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In this Update:
- Winter Weather Safety
- Warminster Food Bank Serving Our Community
- AI Transforming the Biotech Industry
- New Panda Express in Langhorne
- Jan. 31 Submission Deadline for Student Anti-Litter Contest
Winter Weather Safety
As we recover from the storm, I want to express my appreciation for the dedication of the PennDOT employees, municipal public works departments, utility workers, medical staff, first responders, and all who worked and are still working tirelessly to help keep our communities safe.
As winter continues, I wanted to share with you some helpful tips on being prepared to keep you, your family, and our first responders safe during a winter storm. Please remember to check in on your neighbors, especially seniors and those who may need a little extra help.
Before the storm:
– Monitor local weather forecasts and alerts.
– Charge cell phones and battery-powered device.
– Have flashlights and spare batteries available.
– Stock up on essential supplies (food, water, medications).
– Ensure home heating systems are working properly.
During the storm:
– Avoid unnecessary travel, but if you must travel make sure you have a full tank of gas, take it slow, keep a safe distance.
– Adopt a Hydrant – keep fire hydrants and emergency access areas clear of snow on your street.
– Limit time outside. If you must go outside, wear layers of warm clothing and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
– Watch for downed power lines.
Fire Safety during the storm
– Keep space heaters, fireplaces, and furnaces at least 3 feet from anything combustible.
– Never use grills or generators indoors. Keep generators at least 20 feet from your home.
– Plug heating equipment directly into wall outlets. Do not use extension cords or p0wer strips.
– Never use your oven to heat your home.
– Have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in or near sleeping areas.
Warminster Food Bank Serving Our Community
Left to right: Mike Cerino, Executive Director, Casey Bauer, Director of Guest Services, Ron Kirk, Volunteer and Board Corporate Secretary, Melody Latare, Assistant to the Director
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Warminster Food Bank, where I met with their dedicated staff and volunteers and saw firsthand the incredible work they do for our community every day. During my visit, I was proud to make a donation and help pack an order for a local family, providing a month’s worth of food and essential supplies tailored to their needs. It was a powerful reminder of how impactful this organization is for individuals and families facing food insecurity right here in our community.
Warminster Food Bank, located at 495 E. County Line Road in Warminster Township is a 501c3 organization that provides over 50,000 pounds of food each month to people in need in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Warminster Food Bank serves more than 650 families each month with food donated by individuals and businesses. They have over 90 volunteers helping serve the community.
Donations and volunteers are always welcome. If you would like to donate, you can check their website for items needed. Donation drop off hours are Mondays 9:00 to 3:00, Wednesday is 9:00 to 3:00, Friday’s 9:00 to noon and on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 9:00 to noon.
Anyone in need of the food bank’s support should call 215-323-4797 during operating hours to set up an appointment.
To learn more, visit https://www.warminsterfoodbank.org.
I also learned about Warminster Food Bank’s sustainable partnership with Hidden Valley Farm in Jameson. Warminster Food Bank provides food waste to Hidden Valley Farm in exchange for eggs from Hidden Valley Farm. Read More.
AI in the Biotech Industry
Sen. Pennycuick and I with Merck employees after the hearing from left to right: Dom Argento – Director of State Government Affairs & Policy, Nevada Heft — Director of Compliance, Terry Lee – Vice President of State Government Affairs & Policy
As chair of the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee, I co-hosted a hearing with Senator Tracy Pennycuick, chair of the Senate Communications & Technology Committee at Merck & Co. to discuss the growing use of AI to advance innovation in the biotechnology sector.
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing how we approach discovery, production, and innovation. In biotechnology, AI is accelerating research timelines, improving drug development, optimizing supply chains, and expanding the frontiers of what’s possible in medical and agricultural science. Pennsylvania has roughly 3,000 life science companies with a $61 billion direct economic impact.
We heard from one testifier highlighting how they are using AI to find new uses for existing medicines to save and improve patients’ lives. She shared a story of a rare disease patient who was not responding to first line therapy for Castleman disease and is alive today because of a generic medicine that was originally developed to prevent organ transplant rejection – but was repurposed for Castleman disease.
Our responsibility is to advance policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s position as a leader in AI-driven life sciences, supports economic growth, while protecting patients, workers, and the public interest.
New Panda Express in Langhorne
I was happy to stop by the new Panda Express in Langhorne for their grand opening. Panda Express is a fast-food restaurant specializing in American Chinese cuisine. Check them out at 2029 Lincoln Highway.
Jan. 31 Submission Deadline for Student Anti-Litter Contest
Students in grades K–6 have until Jan. 31 to submit entries for the latest Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful “Litter Hawk” anti-litter campaign.
This year’s theme is Celebrate America250 – Keep It Beautiful, incorporating the nation’s semiquincentennial. Students can craft their message through art, writing or video.
Winners will be announced in April and will be invited to take part in a Capitol ceremony. Contest details and application can be found here.
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