|
Mehaffie Message |
#Listrak\DateStampLong# |
The latest news from the State Capitol |
In this Edition:
|
• |
Key Dates for Upcoming Election |
|
• |
Sign-up for my Upcoming Events |
|
• |
Fall Driving Tips |
|
• |
Boating Facility Grant Program |
|
• |
Scam Alert! |
|
• |
Out and About Photos |
|
Key Dates for Upcoming Election
The 2023 Municipal Election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Voters will have the opportunity to elect a new state Supreme Court justice, judges to serve on the Superior and Commonwealth courts, and an array of county, municipal and school district officials.
If you are not already registered to vote, the deadline to do so is Monday, Oct. 23. You may register in person at your county elections office, by mail or by visiting the state’s online voter registration website.
The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 31, by 5 p.m. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
For more information about voting in the Commonwealth, including how to check your registration and voting location, visit www.vote.pa.gov.
|
Sign-up for my Upcoming Events
Tea with Tom:
Couples who have been together for 30 years or longer are invited to join me on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon at the South Hanover Township municipal building, 161 Patriot Way in Hershey. During the event we will enjoy tea and other light refreshments, celebrate your marital milestones, and discuss state programs and services available to those in attendance. Reservations are required due to limited seating. Please call 717-534-1323.
Veterans’ Breakfast:
Mark your calendar for my veterans’ appreciation breakfast on Friday, Nov. 3, from 8-10 a.m. at the Lower Swatara Fire Department, 1350 Fulling Mill Road, Middletown. This event is open to active-duty military personnel and veterans. Accommodations can be made for disabled attendees requiring assistance.
Seating is limited and registration is required; sign up online at RepMehaffie.com or by calling the district office at 717-534-1323.
At the event, we will be collecting worn, torn and defaced U.S. flags for proper disposal. The Dauphin County Veterans Affairs Office is also scheduled to be on-hand to answer any questions, and the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds office will be on-site to register discharge papers, DD214s, and issue cards for the county’s Veteran ID Discount Card program.
|
Fall Driving Tips
Now that fall has arrived, PennDOT is reminding motorists that wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost are a few driving hazards they will encounter this season. Weather conditions can be unpredictable in the fall and an increase in deer activity adds yet another danger of which to be aware.
There are steps drivers can take to help make their commutes safer. PennDOT offers the following fall driving tips:
|
1. |
Increase your following distance in severe weather, at dusk and dawn, and when in an area with wet leaves. If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass. |
|
2. |
Check your vehicle's headlights, taillights and turn signals to ensure they are working properly since darkness will be a part of many drivers’ morning and/or evening commutes. Make sure you turn on your headlights as the sunlight fades. |
|
3. |
Have your vehicle's heating and wiper systems checked to ensure they are working properly. |
|
4. |
Be sure you have tires with sufficient tread depth in case of an early season snow. |
|
5. |
Watch for deer. Autumn brings an increase in deer activity, and drivers are reminded to watch carefully for deer darting across and along roadways. |
For more traffic safety information, please visit www.penndot.pa.gov/safety.
|
Boating Facility Grant Program
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking applications for the 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. Funding requests require a 50% match.
The PFBC encourages townships, boroughs, and municipal and county governments to apply. Nonprofit groups, including land trusts, conservancies and watershed associations, are also eligible to apply. Private businesses and service clubs are not eligible for direct funding but are encouraged to partner with their local county or municipality.
The deadline to apply is Saturday, Dec. 30. More information is available here.
|
Scam Alert!
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is warning Pennsylvanians of a potential scam in which individuals receive a phone call from the “Department of Public Welfare” – the former name of DHS – asking for information about individuals’ utility assistance. The scammer then states that the individual overpaid for utilities and asks for bank card information to provide a refund.
DHS will never ask for information about any public assistance programs or personal financial information via unsolicited or random phone calls or texts. Please report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).
DHS does send informational text messages and phone calls to people who receive SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits from the number 1-833-648-1964. However, DHS’ text messages will not include: details about a person’s benefits, such as the amount of SNAP they are authorized to receive; a request for specific personal information; and/or links to unofficial websites. Most DHS texts will direct people to dhs.pa.gov, COMPASS, or a site that ends in .gov or .org.
For more information, click here.
|
Out and About Photos
Toys on the Square
I recently had the pleasure of presenting Grafton Stine with a certificate in honor of the new location of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown.
The new location is nearly twice the size of the existing one, going from 8,000 square feet to 15,000! Congratulations!
Eagle Scouts
On Saturday, Sept. 23, I had the privilege and honor of attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for three young men earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout: Austin Reeder; Owen Henning; Bain Meloy.
Austin is attending Penn State University. Owen and Bain have enlisted in the PA Air National Guard and PA National Guard, respectively. Austin, Owen and Bain are bright young men looking towards even brighter futures; equipped with the many skills and lessons they learned along the path to attaining Eagle Scout.
Congratulations again, and best of luck in your future endeavors!
Lebanon VA Medical Center
Last week I got to see retired Major General Carl Reese again, and had the privilege of touring the VA Hospital in Lebanon with PA State Rep. Joe Kerwin. Pictured on my left is Rep. Kerwin, and to my right, MG Reese; Vietnam veteran, Mr. Golden; retired Colonel Doug Etter.
It was an honor to visit and see how hard-working the staff is that cares for the nearly 50,000 veterans treated in the Lebanon VA healthcare system.
|
|