Chew 4 You

The Paycheck Program through the federal Small Business Administration has reopened, so let's make sure our Southwest region is well-represented with applications. The links below will get you started if you are interested in applying. Please contact your local financial institution for more details. https://www.sba.gov//Top-line%20Overview%20of%20First%20Dr

The THIRD round of Payment Protection Program (PPP) will open today. Monday and Tuesday are for businesses who NEVER received PPP. On Wednesday, a business who previously received PPP can apply for an additional allotment. https://www.sba.gov//sba-treasury-announce-ppp-re-opening-

Many of you have asked me how you can help Mike’s family. An account has been established which will be used for both short term needs and long term needs of the kids. Checks can be mailed to:... Standard Bank Mike Reese Memorial 211 West Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658 All checks must be made payable to Angela Reese. You may put in the memo that it is for the Mike Reese Memorial. The Reese Family is grateful and humbled by the outpouring of public support. Thanks!

Please keep my friend and colleague in your thoughts and prayers for good health as he overcomes the awful effects of this unknown virus. Chairman Kertes said it best in his post, "I am 34, healthy, and experienced mild symptoms originally, so if this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone." God speed your recovery Commissioner.

2020 has witnessed a greater divide in political discourse than I’ve witnessed in my 50 years of living. Yesterday I sat in the PA Senate, where I witnessed rhetoric that was often heated. But in the midst of that contentious day, around 5pm, debate stopped. In that moment, Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward spoke about Representative Mike Reese. She paused several times as tears streamed down her face as she remembered one of Westmoreland County’s greatest advocates and hero...es. Representative Reese was a member of the House, but as Senator Ward concluded her remarks, Senators on both sides of the aisle stood to offer praise and condolences. The philippic discourse paused, and even Democrat Senators articulated how Representative Reese was a consensus builder. The one thing every human has in common with the others is that our life is not infinite. It is finite. It can be snuffed out so easily. That happened on January 2, 2021: one of Westmoreland's brightest lights, Representative Mike Reese, went dark. Representative Reese was a colleague, friend, and mentor. He was a strong advocate of good government, including reducing the size of the General Assembly. He always made time for everyone and every constituent. My life is enriched because I knew him. The community has lost an amazing leader. His family has lost an amazing son, husband, and father. His leadership example will live on. This candle was indeed too brief. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all of the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.