Important Updates/Highlights

Veteran Suicide Prevention Week

Starting September 25 through October 2, I will be recognizing Veteran Suicide Prevention Week in conjunction with Montgomery County, the Coatesville VA, and the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force. Throughout the week, we will host a series of events to honor veterans we have lost to suicide, including a proclamation, a “Witting Tree” dedication, and a flag-raising ceremony.

According to the VA’s National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report in 2024, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death for veterans in 2022 (up from 13th in 2021) and the 2nd leading cause of death for veterans under 45 years old. Each day, 17 veterans are lost to suicide in the United States, and in Pennsylvania, approximately 250 veterans are lost each year.

It is especially important that veterans, their families, and every individual know what resources are available, including the free 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We want every veteran to feel supported, acknowledged, and assured that we are all here to help.

Witting Tree

On Thursday, September 25, I will be hosting a Witting Tree Dedication for Veterans Suicide Prevention Week at Lower Providence Community Library (50 Parklane Drive, Eagleville).

This event—featuring a brief program of speakers on veteran mental health and the placement of 17 dog tags to symbolize the daily number of veterans lost to suicide—is open to veterans and first responders. The public is invited to view the Witting Tree beginning at 4 p.m. on September 25 and continuing until sundown on Saturday, Oct. 4.

The Witting Tree stands as a powerful tribute to raise awareness of veteran suicide and to spark vital conversations about prevention.

Flag Raising

On Friday, September 26, we will hold a ceremonial United States flag-raising for Veterans Suicide Prevention Week at the Montgomery County Courthouse (2 E. Airy Street, Norristown). This event is open to the public and requires no RSVP. The ceremony honors Montgomery County veterans lost to suicide and raises awareness of available prevention services.

In addition to myself, attendees will include the Montgomery County Commissioners, members of the PA General Assembly, county row officers, and staff. Professionals from the VA and the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force will be on site to provide resources.

Suicide Prevention Month Pinwheels

Last week, my staff helped the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Taskforce place purple and teal pinwheels outside my office. You’ll see these displays from the taskforce throughout the county, and each pinwheel in front of my office represents a life lost to suicide in Montgomery County last year.

Suicide Prevention Month is a time to honor those we have lost and to remind each other that no one should ever feel alone. Help is available, and together we can share resources—such as the free 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—spread hope and positivity, and support one another, not just this month, but every single day.

Mitzvah Circle

Mitzvah Circle Foundation, a Montgomery County nonprofit that partners with hundreds of schools, charities, faith groups, agencies, organizations and individuals to provide relief to families in crisis throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, recently experienced a fire. A significant number of donations slated for distribution throughout the region were damaged.

Members of the PA House and PA Senate have offered to serve as donation drop-off points to help replenish the most immediate critical needs.

Sneakers (all sizes: women's, men's, and children's; new or gently used)
Underwear (women's, men's, and boys'; new)
Toiletries (new)
Baby items (new)

Please contact my office with any questions, and feel free to drop off donations Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 35 Evansburg Road.

AOPC Behavioral Health Summit

On Monday, I attended the District 5 Behavioral Health Regional Summit with local legislators and officials from Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester Counties, as well as Philadelphia.

I was enormously impressed by the proactivity, resource sharing, and leadership buy-in around improving behavioral health in our criminal justice system. Our discussion included the importance of navigators, diverting individuals from the criminal justice system, and effective response methods.

The Agape School

My staff had the pleasure of visiting the Agape School with local officials on Tuesday. This new early childhood learning center recently opened its doors in Lower Providence this past August, and I’m excited to see the benefits it will provide to the children in our community through language immersion and STEM learning programs.

Congratulations again to Dr. Carroll and Ms. Melnick on the opening of the Agape School!

International Underground Railroad Month

September marks International Underground Railroad Month in Pennsylvania, honoring the courageous network of men and women who united to help enslaved people find freedom—a vital chapter in our nation’s history. The graphic above highlights the stories, history, and important events of the Underground Railroad that took place right here in Pennsylvania.

Montco Jazz Fest

Last night, I attended the kickoff event for the Montgomery County Jazz Festival at Ursinus College. The music was terrific, and I can’t wait to hear how the rest of the events unfold! The Montco Jazz Fest runs now through September 21 at numerous locations across Montgomery County.

Check out the list of family-friendly events by visiting this link: www.valleyforge.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/montco-jazz-fest/

House Fellowship Program Applications

The Pennsylvania House Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 semester (January–April). Based in the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, fellows will be assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership Offices.

Qualified applicants include:

College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students;

Students enrolled in a Pennsylvania college or university, or Pennsylvania residents enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and

Students pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Applications are due by Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and can be emailed to: [email protected]

More information can be found at http://www.pahousefellowship.us/

Helpful Information

Hope in Every Step: A Walk to Prevent Suicide

On Sunday, September 21, at Temple University's Ambler Campus, the Montgomery Suicide Prevention Taskforce will will host Hope in Every Step: A Walk to Prevent Suicide. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and the walk starts at 9 a.m.

Victim Services

The Victim Services Center of Montgomery County is offering free virtual support groups for Fall 2025. The groups include adult survivors of child sexual abuse (18+), adult survivors of sexual assault (18+), survivors of homicide loss (18+) and young adult survivors of sexual assault (16-24).

You can sign up and find out more information by visiting their website at www.victimservicescenter.org/groups.

PHEAA

PHEAA is offering more financial aid webinars in September. Check out the list below and click the link to PHEAA’s website to sign up! www.pheaa.org/tools-resources/financial-aid-webinars

Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account – Wednesday, September 17, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Searching for Scholarships – September 24, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate

Reminder: The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program deadline has been extended to December 31, 2025. This program, which is available to older adults and people with disabilities aged 18 or older, provides support to homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania, with rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000.

Forms are available for pickup at my district office! If you need assistance completing an application, please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

For more information, additional ways to apply, and to check your eligibility, please visit: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/incentives-credits-and-programs/ptrr.html.

My Office Can Help!

If you need state-related assistance, my office can help you! Please feel free to contact my staff with any questions by calling 484-200-8263 or emailing [email protected]

Observances

U.S Air Force Birthday – September 18

78 years ago today, the United States Air Force was established as a branch of the U.S. Military. One of my greatest honors in life was proudly serving this great nation for 23 years in the Air Force.

Today, I invite everyone to take a moment to celebrate the Air Force’s history and to thank every service member for their dedication to our country.

Community Events

Rowdy Raccoons from Upper Schuylkill Valley Park

Friday, September 19, at 11 a.m.

1615 Black Rock Road, Royersford, PA

Household Hazardous Waste Collection from Montgomery County

Saturday, September 20, by appointment

Spring-Ford 9th Grade Center, 400 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA

Tavern Night from Historic Trappe

Thursday, September 25, from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Dewees Tavern, 301 W. Main Street, Trappe, PA

Movie in the Park: Hotel Transylvania from Lower Providence Township

Friday, September 26, at 7 p.m.

Eagleville Park – Community Lawn, 100 Parklane Drive, Norristown, PA

Upcoming Community Days

Upper Providence Township Community Fall Fest

Saturday, September 20, from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Black Rock Park, 1286 Black Rock Road, Phoenixville, PA

Trappe Community Day

Saturday, September 27, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Water Works Park, 220 W. First Ave, Trappe, PA

Lower Providence 37th Annual Community Fall Festival

Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Eagleville Park, 100 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, PA

West Norriton Annual Fall Festival

Saturday, October 11, from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Centennial Park, 2050 W. Marshall Street, Jeffersonville, PA

Please continue to stay safe, healthy, and well-informed. And, if you have questions about any state-related issue, please contact my office at 484-200-8263 or email [email protected]. If you wish to unsubscribe to this email, please scroll to the bottom where it says, “Update Email Preferences.”

Sincerely,

Rep. Joe Webster
State Representative
150th Legislative District