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In this Update:
The Question of the Evening in Jim Thorpe: How Can We Breathe New Life into More of Our Old Towns?
Rep. Doyle Heffley and I hosted our second Carbon County and Beyond Regional Tourism Summit on Tuesday evening in the historic Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe. More than 100 people joined us, including Carbon County Commissioner Mike Sofranko, Chris Barrett of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Kylie Adams-Weiss from the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, the White Haven and Panther Valley Blueprint Communities teams, Tom Hall from the Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership, and representatives from the 9/11 National Memorial Trail Alliance. The summit focused on how we can all work together to breathe new life into more of our communities. We reviewed data showing that tourism dollars are spreading into other regions throughout our area. Meetings like this one led to the restoration of the 1874 railroad station in Tamaqua, which was on the cusp of being demolished before dedicated volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work. By building partnerships and working together, I know we can continue to replicate that success throughout Carbon County… and beyond! New Hotel in Downtown Pottsville
Three months ago, I joined Hannah Corbacio, Nick Hair, Bill Metzinger of Metz Properties Rentals, and many other local leaders in Pottsville to announce the plans for the Rosalia Hotel at the former Miners National Bank building. This historic building, in the heart of downtown Pottsville, is undergoing significant renovations to develop 30+ hotel rooms, conference and wedding venue space, and more. Rep. Tim Twardzik and I were pleased to support this project with a state grant. For many years, we’ve heard about the serious need for more overnight accommodations and conference space downtown for the Film Festival, Lager Jogger, and the more than 70,000 annual visitors to the Yuengling Brewery. Now, that dream will soon become a reality, thanks to strong public-private partnerships. Between this project, Alvernia University’s Pottsville CollegeTowne campus, and the 60 new market-rate apartments under development in the Schuylkill Trust Company building at Centre and Market, we’re working with private sector entrepreneurs like Bill Metzinger to breathe new life into downtown Pottsville despite all the obstacles. Welcome Kathy & Aliza, and Best Wishes Jim!
I recently hired Kathy Maurer of Nesquehoning. Kathy comes to us from the automotive industry. She will be assisting constituents in my Mahanoy City office with state-related issues. Welcome, Kathy!
I also hired Aliza Alton. Aliza is a recent graduate of Messiah University. She will be working in my Harrisburg office assisting with legislative issues and the Majority Policy Committee. Welcome, Aliza!
My team and I will also be saying farewell to Jim Brugger of my Harrisburg office as he departs for a new role. Jim has served as my Communications Director for the last six years. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors with the Senate’s Communications Office. Remembering Charlie Kirk in Lehighton
I recently joined hundreds of people in Lehighton for a vigil organized Rep. Doyle Heffley to honor the life and work of Charlie Kirk. At the event, I shared quotes from former President George W. Bush and California Governor Gavin Newsom in the aftermath of this tragedy. I couldn’t tell which one was by a Republican, and which one was by a Democrat, and that is the way it should be. We must reject political violence in all forms. Our democracy functions best when we settle our differences through respectful debates. Charlie’s efforts to engage with those who disagree with him show us the path forward, away from the violent acts that plague us. Last week, the United States House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk by a vote of 310 to 58, with 38 abstentions. Improved Memory Care Services at Maple Shade Meadows
Maple Shade Meadows in Nesquehoning recently celebrated the grand reopening of their memory care unit. Rep. Doyle Heffley, Nesquehoning Mayor Tom Kattner, and I visited to see these new enhancements firsthand. Too many of our families have experienced the very real challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. My mom suffered from this terrible condition during the final years of her life and received exceptional care from the team at Maple Shade Meadows. I am grateful for the compassion they provide for our loved ones every day. To further support centers like this one, I introduced three bills to encourage more people to join our long-term care workforce. These measures must advance to the governor’s desk as soon as possible, to ensure that our loved ones can receive the quality of care they deserve. Congratulations to Ringtown’s New Eagle Scout, Thomas Monaghan!
Thomas Monaghan was honored for earning the rank of Eagle Scout this past weekend. He is an active member of Troop 731, Ringtown. For his service project, he planted a pollinator garden at the Ringtown Park. Schuylkill County Commissioner Boots Hetherington and I congratulated him and all those who guided him down the long trail to Eagle. Trinity Chapel in Buck Run Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Members of the Trinity Chapel in Buck Run, Foster Township celebrated their 100th anniversary on Sunday. Congratulations to Rev. Carl Shankweiler, Robert Sterling, and everyone else who has served this congregation since the church was first built in 1925. Rep. JoAnne Stehr and I presented them with citations to celebrate the occasion. 500th Fish & Game Club in Shenandoah Celebrates 75th Anniversary
The 500 Fish & Game Club of Shenandoah recently celebrated their 75th anniversary. The club, which hosts many community events, is led by President Larry Mekaliek and consists of eighty-five full and junior members. I presented them with citations to celebrate the occasion. Strengthening PA Agriculture for Future Generations
The Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Association hosted an informative tour of the Sterman Masser Potato Farms facilities in Hubley Township. The eighth-generation, family-owned business is one of the largest wholesale potato providers in North America and employs nearly 450 people across all their locations in our region. Seth Hubler from my staff joined the tour on my behalf. Upcoming Concealed Carry Seminar, License Plate Replacement EventsMy office regularly hosts outreach events to connect residents of Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties with state services and information. See the full list of my upcoming events here.
Is your license plate damaged or worn out? You can get it replaced for free at an event Rep. Joanne Stehr and I are hosting on Friday, October 3. For more information or to RSVP, call 570-773-0891.
Rep. Tim Twardzik and I are also hosting a license plate replacement event on Friday, October 10. For more information or to RSVP, call 570-794-4039.
Rep. Joanne Stehr and I will host a concealed carry seminar on Thursday, October 9 at the Hegins Township Municipal Building to educate gun owners about state laws regarding firearms. Those interested in attending should RSVP by calling 570-773-0891. This Weekend: Lansford Fall Festival, CAN DO First Responder Event in Hazleton
As part of its continuing efforts to breathe new life into their hometown, Lansford Alive is hosting its Annual Fall Festival this Saturday, September 27th, starting at 9:30 a.m. on Ridge Street in Downtown Lansford. Over 40 vendors are expected to be at this year’s event, with live entertainment throughout the day. The No.9 Coal Mine & Museum will also be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While in Lansford, be sure to check out this great source of mining history.
CAN DO and the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress is hosting a First Responder Appreciation event this Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. This free, family-friendly event will take place at the CAN DO Community Park in Hazleton and offers a great opportunity to meet and connect with the first responders who selflessly serve our neighborhoods.
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