Senator Culver E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Metal Mania Recycling on Earth Day
  • Berwick Micro Hospital Survey
  • Visiting the Solar Array at Middleburg Elementary School
  • Celebrating National Library Week
  • Growing Greener Watershed Grant Program Opens Friday
  • How to Apply for a Veterans ID Card
  • Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth Accepting Applications
  • Check Out a State Park Near You
  • Recognizing the Vital Role of Volunteers

Metal Mania Recycling on Earth Day

Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, and you’re invited to participate in the Metal Mania Recycling event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the rear of Bader’s Fine Furniture Store, located at the intersection of Sunbury Street and Liberty Street, Shamokin.

Please enter on Liberty Street and exit on Orange Street.

The recyclers will be accepting washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, garbage cans, lids, box fans, cookie sheets, file cabinets, metal furniture, pots, pans, small metal appliances, toasters, metal charcoal grills, air conditioners and anything made from metal.

The recyclers cannot accept computers, laptops or television sets.

There is no charge for recycling.

This event is being sponsored by the Faith Alliance for Revitalization (FAR), City of Shamokin Environmental Resiliency Plan, Better Together Group and Shamokin Rotary.

Berwick Micro Hospital Survey

Following the closure of Berwick Hospital Center last fall, a grassroots group of concerned residents began working to develop a plan to meet the medical needs of local residents. They currently are considering the concept of a micro hospital.

The group is seeking input from the community. The organizers have established a short, nine-question survey, which you can complete by following this link.

Your response will be taken under consideration as the group plans its next steps in this process.

Visiting the Solar Array at Middleburg Elementary School

I took a tour this week of the solar array at Middleburg Elementary School with Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rep. David Rowe, Katie Blume of Conservation PA, and Michael Ford of the Pennsylvania Building Trades Council. I also discussed SUN Day – a day in which elementary students get to explore the power of the sun.  Thank you to Midd-West School District Superintendent Joe Stroup, as well as other members of the administration, faculty and school board, for inviting us to join you!

Celebrating National Library Week

National Library Week begins on Sunday, April 23, and will last until Saturday, April 29. The theme for National Library Week 2023 is “There’s More to the Story,” which is designed to show there is so much more to a library than books.

There are estimated to be more than 120,000 libraries across the United States.

You can learn more about National Library Week 2023, including a list of daily celebrations, by visiting the American Library Association website.

Growing Greener Watershed Grant Program Opens Friday

Beginning Friday, April 21, organizations involved in water resource restoration and protection can apply for the next round of Growing Greener grants through the Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener Plus Grants Program

Growing Greener grants are designed to improve or protect this Commonwealth’s waters from nonpoint source pollution associated with agricultural activities, acid mine drainage, stormwater runoff, energy resource extraction and streambank and shoreline degradation.

Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, county conservation districts, watershed organizations, councils of governments, educational institutions and other organizations dedicated to water clean-up and preservation can apply. The application deadline is June 23.

How to Apply for a Veterans ID Card

Many former service members are unsure how to prove they are a veteran to take advantage of discounts offered by businesses. These include restaurants, hotels, stores, recreational activities, home improvement and more.

The easiest way is to apply for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans ID Card (VIC), which is a digital photo ID you can use to get those discounts. Since September 2022, all new Veterans ID cards have been digital. A veteran with a physical ID card can continue using it to get discounts. The VIC is separate from the VA health care ID, which a veteran receives when enrolling in VA health care.

Find out how to apply for a card here. If you have any questions or need help, email VA’s VIC program at vetidcard@va.gov.

Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth Accepting Applications

The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is accepting applications for its third class of cadets, which begins in July. KSCA is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education, as well as learning leadership, self-discipline and responsibility.

The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old male and female Pennsylvania residents who are failing to progress in high school or may not be on a clear path to graduating. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. The program lasts for 17 months, with the first five months consisting of residential training at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County, followed by a year of mentorship back in the community.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process here. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767 or 717-861-8831.

Check Out a State Park Near You

Now that spring has arrived, the nicer weather will allow Pennsylvanians more opportunities to explore our state’s 124 beautiful state parks, operated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Pennsylvania’s state parks system manages more than 300,000 acres for popular recreation activities, such as hiking, picnicking, camping, fishing, hunting and boating.

Pennsylvania state parks do not charge an entrance fee; however, fees do apply for some activities.

If you like to enjoy the outdoors with your dog, 56 of our state parks offer dog-friendly campgrounds. Learn more or find a park nearby here. Make reservations online here to secure campsites, cabins, picnic pavilions, whitewater boating launch time permits and more.

Recognizing the Vital Role of Volunteers

The strength of America is found not in the relationship between citizens and government, but between citizens themselves: Neighbors helping neighbors through the act of volunteering.  

An estimated 23.2% of Americans or more than 60.7 million people formally volunteered with organizations between September 2020 and 2021. For everyone who steps up and gives time, effort and more, you have my deep appreciation.

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