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In this Update:
Happy Thanksgiving!Nearly 250 years ago, the Second Continental Congress proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving in honor of the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga. The battle was an important one for our new country. After the Continental Army had been in retreat, the British discovered that despite what they originally thought, the American army would not be easily defeated. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday on the last Thursday in November. Gathering with loved ones gives us the opportunity to celebrate our own perseverance and successes. This Thanksgiving, may you be blessed with full tables and full hearts. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, my office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29. Regular Firearms Deer Season Begins Nov. 30Regular firearms season runs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 14 in most areas of the state. Certain wildlife management units (WMUs) offer additional hunting opportunities. WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D have an extended season from Dec. 26 to Jan. 25, 2025. WMUs 4A, 4D and 5A have an extended season from Jan. 2-20, 2025. Pennsylvania hunters have shared their deer harvest since 1991, helping Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) distribute 2.5 million pounds of venison. Hunters can drop off a whole field-dressed deer at a participating processor. There is no fee to donate a deer. In an average hunting season, HSH hopes to provide the state’s food banks with 100,000 pounds of processed venison. The food banks then re-distribute the meat to more than 5,000 local provider charities such as food pantries, missions, homeless shelters, Salvation Army facilities and churches. Hunters’ donations help combat food insecurity, which more than 1.6 million Pennsylvanians currently experience. Shopping Small Boosts Our Local EconomyTo spotlight the role that small businesses play, Small Business Saturday will be held Saturday, Nov. 30. The holiday season is a wonderful time to shop small. More than 1.1 million small businesses in Pennsylvania benefit their local economies and employ 2.5 million people. The state offers helpful information for people who are considering starting or expanding their business. Learn more about writing a business plan, registering your business and choosing a business structure. Out and About in the 30th DistrictTyrone Library Ribbon Cutting I was happy to attend a ribbon cutting for the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library’s new sensory room. The room is designed to provide people of all ages with a tranquil, stimulating environment for learning and relaxation. This room was created with the help of a group of adults with intellectual disabilities from the Community and Residential Empowerment Services of Central Pennsylvania organization (CARES). I was also happy to announce that the library received a $415,460 grant through the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities program. These funds will be used to improve the library’s infrastructure, making it more conducive to helping people find work, pursue educational opportunities, and monitor their health. PA Rural Population Revitalization Commission Listening and Learning Session The PA Rural Population Revitalization Commission, which I was proudly appointed to, held a listening and learning session in Duncansville to gather feedback from rural Pennsylvanians on what their communities need to grow, succeed, and thrive. The Commission will continue these sessions across the state with the goal of making recommendations to the legislature on what sorts of policy can lead to a rural revitalization in Pennsylvania. I look forward to continuing to work with the other folks on the Commission and am excited to see what proposals result from all the hard work. Pictured (left to right) are: Senator Ward, Commission Appointee; Nathan Lesh, Vice President of Pennsylvania FFA, Commission Appointee; Dr. Kyle Kopko, Executive Director of the Center, Commission Chairman; Jordan Grady, President of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, Commission Appointee; and Rep. Paul Takac, Commission Appointee. Hollidaysburg Winterfest Parade It was a great time in Hollidaysburg last Sunday for the Winterfest Parade. My friend, Charlotte, helped me throw candy! One of the most recognizable floats in the parade featured “yard kitty” who sits outside the Straub property on Penn Street. Yard Kitty is always dressed according to the weather or calendar. Yard Kitty’s mom participated in the parade as the Citizen of the Year Parade Marshal.
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