A Major Investment in Monroe County, "The Office" Day in Scranton and A New Newton Ransom Rec Center

Dear John,

While back home in the district this week, I was happy to celebrate a $125 million investment in our local tourism industry and Northeast Pennsylvania's economy overall.

Since opening in 2005, Great Wolf Lodge in Monroe County has continually invested in the Pocono Mountains, but this latest investment is the largest in Great Wolf's history.

This top-to-bottom transformation, which includes a 40,000 square-foot waterpark expansion, hundreds of new hotel rooms and two new restaurants, will serve as an economic engine for the entire region for years to come.

On top of the hundreds of contractors and skilled laborers who helped construct these new additions, 300 new permanent jobs have been added, making Great Wolf Lodge one of the top employers in Monroe County with nearly 1,000 employees.

As we continue to make progress in our efforts to connect New York City and New Jersey to the Poconos and Scranton via rail, it's no coincidence that we’re seeing significant investments in the Poconos like this one.

As you know, restoring passenger rail service to the Poconos and Scranton has been one of my district priorities since my first day on the job.

By adding passenger rail as a way of visiting Pocono resorts like Great Wolf Lodge, we can bring even more visitors, more businesses, and more jobs to the area.

"The Office: The Story of Us"

Mural Dedication

Electricity was in the air in downtown Scranton at "The Office: The Story of Us" mural dedication, hosted by Scranton Tomorrow, where October 6 was officially declared "The Office" Day by city officials.

Located at 503 Lackawanna Ave., the hand-painted, 86-foot-wide, 27-foot-high mural was expertly brought to life on 90 sheets of parachute cloth in a year long labor of love by artist Kala Hagopian, her son Kai and her team at Hagopian Arts.

It was an honor to participate in this historic day and to recognize the efforts of the Scranton Tomorrow's Mural Arts Program, artist Kala Hagopian and her team, the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau and many others who brought this truly one-of-a-kind mural to NEPA.

I am proud to say that Scranton is now home to the largest and only supported and endorsed Office-themed mural by NBC/Universal and PeacockTV in the world.

Learn more here.

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary

of the Armed Services Integration Act

On September 16, the Women Veterans Museum (WVM) hosted a banquet to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Armed Services Integration Act, which granted women the right to serve as regular members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

The WVM, a non-profit museum in Mt. Pocono that was founded by Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Claudette Williams, honors and celebrates women service members, veterans and military families for their past, present and ongoing service to the United States.

A sincere thank you to Sgt. Williams, who served our country for 30 years, and all supporters of the WVM for the important work you do in support of all military families in our community.

Newton Recreational Center

Grand Opening

It was a pleasure to take part in the grand opening of the Newton Recreation Center in Clarks Summit.

Through the hard work and dedication of local community members, the former Newton-Ransom High School has been transformed into a gathering place for our children, family and friends to make memories for generations to come through sports, arts, events and more.

A sincere thank you to everyone at the Newton Recreation Center for volunteering your time and energy for the betterment of our community.

Free Covid-19 Tests

Available through USPS

A friendly reminder that free COVID-19 tests are once again available, shipped straight to your home.

Easily order today by clicking here.

Be safe and well,

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