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Servant Leadership
What an honor it was to present this year’s Matthew E. Baker Community Servant Award to Mitch Gruver on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Tioga County Fairgrounds. Mitch is the owner of Papa’s Patties and was recognized for his quick action to provide food to people devastated by flooding in the wake of Hurricane Debby last year.
The Matthew E. Baker Community Servant Award is given to someone who demonstrates servant leadership and dedication to our community with a servant’s heart, and Mitch certainly fits the bill!
On what was one of the worst days for our community, we also saw the best from so many people who wanted to do whatever they could to help their neighbors in need. Mitch and his food truck were having a busy week at the Tioga County Fair when the flooding hit. He and his wife knew they needed to do something. They packed up and headed over to the valley with 200 pounds of burgers and the first of many donations of bread and chips from his local supplier.
Mitch and his team initially planned to provide burgers to first responders; however, as word spread, more and more community members made contributions. Soon, Crary Hose Company became a hub for meal preparations and food storage. Everyone worked tirelessly, preparing and serving thousands of meals to the community. The team even delivered meals to those who could not pick them up. The time, skills and food he provided truly made a difference, not only by feeding those who were hungry but also by showing them compassion. He credited the many businesses and individuals who readily donated food and supplies he needed to continue serving others. He said whatever they needed, they posted on Facebook and within a day, it was delivered.
Mitch said, “I’m proud to be part of a community that pulled together during this time, but also proud to be a business owner and in a position to help others. I encourage all of us to see the need around us and don’t be afraid to step in to help.”
The first step to leadership is servanthood. Mitch helped unite our community to address the needs of those who lost so much. I am grateful for Mitch’s leadership and for all those who came together to serve our community.
Pictured from left: Former award recipient Ron Butler, former Rep. Matt Baker, Mitch Gruver, me, and Tioga County commissioners Shane Nickerson, Marc Rice and Sam VanLoon.
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State Budget Prospects Worsen
The House was back in session Sunday and Monday to vote on a transportation funding plan that would increase the amount of sales tax revenue being directed to mass transit in the Commonwealth. The same concept has already been passed in the House four times before, and it’s unlikely the outcome will be any different this time, especially after House Democrats spent almost as much time chastising majority Senate Republicans as actually advocating for their bill during floor debate.
Sales tax revenues are a significant contributor to the state’s annual revenues, and taking more of that money for mass transit means less money is available for other priorities. So what will be cut to keep the budget balanced? We don’t know because the governor has so far failed to help negotiate a compromise budget that can be passed in both chambers.
We should not be voting for funding for transportation outside the framework of a complete budget. You can watch my comments following the vote above.
On the plus side, two of my boys – Calvin and Chase – joined me at the Capitol to watch our voting session. They were recognized and introduced by House Speaker Joanna McClinton. It was a great experience for them!
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Education is Key to Protecting Yourself from Scams
We had a great turnout at our Senior Scam Seminar last Tuesday at the Tioga County Fairgrounds. Over 150 people came out to educate themselves on scams that we face every day!
It was a very informative panel discussion where we learned real life stories, what are some of the trending scams, and how we can protect ourselves. Our panel of experts included John Reber, chief risk management officer of C&N Bank; Lisa Banik, compliance officer of FCCB; George Dillman, consumer outreach specialist with PA Department of Banking and Securities; and Michelle Nutter, office of public engagement with the PA Office of Attorney General. It was a great conversation. Lots of learning was done, but just as importantly it was a lot of reminding, and it is a conversation that we will continue to have so we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from fraud.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud:
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If you don’t know the caller, let it go to voicemail. |
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Don’t always trust the caller ID display. |
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Don’t provide financial or personal information to callers. |
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You can’t win a sweepstake or lottery if you didn’t enter it. |
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Scammers often ask for wire payments. |
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Don’t pay anyone with prepaid debit cards or gift cards. |
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The IRS will not call you until they have sent three official letters. |
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Only provide Medicare information when receiving care or services. |
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Always confirm contact from financial institutions by the phone number on your statements. |
One of the biggest things you can do to help protect yourself is to stop, take a step back and think it through. If something does not feel right, talk to a trusted family member or friend or your banker. My office is always available, and we are happy to assist you.
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Cultivating the Future
It was a great week at the Tioga County Fair! I always enjoy going to the fair and supporting the local talent and businesses represented at the fair, as well as the many 4-H participants who have worked so hard on their projects. 4-H has a rich history rooted in agriculture education, and its programs continue to be a vital force in shaping the future of farming.
This year, I had the opportunity to participate in the “Just for Fun Adult Showmanship Competition,” which was a fun way to support local agriculture at the fair. I grew up showing dairy cows but jumping in and learning how to show beef cows was definitely quite fun and taught me something new.
I also enjoyed catching up with the Shuman brothers at the livestock auction. Thank you, Trystan and Conner, for all your hard work and contributions to your local 4-H program.
Growing up on a farm, I participated in 4-H, which helped me get out of my comfort zone, develop crucial life skills and leadership qualities that relate to all areas of life. Now I get to share that experience with my kids and support all our local 4-H kids, who are learning many valuable skills and even trying new things. Agriculture runs deep in Tioga and Bradford counties, and our fairs bring us all together to celebrate the rich farming history here in our community.
Throughout the years, these are always moments that I enjoy sharing with my family!
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A Look into the Commonwealth’s Future
I joined the House Republican Policy Committee recently in touring two cutting-edge lithium extraction facilities in Susquehanna County, followed by a roundtable discussion on how this breakthrough technology positions Pennsylvania as a national leader.
By extracting rare earth minerals – like lithium – from wastewater generated by natural gas operations, Pennsylvania is transforming industrial byproducts into powerful assets for energy security and economic growth. This innovation not only strengthens our energy independence but also creates family-sustaining jobs and gives our Commonwealth a global competitive edge.
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Celebrating Agriculture at Ag Progress Days
Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, the Commonwealth’s largest outdoor agricultural exposition is this week, Tuesday through Thursday, Aug. 12-14, at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center, 2710 W. Pine Grove Road in Pennsylvania Furnace.
The event is hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and showcases educational programs, current research, and the latest innovations in agricultural equipment and technology. It features more than 400 exhibitors from the United States and Canada.
Both parking and admission are free. Learn more here.
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Back to School
How is it the second week of August already?
It is always a little bittersweet for my family and me when the summer activities slow down, and we start to gear up for a new school routine. I hope you all had a great summer and made some great memories. As you gear up for the new school year, I wish all the students and teachers a great year!
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A Last Hurrah for Summer!
With students soon set to return to the classroom, many families are looking to squeeze in one more vacation, long weekend or day trip. Fortunately, Pennsylvania has a lot of fun options close to home or within a few hours’ drive!
Check out the Visitpa.com website for an array of travel ideas, from outdoor adventures and historic sites to arts and culture destinations, amusement attractions and other must-visit places, Pennsylvania has something for everyone and every budget.
Click here to start planning!
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