Nelson weekly update for Jan. 24, 2025: A super job by our school district superintendents

Rep. Napoleon Nelson January 24, 2025 | 3:36 PM

PA Representative Napoleon Nelson banner image

I want to give a quick note of public appreciation to our school district superintendents, Dr. Jill Takacs, Dr. Brian Scriven and Dr. MaryJo Yannacone. I am a public education advocate that wrestles with tough policy concepts. As I grow, I recognize my increased willingness to break things to bring about systemic improvement. Our three supers (I, of course, refer to them as my “supers”) have been more than patient with me, great sounding boards, and offer the expert counsel and moral alignment that I need to advocate with conviction. My youngest is just more than four months away from graduating, but to the parents and students within our community, know that your leaders are top notch educators building systems that will serve our communities with pride for years to come… and I don’t always agree with them, and they certainly don’t always agree with me. I am grateful!!!

As a last aside, as I write this at my kitchen counter on Friday afternoon, I’m supposed to be in Pittsburgh attending the funeral of a former colleague, but I’m home sick. My son has spent the week here at home with a rough case of the norovirus (the stomach bug is going around everyone) and now I have a chest cold. With all the crazy stuff that is happening in the state and in the country right now, there’s nothing like cold and flu season to remind us that our own personal health is of the utmost importance and that far too many of us take it for granted. Get a doctor. See a doctor. Take care of yourself!

The High Note

This week, Rashid in my office organized an outreach effort to help several folks forced out of their homes in Philadelphia last summer due to a fire now living in the Wyncote Towers. He brought together a number of local organizations to address these folks’ concerns, offer donations of toiletries, school supplies, clothing, and more provided by the World Mission Society Church of God, and provide resources and assistance from our office.

Thanks to everyone involved for being welcoming and generous neighbors!

Take SEPTA to Eagles game

SEPTA is helping fans get to the Eagles vs. Washington Commanders NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday by offering extra service on the Broad Street Line [B]. On Sunday express trains will depart from Fern Rock Transit Center every 10 minutes from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

In addition, a private sponsor is providing free rides home from NRG Station after the game, with no public funds being used. The free rides will begin at halftime and continue for three hours following the game.

Code Blue in Effect

A Code Blue cold weather emergency is in effect until Tuesday, Jan. 28 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.

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Other Events and Programs

Go paperless, use Direct File for your taxes

Interested in learning how to save money when filing your federal and state taxes this year? Direct File is a new, easy way to file for free with the Internal Revenue Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

Learn more by going here. Personal income tax filing for the 2024 tax year is scheduled to open on Monday. Up-to-date forms and instructions will be available on the Department of Revenue’s website at that time.

MLK Day of Service with TTF

The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford’s Martin Luther King Day of Service was postponed to Saturday, Feb. 1 due to winter weather. Come serve your community and help clean up Tacony Creek Park with your neighbors, followed by lunch and a Watershed Jeopardy activity. All cleanup materials and lunch provided. Please register in advance here.

When: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where: Bingham Street & Ashdale Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120

Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence

Do you know a project that promotes environmental stewardship in Pennsylvania? Whether you’re a business, farm, governmental agency, educational institution, non-profit, or individual, this is your chance to be recognized for your commitment to the environment.

Consider adding photos, charts, and data to showcase the impact of your project. For more information and to apply, go here. Submissions are due Feb. 28.

KCA Scholarship Award

The Keystone Contractors Association Scholarship program is committed to providing $40,000 in scholarships annually to Pennsylvania residents who are attending PA colleges seeking a construction-related degree.

For more information, go here. The deadline to apply for this year’s scholarship program is March 1.

Montco America250 Commission

Montgomery County is looking for partners at all levels – residents, businesses, cultural organizations, and others – who want to help showcase the best of our Montco community.

The county plans to use the celebration of America’s 250th birthday in 2026 to promote tourism and economic development across Montgomery County. If you are interested in joining the Commission, learn more and apply here. Applications are due March 14.