Governor Shapiro Implements Automatic Voter Registration in Pennsylvania
Governor Shapiro Implements Automatic Voter Registration in Pennsylvania, Joining Bipartisan Group of States That Have Taken Commonsense Step to Make Voter Registration More Streamlined and Secure
September 19, 2023
By automatically combining the verification processes of DMV registration and voter registration, Shapiro Administration will enhance the accuracy and security of Pennsylvania voter rolls while saving taxpayers time and money
Harrisburg, PA – Today, as part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, and secure elections, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania has implemented automatic voter registration (AVR) for eligible Commonwealth residents obtaining driver licenses and ID cards at Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) driver and photo license centers. By implementing AVR, Pennsylvania joins a group of 23 states with leaders from both parties – including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Georgia, Virginia, and West Virginia – who have taken this step to promote election security and save taxpayers time and money.
Starting today, Commonwealth residents who are obtaining new or renewed driver licenses and ID cards and are eligible to vote will be automatically taken through the voter registration application process unless they opt out of doing so. Previously, eligible voters were required to take additional steps to opt into the voter registration process. Today’s changes also increase access to voter registration by adding instructions in five more languages, for a total of 31 languages.
HOMETOWN SCIENCE FESTIVAL IS THIS SATURDAY SEPT 23 WITH 26 PRESENTERS LEADING MORE THAN 30 HANDS-ON SCIENCE ACTIVITIES ON THE GREEN IN WELLSBORO
This Saturday, Sept. 23, between noon and 4 p.m., children and adults are invited to participate in the Hometown Science Festival. There will be 26 presenters leading more than 30 hands-on science activities, such as simple experiments and demonstrations for children and families on The Green in the heart of downtown Wellsboro. The festival is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.
Fun, hands-on science activities, such as simple experiments and demonstrations for children and families are being led by researchers, educators, students, natural resource managers, biologists, and citizen scientists.
HAMILTON-GIBSON TREBLE CHOIR & CHOIR, TOO TO PRESENT AUTUMN CHORAL CONCERT NEXT SUNDAY, OCT. 1
Shown are members of the HG Treble Choir and HG Choir, Too who will be singing during the Autumn Choral Concert next Sunday, Oct. 1.
The Hamilton-Gibson Treble Choir is offering a delightful afternoon of music at 2:30 p.m. next Sunday, Oct. 1 in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on the corner of Pearl and Charles Streets, across from The Green in Wellsboro. The choir consists of singers in grades 5-8 from all over Tioga County.
The Autumn Choral Concert will feature guest soloist Carter Route, who is majoring in music at Mansfield University. He wowed audiences with his dynamic performance as the title character in MU’s “Phantom of the Opera” this past spring. Route will also be the tenor soloist in the “Messiah: Community Sing” on Sunday, Dec. 10.
CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK IS OFFERING FREE IN-PERSON PROGRAMS THIS SATURDAY, SEPT. 23
Free, in-person programs are being held this Saturday, Sept. 23 at Cherry Springs State Park at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915. The park is 12 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44.
Stargazing programs are in the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Park in the gravel lot and follow the walkway next to the restrooms to the seating area. Since seating is limited, bring a lawn chair and/or blanket. Leave pets at home.
Check the Clear Sky Chart or Astrospheric for 48-hour forecasts of cloud cover and viewing conditions.
All visitors should arrive at the park before dark whether they are attending a stargazing program or are observing on their own.
All programs will be cancelled in the event of rain or thunder.
Virginia (Genie) H. A. McFadden, of 307 Madison Avenue, Ridgway, PA.
Virginia (Genie) H. A. McFadden, of 307 Madison Avenue, Ridgway, died Saturday, September 16, 2023 at her home.
She was born on March 28, 1929 in Ridgway, the daughter of Carl H. and Hedvig C. (Nordstrom) Olson. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Virginia was a lifelong resident of both the Ridgway and Munderf areas, and graduated from Ridgway Centennial High School, Class of 1947.
On May 31, 1969, Virginia married Thomas P. McFadden at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ridgway where she was an active member her entire life.
Howard N. LEWIS, 92, of Coudersport, PA
Howard N. LEWIS, 92, of Coudersport, PA, passed away Monday, September 18, 2023.
A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Helen Marie Pontzer, 98, of Ridgway, PA
Helen Marie Pontzer, 98, of Ridgway, PA, died on September 3, 2023, at Regency Oaks Assisted Living in Clearwater, FL, after a brief illness.
She was born on December 8, 1924, the daughter of the late Florence M. Steinlehner and Clifford W. Cuneo.
Helen grew up in Kersey, PA, and was a graduate of the Kersey High School Class of 1942. She attended Grace Martin Secretarial School in Pittsburgh, PA, and was employed as an executive secretary at Alcoa Aluminum in Pittsburgh.
On June 16, 1951, she married Dr. Herbert P. Pontzer of Kersey who was attending the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. She moved to Ridgway, PA, where Dr. Pontzer established his medical practice.
Roy “Bud” Reynolds, 83, of Warren, PA
Roy “Bud” Reynolds, 83, of Warren, PA, died peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at St. Vincent Hospital, AHN, Erie, PA.
Bud was born November 17, 1939, in Warren, PA. He was the son of Roy W. and Bessie Groves Reynolds, Sr. Roy was a lifelong Warren area resident. He was a 1957 graduate of Warren High School. He had served with the U.S. Airforce as airman 3rd class.
Brenda L. Renko, 62, a longtime resident of Coudersport, PA
COUDERSPORT, Pa.—Brenda L. Renko, 62, a longtime resident of Coudersport, PA passed away with her loving family by her side on Sunday, September 17, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a brief illness.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
Mark E. Lopus, 67, of Bradford, PA
Mark E. Lopus, 67, of Bradford, PA passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Jeffery L. Cram, 60, of Wellsboro, PA
Jeffery L. Cram, 60, of Wellsboro, PA, passed away on September 17, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.
He was born on July 13, 1963, in Laconia, NH, to Herbert and Bernice (Fields) Cram. He married Deborah Callahan on August 19, 2000. Jeffery greatly enjoyed gardening, painting, pottery, and music.
Susan E. Mangel, 75, of Droney Road, Gifford, PA
Susan E. Mangel, 75, of Droney Road, Gifford, PA passed away, Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Patricia Smith Carlson, 71, of Warren, PA
Patricia Smith Carlson, 71, of Warren, PA, died Monday morning, September 18, 2023, peacefully at her home, with her family at her bedside.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA., on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 P.M.
A complete obituary will be announced in Wednesday’s Times Observer.
William E.”Bill” Boger, II, 60, of Youngsville, PA
Bill was born January 30, 1963, in Philadelphia, PA. He was the son of Barbara Luff Boger of Warren, PA., and the late Dr. William L. Boger.
William E.”Bill” Boger, II, 60, of Youngsville, PA, passed away due to heart failure with family at his bedside on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA.
Bill was a resident of the Warren area for most of his life. He was a 1981 graduate of The Gow School in East Aurora, N.Y. and attended Westminster College. Bill also served in the US Navy and graduated from Erie Institute of Technology. He was previously employed in several roles within the wholesale food and automotive industries. He was an avid reader, a lover of music and film, and an ardent poet.
David L. Barger, 75, of 5701 Church Street, Limestone, NY
David L. Barger, 75, of 5701 Church Street, Limestone, NY, passed away, Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. in Bradford.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
