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In this Update:
Remembering the Life of Dr. James Temple
It was an honor to attend the Celebration of Life for Sunbury veterinarian Dr. James Temple and to join his family, friends and so many members of our community in remembering a life dedicated to serving others. For decades, Dr. Temple cared for countless animals and the families who loved them. His compassion, professionalism and commitment to our community earned him the respect and gratitude of so many throughout the region. My thoughts and prayers remain with his wife Kathy, sons Jeff and Andrew, and the entire Temple family. May they find comfort in the many lives Dr. Temple touched and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program Reopening July 27-August 7
The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has announced that it will reopen the Public School Facility Improvement Grant (PSFIG) Program for a limited 10‑day application window, beginning July 27, 2026 and closing August 7, 2026. Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania public school districts and area career and technical schools seeking support for significant facility improvement projects. The PSFIG Program provides funding to address critical infrastructure needs and enhance learning environments across the Commonwealth. Under the program, grant funds may be used for a wide range of improvement activities, including:
Projects must have a total cost of $500,000 or more, though the CFA may waive this requirement for the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Grant requests may not exceed $5,000,000 per eligible improvement project. Applicants can access the full program guidelines through the DCED website. The Department has advised that projects submitted during the January-March application period are still under consideration and do not need to be resubmitted. Schools that applied previously, may submit new project proposals during this current application period. Celebrating June Schrack’s 103rd Birthday
As I had shared in a recent e-newsletter, I toured Watsontown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and while there, I met June Schrack, a lifelong Watsontown resident who had just celebrated her 103rd birthday. Having learned this, I made plans to return and present June with a Senate Citation, which I had the pleasure of doing this week. June has led a remarkable life, including as a young woman when she courageously traveled across the country on her own to attend college in California. Over the years, she built a loving family that now includes four children, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great-grandchildren. Thank you to June and the Watsontown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the opportunity to celebrate her extraordinary life and legacy. Penn College of Technology Tour Spotlights Education Model for High-Demand Careers
On Monday I visited Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College) in Williamsport, and I was joined by Senator Gene Yaw, who represents the Williamsport area and is the Chairman of Penn College’s Board of Directors. During my time on campus, I had the opportunity to see many state-of-the-art facilities in which students learn through hands-on experience using machinery and equipment they will be expected to operate or repair once they graduate. With a focus on high-demand fields of study like welding, diesel and power generation, and nursing, Penn College is preparing students for successful careers and is partnering with large employers for equipment sponsorships, internships, and job placements upon graduation. The school has an overall graduate placement rate of 98%, and they pride themselves on being a “college of technology” where students are taught by faculty with real-world experience while also garnering the necessary communication and critical thinking skills for the workforce. Thank you to Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success, Anthony Pace; Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Joanna Flynn; Chief Government & International Relations Officer, Patrick Marty; and the many faculty and staff for the hospitality and for the pride you take in your institution, its students, and its graduates. Investing in the Future of PA College Students
The Grow PA Scholarship program invests in Pennsylvania students looking to pursue a college education, develops the future of our workforce and incentivizes jobs to remain here in the commonwealth. Importantly, the program secures a commitment for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania communities after graduation, helping to address the state’s future economic and demographic challenges. With demand rising for Grow PA scholarships, a $10 million funding increase for the program was included in the 2026-27 state budget – bringing the annual funding total to $42.5 million. Grow PA, established in 2024, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more about this program here. Maggie Heimbuch Achieves Girl Scout Gold Award
This week I had the privilege of presenting Maggie Heimbuch, a member of Troop 30508, with a Senate Citation recognizing her achievement of the Girl Scout Gold Award. For her project, Maggie completed important accessibility improvements at Camp Victory, creating meaningful enhancements that are already benefiting campers. While Maggie is volunteering at the camp this week, I stopped by to visit her and present her citation. Maggie has been part of Camp Spifida, held at Camp Victory, since she was a young girl, and it is truly a joy to see her give back to a place that has shaped her life. Meeting young people like Maggie, who are compassionate, committed, and dedicated to helping others is both inspiring and encouraging. This smart, charismatic young woman has a bright future ahead of her, and it was an honor to celebrate her accomplishments. And thank you to WNEP for highlighting Camp Spifida this week. Four New Eagle Scouts Honored at Ceremony in Berwick
It was a privilege to attend an Eagle Court of Honor held in Berwick last weekend to celebrate the achievements of Matthew Allen, Brayden Doyle, Wesley Rosler, and Gabriel Valencik as they earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Members of Troop 20, sponsored by Lightstreet Community Fire Company in Bloomsburg, these young men share a lifelong connection and achievement to be proud of. Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is no small accomplishment. It reflects years of hard work, perseverance, leadership and service to others. These Eagle Scouts have demonstrated a commitment to their communities and have developed skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Congratulations to each of these outstanding Scouts, their families, Scout leaders and everyone who helped them reach this milestone. I wish them all the best as they continue their journeys. Donut Decorating at Watsontown Kids Cafe
On Wednesday, I visited the Watsontown Kids Café at Watsontown Park. The kids and I had a wonderful time decorating donuts in honor of the World War I “Donut Lassie.” This was a great way to teach about the brave Salvation Army volunteers who traveled to the front lines and boosted soldiers’ morale by frying up to 9,000 donuts a day. The afternoon was filled with smiles, joyful conversations with the kids, and plenty of sweet treats. A heartfelt thank you to JA Babay, Director of Montgomery House Library, and all the volunteers for making the day so delightful. Watsontown Kids Café is a free lunch program for kids 18 and under that is held every Monday through Friday from 11am-12:30pm at Watsontown Park throughout the summer. August 13 Grant Seminar: “How to Be a Better Applicant”
I will be hosting a grant seminar, “How to Be a Better Applicant,” on Thursday, August 13, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at the Bloomsburg Area High School Auditorium (1200 Railroad St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815). Over the past year, I have held introductory grant seminars for municipalities, first responders, and non‑profits. This next session builds on that foundation and is designed as a more advanced seminar for entities across the 27th Senatorial District that regularly prepare or submit grant applications. The seminar will feature Joe Marsicano, the PA Senate’s Funding & Resource Specialist, who will provide practical guidance on strengthening applications, avoiding common mistakes, and improving overall competitiveness. Please RSVP by Tuesday, August 11 using the online registration link or by calling my Shamokin Dam office at 570‑743‑1918. All organizations involved in grant writing or grant management are encouraged to attend this informative seminar. Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services
Rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania play a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence, and I’m pleased that this year’s budget includes a historic $12 million increase for rape crisis centers. With total state funding now amounting to nearly $25 million, this increase almost doubles the funding available for services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, prevention education and accompaniment for survivors navigating hospitals, police investigations and court proceedings. If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual assault and need to access rape crisis services, click here to find a center located near you. Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA
There’s plenty of summer left. If you haven’t had time for a vacation yet, or you’re looking for another getaway, there’s plenty to experience here in our commonwealth. Use VisitPA to explore by regions, such as the Pennsylvania Wilds, Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, the Lehigh Valley, Dutch Country and more. Break it down by things to do, outdoor activities, dining and other experiences. From rivers and trails to iconic attractions and historic sites, you can start planning your trip at the VisitPA website. Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Photo Contest Accepting Entries
Amateur and professional photographers: Take your best photos of the landscapes, wildlife and activities in a Pennsylvania state park or forest and enter the 2026 Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation “Through the Seasons” photo contest. This year’s theme is “Freedom to Explore: Celebrating 250 Years of Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Heritage”. A panel of experts will select a Judges’ Choice in each of the six categories prior to the photos being made available for public voting on the foundation’s Facebook page. Award winners receive gift cards and may be showcased in photo exhibitions. Recall, that two residents of the 27th District, Amanda Wydra of Danville and Chloe Benfer of Selinsgrove, were two of the winners in the 2025 photo contest, and their photographs are currently on display in the East Wing Rotunda of the Capitol Building. Find rules and entry info at the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation website. All photos must be submitted by Sept. 30. |
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