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.
PennDOT Invites Public to Virtual Meeting on State Rail Plan Updates
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is inviting the public to participate in a virtual public meeting to discuss updates to the Pennsylvania State Rail Plan. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 10, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
PennDOT is working alongside the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to develop the 2025 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan, which will guide rail investments for the next 20 years. This update, last revised in 2020, evaluates the current state of passenger and freight rail while addressing future safety, funding, environmental, and economic development needs.
The meeting will include an introduction to the plan update process, background on Pennsylvania’s rail systems, and an interactive Q&A session. The public is encouraged to share input on rail priorities, opportunities, and investment needs.
To participate, visit the State Rail Plan website at advancingparail.com to access the Zoom meeting link and survey. Materials from the meeting will be available online through December 19.
Small Business Saturday
To 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.
Regular Firearms Deer Season Begins Nov. 30
Regular 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.
Congratulations to our newest Eagle Scouts!
Please join me as we acknowledge two young men, Nathan Smith and Maxsim Lamberton, as they achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
This milestone is not just a testament to their achievements but also a promise to continue striving to be their best for themselves and everyone they encounter throughout their lives.
Congratulations to Nathan and Maxsim on this incredible accomplishment. Our community is proud of you and inspired by your example. Wishing you continued success both professionally and personally.
Scenes from the 40th Senatorial District
This week’s photo winner comes courtesy of John of East Stroudsburg, who took this gorgeous photo of Ice Lake in Cresco. John’s photo has been shared on my social media and posted to the 40th Senatorial District Photo Gallery.
Interested in showcasing your photography skills?
I am inviting residents of the 40th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County.
Click here to submit your work and learn more.
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