Latest news with #TimTwardzik
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Schuylkill United Way Day of Caring helps community
POTTSVILLE — More than 550 volunteers signed up for 22 projects across Schuylkill County on the recent Schuylkill United Way's Capt. Jason B. Jones Memorial Day of Caring. The projects ranged from pulling weeds to setting up large tents at the Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation. Despite rain, volunteers showed up at Avenues, formerly United Cerebral Palsy in Pottsville, ready to tackle indoor and outdoor projects. Volunteers from Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Mauch Chunk Trust Company and St. Luke's Hospital Miners Campus in Coaldale joined State Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp. to work on the projects. The group planted a tree in honor of the late Mal Weaver Bartram, founder of United Cerebral Palsy in Pottsville. 'These projects may seem small, but they mean so much,' said Mike Joyce, Schuylkill United Way director of community engagement. 'It's great getting jobs done, but being around friendly, caring people that are lending a hand is a good boost to everyone's spirit.' LVH-Schuylkill workers take a break from their project at Salvation Army in Pottsville on Day of Caring. SUBMITTED Rain postponed some projects, but most have been rescheduled. 'We know weather can be a damper on the day, but it's inspiring to see projects being rescheduled,' said Kelly R. Malone, Schuylkill United Way executive director. 'People want to help in Schuylkill County, it's that simple.' Day of Caring was named for the late Capt. Jason B. Jones, of Orwigsburg, in 2015, honoring his commitment and service to his country. After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he served with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, N.C. Commanding a Special Forces unit, he died in Afghanistan at age 29 on June 2, 2014. A volunteer with Day of Caring helps paint at Tamaqua Adult Day Care Center. SUBMITTED Day of Caring projects and volunteers included: Salvation Army, Pottsville: Lehigh Valley Health Network Rural Residents; Schuylkill YMCA: Sentry Services and Supports; Scouting America Hawk Mountain Council: Wegmans, Amazon, Walmart, Community Options and United Way staff; and Servants To All: Hidden River Credit Union. Blue Mountain Elementary School West fifth graders entertained at the Lebanon Veterans Hospital. Students in schools and libraries around Schuylkill County have written letters for Operation Gratitude, which sends packages to service men and women around the world.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Six Schuylkill road projects get state grants
Six transportation and infrastructure improvement projects in Schuylkill County were recently awarded state grants. A grant of $200,000 was approved to construct a dedicated right-turn lane and traffic signaling at the intersection of Route 61 and Altamont Boulevard near Frackville. These improvements will improve motorist safety outside the borough and support the construction of a commercial property expected to create 600 new jobs, state officials said. Also in Frackville, the borough was awarded $250,000 to replace deteriorating sidewalks along one block of North Lehigh Avenue. The sidewalks, curbs and handicap ramps are now in poor condition and pose hazards to pedestrians, officials said. Schuylkill Haven Borough was awarded $250,000 to make much-needed improvements to the sidewalks, curbing and handicapped ramps along the Parkway section of Route 443. The borough in 2023 had also received $300,000 from the state to support this project. The funding was awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure safe and reliable transportation. The grants were approved during a recent public meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. 'Investing in our infrastructure is essential to keeping our communities safe and accessible,' said State Represent Tim Twardzik, who represents Schuylkill. 'This funding will support critical sidewalk and roadway improvements across the 123rd District. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have for residents and businesses throughout the region.' 'Projects like these are important for building strong communities yet can be very expensive for local governments,' said State Sen. David Argall, whose district includes Schuylkill. 'This highly competitive state funding will make drivers and pedestrians safer in our area.' In addition, a project to replace the deteriorating Clark Street Bridge over Good Spring Creek in Donaldson was awarded $453,881 in state monies. The project is a top priority for Frailey Township officials because of the high volume of residents, employers, construction vehicles, and first responders who use this bridge, officials said. The project was also awarded $100,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund in 2024. In East Union Township, $100,000 was awarded for the township's connectivity project that will improve multiple roads within the municipality. And Butler Township has received $20,280 through PennDOT's Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancement Grant Program. The money will be used to buy radar signs to help reduce speeds and decrease the frequency and severity of motor vehicle accidents on Fairgrounds Road and Fountain Street. The signs will encourage safe driving habits and prevent accidents in the township, officials said.
