White wants to punish criminals using illegal guns
Rep. Martina White (R-170th dist.) has introduced legislation to impose a mandatory minimum sentence on criminals who use illegal guns while committing crimes.
White’s legislation would require courts to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for any defendant convicted of committing an offense while possessing an illegal firearm.
“Under the stay-at-home order from Gov. Tom Wolf, some criminals may feel emboldened to perpetrate crimes using illegal firearms as law-abiding citizens stay in their residences,” White said. “There has never been a more important time for this legislation. We must send a strong message to criminals that their actions have consequences.”
White believes a 10-year minimum sentence would be strong enough to make criminals reconsider using illegal weapons. ••
American Heritage holding blood drive
American Heritage Federal Credit Union, in response to major community needs of blood and personal protective equipment donations, is facilitating donations of both supplies and blood to local partners.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, American Heritage has contributed financial relief as well as donation of supplies, buildings and volunteers.
American Heritage will be donating 50,000 personal protective equipment facemasks to local hospitals during the month of April.
American Heritage is opening several of its locations so that the American Red Cross can host urgent blood drives during April.
A community blood drive will take place at AHFCU’s main campus community room, 2060 Red Lion Road, on Tuesday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Register at www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code AHFCU or call 800-733-2767.
American Heritage has provided several dozen support and relief programs for its members, including waiving late fees on all late loan payments, skip-a-pay loan options and surcharge-free ATMs for the public at all its locations. ••
Free coaching available to help people during pandemic
International School of Coaching’s Master Coach, Paula Michele Boyle, and her team of trained specialists are reaching out to encourage, guide and support the community during the coronavirus pandemic.
The free service is to help those get through the day-to-day challenges as the world is rapidly changing.
To register or for more information, visit lifecoachphilly.com. ••
Virtual career fair for veterans on Thursday
Bradley-Morris/RecruitMilitary will host the Philadelphia Virtual Career Fair for Veterans on Thursday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The free virtual hiring event is open to all members of the military community, past and present, as well as military spouses.
For more information , go to https://recruitmilitary.careereco.com/ and click “Virtual Events.” ••
Blood drive April 23 at Loudenslager
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Thursday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cpl. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave.
Sign up by calling 800-RED CROSS or going to www.redcrossblood.org and searching Sponsor Code ALPOST366. ••
Kids can sign up for virtual running series
Healthy Kids Running Series, for kids ages 2-14, is accepting registrants for its virtual five-week series.
The first event will be on Sunday, April 19, and will continue each Sunday until May 17.
The races were to take place at Fluehr Park, on Grant Avenue, before the coronavirus.
Now, kids can run or walk on grass, the sidewalk, a trail, treadmill or track.
Parents can upload the times on the results page sheet at HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org. ••
Nazareth accepting medical supply donations
Nazareth Hospital is accepting medical supply donations from the community to support its COVID-19 response.
The hospital is accepting donations for the following items: medical gowns; disposable stethoscopes; powered air purifying respirators; regular masks; N95 masks; face shields; surgical caps/protective caps; eyeglass shields/goggles; nasal testing swabs; M4 Viral Media specimen vials; Lysol or Clorox wipes; hand sanitizer; transparency sheets; and new or gently used battery-operated luminaries, ambient sound machines, aromatherapy devices, twinkle lights and any other relaxation-based supplies.
Individuals and businesses may drop off donations at Nazareth, 2601 Holme Ave., weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ••
Henon welcomes correspondence from constituents
City Councilman Bobby Henon (D-6th dist.) is available to answer questions and connect people with resources on any issue, including ones related to the spread of COVID-19.
Although city government is largely shut down, Henon’s office is responding to calls, texts, emails and social media messages.
People can reach the office at 215-686-3444 or bobby@bobbyhenon.com. ••
Hohenstein bill would provide paid sick leave
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein and state Sen. Larry Farnese introduced bills to provide emergency paid sick leave for Pennsylvania workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Hohenstein and Farnese blame the legislature’s Republican majority for focusing on redundant oversight and scaling back mitigation efforts.
The bills are designed to enhance and further the provisions of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
“We’re trying to protect public health by making sure sick workers stay home,” Hohenstein said. “Instead, the majority wants to open more businesses and expose more people. It’s misguided and dangerous.”
The legislation will provide emergency paid sick leave for all employees in addition to any sick leave already provided in the event of a disaster emergency; extend that leave for those laid off, who must care for children or whose workplaces have closed; and guarantee re-employment for workers returning from leave. ••
Write notes to the homebound
Caring for Friends (formerly Aid for Friends) is inviting the community to provide handwritten “caring notes” for its snack bags, which are filled with nutritious nonperishable items for isolated, homebound, hungry people in the Philadelphia area.
The notes can be written on white or brightly colored 4×6-inch note cards using markers or colored pens. Kids who aren’t able to write notes can draw pictures or put stickers on the cards. They can be signed with first names.
Use clear, larger-sized print, as some clients may have poor eyesight. Do not make religious, political or controversial references.
Mail completed note cards to Caring for Friends, 12271 Townsend Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154. ••
