As we work our way through August, our communities are certainly showing up! From night markets to festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. This week was also National Night Out, and my office was proud to partner with communities around the district to participate in these events. All these things are what make our district the best!

Looking ahead, my annual backpack giveaway is right around the corner! I hold this event annually at a different school, as I want to ensure children around the district are prepared for the start of the school year. This year’s event will be held at McCall Elementary.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

It was a beautiful last Friday night for the Night Out On 9th Night Market. This event was a celebration with the residents, businesses and civic leaders who work together to make South Street one of Philadelphia’s most unique neighborhoods.

The 16th annual 2nd Street Festival was another success, with many food and drink vendors along with family fun, live music, artists, pop-up shops and entertainment.

National Night Out began in 1984 in Philadelphia as a community-driven initiative to strengthen neighborhood ties and promote crime prevention through collaboration with law enforcement. We had a good turnout, and I was happy to participate in this important community event.

As Queen Village Restaurant Week ends this weekend, try and get out to try some wonderful restaurants! For the most up-to-date information, including participating restaurants and the best spots to park, visit https://www.qvna.org/restaurantweek.

If you haven’t had the chance to make it out yet, the Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square is still running through August 16th!

Next Saturday, August 15th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., my staff and I will be at McCall Elementary for our annual backpack giveaway!

Student success begins with having the necessary tools, from having the right pens and pencils for written assignments, to having the rulers and calculators to excel in mathematics. Our backpacks will have all these supplies, providing security for families knowing their student is ready for the first big day back in the classroom.

Additionally, we’ll have informational booklets for all ages, including a coloring book, copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and information on how my office can assist you! We’ll also be distributing the latest on state services, resources and programs.

I’m so proud of this event every year, as it’s a chance to meet with families from across Philadelphia and let them know my office has their back.

My free community shredding and e-recycling events will return for the fall on the following dates:

• Saturday, September 26th from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., 511 S. Front Street
• Saturday, October 17th from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 343 Fairmount Avenue
• Saturday, October 31st from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Mummers Museum, 1100 S. 2nd Street

This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of personal and sensitive documents.

My fall Senior Fair is scheduled for Friday, October 23rd from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Holy Name Church, bringing resources to seniors and caregivers like information on healthcare, volunteer opportunities, prescription drug plans, preventing identity theft and more.

Last week, PennDOT announced an investment of more than $1.1 million in grant funding to help schools and transportation providers across 19 counties cover the costs to train more than 430 new school bus drivers. The investment, funded through PennDOT’s School Bus Safety Grant Program, makes sure we have the qualified drivers we need to get students to and from school in a safe manner. With excellent transportation, we relieve the stress of students and their families, letting them focus on their education and achievements.

This week, the City of Philadelphia announced the launch of the Home Repair Academy, a workforce development program supporting Mayor Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Initiative. The new program pays participants while preparing them for careers in the skilled trades.

Applications are now open for the program, which runs from September 28th through March 26, 2027. You can apply here or visit the H.O.M.E. Initiative webpage for more information.

District Office

610 North Second Street

Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 503-3245

Pennsylvania State Capitol
300 Main Capitol Building

P.O. Box 202175

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-8098