Pennsylvania Roundup: Shapiro welcomes Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to Scranton munitions plant

SCRANTON — Gov. Josh Shapiro and members of the Shapiro Administration on Sunday welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant (SCAAP) in Lackawanna County — one of two major munitions plants in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

President Zelenskyy made a special trip to the Keystone State to visit the Pennsylvania workers who are playing a vital role in Ukraine’s defense.

During the visit, President Zelenskyy spoke with workers at SCAAP — a U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command (JMC) facility that manufactures large-caliber metal projectiles and mortar projectiles for the U.S. Department of Defense — and thanked them for their efforts.

SCAAP specifically builds 155-millimeter howitzer rounds, some of the most vital equipment for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.

“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American freedom — and our Commonwealth proudly stands with the people of Ukraine as they fight for their freedom against naked aggression,” Shapiro said. “I’m proud to welcome President Zelenskyy and his delegation to Scranton — to visit with the women and men who are fueling his country’s fight for freedom — and sign an agreement with Zaporizhzhia that will strengthen both states and foster collaboration for years to come. Pennsylvania looks forward to building a close relationship with Zaporizhzhia as we continue to stand on the side of freedom.”

During President Zelenskyy’s visit, Gov. Shapiro also signed an agreement with the Zaporizhzhia Regional State (Military) Administration — a province in Southeast Ukraine — that aims to leverage the strengths of both regions and support the region’s efforts to rebuild after the war while providing Pennsylvania businesses an opportunity to participate in the reconstruction through its Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED).

As part of the agreement, Pennsylvania will work with the economic leaders in Zaporizhzhia to share best practices across critical industries, including energy, agriculture, digital technologies, workforce development, and defense. The agreement encourages dialogue and cooperation through visits, workshops, and meetings, and allows for the expansion of the scope of cooperation as needed.

“Today is an exciting day for Zaporizhzhia and Pennsylvania,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “This agreement will help support the future economic revitalization of Ukraine, while boosting our economy and creating jobs for Pennsylvanians. Five of the sectors included in the agreement mirror those in our Economic Development Strategy, and we look forward to building a strong partnership with Zaporizhzhia in industries such as energy, agriculture, life sciences, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and more.”

Defense cooperation for Ukraine remains essential. This month, more than 150 soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard’s (PANG) 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team deployed to Germany supporting the Joint Multinational Training Group — Ukraine. The PANG’s Task Force Independence is currently training Ukrainian forces in combined arms and maneuver training for battalion-sized units.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced in December 2022 that it was expanding U.S.-led training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF). The U.S. program will train up to one Ukrainian battalion per month and will help develop the skills of Ukrainian units in specialized equipment.

“Training is key to Ukraine’s continued success on the battlefield,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “Our Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers are in Germany, away from their families and loved ones in support of this mission. They, along with more than a thousand other PANG members are currently serving overseas in support of our nation and its responsibility to operations around the globe. We are proud of their commitment and thankful for their service.”

PA proves ‘It’s Fall-ier’ with new campaign aimed at leaf peepers, ghost hunters, and autumn roadtrippers

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has announced the launch of the “It’s Fall-ier in Pennsylvania” campaign as part of the Visit PA Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway travel initiative.

The campaign will lean into Pennsylvania’s premier position as the place to experience the very best of autumn — from unrivaled fall foliage and the nation’s most historical haunts to the season’s best scents and treats.

“Fall travel has long been a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy, contributing significantly to the $76.7 billion impact that tourism generates for the Commonwealth,” said DCED Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan. “Fall is just better in Pennsylvania, and this year, we plan to prove it and inspire the millions who live within a four-hour drive of Pennsylvania to plan their perfect fall getaway.”

Visit PA will launch a new 30-second television spot shot primarily at Shady Brook Farm in Bucks County, recently named 2024’s #1 leaf peeping destination in the U.S. according to Priceline. The advertisement also features a montage of colorful, vibrant fall imagery from across the Commonwealth, and will serve as the anchor in a media mix featuring high impact out-of-home, online video, digital media and paid social media.

Pennsylvania will take its autumnal ascendancy on the road with the “It’s Fall-ier Swagon,” a mobile experiential tour designed to demonstrate why Pennsylvania is the ultimate destination for fall enthusiasts.

Visiting East Coast cities such as New York, Baltimore and Washington D.C., this classic hay wagon and rustically designed trailer will provide an immersive experience that evokes the scents and sights of fall in Pennsylvania. Guests will sample iconic Pennsylvania fall treats, receive updates about peak fall foliage in the Commonwealth’s many regions, and capture their experience in a photo booth for the chance to win custom designed fall swag and an overnight stay in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania will also embrace its status as one of the most haunted states in America during Fall 2024. Visit PA will launch its Ghostly Getaway contest and dare Halloween and fright fanatics to prove they’re brave enough to win an overnight stay in a “be-spooked” room at the “boo-tique” Guild House Hotel in Philadelphia. One of the rooms in the historic property, a nearly 170-year-old National Historic Landmark, will transform into a haunted haven designed to frightfully rattle even the boldest of guests. The spine-chilling room will set the mood for a weekend of ghostly history in the heart of one of Pennsylvania’s many haunted towns and cities.

The fall frivolity will continue throughout the season as Visit PA offers fall lovers an Ultimate Fall Bucket List on social media, a limited edition line of Pennsylvania-themed pumpkin stencils, and the chance to win surprise fall getaways through a partnership with Pack Up + Go — a travel agency that specializes in surprise vacations.

State celebrates historic budget investments in intellectual disability and autism services

Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh this week joined leadership and staff from Jefferson Health’s Honickman Center to highlight the life-changing investments in Governor Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan 2024-25 budget for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A).

The Secretary’s visit included a tour of the Honickman Center, which was specifically designed to be inclusive of people who are neurodiverse.

“Every Pennsylvanian with intellectual disabilities and autism has health care and daily living needs that are unique to them, and they each deserve the dignity and autonomy of receiving the supports they need when they need them,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “Jefferson Health’s Honickman Center is an example of what we can achieve when we consider a person’s unique needs and embrace meeting these needs as an opportunity to build more welcome, accessible systems of care.”

This Shapiro Administration is committed to building a better Pennsylvania for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. This year’s budget includes historic investments in Pennsylvanians with ID/A and the direct support professionals (DSPs) who care for them by securing $354.8 million in federal and state funding to provide more resources for home and community-based service providers.

The funding includes $280 million to help raise wages for DSPs and $74.8 million to begin the process of clearing the emergency waiting list. This investment in provider rates will support recruitment, retention, and wages for DSPs who make inclusive, enriching lives possible for people with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Jefferson Health’s Honickman Center is an innovative, multi-specialty outpatient care center that offers accessibility for patients needing additional support and quiet spaces with sensory-friendly furniture designed with neurodiverse patients in mind. Physicians, patients and designers worked together to create the inclusive space, which Jefferson Health hopes will serve as a model for other health care environments.

“The Honickman Center was truly designed by patients for patients. We spoke with hundreds of patients and community members who shared their perspectives and informed our design from concept through completion,” said Baligh R. Yehia, President of Jefferson Health. “Every detail — from our sunlit, healing spaces and virtual check-in/check-out to the calming design elements, sensory seating, and pet-friendly areas benefiting patients with service animals — was designed to create an exceptional and inclusive patient experience.”

The 2024-25 budget investment in ID/A services investment sets a transformative course to eliminate the emergency waiting list for services for adults and reduce barriers to care for thousands of Pennsylvanians over the next several years.

It will also make Pennsylvania one of a handful of states to end its emergency waiting list and help ID/A community members access vital services to live independently, pursue education and job opportunities, and participate in the everyday lives they deserve.

Rep. Cabell invites seniors to host scam seminar in Dallas on Oct. 7

In his continuing effort to educate older residents about the latest financial fraud schemes and how to protect themselves, Rep. Mike Cabell, R-Butler Township, will host a scam seminar on Monday, Oct. 7, in Dallas.

The free event will begin at noon at the Meadows Manor Community Room, 200 Lake St. The doors will open at 10:30 a.m. A complimentary lunch will be provided at 11:15 a.m.

“Seniors are frequent targets of these unscrupulous scammers, who are always coming up with new ways to steal their money,” said Cabell. “Area seniors are encouraged to join us and learn how to avoid becoming a scam victim.”

The seminar will be led by David Shallcross, director of senior protection with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Topics to be covered include safety tips and the latest holiday scams.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling Cabell’s Dallas office, 570-675-6000. The registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 30.