State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) lauded the recent announcement by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) that $3.8 million in Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) funding will be directed back to his Senate District to improve housing availability and affordability.

Roughly 42 percent of the overall (statewide) $9.3 million will be directed to 11 projects in Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan and Susquehanna counties.  The PHARE Fund is administered by PHFA and funded by Act 13’s impact fee on natural gas producers.  Award recipients were chosen at PHFA’s Board of Directors meeting last week.

“PHARE is a crucial part of our overall effort to improve our economy and provide affordable housing to state residents, especially in the Northern Tier and across the Senate District I am proud to represent,” Yaw said.  “I’m happy to report that over $3 million was awarded by the PHFA Board of Directors and will be directed back to the 23rd District.”

Projects in Sen. Yaw’s District include:

Bradford County - Colonial Towers, $210,000, project that will assist with the preservation of 100 units for seniors and those with disabilities by completing a roof replacement, which was initiated last year. 419 Main Street, $450,000, project that will rehabilitate the second and third floors of a Towanda Borough building into four, two bedroom apartments for the disabled. Wyalusing Meadows, $600,000, project to develop 50 affordable townhome units for general occupancy. 

Lycoming County - Grove Street Commons, $250,000, project to develop 32 affordable units for senior citizens 62 and older. Lycoming County Supportive Housing Program, $500,000, project that will provide rental assistance for 62 households. Brodart Neighborhood Improvement Program, $300,000, project that will use funds to build on the existing homeowners rehabilitation done with the help of PHARE funds awarded in the 2012 and 2013 rounds.  Funds will be used to assist with interior and exterior health and safety home improvements. Lycoming County Flood Mitigation Program, $850,000, project will use funds to assist residents affected by the recent changes to the Federal Biggert-Waters Act.  Mitigation measures may include obtaining elevation certificates, retrofitting utilities out of the base flood elevation, elevating structures, filling basements and property buy-outs. Homes-in-Need Regional Program, $200,000, project that will use funds to provide necessary interior and exterior weatherization, renovation and repair services to areas determined as a result of the feasibility study being completed in Lycoming County.

Sullivan County - Sullivan County Rental Assistance Program, $100,000, project will use funds to provide rental assistance limited to county households who do not receive subsidized rental assistance.

Susquehanna County - Susquehanna County Rental and Utility Assistance, $100,000, project will use funds to provide one time rental or utility assistance to local households facing eviction, homelessness or utility service termination.  Susquehanna County Neighborhood Stabilization, $315,000, project will use funds to acquire and either rehabilitate or demolish and construct three units of affordable housing.

“We expect these projects to have a significant, positive impact helping counties address housing and community needs resulting from the development of gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region,” said Brian A. Hudson Sr., PHFA executive director and CEO.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, visit www.phfa.org.

Effective Oct 1st, Rick Leet has purchased the New Milford Nationwide Insurance agency.  Rick is a third generation Nationwide agent with thirty years experience, as well as a Certified Financial Planner.  The office has moved back to 693 Main St, New Milford.  This location will be familiar to many clients as this is where Tom Chamberlain operated his Nationwide agency for many years before he retired in 2009.

Rick is partnering with Tom Chamberlain to help manage the new agency operation.  With Tom’s forty plus years of insurance and financial experience, it is a great partnership.  He also happens to be Rick’s brother-in-law; it truly is a family business. 

Rick Leet

Chris Shuster has joined the Rick Leet Agency as a licensed Customer Service Representative.  With two plus years experience with Nationwide, she is a good fit.

Heather Miller is transferring from Rick’s Lakewood office to New Milford to manage the day to day operations.  Heather has seven years experience in Auto, Home, Commercial, Farm, and Life insurance.

The staff will be reaching out to existing clients offering insurance reviews to assure their coverages and discounts are up to date.  Former Nationwide Insurance clients will be invited to obtain a current quote as well.

Rick and Tom will be hosting a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, October 25th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Stop by to meet the staff and receive a free gift.  Bring your Muscle or Classic car for a picture and a special gift.

The office is open Monday thru Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Call 570-465-3296 for a quote or a policy review.

Over one hundred and twenty guests gathered on Columbus Day for the Harford Agricultural Society's Annual Banquet. Held at the Montrose Bible Conference, the event included a lovely dinner, dessert, and a program displaying the media coverage surrounding the Harford Fair, as well as announcing this year's scholarship winners.

Harford Agricultural Society Scholarship Winners & family

President of the Board of Directors, Dr. Michael Kowalewski began the program with a speech. He indicated that the fair would soon be expanding- with the purchase of a six acre property just south of the grounds. He encouraged society members, guests, and fair-goers to give input on what the extra space could possibly be used for or what they would like to see at the fair in the future.

Dr. Kowaleski also took a moment to celebrate the life of Kenneth Adams, former Directer, and a very involved member of the community.

2014 Harford Fair Queen Laurren Whitney and the 2014 Harford Fair Queen Alternate Jolie Winemiller each gave speeches about their fair experiences this year and in the past.

Second Vice-President Cindy Reynolds also came equipped with a media presentation displaying the local news coverage on the Harford Fair, which included news stories and commercials for the fair.

Nearing the completion of the event, Dr. Kowaleski took the stage again to discuss the great amount of money that had been raised at this years fair through numerous auctions, totaling around $17,000.

He also stated  that he hopes in the future more applications will be submitted for the scholarship, which only requires you be a student and take part in some way in fair activities. He also encouraged locals to join the Harford Agricultural Society, by contacting a member of the Society.

The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains recently hosted the annual brunch for its Women Helping Women endowment.  The brunch was catered by the students of the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center’s Culinary Program. Seventy-five women from northeastern Pennsylvania attended the informational and fundraising event for which an anonymous donor has agreed to match all donations made in October to a level of $5,000.

The Women Helping Women Fund was originally established in 2006 by Judy Albert Ventresca and provides annual charitable grants to regional organizations addressing issues important to women.  Various agencies that have received support from the permanent endowment include Women’s Resource Center, Trehab, CareNet, Interfaith, Area Agency on Aging B/S/S/T, and Tigress.  Each agency was represented at the brunch to provide information about their work and how the Women Helping Women fund has helped support those projects.

Guest speakers at the brunch included Representative Sandra Major, Diane Koloski of the Women Helping Women Leadership Committee, Brittany Thomas of Cabot Oil and Gas Corporation, and also Judy Albert Ventresca.  Sponsors for the brunch included Cabot Oil and Gas Corporation, Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Inspired Design, Williams, NEP, The Body Therapy Studio, Craige’s Photique, and Seneca’s Bridal Shop.  For more information about the Women Helping Women fund, and other charitable endowments managed by The Community Foundation, contact Cristine Clayton or Heather Taylor at 570-278-3800.