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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link. |
Raise the Region: A Celebration of Local Giving
On March 11 and 12, Raise the Region kicked off, providing an opportunity for our community to come together in support of the organizations that make Tioga County such a special place to live. This annual event continues to highlight the generosity of our residents and the incredible work being done by local nonprofits.
It was an honor to attend the wrap-up celebration, where we recognized the success of this year’s campaign. Thanks to overwhelming support from donors throughout our region, more than $157,000 was raised to support local missions right here in our community. This achievement is a true testament not only to the kindness of those who give, but also to the hard work and dedication of our nonprofit organizations. These groups work tirelessly year-round, organizing fundraisers, building partnerships and stretching every dollar to ensure they can continue providing vital services.
Raise the Region continues to be a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared purpose. It creates an opportunity to highlight the missions of so many deserving organizations while encouraging a spirit of generosity that extends well beyond a single day of giving.
I was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate alongside so many individuals and organizations who work every day to make a difference. It is because of this collective effort that Tioga County remains such a strong, caring and connected community.
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Honoring a Legacy of Service in Troy
Lauren and I had a special evening with our friends at the Oscoluwa Engine and Hose Company in Troy for their annual awards banquet. It was an honor to recognize Gary Johns for an incredible 55 years of service where he served as Engineer and is now a life member of the company. I also recognized Second Assistant Chief Ryan Vargson, who previously served as captain, for 30 years of dedication.
One of the most meaningful moments of the night was honoring the life and legacy of the late Ralph Knapp. His wife, Priscilla, accepted his citation as we reflected on Ralph’s unwavering commitment to serving his community.
I am so grateful for all the men and women who offer their selfless service to our community. Their dedication truly makes a lasting difference.
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Listening, Learning and Supporting Our Community
On March 23, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives of United Way of North Central Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. I appreciate it when our local organizations that serve our communities take the time to visit me in Harrisburg, advocate for themselves, and share their needs. We discussed the importance of child care reform and the critical role 211 plays in connecting individuals and families with the help they need.
These conversations are so important in helping me better understand how we can work together to support their mission and strengthen the services they provide to those who rely on them. I am grateful for the dedication of the United Way team, and I appreciate all they do to serve and support our community.
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Veterans Service Officer Outreach in Troy
The Troy district office is hosting free veterans’ assistance hours on the second Thursday of each month to all veterans and their dependents. Call the Troy office at 570-297-3045 to schedule an appointment to speak with Bill McGovern, Veterans Service Officer from the American Legion. We are now scheduling appointments for April 9.
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Scam and Financial Exploitation Seminar
Mark your calendar for this upcoming Senior Fraud and Scam Prevention Seminar on Tuesday, April 21. This event is hosted by the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Mansfield University Police Academy and the Wellsboro Police Department.
This is a great opportunity to learn how to recognize scams, protect your personal information, and safeguard your finances. Staying informed is one of the best ways to stay protected!
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Voter Registration Deadline May 4
Pennsylvanians who are not already registered to vote but wish to participate in the May 19 primary election should be sure to register no later than Monday, May 4.
To be eligible to vote in the primary, you must be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election; a resident of the election district in which you register to vote for at least 30 days before the election; and at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the primary.
Under state law, only voters registered as Republicans or Democrats may vote for candidates in the primary election.
Citizens may register to vote online here or visit your county voter registration office. Not sure of your registration status? Check it here.
Voters who prefer to vote by mail-in or absentee ballot have until May 12 to apply for the ballot and until 8 p.m. on May 19 to return it. For more information, click here.
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LIHEAP Deadline Extended to May 8
The deadline for Pennsylvanians to apply for help with home heating bills has been extended until May 8.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides home energy assistance grants to help with heating bills and crisis grants for emergencies, such as fuel shortages or broken heating equipment.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, you must meet income requirements, which are set based on your household size. For example, the maximum annual income for an individual is $23,940 and for a family of four it is $49,500. For each additional person, add $8,520 to the income limit.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS, by phone at 1-866-857-7095 or by contacting the County Assistance Office in their county of residence.
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Student Contests Celebrate America’s 250th
Students across Pennsylvania are encouraged to participate in contests created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Historical Commission to mark our nation’s 250th birthday. The contests celebrate our state’s and nation’s history, while encouraging students to learn about the work and role of the courts. Winners will be notified May 8 and recognized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court at the May 18 oral argument session at the Capitol in Harrisburg.
The first is a coloring contest open to students ages 5-11 and gives young students the opportunity to create their own judge.
The second is an essay contest open to students in grades 3-12. The essays are being judged on creativity and overall quality when answering the following questions:
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Question (Grades 3-5) – Why is the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania important? |
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Question (Grades 6-12) – Which Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice inspires you and why? |
Instructions for the coloring contest can be found here.
Information about the essay contest can be found here.
Students and parents are encouraged to submit photo entries on Instagram by tagging @pennsylvaniacourts or essay entries can be submitted by email to CommunicationsOffice@pacourts.us or mail to: AOPC Communications, c/o Stacey Witalec, 601 Commonwealth Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17106. The deadline for entries is April 24.
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