|
|||||
|
In this Update:
Honoring Service and Sacrifice
Memorial Day is a solemn time for every American, but it carries a special weight for veterans, military families and the communities who have known the cost of service firsthand. Across our region, many veterans continue to lead the work of remembrance by organizing ceremonies, placing flags, standing in honor guards and helping ensure the sacrifice of the fallen is never forgotten. As families and neighbors gather during Memorial Day weekend, we are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy came at a tremendous cost. This is a time to pause, reflect and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Several local events are planned across the 27th District, including: Lightstreet Memorial Day Parade Mifflinville Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies Danville Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies Catawissa Memorial Day Celebration Mount Carmel Area Memorial Day Services On Monday, May 25, Memorial Day activities in Mount Carmel will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a service at the monuments and flagpole at Second and Oak streets. The Mount Carmel Area Big Red Band will perform patriotic music, and the program will include the lowering of the flag to half-staff, a volley of shots, taps and the national anthem. Additional services will follow at the World War I plaque at Third and Oak streets, Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Beaverdale, Mount Carmel Cemetery and Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in Locust Gap. I encourage residents to attend these local events as we remember and honor the Americans who gave their lives in defense of our nation. Their courage, sacrifice and devotion to country will never be forgotten. My offices will be closed Monday, May 25th and resume normal hours on Tuesday, May 26th. More Than $1 Million Awarded for Luzerne County Projects
More than $1 million in state grant funding has been awarded to support infrastructure, public safety and community improvement projects in Luzerne County. The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Local Share Account Luzerne County program. These dollars will help local municipalities complete projects that address practical needs while reducing the burden on local taxpayers. Projects awarded funding includes:
I appreciate the collaboration with Rep. Alec Ryncavage and Rep. Jamie Walsh in supporting these important projects for our shared communities. Funding for these projects is administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Senior Technology Workshop Held in Shamokin
I appreciated the opportunity on Thursday to host a Senior Technology Workshop at the Shamokin and Coal Township Public Library to help local seniors with smartphones, tablets and everyday technology questions. The workshop gave residents the chance to receive hands-on assistance and build more confidence using their personal devices. Whether learning how to use apps, adjust settings, send messages, access information or stay connected with family and friends, this event was designed to provide practical help in a welcoming and easy-to-follow setting. Technology can be a valuable tool, but it can also be daunting and even frustrating as it is constantly evolving. Events like this help bring support directly to residents and make everyday technology a little easier to navigate. Thank you to the Shamokin and Coal Township Public Library for partnering with me on this workshop and for hosting us at the library. I also want to thank everyone who attended and brought their questions. I always value the opportunity to connect residents with helpful resources close to home. Recognizing Local Eagle Scouts
I had the opportunity to recognize Conor Moyer Necessary (center-right in bottom left picture) of Shamokin Dam for earning the rank of Eagle Scout, an achievement that reflects years of leadership, service and dedication. Conor is a member of Troop 419 and became the troop’s 119th Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, he improved Kidsgrove Playground in Selinsgrove by repairing fencing, replacing roofs on the front bulletin board and train station and installing three new activity panels for children. I also want to congratulate Daniel Patrick Shellenberger (bottom-right picture) of Troop 309, who received his Eagle Scout recognition during a ceremony at Camp Karoondinha in Millmont. Daniel was also awarded the Vigil Honor of the Order of the Arrow, the highest recognition in the Order of the Arrow. Congratulations as well to Keaton Herb (top-left picture) of Troop 331, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Keaton refinished 30 picnic tables at United Lutheran Church’s picnic grove by sanding, repairing and repainting them for continued community use. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a tremendous accomplishment, and I congratulate Conor, Daniel and Keaton, along with their families, troop leaders and everyone who supported them along the way. PA Breast Cancer Coalition Exhibit in Sunbury Highlights Survivor Stories
I was honored to join the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition at the Degenstein Community Library in Sunbury for the opening reception of the Northumberland County stop of its traveling photo exhibit, 67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania. The exhibit, which will be on display at the library until June 1, shares the stories of breast cancer survivors from each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties and offers a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, treatment, support and hope. It was especially meaningful to hear from Cheryl Delsite and Melissa Rowse, two survivors from Northumberland County, who shared their experiences and helped bring this important message close to home. Thank you to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition for bringing this exhibit to our region, to the Degenstein Community Library for hosting and to everyone who attended in support of survivors, families and caregivers. I encourage you to visit the display while it is in our area. Learn more about the traveling photo exhibit here. New Medical and Health Professional Loans Support Graduate Students
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has launched a new Medical and Health Professional Loan Program to support graduate students in medical, dental, veterinarian and health professional studies. The program features deferred repayment during residency, fellowship, internship, research and other clinical training, and the potential for reduced reliance on co-signers. This initiative helps fill critical, specialized positions to serve citizens across the commonwealth. Medical students can apply here. Other health-related students can apply here. Students pursuing advanced degrees in other areas of study can apply here. Correction: Montour Night Out Location Updated
Correction: My previous article on Montour Night Out included a graphic that listed an incorrect location. The correct location for this event is the Danville Area High School Football Stadium, 733 Ironmen Lane, Danville, PA 17821. Montour Night Out will be held Thursday, June 11, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This family-friendly event is hosted by Montour County public safety partners and is focused on building community, strengthening partnerships and enhancing safety. Residents will have the opportunity to meet local, state and federal law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, health and human service organizations and many other community groups. Free food, including hot dogs, chips, snacks and ice cream, will also be available. Events like this are a great opportunity for families to connect with first responders, learn more about local services and spend time with the organizations that help keep our communities safe. Understanding PFAS in Private Water Systems – Public Workshop June 18 in Sunbury
Penn State Extension will host an in-person workshop, Understanding PFAS in Private Water Systems, on Thursday, June 18, at 1 p.m. at Penn State Extension Northumberland County, 443 Plum Creek Rd. Sunbury, PA 17801. This free, one-hour workshop is designed for Pennsylvania residents who use a private water supply, such as a well, spring or cistern. Participants will learn more about PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” including where they come from, how they move through the environment and how they may affect private water supplies. The workshop will also cover how to test and monitor for PFAS, how to understand test results and what treatment options may be available to reduce PFAS in drinking water. A complimentary water test, valued at approximately $300, will be available for eligible participants. To qualify, participants must register, attend the live workshop and live at a primary residence with a private water supply. Only one test is permitted per household, and participants must collect water samples and return them to a designated drop-off location within a few days of the event. Testing and seating are limited. Registration is required by Tuesday, June 16. Residents interested in attending are encouraged to register early. Learn more and Register here: PennState Extension – PFAS Workshop Registration. Explore Our Rivers and Lakes with Safe Boating
Waterways in our area and across the commonwealth provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating. During National Safe Boating Week, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers a checklist of basic safety guidelines including:
For more information on safe boating, to take a Boating Safety Education Course and to purchase launch permits, boat registration renewals and fishing licenses, visit the commission’s boating webpage. Local Groups Can Apply for Watershed Restoration Grants
Local governments, schools, nonprofits, watershed groups and other organizations have until June 22 to apply for Growing Greener Plus grants to help fund local projects that fix flooding problems and restore watersheds. Growing Greener Plus helps cover the cost of watershed protection, surface mining conservation and reclamation, and stormwater management planning. All proposals will be competitively reviewed for eligibility, environmental benefits and other criteria. Organizations can access eligibility guidelines and applications here. Organizations interested in staying informed about funding opportunities like this can also sign up for my Funding Newsletter on my website. |
|||||
|
|||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorculver.com | Privacy Policy |
