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In this Update:
Visit to Special Medical Response Team Facility
I had the pleasure of recently visiting Special Medical Response Team’s facility in Blairsville. This is a volunteer organization committed to providing advance life support to emergency services and healthcare systems during incidents and events beyond the capabilities and local resources provided. The group is comprised of a broad range of volunteers from the medical field and other specialty fields to support self-sufficiency. They assist and respond to unique situations such as underground mine rescue, helicopter water rescue, urban search and rescue, large scale public events (air shows, marathons, music festivals, etc.). Thank you to this outstanding team for their work to help others when needed most! Wreath Laying Ceremony
I was honored to participate in the Fr. McNelis Assembly 1481 Knights of Columbus wreath-laying ceremony. A blessing and laying of a wreath took place at the Veterans’ Memorial Wall on the lawn of the Indiana County Courthouse, followed by another wreath-laying at the foot of the WWI Doughboy Statue located in Memorial Park. For almost a century, the Knights of Columbus organization has provided for the spiritual and temporal well-being of our servicemen and servicewomen. During this holiday season, it is important for us to take time out of our busy lives to honor, and pay tribute to, those men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom and our nation. Trees for Troops this Saturday!
Trees for Troops will be held at Mytrysak Family Tree Farm and Greenhouse, Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. This program allows folks to dedicate a special tree to our deserving troops in memory or in honor of a friend or loved one. Check out the flyer below for more details. If you are unable to attend, you can call 724-463-0570 to have a tree donated. Derry Township Scouts Friendsgiving Dinner
It was great to stop by Derry Township VFD Co.1 of Bradenville for a Friendsgiving dinner provided to the VFD members by local Boy Scouts last week. This is great example of the true spirit of Thanksgiving by giving thanks unto others and sharing fellowship with a meal. Well done, scouts! Senate Accomplishments: Improving Community Safety
To improve safety in Pennsylvania communities, Senate Republicans passed laws in the 2023-24 legislative session to prevent and better respond to crime. Twenty-eight new safety laws include ones that target looting and organized retail theft, prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system and outlaw deepfake child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence. The laws also amend the Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order the defendant to refrain from abusing the victim’s pets and crack down on the unchecked crime crisis plaguing Philadelphia’s mass transit system. You can view the complete list of approved legislation to enhance community safety here. Advancing initiatives to reduce crime and foster greater safety will continue to be our focus in the new legislative session. $1.16 Billion in Broadband Funding to Help Close the Digital Divide
Grants are available for projects that increase access to reliable internet for education, health care, businesses and everyday life. Internet service providers, nonprofits and local governments may apply for Pennsylvania through the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding through Jan. 21, 2025. Projects must expand high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities across the commonwealth. Apply online. For support, visit the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority website. Public Meeting Regarding State Rail Plan Updates on Dec. 10
The public is invited to attend a virtual public informational meeting to discuss an update to the Pennsylvania State Rail Plan on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4-5:30 p.m. Feedback can be shared via an online survey through Thursday, Dec. 19. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is developing the 2025 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan, which was last updated in 2020. Input from the public and stakeholders on safety, passenger and freight rail, funding, policy, the environment and economic development is key to developing the State Rail Plan. The plan will also evaluate and document passenger and freight rail needs throughout the next 20 years to guide investments. Project staff will provide an introduction of the PA State Rail Plan update process and background on freight and passenger rail. There will also be an interactive question-and-answer session. Presentation materials and an online survey will be available here through Dec. 19. Questions or comments can be directed to RA-PDPASRP@pa.gov. Milk Testing Implemented to Protect PA Milk Prices
Influenza A, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been detected in dairy cattle in several other states. While there are no concerns about food safety or pasteurized milk or meat, mandatory milk testing performed by processors will prevent widespread disease that would result in higher prices for consumers. There won’t be any cost to processors as all necessary supplies will be provided. Farmers are also encouraged to develop a biosecurity plan and report suspected cases by calling 717-772-2852. Because Pennsylvania has many farms that have both poultry and dairy operations, the state is more susceptible to Influenza A as the virus can spread quickly between animals and farms. Consistently following biosecurity practices and testing products will minimize huge outbreaks. Learn more. Grants Available for Senior Community Centers
Grants are available to increase participation and programming at senior community centers. Funding can also be used to attract a new generation of older adults and provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants. Senior community centers may apply for the $2 million in grants until Friday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. using the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application system. Learn more. For questions, email SCCgrants@pa.gov or call 717-772-2551. Remembering the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii led to the United States declaring war on Japan and ultimately winning World War II. Sadly, the attack cost the lives of thousands of service members and civilians. Even more were injured. It also sank two U.S. Navy battleships and destroyed 188 aircraft. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans and others will honor and remember the people who gave their lives during the attack. The atrocities of war remind us of the incredible value of the American rights we hold dear.
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