|
|||||
|
In this Update:
Solving 9000+ Problems, Large and Small, for the People of Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne Counties in 2024
2024 was a busy year for my staff and me. In addition to crisscrossing the district for meetings, greeting new employers, and celebrations of outstanding citizens and state grants, we assisted our constituents with more than 9,000 state-government related issues. Our more common requests include providing help with property tax/rent rebate forms, driver’s license applications, and filing for unemployment. We also worked to recover more than $400,000 in unclaimed property and secured more than $50 million in state grants for key projects throughout Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. We even connected someone from Tennessee with her late mother’s unclaimed property from when she lived in Minersville. If you ever have a state government related question or problem, we’re here to help! The locations and contact information for my district offices in Hazleton and Mahanoy City with Rep. Dane Watro, Pottsville with Rep. Tim Twardzik, and Weissport with Rep. Doyle Heffley can be found here. Here’s to wishing for a happy, safe, and prosperous new year! Iron Horse Rambles Visit Nesquehoning, Jim Thorpe, and Beyond
Reading and Northern Railroad is hosting four special train passenger rides next year – the Iron Horse Rambles, featuring the restored steam locomotive #2102, the only operational locomotive of its kind in the world. These rides began again for the first time in decades in 2022, after a 6-year restoration effort. The rides will take place on the following dates:
Tickets are now available here. State Funding, Private Donations Jump Start Restoration of Schuylkill County Historical Society
The Schuylkill County Historical Society installed 25 new windows at their downtown Pottsville location thanks to $150,000 in state funding I worked with Rep. Twardzik to secure and generous private donations. The new windows replace the 161-year-old original windows that have been in place since the building served as the Female Grammar School in the late 19th century. We visited to see their progress yesterday. Schuylkill County has a very rich history, rooted in coal, farming, railroads, and textiles – preserving that history for future generations is extremely important. This highly competitive state funding coupled with support from private citizens and employers is a firm foundation upon which to begin the full restoration of this historic Pottsville building. The Schuylkill County Historical Society provides artifact collections, genealogical resources, interactive tours, seminars, special exhibits, events, and educational programs. They are located at 305 North Centre Street in downtown Pottsville and are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. Argall TV Report: CRIZ Breathes New Life into Older Towns
The January edition of my local TV program focuses on the past achievements and future goals of the Tamaqua City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ). Tamaqua is the only borough in the state with this designation, which allows the community to utilize its state tax payments for economic development. When I was growing up in a ‘half a double’ on Arlington Street, I never could have imagined the progress we’ve seen in Tamaqua in the last few years. Without the CRIZ and the hard work of so many members of the Tamaqua community, this transformation would not have been possible. Now, a new dental college and housing for students may locate in the borough in 2026 because of the CRIZ. This edition features a tour of many of the sites that have directly benefited from these investments, including the Perla Building, Child Development, Inc., the Bischoff Inn, the Tamaqua Train Station, Boyer’s Food Market Complex, and Gimbel’s. Celebrating Hanukkah in Hazleton
I joined members of the Agudas Israel Synagogue, Rep. Dane Watro, Mary Malone from the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce and Chris Pavlick from Mayor Cusat’s Office at Hazleton City Hall for a candle lighting ceremony in honor of the third day of Hanukkah last week. I hope this year’s festival of lights brought blessings for all who celebrated. Chag sameach! Meeting with Clamtown Scout Aaron Kerlin
After a record 332 public meetings and events in Luzerne, Carbon, and Schuylkill counties in 2024 (yes, we really do keep such counts!) my first meeting for 2025 started us off on the right track. Aaron Kerlin, a Second Class Scout from Clamtown’s Scout Troop and a student at Tamaqua Area Middle School, visited my Mahanoy City office to interview me about the constitutional rights and obligations of a U.S. citizen, to fulfill one of his rank advancement requirements. Thank you for stopping by! I emphasized to Aaron that one of the very best things my parents ever did for me was sign me up for the Scouts at the age of eight. I have literally travelled the world as a scout and as a volunteer leader. From camping in my own backyard with my son to exploring New Mexico, Canada, Bavaria, and beyond, Scouting has given me and so many others the opportunity to expand our horizons. My hope for Aaron and all the other young people now involved locally in this amazing program is that they will learn as much, and enjoy the experience as much, as I did, and continue to do! PA Farm Show Runs Jan. 4-11
As a state where agriculture is one of the top industries, Pennsylvania is proud to host the largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof in the nation. The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs from Jan. 4-11 in Harrisburg. The Farm Show features nearly 6,000 animals, competitive events and 250 commercial exhibits. There are also educational and entertaining events – and of course the famed Food Court. Admission is free, and parking is $15 per car. Cadence Kline of Barnesville won this year’s PA Farm Show National Anthem Contest! She will perform live to kick off the week at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 4. Alexandra Bet of Barnesville will also be performing the National Anthem on Tuesday, January 7 at 10 a.m. at the Junior Livestock Sale. Congratulations to you both – I have no doubt you will represent the 29th district well! Home Heating Assistance Takes the Chill Out
Residents struggling with their home heating bills may apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through April 4. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It 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 income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are $22,590 for an individual, $30,660 for a couple and $46,800 for a family of four. Find limits for other family sizes here. Residents may apply for LIHEAP online or by contacting their local county assistance office. |
|||||
|
|||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorargall.com | Privacy Policy |
