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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Senate approves extension of Fire and EMS grants In February, I was proud to join my Senate colleagues in unanimously approving legislation to reauthorize the popular Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Services Grants. Our volunteer fire and ambulance companies face many challenges on a daily basis, which are made even more so if they do not have proper equipment and funding. These grants can be used for construction and renovation of facilities; to purchase or repair necessary fixtures and furnishings; to purchase or repair firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; reduce debt; and train and certify volunteers. Although Senate Bill 10 originally reauthorized the program for just one year, the Senate amended the legislation before approving it to reauthorize the grants for five years. I believe this has the potential to be very valuable for our volunteer companies because it would guarantee this vital source of support for an extended period of time. I commend our local volunteers for the time they dedicate to their communities – they are truly some of the heroes we see on a daily basis. It is my hope that our colleagues in the state House of Representatives will move quickly to approve this legislation so that volunteer companies can continue to receive the resources they need to continue their admirable efforts. Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area open for spring I recently took the opportunity to visit Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, a 6,254-acre area set aside by the Pennsylvania Game Commission as a habitat for forest and farmland wildlife as well as waterfowl. There are several hiking trails available to the public, one of which includes a tour of the Horseshoe Trail, part of the 134-mile trail between Valley Forge and the Appalachian trail. In addition, visitors can enjoy numerous picnic areas, or take a self-guided driving tour (for both cars and bikes) through the wildlife area. While I was there, I enjoyed seeing a flock of tundra swan on the manmade lake that was on its spring migration through Pennsylvania. I also stopped by the Visitors Center, which includes a "please touch" area and displays many varieties of preserved birds and other native animals. The official arrival of spring is a great excuse to get outdoors and to appreciate the natural beauty of our region. The Middle Creek Visitors Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., from March 1 through November 30. For more information, you can call 733-1512. April is Keep America Beautiful month Throughout the month of April, people across the country will be taking extra steps to Keep America Beautiful. This particular month of recognition was first observed in 1989, and is aimed at increasing public awareness of recycling and waste reduction, beautification and litter prevention. It includes the Great American Cleanup, running from March 1 to May 31, which encourages individuals and communities to volunteer for an organization or create their own. Pennsylvania runs its own Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Month in April, and last year during the Great Pennsylvania Cleanup, almost 135,000 participants cleared more than 3,000 tons of trash and also planted more than 22,000 trees, bulbs and plants. This year's Great Pennsylvania Cleanup, which includes Adopt-a-Highway, is scheduled for April 21, and I encourage everyone to get involved to make Pennsylvania a cleaner place to live.
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