Despite expert advice from 11-year-old Mackenzie Kovatch I didn't bring home the top prize at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Dairy Showmanship contest. I don’t know what the judges were thinking because I got strong coaching from John Ripley of Rip-Vale Farms in Avella, and I'm not a rookie at this event.

Still, a visit to the Farm Show is always something to look forward to as cold and dreary January weather sets in.

They’re At It Again

I urge seniors to spread the word among friends and family members that there is no reason to pay anyone to fill out Pennsylvania Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications.

Every year, I get reports that a West Coast company with a Harrisburg mail box is mailing solicitations to local seniors offering to help with the applications for a $39 fee. There is apparently nothing illegal about this, but seniors should know that there is plenty of help available free of charge.

Depending on income, seniors can receive property tax or rent rebates of up to $650. The forms for 2011 will be available in a few weeks online or in any of my district offices listed on the right side of this page.

Anyone with questions about the forms can talk to someone on my staff and get help without paying a shadowy company.  

To get more information, call any of my district offices or click here.

Pennsylvania American Water Offering Scholarships

Pennsylvania American Water is taking applications for its 2012 Stream of Learning Scholarship Program, which provides college scholarship assistance to students who are planning to pursue careers in the water and waste water industry.

The program is designed to support students who are charting a course of study in specific fields, ranging from engineering to environmental science, which are crucial to the water and waste water business.

Students must live in one of Pennsylvania American Water’s service areas to be eligible for the $2,000 scholarships, and applications must be postmarked by Feb. 29. 

To download an application or find more information, click here.