Senator Bartolotta E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Waynesburg Betterment Project Begins Monday
  • Deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Extended to Dec. 31
  • Happenings in the 46th
  • “Free” Computer Security Scan Really Just a Scam
  • Seniors: Protect Yourself from Scams and Exploitation
  • Grants Available to Address Environmental Issues
  • Make Memories at a PA Fair
  • Planning Outdoor Adventures

Waynesburg Betterment Project Begins Monday

The Waynesburg Betterment Project is an $11.8 million project that is needed to ensure a safe and efficient route for all modes of transportation through the downtown Waynesburg business district. The only East-West traffic routes in the county (Route 21 and Route 19) run through the business district.  There are no reasonable alternatives for traffic to move through the county, which causes high traffic volumes and a high percentage of heavy vehicles.

The reconstruction of the Greene Street (Route 19/21) and Richhill Street (Route 19) intersection is scheduled to begin this Monday morning, June 3, in Waynesburg Borough, Greene County. A single-lane restriction will be in place on Greene Street (Route 19/21) between Spring Street and Blackberry Alley, and a short section of South Richhill Street will be closed between Greene Street (Route 19/21) and West South Street. Traffic will be controlled by flagging in the work zone and posted detours will be implemented for South Richhill Street.

More information about Monday’s restrictions can be found here. General information about the Waynesburg Betterment Project can be found here.

Deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Extended to Dec. 31

 The deadline for older Pennsylvanians and those with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2023 has been extended from June 30 to December 31. Approximately 445,000 rebate applications have already been filed this year, including nearly 80,000 first-time filers. The Department of Revenue has already processed and approved 92% of applications.

My offices are available to assist you – more information at senatorbartolotta.com

Happenings in the 46th

 Please join me next Saturday, June 8 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Crossroads Center Building for a drive through identity theft prevention event. We will be located in a small parking lot on the corner of 95 West Beau Street & North Franklin Street.

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.

 Last weekend I attended a number of events commemorating Memorial Day. 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.

A very special thank you to all the volunteers who always help put out chairs and setup the stage so this important ceremony can happen. Thank you to Edward Hajduk, Cemetery Director, for your dedication to this event.

I would like to recognize the Washington Wild Things incredible season-long partnership with Legacies Alive, a non-profit organization. Legacies Alive honors fallen soldiers and supports their Gold Star Families. A different local fallen soldier will be honored at every home game this season to remind fans in attendance that the freedoms they enjoy are not free.

Last Sunday evening, I visited the “Table of Honor” to learn about Beaver County native Staff Sergeant Dylan J. Elchin of the United States Air Force. In August 2018, Dylan deployed to Afghanistan and embedded with an Army Special Operations team. In November of that year at just 25-years-old, Dylan was killed along with two U.S. Army Special Operations Forces members when an improvised explosive device detonated near Ghazni province.

I met Dylan’s grandfather, Ron Bogolea, who is a Vietnam Veteran. The Wild Things played a touching tribute video for Dylan and introduced Ron in the stadium just before first pitch. Kudos to my dear friend Christine Blaine, Wild Things CEO, for making this partnership. I would also like to give a special thank you to John Dudo [Legacies Alive Executive Director], Dr. Andrew Lucas [Legacies Alive], and Karen Teams [Legacies Alive].

Monday on Memorial Day was the Jefferson Borough Memorial Day Parade. This marked the return of this wonderful tradition after a 17-year absence. Congratulations Jeff Coneybeer and all the organizers – it was a wonderful turnout.

This week I had an opportunity to visit the good people at Advanced Surgical Hospital here in Washington. Diane Hritz, CEO, and her entire team are doing great work for the people of our area. After our tour I sat down with a few of the surgeons to discuss barriers that they are facing and to hear about opportunities for the future.

Advanced Surgical Hospital has recently been recognized with a Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement Award™ as the #1 hospital in Pennsylvania for total joint replacement, a tremendous honor. I am proud to have this organization in the 46th Senatorial District and will continue to support their efforts as a leading orthopedic hospital.

May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and the local chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) held their 11th annual walk in Canonsburg Town Park. I have 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.

Earlier this week, Levi Krampy of Carmichaels, Greene County, earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a member of Troop 1280 in Waynesburg and for his service project relocated a World War I monument to it’s new home at the Veterans Memorial in Waynesburg.

Camp Anawanna, part of the Laurel Highlands Council, was the site of the ceremony and it was a packed house – a true testament to Levi’s dedication to his family, troop, and community. Levi is the son of Joe and Donna Krampy and is a rising senior at Carmichaels High School. We are all proud of you, Levi.

“Free” Computer Security Scan Really Just a Scam

Scammers are becoming more skilled all the time. They have created pop-ups and ads for a “free” scan to keep your computer safe – some even with a Windows logo – that trick people into paying to fix computer problems that may not even exist.

While it’s illegal to lie about finding security threats on your computer, tech firms Reimage and Restoro did that to convince people to pay tens of millions of dollars for software and services to repair made-up problems.

Avoid tech support scams by never clicking a link or calling a number in a pop-up warning. Know that legitimate tech companies won’t contact you by phone, email or text message to tell you there’s a problem with your computer. Learn more.

Seniors: Protect Yourself from Scams and Exploitation

Sadly, seniors are victimized financially not only by strangers but even people they know, such as their family member or caregiver. Scammers can swindle them out of their money, pension and even home.

A variety of factors make seniors more vulnerable, including when they have recently lost a spouse, are isolated or face pressure to change their will. When they fall higher on the vulnerability scale, it’s even more important to take precautions to avoid exploitation and fraud.

To protect themselves, seniors should not accept calls from anyone they do not know or give personal information to strangers – regardless of who they claim to be. Review financial account statements at least monthly and contact the financial institution, credit card issuer or other provider immediately if there are unauthorized charges. Learn more.

Grants Available to Address Environmental Issues

Counties, municipal authorities, watershed organizations, businesses and other eligible groups have until June 21 to apply for state grants to address a host of environmental issues.

The Department of Environmental Protection favors projects focused on watershed restoration and protection. It also prioritizes ones that expedite on-the-ground, best management practices implementation and develop agricultural erosion and sediment control or nutrient and manure management plans.

The Growing Greener Grant Program has helped to slash the backlog of farmland-preservation projects statewide, protect open space, eliminate the maintenance backlog in state parks, provide funds for recreational trails and local parks, and provide new and upgraded water and sewer systems.

Make Memories at a PA Fair

Pennsylvania has more than 100 agriculture fairs and events scheduled this summer and fall.

At a festival, you can enjoy the commonwealth’s vibrant heritage and support our local communities. Between the food, animals and exhibits, there’s something for everyone.

The 2024 Pennsylvania Fair Guide maps out the fairs across the state, broken down by region. Find dates and locations to plan your day at the fair. The guide also highlights 15 fairs that offer harness racing.

Planning Outdoor Adventures

As we celebrate Great Outdoors Month in June, it’s the perfect time to engage in recreational opportunities that allow us to enjoy the lakes, mountains, waterfalls, beaches and forests that Pennsylvania offers. Get a jumpstart planning your trip with information about lodging, dining, things to do, and, of course, outdoor adventures.

Great Outdoors Month first started as Great Outdoors Week in 1998.

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