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Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Extends Deadline Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application deadline is being extended from June 30 to December 31, 2010 to ensure sufficient time for eligible Pennsylvanians to apply for the rebate program, according to the PA Department of Revenue. Eligible individuals include:
Depending upon income, homeowners may qualify for a rebate ranging from $250 to $650 with eligible renters receiving a maximum rebate between $500 and $650. Residents receiving rebates last year should have received a new application form in the mail. Eligible residents may obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate form (PA-1000) and related information online or call 1-888-222-9190. ---------- Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species Help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) that, according to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC), can devastate the environment, result in economic costs, and impact health while also erasing recreational fishing and boating opportunities for you and your family. The PF&BC recommends four steps to help prevent the spread of AIS:
Conducting an equipment check should include every inch of your boat, trailer, and fishing gear with an eye to removing and leaving behind plants, mud, and aquatic life. Tackle your fishing gear with the same diligence. Inspect, drain, clean, and dry your shoes or boots, clothing, vests, rod, reel, line, hooks, lures, and tackle box. Some species can live for months in water making it critical to drain all areas that could be harboring “hitchhikers”. Consult the PF&BC recommendations listed at the bottom of the webpage for product and water temperature cleaning instructions to “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers”. ---------- Bicycle Safety Tips to Prevent Injuries and Deaths Following two years of declining death rates among Pennsylvania bicyclists, the PA Department of Transportation (PennDOT) notes the rate doubled from 8 in 2008 to 16 fatalities in 2009 prompting a renewed push for adopting safe bicycle practices. Four children under the age of 18 were among the fatalities and more than 550 youths were injured in crashes last year. While PA law requires children 12 and under wear an approved safety helmet, PennDOT recommends all bicyclists wear an approved helmet and other protective gear. The Department also advocates following a series of safety practices:
In Pennsylvania, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and is governed by a general set of rules applicable to all vehicles and a specific set of rules intended for bicycles. Access Pennsylvania’s 37-page Bicycle Driver’s Manual for specific laws and review safety tips for bicyclists and motorists who must be prepared to share the roadways. ---------- PA Guide to Locally-Grown Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Now Available Locating a convenient Farmer’s Market just got easier with the release of the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Market Guide, according to the PA Department of Agriculture. Find farm fresh wholesome fruits and vegetables recently plucked from Pennsylvania’s plants and trees and ready to serve to your family. Fill your car with fresh flowers, honey, jams and jellies, and hand-crafted gifts for loved ones. Search the Guide online by county, selecting a market based on location, days and hours of operation, and product availability. The 2010 Guide can introduce you and your family to an agricultural adventure at farms and orchards promoting “pick-your-own” opportunities. For more in-depth exposure, dip into PA’s agritourism, choosing from among a wide variety of farm-stay bed and breakfasts and related road trips. Download your complete Guide or select a specific market or region to locate the fresh food your family desires. Income-eligible seniors and recipients of the Women Infants & Children Nutrition Program (WIC) can easily locate those markets that participate in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program that benefits more than 175,000 PA seniors and 140,000 WIC participants by providing them with nutritious, fresh food. Program partners include the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania fruit and vegetable growers, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (WIC Program), and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (Area Agencies on Aging). ---------- Start of Atlantic Hurricane Season Serves as Reminder to Prepare The start of the Atlantic hurricane season serves as a reminder to prepare for the unexpected and avoid common misunderstandings related to disaster assistance, according to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). Eight to 14 hurricanes are forecast for June through November of 2010 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Three to seven of those are expected to be major storms with winds of at least 111 miles per hour. PEMA is urging Pennsylvanians to familiarize themselves and the members of their family with disaster assistance. The importance of properly reporting damages cannot be over-emphasized, according to PEMA. Access a copy of “Are You Ready? An Indepth Guide to Citizen Preparedness” published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Agency encourages familiarizing yourself with all aspects of emergency preparedness contained in the Guide. ---------- PA Opens New “Fishing Hole” Webpage “Meet me at the fishing hole.” The words conjure up images of storytelling with old friends about good times and great fishing. No need to keep wishing, according to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC). The Fishing Hole is a new webpage designed to give you accurate information to enhance your PA fishing experience. Find fishing fundamentals, regulations, maps, stocking information, and more. Get the details on the 3 ways you can obtain a PA fishing license. You can also direct questions about local waters to one of 6 regional Commission Offices. The Fishing Hole is also available to assist in reporting violations, pollution, or fish kills. Urgent situations should be reported by phoning the appropriate Commission regional law enforcement office or county control. ---------- |