News from across the Commonwealth
READER RESPONSE
Dear Editor,
Your November issue of Penn Lines is a real keeper for a number of reasons.
First, the Quilts of Valor Program that recognizes and honors veterans made a patriotic quilt that covered my father’s bed in his nursing home for years and now it covers my bed as well. Thankfully, the names of its makers were written in the corner so I could track down one and personally thank her for her time and effort.
The quilt is a remarkable and symbolic gift, and thanks to your article’s author, I learned the shapes, colors and sizes of the pieces represent all of us who support veterans, the batting provides the warmth, comfort and healing that the recipient may find, and the back of the quilt represents the strength of the recipient and his support system.
Now I appreciate my father’s Quilt of Valor even more. …
So thanks, dear Penn Lines, for featuring people and causes that your readers know of and care about. Such coverage demonstrates the integral part of life that our electric co-op plays in Pennsylvania and in Adams County. Further proof is Paul Wesslund’s article on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s mission to hire military veterans and further serve them in their “Veterans in Energy” program. Kudos to all.
Kathy Megyeri, Fairfield, Pa. (Adams Electric Cooperative)
Center for Rural PA needs your help to document need for broadband
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania is sponsoring a research study, “Broadband Availability and Access in Rural Pennsylvania,” designed to analyze and assess broadband availability in the state.
In order to get the best data available, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania is asking state residents to participate in the research by taking a broadband speed test before Dec. 31. To participate, log on to broadbandtest.us and follow the instructions. By taking the broadband speed test, residents can help document the current prevalence of high-speed, fixed broadband services across Pennsylvania.
Test results will help Pennsylvania State University researchers to measure actual internet speeds. The test will also provide participants with information about their broadband connection.
State announces new housing initiative for those with opioid use disorder
Governor Tom Wolf recently announced a new $15 million program that will fund a minimum of eight pilot projects designed to help Pennsylvanians with opioid use disorder (OUD) to become and remain engaged in evidence-based treatment interventions, provide them with support services to maintain housing stability, and provide pre-tenancy and tenancy education services.
Developed by the state departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Human Services (DHS), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency and the Department of Community and Economic Development, the program’s goal is to support innovative practices that will increase access to treatment and support for individuals with OUD and help prevent overdose-related deaths.
This is the first project launched as part of a $56 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Other initiatives that will be included in later projects focus on expanding services to pregnant women and veterans affected by OUD, developing the treatment and recovery workforce, and strengthening criminal justice and law enforcement initiatives with a focus on re-entrant supports.
The 15 rural counties that are eligible locations for pilot programs under this initiative include: Armstrong, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Clearfield, Crawford, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Mifflin, Venango and Washington. In addition, there are 15 eligible urban counties.
Information about the state’s efforts to battle the opioid crisis can be found at pa.gov/guides/opioid-epidemic.
PGC prints wild birds, wildlife calendars
In an effort to raise funds for wildlife conservation among residents who usually don’t contribute to wildlife’s wellbeing, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering both a wild birds and a wildlife calendar for 2019.
The calendars are 10½ by 13 inches, and each month features a color photograph of a wild bird or mammal.
To purchase calendars, go online to theoutdoorshop.state.pa.us or a Pennsylvania Game Commission regional office.
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