News & Releases

The 2017-2018 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP) is now accepting applications through April 6th, 2018, federal funds permitting. LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their heating bills through a grant that offers assistance in the form of a cash grant, sent directly to the utility company, or a crisis grant for households in immediate danger of being without heat. 

Saturday, December 16th is National Wreaths Across America Day, when citizens across the country gather at 1,200 participating locations to remember our fallen, honor those who serve, and teach younger generations the value of freedom. Ceremonies are open to veterans and their families to attend. Remembrance wreaths will be placed on the headstones of our hometown heroes, and they will be recognized for their service to our nation. Click to see locations in Northwestern PA.

Happy 242nd birthday, Marine Corps! On November 10, all local Marines, past and present, are invited to participate in the 3rd Annual Marine Corps Birthday March at 3938 Old French Road. Hike, walk, wheelchair, scooter, or low-crawl of the 2-mile loop, then enjoy a breakfast, a viewing of the Commandant's message, and reading of General Lejeune's birthday message. Hike steps off at 0800. Breakfast, reading, and viewing begin at 0900. 

Every year, generous businesses offer deals and discounts to our military members, veterans, and their families in celebration of Veterans Day. Locally, Hootch & Blotto's offering a limited menu for veterans and active duty military members to eat for free on Veterans Day with valid military ID. Tops is also offering an 11% discount off of a total order to all veterans and their immediate family members who shop at any Tops location. Customers should present proof of service that they, or a family member living in the same household are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel. For national deals, visit MilitaryBenefits.info.

Gannon University's Veterans Day Salute will occur on November 9 from 2 pm to 3 pm in the Yehl Alumni Ballroom in the Waldron Campus Center. The formal ceremony will feature playing of Taps, a 21-gun salute, keynote speaker Retired Erie County Judge and Major General, USA (Ret.) Michael E. Dunlavey, and a wreath-dedication by President Keith Taylor, Ph.D.

Your story or the story of someone you know could be key to helping preserve the 131-year history of the Pennsylvania Soldiers' & Sailors' Home. Are you willing to share photographs, postcards, newspaper articles, oral accounts of life at the Home? A university student will be collecting and preserving the Home’s history from its construction to present day through the creation of a documentary. There will be a Community Meeting on Wednesday, November 8th, 2017 at 7:00 pm in the personal care dining room of the PA Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Home to provide an overview of the project, to discuss possible sponsorship opportunities, and to gather stories, items, etc. to paint a picture of the Home’s history. For additional information, contact PA Soldiers' & Sailors' Home Volunteer Coordinator Ken Vybiral at (814) 878-4961 or at kvybiral@pa.gov.

Erie's annual Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony is scheduled for Veterans Day, November 11th. The entire community is invited to attend! The parade will begin at 9:30 am at the Veterans Stadium and march south on State Street, ending at the Erie VAMC. The ceremony will follow at 11 am at Jefferson School, across the street from the Erie VAMC in 38th Street. Organizations can call Ken Sawdey at 814-866-9565 to sign up to march in the Parade. Let's show our veterans our support!

Veterans and their families are invited to the third annual Veterans Appreciation Day to honor them at the Rotary Pavilion on Presque Isle State Park on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11. Breakfast will be held from 8:00 am to 9:30 am, which is free for veterans and $5 donation for non-veterans. The ceremony will occur between 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Click to learn more about activities at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center as well.

The Produce Express Military Share truck will be at the Erie VA Medical Center on November 6th beginning at 5 pm to distribute free food to National Guard, Reservists, Active Military, Veterans, and their families in need. Registration required. To register, call Sandra Luthringer at the VA at 1-800-274-8387 ext. 2780 or Cindy Plymyer at Second Harvest Food Bank at (814) 459-3663 ext. 103.

Update: Sign up extended to November 3rd.

The 4th Annual Veterans Day Breakfast at the Polish Falcon Club will occur on Sunday, November 5 from 9-11:30 am. The event is free to all veterans. The last day to sign up or call in is November 1. Transportation available.