Empire Group's Annual Fishing Rodeo and Picnic: A Memorable Day for All

When most people think of winter hazards, icy roads and freezing temperatures come to mind. While these are certainly risks, there are some lesser-known dangers that can also pose serious threats to your health and safety. In fact, three winter hazards often go unnoticed—dehydration, cold stress, and carbon monoxide poisoning. These risks can sneak up on you during the cold months, but with the right knowledge, you can avoid them. Here's what you need to know to stay safe this winter.

It’s hard to believe it’s the end of 2024! We are grateful for another great year. There have been many projects and events DVC was involved in, and we are proud of the services we have provided to our customers. Below are some project and event highlights from this year.

Winter weather can be unpredictable, with rapid temperature changes, ice storms, and even thundersnow becoming more common in recent years. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how prepared we are to handle it. Whether you're navigating through snow, ice, or rain, being ready for winter driving is key to staying safe on the road. The winter months, from December through February, often bring a mix of weather conditions, from heavy snow to freezing rain and hail. So, it's crucial to not only prepare your truck for winter conditions but also to adjust your driving habits. Here are five critical winter driving tips every truck driver should know: 1. Maintain Extra Space Between Vehicles Winter weather means slower stopping times. One of the most important safety tips is to increase the distance between your truck and the vehicle in front of you. In normal conditions, the rule of thumb is one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length. However, in winter weather, increase that to: Three seconds for speeds under 40 mph Six seconds for speeds over 40 mph This extra space will give you more time to react in case of sudden stops or slippery conditions. 2. Pack Essential Winter Supplies If you get stuck in a snowstorm or find yourself waiting for an accident to clear, having the right supplies (winter kit) can make a big difference. Here’s a checklist of items to carry in your winter kit: Flashlight and extra batteries Blanket and extra clothes (including gloves) Bag of salt or sand for traction Tire chains Non-perishable snacks Jumper cables Snow scraper and brush Flares and warning triangles Windshield washer fluid Rain gear (just in case) Portable radio and spare batteries Portable charger for your cell phone These items will help you stay safe and comfortable, especially if you're stranded or stuck in inclement weather. 3. Be Cautious of Black Ice Black ice is one of the most dangerous winter driving hazards. It’s a thin layer of ice that forms on the road from a light freezing rain or the melting of snow that re-freezes. It can form without bubbles and appears wet. You’ll find it mostly at night or early in the morning when temperatures are at their lowest, especially on bridges, overpasses and roads beneath overpasses. It's hard to spot, but there are a few signs to look for: Watch how other drivers are reacting —slower speeds, skidding and sudden stops can indicate black ice ahead. No water spray —There is no water spray on a road that looks wet. If you do encounter black ice, try to keep calm to not overreact. Keep the steering straight and do as little as possible to glide over the ice. If the front end of your truck starts to slide, steer in the opposite direction of the skid. However, if the back end starts to slide, steer in the same direction. Do not slam on the brakes and slow down by de-accelerating. Also, shifting into a lower gear will help give you more control on the ice. Always stay alert for this invisible danger and adjust your speed accordingly. 4. Slow Down in All Weather Conditions While it's common sense to slow down during snowstorms, it's also crucial to drive slower during rain, fog, or any other weather event that reduces visibility. Driving at a slower speed: Gives you more time to react to hazards Reduces the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads Helps maintain control if the road is slippery Remember, driving too fast in poor conditions can be just as dangerous as driving too fast in good weather. 5. Pay Attention to Tire Spray Tire spray can offer valuable clues about road conditions. If you're driving behind other vehicles, notice the amount of spray coming off their tires. Here’s what it means: Heavy spray: The road is wet, which may reduce traction but isn’t necessarily frozen. Light or minimal spray: The road has started to freeze, increasing the likelihood of ice or slippery patches. Use tire spray as a quick gauge of road conditions, but always stay cautious and reduce speed when in doubt. Drive Smart, Drive Safe No truck driver wants to face challenging weather, but it’s often unavoidable. The key to winter driving is staying calm, being prepared, and adjusting your speed and behavior based on the conditions around you. At DVC, safety is our top priority. Our experienced drivers always follow these tips and ensure that our trucks are ready for any winter conditions.

As the holiday season approaches, many drivers are already aware of the dangers of alcohol consumption and its effect on road safety. However, there’s another critical, yet often overlooked, danger: drowsy driving . With National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week taking place each November, it’s the perfect time to remind drivers of the importance of staying alert on the road. In fact, did you know that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol? According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety , over 300,000 car accidents, more than 100,000 injuries, and over 6,400 fatalities occur each year due to drowsy driving. That’s a shocking number, and it’s a danger that can be easily avoided with a little awareness and precaution. The Dangers of Drowsy Driving Just like alcohol, fatigue impairs your ability to make sound decisions while behind the wheel. Drowsy driving can slow your reaction times, reduce your awareness of your surroundings, and impair your judgment. Whether you’re driving a short distance to the store or embarking on a long road trip for work, your ability to stay alert is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. The National Sleep Foundation established Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in 2007 to raise awareness about this serious issue, which happens to coincide with one of the busiest driving periods of the year — the holiday season. Recognizing the Signs of Drowsy Driving How do you know if you’re too tired to drive? Sometimes, we don’t realize how fatigued we are until it’s too late. Here are some common signs of drowsy driving to watch out for: Difficulty remembering the last few minutes of driving Drifting out of your lane Frequent yawning or blinking Feeling irritable or restless Missing exits or road signs If you notice any of these signs, it's time to pull over and take a break. Driving while tired is dangerous and can quickly lead to disastrous consequences. Tips to Avoid Drowsy Driving The good news is that there are several steps you can take to avoid drowsy driving. Whether you’re planning a road trip or simply driving around town during the busy holiday season, staying alert is key. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid drowsy driving: Get Plenty of Rest: Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep, especially before a long road trip. A good night’s sleep is the best defense against drowsy driving. Take Medication Seriously: If you take medication, check the label for any warning signs about drowsiness or other impairment. Some medications can make you more tired or less focused while driving. Short-Term Solutions: If you’re feeling sleepy while driving, try turning up the air conditioning, increasing the volume on the radio, or drinking coffee. These strategies may give you a temporary boost, but they are no substitute for rest. Avoid Driving During Normal Sleep Hours: If possible, avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep, such as late at night or early in the morning. Never Mix Alcohol and Driving: Alcohol can exacerbate the effects of fatigue, making you even more impaired behind the wheel. Always avoid drinking if you plan to drive. Stay Safe This Holiday Season As we head into the holiday season, it’s essential to keep drowsy driving in mind when planning your trips. Whether you’re traveling long distances to see family or transporting products or materials, prioritize your alertness before you get behind the wheel. By recognizing the signs of fatigue, ensuring you’re well-rested, and following safety tips, you can help reduce the risks associated with drowsy driving. Let’s all do our part to keep the roads safer for everyone this holiday season. Keep Drowsy Driving on Your Radar This November, during Drowsy Driving Prevention Week , take a moment to reflect on your driving habits and make sure you're well-prepared for any road trips ahead. Stay safe, stay alert, and enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season!

On the chilly evening of Saturday, October 26th, the streets of downtown Hamburg, PA, came alive with the King Frost Parade, an annual tradition that has been captivating locals for over sixty years. With around 20,000 spectators in attendance, this event is more than just a parade—it's a celebration of community and the arrival of fall. This year's parade featured an impressive lineup of three vehicles from Delaware Valley Contractors (DVC), alongside a mini-excavator and a tractor from Elk Environmental Services. The star of the show was King Frost himself, who was joined by the Phillie Phanatic. The parade boasted five divisions, showcasing 130 floats and five marching bands, all weaving through the heart of Hamburg. Our DVC service truck, adorned with cobwebs, balloons, and chains, led the way, with Terry Wentzel at the wheel. The highlight of our float was “Mr. Skellington,” a half-skeleton perched on the roof, making his debut in style. Following closely was the DVC roll-off truck, carrying a mini-excavator that featured mischievous skeletons, driven by Stew Rivers. Nick Olivieri took charge of the Elk tractor, while another DVC service truck, driven by Jason Moffett, rounded out our parade presence. Our walkers, dressed in costumes ranging from Captain Marvel to a skeleton princess, won first place in the Walkers Category! Congratulations! They spread joy by handing out candy to the excited crowd. We had a blast this year and can’t wait until next year's parade! A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event special: Terry Wentzel and family Dominick Wentzel Tommy Wentzel and family Stew Rivers Nick Olivieri Jason Moffett If I missed anyone, I apologize! Sincerely, Russ Oswalt

It was a special year for Northern Berk County National Night Out! The event was held at a new venue – the Berks County Fairgrounds in Leesport. Each vendor had plenty of space for their vehicles and tables, a welcome change from last year's crowded setup at Schuylkill Valley High School. A New Gathering It was exciting to see employees from DVC, Empire Group, and Berks Transfer all together at the event. DVC's Russ Oswalt and Jimmy Blatt, along with Empire Group’s Ellen Ganime and Berks Transfer’s Karen O'Neill, Lauren Bohning, and Mitzi Cote, distributed fun giveaways, including police SUV stress relievers, small toys, bracelets, sunglasses, and snacks. Despite the cloudy weather and a rescheduled date, everyone had a great time. National Night Out: A Nationwide Celebration National Night Out takes place on the first Tuesday of August in most states, with some opting for an October date. Founded in 1984 by Matt Peskin, who also established the National Association of Town Watch, this event has grown significantly over the past 40 years. It fosters connections between police departments and communities through activities, music, and food. Last year, nearly 40 million people attended National Night Out events across over 16,800 communities from all 50 states. An Exciting Vendor Lineup The Berks County Fairgrounds showcased 80 vendors this year, and we anticipate even more participation next year. Empire Group was proud to be among a diverse group of vendors, including local businesses, first responders, and non-profit organizations. The variety was impressive, featuring everything from insurance companies to car dealerships, and healthcare providers to restaurants. New vendors like Spitler’s Towing, HNL Lab Medicine, and Blinds To Go added to the fun atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed delicious food options, from pizza to popcorn, while engaging in games and exploring a variety of vehicles, including a Tesla Cybertruck and two helicopters. A Spectacular Ending DVC showcased their tri-axle dump truck, while Berks Transfer displayed their roll-off truck with a dumpster. The evening concluded with brilliant fireworks, leaving everyone in high spirits. At Empire Group, we search for ways to enrich our community. Like National Night Out, we strive to connect with our neighbors. Our employees had a blast at the event and look forward to National Night Out 2025. We hope to see you next year!

The 32nd Annual Empire Group Golf Classic was held on September 7, 2024, at Willow Hollow Golf Course in Leesport, PA. It was a cool start, and we had 104 of the finest golfers from Berks County playing in this fun event. There was a shot gun start at 7:00 AM and all the action was completed by 11:30 AM – just in time for the rain! Once the match was over, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch of fried chicken, cold cuts, pierogies, baked beans, potato salad and various side dishes, snacks and drinks. After the luncheon, the following winners were announced: First Place: Val Santo, Ray Plummer, Dave Albright, and Mike Wagner with a score of 17 under par – an excellent score! Second Place: Jey Newswanger, Matt Gordon, Brian Leupold, and Nick Shade. The team had a score of 12 under par – an awesome score! Third Place: Carl Sottosanti, John Sottosanti, Sebastian Sottosanti, and Giuseppe Napoli with a score of 11 under par – great playing guys! Closest to the Pin Hole Winners: Kenny Freil Hole #3 – 15' Brian Leupold Hole #5 – 5' 7" Val Santo Hole #6 – 8' 7" Dave Albright Hole #9 – 4' 11" Chris Stephens Hole #14 – 3' 6" Longest Drive: Rich Reinhart Hole #16 I would like to thank those who helped me put this event put together. Without them, things would not get done: Pamela Oswalt Charity Oswalt Michelle Oswalt Missy Sebio Mandy Rotkiske Makayla Rotkiske Victoria Reedy Brenda Martis Cherie Clissa Mitzi Cote Ellen Ganime If I forgot to mention you, I apologize! Once again, thanks to everyone who made this event possible and a special thanks to Todd & Karen O’Neill and Harry & Cathy O’Neill – without them we could not do this every year! Stay tuned for next year’s date! Sincerely, Russ Russell P. Oswalt, Sr. VP of Transportation, DVC

As summer winds down, we look forward the upcoming Labor Day weekend. This special holiday honors the dedication of workers across various professions—from nurses and teachers to truck drivers and factory workers—by giving them a well-deserved day off. But the celebrations don’t end there! September continues with National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, recognizing the vital role truck drivers play in our lives. Labor Day also marks the unofficial end of summer, a perfect opportunity for one last cookout or picnic. But how did this holiday come to be? Here are some fun facts about Labor Day! 1. The Founders of Labor Day Labor Day’s creation is attributed to two key figures: Matthew Maguire and Peter McGuire. Matthew was a machinist and member of the International Association of Machinists, while Peter was a carpenter and a member of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. Their contributions laid the groundwork for this important holiday. 2. The First Labor Day Celebration The inaugural Labor Day took place on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. The city’s unions organized a parade to celebrate their members, which drew 20,000 attendees. Workers who wanted to attend the parade had to take a day off from work without pay! 3. Presidential Endorsement Just as two workers were credited with creation of Labor Day, two U.S. presidents played roles in establishing Labor Day as an official holiday. President Grover Cleveland made it a federal holiday in 1894. Later, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill into law in 1968, ensuring that Labor Day would always fall on a Monday, thus creating a guaranteed three-day weekend for workers. 4. Hot Dog Season Finale Labor Day not only signals the unofficial end of summer but also the close of hot dog season. Americans consume 7 billion (yes, billion) hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year! 5. Labor Day & the U.S. Department of Labor Interestingly, Labor Day was established two decades before the creation of the U.S. Department of Labor. 6. Labor Day & Hurricanes Labor Day occurs in the middle of hurricane season. There have been some powerful hurricanes on the holiday. One of them was the Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 that hit the Florida Keys. It was the first recorded Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the United States. At DVC, we take pride in celebrating the hard work and commitment of our employees. As we prepare to enjoy the Labor Day weekend, we also look forward to National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our team members—from those in the shop to our truck drivers—for their incredible efforts in keeping DVC running smoothly. Enjoy the holiday, and don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the hard work behind it!

Understanding the Proposed Rescheduling