In advance of Memorial Day weekend, I’d like to share a piece of the holiday’s history that some of you may not know. The first national observance of what was then called Decoration Day occurred on May 30, 1868, when a group of Union veterans called for decorating war graves with flowers.
A few years later, in 1871, abolitionist Frederick Douglass gave a profound Decoration Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery, one that dutifully pays tribute to the fallen soldiers who fought for freedom and unity and offers his invaluable perspective on how we remember the Civil War. “Dark and sad will be the hour to this nation when it forgets to pay grateful homage to its greatest benefactors,” Douglass says, still acknowledging that the “silent, subtle and all-pervading eloquence” of the cemetery’s atmosphere is “far more touching, impressive, and thrilling than living lips have ever uttered.”
Honoring the fallen in the context of the Civil War, Douglass remarks “When the dark and vengeful spirit of slavery...stirred all the malign elements of discord...the unknown braves who flung themselves into the yawning chasm, where cannons roared and bullets whistled, fought and fell. They died for their country.” But soldiers of all causes display courage, Douglass maintained – we are especially indebted to those soldiers who “fought and fell” to rid our nation of the “hell-black system of human bondage” and set us on a course for “a long and glorious career of justice, liberty, and civilization.”
This Memorial Day, let us recall Douglass’s words and remember our nation’s fallen service members for imperiling “all for country and freedom.”
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The 4th Annual K. Leroy Irvis Days of Action took place last week, an event named in honor of the Commonwealth’s and this country’s first Black Speaker of the House. K. Leroy Irvis was a pioneer, a leader, a uniter, and a man whose legacy impacts us every day. As Chair of the PA Legislative Black Caucus, I was honored to kick off the Days of Action and highlight the importance of the caucus’s mission to drive action and bring about positive change for people and communities of color across the Commonwealth.
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Town Hall with Springfield EAC
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Join us and the Springfield Township Environmental Advisory Commission for a Town Hall on Thursday, May 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Free Library of Springfield Township (8900 Hawthorne Ln, Wyndmoor, PA 19038).
This is a chance for you to meet your State Representative, learn about key legislation, and discuss the state government issues and concerns most important to you. We will also hear from the Springfield EAC and how their climate efforts are saying taxpayers money.
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Reminder: Keswick Ave Bridge Replacement
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Over the previous week, SEPTA’s third-party contractor has made concrete repairs to the abutment walls on SEPTA’s bridge over Keswick Avenue in preparation for a rapid bridge superstructure replacement, which will take place during a shutdown of Regional Rail service between Glenside & Jenkintown-Wyncote stations this weekend, starting Friday evening, May 23 through Tuesday morning, May 27. Here’s what you can expect during this work:
Road Closures & Parking: Keswick Ave between Mt. Carmel Avenue & Paxson Avenue is closed Monday, May 19 through Friday, May 30, but access to local businesses will be maintained. On Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25, there will be intermittent flagging on and partial closures of Mt. Carmel Avenue between Keswick Avenue & Houston Avenue, along with a strict “No Parking” restriction on both days in these areas.
Train Service: Bus service will replace train service between Glenside & Jenkintown-Wyncote stations on Memorial Day Weekend beginning 10:30 p.m. Friday, May 23 until end of the service day on Monday, May 26. Normal train service, with revised schedules, will operate between Glenside & Doylestown stations and Glenside & Warminster stations. Go to SEPTA’s webpage on the project for more detailed information & schedules.
Timeline of Events: Expect typical construction impacts during the around-the-clock operations over Memorial Day weekend, including jackhammering, back-up alarms, and lighting towers.
- On Saturday morning, May 24, the existing bridge will be lifted out of place and transported to the staging/prep area (see red line on map for start of route).
- On Sunday morning, May 25, the new bridge will be transported and set on Keswick Avenue.
- On Monday morning, May 26, the new bridge will be lifted into place and installed, along with the tracks and ballast.
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In observance of Memorial Day, my office will be closed Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26. We will return to normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27.
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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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Firework Safety Tips for Memorial Day Weekend
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With Memorial Day weekend almost here, the PA Office of the State Fire Commissioner is reminding everyone to celebrate safely. While fireworks are a beloved part of the holiday, they come with significant risks. To ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend, please keep the following safety tips in mind:
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Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol, drugs, or medications that impair judgment.
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Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Sparklers burn at 2,000°F and are a leading cause of injuries.
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Keep a bucket of water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher handy.
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Wear protective gear like safety glasses.
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Never hold fireworks in your hand or light them near other people, vehicles, or buildings.
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Soak spent and unused fireworks in water before discarding them.
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Keep pets indoors and provide background noise to reduce stress.
Let’s keep our celebrations safe and fun for everyone!
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With summer fast approaching and new default electric generation prices taking effect on June 1, the PA Public Utility Commission is urging residents and businesses across the Commonwealth to #SaveInPA by taking proactive steps now to manage their utility bills.
Every June 1 and Dec. 1, electric distribution companies in PA adjust their “Price to Compare” – the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) charged to customers who have not selected a competitive supplier. These prices are based on wholesale market rates and can significantly impact monthly bills, making efficiency and conservation more important than ever.
Simple steps that can have a noticeable impact on energy usage and utility bills include:
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Maintain or upgrade your HVAC system – clean filters, check ventilation, schedule a tune-up.
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Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from escaping.
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Unplug unused electronics and turn off lights when not in use.
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Wash full loads of laundry and dishes and avoid on-peak hours (generally between 6 – 8 p.m. on hot summer days).
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Take shorter showers and lower your water heater temperature.
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Check your past bills to understand your usage trends.
Consult the PUC’s webpage for more information on the rate changes and best practices as we head into the summer season.
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PA State Work-Study Program
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Looking for a summer job that will give you valuable experience and help pay for your education? Check out PA’s Summer Work-Study program with the PA Higher Education Assistance Agency.
Apply today to start earning money toward your tuition costs while gaining the skills needed in your future career! Summer applications are due by June 30.
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Don't Forget: Fish For Free Day!
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Sunday, May 25 is the first of two Fish for Free Days in PA, courtesy of the PA Fish and Boat Commission. On this special day, anyone – resident or non-resident – can fish without a license, and no Trout/Salmon or Lake Erie permits are required.
Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned angler, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy PA’s beautiful waterways. Just bring your gear, follow all regular fishing regulations, and have fun.
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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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