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In this Update:
Happening Tomorrow: Damaged License Plate Replacement EventIf your license plate is peeling, blistering, discolored, or difficult to read, I invite you to stop by my Damaged License Plate Replacement Event happening tomorrow, Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Susquehanna Valley Mall, in the front parking lot adjacent to Applebee’s. During the event, police will inspect damaged plates to determine whether they need to be replaced and will help with the appropriate paperwork. There is no fee for this service. Once submitted to PennDOT, replacement plates will be mailed directly to the vehicle owner’s home address. Please remember to bring your vehicle registration card. Pre-registering is appreciated but not required and can be done here: senatorculver.com. Join Me for a Virtual Event on Data Centers – Tuesday, April 13On Monday, April 13 at 6 p.m., I will be hosting a free virtual community event with Penn State Extension called Data Centers: Why Here, Why Now? This session will provide an informative, fact-based overview of why Pennsylvania has become a major location for data center development. Experts from Penn State Extension will discuss what data centers are, why companies are choosing Pennsylvania, and what potential opportunities and challenges communities may see as this industry continues to grow. Whether you are curious about the technology, interested in community impacts, or simply want to learn more, this event is designed to help residents better understand an issue receiving growing attention across the Commonwealth. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link, and space is limited to 200 attendees. This event is open only to residents of the 27th Legislative District. Sign up on my website. Agriculture Breakfast Brings Together Regional VoicesOn Wednesday, Representative Mike Stender and I hosted an Agriculture Breakfast at the Watson Inn in Watsontown, where we welcomed attendees for a discussion focused on the issues affecting agriculture and rural communities in our region. We were pleased to have Dr. Troy Ott, Dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station as our guest speaker. Represenatitve Stender and I appreciated the opportunity to hear from Dr. Ott, and spend time with those who care deeply about the strength of our agricultural community. Conversations like these are important as we continue working to support farmers, protect rural communities, and keep agriculture’s voice part of the discussion. Recognizing Line Mountain Student-AthletesThis week, I had the opportunity to present Senate citations to several Line Mountain student-athletes to honor their recent accomplishments. During the visit, I recognized the Line Mountain football team for its District VI championship, as well as the school’s archery program for their successes in a state competition. Additionally, several wrestlers were recognized for their post-season accomplishments:
Moments like this are a reminder of the discipline, teamwork, and commitment that student-athletes bring to their schools and communities. I appreciated the opportunity to recognize these students and congratulate them on representing Line Mountain with excellence. Meeting with AFSCME Retirees in SelinsgroveOn Monday, I had the opportunity to join American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) retirees from Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties for their monthly meeting at the Selinsgrove VFW. It was a pleasure to spend time with this group and to hear from retirees who have given so much through their years of service. During my remarks, I spoke about several issues that are especially important to retirees, including cost-of-living pressures, pension COLA proposals, prescription affordability, property tax and rebate assistance, and protections for older Pennsylvanians. AFSCME has long represented public employees and retirees, and these conversations reflect the practical concerns that matter deeply to many of its members and their families. Gatherings like this are always valuable because they provide an opportunity to connect directly with residents, listen to their perspectives, and continue important conversations about the issues affecting our communities. I appreciated the invitation to attend and the warm welcome from everyone who took part in the event. Support the Wee Read Book Drive
From April 11 through April 24, Susquehanna Valley United Way is holding its annual Wee Read Book Drive to collect new and gently used children’s books for local families. The drive supports the organization’s Family Services Parents as Teachers program, helping build home libraries so children can receive books during home visits and share them with their families. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I have continued to advocate for stronger literacy support for children and families because early reading skills matter. That is one reason initiatives like Wee Read are so important. Access to books helps build language skills, spark imagination, strengthen parent-child bonds, and encourage a lifelong love of reading. Books collected through this effort will directly support literacy needs across Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder counties, all within the 27th Senatorial District. In addition to the drop-off locations listed by Susquehanna Valley United Way, book donations may also be dropped off at my district offices in Bloomsburg, Mount Carmel, and Shamokin Dam, as well as at my Harrisburg office during the drive. Addresses and contact information are available on my Office Information page. To learn more, find drop-off locations, or support the drive, visit here. Reducing Aggressive Driving, Protecting Pedestrians the Focus of Senate Hearing
Law enforcement agencies, transportation officials and community advocates discussed initiatives to discourage aggressive driving and make roads safer for pedestrians, fellow motorists and cyclists at a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. The most effective and comprehensive approach to reducing aggressive driving involves a combination of engineering, education, enforcement and emergency response strategies, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The department collaborates with the Pennsylvania State Police, local governments, universities and other organizations to combat aggressive driving. You can read what other testifiers said and view the full hearing video here. Bloomsburg Maker Fest Set for May 2The 2026 Bloomsburg Maker Fest is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, and I am pleased to be partnering with The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum to help present this exciting community event, which celebrates creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning for all ages. Bloomsburg Maker Fest will bring together makers, artists, engineers, educators, and families for a day of exploration, discovery, and inspiration. The event will feature hands-on experiences across STEM, STEAM, art, engineering, technology, and crafts, along with interactive exhibits and activities designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. This is a free, family-friendly event, and attendees can look forward to seeing a wide variety of exhibitors and organizations, including groups such as PA Fish & Boat, the PA Game Commission, PennDOT, Geisinger, PPL, UGI, Sekisui Kydex, Amazon, and many others. Check-in will take place at the event, and parking will be available at the fairgrounds. Women Veterans Invited to Submit Their Stories of Service, Attend Capitol Ceremony
Women who served in the armed forces are encouraged to be part of the 4th Annual Women Veterans Day Commemoration event being held on Wednesday, June 10, in the Main Rotunda of the Capitol. Women veterans across the commonwealth are invited to submit their personal reflection on the theme “What Service Means to Me” for a virtual display that will be available online for all to view beginning June 8. Click here to submit your story by the May 8 deadline. I hope women veterans from the 27th District will plan to attend this event being hosted by female veteran, Senator Tracy Pennycuick. For additional information or assistance with registration, which can be done through the story submission form, call Senator Pennycuick’s district office at 215-541-2388. Beware of Investment Scams on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp
Fraudulent investment schemes are appearing on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp featuring recognizable figures, like Cathie Wood (Ark Invest), Joe Kernen (CNBC) or Kevin O’Leary (CNBC) without their permission. In these “pump and dump” schemes, victims are lured into online groups and convinced to invest in cryptocurrencies or low-priced stocks. The scammers advertise, hype and recommend buying the stocks or cryptocurrencies, increasing their prices, and then sell when the price is high, while the victims lose their money. Attorney General Dave Sunday encourages anyone who may have been a victim of these types of scams to report it to the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or scams@attorneygeneral.gov. Free HOA and Condo Resource Available for HomeownersIf you live in a homeowners’ association or condominium community and have questions about how these communities operate, a free online resource is now available to help. Community Associations Institute recently shared information about its online course, Community Association Living: An Essential Guide for Homeowner Leaders. The course is designed to give homeowners an easy-to-follow overview of community association living, including topics such as governance, financial management, elections, maintenance, and best practices. Resources like this can be helpful for residents who want to better understand the structure of their community, the responsibilities of boards and homeowners, and how to navigate common questions and concerns. Constituents interested in learning more can access the free course and related resources through Community Associations Institute. Area Creameries Encouraged to Join the PA Ice Cream Trail – Deadline is Monday
Area creameries have until this Monday, April 13, to get listed on the 2026 PA Ice Cream Trail. Last year’s promotion brought more than 12,500 visitors to creameries statewide. The PA Ice Cream Trail runs from June to September and is designed to increase consumer awareness of locally produced dairy products. The program includes a digital passport featuring creameries across the state and a prize for those who visit a certain number of creameries. Pennsylvania dairy farms that have a value-added ice cream component to their business and meet the qualifications of the PA Preferred® program are encouraged to join the trail. Find out how to participate at the Center for Dairy Excellence. Child Abuse Prevention Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to learn how to identify abused or neglected children. You could save a child’s innocence or even their life. Signs of child abuse include unexplained injuries or injuries inconsistent with a child’s age and developmental level. Signs of child neglect include lack of adequate medical and dental care, or a child who is often hungry or not registered in school. I have joined Senator Martin and other colleagues in sponsoring a resolution recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month in Pennsylvania and highlighting the importance of awareness, education, and prevention. Find more signs of abuse and neglect here. If you suspect child abuse, call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.
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