Happy Friday, 168th!

I hope everyone is enjoying their extra hours of sunshine and adjusted well to the time change.

I’ve had several people ask me about the possibility of PA adopting Standard Time and no longer observing Daylight Savings Time. One of my colleagues, state Rep. Russ Diamond, has introduced legislation calling for this change (H.B.119). I understand a lot of the rationale, but I think it would be silly for PA to be the only state in the Mid-Atlantic to make this change. I think it would be very confusing to be on a different time than our state’s neighbors, especially since so many people come across our state borders daily based on where they live or work. This change should be made on the federal level.

It's been a busy few weeks in the district, and now I'm preparing to head back to Harrisburg on March 17. My time has been filled with advocacy to help keep Crozer Health System’s two essential hospitals open for Delco. Not only are they caring for hundreds of patients, but they are one of Delco’s biggest employers. We cannot afford to lose two important facilities serving the health needs of so many. Our work continues and I'm hopeful for a successful resolution. More in a story below.

Make sure you read on, as there are a lot of great events and programs coming up. I hope to see you at one of them in the next few weeks. But, as always, please feel free to reach out to us with questions, concerns, issues, or just to share your thoughts. Both my team and I are here to serve!

Happy weekend and go Phillies!

Gratefully,

In this edition:

Announcement: Team 168 is hiring!

Harrisburg Update

- Crozer update & Senate Policy hearing

- Academy of Notre Dame de Namur students perform at Capitol

- Welcoming Radnor HS 9th graders to Harrisburg

In the District

- REAL ID info sessions

- Good Government Summit with Sen. Cappelletti

- Sustainable Newtown Square's Green Business Conference

- Celebrating Maguerite Wagner at 105

- Tour of Cobbs Creek Development

- Business openings in the 168th

- Touring Barrack Hebrew Academy

- Hi-Q Championship at Marple Newtown HS

My Events

- REAL ID Info Session (3/20)

- Small Business Summit (4/16)

- REAL ID Webinar (4/22)

- SEPTA Senior ID events (4/7 & 9/22)

FYI

- AARP Tax Aide appointments at Wayne Senior Center

- Statewide PA LGBTQ Youth Listening Session (3/19)

- Free mammograms from DCHD (3/26)

- 2025 Trout Season

Community Events

- Delco hearing to ban ghost guns (3/19)

- Middletown Twp EAC: Birds of the Delaware Valley (3/27 & 3/29)

- Newtown Square Fire Co. Grill & Chill Bingo (3/29)

- CRC Stream Cleanup in Edgmont Twp (3/29)

- Chesco Pops perform pop classics (3/29 & 3/30)

- Backyard composting workshop at Rose Tree Park (4/22)

- Community Hearing Aid Clinic (4/25)

Before we get into the news, a quick announcement: Team 168 is hiring!

Looking for a part-time job where the focus is on helping your neighbors? We’re seeking a candidate who likes to interact with their neighbors, take on tough issues, and find solutions. Strong computer skills are a must, as are patience and problem-solving skills.

Come join us! Click here for the job description and directions for applying. The job is located at our Newtown Square office at 24 S. Newtown Street Road.

Crozer update & Senate Policy hearing

The details on the Crozer situation were changing nearly every day, but for now, we are in a holding pattern: Both hospital closures are delayed again – for now – following an agreement made on March 9 between Prospect and the PA Attorney General to keep the facilities open as all involved parties work on a permanent solution to restructure the health system.

Expect another few weeks before there is another update from those negotiations.

In the meantime, I’m continuing to advocate for my legislation to prevent crises like this from continuing by giving the state Attorney General’s Office greater oversight over proposed health system mergers and acquisitions, giving it the power to carefully evaluate deals involving private equity firms. These entities have made it their business to drain and close hospitals across the country, knowing they’re depriving people of health care in the process, You and your family deserve better.

I spoke about it on Monday before the Senate Democratic Policy Committee at their hearing on health care accessibility and the impact of hospital closures.

The panel included state Sens. Amanda Cappelletti, John Kane, and Tim Kearney. You can watch here, and read testimony from the Private Equity Stakeholder Project here.

The PA House passed my bill last session with bipartisan support, then the Senate let it expire in their chamber. But with this situation fueling my fury, I am committed to getting this legislation over the finish line – the people can’t afford to wait!

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur students perform at the Capitol

Click/tap the image to watch via my Facebook post!

The ladies of Academy of Notre Dame de Namur visited the Capitol this week and blessed us with a beautiful performance in the Rotunda, filling it with joy, happiness, and their beautiful spirit! Thank you, ladies, for brightening our day!

Welcoming Radnor HS 9th graders to Harrisburg

I was thrilled to welcome Radnor High School AP Government students and teacher Melisa Civitella to the Capitol for a tour this week! There is nothing like showing off the people's house to our next generation of leaders.

Team 168 has been busy making sure our neighbors have the info they need to get their REAL ID! Our tour started in Radnor where we had representatives from PennDOT give a thorough overview of the rules, regulations and documents needed to go to the DMV and apply for a REAL ID. This week, we were in Middletown, where Kate gave everyone the rundown of the dos and don’ts.

Our final event scheduled in this series is coming up this Thursday, March 20 at the Newtown Square Fire Co.

If you couldn’t make one of our sessions, don’t worry – we have all kinds of ways to make sure you get the guidance you need.

You can join us online on Thursday, April 22 with PennDOT for a virtual webinar hosted by state Sen. Tim Kearney, me and a whole bunch of Delco legislators! Sign up and view details here.

PennDOT and the county are also hosting two REAL ID Days: Monday, April 14 and Monday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Granite Run Driver License Center in Media, 1097 West Baltimore Pike.

I was thrilled to join state Sen. Amanda Cappelletti and her staff at Villanova University for a Good Government Summit with local high school students.

Students were assigned to political parties and given three bills to consider and then debated and voted on them on the “Senate Floor.” I was so impressed by the insights and questions the students had about the legislation and the enthusiasm they had for governing. Truly our leaders of tomorrow!

Last Friday, I sat in on the Sustainable Newtown Square - Green Business Coalition

Leaders Mini-Conference to learn more about sustainability efforts by Newtown Square businesses, and hear from subject matter experts on the importance of these initiatives and how to do more.

What a great morning planned and executed by the Newtown Township EAC and Newtown Square Business Association. Hosted at Dunwoody Village, we heard from Maureen Casey, president and CEO, about their actions and commitment to green initiatives. We also heard from Karen Wilwol of the Delco Conservation District and Jeremy Hancher of Widener University’s Small Business Sustainability Program.

Did you know that Newtown sits between the Crum Creek and Darby Creek watersheds and the conservation work we do has a positive impact on both? Thank you, Suzanne Wolanin and Sheila O’Sullivan Feeney for all your hard work! It was a great program!

My office is proud to be a Green Business Coalition member! Are you a Newtown Township business? Become a member too!

A celebration fit for a queen —  The Queen of Newtown Square! This past Monday, I was honored to join the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors, the neighbors of Valley View Lane, and state Sen. Tim Kearney to celebrate Marguerite Wagner's 105th birthday!

It is always a tremendous honor to share best wishes from the PA House of Representatives with our very special centenarians. The lovely Marguerite is a St. Paddy's Day baby who has lived in Newtown Square since 1980, when she and her husband Gus moved there with their children Carol and Richard.

An avid gardener, Ocean City surf fisher, and prolific knitter (she made 750 baby hats to donate to local hospitals), Marguerite has never slowed down! What a fun early celebration, coordinated by Leonard Altieri.

Happy birthday, Marguerite!

Very best wishes from the 168th!

I recently toured the re-imagined Cobbs Creek Golf Club, and while it is not in the 168th Legislative District, one of our own is helping to restore this historic course to its original splendor. Former Radnor 4th Ward Commissioner Enrique Hervada is spearheading this monumental project, which will not only restore the golf course but also bring new learning opportunities for students and golf instruction for lovers of the game.

It was really interesting to tour the course with Enrique and my colleague state Rep. Gina Curry and state Sen. Tim Kearney. The goal is to restore the course’s historical legacy while modernizing facilities, enhancing environmental sustainability, and creating new opportunities for youth education and community programs. Exciting developments in addition to the refurbished public course include the opening of a new TGR Learning Lab, dedicated to educational enrichment and career development for youth, which will provide innovative learning experiences for the community.

Speaking of exciting developments in the area, they're also happening in the retail world! On Tuesday, Marie joined our friends at Comcast for the opening of the new Xfinity store in Villanova. This will allow students and residents alike a convenient access point for asking questions about their service, getting a phone fixed, and receiving or returning internet and TV equipment! 

This morning, Mary Ann checked out the newly renovated Acme in Granite Run for their Grand Reopening. It is wonderful to see local companies continue to put down roots and invest in the 168th and the Greater Philadelphia area!

My office is hosting a Small Business Summit next month to connect local businesses with development resources. If you are a business owner, check out the details in the events section!

I met with students, faculty and board members of Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy last week during a tour of the school, where I got to answer questions from an AP US History Class and learn more about the educational and cultural importance of the Academy in the local Jewish community.

Thank you for hosting me!

The bright minds of the 168th were on full display at this week’s Delco Hi-Q championship! Marple Newtown High School hosted Delaware County Christian and Strath Haven HS for the crown.

It was a hard-fought battle with MNHS coming up short by just 1 point! Congratulations to all the students who participated in Hi-Q and especially to the championship team from Strath Haven High School for all their hard work!

My Events

Click here to register for the Small Business Summit!

FYI

AARP Tax Aide appointments available at Wayne Senior Center

AARP is now scheduling tax prep appointments at the Wayne Senior Center. This service is available to adults 50 years of age and older who are low to moderate income. You do not need to be an AARP member to receive tax aide assistance or a Wayne Senior Center member, it is open to all.

Wayne Senior Center members can call the Center directly at 610-688-6246 to make an appointment. Appointments are available on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM and 2:15 PM; and Fridays at 8:45 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:15 AM.

Non-members of Wayne Senior Center should call the appointment hotline at 484-380-5260 and leave a voicemail with your contact information. A local AARP volunteer will call you back.

Statewide PA LGBTQ Youth Listening Session

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs has identified expanding protections for LGBTQ youth as a priority and will host its second LGBTQ Youth Listening session virtually on Wed., March 19 from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The commission would like to hear from youth about any issues that they are having in school or elsewhere in their lives.

This invitation is open to any Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ youth in middle and high school. The commission also encourages local organizations to host an in-person gathering so local youth can participate online as a small in-person group. The commission would like to hear from youth about any issues that they are having in school or elsewhere in their lives.

This survey is for individual youth to indicate their interest; responding will result in an official invite with the Zoom link. If you are part of a community group or center that would like to host a hybrid gathering, please fill out this survey.

2025 Fishing Season

The 2025 trout season will open officially on Saturday, April 5. There will be a preview Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Sat., March 29. Click here for the entire 2025 schedule.

For Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day, youth under the age of 16 can join a mentor (adult) angler who has a current fishing license and trout permit. Youth anglers must obtain a free PFBC-issued permit, or a voluntary youth fishing license.  Both are available online, through the Delaware County Treasurer’s office, or at a retail license issuing agent.

Community Events

Delaware County is on the verge of banning machine gun conversion switches and untraceable ghost guns. Join us for the hearing at the courthouse (210 W. Front St., Media) on Wednesday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m. and take a stand for safety.

Middletown Twp EAC: Birds of the Delaware Valley

Attention, birders! The Middletown Township Delco Environmental Advisory Committee will hold a program, "Birds of Delaware Valley," on March 27 & 29 in collaboration with the Birding Club of Delaware County. See the image for details, and sign up here.

CRC Stream Clean-Up Day in Edgmont

Our creeks need your help! CRC's 27th Annual Streams Cleanup is coming up at a creek near you on Saturday, March 29th from 9 - 11:30 a.m. Sign up here.

Take it from me... this event is always a great time!

Backyard composting workshop at Rose Tree Park

Pennsylvania Resources Council will host a Backyard Composting Workshop on Tuesday, April 22 from 6-7 p.m., at the Hunt Club in Rose Tree Park, 1521 N. Providence Road, Media, PA. Registration is required and the cost is $70 with supplies, or $20 for just the workshop.

Attendees will learn how to turn their organic waste into a valuable resource for their garden, the benefits and process of composting, plus everything they need to know about setting up and maintaining a compost bin to turn kitchen scraps, yard waste, and more into natural, home-made compost.

Community Hearing Aid Clinic

Hearing the Call Delaware Valley is the non-profit affiliate of PA Center for Hearing and Balance in Springfield. Their mission is to provide quality hearing healthcare and hearing aids to those in our community who cannot afford it. New hearing aids and related services are provided for a small co-pay for those who qualify. They have partnered with the national Hearing the Call project to offer these services on Friday, April 25.

If you are interested, please complete an application by March 25. For an application to be e-mailed or mailed please call 610-438-5203. Click here for more info on their website.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

28-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-2005

District Office

24 S. Newtown Street Rd., Suite 100
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(484) 427-2884