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News for Constituents - July 29, 2011 Tackle the Family Fishing Program If you are looking for something fun and educational this summer, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) will be conducting The Family Fishing Program introduces basic fishing skills like knot tying, casting, baiting the hook, and taking a fish off the hook. The only “catch” is adults must bring a child and children must bring an adult. No fishing license is necessary and the PF&BC provides ---------- Recognizing the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War Experience the toll and subsequent societal change promulgated by the Civil War through events marking the 150th Anniversary of the conflict. Learn about the historical significance of the Underground Railroad; consider the contributions of iron mills to the war effort; examine the Don’t miss the traveling interactive multimedia exhibition conveying the experiences of Pennsylvania’s men, women, and children on the battlefield and at home. The all-ages road show is housed in an expandable 53-foot tractor-trailer touring Pennsylvania. Be sure to visit the Anniversary website covering the roles of African Americans, children, immigrants, soldiers, women, and civilians during the war and other information critical to understanding the war. ---------- Prepare for Home Heating On the heels of a recent summer heat wave, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (POAG) is reminding consumers that it is not too early to prepare for the months of home heating ahead. The Office is offering helpful tips to consumers to aid in obtaining the least expensive and most reliable heating oil source for the upcoming heating season. These tips include:
In addition to these bargaining factors, the POAG also offers tips on maintenance, conservation, and consumer protection. Explore financial assistance available for eligible Pennsylvanians through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance and weatherization services. ---------- Biking Rules of the Road Save Lives Pennsylvanians witnessed 1,483 bicycle crashes and 21 bicycle-related deaths during 2010, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), representing an increase of 103 crashes and 5 deaths over 2009. During the five-year span from 2006 through 2010, bicycle crashes and deaths totaled 7,081 and 78, respectively. (See pages 47–50 of the 2010 Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics for bicycle-related data.) PennDOT devotes web space to safe road riding, design, touring, children, and assorted other links for cyclists. The PA Bicycle Drivers Manual - PUB 380 reminds bicyclists that the Rules-of-the-Road apply to drivers of all vehicles regardless of the driver’s age or vehicle type. The publication provides information on appropriate equipment and how to safely handling numerous bicycling situations. ---------- Remember to Steer Clear of Emergency Responders Motorists encountering an emergency scene, a traffic stop, or a disabled vehicle while driving in Pennsylvania must obey the Commonwealth’s Steer Clear Law, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. The Steer Clear Law requires motorists to move at least one lane away from an incident involving an emergency responder, including law enforcement, tow truck operators, and other emergency personnel. Drivers unable to move over due to traffic or other conditions must reduce their speed. Those who fail to move over or slow down are subject to a citation of up to $250, with double fines for traffic violations occurring during the course of an emergency response incident. Violations leading to a worker being injured can result in a 90-day license suspension. ---------- Protecting PA’s Ash Trees What’s dark green, one-half inch in length, one-eighth inch in width, and can kill an ash tree in three years? The PA Department of Agriculture is announcing that the destructive Emerald Ash Borer is spreading out across 21 counties. First found in Butler County in 2007, this beetle is being discovered in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Centre, Clarion, Cumberland, Fulton, Indiana, Juniata, Lawrence, Lycoming, Mercer, Mifflin, Somerset, Union, Washington, and Westmoreland, and most recently in Huntingdon and Wyoming counties. Help prevent the further spread of this agricultural pest by avoiding the transfer of firewood more than 50 miles from its point of purchase or origin. Outdoor enthusiasts should also avoid the more than 2,000 triangular purple traps hung in ash trees to attract the flying adult beetles. If you suspect you have uncovered an infestation of Emerald Ash Borer beetles, call the Department at 1-866-253-7189. Consult the ---------- |