December 7, 2016 - Sen. Brooks was deeply honored to join two survivors of Pearl Harbor--Isaac George and George Grove --at a solemn ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the air attack. Pictured with Sen. Brooks are Sen.-elect Mike Regan (left, back) and Sen. Scott Hutchinson (right, back).
October 29, 2016 - Edinboro – Senator Michele Brooks was honored to present Trevon Jenifer a citation from the State Senate for receiving a gold medal at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in September. Jenifer previously earned a bronze medal as a member of the 2012 Paralympics team. He serves as an assistant coach for the Edinboro University wheelchair basketball team, and also plays professionally internationally.
October 24, 2016 – Harrisburg - Sen. Michele Brooks invited the Pennsylvania District 1 All Star Senior League softball team to Harrisburg to honor and recognize them for finishing third in the world during the Senior League Softball World Series this summer. Senator Brooks was so happy to personally congratulate them. Team members traveling to Harrisburg were Brienna Canter, Kaylene Chaffee, Payton Cole, Selaina Dragosavac, Kayla Freyermuth, Mackenzie Freyermuth, Shealeigh Keller-Boozer, Carlie Schlosser, Taylor Schultz, Haley Wells, Brittney Williams and Katelyn Young. Team members Beka McClymonds, Courtney Hess and Haley Hess were unable to make the trip to Harrisburg.
October 15, 2016 – Conneaut Lake – Senator Brooks visited with Judy Bender, 2016-17 PA Alternate Maple Sweetheart at the Conneaut Lake Pumpkin Fest recently and learned about the PA maple industry.
October 15, 2016 – Conneaut Lake – On a gorgeous fall day, Senator Brooks met up with Storie Williams, reigning Miss Pennsylvania at the Conneaut Lake Pumpkin Fest.
October 15, 2016 – Conneaut Lake – Lauren Thomas, 2016 Miss Pennsylvania U.S.A. Ambassador Teen (left) and Brianne Lenhart, 2016 Miss Pennsylvania U.S.A. Ambassador (right) were congratulated by Senator Brooks at the Conneaut Lake Pumpkin Fest parade.
September 23, 2016 – Greenville - Senator Brooks was pleased to invite John Geyer and the Pennsylvania WoodMobile to her annual Senior Expo.
September 23, 2016 – Greenville – Visitors to Senator Brooks’ annual Senior Expo took an educational walk in Penn’s Woods and learned about Pennsylvania’s nation-leading hardwoods industry through the new Pennsylvania WoodMobile.
September 23, 2016 – Greenville – Senator Brooks stopped by the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County’s table at her annual Senior Expo to express her support for Hunger Action Month, a nationwide Feeding America campaign, which encourages people to take action to fight hunger in their communities. HA Month is celebrated each September by Feeding America food banks across the country, including the CFWMC.
August 9, 2016 – Jefferson Township, Mercer County – Senator Brooks was pleased to meet up with State Lamb and Wool Queen Lauren Steele and Mercer County Lamb and Wool Queen Blair Steele at the Jefferson Township Fair.
August 3, 2016 – Cochranton – Senator Brooks and Libby Boulton, 2016 Little Miss Cochranton shared time together after the annual Cochranton Community Fair parade.
August 3, 2016 – Cochranton – Senator Brooks and Libby Boulton, 2016 Little Miss Cochranton shared time together after the annual Cochranton Community Fair parade.
July 8, 2016 – Mercer – Rebekah Leise- Dairy Maid, Jocelyn Snyder – Mercer County Alternate Dairy Princess, (Senator Michele Brooks), Josie Canon – Mercer County Dairy Princess and Rachel Welch – Dairy Ambassador. Mercer County Dairy Royalty shared ice cream and cake at the annual Guernsey Ice Cream Social with Senator Brooks on this picture perfect summer evening.
June 22, 2016 - The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State visited the State Capitol.
June 13, 2016 – Harrisburg - Grove City Eagles boys swimming and diving team won the District X and Region 1 Championship on the way to capturing the PIAA Class II State Title. Their 212 team points outdistanced the 2nd place squad by 61 points during the Championship Meet on March 19th. Emma Wilson, a freshman member of the Eagles girls swimming and diving team posted a remarkable record for her first year, winning the 50-yard Freestyle event at the District X Championships and posting a commendable third-place finish in the same event at the PIAA Class AA State Championship meet. Also pictured are the coaches and members of the girls swimming and diving team.
May 23, 2016 – Waterford – Senator Brooks was honored to present a Pennsylvania State Senate citation to the Girls’ Volleyball team and Coach Johnson from Fort LeBoeuf High School for being the 2015 second place winners in the state. She commended the girls for their hard work and dedication and wished them well in the future.
May 23, 2016 – Waterford – Senator Brooks was very pleased to acknowledge the accomplishments of the Fort LeBoeuf athletes Ryan Carniewski, the District-10 Boys’ Golf Champion, Carly Yovich, the District-10 Girls’ Golf Champion and Charlie Lenox, the State Champion Wrestler. Each received a Pennsylvania State Senate Citation in honor of their accomplishments.
May 18, 2016 – Harrisburg - 2016 Rural Pennsylvania Legislative Briefing “Healthy Aging in Rural Pennsylvania: Issues and Perspectives” was co-hosted by Senator Michele Brooks and Representative Matthew Baker. Lisa Davis, Director and Outreach Associate Professor of Health Policy and Administration, from University Park, PA was in attendance as well. The panel presentation: Addressing healthy aging and the needs of the rural elderly. The purpose of the briefing was to help expand the perspective of those attending and to hear about the challenges and successes on the policy front.
May 17, 2016 – Harrisburg - Senator Brooks joined Representative Hal English (right) and Governor Wolf (center) in signing House Bill 1329, the CARE Act into law.
May 17, 2016 – Harrisburg – Kayla Stuart from Hermitage, a Cadet First Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol from the Mercer County Composite Squadron was recognized by Senator Brooks from the Senate floor. Also pictured are Colonel Gary Fleming and Kim Galford with the Civil Air Patrol.
May 17, 2016 – Harrisburg - Senator Brooks along with Lt. Governor Mike Stack recognized the Kennedy Catholic High School Golden Eagles on the Senate floor as the 2015-16 PIAA Class A Boys Basketball State Champions, The Golden Eagles compiled an overall record of 28 wins and 2 losses. After winning the District Ten and Regional championships, their teamwork, tenacity, and dedication persevered as they defeated Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School from Philadelphia by a score of 71 to 60. This state championship is the school’s seventh state title and first since 2001. The team is under the guidance of head coach Rick Mancino and his assistant coaches Corey Diakovich, Justin Magestro and Ed Rogers. The team members include Jason Austin, Jacob Wilson, Sagaba Konate, Carmen Schuville, Nickolo Lima, Drew Magestro, Channing Phillips, Mohamed Konate, Tyler Kish, Alex Hartwick, Nakai Niles, John Cianci, Maceo Austin, Ben Tayler, Sonny Mancino, Thomas Gilmore, Owen Cianci, Nate Azalus and Cameron Niemi.
May 17, 2016 – Harrisburg – Senator Brooks recognized the Kennedy Catholic Junior High Basketball team on the Senate floor as they accompanied the State Champion Kennedy Catholic High School Golden Eagles on their trip to the Capitol.
May 4, 2016 – Greenville – The Greenville Senior Community Center celebrated its official opening of the newly renovated building recently. Pictured with Senator Brooks are patrons of the Center, representatives of the Mercer County Area Agency on Aging along with community leaders.
April 30, 2016 – Hempfield Township - Senator Brooks was honored to present a Senate citation to Roy Ritter as the Hempfield Township Volunteer Fire Department dedicated and renamed their station the R. H. Ritter Station. Pictured with Senator Brooks are Roy and his wife Audra along with members of the fire department and community leaders.
April 28, 2016 – Sharon – Senator Brooks recently spoke at the “Fill a Glass with Hope” program launch. Through a partnership with the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County and Dean’s Dairy, the program will provide milk to clients at the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Sharon. Pictured: Troy Hill, JoAnn Bohonik, Chris and Rob Waddell, Captain Michael Jung, Senator Brooks, Mimi Prada and Lori Weston.
April 20, 2016 - Senator Brooks attended the announcement of a collaboration between the Economic Progress Alliance, the Cochranton community and participating medical and financial groups that took place for a new Cochranton Community Services Complex set to open in August. The facility plans to have a doctor’s office, full service pharmacy and credit union branch. Pictured left to right: Jerry Przybylek – Cochranton Area Redevelopment Effort (CARE) member, Mark Roche - Cochranton Mayor and CARE member, Marsha Rynd - CARE member, Mark Turner - Executive Director, Economic Progress Alliance, Lisa Pepicelli-Youngs - CARE member, Senator Brooks, Cindy Phelps - CARE President and David Przybylek - CARE Treasurer.
April 18, 2016 – Grove City – Senator Brooks along with Senator Vogel and Representative Tedd Nesbit met with educators, parents, and children to discuss the Early Intervention Program.
April 13, 2016 – Harrisburg – Ron Faull, pictured with Senator Brooks and Governor Wolf, recently was recognized at the Center’s 2016 Excellence in Local Government Recognition ceremonies. Mr. Faull has been a supervisor for Liberty Township in Mercer County for the past 25 years; 22 of which he served as chairman of the board of supervisors. He has also been a member of PSAT’s Executive Board since 2010.
April 12, 2016 – Harrisburg - Senator Brooks was happy to have the opportunity to visit with students Jimmy Newman, Ellen DeWeese, Don Luna and Professor Ed Cohen from Westminster College to discuss important issues such as education.
April 9, 2016 – Sheakleyville - Senator Brooks and Representative Tedd Nesbit recently had an opportunity to recognize some of our dedicated volunteers from Sheakleyville Volunteer Fire Department for their many years of service and commitment. Pictured here along with the Senator and Representative Nesbitt are Glenn Vaughn(36 years), Lori Vaughn representing her mom Sue Chess (35 years) and Gary Smith(41 years).
April 8, 2016 – Senator Brooks spent time at the 4th annual “Project Employment” at the Cochranton Jr./Sr. High school. “Project Employment” was organized to provide instruction and guidance in career/job interests, resume building, and interviewing skills. Senator Brooks observed Ben Baker as he was being interviewed by Ida Persang of First National Bank of PA.
April 5, 2016 – Harrisburg - Senator Brooks and other legislators from Northwest Pennsylvania had an opportunity to meet with local farms during the Farm Bureau’s Legislative Day in Harrisburg. This was an opportunity for local farmers from the northwest to discuss with area legislators their thoughts on a number of legislative issues.
April 5, 2016 – Harrisburg - Senator Brooks and other legislators from Northwest Pennsylvania had an opportunity to meet with local farms during the Farm Bureau’s Legislative Day in Harrisburg. This was an opportunity for local farmers from the northwest to discuss with area legislators their thoughts on a number of legislative issues.
March 30, 2016 – Hermitage - Senator Brooks attended the Civil Air Patrol Mercer County Composite Squadron 122 award ceremony. Guest speaker was Col. Gary Fleming, PA Wing Commander. The theme of the evening was the U.S. Air force core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. Congratulations cadets on a job well done.
March 18, 2016 – Sharon – Senator Brooks was honored to take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hope Center for Arts & Technology (HopeCAT). HopeCAT exposes youth to the digital arts and more by offering a rigorous, year-round, after school arts-based program for local high school students. HopeCAT uses a combination of high-tech tools, compelling classes, and caring adults to help youth explore the arts and pursue their education in high school and beyond.
March 18, 2016 – Sharon – Senator Brooks was honored to take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hope Center for Arts & Technology (HopeCAT). HopeCAT exposes youth to the digital arts and more by offering a rigorous, year-round, after school arts-based program for local high school students. HopeCAT uses a combination of high-tech tools, compelling classes, and caring adults to help youth explore the arts and pursue their education in high school and beyond.
March 18, 2016 – Hermitage – Senator Brooks spent time with children at the Tender Care Learning Center as they celebrated the newly expanded Pre-K Counts classroom teaching 18 new students.
March 15, 2016 – Harrisburg - Senator Brooks caught up with Jonathan Laughner, Penn State Extension – Crawford, Erie and Mercer Counties along with Charlie Vorisek, Backyard Bee Farm and Crawford County Farm Bureau member when they visited the Capitol for the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee Joint Public Hearing. They testified on the impact of a partial budget funding on agriculture.
March 8, 2016 – Harrisburg - FFA students from Conneaut Area School District visited the Capitol for the annual State Legislative Leadership Conference. While at the capital FFA members were given the opportunity to experience the process of discussing and amending a bill, they participated in community service projects and took part in interactive leadership classes where they were taught the importance of building strong character. Pictured are left to right; Chris Yaples, Breanna Ruf, Lindy Klink, T.J. Brown.
February 23, 2016 - Conneautville – Senator Brooks enjoyed reading a book to the 2nd grade class at the Conneaut Valley Elementary School celebrating Read Across America. Senator Brooks also shared with the class pictures of the state Capitol.
February 23, 2016 - Conneautville – Senator Brooks enjoyed reading a book to the 4th grade class at the Conneaut Valley Elementary School celebrating Read Across America. Senator Brooks also shared with the class pictures of the state Capitol.
February 8, 2016 – Senator Brooks met with Edinboro University students who were in the Capitol for a rally for Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Pictured left to right: Kirsten Jackson, Emma Giering, Senator Michele Brooks, Tyler Jemetz and Brent Kightlinger on the Senate Floor.
January 30, 2016 - Senator Brooks joined the Hempfield Volunteer Fire Department at their annual awards banquet. Pictured are members of the fire department along with Mercer County Sheriff Gary Hartman and his new K-9 dog Justice. Justice is being trained to track and do search & rescue and will be used to apprehend criminals as well as locate missing children and senior citizens.
January 11, 2016 - Senator Brooks met up with Joel Rotz, PA Farm Bureau State Government Relations Director, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman and Senator Ryan Aument at the 100th PA Farm Show.
January 11, 2016 - Senator Michele Brooks spent time at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show visiting with folks back home. Pictured with Senator Brooks are Logan and Gabe Fortin. The boys showed their home grown pigs they raised. Also picture are his parents, Denny and Lisa, little brother Noah and their grandparents Dennis and Donna Fortin.
January 11, 2016 - Senator Michele Brooks spent time at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show visiting with folks back home. Hearing about experiences on her family farm and at the Farm Show, Senator Brooks interviewed Elizabeth Foust from Conneaut Lake.
January 11, 2016 - Senator Michele Brooks spent time at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show visiting with folks back home. Pictured with Senator Brooks is Mikayla Donnell and the goat she showed at the Farm Show. They discussed what it takes to raise a goat and Mikayla’s future plans to attend college. Mikayla also participated with the Edinboro square dance team that competed at the Farm Show.
January 11, 2016 - Senator Michele Brooks spent time at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show visiting with folks back home. Senator Brooks enjoyed spending time with Emily Dunn of Cambridge Springs discussing responsibilities of caring for her goats at home and at the Farm Show. Emily also participated with the Even More Wild Country Dancers, a square dance team that competed at the Farm Show.
January 11, 2016 - Senator Michele Brooks spent time at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show visiting with folks back home. Pictured with Senator Brooks is Alaina Webster from Venango. This was Alaina’s first year showing at the Farm Show and had fun sharing her experiences with the Senator.
January 11, 2016 - Senator Michele Brooks spent time at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show visiting with folks back home. Senator Brooks met up with Morgan Miller of Greenville and Chelsey Freyermuth of Cochranton as they were caring for their pigs at the Farm Show.
January 11, 2016 - Senator Michele Brooks spent time at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show visiting with folks back home. Pictured with Senator Brooks are Patrick and Kenny Dunn of Cambridge Springs. Meeting in the pig barn, they discussed their interest in farming and raising their animals. Patrick also participated with the Even More Wild Country Dancers, a square dance team that competed at the Farm Show.
January 11, 2016 - Senator Michele Brooks spent time at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show visiting with folks back home. Chance Rains and his grandpa Donald Walter visited with Senator Brooks and enjoyed sharing some of the family’s farming history.
January 11, 2016 - Senator Michele Brooks had the honor of standing next to the Union City Area School District as Jaydyn Isiminger, President of the FFA and Benjamin Kuzma, Vice-President of the FFA receive their Future Farmers of America (FFA) Charter from Pedro Rivera, Secretary of Education at the PA State FFA Association Convention held at the Farm Show Complex. Also pictured from Union City are Joan Quickle, Director of Curriculum, Melissa Tomcho, Principal of the Middle High School and Laura Metrick, Advisor.
January 9, 2016 – Erie – Senator Brooks and her husband Guy participated in The Erie March for Life which marked the 43rd anniversary (January 22) of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which struck down the abortion laws of all 50 states and allowed unborn children to be killed in the womb for any reason at any time during pregnancy. After the March, Senator Brooks delivered the keynote address.
January 4, 2016 - The family of Lt. Col. Michael McLaughlin unveiled signs at the Interstate 79 off-ramps at state Route 208 in Springfield Township, Mercer County honoring this soldier who was killed in Iraq. Lt. Col. Michael “Mac” E. McLaughlin was killed on Thursday, January 5, 2006 by a suicide bomber at an Iraqi police recruiting station in Ramadi, Iraq. McLaughlin was a member of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division (Mechanized). He was the first officer of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard to die in action since World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge. Pictured: Wife Tammy, Daughters Erin and Ericha, Col. Sam Wagner, Father Daniel P. McLaughlin, Springfield Township Supervisor Richard Dillaman, Senator Michele Brooks and Rep. Mark Longietti.
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