I’m pleased to report that two municipalities in our area were awarded a total of $163K in new grants this week to improve local green spaces. Harmar Township was awarded $99,200 to upgrade Acme Park, with work to include renovation of the pickleball court and dog park, construction of pedestrian walkways, installation of play equipment, ADA access, landscaping and signage. Cheswick Borough was awarded $64,500 to renovate the Rachel Carson Trail, with work to include trail rehabilitation, construction of pedestrian walkways, ADA access, landscaping and signage.

The grants come from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

I’m looking forward to my annual Veterans Dinner next month at Brackenridge American Legion. It will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12. Representatives from the VFW and U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs will be on hand to help veterans with important services. Dinner will include roasted chicken breast, stuffed cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes with gravy, seasoned green beans, tossed salad, rolls and dessert. Beverages will include coffee, tea, water and soft drinks.

Please call our office to RSVP by Friday, Oct. 30 at (724)826-5151.

I was glad to see so many people stop by my district office in Cheswick last week for my shred event. I was happy to help so many people protect their identity by ensuring documents don’t fall into the wrong hands. Thank you to the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office for coming out to offer disposal of unused medications as part of its Project D.U.M.P., and thank you to the Allegheny Valley Regional Police Dept. for assisting with traffic.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources established the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation three years ago to grow and compete in the outdoor recreation industry. And I love it: I’m a huge advocate of our state’s scenic beauty—rivers, mountains, lakes and trails. If you’ve ever rafted, canoed, kayaked, hiked, hunted, skied, snowmobiled or participated in the many outdoor activities our great state offers, you know what I’m talking about!

In just three years, this tiny, new department grew recreational tourism 15%, created 12,000 new jobs and has become a key economic driver for the state. The outdoor recreation economy includes businesses that produce clothing, equipment and vehicles for outdoor use, outfitters and providers of experiences and professionals that serve this industry such as designers, managers, and marketing and communications specialists.

Fall is a perfect time to be outdoors and enjoy Pennsylvania’s thousands of miles of trails, 125 state parks, 84,000 miles of waterways and 2.2 million acres of state forestland. Click here to plan your perfect autumn destination!

I’m pleased to offer a helpful, regular service at my Cheswick office. Once a month, a representative from the office of Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars will be available on-site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out all of the upcoming dates in the above graphic.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these special days and hours at my office, located at 1296 Pittsburgh St. During these visits, you can pay county property taxes, apply for the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion or Senior Citizen Tax Relief programs, or obtain hunting, fishing, or dog licenses.

Mail-in voting in PA is simple, safe, and secure. It’s one way that you can make your voice heard. The deadline for requesting a mail-in ballot is Oct. 27. Learn more by watching the video below or visiting www.vote.pa.gov.

Local students have a chance to design the county’s next “I Voted” sticker. The Allegheny County Elections Division is accepting submissions for its second annual “I Voted” sticker contest. The winning design will be featured on stickers available to voters during the 2027 elections.

The contest is open to Allegheny County students in grades 9–12. Designs must:

• Include the phrase “I Voted”
• Fit a 2-inch circular design
• Be nonpartisan
• Avoid copyrighted images and trademarks
• Include parent or guardian consent for students under 18

Entries must be submitted electronically by Dec. 31. The top 10 designs will be selected for public voting in January. Students interested in participating can find the full contest rules and submission information at alleghenycounty.us/stickercontest.

Twice a month, a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) will be at my Cheswick office, 1296 Pittsburgh St., to assist veterans with a variety of services. The VSO will be available on the third Wednesday and Thursday of each month.

Call to schedule an appointment at (724) 826-5151.

District Office

1296 Pittsburgh Street

Cheswick, PA 15024

(724) 826-5151

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111 B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 705-7141