Winter is over. It’s Springtime now. I’m not interested in cold weather anymore. I reject the forecast for this coming Tuesday. Shovels are for gardening now. ?? Anything contrary to this will really jack up my psyche.
For my first garden musing of 2026, I’m thinking about nitrogen again. The past two years I have been toying around with planting cover crops in the fall like vetch and fava beans to do nitrogen fixing. I am also adding spent coffee grounds to my soil this week for a spring boost. ??
Am I overdoing it? Do I need to do more to promote soil health? I’m not really sure. It’s a little late for a soil test so I’m in wing-it season!
What I do know is that the few minutes I spend each day walking around the perimeter of my house (it’s not a big house) gives me joy.
This weekend I will be heading to Primex to wander, window shop, and take deep breaths. I also heard about a few great native plant events that are going on in the region so I will be getting a little dirty.
Hope to see you outside!
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Even if we think we are logical people, most of us still believe in a few superstitions—or at least notice them. Sometimes we do it on purpose, like trying not to step on cracks in the sidewalk. Other times we don’t even realize it, like feeling a little scared when we walk past an old, creaky house.
These beliefs don’t really make sense, but they can still affect how we feel.
Superstitions are different for everyone, but many people believe that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. To get ready for the next one, here are some interesting and slightly spooky facts about Friday the 13th. ????
- Friday the 13th marked the fall of the Knights Templar.
- Many people believe that on October 13, 1307, Philip IV of France ordered raids on the homes of the Knights Templar.
- Over 600 knights were arrested and tortured, and the group officially ended two years later. ??
- In Finland, Friday the 13th is “National Accident Day.”
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Officials in Finland once called Friday the 13th “National Accident Day.” The goal was to remind people to stay safe at home, in public, and on the road, and to prevent accidents instead of blaming bad luck. ??
- Our CSA Leah should probably move to Finland because she is an accident waiting to happen!! ??
And remember, avoiding black cats ??? and black animals is purely superstition!! ??
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Recognizing Colorectal Awareness Month Cancer Month
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March is also Colorectal Awareness Cancer Month. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when found early.
Regular screening can detect small growths called polyps before they turn into cancer, helping to save lives. Because symptoms do not always appear right away, screening is recommended starting at age 45 to help catch the disease early.
Talk with your healthcare provider about screening options and take an important step toward protecting your health. ??
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Mark your calendars! I'm hosting an Environmental Conference on Friday, April 24 at Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Camp Shelly Ridge in Lafayette Hill.
This event will bring together community members, advocates, and local partners to discuss environmental priorities, sustainability, and ways we can work together to protect our shared spaces. All ages are invited to attend.
Event timing and additional details will be announced soon. Stay tuned for updates from our office.
We hope to see you there! ??
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on Township Events & Updates
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Information on Active State Programs
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New SEPTA Bus Network Announced
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Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is starting a New Bus Network this year.
The changes will begin in August, with more updates planned for February 2027 and June 2027 as part of the FY2027 Service Plan. This is the first major redesign of SEPTA’s bus system in 63 years and aims to make buses easier to use and more reliable.
SEPTA is also holding open houses, pop-up events, and a virtual town hall on March 18 at 6:30 p.m. to share information and hear from riders before public hearings on April 15. The SEPTA Board is expected to review the plan in May.
More details, including route maps, timelines, and ways to submit comments, are available on SEPTA’s New Bus Network webpage. ??
Customers should bookmark and follow the below sites and social media accounts for updates on service and other SEPTA news:
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Pennsylvania Student Scholarships with March Deadlines
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The days are getting brighter and March scholarships are blooming. ??
Take advantage of the season of growth and apply for the multiple opportunities listed just for Pennsylvania students.
Deadlines are fast approaching, so head to Scholarships.com plant the seeds of success! ??
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PECO Customer Relief Fund Applications Now Open
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BIG NEWS: Applications are now open for the expanded PECO Customer Relief Fund. Eligible residential customers can apply for a one-time $750 grant administered by the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. We understand that many households are feeling financial pressure from rising energy supply costs, especially during colder months when energy use increases. If you’re struggling to keep up with your bill, support may be available.
To qualify,
- you must be a current PECO residential electric and/or natural gas customer with a past-due balance of no more than $2,500 or be able to reduce your balance to $2,500 with a co-payment.
- Applicants cannot have received a previous grant from this program, cannot have theft-of-service charges in the past 12 months, and must have a household income between 0% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Based on current guidelines, the maximum annual income at 300% FPL is $47,880 for a household of one, $64,920 for two, $81,960 for three, and $99,000 for four. Income documentation is required, and you must receive a separate PECO bill rather than having utilities included in your rent.
Applications are processed first come, first served. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, and applying does not prevent service disconnection if the full balance is not resolved. If approved, the grant is typically applied to your account within one to two billing cycles.
Although this fund is temporary, PECO also offers year-round assistance programs, including payment arrangements, budget billing, and an online Assistance Finder tool. For more information, to check eligibility, or to apply, visit peco.com/relief.
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Primary Election Important Dates
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The 2026 Primary Election will take place on May 19, 2026. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
If you plan to vote in the primary, be sure to keep these important deadlines in mind:
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May 4, 2026 – Last day to register to vote before the primary
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May 12, 2026 – Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot
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May 19, 2026 – Primary Election Day (polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
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May 19, 2026, by 8 p.m. – Deadline for county election offices to receive completed mail-in and absentee ballots
Remember: mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by the county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks do not count.
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SNAP Work Requirements Have Expanded
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MORE Pennsylvanians must now meet work requirements to stay eligible for SNAP. Federal changes last year mean some SNAP recipients must work, volunteer, or participate in education or job training for at least 20 hours per week and report that they are meeting this requirement. If the requirement is not met, benefits may be limited to three months within a three-year period.
The rules were expanded to include individuals who:
Additionally, exemptions for veterans and individuals who aged out of foster care under age 25 have ended.
To meet the requirement, you must:
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Work at least 20 hours per week or earn at least $217.50 per week before taxes
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Participate in education or job training for at least 20 hours per week or at least half-time
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Complete approved community service hours as assigned by your caseworker
If your hours drop below the requirement, you must report the change within 10 days.
Some individuals may still qualify for exemptions, including those who are:
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Pregnant
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Medically unable to work
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Caring for someone who is ill or disabled
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Experiencing homelessness
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Participating in drug or alcohol treatment
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Receiving unemployment compensation
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Temporarily unemployed and expecting to return to work within 60 days
To check whether these rules apply to you and learn what to do next, use the online screening tool at dhs.pa.gov/work. You may also contact your County Assistance Office or call the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930.
If you have issues with your benefits, please don't hesitate to contact my office at RepNelson@PAHouse.net or 215-572-5210.
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What to Know About 1099-G Forms
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Pennsylvanians who received Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits in 2025 will get a form called a 1099-G.
This form shows how much UC income you received, and you need it to file your federal and state tax returns.
The forms are now (or should now be) available in your online UC dashboard. Paper copies are also being mailed and should arrive over the next few weeks.
A detailed FAQ is available on the L&I website to help you review your form and request corrections if something is wrong.
Since 1099-G forms are created automatically, getting one if/when you did not apply for UC benefits could be a sign of identity theft. If you believe someone used your identity to file for benefits, report it to L&I right away. You can file a report online or call the PA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-692-7469.
If you are a victim of identity theft, you should still file your tax return on time. Only report the income you actually earned, not any false income listed on the 1099-G.
You can find more information about identity theft and 1099-G forms on the IRS website.
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Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair
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Families and caregivers of children and young adults with IEPs or 504 plans are invited to attend an Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair to learn about opportunities after graduation.
The event will take place Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hall A of the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Attendees will have the chance to connect with more than 100 organizations offering resources such as employment opportunities, job coaching, transitional services, day programs, continuing education, supported living programs, and more.
If you pre-registered for the original date, you do not need to register again. Those who have not yet registered can sign up here.
This event is open to all.
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Congratulations! You've reached the end of the weekly email.
A new study from the American Cancer Society finds that Colorectal Cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among Americans under 50, prompting experts to urge people to take symptoms seriously.
Here is a list of some celebrities who have battled colorectal cancer, highlighting the importance of early detection and awareness:
- Chadwick Boseman - diagnosed in 2016 and passed in 2020 at age 43.
- Audrey Hepburn
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Charles M. Schulz
- Ronald Reagan
- Anthony Rizzo - Cubs first baseman was 18 yrs old when he was diagnosed.
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Harrisburg Office
325 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202154
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079
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Glenside Office
115 East Glenside Avenue
Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210
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