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In this Update:
Working Together to Address Local Dental Care Shortages
Dr. Amid Ismail, the dean of the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University, and I recently met with 14 local dentists at the Tamaqua Station Restaurant to discuss the new Temple University dental school in downtown Tamaqua. Once open, this new school will graduate 10 new dentists per year, with 20 dental students living in downtown apartments. The dental students will gain their clinical experience in a nearby downtown location by providing free or low-cost services to Medical Assistance patients from Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties and beyond. In addition, I recently met with the leadership of the Luzerne County and Lehigh Carbon Community Colleges to offer my assistance in helping them expand their existing dental assistant and hygiene programs. The ultimate goal, as we reviewed at our public hearing on this topic in June at LCCC’s Morgan Center in Tamaqua: dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants who train in small, rural towns are more likely to set up practice in small, rural towns. I’m excited to work with our local partners – Rep. Jamie Barton and his State House colleagues, Congressman Dan Meuser, the Morgan Foundation, and the Tamaqua CRIZ – to bring this idea to life. It will improve our dental health and support our ongoing education and community and economic development efforts throughout this region! Lycoming College Public Hearing Reviews Workforce Shortages
Strategies to solve PA’s current and future workforce shortages were examined during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee which I chaired with Senators Gene Yaw, Lisa Baker, and Scott Hutchinson at my alma mater, Lycoming College. We were joined by leaders from Lycoming, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Luzerne County Community College, and Allegheny College, as well as employers, labor and career development organizations, and students. We’re facing shortages in many key fields: doctors, nurses, dentists, teachers and especially skilled trade laborers as we seek to identify key problems and bridge any gaps that exist between our educators and these important industries. Saving the Penn Lake Dam
On Sunday, Rep. Jamie Walsh and I visited Penn Lake Park for a well-attended public meeting about the status of their dam, which is in serious need of repairs. It was clear why so many residents are so passionate about saving the lake – it’s a beautiful location right in the heart of the community. We secured $850,000 in state grants to support this important project. After the meeting, I explored the northernmost 15 miles of the D&L trail above Penn Lake Park. Beth and I also biked another 11 miles on the D&L south of Lehighton. It was a perfect weekend for rides with the local deer and one very curious black bear! Celebrating the 135th Anniversary of Hazleton’s Diamond Fire Company #2
On Saturday evening, I attended the 135th anniversary banquet for Diamond Fire Company #2 of Hazleton. Thank you to all the firefighters at this company over the years for your efforts to keep Hazleton safe. Rep. Dane Watro and I presented the company with official citations in honor of their service to the area. Also joining us were Mayor Jeff Cusat and members of city council. Another Successful Senior Expo in Carbon County
Wednesday’s senior expo in Carbon County was a huge success! Thank you to the more than 700 people who joined us AND the many volunteers who made yesterday possible. Rep. Doyle Heffley and I sponsor this event, which assists local seniors year after year. Argall Report: Scouting Breakfast Honors Mike Rhoades and Mike Hammer
The September edition of my local TV program reviews the annual Service to Youth and Community Breakfast hosted by the Hawk Mountain Council. The event honored volunteers who go above and beyond in their work to build a stronger community. Mahanoy City native Mike Rhoades, the head coach of the Penn State Men’s Basketball team, was the keynote speaker. One of the very best things my parents ever did for me was sign me up for the cubs at the age of eight. I have literally travelled the world as a scout and as a volunteer leader. From camping in my own back yard with my son to exploring New Mexico, Canada and Bavaria, scouting has given me and so many others the opportunity to expand our horizons. I look forward to this celebration of local scouts every year. 8-Foot Drawdown at Tuscarora Lake Begins Soon
There will be an 8-foot drawdown of Tuscarora Lake to repair the dam within the next week. It will occur over 8 days, revealing 16 feet of shoreline in many areas. Repairs are expected to be completed in 3-4 weeks. A few weeks ago, I met with Ron Gilliland, the new park manager for the Tuscarora/Locust Lake State Park Complex, to review this project and other efforts to ensure a quality visitor experience. 17th Annual Bell’Italia Festival in Hazle Township
Hazleton Unico is hosting their 17th annual Bell’Italia Festival this weekend at Hazle Township Community Park. This free event features dozens of food vendors, family-friendly activities, a ceremony honoring our veterans, and fireworks on Saturday night. Replacing Damaged License Plates in Orwigsburg
Thank you to the more than 30 people who joined Rep. Jamie Barton, me, and our staff members in Orwigsburg for our event to replace damaged license plates this week. Special thanks to Chief Vincent McDonald and Officer Robert Bechtel, who carried out the plate inspections. We’ll be hosting more of these events soon. View full list of my upcoming events here. Jobs Available with PennDOT’s Winter Maintenance Program
The coming end of summer means job opportunities for those with the skills to maintain and clear Pennsylvania’s roadways in the winter with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Positions and hourly pay include CDL equipment operator ($23), dispatcher ($17.38), diesel and automotive mechanic ($24.97 – $28.37 based on title), tradesman helper and semi-skilled laborer ($18.46), and more. These temporary positions could be a pathway to a permanent PennDOT career. You can find more background information and links to job openings here. Help for Caregivers: PA CareKit
Caring for a loved one is a selfless act that strengthens family bonds but can be difficult for the caregiver. The PA CareKit can be a great help. From the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the PA CareKit is a collection of tools and information to help you manage stress, navigate the health care system, stay connected and find support. Topics include the First Five Steps, Understanding Your Needs, Key Caregiving Terms and Concepts, and Caregiving Resources. If you’re a caregiver, I hope you find this information useful for this challenging but lifechanging role. Learn Skills with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps
Residents ages 15 to 25 can learn new skills, gain job experience and improve public lands with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. Skills-building and training opportunities include infrastructure maintenance, habitat restoration, CPR and first aid and more. Interested individuals can learn how to get paid fixing trails, planting trees and more here. National Crime Prevention Week
A key role as lawmaker is passing legislation to combat crime and keep our communities safe. We rely on police to enforce those laws and the justice system to impose punishment when appropriate. National Crime Prevention Week is a reminder of the role citizens play in keeping their neighborhoods safe. The National Crime Prevention Council offers these crime prevention and personal safety tips to help you and your community outsmart potential lawbreakers.
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