$200K for Mechatronics Training, Litter Hawk Youth Award Program Returns, Holiday Open House, and more!

Rep. Robert Merski December 12, 2025 | 1:03 PM

$200,000 Awarded to Expand Mechatronics Apprenticeships

Great news for local job training! Thanks to a $200,000 award from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, we’re expanding mechatronics apprenticeships so more residents can access in-demand manufacturing careers.

Investments like this create real opportunities for our neighbors to earn industry-recognized credentials and build stable careers. Our office will continue working with the German American Chamber of Commerce, local training partners and employers, to ensure these apprenticeship opportunities reach people throughout our region.

Celebrate the Season at Our Holiday Open House

Season’s greetings! You’re invited to a relaxed Holiday Open House on Monday, Dec. 22. Join us for a warm and welcoming afternoon with light refreshments, live music, and brief community updates.

This is a casual, family-friendly event — come when you can, stay as long as you like, and feel free to bring a friend or the whole family. It’s a great opportunity to meet neighbors, chat with us about exciting community updates, and enjoy some holiday cheer.

Don’t Miss Out — Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Approaches

I encourage all eligible older Pennsylvanians and adults 18 or older with disabilities to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program — an important source of relief for property taxes or rent paid last year. With this year’s income-eligibility ceiling raised to $46,520, more households may qualify.

Anyone who is an older Pennsylvanian or an adult 18 or older with a disability and meets the income limits may apply; the income limit for this filing year is $46,520. Rebates typically range from $380 to $1,000, depending on income and the amount paid in property taxes or rent. Households with the greatest need may also qualify for a supplemental payment that can increase the total benefit to as much as $1,500.

The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2025.

Litter Hawk Youth Awards Accepting K–6 Submissions

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has relaunched the Litter Hawk Youth Award Program for students in grades K–6. This year’s theme is Celebrate America250 — Keep It Beautiful. Students can enter with art, writing or video that shows community pride.

Key details:

Who: Students in grades K–6
What: Art, writing or video entries for the Litter Hawk Youth Award Program
Theme: Celebrate America250 — Keep It Beautiful
Deadline: Jan. 31, 2026
Winners announced: April 2026 at an awards ceremony at the Pennsylvania State Capitol (winners and their families, guardians and teachers are invited). Special guests will include representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection and America250PA.

Please help spread the word to local schools, youth groups and families who might want to participate. If you have questions or need more information, contact our office and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Help Care for Those Who Served Our Commonwealth

If you’re looking for a meaningful, patriotic way to give back this holiday season, please consider supporting programs that serve the nearly 700,000 veterans, service members, and families across the commonwealth.

Several tax-deductible programs through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs are currently accepting donations. To learn more or contribute, please visit: https://www.pa.gov/dmva/donate/

A Bright Night at Greene Township’s Light Up Night

What a wonderful evening at Greene Township Parks and Recreation’s inaugural Light Up Night. I was honored to emcee the event and truly enjoyed seeing so many families and neighbors come together to celebrate the season.

A heartfelt thank-you to the township supervisors, the parks board, the organizers and the event sponsors for putting on such a warm and festive night. Events like this bring our community together and make the holidays brighter for everyone.