Senator Ward, J E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • “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
  • Out and About

“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.

Out and About

I was happy to attend the Mifflin County Veterans Annual Picnic on Friday, May 24. There were hundreds of veterans in attendance for this annual event held at Rec Park in Lewistown. One special veteran, David Borland, turned 100 years old and me, State Representatives Kerry Benninghoff and David Rowe were happy to present Mr. Borland with Senate and House citations respectively. Mifflin County Commissioners Kevin Kodish and Noah Wise also read and presented a proclamation to Mr. Borland.

Fellow Hollidaysburg High School Alum, Stephen Burke, is also pictured in the back holding the 100th Birthday sign for Mr. Borland.

It was great to pay a visit to Mount Union Fire Company as they hosted an open house for the fire and rescue company.

Memorial Day is very personal to me, so it was such an honor to speak at an event at Alto Reste Cemetery in Altoona alongside Commissioner Dave Kessling. Also pictured with us is Bella Lear, who offered a poem for the 2nd year in a row at the event.

I began Memorial Day with Veterans and friends from the Altoona James E. Van Zandt Medical Center before the Altoona Memorial Day parade.

Thrilled to be part of a team of speakers that included State Representative Rich Irvin and Ed Harry Jr. at the Madden-Wennick American Legion in Orbisonia (Huntingdon County) on Memorial Day.

(L to R) Greg Pine, Ed Holland, myself, Ed Harry Jr., and Rep. Rich Irvin.

Also, Bob Mellott and his wife, Ellen, joined Rep. Irvin and myself for a photo.

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