With temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s and even low 100s this holiday weekend, please take precautions if you plan to attend celebrations. Drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, seek shade whenever possible, and check on older adults, neighbors, and anyone else who may be vulnerable to the extreme heat. Also, if you are so inclined, leave out water for wildlife that may also be suffering in this heat. 

Oreland Independence Day Parade
The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at Marlow Field with refreshments and awards. In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, Montgomery County Commissioners have provided commemorative 250th anniversary flags that will be distributed during the parade.

Jenkintown Independence Day Parade & Celebration
Also beginning at 10:00 a.m., Jenkintown's parade will feature fire trucks, a color guard, marching bands, decorated bikes, and community groups. After the parade, enjoy family-friendly games, a Best Decorated Bike Contest, and refreshments served by the Pioneer Fire Company.

Greater Glenside Parade & Fireworks
The Greater Glenside Parade and Fireworks will also take place on July 4. Please be aware of temporary no-parking restrictions along the parade route, staging areas, and near the high school for the evening fireworks.

We hope everyone has a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July!

During this holiday weekend, I invite you to join my colleagues from across Montgomery County and me as we read the Declaration of Independence.

As we celebrate the road to America's 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary circumstances that gave rise to our nation. In 1776, our Founding Fathers launched what they understood to be a bold and fragile experiment in self-government - one rooted in the belief that a free people could govern themselves through civic virtue, the rule of law, and an enduring commitment to the common good.

Nearly 250 years later, that experiment continues. Its success has never been guaranteed, nor has it rested solely on the work of elected leaders. It has always depended on engaged citizens, neighbors who volunteer, serve their communities, cast informed votes, participate in public life, and work together to solve problems despite their differences.

The Declaration of Independence is more than a document from our past; it is an invitation to every generation to renew the work of building "a more perfect Union." As we celebrate our nation's independence, may we also recommit ourselves to the responsibilities that accompany our freedoms: listening with respect, participating in our communities, and contributing in ways both large and small to the civic life that strengthens our democracy.

I hope you'll take a few moments this holiday weekend to listen to the words that launched our nation and to reflect on the role each of us plays in carrying their promise forward.

Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day.

This past Monday, my staff attended Montgomery County's America 250 Birthday Bash at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown. The celebration brought together community members, local leaders, and many other organizations to kick off our nation's 250th anniversary with music, history, and family-friendly activities.

It was a great opportunity to celebrate our shared history while connecting with residents from across Montgomery County.

Usually during session weeks I highlight bills that I voted for with an explanation of the bill's intent, vote totals, and likelihood of it becoming law.

This week we voted on one bill, SB 604 offered by Senator Lisa Boscola, which would authorize Pennsylvania to join the National Counseling Compact. These national compacts are occupational licensing agreements passed in multiple states across the country that permit a professional licensed in one state to similarly practice in another state within the compact, without restarting the training and certification process.

Thirty seven other states already participate in this counseling compact, and it will offer more opportunities for patients and practitioners alike. This bill passed the Senate on July 17, 2025, by a vote of 45-5, and I joined 187 of my colleagues to approve it in the House on Tuesday. This compact is heading to the Governor’s desk to become law!

Here’s one thing I didn’t vote for. I didn’t vote on the budget yet.

Not that I don’t want to, but because a budget agreement hasn’t yet been reached. We’re officially late on delivering our state budget… again. Nobody’s hitting the panic button yet. Being a few days delayed on our budget in not a cause for alarm.

Stay tuned, though.

Save the date and join our office for a FREE community screening of Ghostbusters at the Hiway Theater in Jenkintown. This event is part of our ongoing efforts to support local economic development and to celebrate the community institutions that help strengthen our neighborhoods. 

Independent theaters like the Hiway Theater serve as important cultural and economic anchors, attracting visitors, supporting nearby businesses, and creating opportunities for community engagement. 

Admission is FREE, but registration is required. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that all driver’s license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, July 4, 2026, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online here.

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver’s license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver’s license or vehicle insurance restoration fees; driver’s license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling.?There are no additional fees for using online services.

SEPTA's new Regional Rail schedules will take effect on July 5, 2026.

The updated schedules are designed to improve reliability, simplify service patterns, and increase capacity across the system.

Riders can expect more consistent express service, additional service to Penn Medicine Station, and longer trains with more available seating.

Visit SEPTA's website or mobile app for updated schedules and trip-planning information.

America’s 250th birthday celebrations are happening everywhere—in Philly and Montco, across townships and boroughs all over the region, at local museums, parks, historic sites, and more. And holiday travel will be crowded, so stay alert.

Before you head out, check 511PA. 511PA.com/PhillyEvents offers congestion updates, drive times, traffic maps, incident alerts, and SEPTA status.

The 511PA app is available on major app stores, giving you real-time alerts and travel updates wherever you go.

Enjoy the 4th, and enjoy the 250th!

As we head into the Independence Day holiday weekend, forecasters are predicting another round of dangerous heat, with temperatures expected to climb up to 100°F in some areas. Whether you're attending a parade, barbecue, fireworks display, or spending time outdoors, it's important to take extra precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, but a few simple tips from the PA Department of Health can help keep you safe:

??Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
??Limit time outdoors during the hottest hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
??Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and seek shade whenever possible.
??Spend time in air-conditioned spaces if you need a break from the heat.
?Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes.
??Check in on older neighbors, friends, and family members who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Know the warning signs of heat-related illness. A high body temperature, confusion, slurred speech, dizziness, nausea, or hot, red skin may be signs of heat stroke—a medical emergency. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately and move them to a cooler area while waiting for help.

If you experience a prolonged power outage during the heat, consider visiting a library, shopping mall, community cooling center, or another air-conditioned public building. You can also call 2-1-1 or visit pa211.org to find local cooling resources and other available assistance. ReadyPA also has valuable resources on what to do during a heat emergency.

As more people use electric bikes, scooters, and other small electric vehicles, Montgomery County is updating its countywide Bicycle Plan to make travel safer and easier for everyone.

The updated plan will focus on how these new forms of transportation are being utilized, identify safer and lower-stress biking routes, and recommend improvements to bike infrastructure where needed.

Your input is important! Take the survey and help shape the future of biking and micromobility in Montgomery County.

Bike Montco 1.5 is an update to Montco's on-road bicycle plan, Bike Montco originally published in 2018.

As we celebrate Independence Day with family and friends, please remember to put safety first. ??

Fireworks can cause serious injuries and fires each year, and they can also be frightening for pets, wildlife, and neighbors with noise sensitivities. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a professional display.

If you plan to use legal consumer fireworks, be sure to follow Pennsylvania law and use them responsibly.

Never allow young children to handle fireworks, never use them while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, keep a bucket of water nearby, and never attempt to relight a firework that doesn't go off.

Don't forget about your pets, either! ???? Keeping them indoors with the TV or radio on can help reduce stress from loud noises.

To help keep your furry family members safe with a few simple steps:

• Keep pets indoors in a quiet, secure room.
• Make sure collars, ID tags, and microchip information are up to date.
• Close and secure all doors, gates, and fences.
• If your pet is anxious, talk to your veterinarian about calming options ahead of time.
• Use a fan, TV, or calming music to help mask the sound of fireworks.
• Give pets plenty of exercise earlier in the day before celebrations begin.

Meet Bluu ??

Bluu is a 10-year-old pup with a heart full of love and a story of resilience. Adopted as a puppy, he was heartbreakingly returned to the shelter nearly nine years later as part of a cruelty case. After recovering from severe neglect, Bluu narrowly escaped euthanasia when overcrowding put his life at risk. Thanks to Philly Rescue Angels, he's now safe and hoping to find the forever family he's always deserved.

At 40 pounds, Bluu is a low-maintenance, low-energy companion who loves cozy naps, leisurely walks, toys, and spending time with other dogs. He's house-trained, crate-trained, great in the car, affectionate, and gets along well with people of all ages. He would be happy as the only pet or in a home with other pets.

Could Bluu be the perfect addition to your family? Apply to adopt today! Apply to adopt today!

Meet Redd ??

Redd is a 3-year-old Pit Bull with a heart of gold and so much love to give. Whether she's going for a walk, playing in the yard, riding in the car, or cuddling up for belly rubs, Redd is happiest when she's spending time with her people. She also loves other dogs and would thrive in an active home with a securely fenced yard.

Redd is house-trained, crate-trained, and enjoys meeting new people of all ages. Because of her size and enthusiasm, she'd do best with older children or teens, and a home without cats is preferred. This sweet, affectionate girl is ready to find the forever family she deserves.

Could Redd be the perfect addition to your family? Apply to adopt today!

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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