 |
|
|
|
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link. |
Honoring Our Veterans
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, we recognize Veterans Day by remembering the sacrifices these men and women made on behalf of our citizens and people around the world.
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, first marked the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and sought to honor the veterans of the World War – the only world war to have occurred at that time. Armistice Day was declared a national holiday in 1938 to acknowledge world peace and then was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to celebrate the contributions of veterans of all wars.
For more about the history of Veterans Day, click here.
For more information about programs and benefits to support our veterans in Pennsylvania, visit the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website here.
|
Remembering Their Stories of Service and Sacrifice
In October, I had the opportunity to host a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast in Bradford County for veterans from across the 68th District. It was a special morning filled with fellowship, memories, and stories of service and sacrifice.
This week, I encourage you to take a few minutes to listen to some of the inspiring stories shared by our local veterans. Their experiences remind us of the courage, dedication and sacrifices made to protect our freedoms.
Most importantly, be sure to thank the veterans in your life and throughout our communities. We are grateful for their service.
|
A Career Dedicated to Service Over Self
Tim Cleveland is no stranger to our office or to the veterans of Tioga County. When a veteran comes to us with a need we cannot address, we know we can count on Tim to help point them in the right direction.
After 35 years of military service, Tim retired from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 193rd Special Operations Wing at the rank of Master Sergeant. His decorations include the Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.
Tim began working for Tioga County on Sept. 24, 1997, and became Director of Veterans Affairs in 2006. During his tenure, he expanded services for local veterans, helped establish the Wellsboro VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic and worked with neighboring counties to strengthen veterans services.
Throughout his career, Tim lived the motto of service over self. His knowledge, dedication and genuine care for those who served have made a lasting difference in our community.
We are grateful for Tim’s years of military and community service. His impact on Tioga County veterans will be felt for years to come. We wish him the best in retirement and look forward to working with new Director of Veterans Affairs Jodi Stevens.
|
Veterans Day Parade
Local veterans are invited to participate in a drive-by Veterans Day Parade hosted by Wellsboro Elementary School. Veterans are encouraged to join the parade and let our community and students show their appreciation for their service and sacrifice!
|
Veterans: Don’t Pay to Apply for VA Benefits
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning veterans and their spouses that scammers are out there pretending to be with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and offering to help you apply for benefits if you pay them – even though it’s free to apply with the VA. So if you’re applying for veterans benefits, get the help you need while avoiding scams. Here’s how.
First, know how the scam works: You get an unexpected call, text, email, or message on social media from someone who says they’re reaching out about your veterans benefits. They might claim to work for the VA or say they’re “approved” by the VA. (But, really, they’re not.) They offer to help you do things like apply for benefits you’re “missing,” get you a 100% disability rating, or speed up the claims process — all for a fee.
Those are all scams. The VA will never charge you to apply for benefits. Accredited representatives and recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) won’t charge you either, but scammers will. A few things to remember:
| |
• |
Never pay to apply. Whether you apply online or in person at a VA Regional Office, the VA will help you gather and develop evidence to support your initial claim for VA benefits — for free. |
| |
• |
Apply directly to the VA. Only the VA can determine your eligibility and award benefits. Anything else is a scam. Only scammers guarantee you’ll get benefits or offer to help you skip the line. Not even accredited representatives can do that. |
| |
• |
Work with a VA-accredited representative. Use the VA’s Accreditation Search tool to make sure that the person helping you is actually approved by the VA. |
If you spot a VA impersonation scam, tell the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
|
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 November 12.
|
PennDOT Service Centers Close for Veterans Day
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
During the closures, customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, through PennDOT's online Driver and Vehicle Services website.
Our offices will also be closed for the holiday and reopen on Thursday, Nov. 12.
|
New Laws Help Nonprofits Raise Money
I recently voted in support of two new state laws that will allow our small games of chance (SGOC) license holders – including clubs, nonprofits, and fire and ambulance companies – to use more modern methods to raise money and continue supporting their communities.
Act 94 of 2026, formerly Senate Bill 416, will allow all SGOC license holders to accept credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment services or other electronic online payments for raffles. Act 93 of 2026, formerly Senate Bill 398, will establish a pilot program for fire companies to conduct two online raffles in the upcoming year.
Prior laws limited nonprofits and fire companies with small games of chance licenses to only receive money for their fundraising efforts through cash or check, making it difficult for people to contribute. These new laws make payments more accessible, embrace new technology and broaden how these organizations are able to interact with their communities.
The new laws also increase the aggregate prize limit from $35,000 weekly to $60,000 weekly and change the distribution of proceeds for club licensees (those organizations with a liquor license) to 50% for public interest purposes and 50% for general operating expenses of the club.
Act 93 takes effect immediately, while Act 94 will take effect in late December.
|
Heating Assistance Program Now Open
Residents who struggle with their home heating bills may now apply for help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. The minimum cash grant is $200 and the maximum is $1,000. Households may receive one cash grant per LIHEAP season.
The program also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service. The minimum crisis grant is $25 and the maximum is $1,000. Households may apply and be eligible for more than one crisis grant if they experience more than one emergency per LIHEAP season.
To qualify for LIHEAP, 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.
Click here for additional information. The program runs through April 23, 2027.
|
|
|
