PA State Rep. Matt Dowling

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking applications for its next round of Boating Facility Grants to help communities capitalize on the surge in new boating activity.

The Boating Facility Grant program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth. Eligible applicants include townships, boroughs, and municipal and county governments, as well as nonprofit groups (501c3) including land trusts, conservancies and watershed associations. Private businesses and service clubs are not eligible for direct funding but are encouraged to partner with their local county or municipality.

Funding requests require a 50% match. The deadline for applications is Dec. 30.

More information about the Boating Facility Grant Program and application form can be found on the PFBC website here: https://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/BoatingFacilityGrantProgram.aspx

Legislation aimed at encouraging investment and job creation in the Commonwealth was unanimously passed by the House last month.

House Bill 2783 would modernize the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and its programs that provide financial help to businesses looking to expand or invest in the Commonwealth.

Low-interest loans and lines of credit from PIDA can be used to cover a portion of up-front costs for land and building acquisitions, construction and renovation costs, and machinery and equipment purchases. Currently, applicants must demonstrate a minimum number of new jobs created to be eligible for assistance. The bill would require PIDA to also consider the level of capital investment a business is willing to bring to a project to determine eligibility. New taxpayer accountability provisions, which would require payback if a business were to leave Pennsylvania, would also be in effect under the bill.

The bill is pending consideration in the Senate.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. An estimated one in four women and one in nine men will be subjected to abuse by an intimate partner.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used to establish power and control over an intimate partner, causing both physical and emotional harm. Victims may be subjected to abuse, harassment, threats, vandalism, trespassing, burglary, theft and stalking.

As one of the most chronically underreported crimes, domestic violence affects men and women in all racial, ethnic, religious, educational, social and economic backgrounds.

More information about domestic violence and services available to help victims is available here. www.pcadv.org/

Note these key dates for the upcoming election!

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is cautioning borrowers to be aware of a new wave of harmful student loan scams.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has received many complaints from borrowers about companies promising to deliver student loan services in exchange for fees. Borrowers often believed they were talking to their loan servicer, or a company that was acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education.

Scammers use multiple modes of communication to reach borrowers, including social media, text messages, emails or phone calls. They are also very skilled at posing as government representatives and may even have look-alike government websites and logos to trick unsuspecting victims.

Borrowers are encouraged to visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid (FSA) website, www.studentaid.gov, to check on the status of the loan forgiveness program and to only work with their trusted partners when assistance is needed with managing their student loans. Borrowers should never pay for a service that is available to them for free.

For more information about what to watch for to avoid being scammed, as well as what to do if you think you have been scammed, click here.https://www.pheaa.org/documents/press-releases/ph/100522.pdf

It is Leaf Peeping season in SWPA:

It's okay not to be okay. If you need someone to lean on for emotional support, reach out—call or text the Lifeline at 988. You are never alone.

An update on AJ McMullen school from the UASD Administration:

This week, we are marking National Manufacturing Week. Manufacturing is so important to our country and is at the heart of Pennsylvania’s economy.

In fact, Pennsylvania has the sixth largest manufacturing industry in the United States by employment. It employs more than 562,700 employees, accounting for about 9.5% of all private sector jobs in the Commonwealth. It consists of more than 14,000 manufacturing establishments and last year generated $113.2 billion in gross domestic product.

Manufacturing offers well-paying, family-sustaining jobs at an average salary of $86,129 annually. Statistics from the Department of Community and Economic Development indicate manufacturing workers earn 33% more compared to the average for other nonfarm businesses in the state.

Today is . Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s number one industry. It creates jobs, drives tourism opportunities and literally puts food on the table. Remember to say thank you to your local farmer today, and every day!

Let Fayette County CTI help you get ready for Thanksgiving dinner:

PennDOT is hosting a job fair for those seeking employment with the department in Fayette, Westmoreland, Somerset and Cambria counties. The fair will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the PA Turnpike stockpile at Donegal, 1-76 MP 88, 183 Claypike Road, Acme. For more information, please call 724-832-5387 or 814-317-3131.

Current vacancies include both permanent and winter seasonal CDL Operators and Diesel Mechanics and seasonal Radio Dispatchers.

Recruiters will be available to discuss current and future openings within the Commonwealth for the above positions. CDL operators must have a valid Pennsylvania (PA) CDL Class A or B with no restrictions. Diesel Mechanics must have a valid CDL and a PA Class 7 inspector mechanic certification. Both positions also require a current medical examiner certificate.

On-the-spot applications, interviews, and driving skills testing will take place. Applicants must bring their current CDL license. Laptops and staff will be available to help interested participants navigate the electronic application system. Recruiters will be on-hand to discuss benefit options and opportunities for permanent employment.

For more information, visit www.penndot.gov/District9.

National Fire Prevention Week, an annual event to help raise awareness about how to prevent fires and fire-related injuries, kicks off this today with a focus on “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, today’s homes burn faster than ever. That means people may have as little as two minutes or less to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. The ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advanced planning.

In addition to creating an escape plan, it is important for everyone in the home to practice the escape. Residents are also reminded to ensure their smoke alarms are in good working order to allow as much time as possible for an escape.

More information from the National Fire Protection Association, including sample escape plan grids and action plans, are available here: https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week/About

To honor those who have fought breast cancer or who are fighting it now, the fountain at the Pennsylvania State Capitol’s East Wing has been dyed pink again this year in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It represents about 30% of all new female cancers each year. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer.

The pink fountain is also a reminder to all women of the importance of mammograms and early detection. People with low to moderate income who are uninsured or underinsured and meet certain age requirements may qualify for testing through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn about the program and eligibility, click here: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/Pages/PABreastandCervicalCancerEarlyDetectionProgram.aspx

All PennDOT driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, Oct. 8, through Monday, Oct. 10, in observance of Columbus Day.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver's license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.

🚨 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 🚨

Here are some local Trick or Treat 👻 opportunities in the area. This by far is not a comprehensive list, please feel free to share additional activities in the comments! 🎃 🍭 🍬 🍫

𝑩𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕 👍🏼

Welcome to Uniontown Hospital! The community looks forward to working with you in the future.

We are excited to have new President and CEO Carrie Willetts lead us into 2023 and beyond! Her new role officially begins today. Please join us in welcoming her to WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital and to Fayette County!

DUE TO A SEWER LINE COLLAPSE STUDENTS AT AJ MCMULLEN SCHOOL IN THE UNIONTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL ATTEND CLASSES ELSEWHERE FOR AT LEAST THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK. THIS IS A MINIMUM TIMEFRAME; ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENTS WILL DETERMINE THE POSSIBILITY OF A LONGER TIMEFRAME.

STARTING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5TH THROUGH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14TH, THE FOLLOWING PLAN WILL BE IN PLACE.

6TH GRADE STUDENTS WILL ATTEND CLASSES AT MARCLAY ELEMENTARY. 7TH AND 8TH GRADE STUDENTS WILL ATTEND CLASSES AT WHARTON ELEMENTARY.

ALL STUDENTS WILL RIDE THEIR REGULAR TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FEW WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN CONTACTED.

THE DISTRICT WILL ISSUE AN UPDATE WHEN MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE.

JUST A REMINDER

RECYCLING FOR NORTH UNION IS THIS WEEK. HAULER HAS BEEN PICKING UP EARLY. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

If you or someone you know will be attending college in the 2023-24 term, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is now available. The FAFSA is required to qualify for various types of student aid, including the Pennsylvania State Grant Program offered through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Click here to apply! https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

As September draws to a close, so does National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The most common cancer in children is leukemia, a type of blood cancer. Cancer can also occur in organs and tissues such as the lymph nodes (lymphoma), nervous system (brain tumors) and muscles, bone and skin (solid tumors).

According to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 43 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer every day. Worldwide, about 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy for U.S. children. However, due to improved treatment and therapies, more than 80% of U.S. childhood cancer patients now become long-term survivors. About 483,000 childhood cancer survivors live in the U.S., with many more around the world.

Learn more about childhood cancer at the National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers/child-adolescent-cancers-fact-sheet

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. Out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, and about two to three men will die from it. The most common risk factor is age; however, African American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer are at an increased risk.

Men are urged to talk with their doctors about prostate cancer screening. Like many cancers, prostate cancer can develop undetected and with no symptoms for years. Proactive screenings are the best ways for men to protect against this deadly disease. Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/index.htm

Coming up at 8 p.m. tonight (Tuesday), I'll be on PCN's "On the Issues" to discuss my legislation to create a self-exclusion list for alcohol purchases, as well as my health and some other legislation I am working on during the final weeks of my service as state representative.

PCN can be found on Breezeline TV channel 14 in Fayette County, LHTC Broadband channel 20 in the mountain area, and Armstrong channels 64 and 161 in Connellsville. You can also watch PCN on Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV through PCN Select. Learn more at https://pcntv.com/how-to-watch.

It’s First Responders Day in Pennsylvania!
Join me in saying "thank you" for all these men and women do to serve our communities and protect public health and safety!

𝕆𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕓𝕖𝕣 𝕚𝕤 𝕒 𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 ℙ𝕀𝔾 𝕠𝕦𝕥! 🐖 🐷 🐽

NEW SALEM VFD will be selling their Pork sandwiches at The New Salem VFD Fireman Woods on Saturday October 1st starting 10:30 till they are Gone!

I couldn’t wait until National Pizza Day 🍕 on November 12 to post about this pizza!

I busted out of the hospital, and after days of a clear liquid diet, I was dreaming of crispy crust so we grilled it! The grill got up to 700 and cooked right through the nan bread (available at Target) we were using.

D E L I SH !

I know the Facebook rumor mill has been churning so I am releasing an official statement.

I wanted to steal a line from Samuel Clemens, known by his pen name, Mark Twain and simply say “The rumors of my demise are much exaggerated.”

I just hope Sunday’s paper doesn’t have my name listed in the obituary section:

From the The Daily American:

𝗟𝗮𝘄𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸, 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝘀

HARRISBURG – Citing the serious threat posed to wildlife, livestock and pets by balloon litter, a group of lawmakers and animal advocates gathered at the state Capitol Wednesday to highlight the need for legislation to prohibit intentional balloon releases in the Commonwealth.

House Bill 2614, authored by state Rep. Matthew Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset), would prohibit any state or local organization, entity or person older than age 13 from intentionally releasing a balloon into the atmosphere, with some exceptions for balloons released for scientific or meteorological purposes, and hot air balloons. Individuals who violate the law could be subject to community service or a fine of up to $100.

“Balloon releases may feel like a moving way to remember a loved one or celebrate a special occasion, but there is nothing special about littering our beaches, forests and countrysides with deflated balloons and ribbons that pose a serious threat to animals of all kinds,” Dowling said. “There are better ways to celebrate and remember our loved ones that will not bring harm to others.”

Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler), a co-sponsor of the bill, added: “As the former president of the board of directors for the Butler County Humane Society, along with my current position with the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, I support this effort to protect our wildlife, livestock and companion animals.”

According to the Humane Society of the United States, seabirds, sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are injured or killed after ingesting or becoming entangled in balloons and their strings. In fact, a recent study found balloons are the leading marine debris risk of mortality for seabirds. Animals on land, such as horses, cows and turtles, are also at risk.

“Balloon litter is detrimental to Pennsylvania’s environment and causes immense pain and suffering to animals who mistake deflated or burst balloon pieces for food or get entangled in their strings. We are grateful to Rep. Dowling for introducing a bill to ban intentional balloon releases,” said Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania state director for the Humane Society of the United States.

If animals impacted by balloon litter are found alive, they could be saved, but that also comes with a cost.

“Depending on how long the animal is in rehab, it could cost hundreds of dollars with vet visits, x-rays, surgery, food, medications, etc. And sometimes it’s so severe that the animal needs to be euthanized,” said Tracie Young, founder, director and rehabilitator for Raven Ridge Wildlife Center.

Rachel E. Metz, vice president of Animal Well-Being at the Philadelphia Zoo, also spoke in support of the bill: “The Philadelphia Zoo is committed to protecting wildlife and wild places around the world and, maybe more importantly, in the beautiful and biologically diverse state of Pennsylvania. Part of the zoo’s mission is to inspire conservation action for animals and habitats. The proposed ban on the mass release of balloons is an excellent step towards protecting our natural resources.”

Harold Daub, vice president and legislative chairman of United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania, noted balloon releases are a concern among the sportsman community as well. “The United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania strongly supports House Bill 2614, legislation aimed at ending intentional balloon releases in Pennsylvania. This bill reflects growing concerns regarding the harmful effects of balloon releases on the environment, human safety, wildlife, and the simple enjoyment of being in our wild places here in Penn’s Woods,” he said.

The bill is awaiting consideration by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com

Approximately 1.2 million adults attempt su***de annually in the United States, with more than 85% reporting having made a su***de plan prior to their attempt. In 2020, the most recent year that data is available, approximately 1,700 people died by su***de in Pennsylvania.

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, a time to remember and honor those lost to su***de, as well as support su***de attempt survivors and all who experience suicidal ideation, mental health challenges and crisis every day.

It is important to remember help is available.

This summer, the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline officially launched nationwide, streamlining call and text access to the national lifeline that provides no-cost crisis response support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Learn more about efforts to prevent su***de here in the Commonwealth at www.preventsu***depa.org.

It was a pleasure to host the pilgrims of the Diocese of Greensburg who were at the state capitol for the second annual Pennsylvania March for Life. It is inspiring to see so many give voice to the voiceless.

150 Strong 💪

Applications are now being accepted for the Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program.

Created by the Legislature in 2019, the grant program aims to educate prekindergartners through eighth graders and their families about the importance of choosing healthy, locally produced foods and increase awareness of agriculture in the Commonwealth.

Eligible applicants include a school district, public school, charter school, private school or center with prekindergarten classes, kindergarten classes, elementary classes or middle school classes through the eighth grade that participates in a Federal Child Nutrition Program.

The maximum grant award is $15,000. For additional information or to submit an application, click here: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Funding/Farmbill/Pages/Farm-to-School-Grant.aspx

The deadline to apply is Oct. 14.

Happy Constitution Day!

Today we commemorate the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by 39 brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens.

In the words of George Washington, "The Constitution is the guide which I will never abandon."

May God bless our service members who were held prisoner or remain missing in action, and their families.

A true man of integrity. The Commonwealth may not realize what a loss this is to us as Pennsylvanians.

We all were embryos once.

September is ***dePrevention Awareness Month. Yesterday, multiple state agencies and advocates from Prevent Su***de PA to raise awareness about su***de prevention efforts in Pennsylvania.

See more photos and video from the event: https://pacast.com/m?p=22180.