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News You Can UseAugust 8, 2008 Help Available to Clean Up Leaking, Underground Heating Oil Tanks If you or someone you know has an underground heating oil tank with a capacity of 3,000 gallons or less that has leaked anytime since January 30, 1998, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering financial assistance for cleanup and related costs. Tanks intended to store heating oil for onsite consumption are eligible for actual costs of corrective action or $4,000, whichever is less. A $1,000 deductible is to be paid by the tank owner. The reimbursement and deductible apply on a per tank basis. Eligible costs include:
Contact the Storage Tank Cleanup Program in Harrisburg at 717-783-9475 or consult with the Environmental Cleanup Program in your local DEP regional office. You may also send an email message to: tankcleanup@dep.state.pa.us for additional information. Mentored Youth Hunting Program Continues The Mentored Youth Hunting Program (MYHP) will continue for the 2008-09 Pennsylvania hunting season, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC). The program creates expanded youth hunting opportunities without compromising safety and promotes a better understanding and interest in hunting and wildlife conservation. The program stipulates a one-to-one mentor-to-mentored youth ratio and allows for one sporting arm between the two. The weapon must be carried by the adult and cannot be in the possession of the youth until the hunting pair has reached a stationary hunting location. When the mentored youth is given possession, he or she must remain within arm's length of the adult hunter who is properly licensed. Mentored youths, though unlicensed, must also tag and report any antlered deer or spring gobbler and observe restrictions placed upon a junior license holder. They may also hunt squirrels, groundhogs, and coyote. For more on the Mentored Youth Hunting Program see Frequently Asked Questions. Consult pages 8 and 19 of the 2008-09 PA Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for important details for complying with PGC program requirements. Gear Up for the VisitPA Mountain Bike Racing Team The VisitPA Mountain Bike Racing Team, made up of a mix of semi-pro bikers from around the state working full time during the week and biking nearly every weekend from spring through fall, is promoting biking to fans of all ages and skill levels. Watch them compete over the next few months; you will find them in Coudersport, Seven Springs, Michaux State Forest and Bear Creek Resort. The team donates a portion of all prize winnings to the Blue Butterfly Fund, an organization that helps families whose children have cancer and organizations that assist these families. For those who wish to get off the sidelines, and onto a bicycle, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) can get you going. See DCNR's Biking and Trail Biking webpage and the clickable map of the state by region to help you locate trails near or far whether easy or difficult to satisfy your biking desires. DCNR is prepared to help you Find Some Fun. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for a refresher on bicycle safety and applicable laws to ensure a safe ride for everyone on the road. HealthCare Employer Tool Kit Did you know Pennsylvania has the third largest proportion of its population over age 55? Today, 26.5 percent of Pennsylvanians are 55 or older and nearly 60 percent of them are employed, according to U.S. Census Projections. By 2030, the proportion of older Pennsylvanians will increase by nearly 50 percent. Along with fewer younger individuals choosing healthcare careers, the industry is and will continue to experience a shortage of workers. A 2005 AARP study revealed that across all industries, healthcare workers over the age of 55 have the highest rate of employee engagement. They are more likely to be loyal to employers, require less supervision, and are motivated to do a good job thus gaining client trust. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging and several partner organizations have developed the HealthCare Employer Tool Kit as a guide to recruiting and retaining older healthcare workers. The Kit helps employers experiencing a shortage of healthcare workers to recruit and train those over age 55. Employers will learn about conducting age-friendly interviews, determining appropriate benefits and compensation, setting flexible schedules, developing training programs, and responding to the unique issues of older workers. Money & the Kids Preparing for back to school can be a great time to get your kids involved in a little financial planning. The Pennsylvania Department of Banking can help you give tikes a clearer perspective about the value of money as you purchase clothes and supplies for the coming school year. Start with the overarching Financial Facts of Life and the 3 "Ss"—saving, spending wisely, and sharing; then continue with the numerous resources presented as Kids & Money. Choose Games for Kids to make learning about money a fun experience. Crossword puzzles, the Stock Market Game and Moneyopolis are just a few of the resources that will help you prepare the kids. Whether you are starting them early on the path to financial understanding or looking for a refresher to reinforce wise financial management strategies for older children, Your Money's Best Friend offers friendly tips, tools and time-tested techniques for making the most of your family's money. New & Improved Canoe Access Anticipated Enriching our connection to nature since 1932, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) is at it again. The organization is accepting applications from eligible nonprofits through the Canoe Access Development Fund (CADF) for improvements to existing and newly proposed access points for canoeing and kayaking. Eligible sites will receive $4,000 to construct and enhance access. Funding may be used for the following:
Existing sites and watersheds will be given preference where previously developed conservation plans or assessments indicate the need for improved stream recreation. Any proposed new access sites must be located along a Class 2 or 3 stream or river featured in the Canoeing Guide to Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia, a guide to some 3,000 miles of rivers tucked into 470 pages. All applicants must first contact Eli Long of the WPC at 724-459-0953 ext. 106, or by email at: elong@paconserve.org. Applications must be postmarked by September 5, 2008. One complete copy of the grant application should be submitted with all attachments and supporting documentation to:
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