I will keep this short and sweet, but to just say “it has been a pleasure” to work at this office would be a severe understatement. I started working here during the summer before my senior year in college, came back the next summer after graduating, left in the fall to spend some time abroad, and believe it or not, they welcomed me back again for a third stint after returning home. I’d say this has been the best one yet. And as with each, it has been an enormously impactful experience getting to know so many constituents, learning about the ups and downs of your lives, and taking bits of wisdom from our interactions.  

I’d like to thank Rep. Nelson and John for giving me the opportunity to serve the community I grew up in, Shannon, Rashid, and Cindy for all the advice, support, inspiration, and laughs, and everyone else I’ve worked with in the capacity of this job. You have always been there for me, and I will truly miss you and this office! 

If you are curious about my next steps, I will be starting law school at Temple University this fall, and we’ll see where this new journey takes me.  

My office is hosting a “Bark in the Park” Dog Licensing Event on Tuesday, July 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Curtis Dog Park | 1250 W. Church Road, Wyncote, PA 19095.  

Did you know that Pennsylvania law requires all dogs eight weeks and older to be licensed? Representatives from the Montgomery County Treasurer’s Office will be on site to help with the process. Please make sure to bring the following items, along with your ID: 

• Permanent Identification Verification Form signed by your veterinarian for permanent licenses (print from the link or stop by our office to pick one up!).
• Proof of your dog’s rabies vaccination.
• Check/money order made payable to “Montgomery County Treasurer” OR cash.
  • An annual license costs $8.70, and a permanent license costs $52.70.
  • Senior citizens (65+) and disabled individuals receive a discount: $6.70 for an annual license and $36.70 for a permanent license. If you’d like to receive this discount, please bring proof of age/disability.
  • Only dogs who are microchipped or tattooed can receive a permanent license. 

Park rules prohibit dogs under six months old and dogs in heat. Please make sure your dog has been properly trained and is on a leash while attending. 

If you have questions, contact Grace at our office at (215) 572-5210 or GRichter@pahouse.net.  

My office still has lots of backpacks that we will be giving away to students from now through the start of the school year. If you or someone you know could use a backpack and some basic school supplies for the upcoming school year, please contact my office! 

Please note that we will be giving priority to students residing in the 154th Legislative District. 

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is offering back to school immunization clinics for students who live or attend school in Montco who do not have health insurance, have health insurance that doesn’t cover vaccines, receive Medical Assistance, OR are American Indian or Alaska Native. 

Call one of the county’s public health centers between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to set up an appointment to attend a clinic. You can reach the Willow Grove center at (215) 784-5414 and the Norristown center at (610) 970-5040.  

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Serices is launching a Back-to-School Drive to help struggling families in Montco get basic necessities like school supplies for their kids. 

Requested items include backpacks, notebooks, pencils, lunchboxes, and more listed in the flyer above. Items can be dropped off at the Dekalb Center Norristown | 1430 Dekalb St., Norristown, PA 19401. 

SEPTA is alerting the community that overhead wire work on the Fox Chase Line will require shuttle bus substitution between the Olney station and the Fox Chase station this weekend: Saturday and Sunday, July 19 & 20. This is the final weekend of replacement service. 

Inbound shuttle buses heading toward Center City will depart stations up to 22 minutes earlier than normal train departure time. Outbound shuttle buses heading toward Fox Chase will depart three minutes after train arrival and arrive up to 18 minutes later than normal. Passengers should add approximately 20 to 25 minutes to their travel time.  

Residents near the Cheltenham and Fox Chase stations can expect to hear typical construction noise over the next two weekends, along with lighting towers used as needed for nighttime and overnight work. Additionally, residents near the Cheltenham station can expect to hear noise around the clock from the wire train and diesel which will be sitting at the Cheltenham station during both weekends.