It’s right to start this week, month and year with a tip of the cap to those that have served with distinction. I will end with recognition of the most plainspoken, humble President in modern American history, but I begin with a shout out to Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder.
Winder began 2024 by becoming the county’s first black female leader (joined by similar historic leaders in Delaware County and Philadelphia) and our chairwoman got right to work! Her steady, determined, and unifying hand helped rebuild the county’s administrative capacity, guided us through challenging financial times, and still resulted in historic investments in our people. The county’s paid family leave benefits are the strongest in the commonwealth and reinforce our commitment to family and our role as an ethical employer. Our progress in fighting homelessness is no less remarkable and is guided by our shared values as a community that takes care of our neighbors. As was pledged ahead of 2024, Winder stepped down as the chair of the board of commissioners and handed the gavel to her governing partner, Neil Makhija for 2025. Thank you for your leadership and we look forward to your continued service as the vice chair in the year that is!
President James E. Carter Jr. was laid to rest late Thursday in his hometown of Plains, Ga. President Biden, in eulogizing the nation’s 39th president, said Carter’s life was the “story of a man who never let the tides of politics divert him from his mission to serve and shape the world”, and serve the world he did. Elected office can easily become a soapbox to shout into the wind or a platform to be seen amongst leaders called to architect a way forward for society at large. Such piety plays on the vanity of human nature. Elected office can also become a transformative space where compassionate and capable servants connect with the very stories and wants of those under our care and emerge ready to dedicate our actions to meeting plainspoken needs with plainly offered assistance. President Jimmy Carter occupied the latter office for four years in the late 70s and spent the last four decades building homes, helping the sick, sowing seeds and nurturing their growth. His nature of international diplomacy was both historical, powerful and peaceful. His faith guided him. His wife and family grounded him. His country appreciated him, but his neighbors absolutely loved him.
Perhaps, there is no better model of a servant leader in American government than the late President Jimmy Carter. We tip our caps to you, Mr. President on a job well done.
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This week, we learned of a heartwarming act of thanks in our community. Firefighters of the La Mott Fire Co. responded to a stove fire at the home of Ms. Linda Murdock back in March 2024. Ms. Murdock was baking peach cobbler at the time, and the firefighters remarked that it was the best smelling fire ever. One week ago, Ms. Murdock returned the favor, bringing two trays of her peach cobbler to the grateful volunteers.
Ken Hellendall, VP of the La Mott Fire Co., expressed that few people say thank you, especially the way Ms. Murdock did, so it means the world to the firefighters. Let’s all be a little more like Ms. Murdock and support, give back to, and be good neighbors to our emergency responders.
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A Code Blue cold weather emergency is in effect until Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 9 a.m. Residents who need shelter during a Code Blue can call Your Way Home Montgomery County’s Call Center at (610) 278-3522. Click here for more information.
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Going to See the Birds on Sunday? Take SEPTA
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SEPTA announced that it will be offering extra service on the Broad Street Line on Sunday to help fans get to the Eagles game. Express trains will depart from Fern Rock Transit Center every 10 minutes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re heading down to the game, take advantage of SEPTA, and Go Birds!
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Click the image below for information on township updates
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Click the image below for information on active programs
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Other Events and Programs
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Annual Report Requirement for Business Owners
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A new annual report requirement for owners of businesses operating in Pennsylvania went into effect Jan. 6. Business owners can file their annual report online to avoid backlogs and have their report processed instantly by the Pennsylvania Department of State.
For more information, please read the full press release.
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January is Radon Action Month
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Did you know that radon could be a silent threat lurking in your home? This odorless, invisible, radioactive gas can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
Take action this National Radon Action Month and test your home for radon. The colder months are the best time to test for radon as the gas is more likely to be trapped and build up in closed buildings. Pick up a radon kit at your local hardware store or click here to see if you can receive a free radon test kit from the American Lung Association (supplies are limited).
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Those interested in a career with PennDOT are encouraged to attend this weekend’s job fair. Applicants are encouraged to view open positions here and submit their application through the employment website whether they can attend or not attend the hiring event. Please call (610) 275-2368 for more information.
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Montgomery County Maintenance Facility, 2005 Swede Road, Norristown, PA 19401
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This community day event provides free health screenings, free and low-cost immunizations, and the opportunity to talk with a local pharmacist.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Walmart Wyncote Store, 1000 Easton Road, Suite 200, Wyncote, PA 19095
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Learn about financing your child’s college education
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The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, the organization that administers the state college grant and loan programs has upcoming financial aid webinars scheduled through March
These sessions are designed to help students and families navigate the financial aid process.
For more topics, times, information or to register for any of the sessions, please click here.
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Navigating Cyber Safety Virtual Workshop
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This free and engaging virtual workshop offered by the Methacton Special Education Alliance will equip caregivers with essential tools to safeguard their children in today’s digital world. For more information and to register, click here. The Zoom link will be provided with registration.
When: 7 – 9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
325 Irvis Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079
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District Office
115 E Glenside Ave., Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210
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