This is Jack Herr, writing from Rep. Nelson’s office to take a moment to recognize Jenkintown Borough just before its 150th anniversary on Sunday, Dec. 8. As someone who has spent almost his entire life in Jenkintown, I’ve taken for granted how special this small borough of 5,000 truly is.

While it’s often said that tight-knit communities like ours mean everyone knows everyone, I believe there’s always more to discover about our neighbors—their stories, challenges and triumphs. What makes Jenkintown special is how we come together to support one another, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.

From the Jenkintown Food Cupboard to the Jenkintown Library, to the students and staff of Jenkintown School District (which is also celebrating its 150th anniversary), to the various small businesses that call the borough their home, Jenkintown is full of passionate individuals and organizations who have dedicated themselves to serving, supporting and bettering their community.

I hope Jenkintonians can find something to celebrate about their home this weekend.  

On Sunday, I was honored to work with the World Mission Society Church of God and its volunteers who did a great deed for our community in organizing a clean-up of Route 309.

We were able to clear several bags’ worth of garbage from the road and the on and off ramps connected to Easton Road. Thanks to the efforts of WMSCG, our environment is cleaner, and the road is safer.  

We will be going around the district and visiting your community libraries to bring access to state programs and resources closer to home.  

On Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 2 p.m.  – 4 p.m., we will be at the Elkins Park Library to assist with a variety of constituent needs. Please stop by and engage with us. 

We’ll also be at the Glenside Library on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Don’t worry, Springfield – we will visit your library come January. 

Our office is participating in the Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds’ Veterans Holiday Drive, which benefits the Veterans Multi-Service Center.  

We will be collecting hats, shirts, gloves, scarves, new underwear, small hygiene products & women’s hygiene products, laundry detergent pods, non-perishable food items, and individually wrapped snacks through Dec. 31. Please consider donating to help local veterans. 

Call us at (215) 572-5210 or the Recorder of Deeds at (610) 278-3289 for more information. 

A Code Blue cold weather emergency will be in effect this weekend until Sunday, Dec. 8 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. 

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration is offering tips and best practices to help residents make sure their contributions go to legitimate charitable organizations and causes. Click here to learn how you can identify a charity scam.  

The U.S. Department of Education officially released the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid on Nov. 21. The online FAFSA form is available to all students and families here, and the department is processing submissions and sending them to schools.  

Consider a PA 529 account to save for your child’s future, no matter what path they take. With PA 529, you have two plans to choose from: the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP) and the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP). 

The PA 529 IP has several investment options to choose from. The PA 529 GSP allows families to lock in today’s tuition rates to pay for tomorrow’s tuition costs. Contributions received by Dec. 31, 2024, to a PA 529 GSP account qualify for up to $100 in matching contributions. For more information, click here, and to learn more about PA 529 and this match opportunity, email PA529@patreasury.gov or call 800-440-4000.  

Starting this past week, 2025 Pennsylvania fishing licenses, permits, and gift vouchers are available for purchase through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Licenses are valid for up to 13 months, from Dec. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2025. For more information, click here. 

Please keep in mind that a countywide ban on open fires remains in effect through Monday, Dec. 16. The ban applies to the burning of combustible materials like leaves, twigs, and garbage in burn barrels, fire rings, etc. The use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquette grills and tobacco products is still permitted. 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

325 Irvis Office Building

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079

District Office

115 E Glenside Ave., Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210