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Celebrating Community Connections at Our Senior Expo!
There was a lot of anticipation for this year’s Senior Expo after we unfortunately had to postpone it due to construction at Wellsboro High School over the summer. I was happy to see so many of you come out! It’s clear that this event is one that our community truly enjoys. On Monday, about 700 of our seniors took part, gaining valuable information from dozens of organizations, nonprofits, businesses and government officials.
A big thank you to my staff and the volunteers for all the work that made this event possible. Many hands make light work, especially when you are hosting nearly 80 exhibitors and serving locally made baked goods enjoyed over a cup of coffee.
Thank you to Jaylin Butler, 2024-25 Potter Tioga Maple Ambassador, for sharing your love for maple syrup with us and highlighting all the delicous ways to enjoy maple syrup!
It is wonderful to hear all the chatter, laughter and reconnections. The Senior Expo is more than just learning about programs and services. It is about celebrating community and the joy of connecting with one another and new connections being made as people discover programs and services that can help them in and through the senior years, all while catching up with some old friends.
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Another Chance to Pass a Responsible Budget, Thanks to the PA Senate
For the second time this year, the Senate has passed a responsible budget to ensure counties, school districts and other essential services receive the funding they need NOW. So far, the Democrat-controlled House continues to hold up the process and prolong the impasse they created.
Back in August, the Senate approved a reasonable budget that would have funded the core functions of government without breaking the bank. Two weeks ago, House Democrats finally brought that bill up for a vote, but not before they amended it to spend $50.2 billion, far beyond what our taxpayers can afford.
Last week the Senate again offered a compromise with a $47.9 billion plan. Yet, some Democrats still believe the amount is too little and continue to push for more spending than the Commonwealth can responsibly afford.
It’s time to stop playing politics and do what’s right for the people of Pennsylvania!
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Transforming Lives
There were plenty of smiles last week as 12 local children with disabilities received life-changing adaptive bikes and strollers. The joy and relief on the faces of their families were unmistakable as the kids got to try out their brand-new sets of wheels. Parents shared that the equipment is not only transforming their child’s daily life but also giving them renewed hope for the future and empowering each child to experience greater independence and joy.
Each piece of adaptive equipment meets a unique and previously unmet need for these children and their families – made possible through BLaST Intermediate Unit 17’s partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity.
Wyatt and Farren, two students from J. Andrew Morrow Primary School in Towanda, were all smiles as they received adaptive strollers and immediately settled into their new mode of transportation.
Wyatt’s mom and dad, Nick and Samantha, are looking forward to going on more outings as a family. Wyatt has outgrown most strollers and will sometimes run off in crowded or dangerous places. Wyatt immediately felt safe in his new stroller, and his parents are especially grateful that his stroller will keep him safe in crowded places.
Farren and her mom, Breanna, are excited for all the new opportunities ahead. Farren received both an adaptive bike and stroller, which will allow her to get outside and enjoy life outside of her “safe places”
Families can apply through BLaST IU17 to determine eligibility. Families are also able to apply for more than one piece of equipment, based upon their needs. Upon approval, each stroller or bike is customized to meet the individual needs of the child. For further information regarding BLaST’s bike give away or to learn how to be a partner, you may click HERE.
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Innovations at Work in Mansfield
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit two outstanding manufacturing companies located just outside of Mansfield. A few weeks ago, I shared a video highlighting our visit to Woodhouse, The Timber Frame Company. Nearby is the Murus Company Inc., another impressive local business contributing to our region’s economy and innovation. You can watch a brief look inside my visit and learn more about their structural insulated panels here:
If you missed the inside look into Woodhouse, The Timber Frame Company, you can watch it here.
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Celebrating 60 Years of Faith and Family
Tom and Jeanne Corbin were married on Sept. 11, 1965, at the original First Baptist Church in Wellsboro, which once stood at 23 Central Ave. They began their married life in Washington State, where Jeanne worked as a librarian and Tom served as a nursing supervisor for enlisted military at Madison General Hospital.
In 1972, the couple returned to their roots in Middlebury Center. Tom continued his career with the Pennsylvania Department of Health until retirement in 1999, while Jeanne dedicated herself to raising their four children as a stay-at-home mom.
Their life has been richly blessed with 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Tom and Jean also remain active in their church and cherish time spent celebrating life with family and friends. They enjoy gardening and canning, tending to their apple orchard and selling homemade cider.
Through every season of life, Christ has remained at the heart of their home. Tom and Jeanne have built a beautiful legacy, one that shines through the lives of their family. They often share advice to recognize each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and to build on them to make your marriage stronger. May their love, faith and devotion continue to inspire all who know them for generations to come.
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October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which is a time to celebrate our friends with Down syndrome and make others aware of their many abilities and accomplishments.
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States and is associated with delays in physical growth, characteristic facial features and intellectual challenges. Approximately 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each year. However, due to improved research and medical treatments, children born with Down syndrome can live long, happy and productive lives.
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