Send cards to Protestant Home residents
The Philadelphia Protestant Home invites the community to send pictures, cards and drawings to residents.
PPH offers independent living, personal care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing.
Mail correspondence to Philadelphia Protestant Home, c/o Ginny Maciocha, 6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111. ••
Comcast extends offers through June 30
Comcast extended the following commitments for Xfinity customers through June 30 so students can remain connected to the internet during the coronavirus pandemic:
• It will not disconnect a customer’s Xfinity internet or mobile service and will waive late fees for customers who contact the company.
• Xfinity WiFi will be free for everyone, with hotspots in business and outdoor locations across the country available, including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers.
• All customers will have unlimited data for no additional charge.
• For new Internet Essentials customers, there will be 60 days of complimentary service. Internet Essentials is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95 per month.
For more information and updates from Comcast related to coronavirus, visit http://www.comcastcorporation.com/COVID-19/. ••
Torresdale Pump Station getting a rehab
State Sen John Sabatina Jr. is applauding an award to the Philadelphia Water Department from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. The award is a low-interest loan in the amount of $73.35 million for the rehabilitation of the Torresdale Pump Station.
“This infusion of funds will enable the Water Department to replace 12 70-year-old pumps at the facility on State Road,” Sabatina said. “The most important aspect is that these pumps are responsible for the water supply to more than 1.5 million people. But the project also creates much-needed new jobs.”
The rehabilitation of the Torresdale pumping station includes 12 new pumps, flow meters and electrical equipment. The project will eliminate the risk of a water outage and provide reliability to a number of critical facilities, including Jefferson Hospital.
“Due to the age of the 12 pumps, repairs were getting expensive. Parts were difficult and often impossible to locate,” Sabatina said. ••
State money to 2 local public schools
State Sen. Christine Tartaglione announces that the Department of Education has awarded $128,450 in grants to schools within the 2nd Senatorial District for the purchase of computers and other instructional materials.
“I applaud the Department of Education and the Wolf administration for recognizing the urgent need among our schools for these resources in light of the COVID-19 disaster emergency,” Tartaglione said. “Brick-and-mortar schools are closed to mitigate the public health threat of the coronavirus, but student learning must continue. We owe it to our children to provide them with the resources they need to learn and prepare for their future.”
Grant recipients in the 2nd district included Mastery Charter-Smedley Campus (1790 Bridge St.), $36,500) and Northwood Academy Charter (4621 Castor Ave.), $8,000. ••
Child marriage bill passes committee
House Bill 360, a companion bill to state Sen. John Sabatina Jr.’s Ending Child Marriage legislation, unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“This bill closes all loopholes people use to marry children,” Sabatina said. “This law shows that we care about our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians.”
Pennsylvania law allows for parental consent and judicial approval for a child under 16 to be married. Only parental consent is required for children 16-18 years of age. However, these same minors are unable to sign binding contracts such as housing agreements, file for divorce, and in some cases are not yet old enough to drive.
“Pennsylvania is one of 18 states that does not specify a minimum age at which a person can be married,” Sabatina said.
Due to a COVID-19-related amendment, the bill will have to go back to the House for a vote. It is expected to be approved. ••
Military grant program advances
Senate Bill 1076 passed unanimously in the Veteran Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee. The bill provides an extension of the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, which provides grants up to $3,500 to needy Pennsylvania service members and their families.
“Since the program began, $1.9 million has reached military families in need,” said state Sen. John Sabatina Jr. “Currently, the program is set to end this year. We can’t allow that to happen.”
The program presently offers grants to service members who experienced a sudden loss of income or assets as a result of military service; emergency child care needs; natural or manmade disasters resulting in the need for food, shelter and other necessities; the death or critical illness of a parent, spouse, sibling or child; or exigent circumstances beyond the eligible member’s control.
“These heroes sign up to put their lives on the line to protect our way of life,” Sabatina said. “The least we can do is make sure that we care for them in their time of need.
The bill will now move to the full Senate. ••
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. ••
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. ••
