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In this Update:
Remembering our Fallen Heroes
Last weekend our country recognized Memorial Day weekend, and I attended a few events to take time and remember those who gave everything for our freedom. I am always honored and grateful to participate in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies Memorial Day Ceremony. It is a moving tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation. It was wonderful to see Vietnam Veteran and 4x Super Bowl Champion, Rocky Bleier, deliver the keynote address. It was also great to see my good friend, Major General John Pippy, represent the Governor’s office. A very special thank you to all the volunteers who always help put out chairs and setup the stage so this wonderful ceremony can happen. And thank you to Edward Hajduk, Cemetery Director, for your dedication to this event. You can watch highlights from the ceremony by clicking the image above.
I was honored to be invited by the local chapter of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (Camp No. 120 from Washington County) to participate in a remembrance ceremony at the gravesite of a Union Soldier in West Union Cemetery. I met Sonny, whose ancestor was being honored by the group – Mr. John Iams served in the famous “Ringgold Battalion,” a part of the 22nd Pennsylvania Regiment of Cavalry. He enlisted at 41-years-old and served from 1862-1865, living out the rest of his life as a civilian. This Congressionally chartered organization’s members all have ancestors who fought to save the Union during the Civil War. They are dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of these veterans, and yesterday they held a wonderful ceremony that included the Pledge of Allegiance, a blessing, traditional music from the time period, and placing of a musket, sword, evergreen leaf, and wreaths. They allowed me to say a few words as well. A very special Thank You to Mr. Fredric Bender, the Camp’s Recruiting Officer, for personally inviting me to attend. I’m so glad that I did. If you want to learn more about Camp No. 120, you can visit their Facebook group by clicking this link.
The Canonsburg / Houston / Strabane Veteran’s Council Memorial Day Parade and Services was incredible. I’m always very thankful to offer a few words during the Mothers of Democracy Program at the Veteran’s Statue before the parade and also during the Oak Spring Cemetery Program at the conclusion of the parade. I’d like to tip my cap to everyone involved for executing such a wonderful ceremony to remember our fallen heroes on Memorial Day.
Jefferson Borough also held their Memorial Day Parade, now in its second year after a previous 17-year absence. So glad this tradition is back!!
Kudos to the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania District X (GCFP-X) for spearheading the project of installing a Blue Star Marker at the I70 East PA Welcome Center in Claysville. Susan DeLost and Kathy Wells, co-chairs of the GCFP-X Blue Star Maker Committee received considerable support from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 12 and Rachel Duda, PennDOT District 12 Executive Director. The GCFP-X held a wonderful ceremony on Memorial Day to unveil the marker – an event so special that it brought out Patricia Wolanski, current President of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania. Blue Star Markers honor all men and women that serve in the United States Armed Services. This program covers thousands of miles across the country. The Blue Star was adopted because it had become an icon in World War II and was seen on flags and banners in homes for sons and daughters away at war as well as in churches and businesses. Focus on the 46th
I had the unfortunate but necessary task of organizing a meeting with Donora Mayor Don Pavelko, Washington County Commissioner Electra Janis, and others to discuss what measures we will take to prevent another tragedy like that which occurred last week, when a 12-year-old boy lost his life while swimming in the Monongahela River in Donora. My heart breaks for the family of Rontae Lester and all the friends who knew him. We grieve as a community, and we will work together to bring awareness to the hazards of swimming in the river and we hope to provide safer opportunities for the youth in Donora. WPXI covered this meeting and you can see more of their coverage here.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the local chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) held their 12th annual walk in Canonsburg Town Park last weekend. I’ve made sure to be there and support this important cause each and every year. NAMI works to educate, support, advocate, listen and lead to improve the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones.
I had a ton of fun celebrating “Pennsylvania Day” at Canon-Mac’s Borland Manor Elementary School reading “K is for Keystone” to the second-grade class! I taught the kids a little bit about what I do in Harrisburg, then we learned amazing things about the Keystone State through each letter of the alphabet. Thank you to all the wonderful teachers that welcomed me to take part in your day to celebrate our Commonwealth! Thank you to Dr. Matthew Wolfe, Principal, for doing a great job with the school.
I’m so excited that every year our Career Kick-Start development course has more women sign up! Thank you so much to my staff and Pennsylvania Women Work’s absolutely incredible staff for putting this fourth annual event together. It’s been a pleasure partnering with Kristin Ioannou, Executive Director, Liz Gryger, Associate Director of Programs, and Abby Swalga, Director of Communications. A big thank you to Frank Sarris Public Library for being so accommodating and providing a great space to host.
Please join me on Saturday, June 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Fort Cherry High School Gymnasium Parking Lot for a drive through identity theft prevention event. This is located at 110 Fort Cherry Road, McDonald, PA 15057 Identity theft prevention information will be provided, and an industrial shredder truck will be on site. A maximum of two boxes or bags per vehicle will be shredded. Phone books, newspapers and bound books cannot be accepted. Please remove any binder or paper clips. This event is for individuals only – no businesses, please. For additional information, call 724-225-4380. Bill to Increase Firefighters in PA Receives Senate Support
Pennsylvania relies on volunteer firefighters, but their numbers are dropping – from 300,000 in the 1970s to fewer than 38,000 today. To help ensure there are enough firefighters to respond to a crisis, the Senate passed a bill that would reform the process for people earning their firefighter certification. Senate Bill 90 would maintain the high standards to become a firefighter while making it less intimidating for men and women who are interested in serving their communities as volunteer firefighters. Currently, firefighter applicants must complete four training modules totaling 188 hours. They then must pass a cumulative test covering all four modules. The bill would allow them to be tested following each of the four modules. Senate Bill 90 heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Enjoy a Great American Getaway in PA
Tourism is an important part of Pennsylvania’s economy. In 2022, the most recent year with available data, we welcomed more than 192 million travelers and benefited from $45 billion in visitor spending. The commonwealth has a lot to offer, even to people who call it home. Find some great ideas for vacations and day trips here. PA Offers Free Motorcycle Training
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a great time to sign up for a motorcycle safety course whether you’re a novice or experienced rider. Classes are free for Pennsylvanians who have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license. Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course offered by the state waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT driver license center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Class schedules are coordinated by third-party training providers at locations across the commonwealth and posted online at least four weeks before the class begins. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program.
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