Greetings!

Included in this Newsletter:
  • A Message from President Tina Myers
  • Awards Nominations for 2021
  • Looking for Employment
  • Wondrous Wednesday Webinars
  • May and June Meetings and Virtual Plant Tours
  • Scholarship Donations
  • COVID-19 Resources
  • PennTec 2021
A Message from President, Tina Myers

Spring is here!

I don’t know about you, but spring seems even more welcome this year than usual. It feels like a good time to reflect on the past year- and what a year it has been. I know I never thought I would see something like this in my lifetime. Pandemics seemed like something that happened a long time ago, like the Spanish Flu in 1918, or far away, like the Ebola outbreak in Africa in 2014. But here we are, still dealing with a deadly disease. There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel with vaccines rolling out. With this light, we can’t let our guard down yet. Please continue to be careful and stay safe.
Awards Nominations for 2021

These aren’t just participation trophies! 2020 was a crazy year and members of our association have been part of the battery of first responders who have kept us all safe. We need YOU to nominate your coworkers, bosses, friends from EPWPCOA and recognize the individuals, companies, and facilities who have shown excellence within our association. There are numerous awards available for treatment facilities, staff, and management. Everyone is encouraged to take the time to nominate their facility and peers or themselves for the various awards. It does not take a lot of effort and feels good to be recognized. Nominations are due by May 21, 2021. All Awards applications are on the EPWPCOA website at https://epwpcoa.org/index.php/awards
Please take a moment to acknowledge some of these individuals, companies, and facilities!

Last year's recipients, sponsors, and Awards Meeting are also available on our website.
Looking for Employment

Marykay has been receiving inquiries from several Thaddeus Stevens Water and Wastewater students who are looking for summer internships. If your facility is interested in hiring interns, please reach out to Marykay Steinman.

Additionally, EPWPCOA added a new section to our website for anyone who is looking for employment. Go to Looking for Employment to post your information or look for new employees. The Thaddeus Stevens students who inquired have been listed here.
Wondrous Wednesday Webinars
EPWPCOA is continuing to serve and educate our members through offering Wondrous Wednesday Webinars! If you're interested in presenting a Wondrous Wednesday Webinar, contact Marykay Steinman to coordinate. All previous webinar sessions have been recorded and uploaded onto the EPWPCOA website, which can be found here.
May and June Meetings and Virtual Plant Tours

EPWPCOA is planning to host our May and June meetings in person!

On Friday, May 21, 2021, Earl Township. will be hosting our quarterly meeting. We will meet outside at the New Holland Community Park at 400 East Jackson Street in New Holland PA 17557.
 
Attendees must wear a mask and social distance. At scheduled times, we will have those interested drive to the plant for the tour. 
 
The number of attendees is limited to 125 for this event. Due to this limit, you MUST pre-register to attend. If you are not feeling well or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

We will not be serving breakfast – that means NO coffee will be available. Sorry, we are doing the best we can with the COVID restrictions. You must pre-register/pay to receive a boxed lunch as we will not order extra meals.

Meeting announcements were sent out via mail and email. Details for the June Meeting and Tour are to be announced.
 
 

In addition, the opportunity for members to plan a Virtual Plant Tour using a GoPro, Drone, etc. is still available. If your plant is interested in discussing this opportunity, please get in contact with Marykay Steinman for more information.
Scholarship Donations

We are still accepting donations to our scholarship fund. You can donate by mailing a check or by credit card at www.epwpcoa.org/index.php/new-calendar/other/2021-scholarship-donation. All money received from donations goes directly to supporting our members and our member children. We understand if you cannot personally donate but perhaps your employer could. Please pass this onto your employer, explain the importance of supporting our members and request a donation.
COVID-19 Resources
EPWPCOA aims to provide COVID-19 information to our members. Our website features links with the latest updates on the virus from the CDC, WHO, and state and local health officials. In addition to updates on the virus, we have links to helpful guides and forms for businesses.
PennTec 2021

PWEA is planning to host an in-person PennTec this year from June 20-23 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Pocono Manor, PA. Any government restrictions and/or health and safety protocols in place at the time of the Conference will be strictly followed. Registration for Conference Attendees, Booth Exhibitors and Sponsorships are currently open.
Please let us know if you have an idea for a story or something you would like to include in a newsletter.

Sincerely,
Eastern Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Operators Association
Tina Myers, 2021 President
Cora Shenk, Publications Chair
Natalie Troxell, Publications Editor