This has been a busy Friday. I'm wrapping up the summer with an outstanding intern, celebrating the well-earned retirement of our police chief, digging out from a wonderful (and well-deserved) vacation with my wife, and getting my daughter ready to head back to college in a few days. So, I'll keep this brief. But there is one thing that has been weighing on my heart this week.
The charges announced by District Attorney Steele against players and coaches from the Cheltenham High School football team once again bring me back to the heartbreak I feel for the young man who suffered that horrific assault last fall. He, his family, and everyone supporting him deserve our deepest care, compassion, and unwavering commitment to their healing. It reminds us that this moment is about more than a single case.
It is about the kind of community we choose to be and the values we pass on to the next generation.
Whether it was professionals instructed by lawyers or investigators to refrain from public comment, or students and adults who withheld information from detectives out of a desire to protect others from getting into trouble, our community lost some of its ability to navigate this tragedy together.
Silence does not heal; it corrodes. Leadership requires stepping in when others are making harmful or misguided decisions. Empathy is active. Leadership is active. Both require the courage to speak up, to intervene, and to put the well-being of others ahead of our own comfort.
But healing also requires action. Silence, whether driven by fear, misplaced loyalty, or institutional caution, can delay accountability and erode trust.
Our young people are watching. They are learning what leadership, integrity, and responsibility look like from the adults around them. It is our responsibility to show them that doing the right thing matters more than protecting reputations, avoiding difficult conversations, or looking the other way.
If you see something, say something.
When you have the opportunity to promote healing, choose compassion over rumor, courage over silence, and accountability over convenience. Those are the values that strengthen communities and prepare the next generation to lead with integrity.
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Congratulations to Chief John Slavin on an extraordinary 37-plus-year career of service and leadership to the Cheltenham Township Police Department. Chief Slavin exemplified professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to community policing.
From patrol officer and K9 handler to the Township's 11th Chief of Police, he built trust, developed future leaders, and strengthened the department through his vision and dedication.
Thank you, Chief Slavin, for your unwavering service to Cheltenham; it was a pleasure working with you.
Rep Nelson's office wishes you a well-earned and fulfilling retirement!
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Join me for Growing Greener Together, a community town hall with the Environmental Advisory Committees of Cheltenham Township, Jenkintown Borough, and Springfield Township.
This conversation is an opportunity to discuss the environmental issues affecting our communities, hear from local Environmental Advisory Committee members, and share your ideas and priorities for the future.
Thursday, August 27
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Free Library of Springfield Township
8900 Hawthorne Rd., Wyndmoor, PA 19038
If you plan to attend, please RSVP here. I hope you'll join us for this important community conversation.
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One-Time $100 Supplemental LIHEAP Payments
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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced a one-time $100 LIHEAP payment for eligible households. Families who received LIHEAP during the 2025–26 season and have a person with a disability, someone age 60 or older, or a child under age 6 will automatically receive the payment.
About 193,000 households qualify, and the money will be sent to the same utility company that received their regular LIHEAP grant.
To learn more, click here.
Starting July 29, the $100 supplemental LIHEAP payments will be sent directly to eligible households' utility or heating fuel providers. Households that qualify will receive the payment automatically and do not need to apply.
Details on the opening of the 2026-27 LIHEAP season will be available later this year. The supplemental payment will not affect a household's eligibility for the upcoming 2026-27 LIHEAP season.
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Click on the Image Below for Information
on Township Events & Updates
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Click on the Images Below for
Information on Active State Programs
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4th Annual La Mott Community Day
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Spend the afternoon in Historic La Mott! ??Come on out on Saturday, August 15, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. for a fun-filled community celebration in Historic La Mott—rain or shine!
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors and enjoy an afternoon of:
?? Delicious food
?? Great company and community spirit
Whether you're a longtime resident or visiting for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich history and welcoming atmosphere of La Mott while connecting with friends old and new.
We can't wait to see you there!
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Rep. Nelson Annual Senior Fair
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You've been asking... and it's finally back! ??
I'm excited to announce that my Annual Senior Fair is returning by popular demand!
?? Thursday, September 24, 2026
?? 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
?? Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel
8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park
This FREE event brings together exhibitors from federal, state, and local agencies, health care providers, and nonprofit organizations—all in one place! Whether you're looking for helpful resources, information about services, health and wellness tips, or just a chance to connect with others in the community, there's something for everyone.
Come learn, ask questions, meet local organizations, and discover programs designed to help older adults live healthier, safer, and more connected lives.
Please register in advance for yourself and any guests so we can plan for everyone and make sure we have enough space and materials for attendees.
I always look forward to this event, and I hope you'll join us for a fun, informative, and welcoming day. I can't wait to see you there!
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Looking for a New Best Friend? Meet Twister & Lilah!
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Our rescue partners have two amazing dogs searching for loving forever homes!
?? Twister is a 4-month-old Beagle mix who recently made the long journey from Arkansas and has already stolen everyone's heart. He's one of the calmer pups in his litter with the perfect balance of playful puppy energy and a laid-back personality. Twister is dog-, cat-, and kid-friendly, doing great with crate training, and already catching on to potty training. Smart, sweet, and eager to learn, he's looking for a foster-to-adopt home with another friendly dog to help show him the ropes. ??
?? Lilah is a 50-pound, low-riding mixed breed who just wants someone to love. Adopted from us as a puppy 3½ years ago, she's back in our care through no fault of her own and is ready for a fresh start. Lilah is the ultimate cuddle bug and Velcro dog, happiest when she's by your side. She's low energy, well-mannered, great in the car, loves people, and has done well with school-aged children. Lilah is fully vetted and looking to be the only pet in a calm home where she can soak up all the love and attention she deserves.
Interested in adopting? Visit https://new.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/PAI/Dog to submit an application and help one of these wonderful pups find the loving home they deserve.
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Congratulations! You've reached the end of the weekly email.
Did you know?
The "dog days of summer" aren't named after our furry friends. They refer to the ancient belief that the rising of Sirius (the Dog Star) in August brought the hottest, most humid weather of the year.
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Harrisburg Office
325 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202154
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079
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Glenside Office
115 East Glenside Avenue
Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210
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