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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. |
Game Commission Night Only One Week Away
Our Game Commission nights have been among the most popular events we have hosted, and I am happy to work with the Leroy Sportsman’s Association to bring this event to Bradford County. It really is a great event for the entire family, and a great opportunity to mentor young people and grow their interest in the sport of hunting.
We are excited to hear from Pennsylvania Game Commission Whitetail Deer Biologist Maureen Staats, along with forester Chad Barclay, who will talk about how people can make their property good for deer.
Check out the flyer below for details and be sure to RSVP!
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Youth Leaders of Tomorrow
Mansfield Chamber of Commerce held its 43rd Annual Recognition Banquet, honoring the 2024-25 Youth Leaders of Tomorrow. I am always pleased to recognize these young citizens for their exceptional leadership and contributions to their schools and communities. The students were asked to share who their heroes are. Instead of sports figures or movie stars, nearly every student shared stories about parents, family members, teachers, and coaches who have significantly influenced their development as leaders. Congratulations to our students on this accomplishment and thank you to the everyday heroes of our community who are growing the leaders of tomorrow who will help shape America.
Recipients of the 2025 Youth Leader of The Year Awards
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| New Covenant Academy – Derek McElrath; North Penn-Mansfield – Anna Kennedy; North Penn-Liberty – Louis Mercantino |
New Covenant Academy Candidates
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| From left to right: Devon Moisés, Kadin Moisés, Derek McElrath |
North Penn – Mansfield High School Candidates
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Back Row: Riley Oakes, Dorian Cottrill, Benjamin Schlosser
Front Row: Rylie Smith, Anna Kennedy, Clare Wheeler, Mallory Milheim |
North Penn – Liberty High School Candidates
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| Left to right: Ciara Kieser, Adynn Wheeland, David Kshir, Louis Mercantino, Kaylee Graham |
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Rotary Helping to Bring Awareness to the Reality of Human Trafficking
It remains a harsh reality that human trafficking is real, especially here in rural Pennsylvania. I recently participated in a Rotary Club meeting featuring Doug Lengenfelder, field representative for Sen. Cris Dush, who spoke about human trafficking and dispelled many common misconceptions. Mr. Lengenfelder stated that, “An estimated 95% of trafficking in the U.S. is done online.” He offered valuable advice for parents and grandparents on recognizing and preventing this crime. The harsh reality is that digital trafficking is out there, and it is crucial that we are proactive in protecting children from the online threats of human trafficking.
To help educate parents and teenagers, we are organizing two upcoming events. Please save the dates and join us to learn how to safeguard your children.
Towanda: Co-hosted with Rep. Tina Pickett
Wednesday, April 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Towanda Area Junior/Senior High School
1 High School Drive, Towanda
Wellsboro: Featuring PA Attorney General Dave Sunday
Thursday, April 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Wellsboro Fire Department Annex
21 East Ave., Wellsboro
To read more about Doug Lengenfelder’s presentation, please click here for the full article in the Wellsboro Gazette.
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Adventure Awaits at Camp Freedom
I recently joined fellow state representatives on a visit to Camp Freedom in Lackawanna County to learn about their impactful work. As you probably know, I love the outdoors, so I was excited to explore how this Pennsylvania camp supports individuals navigating life’s challenges.
This beautiful 2,350-acre property offers hope and outdoor healing experiences to individuals with disabilities, including veterans, first responders, their families, and Gold Star families. Beyond hunting, fishing, and hiking, this nonprofit organization provides invaluable healing through nature for fellow Americans who have selflessly served others, while giving back to them a sense of adventure.
If you would like to learn more about Camp Freedom and learn about what adventures await, please visit their website.
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Substance Abuse Help for Veterans
Did you know more than one in 10 veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder?
When veterans separate from the military, they may face a host of societal challenges adapting back to civilian life. Most will work through these challenges, but some fall on hard times, and sometimes resort to substance abuse as a way to cope. Help is available for veterans, family members and their advocates at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Veterans are also encouraged to make use of PA VETConnect, a program aimed at helping veterans address the challenges of homelessness, employment, mental health, addiction and much more. If you or someone you know requires assistance, or if you would like more information about PA VETConnect or other DMVA programs and services, visit www.dmva.pa.gov.
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Legitimate Unclaimed Property Letters vs. Scam Letters
A scam letter is circulating that falsely claims to be from the U.S. Treasury Department, telling recipients they have unclaimed property. This is especially concerning because the Pennsylvania Treasury Department recently announced its Money Match program, which automatically reunites residents with certain unclaimed property without requiring them to file a claim. Legitimate letters from the Treasury Department will never ask for payment or personal information to release funds.
Here are some red flags that indicate a scam:
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The letter claims funds will be released on a gift card. |
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The response address is in South Dakota, but the letter was sent from Kansas.
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A search on the Pennsylvania Treasury Unclaimed Property website may not show any results for the recipient. |
If you receive a letter and are unsure if it is legitimate, call my office to verify its validity before taking any action.
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2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Now Open
The application period for the state’s 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now open for eligible Pennsylvanians to begin claiming rebates on property taxes or rent paid last year.
Income limits increased again this year to $46,520 for both homeowners and renters. This is due to a 2023 law I supported that calls for adjusting the income limit based on annual increases in the Consumer Price Index. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
The program is open to residents aged 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov, or contact my office for help or to schedule an appointment. Additional information about the program is available here.
Appointments are recommended to avoid long wait times. To schedule an appointment, call the Wellsboro office at 570-724-1390 or the Troy office at 570-297-3045.
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