As a new school year begins, I want to wish students, families, teachers, and staff across our community a happy and successful year ahead. To the students in the Delaware Valley, East Stroudsburg Area, and Stroudsburg Area school districts, as well as Notre Dame Elementary, Junior High, and Senior High schools — good luck for a wonderful year ahead! And to the students at East Stroudsburg University, I wish you the very best as you begin another exciting academic year.

A new school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, make friends, and reach new goals. I hope the year ahead is filled with exciting opportunities, meaningful experiences, and success for every student. Your community is cheering you on every step of the way.

PHEAA will be hosting statewide webinars scheduled from September through November. These sessions will cover key topics including searches for scholarships, preparing to file for the 2027-28 FAFSA and more! Use the QR codes to register for each webinar.

Join us from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25 at the Bushkill Outreach Center, 216 Lehman Park Rd., for a day of valuable resources and information for seniors, caregivers, and the community.

We will have free health screenings, information for seniors and caregivers, representatives from local agencies, and more.

Registration is still open for exhibitors who would like to participate. Organizations can complete the registration form here.

Free transportation to the event is also available. Please scan the QR or contact Pike County Transportation to register.

We hope to see you there.

As we have shared in previous communications, FirstEnergy’s proposed Shawnee-Walker 69kV Transmission Line remains a serious concern for the residents, communities, and natural resources of Pike County. Stop FirstEnergy, a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving the character of Pike County, continues to advocate for our community and keep residents informed about this project and its potential impacts.

The proposed transmission line has the potential to permanently alter one of Pennsylvania’s most ecologically significant and historically important regions. More than 1,000 homes could be directly affected. In many locations, residents could face 90- to 100-foot transmission poles located approximately 50 feet from their homes, along with a 60-foot-wide permanent utility easement requiring extensive tree removal and the permanent clearing of mature forest.

These impacts would not be temporary. Once mature forests are cleared and towering transmission structures are placed alongside homes and properties, the landscape, privacy, wildlife habitat, and character of these communities could be changed for generations.

Our community has already made its position clear. Nearly 800 Pike County residents have signed a petition opposing the current proposed route, and that number continues to grow as more people learn how the project could affect them. Yet many residents may still be unaware that their homes, farms, forests, and communities could be impacted.

That is why Stop FirstEnergy continues this effort. This is about more than a transmission line. It is about protecting our homes and property, preserving our forests and natural resources, and safeguarding the unique character and conservation legacy that have made Pike County such a special place to live.

We believe Pike County residents deserve to be fully informed, meaningfully heard, and given every opportunity to advocate for a route and solution that minimizes unnecessary and permanent impacts. Stop FirstEnergy will continue to raise awareness, bring neighbors together, and ensure that the concerns of our community are not overlooked.

Please continue to share this information with your neighbors, family, and friends. Talk to those who may be affected. Help them understand what is being proposed. Every informed resident strengthens our community’s voice.

For information, updates, and ways to get involved, visit stopfirstenergy.com, find Stop FirstEnergy on Facebook, or email stopfirstenergypike@gmail.com.

Our work continues. Our community matters. And together, we can make sure Pike County’s voice is heard.

The Monroe County Office of Emergency Management is hosting a Public Safety Day from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Monroe County Public Safety Center, 100 Gypsum Rd Ste 101, Stroudsburg.

Stop by for free resources, demonstrations and more.

Congratulations to Ellen Phraner, whose dedication to Bryant Street Park in Stroudsburg Borough has helped make it such a beautiful and welcoming place for more than 15 years.

Ellen’s Master Gardener talents, tireless volunteerism, and ability to bring others into the effort have made a lasting impact on this special little corner of the Borough. Her commitment to cultivating the gardens and building a community of volunteers is truly unmatched.

It was wonderful to see so many neighbors, friends, volunteers, and local leaders come together to recognize Ellen and celebrate all she has given to the park and the community. Among the tributes was the dedication of a new shed in her honor and the renaming of Bryant Street Park to Ellen’s Park.

Ellen, you are a truly special lady, and this beautiful place is a reflection of your years of hard work, generosity, and love for the community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Our office was happy to participate in the Pocono Services for Families and Children Annual Health & Wellness Fair in East Stroudsburg.

Events like this are a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together and connect families with the many organizations, programs, and resources available throughout Monroe County.

A special thank you to Pocono Services for Families and Children for bringing so many community partners together and for the important work you do to support local children and families.

Congratulations to Maria Ponce on hosting the inaugural Pocono Awards Night of Recognition. Carlos and I were honored to be recognized alongside so many outstanding members of our community.

The celebration at The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort Brewery also featured a special recognition of DJ Ruby and the debut of salsa band Banda Caché.

It was a spectacular turnout and a wonderful celebration of the people and talent that make our community so special.

Congratulations to East Stroudsburg University on the opening of the long-awaited University Center!

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a wonderful celebration, bringing together local officials, professors, staff, students, community members, and members of the press to mark this exciting milestone.

Well done to everyone who helped make this project a reality. And thank you to East Stroudsburg Borough for your continued support of the Warriors!

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