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News for Constituents

From Senate Republican Policy Development & Research Office

October 2, 2009

Fire and Ambulance Grants Deadline Quickly Approaching

The deadline is quickly approaching for eligible volunteer fire and emergency services organizations to apply for grants covering equipment and other expenditures, according to the PA Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

The Volunteer Fire Company & Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program (VFCVASGP) is accepting online applications for eligible projects until 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time on October 23, 2009.  These include: 

• Facilities - Construction and/or renovation of the fire company’s or ambulance service’s facility and purchase or repair of fixtures and furnishings necessary to maintain or improve the capability of the company to provide fire, ambulance and rescue services. 
• Equipment - Purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment. 
• Debt reduction - Debt reduction associated with the facility or equipment categories above. 
• Training - Training and certification of members. 

A volunteer fire company may apply for grants of not less than $2,500 and not more than $15,000.  A volunteer ambulance service may apply for grants of not less than $2,500 and not more than $10,000.  Volunteer rescue companies may apply for grants of not less than $2,500 and not more than $15,000. 

Companies can access the 2009-10 VFCVAS Grant Program Application online.  For further assistance, contact the grant program staff at ra-vfcvasgp@state.pa.us.

Are You Prepared for H1N1 and Seasonal Flu? 

Find answers to your questions regarding H1N1 through a new website recently launched by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).    

H1N1, a new strain of influenza that spreads from person to person the same way the seasonal flu does and is expected to be widespread this flu season, is discussed in detail.  Learn more about how H1N1 spreads, symptoms to expect, recommended treatment, and more.  Locate information specific to institutional responses including resources, checklists, policies, and management considerations. 

Helpful information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Flu.gov website recommends reducing the potential impact of a flu pandemic on you and your family by planning ahead.  A Food and Supplies Checklist is available to help you stock up on appropriate food, non-perishables, and medical, health, and emergency supplies.

Look for more answers to your flu-related questions in the DHHS list of Frequently Asked Questions and PA DOH related resources. 

Twitter Focuses Attention on PA Wine Trails

As the nation’s eighth largest wine producer, Pennsylvania is connecting its Office of Tourism with the PA Winery Association and Twitter to spread the word about the 11 Wine Trails crossing all regions of the state.

More than 40 bloggers well-versed in food, wine, and travel are blogging and Tweeting about their experiences in cooperation with the PA Office of Tourism and the PA Winery Association. Wine reviews, accounts of winery visits and special attractions along the wine trails are expected to swell winery visits to a record one million this year. 

The PA Office of Tourism can assist with the advice of the PA Winery Association to plan ahead in creating a detailed itinerary.  The Association reminds future visitors timing is important in touring a wine trail.  While weekends are busiest, it is also when most wineries host events.  Visitors will find special events this fall and into the upcoming 2009 holiday season.

For more information about PA wineries, including a map of wine trails and the wineries within them, visit PennsylvaniaWine.com.  PA’s 11 Wine Trails include:

• Berks County Wine Trail – Southeastern PA, between Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
• Brandywine Valley Wine Trail – Southeastern PA, southwest of Philadelphia.
• Bucks County Wine Trail – Eastern PA, just north of Philadelphia.
• Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail – Northwestern PA, along Lake Erie.
• Endless Mountains Wine Trail – Northeastern PA, above Scranton.
• Groundhog Wine Trail – Central PA, west of State College.
• Lehigh Valley Wine Trail – Eastern PA, surrounding Allentown.
• Mason-Dixon Wine Trail – Southern PA, south of York, near the Maryland border. 
• Southwest Passage Wine Trail – Southwestern PA, south of Pittsburgh.
• Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail – Central PA, north of Harrisburg.
• Uncork York Wine Trail – South central PA, near York, southeast of Harrisburg.

See the PA Department of Agriculture’s “Wine Growing in the Keystone State” for a look at PA’s winemaking history and grape varieties, as well as a directory to numerous wineries across the state. 

Twitter is a free service that lets you keep in touch with people through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? Join today to start receiving PAWines's tweets.

Tips for Residential Heating Oil Tank Owners

Cooler air settling in over Pennsylvania reminds homeowners and businesses the heating season is nearly upon us and it’s time to make sure your heating oil tank is ready for the job, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Absent proper management, your heating oil storage tank can pose a serious threat to public safety and the environment.  Spills and leaks can contaminate public and private drinking water supplies, pollute soils, create the potential for fires and explosions, and subject tank owners to very expensive cleanup costs. 

DEP offers 2 sets of self-inspection checklists – one for basement and backyard aboveground home heating oil tanks and another for home heating oil underground storage tanks.  Go to DEP’s list of Storage Tank Fact Sheets and scroll down to Tips for Residential Heating Oil Tank Owners.  The fact sheet also lists a number of indicators of a residential heating oil tank leak or spill and how and where to seek assistance with cleanup.

64th Annual PA National Horse Show to Ride into Farm Show Complex

One of the premier equestrian competitions in the United States, the Annual PA National Horse Show, will ride into the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex for its 64th annual show from October 8 – 17, 2009.

The standard horse show format for 2009 will find competition in the Hunter and Jumper divisions expanded.  In addition, the traditional Saddle bred, Western and Draft Horse sections will now be showcased as exhibitions and special attractions to promote a greater interest and education in all things of an equestrian nature.

The junior element will be highlighted by the Adequan/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships scheduled for October 8-10, and the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Finals on Sunday, October 11.  The final six days, October 12- 17, will be devoted to an expanded Hunter and Jumper format along with special attractions. 

Those interested in barrel racing, pole bending and celebrity team penning will want to attend on Western Night - October 14.  Visitors can catch carriage racing during the final four nights of the show.  A unique shopping opportunity featuring some 50 vendors will offer one-of-a-kind PNHS memorabilia, fine arts, gifts, accessories and much more.

The 24-acre Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center is located at 2300 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17110.  Consult the PA National Horse Show website or call 717-770-0222 for additional information.

2009 Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition Annual Conference Set for Mid-October

Breast cancer survivors, medical professionals, community and corporate leaders, legislators and advocates will convene at the Harrisburg Hilton on October 14, 2009 for Pennsylvania’s Annual Breast Cancer Coalition Conference. 

The Conference is offering specific tracks throughout the day to facilitate attendees choosing appropriate workshops.  Tracks include Advances in Treatment, Breast Cancer Survivorship, Caring for the Caregiver, and Leadership Training.  Registration and a Continental Breakfast begin at 7 a.m. with the opening session set for 8:30 a.m.  A closing session and Pink Ribbon Reception are scheduled from 3 – 3:30 p.m.

Workshops will look at subjects including breast radiation therapy, genetic testing, emerging treatments, survivor care plans, supporting the children of mothers and grandmothers with cancer, exercise, journaling, and more. 

Register online in 4 easy steps.  For registration questions contact Kim Eubanks at kim@pabreastcancer.org or 1-800-377-8828 extension 104.