View this email in a browser

In this Update:

• Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action
• Restored Section of D&H Trail Opens
• Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub
• Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
• 42 Years of Service and Leadership Recognized at Human Resources Center
• Dallas Township Completes New Salt Shed Project
• Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes
• Rockport Hunting Club Annual Beef and Pig Roast
• Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027

Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action

As students across Pennsylvania return to school, it is past time for the commonwealth to ensure fairness for women and girls taking part in collegiate and high school sports.

Earlier this year, at the urging of students and parents, the Senate approved bipartisan legislation – twice – to preserve opportunities for female athletes at public schools and colleges by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex. Senate Bill 1293 would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule.

Month after month, the House of Representatives has avoided voting on this reasonable legislation grounded in fairness. The bill has been moved to multiple House committees in a series of parliamentary maneuvers to avoid a vote.

The longer the House delays, the more female athletes are at risk of being unfairly forced off the field or the winner’s podium. We must enact the Save Women’s Sports Act to restore common sense to scholastic sports.

Restored Section of D&H Trail Opens

The Rail-Trail Council of NEPA is dedicated to developing recreational trails to enhance the quality of life for people who live in, work near, or visit the Endless Mountains. State funds were used to stabilize the Starrucca Creek bank and restore a section of the D&H Trail, which was impacted by flooding. A tremendous step forward in completing the 38-mile, fully connected system, the project will maintain year-round public access and preserve the ecological value of the wetlands. It is also important in connecting communities and welcoming visitors who support local businesses.

A special sculpture honoring the memory of Jon “Chuck” Burdick was part of the ribbon cutting ceremony. A well-known rail enthusiast and historian who served on the boards of the Susquehanna County Library and Historical Society and the D&H Rail Trail, he shared his knowledge and passion through public presentations and scenic tours.

Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the launch of the department’s online Financial Education Hub, a one-stop-shop of resources designed to help Pennsylvanians improve their financial literacy and make informed financial decisions.

The new hub brings together state and federal resources covering topics such as budgeting, saving, retirement planning, digital assets and cryptocurrencies. It also includes information on Treasury programs, like the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, Keystone Scholars and PA ABLE.

Resources are organized for specific audiences including students, teachers, active military members, veterans and older adults. Visit the Financial Education Hub here.

Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

Students and families take out significant loans to pay for higher education, which attracts scammers looking to exploit the situation.

“Act immediately to qualify for student loan forgiveness” is just one of the high-pressure loan forgiveness pitches used to trick borrowers into sharing personal information. Scammers will frequently request an up-front or monthly fee while promising immediate and total student loan cancellation. Most government forgiveness programs require years of qualifying payments or employment in certain fields before forgiving loans.

Be wary of aggressive language and check the source before clicking. Learn more about avoiding these scams here.

42 Years of Service and Leadership Recognized at Human Resources Center

Darleen Gylnn was recently honored upon her retirement from the Human Resources Center after 42 years of dedicated service. A longtime advocate for individuals with disabilities, her tenure with HRC began in 1984, where she held a variety of positions prior to becoming the CEO. Throughout her career, Darlene strove to adhere to the highest standards of service and rightly earned the respect and admiration of her many friends and colleagues. She led with integrity helping to expand programs and services, and we wish her well as she embarks on her next chapter.

Dallas Township Completes New Salt Shed Project

Dallas Township completed construction on a new salt shed in time for the winter season. Not only will this project provide space to store and protect equipment, but it will also allow the road department to acquire a much larger supply of storm maintenance materials improving their response during inclement weather. Investments like this strengthen public assets and support essential services that people count on.

Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes

Pennsylvania’s six veterans homes care for our neighbors who answered the call to serve. The homes offer levels of care tailored to the specific health needs of residents and are supplemented with an array of clinical services.

Pennsylvania veterans homes are looking to hire registered nurses and license practical nurses to provide the kind of care that will allow veterans to live an active and healthy life with as much independence as possible.

Learn more about these opportunities and apply here.

Rockport Hunting Club Annual Beef and Pig Roast

The Rockport Hunting Club’s annual beef and pig roast is a Pike/Wayne tradition. We enjoyed some good eats, good fun, and good conversation with friends old and new.

Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027

Teenagers in jeopardy of not graduating on time or dropping out of school have a chance at obtaining their basic education through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy.

Applications are being accepted for its first class of 2027, which begins in January at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. There is no tuition cost to attend, and meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge.

The program lasts for five-and-a-half months as a residential phase and 24 months of mentorship by academy staff back in home communities. Learn more about the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy and apply here.