Category
Announcements


What’s Open in Mt. Airy?

March 20, 2020

Mt. Airy Tap Room – Take Out and Delivery https://mountairytaproom.com/

Breakfast Boutique – take out –  https://www.facebook.com/BreakfastBoutiqueMountAiry/

Other Area Businesses – See Mt. Airy CDC Listing –  https://forms.gle/JS4CmTjUnwyTrnAD8
 
Mt. Airy CDC – Community Impact Survey
https://mtairycdc.org/covid-19-communityimpactsurvey/?fbclid=IwAR2YFjivEbhqCLYQH9sypsfTWtBgceIORAWNMmX41caOsFSXDSORhfU4HoA
 
Volunteer Opportunities – The Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corpshttps://www.phila.gov/services/mental-physical-health/volunteer-for-the-philadelphia-medical-reserve-corps-pmrc/

Early/Mail-in Voting

March 20, 2020
A couple of weeks ago I attended State Representative Chris Rabb’s Act 77 – Early Voting Policy Hearing.  As we now navigate through this current of climate of social distancing, the new PA legislation allowing the option of early/mail in voting has become even more of a necessity. 
 
As more of us now consider the option of early/mail in voting we wanted to provide you with information and resources regarding the new provisions to ensure everyone understands how our new early voting legislation works. 
 
At this time, the date of the PA primary election is Tuesday, April 28th. However, in light of COVID-19, consideration is being given to the possibility of postponing the election. 
 
At the time of the hearing there were still some logistical matters that needed to be confirmed both state and city wide. Following are a few takeaways from the hearing. Please note this information is not all inclusive. Please see the resources section below to learn how to get additional official information. 
 
ACT 77 Early Voting Provisions The Voter registration deadline has been reduced from 30 days prior to election to 15 days prior to election.

The last day to register to vote before the upcoming primary is April 13thApplications must be received (not post marked) by the Voter Registration Office by the deadline.

Voters may register online at www.votesPA.com

Mail in/Early voting hopefully will increase voter “turnout”, allowing people to vote when it’s convenient for them.

 PA residents may request a mail in or absentee ballot up to 50 days prior to the election, and as late as 5:00 PM the Tuesday prior to Election Day. Please allow time for the ballot to be mailed to you, so that it can be returned prior to the deadline. 

Absentee/Mail In ballots are due to the county board of elections office by 8:00 PM on Election Day. PA residents can apply for early voting in person at the county election office and vote on the same day.Logistical matters to be aware of;Mail In ballots may be requested 50 days (March 10thThe way the act currently reads, early ballots may not be counted until 8PM on Election Day.  Measures are being taken to determine if the count can begin earlier in the day, i.e.  12 noon.  It is unclear when results would be available.    

Once a mail in ballot has been requested, the person is no longer eligible to vote in person at their regular polling location on Election Dayexcept via provisional ballot.   If the voter, never submitted their mail in ballot, they will have two (2) optionsComplete a provisional ballot until status of the mail in ballot has been confirmed; OR hand deliver their ballot to the County Board of Elections by 8:00 PM on election day (April 28th)
Voters may request  ballots on line at  www.votespa.com
FYI – at this time there is no automatic confirmation that a mail in ballot has been received, however a voter can call the county board of elections to confirm receipt of the ballot. 

RESOURCES: 
Mailing Address
Phila. County Board of Elections
Room 142, City Hall
Phila. PA 19119


Mailing Address
Voter Registration Office
520 N. Columbus Blvd, 5th floor
Phila. PA 19107


www.VotesPA.com

Staying Safe

March 20, 2020

Dear Neighbors, 
 
It has already been said by so many, we are in uncharted territory. As such we are all learning and adjusting to the changes brought on by COVID-19. The Board and Staff of West Mt. Airy Neighbors hope that you and your loved one’s remain safe and healthy. We are grateful to everyone that is doing their part to flatten the curve.  
 
One neighbor on Nextdoor suggested we rephrase the term, social distancing, and call it “physical distancing with social solidarity”.   It has been heartwarming to read about the numerous acts of kindness that have taken place in the midst of this crisis, including grocery runs for neighbors, writing positive chalk messages in the streets during daily walks for the next passerby, to St. Patrick Day scavenger hunts for Shamrocks in the windows. Please continue to creatively connect with one another and check in on seniors and those living alone.  

When this is over,
May we never again take for granted
A handshake with a stranger
Full shelves at the store
Conversations with neighbors
A crowded theater
Friday night out
The taste of communion
A routine check-up
A school rush each morning
Coffee with a friend
The stadium roaring
Each deep breath
A boring Tuesday
Life itself.
 
When this ends,
May we find
That we have become
More like the people we wanted to be
We were called to be
And may we stay
That way – better
For each other
Because of the worst
 
Laura Kelly Fanucci
Source Word Porn

While many of our day to day activities have been halted, some obligations remain, such as the upcoming election and the 2020 Census. In additon to flattening the curve, please be sure to register to vote, participate in the upcoming Primary election. Also “be counted” by completing the 2020 Census. 

Leaf Pickup

December 12, 2019

“The Leaf Recycling Program is one of several services provided by the Streets Department to honor the City’s on-going commitment to recycling. This recycling program helps to reduce the amount of materials that reach the waste stream and saves landfill space. Mechanical collection and bagged drop-off services are provided.”

People who want to assure their leaves are composted – not trashed – have two choices for participating:

1.   BAGGED LEAF DROP OFF:  Drop off your leavesbagged in large brown biodegradable paper bags only (not plastic bags) at any of the four Northwest locations noted below anytime from 9 am to 3 pm – on either Saturday, Dec 14 or 21. A designated fleet of sanitation compactors will be positioned at the sites to accept the bagged leaves. Crews assigned to accept ONLY bagged leaves and yard waste as part of the program. No household rubbish will be accepted.

Saturday Drop-Off Locations – 9-3:
– 4800 Wayne Ave. (Happy Hollow Recreation Ctr)
– Cathedral St. & Ridge Ave.
– Gravers Lane & Seminole St.
– Washington Ln. & Ardleigh St.

Bagged leaf drop-off collection tips:

  • Residents must place leaves in large brown biodegradable paper bags. Using these bags helps eliminates the extensive process of ripping open, dumping, and disposing of plastic bags.
  • Never mix trash or other recyclable materials with bagged leaves. This contaminates leaves and makes them unfit for recycling purposes. (NEVER PUT PLASTIC BAGS IN RECYCLE BINS.)

2.    MECHANICAL LEAF COLLECTION:   Mechanical leaf collection (= looks like a giant vacuum cleaner) is provided as a supplement to bagged collections in areas identified as having heavy accumulations of leaves and will be offered on a designated weekly schedule in areas with a heavy concentration of leaves.  (This is due to occur in our area next week:  Dec 16 to Dec 21, according to the attached map. It appears they will cover streets south of Allen Lane. It does not appear to include the streets around Houston School – although I recall they came in past.

  • All leaves should be raked (un-bagged) and ready for collection by 7:00 AM the day of mechanical collection. Rake leaves into the street by the curb’s edge (piling is not necessary).  
  • If possible, move your vehicle to an off-street parking location on your scheduled collection day, so crews can remove leaves along the curb line.
  • Residents in mechanical areas can also drop-off bagged leaves.

Click here for more information and a map of areas receiving mechanical collection.

Safety Alerts and 14th Police District Crime Bulletin: 12/1/19

December 5, 2019

Now that cooler weather temperatures are upon us, many car owners are warming their vehicles up and leaving them unattended.  This practice is resulting in many car thefts.  It is recommended to always ensure that any running vehicle be occupied or closely watched to avoid vehicles being stolen.  

Theft of catalytic converters are occurring and usually is not noticed until motorist start their cars and experience a loud sound coming from their vehicle.  The main vehicles being targeted are Honda’s, however, no vehicles are exempt.  It is recommended, when possible, to park in well-lit areas or places where there is heavy foot or motor traffic.

Thieves are also stealing tires from vehicles.  Vehicles targeted are primarily newer model Toyota Camrys and Nissan Maximas, with no exception to other make and models.  It is recommended to install wheel locks and add additional car security alarm features that included tilt sensors to alert when vehicles are being lifted.

14th District Crime Bulletin 12/2/19-12/8/19

December 2, 2019

Giving Tuesday 2019

December 2, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 26, 2019