In this update:

• Blood Drive in West View
• PennDOT Scams on the Rise
• E-Recycling in Allegheny County

• Dress for Success
• Employment Resources
• And so much more!

Did you know that blue catfish, which can grow to be over 70 pounds, once thrived in the three rivers? Sadly, pollution in the early 20th century killed off the population in our region. But now, largely thanks to the Clean Water Act of 1972, our local river water quality has improved drastically and the PA Fish and Boat Commission is now working to reintroduce blue catfish to our waterways.

My nephew and I had an exciting time last week helping release about 10,000 blue catfish at Point State Park! Read more about the restocking efforts here.

Thank you to everyone who came out to our document shredding event last Saturday! It was great to see so many of our neighbors taking advantage of this opportunity to safely and securely dispose of documents containing sensitive data. A special thank you to our incredible event partners—the Ross Township Department of Public Works and Senator Lindsey Williams and her staff—for helping make this event such a success.

I’m proud to work alongside such dedicated public servants to support our community. Stay tuned for details on our next shredding event!

The Pennsylvania Resources Council is hosting a recycling collection event for waste, tires, and other materials typically not accepted for curbside recycling this Saturday, August 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Elizabeth Forward Middle School, located at 401 Rock Run Rd., Elizabeth, PA 15037.

While registration for this event is free, there is a $5 participation fee for all attendees that covers the unlimited disposal of the following items:

CPU towers, laptops, mice, keyboards, home phones, cellphones, tablets, servers, routers, modems, DVD players, VCRs, stereos, microwaves, copiers, scanners, electronic cables, video game consoles, and expanded polystyrene packaging material. Other items may be accepted for a per-item fee.

Registration is required to attend.

Get all the details and register here.

They’ll be hosting another collection event in Boyce Park on August 23!

Dress for Success helps unemployed and underemployed women achieve economic independence by providing no-fee programs, development tools, and professional attire to thrive in work and in life.

Check out two workforce development events they’re hosting with Highmark Wholecare at AHN Suburban, located at 100 S. Jackson Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15202, in the 2nd floor cafeteria:

• Monday, August 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Monday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you know someone looking for work, make sure you tell them about the free employment resources available on my website!

The blood supply in Pittsburgh is at a critical low. Please consider donating blood on Thursday, August 7 from 1:30 to 6 p.m. at the West View Fireman’s Banquet Hall, located at 398 Perry Highway.

Schedule an appointment and help save lives!

Heyl Family Practice’s 2nd Annual Backpack Bonanza is happening on August 9! Families with children in need may stop by to choose from a buffet of backpacks and school supplies.

If you would like to help by donating supplies, donations may be dropped off at Ross/West View EMSA, located at 5325 Perry Highway.

Pre-register and see more information here.

Stop by Evergreen Park this Saturday for a relaxing evening of free live music! This event is open to all ages.

PennDOT is warning Pennsylvanians about phishing text messages and email scams impersonating PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, EZ Pass, and other transportation-related agencies. The latest scam claims to be from the “Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles."

What you should know:

• Do not click any links in texts or emails claiming to be from transportation agencies if you did not initiate the contact.
• To manage your toll account safely, use the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
• PennDOT does not collect toll payments.

If you think you’ve been targeted:

• Log in to your E-ZPass or Toll By Plate account to check for suspicious activity.
• Call the PA Turnpike Commission’s Customer Service Center at 877-736-6727, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Do not mail payments unless you have confirmed the request is legitimate through official channels.
• If you clicked a suspicious link or shared sensitive information, take immediate steps to secure your accounts and dispute unfamiliar charges.
• Scam attempts should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov/.

If you have questions about anything in this email or need assistance with any state-related matter, my staff and I are here to help! Reach out at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call 412-321-5523.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

116-B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-5470

District Office

658 Lincoln Ave.

Bellevue, PA 15202
(412) 321-5523