Happy weekend everyone!
I’m going to be a bit uncomfortably transparent with you. I really enjoy celebrating Black History Month each February and I usually try and moderate myself to only talk about it in one or two weekly newsletters. I know February is more than just BHM. I also know that doing more creates an impossible benchmark for the subsequent months that also have meaningful cultural celebrations and awareness campaigns. If diversity is as important as I state it is, I need to do a better job of modeling this.
May is a perfect example of this. It is National Mental Health Awareness Month, Clean Air Month. We will soon celebrate Cinco De Mayo and then Mother's Day. In keeping with my nod to Black History Month, though, May is also Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I will do my best to represent these great communities today and throughout the month (and I have some backtracking to do for Irish, Greek, and Iranian American Heritage months).
To kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I honor the remarkable legacy of Dr. Philip Jaisohn—a trailblazer whose contributions helped shape both Korean and American history, right here in our region.
Dr. Jaisohn, the first Korean American citizen, made Philadelphia his home and a center of his advocacy. He founded The Independent, Korea’s first modern newspaper, and used his platform to promote democracy, civil rights, and Korean independence. In 1919, he organized the First Korean Congress in Philadelphia to rally international support for Korean sovereignty.
Later, Dr. Jaisohn settled in nearby Media, PA, and continued to serve the community as a physician and civic leader. His story is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact that immigrants have on our shared American values.
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It was an absolute pleasure visiting Jenkintown High School’s senior social studies classes last week! I was impressed with their eagerness to learn more about the ongoing political issues affecting them, the Commonwealth, and our country, and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
I never pass up an opportunity to speak with students, so please reach out to my office if you teach in the district and are interested!
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Coming Soon: Outdoor Office Hours!
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With summer weather on the way, we are looking to bring our constituent services outdoors and closer to you! Please reach out to my office and let us know which parks or outdoor spaces you’d like us to visit, weather-permitting, of course.
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Reminder: Outreach in Oreland
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Join my office for a bite to eat while taking advantage of services like the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program, SEPTA Senior Key Cards, and Unclaimed Property! We will be at Oreland Pizza (1350 Bruce Rd) on Thursday, May 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to help you access these programs.
Questions about what documents you need to bring? Please contact my office by calling (215) 572-5210 or emailing RepNelson@pahouse.net.
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Reminder: Shredding Event
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Join my office and the office of State Representative Ben Sanchez for a FREE paper shredding and electronics recycling event on Sunday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel (8339 Old York Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027).
We kindly ask that you limit paper shredding to 2-3 bags or boxes per vehicle so that we can serve as many constituents as possible. If you have any questions about what electronics can be accepted for recycling, please contact my office at (215) 572-5210 or RepNelson@pahouse.net.
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Don't Forget! Register to Vote by May 5
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The Municipal Primary Election is coming up on May 20, so ensure you are registered to vote today before the deadline of May 5. PA holds closed primary elections, which means you must be a registered Republican or Democrat to vote for that party’s nominees. You can register to vote, update your registration, or check your voter registration status online.
If you plan on voting by mail, the deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on May 13. For information on how to apply, go to the Department of State’s website. When completing an application for a mail-in ballot, voters have the option to receive a mail-in ballot for the primary and general elections or apply for each election individually.
Montgomery County Voter Services announced that it will be opening a satellite office in Willow Grove (102 N York Rd, Willow Grove, PA 19090) on weekends through Sunday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go here for assistance registering to vote, applying for a mail-in ballot, or to get your election-related questions answered.
A secure ballot drop box for mail-in ballots will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20 at the Cheltenham Township Tax Office (8230 Old York Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027).
Municipal elections are important! You have a chance to shape the future of your neighborhood, school district, and local government. Do not forget to vote on May 20.
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Click on the image below for information on township events & updates
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Click on the image below for information on state government programs
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AAPI Heritage Month & Community Fair
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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! What better way to celebrate than by joining the AAPI Coalition for a FREE family-friendly community fair this weekend. Meet featured vendors from our region’s health and human services field and discover resources available to you. On top of that, enjoy health screenings, cultural performances, food, games, and kids’ activities!
This event will take place this Saturday, May 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Jaisohn Community Wellness Plaza (1180 Welsh Rd, North Wales, PA 19454).
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Are you a small business with 250 employees or fewer? The PA Office of Small Business Advocate invites you to join them to discuss why understanding utilities is critical to your business’s success. Learn about valuable resources and connect with experts who can help your business thrive.
This virtual program will take place on Monday, May 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. Register online to receive the meeting link.
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Montgomery County is hosting a blood drive next week! Giving blood takes just a few minutes out of your day but can support lifesaving care for a patient in need.
This event takes place on Tuesday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Dekalb Center Community Room (1430 DeKalb St, Norristown, PA 19404). Schedule an appointment online.
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Avoiding Scams as a College Student
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Scammers are targeting college students with fake scholarships, job offers, and financial aid scams more and more. It might seem like they will help you pay your tuition bills. Really, they are just trying to take your money or steal your personal information.
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New Driver Work Zone Safety Program
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The New Driver Work Safety Program is a free virtual training that helps drivers learn to navigate work zones with confidence and safety. Available in both English and Spanish, the program covers safe driving practices in work zones, simulates real-life scenarios drivers might encounter, and explains work zone laws.
Whether you are a new driver or have years of experience, take the free program and help keep our work zones safe! Visit www.penndot.pa.gov/workzonesafety to learn more and get started.
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Machine Rescue Operations Training Program
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The Montgomery County Department of Public Safety’s Fire Academy is hosting a brand-new course: Machinery Rescue Operations. In this class, you’ll learn to think outside of the box for incidents that may not fall into typical rescue categories. The course will prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to extricate patients and provide BLS care for incidents involving manufacturing equipment, playground equipment, landscaping equipment, and more.
You must be 18 or older with valid CPR and First Aid cards in order to enroll. This event takes place on Saturday, June 7 at the Fire Academy (1175 Conshohocken Rd, Conshohocken, PA 19428). Secure your spot online today.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
325 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202154
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2154
(717) 783-1079
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District Office
115 East Glenside Avenue
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210
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