COVID-19

Free COVID Tests by Mail 

Free COVID tests are available again through the U.S. Mail at COVIDtests.gov. The site has information about testing and a link to the U.S. Postal Service where you can order up to four rapid tests to be sent to your home address. You can also order your kits by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Your kits will be mailed within 7 to 12 days.

REAL ID Deadline Extended - Again!

In case you missed it, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the extension of the REAL ID full enforcement deadline by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025.

Starting May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation. The Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, including anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be.

For complete information on REAL ID and what is required, go to PennDOT’s REAL ID page. 

Our office is here to help if you have any questions or need help verifying you have the necessary documents. Make an appointment by calling 412-364-0469 (Ross) or 724-224-2131 (Harrison) or email us at [email protected]. We’re here to help!

Charitable Giving Tips

This is the season for planning charitable giving and the Pennsylvania Department of State is a great resource to help consumers make sure their contributions are going to legitimate charitable organizations and causes and not to charity scams. 

Charity scam red flags:

• Similar sounding name: Scammers often use names that sound similar to legitimate charities to intentionally create confusion.
• High-pressure sales: Fraudsters will try to force a hasty decision by turning up the pressure. They may cold call, identifying you as a previous contributor, and asking for your renewed support or to update your credit card information. These attempts rely on catching consumers off guard to extract financial information.
• 100% guarantee:  Most people want to ensure that their donations are going toward legitimate program expenses. Every organization has some level of administrative cost. An organization that promises that 100% of your funds are going directly to an individual in need might require additional scrutiny.
• Donation by wire transfer: Legitimate charities will NOT ask you to make payment via money order or wire transfer. If you are being solicited for a donation and are asked to pay by these means, hang up immediately.
• Donation by gift card: A charity may ask for donations of gift cards to supply to someone in need, but you should never read the information from a gift card over the phone or provide it via email. It is best to verify the legitimacy of the charity, take the physical gift card donation to the charity location, and request documentation of your contribution.

Best practices to avoid charity scams: 

• Do your homework before giving:
  • Department of State’s online charities database: verify that an organization is registered to solicit in Pennsylvania and to see its financial information about expenses for program services, fundraising and management.
  • Department of State’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations enforcement and disciplinary actions page: check whether an organization has been subject to corrective action.. 
  • Internal Revenue Service tax-exempt organization registry: check whether an organization is registered. 
  • BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator and CharityWatch and CharityWatch:  information and ratings about charitable organizations.
• Don’t feel pressured to donate on the spot: Do research before sharing your money or information.
• Check websites closely: Charity scams can be vehicles for identity theft by directing victims to fake websites where personal and financial information can be stolen.
• Avoid wire transfer or money order donations: Any requests for these kinds of payments should be approached with caution.
• Direct your payment to the charity:  Never make a check payable to an individual; write the check to the verified organization.

If you think you have been the victim of a charity scam:

• Contact the Department of State’s Division of Charities Investigation Unit/Audits at [email protected] or use the department’s online complaint form. 
• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/
• Contact local law enforcement through non-emergency channels.

Pine Township Noon Years Eve!

Pine Township’s Noon Year's Eve event is returning again this year! This event allows kids to celebrate New Year's Eve at an earlier time with music, crafts, an ice cream bar, and more! At 12:00pm there will be a balloon drop and there will be gym play till the end of the event. To sign up for the event click here. 

PA State Park First Day Hikes on New Year's Day

Get off to a healthy start in 2023 with a “First Day Hike” in a Pennsylvania State Park on January 1st. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will  host over 50 free, guided hikes in 34 state parks and three forest districts on New Year’s Day as part of the nationwide “First Day Hike” effort. These hikes offer families an opportunity to begin rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors and are a reminder that our state parks and forests are open for healthy outdoor adventures in all four seasons, including winter.

State parks staff and volunteers lead the hikes, which are usually about one or two miles, but can be longer depending on the park and its terrain. The following Pennsylvania State Park facilities are participating during daylight hours January 1, 2023:  

• Black Moshannon
• Blue Knob
• Caledonia
• Canoe Creek
• Codorus
• Cook Forest
• Cowans Gap
• Delaware Canal
• French Creek
• Gifford Pinchot
• Hills Creek
• Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center
• Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
• Kinzua Bridge
• Lackawanna
• Laurel Hill
• Laurel Ridge
• Little Buffalo
• Lyman Run
• Marsh Creek State Park
• Maurice K. Goddard
• Michaux State Forest - Beaver Trail
• Moraine
• Nescopeck
• Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
• Parker Dam
• Pine Grove Furnace
• Presque Isle
• Prince Gallitzin
• Raccoon Creek
• RB Winter
• Ridley Creek
• Sinnemahoning
• Susquehanna Riverlands
• Tiadaghton State Forest – Pine Creek Rail Trail
• Warriors Path State Park
• White Clay Creek Preserve
• William Penn State Forest – Buck Hollow Tract

For details on a First Day Hike near you go to Events - DCNR Calendar of Events (pa.gov)