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Living Lives Worthy of Their Sacrifice
As we reflect on the holiday weekend’s festivities, I want to express my gratitude to all who took time to honor and remember the servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Communities throughout our district gathered for memorial services and parades to honor our fallen service members. I was honored to participate in Blossburg’s Coal Festival parade and Troy’s Memorial Day Parade, and to share some thoughts as we look ahead to our nation’s 250th anniversary.
While Memorial Day has passed, we are reminded that our nation’s story has always been written by ordinary people willing to do extraordinary things for something greater than themselves. Two hundred and fifty years ago, a generation of Americans risked everything for the idea that freedom was worth defending. Because of their courage and sacrifice, we are able to celebrate 250 years of American freedom.
Memorial Day calls us to not only remember their sacrifices, but also to reflect on the ideals that have carried us through triumph and hardship: courage, service, unity, sacrifice and hope.
Whenever you see the American flag, remember that our freedom is the result of the sacrifices made by those who served our nation. As we think about how we can honor those who went before us, we should do so not only with ceremonies and flags, but by living lives worthy of their sacrifice.
We honor them when we serve our communities. We honor them when we treat one another with dignity and respect. We honor them when we protect the freedoms they died defending. And we honor them when we teach the next generation the true meaning of patriotism – not just love country, but responsibility to country.
Just as the heroes we honor on Memorial Day answered the call, we too have a responsibility as citizens of this great nation to stand together, serve together and preserve the blessings of liberty for generations to come.
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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 June 11.
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Cyber Crime Awareness
On Wednesday, May 20, I was happy to team up with Sheriff Frank Levindoski and offer a free presentation on cyber security and identity theft at Wellsboro’s Green Free Library. Thank you to those who came out to learn how to protect themselves from online predators.
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.
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One of the biggest things you can do to help protect yourself and those close to you 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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Celebrating Shore Sisters - 2026 Rural Small Business of the Year
Each year during National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizes exceptional businesses across all 50 states. Businesses are evaluated on factors such as job creation, business growth and community involvement.
If you’ve ever made the trip to Towanda in Bradford County, chances are you’ve experienced the farm-to-table ingredients at the café, the beautiful greenhouse, the farm market, local foods and unique décor at Shore Sisters. What began as simply selling sweet corn has grown into a fun and welcoming shopping destination for visitors from near and far.
I love seeing family-owned businesses in our region recognize a need, start small and discover a passion for serving their community. Through hard work and dedication, they’ve grown into an important part of the community they serve.
And now they’re receiving national recognition! On Thursday, May 21, I had the opportunity to celebrate Shore Sisters being named the 2026 Rural Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as being recognized as one of four national specialty winners alongside 50 state winners. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and impact Shore Sisters continues to make in the community. Congratulations!
I am pictured here with owners Michael and Renee Wilson and Rep. Tina Pickett.
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PA Rural Electric Association
I appreciated the opportunity to attend a meeting with members of the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, including the Tri-County Board of Directors, to discuss issues that affect us here in rural Pennsylvania.
I am pictured here with directors of Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative, Matt Whiting and Lowell Geiser.
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A Day in Harrisburg
Local fourth grade classes recently took on the Capitol! It’s always a great opportunity for our students to explore state government firsthand with a visit to our historic Capitol building here in Harrisburg.
I’m sorry I missed the chance to meet with them, but I hope their tour was both educational and memorable. Experiences like these help bring civics to life in a meaningful way.
If you’re interested in visiting the Capitol, feel free to contact our office or check out the tour website here. We love when students visit.
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| Troy Intermediate School |
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| Troy Intermediate School |
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| Troy Intermediate School |
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| RB Walter Elementary |
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| RB Walter Elementary |
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| RB Walter Elementary |
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| Don Gill Elementary |
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| Don Gill Elementary |
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| Don Gill Elementary |
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| Elkland Elementary |
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Bill Targets AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material
The state House recently gave unanimous approval to legislation that would strengthen protections for children victimized by AI-generated sexually explicit images.
House Bill 2474 would require schools and other mandated reporters to immediately notify law enforcement when they become aware of suspected child sexual abuse material involving artificial intelligence-generated “deepfake” images. The bill aims to prevent delays that can allow harmful material to continue spreading and additional victims to be targeted.
The bill was developed in response to at least two known cases in which school officials did not immediately report such incidents. The legislation is intended to remove uncertainty about reporting obligations and ensure law enforcement becomes involved immediately.
The bill is now pending consideration in the Senate.
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Mental Health Awareness Month
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and continuing the fight against the stigma people face when seeking help.
In Pennsylvania, mental health services are administered through county Mental Health and Developmental Services programs. To learn more about mental health care in Pennsylvania, click here.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
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Bike Safely!
May is National Bicycle Safety Month. The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code considers "pedalcycles" as vehicles. That means bicyclists must follow traffic laws, such as obeying all traffic signals and riding in the same direction as traffic. If you ride in violation of the traffic laws, you greatly increase your risk of a crash and will likely be found at fault in the event of an accident.
Here are some additional safety tips for cyclists:
• Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.
• Use proper hand signals when turning or stopping to communicate with drivers.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing to help drivers see you.
• Regularly maintain your bike to keep it working smoothly.
• Equip your bike with reflectors, a white headlight, and a bell or horn.
• Ride a car-door width away from parked vehicles.
Motor vehicles must allow 4 feet of distance when overtaking a bicycle and travel at a careful and prudent speed. It is the motorist’s responsibility to provide the distance, not the cyclist. For more bicycle safety tips, please visit penndot.pa.gov.
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