Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Nelson weekly update for Jan. 17, 2025: A duality of ideas <

Nelson weekly update for Jan. 17, 2025: A duality of ideas

I’m not sure if it’s a twist of fate or some crazy act of God, but my message this week is both in anticipation of our returning President and in celebration of America’s one and only King.

 

Monday will bring pomp and circumstance in Washington, D.C. with the return of Donald Trump to the presidency and others will flock to community service projects and civil rights lectures in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

MLK and President Trump on the same day. I’m not sure if America is best represented by the duality of such extremes or the commonality of some inherent core value that I, frankly, have a hard time putting words to, but this is where we are as a nation and a community and I honor that. My love and appreciation for this country and each of our neighbors leads me to instinctively and honestly celebrate both of these men this weekend with reverence.

 

I will undoubtedly spend a large portion of my brain capacity to protect kids, families, workers, and this planet from what I believe will be misguided policies from an administration I disagree with, but I also expect to be pleasantly surprised by the opportunities to work with our federal governing partners to make our lives a little bit better. I will seek to tap into the sort of indomitable will of a conscientious servant leader that Dr. King modeled to speak truth when needed, but I will also be willing to lead through disruptive action as President Trump is known to do.

 

I am led by the motto that “Words Matter, Actions Matter, Leadership Matters."  King’s mastery of spoken word inspires us even today. Trump’s inclination towards action promises change for a world that’s seeking results. A match made in Heaven, I think NOT… But ain’t that America!

 

 

The High Note

Our office looks a lot less crowded now. We appreciate Jeanne Sorg, Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds, and her office for putting together a successful holiday clothing drive to benefit local veterans, and we thank all the constituents who donated. Your generosity will have an impact on somebody. 

 

 

STOP for the Bus

The Cheltenham Police Department has alerted the community to a concerning number of school bus-related driving violations captured by the buses’ automated enforcement cameras. Since October 2023, over 5,400 violations have been issued. The goal of this program is to protect the safety of children getting on and off school buses, as well as to educate drivers about school bus safety laws.  

 

Please remember to follow these important rules when interacting with school buses on the road. If the bus is stopped, you should be, too.  

 

 

Code Blue This Weekend

A Code Blue cold weather emergency is in effect until Thursday, Jan. 23 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.

 

 

Legislation Spotlight

I was happy to cosponsor legislation that would require schools to provide Pre-K for all eligible children in Pennsylvania, in which fewer than half are currently enrolled.

 

Not only is Pre-K a powerful tool to reduce income gaps, as those who had Pre-K are more likely to have higher incomes and own a home at age 40, but this bill would also create thousands of jobs and help parents return to the workforce sooner. Studies also show that students who complete Pre-K have higher IQs by age 5, do better on exams, and have improved high school graduation rates. It’s time to increase access to this vital stage of education. 

 

House Bill 46 was referred to the House Education Committee on Jan. 10. 

 

Click the image below for information on township updates

 

Click the image below for information on active programs

 

Other Events and Programs

 

 

MLK Day Activities

FarmerJawn x Phillies

FarmerJawn has teamed up with the Philadelphia Phillies for an MLK Day of Service event called “Seeds of Change.” Join for a range of engaging activities, from shirt-making to cooking to a seed workshop and more. The Phillie Phanatic will be making a special appearance around 11 a.m. 

 

When: 10 a.m. –  2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 20 

Where: Braid Mill, 441 High St, Philadelphia, PA 19144 

 

Film Screening

Congregation Adath Jeshurun has organized a special community movie screening for MLK Day. Origin, written and directed by Ava Duvernay, looks at racism and prejudice through the lens of the caste system and will be shown at the Hiway Theater in Jenkintown. You can pre-register (recommended but not required) by scanning the QR code in the flyer or by calling (215) 635-6611, and tickets can be purchased at the door.  

When: 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 20 

Where: Hiway Theater, 212 Old York Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046 

 

Arcadia University Week of Service

Click here to see the list of service opportunities available to Arcadia students, alumni, faculty, staff, and/or community members. Please send any questions to aedi@arcadia.edu.  

 

 

Legislative Fellowship Program

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2025 semester. This program is based in the Capitol Building in Harrisburg, and fellows are assigned to work in House committees or leadership offices.  

 

For more information on eligibility, details of the fellowship, and how to apply, please go here.

 

Applications are due on March 1.

 

 

PA House of Representatives Scholarship

Applications are now being accepted for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship Program. The Program – administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities – is for graduating high school seniors who reside in Pennsylvania.  

 

Details on how to apply and submit required documents are available online here. The deadline to submit all materials is April 15.  

 

 

CASAA Race Matters Forum

Each year, the Center for Antiracist Scholarship, Advocacy, and Action offers research microgrants to Arcadia faculty and staff engaged in projects, inside or outside of the academic classroom, on the subjects of race, racism, and/or social justice. For the first CASAA Race Matters Forum of the Spring 2025 semester, Dr. Keisha M. Robinson will present on the Scholar 2 Scholar Mentorship Initiative that she developed in 2022 in an effort to build relationships and community within the Arcadia University School of Education while also providing much needed guidance to BIPOC students training to enter the education field.  

 

The CASAA Race Matters Forums are open to all Arcadia faculty, staff, and students as well as members of the public. Guests interested in attending this event should email casaa@arcadia.edu to receive access to the Zoom link. 

 

When: 2 – 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24 

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