I am proud to share that the East Stroudsburg Area School District has been awarded a $38,750 state grant through PennDOT’s School Bus Safety Grant Program to help recruit and train new school bus drivers.

The grant is part of a statewide investment of more than $1.1 million announced by the Shapiro administration to help schools and transportation providers across Pennsylvania train more than 430 new school bus drivers. East Stroudsburg Area School District will use the funding to support driver recruitment and training costs, including commercial driver’s license training, trainee wages, and testing and permit fees, helping ensure students have safe and dependable transportation to and from school.

“As a school district, we recognize that transportation is one of the few departments that impacts each of our families,” said Dr. Maggie Vitale, superintendent of East Stroudsburg Area School District. “It is always our goal to improve our services in this area. We understand the importance as an educational entity that one way we can do this is through strong professional learning. The East Stroudsburg Area School District is honored to be awarded this grant by the PA Department of Transportation to continue to grow our School Bus Transportation Training and Safety Learning Center. We remain committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees so that we can offer stronger services to our families.”

I made a commitment to bring competitive state grant funding back to our communities and invest it where it belongs, in our public schools, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations, not private corporations.

The School Bus Safety Grant Program is administered by PennDOT and supports initiatives that improve school bus safety across the commonwealth. For more information, visit the program’s website.

Pike County is asking residents, families, schools, churches, businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, and municipalities to take part in a once-in-a-generation Community Time Capsule Project.

“Pike County’s Gift to the Future – Tell Your Story” will collect photos, letters, videos, audio recordings, artwork, historical documents, and personal reflections that capture life in Pike County during the nation’s 250th anniversary year. The collection will be sealed on December 31, 2026, and opened 50 years later on July 4, 2076, during the nation’s 300th anniversary celebration.

Residents, families, businesses, schools, churches, nonprofits, civic groups, and municipalities are encouraged to submit items that reflect life in Pike County during America's 250th anniversary year.

Participants are invited to answer one question: If you could leave only one message for the people of Pike County in 2076, what would it be?

Submissions will be accepted through November 30 and may be delivered to the Pike County Commissioners’ Office or mailed to:

Pike County Commissioners’ Office
506 Broad Street
Milford, PA 18337

For more information, visit www.pikepa.org/gifttothefuture. 

Poconos Health and Wellness Fest will be held from noon-3 p.m., Saturday at the Middle Smithfield Elementary School. A variety of free health services and wellness workshops will be available to attendees. See flyer for more information.

My office has been contacting residents across the district who might have unclaimed property. This can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks and other funds that are rightfully yours. You can check whether any lost property is in your name by visiting this website. Please contact my office if you need any assistance or information. Don't leave money that's yours unclaimed!

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has launched Caregiver Connection, a free online resource designed to support parents, grandparents, siblings, and others caring for a loved one with substance use disorder.

The website serves as a one-stop hub where families can find local and virtual support groups, connect with others who understand their experiences, locate their county drug and alcohol office, learn where to obtain free Narcan, and access additional resources to help navigate a loved one's treatment and recovery.

Caregiver Connection builds on DDAP's existing Family Learning Series, which offers educational modules on understanding substance use disorder, treatment and recovery, setting healthy boundaries, supporting children affected by addiction, and accessing available services.

To learn more or access these free resources, visit Caregiver Connection.

Veterans who need help locating a lost DD Form 214 or other military records can turn to the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for assistance.

A DD-214 is an important Department of Defense document issued when a servicemember retires, separates, or is discharged from active duty. It helps verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans’ organizations. Without it, veterans may face delays when applying for benefits they earned through their service.

DMVA’s accredited veteran service officers are available to help veterans locate DD-214s, DD-215s, and other military documentation.

Veterans or family members needing assistance can contact DMVA at:
?? 1-800-547-2838
?? RA-REQ@pa.gov
?? Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center, 40 Fisher Ave., Jonestown, PA 17038
?? 717-861-8910

Learn more about locating military documents through the DMVA Records Request Program.

If you're looking for a career in law enforcement, the Pennsylvania State Police is accepting applications for the current cadet hiring cycle through July 31.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and be at least 20 years old at the time of application. Cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks, and graduates are promoted to the rank of state trooper upon completing the academy.

To learn more about eligibility requirements, benefits, and the application process, visit PATrooper.com.

We are currently seeking exhibitors for our free Senior Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, September 25, at the Bushkill Outreach Center.

If your organization provides programs, services, or resources that benefit seniors, caregivers, or their families, we invite you to participate. This is a great opportunity to connect directly with community members and share information about the valuable services you offer.

Organizations interested in exhibiting can complete the exhibitor registration form here. Space is limited and fills quickly, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

Please note: This registration form is only for organizations interested in exhibiting. Seniors, caregivers, families, and other attendees are welcome to attend the event, and no RSVP is required.

I'm proud to host this event alongside Pike County Commissioner Christa L. Caceres to connect seniors, caregivers, and families with valuable resources and services available throughout our community.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from state, county, and local agencies, as well as community organizations offering information on:
? Health care and health screenings
? Prescription drug plans
? Volunteer opportunities
? Identity theft prevention
? Programs and services for seniors and caregivers
? And much more

My staff and I will also be there to answer questions and help connect residents with state government programs and services.

?? Light refreshments will be available throughout the event.

?? Bushkill Outreach Center
216 Lehman Park Rd.
Bushkill, PA 18324

??? Friday, September 25
? 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Whether you're interested in exhibiting or attending, we hope you'll join us for this valuable community event.

The Moving Wall deeply moved me, and I know it left a lasting impression on countless others. Thank you to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 678 and the many organizations and volunteers who made this remarkable tribute possible.

District Office

18 South 9th Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 420-2850

Pennsylvania State Capitol

5-A East Wing  Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1421