I’m excited to announce that exhibitor registration is officially open for my Women’s Expo, which I am hosting in partnership with State Rep. Maureen Madden. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Stroudsburg High School Cafeteria.

 

Last year’s event was an incredible success thanks to all of you, and I would love to have you join us again this year. Space fills quickly, so I encourage you to submit your registration form as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

 

Registration form: https://www.pahouse.com/Probst/Form/?id=1896

The Wayne County Housing Authority and Pike County Human Services have announced a formal partnership to expand access to housing assistance services for Pike County residents.

 

Under the new partnership, WCHA staff will be on-site at the Pike County Human Services office on the second Thursday of each month to provide in-person Housing Choice Voucher services, making assistance more accessible and closer to home for eligible residents.

 

The Housing Choice Voucher Program for Pike County residents has long been administered by the Wayne County Housing Authority. The partnership is designed to reduce barriers to access, streamline application and verification processes, and strengthen affordable housing support throughout the region.

 

Through this collaboration, both agencies will combine resources, expertise, and outreach efforts to better serve residents facing housing challenges. The shared goal is to increase access to safe, affordable housing while connecting eligible individuals with housing opportunities more efficiently.

 

The Pike County Human Services office will also serve as a drop-off location for residents unable to travel to the WCHA office, allowing paperwork to be submitted more conveniently without requiring additional transportation or technology access.

 

Residents wishing to schedule an appointment with Jackie Walsh, HCV Coordinator, may do so by:

• Email: jwalsh@wchahousing.com
• Phone: 570-488-6069, Option 3

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides eligible low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from approved farmers markets throughout Pennsylvania.

 

Please note:

• Vouchers will NOT be mailed and must be picked up in person — no exceptions.
• Each eligible senior will receive five $5 vouchers for a total of $25 during the program year.
• Vouchers may be redeemed at participating farmers markets from June 1 through November 30.
• A list of approved farmers markets will be available at distribution sites.
• Eligible seniors must be 60 or older and meet income guidelines:
  • $29,526 or less for a single person
  • $40,034 or less for a married couple
• Proof of age and residency is required (driver’s license, photo ID, etc.).
• Seniors unable to attend in person may designate a representative with a completed and signed proxy form.
• Vouchers are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and may only be received once per season.

 

Monroe County Residents

The Area Agency on Aging Office will begin administering the program beginning Monday, June 8, at various locations throughout the county.

 

?? Mountain Community Center

354 Memorial Boulevard, Tobyhanna

(use main entrance)

Monday, June 8 | 9 a.m.-noon

 

?? Chestnuthill Senior Center

1919 Route 209, Brodheadsville

Tuesday, June 9 | 9 a.m.-noon

 

?? Loder Senior Center

62 Analomink Street, East Stroudsburg

Wednesday, June 10 | 9 a.m.-noon

 

?? Knob Crest Apartments*

Thursday, June 11 | 9-10:30 a.m.

 

?? Belmont Knoll Apartments*

Thursday, June 11 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

 

?? Shirley Futch Plaza*

Friday, June 12 | 1-3 p.m.

 

?? Whitestone Commons*

Monday, June 15 | 1-3 p.m.

 

?? Westgate Apartments*

Tuesday, June 16 | 9-11 a.m.

 

?? Avon Court*

Tuesday, June 16 | 1-3 p.m.

 

?? Wisteria Commons*

Wednesday, June 17 | 9-11 a.m.

 

?? Hamilton Manor*

Wednesday, June 17 | 1-3 p.m.

 

?? Middle Smithfield Community Center

5200 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg

Thursday, June 18 | 9 a.m.-noon

 

*Building residents only

 

From June 24 through September 30, vouchers will be distributed Wednesdays only from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Loder Center (2nd Floor), 62 Analomink Street, East Stroudsburg.

 

Pike County Residents

 

The Pike County Area Agency on Aging begins distribution the week of June 2.

 

?? Blooming Grove Senior Center

150 Pike County Blvd., Hawley

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

 

?? Eastern Pike Center @ Matamoras Fire House

506 Ave. Q, Matamoras

Fridays | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

 

?? Lackawaxen/Shohola Township Center @ Lackawaxen Fire Dept.

Beisel Beck Rd. & Rt. 590, Lackawaxen

Thursdays | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

 

?? Bushkill Center for Active Adults

216 Lehman Park Rd., Bushkill

Tuesdays | 10 a.m.-noon

Last week, my House colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and improve communities:

 

We protected kids by requiring mandated reporters to report suspected child sexual abuse materials or AI child sexual abuse materials (HB 2474) and improved prosecution of internet crimes against children (HB 1098). We also helped kids by setting up a new state commission that will develop a plan to provide vision exams and glasses at little or no cost for all students who need them (HB 1077).

 

We cut costs for tenants by capping rental application fees (HB 558).

 

These bills now head to the Senate for further consideration.

Pennsylvania graduate students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and other health-related fields could soon have access to new financial support through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

 

The agency recently launched a new Medical and Health Professional Loan Program in response to the possible elimination of the federal Graduate PLUS Program. The goal is to help students continue pursuing advanced degrees despite rising education costs and tighter federal borrowing limits.

 

The program includes:

• Competitive fixed interest rates
• No application or origination fees
• Flexible repayment options
• Deferred repayment during residency, fellowship, internship, research, and other clinical training
• Potentially less reliance on co-signers

 

PHEAA also continues to offer financial support for graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, education, law, MBA programs, and other fields through its Graduate Loan Program.

 

More information: https://www.pheaa.org/documents/press-releases/ph/050726-2.pdf

I was honored to attend Chief County Detective Eric Kerchner’s retirement celebration after 24 years of service. Monroe County was truly fortunate to have his dedication and leadership.

 

It was wonderful to see so many people come out to show him the appreciation, love, and respect he has earned over the years. I hope to still see him around town in his well-deserved retirement.

My staff member Carlos and I were glad to connect with veterans at The Battle Buddies Veterans Connect breakfast at the American Legion Post 346. It was a meaningful gathering, with state and county partners and a wide range of service providers sharing helpful information and resources.

 

There were also some powerful stories shared that had me teary-eyed (thank you, Pat) and deeply grateful all at once.

 

Please mark your calendars to visit the Vietnam Veterans of America Moving Wall when it comes to Stroudsburg High School from July 10–13. It is an incredible honor to have this in Monroe County.

 

Thank you to all our service members and their families for your continued sacrifice and service.

Thank you to Northampton Community College for hosting the legislative lunch. The students were truly impressive, and it was wonderful to hear about their accomplishments and the paths they’re forging.

 

We are proud to support you and your work.

While I was in Harrisburg during session, my legislative assistant, Jessica, represented my office at Northampton Community College Pocono Campus for Community Night.

 

She had a wonderful time connecting with students, community partners, and attendees throughout the evening. Thank you to Northampton Community College for hosting, and to Monroe County Children’s Roundtable, Mc250PA, and our Monroe and Pike County partners for making the event a great success.

 

It was an excellent opportunity to highlight the strong collaboration among organizations across our region in support of students, families, and essential community services.

I wore my green and met with Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania and PennFuture to discuss important issues facing our Commonwealth. There is still much work ahead, but these conversations are essential as we move forward.

Jessica from my office attended the John Paul II Polish School of the Poconos on Saturday to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a beautiful flag ceremony. We are so grateful for our Polish community and all they do to make the Poconos a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.

What an incredible ribbon cutting for Build and Burn Personal Fitness Studio! It turned into a full-on block party with vendors, a DJ, and such a great crowd—an absolute blast. Erin from my staff was proud to present a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to help commemorate the occasion. Thank you for having us, and best of luck on this exciting new chapter!

Did you know that various state and federal grant opportunities are updated regularly on my website? You can find them here. My office can help your organization with the application. Please contact us for assistance.

?? Pennsylvania is offering two opportunities for artists to showcase their work this year through statewide programs.

 

?? Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Art Contest
The 2027 Working Together for Wildlife Art Contest highlights Pennsylvania shorebirds and supports wildlife conservation. Eligible species include piping plover, red knot, killdeer, sanderling, and greater yellowlegs.

??? Key details:
• Paintings only (14x20 or 20x14 inches)
• Deadline: July 31
• Grand prize: $5,000 + 25 artist proofs
• Additional awards: $500–$1,500
• Since 1980, over $2M raised for conservation

?? More info: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/newsroom/wildlife-art-contest-underway

 

??? Older Artists of PA Showcase
Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, this statewide program invites artists age 60+ to apply for inclusion in a Capitol exhibition this August 2026.

??? Key details:
• Deadline: May 24
• Free to enter (one artwork per person)
• Categories include Professional, Nonprofessional, and Artists Living with Dementia
• Up to 30 works selected
• Exhibition at the PA State Capitol

?? More info: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging/newsroom/2026-older-artists-of-pa-showcase-call-open

District Office

18 South 9th Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 420-2850

Pennsylvania State Capitol

5-A East Wing  Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1421

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