Hi, my name is Zhanna Ivanick, and I am excited to return as a summer intern in Representative Nelson’s office.

I graduated from Springfield Township High School in 2024 and am currently a rising junior at The George Washington University (GW). I’m majoring in Political Science and double minoring in Russian Language and Literature, and Peace Studies.

I am grateful for the opportunity to return to Rep. Nelson's office after such a rewarding experience last summer, when I enjoyed assisting both the office and constituents. This internship has allowed me to develop valuable skills in public service that will support my future career goals.

Outside of the classroom, I love getting involved at GW. I am a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority. And I was recently elected Secretary (I previously served as the DEI Officer) for The Eta Society for Global Affairs, a student professional organization that supports women and marginalized genders pursuing careers in international affairs. I am also a part of some other clubs such as the Central Asian Association and Pre-Law Student Association.

I am passionate about working with children and hope to pursue a career with UNICEF in the future. I am also interested in international affairs and intelligence work, which inspired me to study Russian. I look forward to contributing to the office, supporting constituents, and continuing to learn from this experience throughout the summer!

It's National Donut Day!! ??

Yes! It's a real holiday. National Donut Day is a real, historically rooted observance, even if it isn’t a federal holiday. 

The day was created in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the Donut Lassies, women who traveled to the front lines during World War I to serve donuts, supplies, and give emotional support to American soldiers. 

As The Salvation Army explains, the Lassies’ work “quickly transform[ed] the treat into a symbol of comfort and joy.” 

Today, the organization continues to mark the day with events, including donut distributions to veterans and the National Donut Day World Donut Eating Championship in Washington, DC.  

Have you ever wondered why the iconic treat has two different accepted spellings. The original spelling “doughnut” is commonly used worldwide and up until the 1950s was the predominant spelling within the states as well.

The rise of fast-food chains like Dunkin Donuts and Mister Donut stand as the reason why the colloquial spelling “donut” is widely used within the United States today. 

Click here to find your free and donut deals today!

This week, my office was proud to participate in Pride flag-raising ceremonies at both the Montgomery County Courthouse and the Cheltenham Township Municipal Building on Monday and Tuesday, helping to kick off Pride Month and Pride celebrations throughout our region and beyond.

As Montgomery County Commissioner Jeff Chirico said, “Raising this flag alone does not change the world, but for many people, this piece of fabric represents hope, belonging, and the freedom to live authentically.”

LGBTQ+ individuals live in every community across Pennsylvania, and it is our responsibility to support their ongoing pursuit of equality, recognition, and opportunity. Pride Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ people, reflect on the progress that has been made, and recommit us to building inclusive communities where everyone feels welcome.

This week, my House colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and improve communities:

I voted “yes” on several bills to protect our students, including a bell-to-bell mobile device ban in schools (HB 1814, 126-75), requiring school personnel to complete training every two years on how to recognize and manage students who are having a seizure (HB 1045, 129-71) and allowing schools to maintain a supply of short-acting asthma medications, which can be administered by a school nurse or trained school employee (HB 2117, 192-9).

I also voted “yes” to direct the Attorney General to conduct a public education campaign on artificial intelligence to educate the general public on various topics, including identifying AI-generated content, avoiding AI-enabled scams, understanding responsible behavior when engaging with AI chatbots, protecting personal data when using AI, awareness of bias and misinformation ingrained in AI programs and protecting children from AI misuse (HB 2314, 198-3).  

Finally, I voted “yes” to increase access to care by requiring facilities to allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in non-smokable, non-vapable forms, ensuring patients have access to effective symptom relief while maintaining safety and compliance within care settings (HB 2254, 174-27). 

Good news everyone!

We have heard your phone calls and emails and have been working with PennDOT to add Ashbourne Road (State Route 2025) to an existing paving contract. PennDOT informed us this week that the length of Ashbourne Road between Washington Lane and Cottman Avenue/Township Line Road will be milled and paved (approx. 4 miles).

We don’t have the exact dates of when the contractor will be milling and paving that road, but we anticipate it will be in July/August this year (2026). Stay tuned to this space for more detailed updates!

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the contributions, history, and resilience of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing work of ensuring that every person is treated with dignity, respect, and equal opportunity under the law.

Our communities are strengthened when everyone feels seen, valued, and included. This month, I join in recognizing the many LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians who help make our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and civic institutions vibrant and welcoming places to live.

NAMI Montgomery County PA offers a free virtual LGBTQIA+ Support Group for adults ages 18 and older. The group provides a safe, welcoming, and affirming space for participants to connect with others, share experiences, discuss challenges, and receive peer support.

Whether you are looking for community, encouragement, or a place where you can be yourself, the support group offers an opportunity to build connections with people who understand similar experiences. Participation is free, and meetings are held virtually on the third Sunday of each month at 1 p.m.

Residents interested in joining can register using NAMI Montgomery County PA's Support Group Registration Form or scan the QR code above for more information.

Beginning June 6, Pennsylvania drivers can be cited for using a hand-held cell phone while driving under Paul Miller’s Law. The law prohibits holding or using a phone while operating a vehicle, including while stopped at a red light, in traffic, or during any other temporary delay.

Drivers may still use hands-free technology for calls, navigation, and music, and phones may be used to contact emergency responders when necessary.

The law is named in memory of Paul Miller Jr., a 21-year-old Pennsylvania resident who was killed by a distracted driver in 2010. After a one-year warning period, violations are now subject to a $50 fine, plus court costs and fees.

According to PennDOT, distracted driving contributed to nearly 10,000 crashes across Pennsylvania in 2024, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 fatalities.

No judgment, just help. When you call, text, or chat 988, you will connect with trained counselors who are there to listen, support, and help you through a crisis. All conversations are confidential and available 24/7. Learn more here.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

More information can be found here.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides eligible low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits and vegetables in Pennsylvania. Eligible participants will receive five $5 vouchers (totaling $25) to use at authorized farmers’ markets and produce stands across the state.  

The Montco office will be distributing vouchers both by mail and at select pop-up events across the county. Once the distribution event schedule is finalized it will be posted on the Montco Share page.

Completed applications can be submitted by mail or email to infomhs@sharefoodprogram.org. 

• June 1: First day seniors may redeem SFMNP checks for fresh produce purchased from approved farmers
• September 15: Last day to mail SFMNP applications
• September 30: Last day to issue SFMNP checks (in person and by mail)
• November 30: Last day for participants to use their 2026 SFMNP check

Please contact the Montco Share team with any questions 215-223-2220 ext. 138.

Harrisburg Office

325 Irvis Office Building

PO Box 202154

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079

Glenside Office

115 East Glenside Avenue

Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210

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