August Adventures
Sometimes the best way to build a stronger Pennsylvania is simply to get out and enjoy it.
One of my favorite things about Pennsylvania is that you never know what you’re going to find if you just take a different road home.
Seriously.
How many times have you driven past one of those blue-and-gold historical markers and thought, “One of these days I’m going to stop and read that.”
I’m guilty of it too.
Or maybe there’s that little ice cream stand everyone talks about, a mom-and-pop diner that’s been there forever, a museum you’ve always meant to visit, or even an old cemetery with stories waiting to be discovered.
This month, I want to challenge all of us—including myself—to slow down a little.
Let’s make August about adventures.
Not expensive vacations.
Not elaborate plans.
Just families spending time together and rediscovering the communities we call home.
Take the kids somewhere you’ve never been.
Walk through your downtown.
Visit a local business.
Read that historical marker.
Explore a park.
Find a little museum.
Maybe you’ll learn something about Pennsylvania.
Maybe you’ll learn something about your own town.
Maybe you’ll just make a memory that your kids will laugh about years from now.
Whatever you do...
Take a selfie.
Post it.
Tell us where you are.
Tag me so we can follow along.
I’d love to see parents from every corner of Pennsylvania showing off what makes their hometown special.
Now, while you’re out exploring, keep your eyes open.
This is campaign season.
Your state representative may be at the county fair.
A state senate candidate might be walking around your local festival.
They’ll be at community breakfasts, fireman’s carnivals, parades, church festivals, and neighborhood events.
If you see one...
Walk over.
Shake their hand.
Tell them you’re a parent.
Tell them about your kids.
Tell them what’s working.
Tell them what isn’t.
You don’t have to solve every problem in five minutes.
Just let them meet the people they’re asking to represent.
And if you don’t run into them?
Give their district office a call.
Ask if you can stop by.
Most lawmakers spend a lot of time back home during August. It’s one of the best opportunities all year to have a real conversation without making the trip to Harrisburg.
If there’s more than one candidate running, meet both.
If you can’t find either one, stop by a local party headquarters and introduce yourself there.
The point isn’t to argue.
The point is to build relationships.
That’s how communities get stronger.
That’s how parents find their voice.
That’s how leaders hear the stories that don’t show up in reports or spreadsheets.
This month, let’s fill Facebook with pictures of Pennsylvania.
Historic markers.
Main Streets.
County fairs.
Covered bridges.
Small businesses.
Museums.
Parks.
Cemeteries.
Ice cream stands.
Families making memories.
Because something tells me...
The families who spend August exploring together will be ready for something pretty special this fall.
I’m not quite ready to tell you everything we’re working on.
But trust me...
We’re getting closer.
Until then, get out there.
Take the scenic route.
Meet your neighbors.
Support a local business.
Talk with your elected officials.
Most importantly...
Make a memory with your family.
Because those memories—and the communities we build together—are worth every mile.