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In this Update:
Berks County Farms Preserved Through the Farmland Preservation Program
This week, the Department of Agriculture announced that the Farmland Preservation Program added 2,752 acres on 31 farms in 14 counties, bringing the total number of permanent conservation easements on 6,423 Pennsylvania farms up to 642,006 acres across the Commonwealth. Three farms in Berks County were protected and are included below:
Leadership Lebanon Valley Visit the Capitol
I was happy to speak with the current class of Leadership Lebanon Valley while they were visiting the State Capitol for their Government Day. Leadership Lebanon Valley is a program that is run by the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce that aims to educate and develop aspiring leaders who are devoted to improving their communities. Graduates of the program are equipped with a knowledge of the issues and the contacts necessary to accomplish their goals. For more information on the program, visit: https://lvchamber.org/leadership-lebanon-valley/ Hunting & Middle Creek Visitor Center Update
This fall, I plan to join the Pennsylvania Game Commission in hosting a Hunting & Visitor Center Update at Middle Creek Wildlife’s Visitor Center. The Pennsylvania Game Commission staff will present on the upcoming hunting season regulation changes, and general hunting information. The presentation will last about 1 hour and provide time for Q&A. Staff will also provide updates on recent activities occurring at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and Visitor Center. There is no charge for the event, but seating is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please register for the event by October 1st by visiting https://senatorgebhard.com/hvcu-registration/ or by calling my district office at 717-274-6735. A Closer Look at Farm Conservation Efforts
Farmers play a critical role in Pennsylvania as agriculture is the state’s top industry. They also improve our food security by reducing our dependence on food supplied by other countries. This week, the Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees led discussions about on-farm conservation efforts. Farmers across the state are focused on addressing food waste, pursuing manure management and, most importantly, ensuring the long-term sustainability of vital resources like our water and soil that will allow them to preserve our agricultural heritage. To support these important initiatives, Senate Republicans voted to dedicate $10 million in the state budget for conservation efforts among Pennsylvania farmers through the new Agriculture Innovation and Development Program. The program is focused on providing farmers and agribusinesses with the resources to adopt new technological practices. New Lebanon Junior High School Opens
Congratulations to the Lebanon City School District on the completion of their new Lebanon Junior High School. It will accommodate for the City’s growing population and will open its doors to 7th and 8th grade students this fall. This week, I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony and take a tour. Bad Airline Experience? Report It
Individuals who have flown for work or pleasure and had a bad experience with their airline have a new method of recourse. Whether there were problems with baggage fees, flight scheduling or a refund due to a flight cancellation, you can use a new complaint form. Simply provide information about yourself, the airline, your complaint and how you would like the issue to be resolved. The Pennsylvania Attorney General could refer violations to the United States Department of Transportation. You are encouraged to upload your contract, proof of payment and other documentation to better explain your complaint. Accepted file types include jpg, gif, png and pdf. PennDOT to Replace Otter License Plate
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is replacing the otter license plate – which remains valid – with the Eastern hellbender plate to raise wildlife resource management funds. Previous donations have helped to re-establish the river otter, reintroduce osprey and research endangered species of Pennsylvania. The Eastern hellbender is the largest salamander in the country. It can weigh more than two pounds and exceed two feet in length. Since it was named the state amphibian in 2019, the Eastern hellbender serves as a reminder of the need to restore water quality and preserve suitable habitats. To get one of the remaining otter plates, write OTTER on top of the application before returning it. Unclaimed Property is Available for Nonprofits
The Pennsylvania State Treasury is safeguarding $4.5 billion of unclaimed property, and it’s not just for individuals. Many nonprofits also have money available to claim. Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates, insurance payments and more. Every dollar returned to a nonprofit can help to fulfill its core mission. Volunteer fire departments, service organizations and libraries should see if any money is available for them to claim. Search online using these tips to help nonprofits search for unclaimed property. Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Viruses
Pennsylvania boasts so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, especially in the summer. To safely enjoy all nature has to offer, it’s important to know about potential risks and how to minimize them. The leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States is West Nile Virus (WNV), which can cause inflammation of the brain. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection tracks cases of WNV and Jamestown Canyon Virus by county. Since 2000, Pennsylvania’s state budget has included funding to monitor and control WNV. There is no treatment or vaccine for WNV, but people can protect themselves by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Consider the use of mosquito repellent and wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors. Honoring the Elders of Our Communities
National Senior Citizens’ Day – Wednesday, Aug. 21 – is the perfect opportunity to spend time with older men and women. Whether you take time to help them with chores or listen to their stories, they will certainly appreciate the extra attention. Seniors made incredible contributions to our society and continue to be valued members of our communities. To support them, Senate Republicans passed bills that are now law to prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, ensure Pennsylvanians receive access to health care services at nursing homes, preserve prescription drug benefits for seniors and assure nursing homes continue to serve Medical Assistance (MA) recipients by requiring timely MA payments. Grant and Resource Workshop for Non-Profit Organizations
Navigating the Commonwealth’s complex and convoluted Departmental system of grant funding is challenging to say the least. To that end, I will be organizing and hosting a Non-Profit Grant and Resource Workshop on September 24th at the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m. The workshop will feature Deputy Secretary Rick Vilello from the Department of Community and Economic Development, Joe Marsicano from the Senate Grants Team, Nicole Gray from the Community Health Council of Lebanon County, and Vicki DeLoatch from Lebanon Family Health. As part of the workshops, you will receive a state reference manual that contains a comprehensive listing of grant programs and important contact information. I believe you will find the manual to be a valuable reference for many years to come. There is no charge for the Seminar, but seating is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please register for the workshop by September 20th by visiting https://senatorgebhard.com/non-profit-workshop-reg/ or by calling my district office at 717-274-6735. Local Events
Friday, August 16-18: Mid-Atlantic Gem and Mineral Association Show Saturday, August 17, 18, 9am-6pm: Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show Saturday, August 17, 10am-5pm: 2024 Lebanon County Sunflower Days Saturday, August 17, Noon-11pm: German American Day Saturday, August 17, 10am-5pm: Sunflower Fest Makers Market Saturday, August 17, 9am-3pm: Riverzilla 2024
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