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News You Can Use

August 22, 2008

Find PA Preferred in Autumn Bounty 

The bounty of late summer and early autumn is beginning to overflow at roadside stands and farm markets with PA Preferred fresh fruits and vegetables flanking numerous specialty items, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.   

Find herbs nestled next to honey or mustard and maple syrup displayed beside some juicy jams and jellies just for a start.  As summer turns into autumn, the harvest will yield fall flowers, gourds, pumpkins and so much more.   

Consult the Consumer's Guide to Pennsylvania Farm Markets 2008 online.  For more information on farm markets or to request a guide, contact Kathy Cutman at 717-783-9948 or kcutman@state.pa.us.   

Food Safety Tips for Packing School Lunches 

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is eager to help you safely pack school lunches whether your child carries lunch every day or on occasion.   Before handling any food, always wash your hands in warm, soapy water.  If you will be including fresh fruits and vegetables, wash them before adding to your child's packed lunch.  Reusable lunchboxes should be washed every night and be treated once a week with baking soda and water to eliminate odors.   

Temperature considerations require perishable food items such as sandwiches to be refrigerated over night.  A gel-pack, frozen drink, commercial ice pack, or other plastic container with frozen water should be included to keep food cold.   

Food Safety Tips for August include a reminder about avoiding mayonnaise or eggs on sandwiches if the lunch will not be refrigerated.  Commercially prepared and ready-to-eat meats join peanut butter and jelly for safe sandwich selections.  Consult the Department's Monthly Food Safety Tips throughout the year for both everyday needs and special occasions.  The U.S.D.A. Food Safety & Inspection Service digs a little deeper into bagged lunch recommendations.   

Report Do Not Call List Violations 

If your phone number is on the Do Not Call list but you seem to be receiving calls in violation of the 2002 law, you may not be alone.  According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG), more than 75 legal actions have been filed against violators.   

First, verify your phone number is listed on the Do Not Call website.  Simply enter your phone number and the site will reflect your status.  If your phone number has not been added you may choose to use the online Enrollment Form.  Both your home and wireless phone numbers are eligible for the Do Not Call list.   

Consumers who are on the Do Not Call list and feel that they have received a telemarketing call that is not permitted under the law can file an online complaint with the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection or call 1-888-777-3406.  For additional concerns, see Do Not Call Frequently Asked Questions.  

Violators of the Do Not Call law face a civil penalty of $1,000 per violation, increasing to $3,000 if the call is placed to a person age 60 or older.  The PA OAG reports more than $800,000 in civil penalties and other payments have been assessed against violators of the Do Not Call law.   

Pennsylvania Water Trails Reflect State's Beauty 

Picture the brilliant colors of autumn reflecting off the waterway as you kayak along Pennsylvania's recreational corridors.  The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) reminds us that the Commonwealth has hundreds of miles of water trails waiting for your colorful adventure.   

Water Trails offer access points, boat launches, day-use sites, and in some cases, overnight camping opportunities.  These designated boat routes are suitable for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized watercraft.  The PF&BC offers a clickable online Water Trails map to carry you along to the destination of your choice.   

Take a moment for an online review of boating safety whether you are new to boating or you will have individuals onboard less familiar with the rules of the waterways.  The Commission's most Frequently Asked Questions are available to ensure you and your passengers are prepared for a trip on the water.   

A Little Help with Your Labor Day Travel Plans 

Travel Pennsylvania's roadways with an informed confidence about what lies ahead this Labor Day weekend.  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the PA Turnpike can each assist in making yours a smooth ride whether you are taking off for vacation, heading out for back-to-school shopping, or it's just another day at the office.   

Interstate Travel Advisories and Non-Interstate Travel Advisories prepare you for highway and road closures or major delays due to incidents, weather, construction, and maintenance activity. 

Pennsylvania's traveler information website can also take you to the scene of many routes across the state through its Traffic Cameras.   

Obtain a free copy of PA's Tourism and Transportation Map from one of my conveniently located Senate District Offices or place an online order through the Department of Transportation.   

Back to School Pedestrian Safety for Children 

The supplies and clothes have been purchased but are your children really ready to return to school?  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation can help get them to and from school safely with its Pedestrian Safety for Children web pages.   

Begin with Walk Smart Rules:  

• Always stop at the curb or edge of the road. 
• Before crossing the road look LEFT, RIGHT, then LEFT again to be sure that no cars are coming. 
• Keep looking in ALL directions as you cross the road. 
• Cross at the street corner and walk in the crosswalks.  Remember to follow all traffic signs and signals.  Watch for turning cars. 
• Wear bright clothes at night. 
• Never run out into the street. 
• Never go between parked cars to cross the street. 
• If there are no sidewalks, remember to walk facing traffic. 

Reinforce the rules with special tools to help parents see their children safely return home from school.  Word scrambles, fill-in-the-blanks puzzles, and secret messages are available to renew your child's knowledge of safe pedestrian practices.  Consult additional Pedestrian Safety Links gathered by the Department.