsend is partnering with DVSA (Delaware Veterans Support Association) again this year with their annual Holiday Food Drive. 

Donations are being accepted at Townhall up until the collection date of November 15th, 2024. Please see below flyer for accepted items. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Townhall at 302-378-8082. 

Food Drive 2024.2

PUBLIC NOTICE: Statewide Fire Ban

With below-average precipitation since late summer, including record low rainfall in New Castle and Sussex Counties, Delaware has become abnormally dry as the state heads into the fall season. To reduce the risk of unplanned fires during these dry conditions, the Delaware State Fire Marshal has issued a statewide ban on all open burning until further notice. Fortunately, water demand decreases in the fall and the state’s reservoirs and aquifers are currently in good shape. This time of the year typically allows these systems to recover from the summer demands on them. 

With little rain expected in the extended forecast, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reminds all Delawareans that water conservation practices are a good year-round habit for helping maintain the state’s water supply. But in northern New Castle County, the focus on water conservation and wise water use is crucial, as the state’s most populous region relies on several surface water streams and reservoirs for the water supply.

“While the state’s water supply remains strong and sufficient, it is extremely important for residents in northern Delaware to take steps to conserve water in whatever ways they can to help offset the lack of rainfall,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. This will help maintain existing water supply levels should we face more painful drought conditions. Since surface water is the main source of drinking water in the northern part of the state, taking preventative steps now will help to avoid a potential supply issues later.”

While portions of neighboring states also are affected by a scarcity of precipitation, West Virginia is the only one of them currently experiencing severe drought conditions.  Delaware has become better prepared for enduring such periods. Reservoirs in the northern reaches of the state, interconnections between the state’s public water systems, use of aquifer storage and recovery, and other enhancements to the public water supply have all been designed to make northern New Castle County more resilient for extended dry weather events.

“Since the last severe drought in 2002, public and private water purveyors have built over two billion gallons of reserve water supply storage that include reservoirs, impoundments, aquifer storage, and new wells,” said Dr. Gerald J. Kauffman, director of Delaware Water Resources Center. “These reserve supplies, coupled with water demand conservation achieved by the public, mean that Delaware is well on the path toward water supply self-sufficiency.” 

Open Burning Ban

Due to current dry conditions, the Delaware State Fire Marshal has issued a ban on open burning. While open burning is typically allowed from September 30 to April 30, the Fire Marshal has the authority to ban these activities in individual counties or statewide during dry periods. This measure is in place to reduce the risk of unplanned fires. The ban includes:

• Controlled burning of yard/garden material (excluding leaves, which are never permitted)
• Bonfires
• Demolition burning
• Prescribed burns for land management
• Agricultural burning for field maintenance

Currently, campfires are permitted only in areas cleared of all combustibles, surrounded by a non-combustible ring no larger than 3’ x 3’ and used for cooking only. Grills/hibachis are also allowed in areas cleared of surrounding combustibles and used for cooking only.

For more details, visit statefiremarshal.delaware.gov and de.gov/openburning.

Water Conservation Tips

Water conservation and wise water use also are of year-end benefit to Delaware’s water resources. While winter water conservation may look different than traditional summer conservation measures. Here are some easy ways to save water and protect your home during the colder seasons:

• Maintain your residential furnace: Ensure your furnace is working properly to prevent your home’s pipes from freezing. This step can reduce the need to leave faucets dripping, which wastes water.
• Insulate exposed pipes: Make sure your exposed outdoor pipes and hose bibs are securely covered with pipe insulation. This will ensure that they won’t freeze or develop any leaks.
• Fix leaks: Repair any leaks in faucets, toilets, or plumbing before temperatures drop to avoid bigger issues when the weather turns cold.

DNREC offers a free Weatherization Assistance Program to help prepare comfortable, energy-saving homes for the winter season.

Impact on Agriculture

Unfortunately, water conservation can’t solve all the problems caused by the lack of rain. Agriculture has been hit hard this year.

“This has been a challenging year for agriculture regarding the amount and timing of rainfall,” said Don Clifton, Executive Director of the Delaware Farm Bureau and a member of the Water Supply Coordinating Council. “We had some delayed planting in the spring due to inundated soils. After crops were established, a shortage of rain caused crop losses, in some extreme cases to the extent there was no crop to harvest. Some corn was mowed down without running a combine through it. Presently some soils are so dry that cover crops and small grains that are being seeded do not have enough moisture to germinate. These crops are important to help retain nutrients thereby protecting groundwater and surface waters. If they can’t be established, we lose that ability.”

Looking Ahead

September was one of the driest months on record, and many parts of Delaware, especially New Castle County, haven’t received any rain in October so far, according to State Climatologist and Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) Director Dr. Kevin R. Brinson.

“Looking at the extended forecast, there is little to no precipitation expected over the next two weeks,” said Dr. Brinson. So, in the short term, we should continue to see our water conditions deteriorate.”

Brinson offered a qualified response as to where and to what effect current conditions may lead.

“Our seasonal outlook isn’t looking particularly dry, but it’s not looking wet either. We’re expecting a La Nina to develop this winter, which tends to mean warmer and drier conditions for our region,” he said. “Given how dry it’s been, any recovery we experience this winter would likely take some time to occur. That’s why it’s so important that we start to monitor the dry conditions closely now instead of waiting until late winter or early next spring when the demand for water will go back up. As much as we can, we want to stay ahead of this potential drought.”

Dr. David Wunsch, director of the Delaware Geological Survey, emphasized the importance of monitoring.

“The Delaware Geological Survey maintains infrastructure to monitor drought conditions, including groundwater monitoring wells that help us to determine trends in water levels,” said Dr. David Wunsch. “These serve as indicators that help us to provide real data that the state can use to guide recommendations for mediating drought conditions.”

Without a wet fall and winter Delaware may be in trouble when water demands increase in the spring, wise water use and conservation of water supplies are highly encouraged in Delaware – tips for both practices can be found on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense webpage and on the DNREC website at de.gov/drought.

To learn more about drought in Delaware, read the article in Outdoor Delaware online magazine, “Navigating Delaware’s Drought History: Insights into Water Management Challenges and Solutions.”

PUBLIC NOTICE: Potassium Iodide Distribution on October 24 in Townsend

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will distribute free potassium iodide (KI) tablets to Delaware residents living within a 10-mile radius (also known as the Emergency Planning Zone or EPZ) of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations. The free tablets will be distributed on Thursday, October 24, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Townsend Fire Company, 107 Main Street, Townsend, 19734. Phone: (302) 378-8111.

KI is available to residents who have received it previously and whose tablets have reached their expiration date, as well as those who never received tablets before. Individuals with home or business addresses within the EPZ are eligible to receive the KI tablets. Recipients must bring a photo ID such as a driver’s license, proof of residency such as a utility bill, or proof of employment within the EPZ when they go to the Townsend Fire Company Hall—this is the only requirement to receive KI tablets. Residents who have KI that is expired can bring those tablets to the distribution center to exchange for new ones.

KI does not protect against external radiation but can help protect the thyroid gland from ingested or inhaled radioactive iodine that might be released in a radiation emergency. KI is one of the protective measures outlined in Delaware’s emergency plans developed for use in a nuclear incident. The State of Delaware receives the tablets through a program initiated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Delaware residents living outside of the 10-mile EPZ who would like to obtain KI tablets should contact their pharmacist. KI is also available over the counter at some local pharmacies.

The 10-mile EPZ in Delaware is comprised of four Emergency Response Planning Areas (ERPAs):

• ERPA A: Port Penn, Odessa, East of Townsend, North Smyrna, and South St. George’s Areas
• ERPA B: Middletown, East of Townsend, and North Smyrna Areas.
• ERPA C: Delaware City, North Middletown, St. George’s, and Reybold Areas.
• ERPA D: The Delaware River and Bay.

For additional information regarding the potassium iodide distribution program in Delaware, call the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) section at 302-659-3362. More information and resources can be found at PrepareDE.org.
 

Resources and Information

2024-2025 Emergency Plan Information for NJ and DE (PSEG Calendar) with up-to-date info and resources.

SIGN-UP TODAY!!! – CodeRED Notifications

Code Red is an important tool which allows for the Town of Townsend to reach out and communicate important information and emergency messages to residents. Please take advantage of this important service and sign up.  Should you need assistance with registration, please contact Townsend Town Hall 302-378-8082 or townhall@townsend.delaware.gov.

• What is CodeRED and why is it important to me?
  CodeRED is an emergency notification service that allows emergency officials to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message, email and social media regarding time-sensitive general and emergency notifications. Only authorized officials have access to the CodeRED system.
• When will CodeRED be used?
  Any message regarding the safety, property or welfare of the community will be disseminated using the CodeRED system. These may include AMBER alerts, notifications of hazardous traffic or road conditions, boil water advisories or evacuation notices.

To sign-up for CodeRed, please click the following link: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/BFE540570CAF

For additional information please click “HERE”

ANNOUNCING: Townsend Community Pantry – October

The Town of Townsend thanks everyone who provided donations to support our Community Pantry.  Since we installed the Blessings Box Food Pantry in May of 2023, we have been able to help serve our Community and assist those in need.  In order to keep the pantry sustainable with your donations, please consider donating the following items listed below:  

• Non-Perishables   
• Canned Goods  
• Toiletries 
• Gift Cards
• Letters of Encouragement 
• Pet Needs 

Location: 141 Main Street, Townsend, DE 19734

**Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If after hours, donations may be placed directly in the box.  Once again, we thank you for your continued support! 

Please see flyer below for more information and donation suggestions: 

Ongoing Food Drive for Food Pantry Box @ TownHall

Town Hall Closed- Monday, October 14th, 2024

National Take Back Drug Day- October 26, 2024

Drug Take Back Day Flyer- 2024

OCTOBER 26, 2024  – 10:00 am – 2:00pm

NATIONAL TAKEBACK PERSCRIPTION DRUG DAY

DROP OFF YOUR OLD MEDICATION & NEEDLES  

Location:   TOWNSEND FIRE DEPARTMENT – 107 Main Street

Hosted by the TOWNSEND POLICE DEPARTMENT in partnership with the Townsend Fire Company & Drug Enforcement Administration.  

For additional information please call Townsend PD NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER  302-464-1262

Veterans & Social Services Raffle- Winners Announced!

We are excited to announce the winners of the Veterans & Social Services Raffle! Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this important cause. All proceeds from the raffle will go directly to supporting our veterans and community social services, helping those who have given so much to our town.

Raffle Winners:

• 1st Prize: 25% of pot awarded to Mike Gruszecki
• 2nd Prize: 15% of pot awarded to Loyalty Soap and Candle Company
• 3rd Prize: 10% of pot awarded to The Paint-It Lady, LLC

We sincerely appreciate all who purchased raffle tickets, donated prizes, and volunteered their time. Your generosity will make a difference in the lives of many in our community.

A Special Thank You:

A huge thank you goes to our local businesses and individuals who provided the amazing raffle prizes. Your continued support for our veterans and social services programs helps strengthen our community.

Stay Connected:

Please keep an eye out for future fundraising events, and remember—every bit of support helps!

Together, we are making a positive impact. Thank you for standing with us!

Finley Street- Milling & repaving Project to Start MONDAY OCTOBER 14TH, 2024

Notice to Finley Street Residents & neighbors: Upcoming Road Repaving Project

Dear Neighbors,

We wanted to inform you that starting Monday, October 14th, Finley Street will undergo a road repaving project. For the safety of workers and residents, Finley Street will be closed to all traffic during the duration of this project.

Key Information:

• Project Start Date: Monday, October 14th
• Location: Finley Street
• Street Closure: Full closure to all traffic
• Duration: The project is expected to last approximately three days. We will keep you updated if any changes occur.

Alternative Access & Parking:

Please plan ahead and use alternative routes during this time. Parking will not be permitted on Finley Street, so please make necessary arrangements.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to improve our neighborhood streets!

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Townhall at 302-378-8082 or via email at townhall@townsend.delaware.gov

Thank you for your patience!

Best Regards,

Julie Goodyear

Town Manager